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1ST PRAYER - [TEXT/ACTION FOR NEW BARK TOWN]
[[The last thing he remembered was the pain.
For Kariya Matou, pain had become a constant presence in his life. Oh, it ebbed and waned, but it was always there to some magnitude. This pain, however, was different. It was searing and burning, whilst the ache he was used to was piercing and sharp. Words stumbled over his lips, barely comprehensible, his hands tightening into fists. Words, no...names, names of people he loathed; they were the only sounds he could hear. The pain was practically a physical presence, raking its claws across his skin, and with a strained shout he sat upright, almost ripping the blankets from their-
...blankets....?
He was in a bed. In a bedroom he didn't recognize. And the pain was gone.
Gone? It couldn't be possible. This had to be some sort of dream. Was he a victim of some sort of bizarre Noble Phantasm? Blinking softly, Kariya ran his hand along the sheets, embracing the softness of the material...how long had it been since he'd slept in an actual bed? Irregardless, he had to get up, he had to go-
...which had been about the point where he'd collapsed again.
The first night was the worst. The burning returned full force, but this time it was mixed with the piercing, and in the grips of a vicious fever he could remember glimpses of a woman's worried face as she placed cooling cloths on his forehead, and a creature...something, crawling across his skin and rubbing against his clothes, before darkness reigned once more.
It happened three times. When the sun had set on the third day, Kariya opened his eyes once more. Once again, the pain was gone, but this time...something else was missing.
The worms were not moving.
Oh, they were there - something deep within himself told him that they were there still, but he could not feel them. It was as if they were frozen in time. And while the feeling of their stillness was practically orgasmic, it brought a deep fear. Without the worms, he didn't stand a chance in the war. How was he to control Berserker? How could he fight?
Who would save Sakura now? After he made that promise to Aoi...she was depending on him to free her and her beloved daughters from this madness!! Praying for him, a false disciple! Had he not suffered enough regret in his life?
Unable to see a solution, Kariya wept.
Over the next few days, the woman from his visions would come in and speak with him. She was warm and considerate...motherly. As messed up as Kariya was, something in him appreciated it. She reminded him of Aoi. Her presence was calming.
It was during those days that he came to terms with the creature that had remained constantly by his side throughout his ordeal (the woman called it a violent fever; she had been so worried!); a familiar named Wurmple. Wurmple was an odd creature. She was so devoted to him, bringing him berries from the kitchen, nuzzling into him when sleep refused to come, just...keeping him company. It was strange behaviour, but nonetheless appreciated. Kariya, his spirit overcome by bitterness and hatred, could only offer her silent nods and the occasional awkward pat.
As he recovered his strength, the woman (who, despite her insistence, he refused to call 'Mum') told him a tale of a world called Johto. She told him of Pokemon, of battling, how he was to survive now that he was here. It was all very confusing. Nevertheless, he politely listened to all she had to say, whilst trying to figure out how to best return to Fuyuki City. 'Mum' had never heard of it, which worried him.
When the time came to leave, he wasn't sure how to thank her. He could now stand upright on both legs, and feeling had returned to his left arm. He still felt weak, but compared to what he had been only a week ago...it was like being reborn with the strength of Hercules. But she refused to accept any thanks other than a promise to go out into the world and achieve his dreams.
That had actually earned her a rather bright smile. For Kariya had one dream, and one dream only. But to achieve it, he had to return to Fuyuki.
So, accompanied by Wurmple (who was apparently his 'starter Pokemon'? Either way, her company was appreciated), Kariya had found himself at the gates of New Bark Town, looking west.]]
Would anyone be able to tell me the quickest route to Fuyuki City?
[[Sending the text seemed like the best course of action; the care of 'Mum' had done nothing to alleviate his facial injuries, and as such Kariya wasn't feeling up to posting a video to the Johto network. Waiting for a reply to the text, after all, allowed him to reflect on what had happened before he'd arrived in Johto.
A flash of fire. His bugs descending to the earth in piles of ash.
The face of the man he had sworn to end.
Gritting his teeth, Kariya looked down at the Command Seal still emblazoned bright across his hand. Regardless of how he had found himself in Johto, he would find his way back.
He had one dream. And that dream would come true.]]
For Kariya Matou, pain had become a constant presence in his life. Oh, it ebbed and waned, but it was always there to some magnitude. This pain, however, was different. It was searing and burning, whilst the ache he was used to was piercing and sharp. Words stumbled over his lips, barely comprehensible, his hands tightening into fists. Words, no...names, names of people he loathed; they were the only sounds he could hear. The pain was practically a physical presence, raking its claws across his skin, and with a strained shout he sat upright, almost ripping the blankets from their-
...blankets....?
He was in a bed. In a bedroom he didn't recognize. And the pain was gone.
Gone? It couldn't be possible. This had to be some sort of dream. Was he a victim of some sort of bizarre Noble Phantasm? Blinking softly, Kariya ran his hand along the sheets, embracing the softness of the material...how long had it been since he'd slept in an actual bed? Irregardless, he had to get up, he had to go-
...which had been about the point where he'd collapsed again.
The first night was the worst. The burning returned full force, but this time it was mixed with the piercing, and in the grips of a vicious fever he could remember glimpses of a woman's worried face as she placed cooling cloths on his forehead, and a creature...something, crawling across his skin and rubbing against his clothes, before darkness reigned once more.
It happened three times. When the sun had set on the third day, Kariya opened his eyes once more. Once again, the pain was gone, but this time...something else was missing.
The worms were not moving.
Oh, they were there - something deep within himself told him that they were there still, but he could not feel them. It was as if they were frozen in time. And while the feeling of their stillness was practically orgasmic, it brought a deep fear. Without the worms, he didn't stand a chance in the war. How was he to control Berserker? How could he fight?
Who would save Sakura now? After he made that promise to Aoi...she was depending on him to free her and her beloved daughters from this madness!! Praying for him, a false disciple! Had he not suffered enough regret in his life?
Unable to see a solution, Kariya wept.
Over the next few days, the woman from his visions would come in and speak with him. She was warm and considerate...motherly. As messed up as Kariya was, something in him appreciated it. She reminded him of Aoi. Her presence was calming.
It was during those days that he came to terms with the creature that had remained constantly by his side throughout his ordeal (the woman called it a violent fever; she had been so worried!); a familiar named Wurmple. Wurmple was an odd creature. She was so devoted to him, bringing him berries from the kitchen, nuzzling into him when sleep refused to come, just...keeping him company. It was strange behaviour, but nonetheless appreciated. Kariya, his spirit overcome by bitterness and hatred, could only offer her silent nods and the occasional awkward pat.
As he recovered his strength, the woman (who, despite her insistence, he refused to call 'Mum') told him a tale of a world called Johto. She told him of Pokemon, of battling, how he was to survive now that he was here. It was all very confusing. Nevertheless, he politely listened to all she had to say, whilst trying to figure out how to best return to Fuyuki City. 'Mum' had never heard of it, which worried him.
When the time came to leave, he wasn't sure how to thank her. He could now stand upright on both legs, and feeling had returned to his left arm. He still felt weak, but compared to what he had been only a week ago...it was like being reborn with the strength of Hercules. But she refused to accept any thanks other than a promise to go out into the world and achieve his dreams.
That had actually earned her a rather bright smile. For Kariya had one dream, and one dream only. But to achieve it, he had to return to Fuyuki.
So, accompanied by Wurmple (who was apparently his 'starter Pokemon'? Either way, her company was appreciated), Kariya had found himself at the gates of New Bark Town, looking west.]]
Would anyone be able to tell me the quickest route to Fuyuki City?
[[Sending the text seemed like the best course of action; the care of 'Mum' had done nothing to alleviate his facial injuries, and as such Kariya wasn't feeling up to posting a video to the Johto network. Waiting for a reply to the text, after all, allowed him to reflect on what had happened before he'd arrived in Johto.
A flash of fire. His bugs descending to the earth in piles of ash.
The face of the man he had sworn to end.
Gritting his teeth, Kariya looked down at the Command Seal still emblazoned bright across his hand. Regardless of how he had found himself in Johto, he would find his way back.
He had one dream. And that dream would come true.]]
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My conditions are this: do not hurt my comrades. I have four of them here that I seek to protect and I will not hesitate to cut a man down should he pose any danger to them. Before I tell you their names, I want your word.
[ Which she'll take with a grain of salt because hello magi but still. ]
Will you listen and accept my aid on behalf of not harming my allies?
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[[Say Tokiomi and you're gunna have to fight him, Saber.]]
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The other three are children. [ How about these names instead? ] Shirou, Rin, and Sakura.
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[[.......wait, wait wait wait wait]]
Did you say....Rin and Sakura?!
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I did not stutter. Now explain the relevance of those names to yourself, magus.
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[[daughters]]
....children of a childhood friend. They call me Uncle. Please, you must let me see them....!!
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Uncle..?
[ This man brings far too many surprises to her as she glances away from the video, trying to make sense of it. There's a fluffy tail nearby as Saber leans over to pet along the back of it's owner, a method she's found to keep her thoughts rational. If Merlin had been here, he would have begged her to allow this man to see his family.
Merlin wasn't here though. Even if Shirou was capable of fighting, he wasn't capable of fighting on the level that the magi in the Fourth Holy Grail War were. As the avatar of war for such a despicable man, she understands this. Saber only has the heart of an emotionless king in the end. No matter what past love has taught her, she can only stick with her gut instinct. ]
I will permit it if they invite you of their own accord. [ Yet, even if she wants to protect them, she still says that. ] They have a guardian here as well, so if you think of striking them down, know that you are outclassed even now.
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[[Kariya practically screams it into the video, not caring whether Saber meant attacking the girls or their guardian. The only thing he cares about is being able to see those girls.
Rin.....Sakura....!!]]
Tell them I'm here! They will want to see me!
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[ Saber can't help but say that much as she narrows her gaze. If it was worth shouting at her for, then he can easily do it. ]
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[ 'Children of a childhood friend' ]
They are related?
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[[What is even going on here, how could you not know that!]]
You call yourself their guardian yet you don't even know they're related?
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[[...of course. Rin Tohsaka and Sakura Matou. As much as he enjoys thinking of Sakura as being part of his family, the circumstances...]]
Does that make me pass your test, at least?
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I will inform their guardian to allow you and only you. [ Taking in a deep breath, it was hard enough on her to practically sign away Rin and Sakura's safety like this. ] Now will you side with us or will you continue to pass as one of my enemies?
[ Back to business. ]
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[[.....like he even could, have you seen his pokemon
....have you seen him]]
.......thank you.
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[ With a nod, he might hear a beep.
>Saber has sent guide.txt. Accept? ]
Mm, that is one of the many helpful things I can send. Additionally, you should check out the Breeding Centre. [ And shortly after, she's got him a specific number to call. ] It is advisable to flesh out your team the best you can, so please choose another Pokemon or two wisely.
If you find that you cannot afford your basic survival needs or Pokemon that you need to defend yourself, please contact me personally. I have plenty to spare after being here for so long.
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In all honesty he's....a little overwhelmed by how helpful you're being, Saber. It's......nice.]]
I...
...if you truly are watching over Rin and Sakura, then....I am in your debt. Thank you, Saber.
[[And you'll get a smile! It's small, and it's weak...but it's a smile.]]
Please tell them I say hello, and I'll try to visit as soon as I can.
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Mm, I have already sent word to their guardian that I approve of you. [ Yay multitasking PokeGear shenanigans. ] So I am certain you will see them soon.
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[[Because Rin and Sakura are his precious bbs and they can never be hurt ever]]
I only want what is best for them, but I fear I....
[[....might be made of nightmare fuel, here.]]
...may be a bit...frightening, to them. They are only children, and I realise that my appearance is....
[[....can he just trail off there
this is overwhelming him so bad
Rin and Sakura
together
oh, if only Aoi was here! Then his perfect family would be completely assembled and his dream could come true!]]
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[ Look at her agreeing without hesitation. ]
Both girls are very kind... so I am sure they will not shy away from their beloved uncle.
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[[He...had a feeling you wouldn't hesitate to agree there, Saber.]]
Please, give them my warmest regards. I'll see them soon.
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If I must ask for specifics, I am curious as to how they might react should my Master be here.
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