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Topic Started: May 24 2010, 06:06 PM (226 Views)
KaisenSan
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Temporary Writer of Yuri
Night 1

""We ask of you, are you our Master?""
The twin voices resonated as they spoke as one. Before them, Abigail Costeline smiled confidently at her Servants. She knew from her research about the wars that Lancer was often one of the better Servants. But in a war where all Servants had immense power, did it really mean that much? Despite her uncertainty, she was ready to dedicate her life for her brother. As of now, she wasn't sure how to control the demon in her brother. Hopefully, she would learn how in this war.

The three continued through the area with hardly a word to each other. Perhaps it was the same awkwardness when meeting someone for the first time. But seeing this brother and sister together...made Abigail's heart ache more for her own sibling. For now, she needed to focus on the war. In the darkness, a large, metal structure loomed into sight. When she saw the machine, she had a small idea.
"Wait here for a moment. I'm going to send a message."
Stepping up to the microphone, she took a deep breath and spoke. She claimed to be a former Servant from a past war. From what she remembered in her readings, he had been a former Rider and had also appeared in other wars. By posing as him now, she might be able to make it a bit easier for herself. Underhanded and dishonest as it was, she constantly reminded herself of who she was fighting for. Finishing her fake broadcast, she stepped back and sighed.
"Oho~? That was quite some broadcast just now."
Abigail felt a tingle in her spine at the unknown voice. She instinctively jumped back while turning to face this new character. In the dim light, she could tell that it was another girl. Her short, blue hair almost blended in with the night's darkness. But her cold, crimson eyes glinted ominously at her in a crazed, sadistic smile. From a few feet away, she heard her Servants quickly rush over to her, ready to defend at a moment's notice. The figure simply continued on.
"Maybe you'll be interesting if you can do something like that. What do you say? I offer you my power in an alliance."
It was something about those words that dripped with arrogance. This wasn't someone who would show any mercy. Behind her stood another woman, who appeared slightly older with like pinkish hair and a light red overcoat. On her back, she carried what looked like a large, double-edged broadsword. Like a sharp contrast in demeanor, the air about her seemed well-mannered rather than arrogant. So this pair was obviously another Servant and Master.
"...No thanks."
The sadistic girl smirked.
"Don't be so intimidated by me. I'm practically offering you a victory. *sigh*...Such an idiot."
After her overt insult, she stepped up to the mic and sent a message of her own. Her message was befitting of her sly, sadistic appearance. She turned and began to leave.
"I'll go going to the shrine next to this place. If you come to your senses and decide to ally with me, follow us."
And with that, they left.

There was nothing left to do for now except wait. In the silence, a conversation started among the three.
"Brother, it really is another war we're in."
"Eirika...I'll protect you as always."
"Brother..."
Dedication to each other... Abigail felt another pang in her heart.
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KaisenSan
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Night 2


In the desolate Starlight Crossing, the small familiar girl sat without a sound. In the distance, the faint sound of three pairs of footsteps gradually approaches. She turns to face the three figures that appear from the darkness. In silence, she watches them as they talk amongst themselves.
"Eirika, are you tired? We've been walking all night and..."
"I'm fine Brother. You don't need to treat me like a child still."
"That's only because I worry about you, especially in a war like this."
"T-that's no excuse! I'm not a child anymore."
Abigail watched their playful banter, trying to ignore the pang she still felt.
"Abigail, is something wrong?"
Eirika turned to face her, looking concerned.
"Ah...it's nothing. Just thinking about my goals for the war."
"Speaking of which," Ephraim started. "What are your goals?"
Abigail hesitated for a moment, then started explaining her past and her brother. How she hid him away from their family and how she sought an answer for controlling the demon. As hard as it was to recount everything that happened, she earnestly told the two siblings everything. She ended and took a deep breath. The two Servants looked at her almost with pity.

Eirika grasped Abigail's hand and looked at her with renewed vigor.
"That's terrible...all that you and your brother had to go through. And even now, you're here trying to help him."
Ephraim confidently spoke up.
"For that reason, you have my lance."
"And you have my sword."
"You two...thanks."
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KaisenSan
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Night 3

Not wanting to intrude on the young, blue haired, black robed girl's privacy, the three opted to leave, and headed to the Business District. The streets seemed deserted at first. But as they continued along, they began to hear some muttering.
"That voice... Is that..."
Abigail nearly broke into a run. The voice of her brother? Here? It wasn't possible. She didn't want to it to be true. Eirika and Ephraim exchanged looks after sensing Abigail's urgency.
"Wait, where are you...! Eirika! Come on!"
Ephraim motioned for his sister to follow and the two hastily followed after her.

Time and the surroundings around her resemble a blur, as Abigail sprinted through the streets. Panting heavily, Abigail reached the source of the voices. A silver haired boy was talking to a small girl who appeared to be clutching a small doll.
"There's no doubt in my mind....It's him...."
That was the only thought on her mind.
As they approached, the girl withdrew and hid behind the boy. Upon seeing her, only the young boy's eyes stood out under the illuminating light of a nearby lamp post. Those eyes...show nothing but coldness. Even so, this was unmistakenly her brother, Sugata Costeline.
"Hahaha..."
Abigail let out a small, nervous laugh. That's right...his new name was Sugata Yukishiro, and it had been ever since they escaped. He looked surprised when he noticed her, but undoubtedly Abigail's shock was even greater.
"Ah, my Teacher. I never expected to meet you in a place like this."
Abigail felt disheartened. That's right... After finding him again, she told him that she was a wandering sorceress. It was then that she reintroduced him to magic, hoping that it would ease the time when his memories were restored. But did he really take it this far, to the point of participating in the Grail War? For now, she would continue to play the part of 'Teacher'. To her, this was the only way she could remain with him for now.
"Oh? Is that really you, Sugata?"
She introduced herself again, as strange as it felt. At the very least, she wanted him to remember the Costeline name...to remember her own name. Sugata continued on, this time with a question of his own.
"So what brings you to this city?"
As soon as he asked that, Abigail felt another pang. 'It's for you. I'm here to give you everything back. And to bring you home.' As much as she wanted to say it, she knew it was too early.
"Isn't it obvious? You should know enough about magic to guess."
"Heh, so I guess we're both in this war."
As much as she didn't want to believe it, the truth was in front of her. The young boy in front of her had really joined this war, and that small girl was his Servant. Deep in her mind, Abigail could only wish that the two would never have to fight. She couldn't stand the thought of having to put him through any more suffering. Sugata's response finally shook Abigail out of her thoughts.
"Still looking for that thing from before?"
"Yeah...but I don't know if it will work. Even if I find the answer, it might be too late."
He's really in the war...now what would happen? She couldn't...she didn't want to fight him. But if there was no other way to control the demon inside him, was there even a choice?
"We should form an alliance then. I know enough about your skill to say that it's not a lost cause. At the very least, you can see how much power I've gained from training."
His sudden proposition startled her. Instantly, Abigail wiped any evidence of surprise from her face. She wanted to ally with him...with this, she would at least be able to guarantee that she would at least be able to keep him safe. But at the same time, would that put him in danger? Was she even strong enough to protect him? All these questions only put her mind to stress. Meeting him, realizing he was a Master, all of this gnawed at her mind.
"...I need to think about it. I wouldn't want to hold you back from your own goals, after all."
With that response, Abigail inwardly cursed herself It was a lie. It was an excuse. It was all she could say at the moment. Soon after, their conversation dwindled, holding no substance but even then Abigail noticed that Sugata was unsure of something.

"Um...is anyone there?"
Another voice came from the direction of the train station. It sounded shy and reserved, as though the speaker was a bit scared or uncertain. Abigail looked around to find two more people approaching them. One girl appeared serious and stern, like she never hesitated to do anything. Coupled with her red-pinkish hair and light pink battle armor, she definitely looked the part of a Servant. The other girl had light, golden-yellow hair, sky blue eyes, and wore a white robe that clearly was from another region. Abigail recognized her instantly and smiled.
"Sugata, this is Rhea Telos. I met her during my travels before I taught you."
That was all she said. Abigail knew that she was still hiding the truth: how Rhea's control over emotions was possibly one way to control the demon. But she had always kept that knowledge to herself. When the time came, she would explain everything. Sugata introduced himself to Rhea, albeit coldly. Rhea looked taken aback at his attitude but greeted him all the same. Abigail lightly patted him on the back.
"Come on, you two shouldn't be so stiff. He's just a student of mine after all."
Abigail still needed to keep up the teacher-student act.
"We were just talking about an alliance. And now that we're familiar with each other, it might be better."
"A-ah...give me a moment to think about it."
Concerned, Abigail leaned in closer to Rhea and spoke in a whisper.
"You really shouldn't be in the war though. Aren't you a still bit weak from the past?"
"I-It's alright... I decided that I'm going to change it and prevent that tragedy from happening. Now I'm determined to win just for that."
It was hard for Abigail to see Rhea in such a dangerous role. But she sympathized with her struggles. She didn't have to physically lose Sugata to know what true loss felt like.
"Sorry, but 'weak from the past'? What happened?"
Sugata had apparently overheard a bit of their exchange. Rhea held her hands together shyly before Abigail responded for her.
"It's alright Rhea. You can explain what happened when you're ready."

The conversation slowed, and the night grew on. Meeting her brother and friend at a time like this was never something Abigail could have anticipated.
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KaisenSan
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Night 4

Off to the side, Rhea motioned for Abigail to come closer.

"Sorry for the short notice...but we have business to attend to..."
Rhea smiled a bit solemnly as she turned to leave.
"Besides..as he is right now, I'll only be a hindrance."
Rhea took the lead, followed closely by her partner as they disappear into the night. Turning to the side, Abigail noticed Sugata giving an almost dirty look. Once Rhea was finally out of sight, he made his way over to her.

"Listen...are you absolutely sure you don't wish to ally with us? I'm positive that with your power, both of us may be able to achieve our goals."
That being said, Sugata held out his own hand towards her. This again? She didn't know what to do. She didn't know what to say. Again, he was offering to help her. He isn't supposed to be acting this way! What if she couldn't protect him this time? Then what would happen...? She stared at his open hand for what seemed like an eternity. Ultimately, she realized that he was becoming increasingly displeased.

"Just accept it....accept it already!" she told herself over and over again.

Abigail heard Sugata click his tongue, and he began to retract his hand. Desperately, Abigail reached out on impulse and grabbed his hand. He seemed almost startled at the sudden gesture.

"I...I accept"

Abigail inwardly felt ashamed. She knew she was acting out of her own selfish needs...but this was all the time she had with her brother. Lifting her head, she looked over his face. It was the same as the last time she saw him years ago. But she could see it in his eyes: his thirst for power. And she was the one who also led him down to this path. If she hadn't retaught him magic, he wouldn't even in this war. He would have been safe at home until she found an answer.

"If you're going to keep acting like that, I may just change my mind. What the hell is wrong with you anyway?"
Sugata's snide remark broke her out of her stupor, and she attempted her best smile before responding.
"It's just that...this War has already proven to be full of surprises. I still have a long way to go before I find what I'm missing."
If only he knew all that she had been through...

At the very least, Abigail was content with her decision. She smiled again, this time genuinely. Just as Sugata turned to leave, she began to frown slightly. This wasn't enough for her. She wanted to do one final thing to see if she could jar his memories.

"Before you go though..."
Sugata stopped in his tracks and gave her a curious look.
"I want you to call me Abigail. You don't have to be so formal calling me 'Teacher' all the time."
He shrugged indifferently at her request before turning away again. But soon after he froze in his tracks. He glanced back at her, and she could see he was in pain. Sweat began to form on his forehead as he struggled to hide it. Was this too cruel? Too soon? Was she forcing too much on her brother right now?

"Tch, whatever... We're headed to the Tohno Estate. It's best if we stick together for now."

With that, Sugata started towards his next destination.

"Eirika, Ephraim..."
The two siblings had been standing a short distance away, observing the entire exchange. At her words, they quickly stepped forward again.

"What is it?...."
Both of them showed concern as Abigail stared at her brother's retreating figure.

"Hey! Stop that!"
Her thoughts were cut off as she saw Sugata forcefully pulling his own Servant along. Slightly angered, she quickly dashed over and grabbed his arm.

"Now now....that isn't how you should be treating your partner right?..."
Abigail kept her tone calm and even to ease Sugata's apparent rage. Unhappy with the events, Sugata tore his arm away from her and began to walk away. She leaned down to the small Servant girl before speaking to her.
"You'll have to forgive him for that...he wasn't always like this."
Sugata's Servant nodded, although in a bit of confusion, and she chased after her Master. Seeing him act this way, Abigail couldn't help but still feel it was her fault. She paused for a moment, rubbing her shoulder and feeling uneasy, glancing back at her two Servants.

"Now then...shall we go?"
Her two Servants nodded in response and they followed Sugata in pursuit as he headed to the Tohno Estate. Upon arriving at the gates to the Estate, a girl stormed out the mansion doors shouting out, not making any attempt at subtlety.

"Mou! Once I find Nii-san....Ugh! He's in for it now!"

Abigail sighed... Eirika was the first to speak up.
"What's wrong, Abby?"
"You have your brother...that woman has her brother... And I should be with mine. But even though he's here...he feels as distant as ever..."
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