Punish Restraint

Balance is a fool's master Associated with Guerra Sacra

[forbidden-shadow]

The Same Game (Intro/Open)

[restoredhumanity]

“I see. So I was not lied to.  Or maybe we’re both sharing the same lie. Hehehe…“

The figure chuckles under his breath. The laughter is unnatural, as if something that has not been experienced in ages, or perhaps even at all. The person under the metal helmet was definitely not the kind who could allow themselves a good laugh. The life he led had been difficult and not for the weak of heart, and because of that, after some time, he had forgotten the basic human needs, like how to express joy. Maybe during this Grail War that would change…

After all, a whole new world awaited the Chosen Undead, where sorceries were left to rot, forgotten save by a few. Was this really the right direction for the world? Change was a part of life, a natural part of the order, but not always did it bring good results for humanity. Discarding magic seemed like an unnatural choice to the warrior. How could one live without the boons granted by it? Especially with the remedies that Miracles offered…

“We are about to start a war. Pleasant thoughts are the only thing we have left, do we not? It would be best to keep those safely within us. Hm. Tell me something. Do you know what it feels like to die?”

[forbidden-shadow]

"I would not rule that out" He was not regarding the Grail with anything but suspicion. The device was incredibly dubious, it clearly had a will and intentions of its own. He couldn't trust it.

It was an odd sound, his laughter. Not quite forced just... Out of practice. He remembered laughter at a certain Ionian festival. There had been laughter since, but it owed it's origins there. It was something harder to enjoy alone, perhaps that's why he had decided it worthwhile.

Never being a user of magic, it was not difficult to imagine his life without it. but for someone like Syndra, who simply made trying to hide such magic impossible. Syndra, who was at this war... There was a lot on his mind and the firing guns were still a way off. He was shaken from his reverie as the armoured figure spoke once more.

He was right, they could not afford to be squandered. At that thought, he slipped two cans from inside his suit, taking a look at the label before tossing one of the metal cylinders this knight's way. There was no way he wasn't going to see how far one of his favourite drinks come. A pointed finger pierced the seal with a sharp hiss, and he leaned back against the nearest wall, but made no move to raise the can or his mask.

"I am here, am I not?" It was his impression that all Heroic Spirits were ghosts of the deceased. "But of course, one can die, without feeling death." His mind flashed back to countless battles in the Rift. And those deaths. they were not even real. Time magic and clutch teleportation. But he had something else, a survival instinct that was not just his own. "I'm sure you will forgive me for keeping the details to myself, but I have come much closer than most mortals to death, then been dragged back into the light." 

[maskedambition-deactivated20150]

Let me make you an offer you can't refuse.

[maskedambition-deactivated20150]

-

Kagetane mused, tapping his fingers together in delight. So this was an option to be his Queen piece? Tho he originally planned for a Saber, Lancer or a Berserker to have as a personal attack dog to send around, this would require a bit more finesse. A few less sacrificial moves, but the challenge itself amused him.

Regardless, with such like minded individual, how high are the odds of him meeting another who have understandings of progress equal to his own?

" Very well, Assassin! " He punched out his right hand towards the servant. Clenching it and pulling it slowly to his chest. 

" Join me, as my right hand! Together we will fulfill our goals! We will step on those who oppose us, turn allies against allies. Backstab, destroy and ruin the competition, whatever means it takes to get the grail!  " 

Kagura was fired up. The excitement filling up in his yellow, peerless eyes, striking through the darkness of his mask. His voice turned booming as he proposed to the masked warrior before him. 

" What say you, Servant!? " 

[forbidden-shadow]

Yes, so this would be it. It had been no simple chance that had brought him here. And this man's dreams, it was like staring into a mirror. And from his attitude he had suspected he may simply have manifested under the wrong class to work with him, but no. And he would not regret it. Zed was just as proficient at cutting someone down in an open field, the city would be a playground.

And now they could focus on enemy Masters, rather than a war of attrition between exceptional foes. Let them play at knights, they would take the kings.

He mirrored the man's stance and action on reflex, catching a glimpse of those sharp yellow shards behind his mask. His dream in progress.

"The streets will run red, we will fall with devastating strikes and vanish without a trace. Nothing the darkness touches is out of my reach, and a collection of skulls will take us to our prize." It could feel it in the air, the magical energies of the contract forming.

"To you I say; Kagetane Hiruko, Are You My Master?"

[unleashmypower]

  That was an assassin for you, and one of the many reasons why Zed was feared. Her lavender eyes looked up when he took off his mask, and she found herself staring at that familiar handsome face. It was a comforting sight. That, along with his words, did quell some of her fears.

"Obtaining the Grail…" She couldn’t ask what his wish would be, that was too personal. "I agree. We should definitly work together but—have you already found a Master?" Syndra had only just barely gotten there and hadn’t had time to find a Master yet.

[forbidden-shadow]

It was nice. Nice to just look out at the world again, no mask. It was nice to see her smiling again. You don't miss things when you're dead, not until you come back and you see the hole. She seemed a bit more at ease anyway, and that kept him comfortable. 

"It will not be easy, and we will still have to be extremely careful, especially so in the starting round." Planning a meeting place would also be important, but there was little point in making such plans right this moment.

She wanted to ask, and part of him wanted to tell. But not yet, he needed to work on the wording, to make it solid.

 "I don't have much basis for my reasoning, but I don't see much against it, either. But It won't be easy" There was too much to factor in; simply making it to the end, making it together, other servants. Command Seals, they were the true barrier. He smiled, realising he may have drifted off slightly. "But when is anything ever easy, eh?"

"A Master? I have, very recently in fact. He is..." Kagetane Hiruko was a man who had a heart similar to Zed's, for better or for worse. "He is the Master I will be most compatible with, he knows what it is going to take to succeed here, and he has ambition" Hungry ambition. "It was the best choice for me personally, but it was also very coincidental, I wouldn't get too worried, I think the Grail is still guiding many along their paths."

[unleashmypower]

His appearance was a mix of joy and sadness for her. Joy because she got to see a very good friend again, and sadness because it meant she might have to fight him. Wasn’t that the only way they could both be in this city? Syndra didn’t think he was a Master.

But…they both knew who the other was. What if their Masters tried to make them fight each other? The thought scared her. She didn’t want a Master that would do that.

"Advantage?" She said, giving him a look that said he had caught her by surprise. "But how? What if we’re forced to fight each other?" They had only just been reunited but the stark realization was still a bit too much for her. Such misfortune to be laid upon her again…if only Zed could comfort her sorrowful thoughts.

[forbidden-shadow]

She was hesitant, he could sense it. And the reason was something he'd been trying to push out of his mind; the only way they could both be here, was if they both had been summon as servants. And the Grail can only serve one master. Or so they said.

"This war is going to be a very careful battle, all sides will seek to gain as much information as possible, while revealing as little as they can. It should not be hard to convince our future 'masters' that an alliance is far more beneficial than stumbling blindly." He paused, as if forgetting something, before reaching to unclasp the mask on his face.

"Don't you think we'd make a formidable team? I haven't ruled out the possibility of obtaining the Grail for myself, either." 

[maskedambition-deactivated20150]

Let me make you an offer you can't refuse.

[maskedambition-deactivated20150]

  The red dressed man swirled his glass while musing over the back story of this peculiar warrior. Pouring down the wine through the smiling gap of his mask to taste the sweetness. 

Now this one, this one had ambition. He knew exactly what it means to obtain what you desire and the necessary actions to get there.

He mused over the servant’s retort. Stroking his masked chin.  Putting the glass down on the table. 

" Have but only one goal, legendary warrior. Even before the grail I was sacrificing body and wealth, virtues and the performance of several vices. " 

Indeed, beneath the skin, there was not much left that would deem him human at this stage. He looked  up to the clear, blue moon. The tiny planet that float around Earth all the time.

" I have a goal, to change this world and put the fragile human race into it’s next step of evolution. Us humans are very weak, don’t you think? I think so. And that’s why I could use the power of the grail to achieve my goal, would it be as omnipotent as the legends says. " 

It wouldn’t be the first time he’d take a gamble. But if it can help him on his way to aid humanity, he was gonna roll the dice. 

" If there’s a toddler among the contestants, I would should them in an instant. One less competitor to worry about. " 

[forbidden-shadow]

Interesting.

So the Grail sniffed out this man's prior obsession. And it had certainly proved satisfactory to the powerful device, as dubious as it was. That in of itself was positive, focus, ambition. Not some layabout.

But it was more than that. What he said resonated with the Assassin. It was a mantra all too familiar.

"Only the worthy will survive."

A saying he and his warriors lived by. 

"I have nothing but contempt for the weak"  Zed almost growled the word "and there are far too many that cling to ignorance and balance." What this man aimed for, it was not so different from what Zed had done in his past. But on a much grander scale.

And his closing statement, good. Already he was displaying characteristics not of the norm to mages, and that thinking could give him an edge. 

"I would expect nothing less, when limitless power is at stake." He set his glass back down onto the table. He had a plan, sure, but he had not expected to meet such a like minded Master so soon into this free stage. Perhaps there was a reason he had been drawn here.

But of course, the decision was ultimately the Master's

"You are the first Master I have approached."

[houmonka]

  It was good that he was smart enough to not deny his participation; better that he didn’t directly confirm it. In a war such as this, there was a need to maintain some veil of secrecy, to attempt to gain any intelligence without giving away information freely. Any servant who couldn’t grasp that complexity was just a waste in her mind.

"Ordinarily a battle like this would, but we’re meant to keep it secret, aren’t we? Meaning those who rely on overwhelming power are at a huge disadvantage. If they use it, they’re likely to drag civilians in; if they don’t, what do they have left?"

[forbidden-shadow]

"Certain rules have been made clear, yes." He paused, then turned to face her "But when the fighting becomes thickest, how many do you suppose will stop and think of the larger implications, when the prize is an omnipotent wish granting device?"

He let the question hang, for a moment. "If this Grail is truly what it promises, then I have no doubt war in its fullest form is what will occur here. This will not be a place of honorable duels." 

If he was to be honest with himself, then he wasn't entirely sure why he was sharing his opinions with this woman. She was clearly a Servant, best let her believe what she desires.

But, that wouldn't be as fun. 

[unleashmypower]

  She turned to look when her name was called, surprised at the sound. Was she hearing things? Syndra was at Rome where surely nobody here knew her. That muffled voice seemed familiar, as did that vague presence….

"Zed?!" She sounded surprised, but obviously happy. It was a familiar face of a fellow Ionian! "What on earth are you doing here? Oh…." She connected the dots eventually though.

[forbidden-shadow]

Even after hearing his own name, it was still a shock to see her turn. She really was here... He'd never thought he'd see her again- death had felt like some insurance there- but there she stood. Or bobbed, slightly. This was a sign if he'd ever seen one.

"Yes, for the same reason as you, I would imagine." He took a few steps closer, a thousand thoughts racing through his head at her appearance. His more practical reasoning however, was somewhat lost in the moment. "I never thought I'd see you here...But perhaps this is to out advantage."

[unleashmypower]

"Ohhhh…" Came a soft sound from the silver haired woman as she stared at a large rock fountain in a Roman square. This was Rome? She had never heard of such a place! "It reminds me of Ionia, though…" It lacked the appeal of nature that Ionia had, but it had that old, rustic feeling nevertheless.

"Ionia…" She looked far off in the distance at nothing in particular as her mind wandered to that place she could never go to again. If she could change her own destiny perhaps she would be welcome back there instead of shunned.

[forbidden-shadow]

He was pleased with himself, already having made contact with several masters, it was time to gauge some more servants. And he seemed to be in luck, as he was rounding the corner to a sharper source of magical energy, a servant tell if he'd noticed any so far. What kind of warrior would this one be?

Really, some of these servants made no effort to-

... That headdress, the flowing argent strands... Had he been in his right mind, he would have assumed this to be a trick, or some kind of trap. But the Mast of the Order of Shadows was inexplicably not in his right mind.

"...Syndra..?" 

[forbidden-shadow]

The Same Game (Intro/Open)

[restoredhumanity]

  The man returned the gesture, in an esteemed and prideful manner. It was definitely a servant, a man who knew his capabilities. Or maybe a woman? It was hard to tell, with the mask adorning their face. Having gotten a better view of it, the Chosen Undead could definitely see some similarity to that of Darkwraith, but in its essence, it was different. Still, the similarities brought forward many possibilities about this Servant’s identity, but more than that, they gave birth to questions.

Having been summoned to this world, the Chosen Undead wished to know what their actions had caused. Therefore, anyone with a likely relation was put under suspicious and needed to be questioned. But not now, for tonight a full moon shone brightly in the sky. It was a time of peace, for building trust and relationships with others.  

“Neither. I seek to learn more about this world and its inhabitants. I would be grateful if you could impart to me any wisdom you might have related to it.’’

The knight lifted his arm up, as if reaching towards something, and then grasped the air. Had he been trying to crush the moon in his wrist? How silly of them.

“What a beautiful sight. Do you think this is the same moon that we had, back in our time?”

[forbidden-shadow]

"I'm afraid that's a rather vague question."

Much changed, but then, so did very little.

"They try to appear much more civilized now, but conflicts still exist. Everyone seems to much more connected now, but this has bred deeper secrets. Magic is guarded by a few, while most of the world turns to science, discarding the former as child's fantasy for the most part."

But they should have known this. Had the Grail neglected on educating this one? It seemed more likely they were merely seeking conversation, or perhaps even confirmation from someone temporally similar. 

Not everyone was so used to walking into deadly life taking tournament, it seems.

Zed followed the armoured individual's arm and clenching fist. He was ready to dive away from his location, before he spoke. Sun or moon, they both brought their shadows.

The moonlight always reminded him of the Order's grounds. He couldn't help but wonder, what had become of that place.

"Regardless, I'm sure it's seen its fair share. And what's another war. But it's a pleasant thought, isn't it? I'll choose to believe it."

[forbidden-shadow]

The Same Game (Intro/Open)

[restoredhumanity]

  Was that a Darkwraith? One of the chosen, in service of Darkstalker Kaathe? What could they be doing here? Another one, part of the Grail War? Unlikely, but the armor seemed so similar to the one donned by the lifestealers. Perhaps the cult of Kaathe extended even up to this date. Becoming the Dark Lord was a fate one could strive for, but not one the Chosen Undead would recommend. Regardless, he had to know the truth.

The world held many secrets. This war seemed to be but one of them. Its existence seemed futile, but necessary. Were it possible to achieve victory and grant one’s wish, not one but many wars would break out. The ground would be covered in the blood of innocents, all because of an unattainable dream becoming possible through this Holy Grail. But as it stood, this War had rules. Restrictions, judges, punishers. It was a noble way of lowering casualties, yet still causing collateral damage. But that was inevitable, when one thought about it. People will always die. You can’t escape death, and the Chosen Undead knew that very well.

The two palms met with an audible clang, their position right in front of the armor’s chest piece. The warrior bowed to the dark figure, showing his lack of desire to fight. It seemed he just wanted to have a conversation.

[forbidden-shadow]

Now that they were closer; Servant. they had that feel, and when he turned to face them, their appearance only confirmed it. If anything, he didn't look too different from many soldiers from Zed's own time, or some mercenary; that armour had seen real battle, couldn't be nobility. But still, nothing jumped to mind regarding this warrior's class. Nothing made itself readily apparent other than poise granted from his attire. 

And he seemed peaceful enough, or at least willing to be for now. Zed brought a fist to a palm in front of his chest, and returned a slight bow.

"Taking advantage or this peaceful stage to gauge the competition, or simply to enjoy the night air? I'd consider both just as worthwhile."

His voice had a slight echoing quality, but his tone was friendly enough.

[houmonka]

  "That’s an interesting implication."

Even with another month before the war truly began, it was still inconvenient to be summoned after so many other Servants. Both in terms of finding a Master, and the abilities of her future opponents; although she hardly expected most to be honest about what they could do, any information would certainly help. How fortunate, to have come across what she presumed to be an opponent so easily; the strangeness of his appearance only helped to confirm that suspicion.

"Especially when those two groups are probably the same. Especially in this environment."

[forbidden-shadow]

So another servant makes herself known, interesting. It was definitely a clearer presence, not necessarily brighter than a master's, just more... distinct. Well she had some brass, and he was glad to see others making use of this 'down time' before it truly began. He turned to regard her.

"That was my indication, yes. Power can win battles, but it takes more than battles to win a war. And war certainly effects its surroundings"

[shotokulegend]

       ”I can agree to that as well,” Miko spoke, a small laugh ruminating from her lips as her smile kept still on her features. It was almost as if they weren’t enemies, really.

Of course, in reality, they both knew better.

     ”Impose? Nonsense. Company is something to be appreciated, I believe. People live only to their fullest from the interactions they have with others. Besides…”

     ”I’ve yet to meet another such as myself personally. It’s an honor to make your acquaintance, really.” Taking a pause to glance aside, she gestured to a waitress and silently lifted her glass, gesturing to Zed as she went on her way, seemingly understanding right away.

     Such a curious man. Dressed in vein of that as a ninja, no doubt he was to be gifted as an Assassin, that much Miko was sure. His own tone was a tad comical, in a way— but indeed pleasant.

     When respect was received, respect was given in return. Even in a war where in the end there would be but one victor, Miko intended to be as respectable as she always was— especially now, when there was naught but harmony between the masters and servants.

     ”Rather nice of a location, isn’t it?”

[forbidden-shadow]

Yes, she seemed as at ease as he. But he was certain she was just as ready to act if necessary. Though he was hoping that wouldn't be the case, this time. 

"Isolation is rarely healthy for any."

The more he looked at her, the more he was leaning towards Caster, any class with a sudden and very violent burst. But of course, her relaxed nature could come from extreme speed or endurance. He laughed slightly inwardly, this was going to be a fun game.

"Oh? Is that right? Well, I'd hate for your first impression to be of one as faceless as I."

And with that he reached to unclip the grill before his face and pull back his helmet. So few knew his face while he had lived, even amongst the League's top officials; he had left the world with the only record of his features being in the mind of one soul he had touched. He settled his mask on the table, and extended a hand.

"I'm sure that you'll understand if I keep my name to myself."

There was something about her. Zed was well aware of the dangers associated with making his identity more accessible, but he felt like this could pay off. But if she was sharp, she surely would have made her own judgments about him, and she would know that even a handshake could be quite the risk. This was their trust exercise, then. 

The waitress returned with additional tea, and Zed took a token glance around the street. 

"It's nice to see the setting, and not have it altered merely by your presence. But I rarely chose to be a big city boy." He paused, staying silent for a moment. "Better than how it will look soon."

[maskedambition-deactivated20150]

Let me make you an offer you can't refuse.

[maskedambition-deactivated20150]

  A servant had fallen for the lure. What a promising start! Much more preferred than that of a whimsical master. He’d probably shot a master down on sight in this alley. 

The raspy, echoing voice of the armored warrior would send chills down most spines. Luckily, Kagetane’s was reinforced with varanium from one of his many operations. Grabbing the ice cold bottle, he twisted the cork and poured the dark red whine three fourths into each glass. Holding one close to himself and reaching out with the other towards the foreboding servant. Hopefully one without a master else they be concealing themselves fairly well.

However one should not be fooled by this servant’s appearance. Despite how heavy his suit looked. He’s incredibly fast and nimble, Kagetane could sense it the servant’s powers. His identity? As shrouded as the veil he carries.

" Tell me, great warrior of the past. How far can you go to achieve your dreams?

What wretched atrocities would you perform, if it meant to get closer to what you most desire? “ 

An important question, for Kagetane seeks only the strongest, most willing servant. No one of less margin was gonna cut it. 

[forbidden-shadow]

Zed took the glass with a light clink raising it slightly, pausing, then letting it rest in his hand. He had little to fear, he could sense no other servants in the area, unless there was another assassin already operation... Either way, he wasn't in a hurry.

But this one, he was straight to the point.

"How far would I go?"

Screams.

Burning.

Blood.

The voices of a father and brother, filled with anguish and horror.

"My master took me in as a child and raised me, I did everything I could to make him respect me. I mastered an art thought lost for two centuries, and when he attempted to deny me the means to my advancement, I took his head from his shoulders and made his temple my own." 

His mask faced that of this master's, being blunt here was best. 

"I've cut my way through a standing army and so called masters of their art alike just to hold what I want for even a second."

"But I am not here to sell myself, mage. This is going to be a war, and by the end only I and my 'master' will remain. Sentimental fools have no place here."

If he was to have the Grail, if it really was omnipotent... No, Nothing could come between him and that goal.

"But what about you. This war already has all kinds of participants; could you cut the life from a sleeping child, endanger as many as necessary? Could you put the Grail before everything else?"  

[shotokulegend]

       Appearances did masquerade quite a bit, fortunately for the Prince. And in broad daylight, there was something of a calm, pleasant look to her face. One that seemingly invited others in openly, with no malice. A friendly face. A trustworthy face.

     When at leisure, Miko was a pleasant person to be around to practically everyone. And with her cape done away with for her normal attire, she truly looked quite casual.

     ”Aye, that it is,” she started after a brief pause, unshaken by the other’s sudden appearance. The stealthy type, hm? To have appeared so suddenly like that… ah, how curious. ”Green tea, as always, is splendid on these sorts of days… Care to take a seat? I’ll have another ordered for you.”

     Her voice ruminated in a pleasing manner, housing no ill-intent behind her rather charming smile.

[forbidden-shadow]

She wasn't startled by his abrupt entrance, at least. And if she had known he was there, she'd masked it expertly. A calm one, either way, and dressed accordingly. The Order's Master however, wore his full ensemble, mask concealing his appearance. His body language reflected a relaxed condition that belied his loaded spring nature.

"A peaceful drink for the peaceful round."

Truth be told Zed had more of penchant for western drinks, but he pulled up a seat regardless. "All drinkers of green tea I know would tell you it's a splendid drink on any occasion." He spoke in a friendly enough manner for one dressed like he was, and as he sat he he produced a compact wallet seemingly from thin air to all but the sharpest eyes.  

"I wouldn't want to impose."

[maskedambition-deactivated20150]

Let me make you an offer you can't refuse.

Late at night, the sun have passed away to the other half of the planet. The moon shining bright and the glimmering stars dotted the sky. Deep down in an open alley stood a tall man in red. A top hat and a white mask adorned his face, leaving only his short haircut on the back revealing any hints of his appearance.

He had removed any means of concealment, making himself into a beacon of attraction. Next to him was a small, round table with a bucket of ice and a bottle of wine. And two wine glasses. And a metal briefcase next to his legs.

Yes, this was a key step, preparations needed to increase his success of victory. He stood as unmovable as the street lamps back on main street. A handkerchief resting over his right arm.

Finding a servant worthy of his time was gonna be a needle in a haystack. When would he find one with ambitions as powerful as his own? This was a war at hand, he had no time for sentimental heroics, he needs a winner. 

And now, he sensed a presence. A servant? Another Master? It was unclear, but he turned towards the direction of the presence. Tipping his hat slightly. 

" Good evening, on this beautiful night. Care to share a glass? " 

[forbidden-shadow]

He was wasting no time, moving cost so little, and hunted even the faintest trail of prana he could find. The city was calm now, but it wouldn't be long before this place was a bloodbath. Such freedom of moment could absolutely not be squandered, and information procured could earn him the victory he intended.

Before long he was on another, a Master? From what he'd felt so far, that seemed like the case. Interesting, gauging as many Masters in this time was paramount if he was to find the right one.

And this Master certainly wanted to be seen, as relative as that was, in a back alley. He stood brazenly in the light, and he'd even gone to the trouble of setting the scene. How pleasant. Zed made himself known, and the man tipped his hat. Zed nodded in response.

He had some class to him, but the mask definitely pushed it towards the look of a performer. Time to see what this one had to offer.

"The calm before the storm. And it would be a shame to waste, it's been some time since my last." 

[heartsforeigner]

; { lost in the city of rome

So, this is it. The time for Alice’s wish to become reality has come. Yes, it was the moment she has been waiting for. It took her all her time to get here, part time jobs, getting her father’s permission (though he could honestly not care whether or not she leaves to her own death or not) and being able to  understand the language. Yes, it was perfect and running smoothly so far. 

Until she got out of the cab from the airport and was completely deserted in the middle of nowhere. 

"Wh-WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!"

Never in her whole life had she heard of a taxi driver getting lost and then ditching her because he believes that this was the correct destination. The driver reminded her of somebody she knew but she didn’t dwell long on the thought. There was no point in it anyway, she was going to forget the taxi driver so Alice better focus her remaining energy to figure out where she is.

This was bad. Very bad. The whole city was going to be a war zone soon and getting lost on the very first day was not the first thing she wanted to do. “Geez…well…I guess I’ll have to deal with it..”

Hotel…Hotel…gotta find a hotel…

Picking up  her suitcase, Alice wandered into the streets and glanced around, trying to find a person that would be able to understand English and what little Italian she knows of. “Um…excuse me, can you help me?”

[forbidden-shadow]

They really were coming in all shapes and sizes. It wasn't the entrance to the scene Zed would picture for himself, but it was amusing to see. With all the mages that must be approaching, this was a slightly more humble sight. And another Master, with what was coming, becoming as familiar as possible could prove instrumental in what was to come. She had to be gauged, ally or enemy. 

So he followed her for a short while. She didn't have a planned route, or seemingly any specific destination. How prepared is she? Does she already have a base of operations set up? 

He was leaning towards no. But he continued to shadow her, up to when she started to approach random passers by.

"Over here" 

Zed stood materialised a few metres behind the girl.

"You don't seem exceptionally prepared."

[forbidden-shadow]

Conserving prana was one thing, gathering information in a relatively safe period was another. So Zed had already taken to moving around the city in a corporeal form. Hiding from the cattle was simple enough, but he wanted Masters and Servants alike to notice his presence.

"So many here will cause great destruction, so many won't see their death coming."