Fate/Echo's Call

[empression]

[ She hadn't wanted this. She had disagreed with her father's plan, to participate in the Holy Grail war at all, but perhaps it hadn't been loud enough.

(Perhaps, Haru thinks, tiredly now, as though she didn't know that it had been nowhere near loud.)

But with mages hearing the stirrings of a powerful man ready to put Tokyo beneath his heel, she ought to have expected this. Instead, she had come home and found her father, face-down on the ivory shag carpet, body having long since grown cold. But the armor. The armor was still where he had hidden it, five sets of hidden drawers locked with a seal only a member of the Okumura family could undo.

She hadn't wanted this. But things couldn't stay as they were, and only a few days after his funeral, Haru had finished preparations. The circle, etched carefully and painstakingly on the floor with care given to each individual symbol. The armor, placed in the center.

... She can't shake the feeling that she is still her father's subservient puppet, but as she finishes chanting--

The room explodes in light and her hand burns as the lines of three Command Seals engrave themselves onto her skin.

Much to her embarrassment, she's tipped over backwards from the shock. ]

Comments

[paladorable]

[ He's always wondered what being summoned would feel like. He imagines there will probably be a lot of light, but... would it hurt? Would it be warm or cold or...?

Turns out a bit of everything, aside from the pain. It's like someone taps him on the shoulder, a gentle thing meant to get his attention, followed by the sense that someone, somewhere, was calling to him. He need only reach out and accept his summons--- and then all at once it's like he's been pulled over a cliff. The wind is rushing past, cold and cutting, filling his ears as centuries of knowledge fills his head. Just when he thinks there is a distinct lack of light, it explodes around him, warm and bright, and Arenvald finds himself kneeling on an unfamiliar floor. Whatever armor pieces that once lay in the summoning circle have found their way onto his body thanks to the spell, and the last flashes of light catch on the surface of the silver plate.

There are a lot of things he had planned to say in this moment, things that make him sound tough or elegant or strong. None of that comes out of his mouth, however. When he spots the only other person in the room, the one he has to assume is his Master, and sees her sitting dazed on the floor, he just blurts, ]

Are you alright?

[ Smooth, Arenvald. ]

[empression]

[ She's still cradling her hand and wondering if it would be considered poor taste to rub her tailbone before the new Servant takes notice-- but he does, immediately, and only years of being raised in strict and formal environments keeps her from letting the chagrin show on her face. ]

I'm... I'm fine, thank you. I apologize for causing you concern.

[ How formal is she to be here? She has no clue, but she also thinks she ought to pick herself off the ground. Which she does! In the manner of a newborn deer. ]

[paladorable]

[ Any chance he had to make an impression and come off intimidating has pretty much been ruined by now, but he can’t quite bring himself to care. His new Master looks young… probably not much older than him. Or rather, not much older than he’s supposed to be. In all technicality he’s thousands of years old, but he doesn’t like to dwell on the fiddly stuff. He wasn’t mage in life, and he’s certainly not one now.

He rises to his full height, padding over to offer the young lady his hand as she gets to her feet. ]

It’s all right. I’d have probably fallen over too.

[empression]

[ There's minor hesitation as Haru debates on how to respond. Her father had always been of the opinion that Servants were just that-- servants. There would be no qualms in ordering one about, so long as it led to victory.

But Haru is not her father, and the act of callously ordering anyone around as though they were mere objects... she can't fathom it.

So, carefully, she reaches out to place her hand in his and clears her throat once she's back on her feet. Maybe she can still act dignified, even though he's acting more understanding than she expected. ]

My name is Haru Okumura. For the time being, if you'll find me agreeable, I will be your Master.

[paladorable]

[ So formal! He supposes he probably overstepped his bounds in offering to help her up, but the face that she took his hand instead of swatting it away or snapping at him to know his place speaks volumes. His grin widens, bright and cheerful. ]

I’d be glad to call you my Master. I’m… well, I suppose you can call me Saber.

[ She probably has an idea about who she meant to summon, but he’d rather her ask first. ]

[empression]

[ she does, and that's why she carefully tilts her head, smoothing down the front of her skirt as she ponders her next question. ]

Is that... what you'd prefer to be called?

[ her manner seems to have relaxed a little in the face of his smile, at least. ]

[paladorable]

I guess that’s up to you. Best not to call me by my true name if we’re somewhere that we could be overheard, but all things considered – [ he raps a knuckle against his breastplate. She had his armor, she knows who he is. ] – I assume you don't need the introduction. If you’d like to call me by my name when it’s just the two of us, you’re welcome to.

yon random battle

[empression]

[ While Sugimura had expected the Okumura family to summon Saber as part of their alliance, he somehow hadn't taken to the news quite as positively as Haru had hoped he would. His words had been littered with disdain, and he'd only grown more deplorable with his attitude the more he looked at Arenvald.

Even now, a good few days later, Haru is quietly simmering over it. Saber - Arenvald - has concealed his presence for the time being, but she knows he's near.

Rather, he's not the only one, and Haru freezes as something tugs at her senses, right before a spear goes whistling through the air right at her. ]

[paladorable]

[ Well, that escalated quickly.

The both of them had been seething over their visit with Sugimura for some time. Arenvald wished he would have been given leave to knock the smug right off of that guy's face, but he knows that wouldn't have helped matters. Breaking their alliance and Haru's engagement was going to be a delicate process, and there was no need for him to stick his big, meaty fists into the equation.

So instead, it was business as usual. Even concealed from sight, he stills right along with Haru as the presence of another Servant catches his senses. As a Servant himself, it seems the Echo he possessed in life still aids him. He sees the spear, marks its trajectory moments before it even flies through the air. When it does, he's there, shimmering into being in a flash of golden light, the spear glancing off his shield and spinning away. ]

Are you alright?

[ This to Haru, though he doesn't dare turn to check himself. Turning his back would be deadly. ]

thanks for the notif, inbox

[empression]

[ Even knowing something was coming, though not precisely knowing what, Haru's in complete shock and something like awe when Arenvald suddenly materializes into something tangible and blocks the spear with a simple, assured movement.

But now isn't the time to be in awe, she knows, and Haru shifts to place herself completely behind him. ]

Yes, I'm fine! Thank you!

[ There's no taunt or jeer or any Master stepping forth to claim responsibility-- simply a fully armored figure, helm included, stepping forward to retrieve its spear. They say nothing, but there's an air of power rippling about them. From the weapon... ]

... Lancer...

lmao girl i only just now got to this i'm gomen

[paladorable]

[ That's a relief to hear, but all he manages is a vague nod of acknowledgement. His attention is focused solely on the armored figure as they move to retrieve their lance. Yes, that's a Servant all right. ]

You've got a funny way of saying hello.

[empression]

[ The figure still doesn't speak, but instead points its lance straight at Arenvald this time, with a slight tilt of its head.

Yes, it's great at saying hello, thanks for asking. ]

I don't think they're willing to be forthcoming with details.

[paladorable]

Apparently not. Stay back, Haru, and keep a sharp eye. There may yet be a Master about.

[ That said, he falls into a ready stance, sword in one hand and shield on the other. This Lancer is clearly inviting him to fight, and they can’t very well run from an opportunity to learn more about the enemy. ]

Come on, then.

training and more violence huzzah

[empression]

[ It's a warm day when Haru opens the windows and changes into something a little easier to move around in, leggings and an oversized shirt that her father had never known she'd owned. She'd also calmly carried down an axe from her balcony, just in case Arenvald wanted to see how she fared with an actual weapon. Her hair's been gathered into a cute little puff of a ponytail, and it's not long before she's glad for it, as she struggles to catch her breath and wipes her forehead with the back of one hand. ]

Um, that stance you showed me earlier... how far apart should my feet be again?

[ She's unpolished in combat, for certain, but there's still a certain grace to how she moves. A dancer's experience. ]

[paladorable]

[ Of all the things on this great, wide earth, he did not expect Haru to arrive in their designated training area with an axe. What a conversation that had been, as he asked just why she even had that thing lying around. It certainly brought to light the fact that his Master is far more fierce than he first thought her to be, but somehow he found the notion endearing at the same time.

He's far better with a sword – especially being a Saber and all – but he's known a few marauders in his time, the brand of fighters who chose axes as their main weapons. Sparred against a fair few as well. He could give her a few pointers, to the best of his ability. It's been interesting but not impossible, with her dancer's grace to carry her.

Much like Haru, he is dressed for the occasion, manifesting in a far more casual and loose-fitting outfit than his norm. ]

Ah. Do it again and I can adjust you if you're off.

[empression]

All right. Let's see, I know you slide one foot slightly back...

[ but more off to the side, she thinks, that sounds about right, and shifts her stance to settle into something a little steadier. It still feels slightly off, though, and Haru frowns thoughtfully. Does she need to widen her stance more? Less? ]

[paladorable]

[ He watches her go through the motions and she does admirably, but she's still not quite there. The questioning look on her face coaxes a smile from him, and he moves to stand behind her. ]

You're getting there, just a bit more like this.

[ He readjusts her feet first, giving them little nudges with the toe of his shoes. Next he curves his arms over her shoulders, hands resting upon her own to alter the way she holds her weapon. ]

How does that feel?

[empression]

[ Haru really does try her utmost to focus when Arenvald moves behind her, bless her, and to her credit, she manages (mostly). Following the nudges of his feet makes her smile as she obliges, but when his arms come up and over hers and his hands are so much larger when she glances down at them--

The smallest of squeaks emerges and her ears begin to turn pink, while Haru desperately attempts to keep her gaze forward. ]

It feels nice-- a-ah! I mean, right! And correct! Very natural!

[ Save her. ]

[paladorable]

[ That squeak startles him, and he's not entirely certain what to make of it at first. It's only when she stammers a bit that he realizes that perhaps he should have asked first before getting so close.

He's quick to withdraw, stepping back a full pace. ]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.

time for a beatdown

[empression]

[ It's not long before they put their plan into action-- Sugimura's nose probably hasn't even had proper time to heal, but that's perfectly fine with Haru. She'd researched as much as she could, but the time for action was now, and she'd made sure Arenvald was just as prepared before she'd led the way to the Sugimura household in silence.

She stops just at the gate, frowning pensively. ]

... There's a Bounded Field here. Once I break it, he'll know we're here.

[paladorable]

[ There had been some thoughts about pretending they’d come to apologize, but being welcomed inside Sugimura and Caster’s (probably mostly Caster’s) defenses did not render those defenses inert. Better that they disable them, making their intent clear, and going from there.

For now, Arenvald is invisible, though Caster very likely knows he’s here already. ]

Go on. I’ll watch your back.

[empression]

All right.

[ It doesn't take much effort or fanfare; Haru lifts a hand, pressing her palm against what looks to be thin air, and murmurs something under her breath. There's a very small sound, like someone dropping glass shards on concrete, and she lifts her chin and pushes the gate open. ]

Can you sense another Servant, Arenvald?

[paladorable]

[ Arenvald has his senses wide open, casting around for Caster’s approach. They are at a slight disadvantage with this being the other Servant’s home turf. Even though the bounded field is gone, he’d bet his sword arm that there are other tricks lying in wait. ]

I know he’s here, but I can’t figure out where exactly. I will stay as close to you as I can, alright?

[empression]

Please, don't worry about me. We just need to locate Caster as soon as possible.

[ Odd, though. She hasn't been able to pinpoint the Servant's location either, but the further they progress, the more the air starts to smell... oddly sweet. ]

[paladorable]

[ Haru isn't the only one to notice the change in the air. He's pretty certain this isn't a natural smell, it's nothing like flowers or fruit, and just as he's about to turn and ask Haru what she thinks it is, he gets the sudden sensation of something trying to coil its way around his mind. The sensation is brief, instantly beaten back by the Mothercrystal's blessing, but that means... ]

Haru?