Cross Effects 3.0 - April 13, 2015—June 23, 2016

[Kotomine_Rin]

Vanguard

Vanguard was rammed into the ground by that woman, her weigth now over him. Without arms, he had no way to avert the furious strikes bashing his head and slowly diving into his core. But despite the pain that his very soul was submitted to, he showed no signs of pain or discomfort.

Not flinching or moving once, he spoke calmly as he was pummeled again and again. "Strong punches, but a weak mind. You act like a thoughless monster, but all I see is a scared little girl."

The clouds were now circling madly above, a soaring sound echoing from above. For a moment, something bright seemed to trickle between the pitch black skies. He had enough energy to spare for one more application of his absolute space, but if that proved to be unable to buy him the time he needed, if the lightning's wrath was to fail, he would surely die.

A fitting end.

"I shall grant you five seconds to repent."

[Kat]

Emily

"He could," Emily agrees, "But I get the feeling that he's probably the honest type."

As much as Law had cushioned her fall, Emily still finds herself stretching her back out to work out the last of the aches.

Just then, Mordred pops into existence right above Archer to Emily's surprise. The Summer Courtier looks far worse for the wear, but she's still alive, unharmed, and Emily is assured that it's nothing she can't fix.

"Mordred? Wait, are you injured?" Emily asks, the concern evident in her voice.

It was for Mordred, a rather good thing that Archer was far faster reacting than Law was at reacting to a woman suddenly falling from the sky. Expertly, he snagged her out of the air, gently lowering her to her feet. "Do women usually fall out of the sky around you Master?" he joked, before blinking at the woman he'd caught.

"Saber!?"

Abigail

Abigail was suddenly glad for the Fae girl who tumbled onto Archer.  However, Archer was swift enough to catch the blond and set her on her feet.

However the tone of his next word caused her to pause, "Saber?!"

The shock, surprise and the tumble of nostalgia and regret that filled the man in red almost made her stumble.  She shook it off, being around this guy was going to cause her fits.

Abigail frowned and said, "That's not Saber.  Saber's like super tiny.  This girl's taller than that, plus she's sort of Faerie."

Mordred

What the hell, what the hell. Everything happened tad bit too fast for her liking. Emily is here, unharmed and in one piece, the man who captured her and quickly lowered her to her feet mistook her for that woman, and there was another Changeling in the midst. In the confusion she noticed she was called Faerie? The hell, she surely didn't look one of Them!

"Mistaking me for Saber is already annoying, but thinking I'm one of Others is just next level. But, you know... I thought I'd be angrier, but maybe I'm just so pissed off that I've come full circle." she audibly cracked her knuckles while smiling at Abigail. "2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13.." she started counting prime numbers to alleviate stress, maybe she wouldn't lash out on anyone with enough self-control.   

[Panda]

Emily

Emily's relief at Mordred's safe, if unorthodox, arrival, quickly turned to minor outrage at Abby's comment. Pushing that aside, Emily quickly approached Mordred, feeling her over for any injuries.

"Thank goodness you're okay, let's see if you've got any-" Emily cuts herself off part way through checking for broken ribs, "Oh dear...Well, you're safe now, and I can fix this easily enough."

That other Changeling's already told the others, so it can't really hurt...

Pressing lightly against the Mordred's injuries, Emily lets the Glamour flow for the Contract, paying the price without a second thought. The power of the Eternal Spring flowing from her body into Mordred's, healing whatever injuries remained on the Summer Courtier and leaving her invigorated.

After a few moments, the rush of power fades, leaving Emily feeling somewhat drained. The changeling's shoulders fell as she slumped forward a bit, letting out a slow breath as she calmed down.

[yinsukin]

Dissappoint Birdy Bird Bird of FAIAH

----------------------------
OOC: Birdy Bird Bird posts are very tricky to make. For every cheep inserted, calculating the spacing for the translation is crucial. That, of course, is a lot of work. Now, for the purpouses of not dying of old age by the time I, Franco, click on "Post," I shall give exclusive peek... into the mind of the bird.
----------------------------

Unbelievable. Simply, utterly, unbelievable. He did it, he finally did it. That flaming idiot managed to do... that.

Seriously, he goes out of his way to talk to the girl, gets her all hot and bothered with some pompous flowery boast (WOW, MUCH SURPRISE) and...

Did he really just say that?

H-how did he, no, anyone. How could ANYONE think it was a good idea.

Well, it was Lorenzo for one. But even for him... he knew that was not something he would have condoned. He was born of his magic, crafted by his soul. He knew better than anyone just how much he adored, respected women. Perhaps it was because he was a bastard boy that he didn't wish to make a girl cry. That day, he made a promise, the most important promise of his life.

And here and now, that man had broken it. He knew not what had went into him, if he even thought at all during that moment. But no matter how offended the to women were of that, the thing that had been offended the most was Lorenzo. Not because he may get the shit beat out of him by the craziest lass he ever saw, but because he'd soon realize just what he had done.

Well, god be damned give that idiot a medal.

Even so, he couldn't leave him alone like that. Because he to made a promise. And he would keep to that promise. After all, it is what that man wished.

Flying around the area, he finally found Lorenzo's acquintance. Perching on her shoulder, he spoke calmly.

"Do you think it's a good idea to leave him be like that?"

Medaka

As Medaka issued her commands into the microphone, the cops looked at her and each other.  They muttered worriedly among themselves, seeing the spectacle that had occurred at their station they likely were weighing their options.  Slowly but surely the police officers began leaving the area.  Medaka got on top of the abandoned police car and observed the officers, making sure that they left safely.

A small fire bird landed on her shoulder. "Do you think it's a good idea to leave him be like that?"  It said, with an almost mystical aura.  Medaka thought back to the words of the pirate.  He said that magic contains ones soul.  At first she thought that meant magic has its own personality but now she understood it just a bit more.  This bird was some kind of embodiment of his soul.  This had to mean that he required help.  She was still a bit hurt emotionally but if anyone required help, she would not turn her back on them, including Lorenzo.  Besides, if she was hurt and disgusted by that, then the woman was likely going to kill him.  Although, Lorenzo is strong, hopefully he can handle himself.  On the other hand, if she is anywhere near as strong as the dark man than surely he would need her to bail him out.

"Birdy where is Lorenzo?  Is he doing ok?"  She said, distress peaking through a tone of confidence and authority.

[Kotomine_Rin]

Birdy Bird Bird of FAIAH

"Of course not. It would be quite a miracle if that hopeless idiot got out alive at all in the first place, after offending her like that." the bird responded shaking it's head.

"Good grief, you are missing the point. Wether he gets hurt or killed from this is meaningless to a man like him, especially when he finally snaps back from this idiocy. I'm not blind, being a bird gives me quite a good sight and I've seen my share of people. You are clearly upset, so I am asking you what you really think of that man and what he has just done."

[SINIB]

Noeru

Noel shied away from Lancalot, staying as far away as she could as he got his equipment from the trunk of the car. He’s badbadnews! Why is he helping the cops, I’ll have to keep an eye on him, he’s probably a double agent! She did a small fist pump to emphasize her resolve and waited quietly as he put on his boots and grabbed the gas mask, staring at him relentlessly. If he slipped up, she would expose him in an instant! “N-Now we play the waiting game.” She said to nobody in particular as she stepped up and slipped the large rubber boots over her normal footwear and grabbed a gas mask. Just as she began to turn away, she noticed a large overstuffed backpack hidden away, jammed in the back of the trunk that had avoided the notice of the other officers.

She grabbed it as well and slung it on her back, grunting from the added weight. She stumbled towards the other officers, unsteadily taking slow, careful steps to join them.

“Ok-Let’s go!” She exclaimed, giving Lancalot a pointed stare for good measure, silently telling him ‘I’m watching you!’

[yinsukin]

Medaka

Medaka sighed.  Even this bird could see through her facade.  It was time to let her feelings out.  Talking to someone is always helpful.

"To be honest, im not completely sure what to think of him anymore.  I remember when I first came to this world, both confused and excited.  Lorenzo took me with him, showing me this grand city atop his ship.  Even back then, I had taken a liking to him as I do with all people.  You see back in my old world, I was referred to as a monster.  My "talent" scared other people and I tended to feel a bit detached from others.  Ill admit, my desire to help others comes from a desire to connect with others. After the fight with the dark man, I realized that in this world I am just an ordinary girl.  I was also happy that Lorenzo would put up with my stubborn straightforward nature and even that he had a bit of that himself. He also started to remind me of my old childhood friend Zenkichi, whom I loved."

"If I had to sum up my feelings up to that point, it would be a crush.  I think that as I dealt with adjusting to this new world, I moved my fleeting feelings for Zenkichi to Lorenzo.  I think that if I spent more time here, those feelings would grow and I would fall in love with him.  I know it is only natural that a mans eyes will wonder but still......"  She looked away from the bird, before facing it again.

"It was a vulgar display.  In the end he only cared about the physical connection.  I will help him but im not sure if I want to travel with him.  If I were in my old world, I would attempt to reform him but after that complete loss at the hands of the dark man I don't think I have the right to do something like that anymore.  I still love humans but im not sure if I love Lorenzo."  Said Medaka, contemplating her words.

[Kotomine_Rin]

Birdy Bird Bird of Faiah

Hehe, what lovebirds these two are.

Looking down, the bird faced medaka and spoke with a solemn honesty, rare for most men. "I believe Lorenzo did tell you something about magic being the soul or something. Well, that is complete bullshit for one. Let him think that though, he'll feel smart. Or rather, less stupid."

The bird patted her back with it's wing, his warm flame conforting her the best he could.

"It's because I know him better than anyone that I can assure you that no matter how hard that idiot tries to fit the role, he isn't that sort of man. He speaks of crude tasteless matters with ease, but it is only to hide from his insecurity and to keep himself from forgetting what he has lost. It is not something right, not for him nor for others. For one, I don't think he'd be one to share such a thing earnestly, even with you. Not because he wants to deceive you, but because he is deceiving himself, has been doing that for so long..."

"Yes, he is rash, vulgar, stupid, stubborn, greedy, cocky and insensitive. But he's also a kind brat, a selfeless one that would put everything he has on the line to protect another. I believe you have seen that firsthand. Kid is stupid, but he has heart. He would not take advantage of another like that, he wouldn't be able to live with himself ever again. Even so, those words he spoke are not words that can be taken lightly. He will pay for those, it is a fact that is by all means fine by me. After all, brats ought be spanked when they do something wrong. And hurting you and that lady's pride was very wrong."

"I came to you because I believe you are the only person that can change that kid's heart."

[yinsukin]

Medaka

This bird was right.  She knew even before the bird told her that this was true.  She even told this to the dragon that saved them.  Yes, she could understand him.  She realized now that he did not need her protection but rather her love.  She could feel her old self returning.  She was going to flood Lorenzo with her love until he was reformed into the man she knows he is.

She closed her eyes, flashing back through her time with him. "I see.  I may not be able to forgive him just yet but I will not leave his side.  Lorenzo is important to me.  Birdy, I am afraid I can't change his heart but I can allow his heart to shine just as brightly as the fire he creates.  If that woman is anywhere near as strong as the man from before I need to get to him as soon as possible."

[YOLF]

Rachel

She couldn't believe how fast this op went to shit. Seriously, it had started off so well.... and then the guy accompanying the mark pretty much shrugged off the poison and kicked butt like the bastard child of Bruce Lee and Sun Wukong, the stupid evil artifact had acted on its own and turned one of the shadowkhan into a ravenous monsters, did so again for even more of the ninjas, some weird water manipulating mage or something had shown up, she almost lost her marks...

And now, as the smoke cleared down in the street and Rachel saw only the twitching dissolving corpse of the monstrous corrupted oni from before, she realized she had actually lost them.

"Damn it," she let out, before abruptly getting to her feet and stomping on the roof. The shadowkhan appeared shortly thereafter, but this time their unmotivated body language and the damage they had taken was too prevalent to ignore. A few were limping, standing oddly, or even supporting each other at the shoulder, and looking at her with slumping gazes. Rachel groaned at their pathetic state. Okay. It was time to rethink her approach.

"They're gone, but they must still be close, so find them," she began, with lower volume than before. "Follow them cautiously and keep them under watch at all times, from a distance. Don't engage them and don't let yourselves get compromised."

She turned away from them, crouched down, and began to disassemble her gun. This time it didn't work so well. Next time, she wasn't going to make the same mistakes.

[Arch-Magos Winter]

Archer blinked as Mordred's vehiment and nearly violent denial of her being Saber erupted forth, followed by Abigail commenting rather frankly on her not being the short blonde he was expecting. Law's reaction was rather similar, accompanied by an expression of almost pure resignation.

Can't a man get his clothes in peace?

Not if he's you.

Not even the Emily feeling up Mordred for injuries was enough to make Law not want to get out of here. THe sight of Emily's ass though, did give him second thoughts.

It was Archer who spoke first. "Master, do you have everything we need? These two probably want to be left alone."

[Cherry Lover]

Sakura tensed up for a moment out of surprise at the sudden act, before she accepted Irisviel's kindness and affection in the way it was intended, and returned the hug with a smile.

“There there", Irisviel said in a motherly voice, “I don’t really know what happened, but it’s over now. You don’t need to let it hang over your head, Mama’s here for you. I won’t let anything bad happen to you under my watch.”

Mama? Oh, right, she was Kiritsugu's wife, and therefore Shirou's mother and my mother-in-law, she thought.

Of course, Sakura didn't really need Irisviel to look after her, she was old enough to take care of herself, but she still appreciated the sentiment. It was always nice to be treated with kindness, and Irisviel's willingness to accept their familial relationship without hesitation despite neither of them having met the other's counterpart in their own world was an extremely kind act that deserved to be reciprocated. Plus, right now she was alone, for the first time in thirty years. Irisviel's affection made her feel like she had someone she could turn to.

"Thank you", she whispered as Irisviel soothingly ran her fingers through her hair.

After a few moments, Irisviel released her out of the hug and looked into her eyes.

“Why don’t we get inside now, where it’s nice and warm?” Irisviel suggested. “Before anything else strange happens.”

Sakura nodded.

"Yes, that sounds like a good idea", she said. "I can show you some pictures of my children, your grandchildren, if you like. I have them on my phone."

Then, she felt her stomach rumble.

Oh, yeah, we never had a chance to eat before we left..., she realised.

"Irisviel, are you hungry? I've not eaten for a while. If you'd like, I can cook us something", she said.

[SINIB]

Irisviel

“Ummm-I can eat.” Iri told Sakura. “But first, we need to get this guy inside.” She pointed at the armored man, still unconscious at this point, bound by a grotesque amalgamation of seatbelts and wires binding him tightly to the seat. With a thought, Iri caused the wires to unravel from him and unbuckle the seat belts before opening the door and bringing him outside, glowing softly with blue.

“So, shall we?” Iri asked Sakura.

[Panda]

Laivatain

After a while, the Fire Elemental starts to slow as it finds itself approaching...a castle, as Adjutor calls them.

Huh. Well this might actually go well for him...

Making its way over, the Elemental spots Adjutor being brought out of the same car that hit him earlier by a that same hot albino from earlier. Blazing a path down to Adjutor, the Elemental stops short, going completely incorporeal as it moves next to Adjutor.

[SINIB]

Irisviel

Irisviel noticed a magical fire, about the size of a lantern, coming rapidly towards her. Irisviel had had more than enough magic fire today, and cast a spell converting the air surrounding it into a torrent of water, splashing down and dousing the errant creature, instantly snuffing the feeble light from existence. She turned back to Sakura and smiled at her.

“Sorry, but I’ve had more than my fill of magical flames coming to roast me.” She apologized for the delay. “We should go in now.”