Fate/alter chasm (Mk.II)

The countryside looks lovely today.

Saber nodded, seeming pleased. "No sense in waiting around here." With that, his form dissolved into motes of light. Joseph could still sense his Servant's presence, like a ghost hovering nearby.

It occurred to him that despite what he'd read on the Grail War, he couldn't see his Servant's skills or parameters - information that should be available to Saber's Master at a glance. Curious.

Joseph headed to the nearest airport which was quite some distance away. He drove for about 2 hours till he had to wait for another 4 hours for his flight to begin boarding.

Saber seemed to weather that fairly well, up until the point where they were halfway over the Pacific, whereupon his voice sounded in Joseph's head: <Did you forget about me or something? You haven't said anything for hours and I'm getting bored.>

Joseph was looking through the catalog on the plane as he communicated back. <I'm sorry to hear that you are bored. I really am being sincere. I am just not used to talking to an actual servant. First time for everything I suppose.>

<Well, if you want to make it up to me, when we get off this plane you should buy me some clothes.>

He raised a brow a little confused. <Um...yes, I can buy you some clothes I suppose. After we get a hotel at our destination we can get you your drink and some clothes.> He opens his catalog and went back tolooking through the tourist attraction in the city.

<Caster, I've been meaning to ask you something since I summoned you.>

The biggest tourist attraction was obviously Ryuudou Temple, an old Shinto monastery. Other than that, there was a shopping district in the west half of the city, the bridge and the central park, but Fuyuki wasn't much of a tourist destination it seemed.

***

<If it's "will you marry me" then it's a silly question, seeing as we're already married.> Caster didn't object to the telepathic conversation despite the pair of them being literally adjacent to one another - Takeshi had already emphasized the need for secrecy to her over the course of the Tokyo Grail War

<Wha- Uh-hmm n-no that wasn't what I was going to ask, we've been fighting for nearly a week together and I still do not know your name.>

There was a sudden sense of apprehension from Caster across the spiritual link that bound the two of them. <...I'd rather not tell you that, to be honest.> The shift in tone was remarkable, with her going from her perpetual excessive cheeriness to reserved and a little nervous.

<Why not? I don't see any harm in a master knowing the name of his servant.>

<It's really best if you don't.> Caster insisted.

<It can't be that bad could it?>

Caster privately thought back to her lifetime. Eighty thousand slain, their blood soaking into the earth of a field underneath their warped bodies.

Takeshi felt her shiver, leaning against him.

<Master, please, trust me on this!>

<Ok, I apologize for prying. I trust your judgement and will wait until you are comfortable with telling me.>

She sighed and snuggled in closer against him. <Thank you.>

They had not much time before they arrived in Fuyuki, apparently...

The car slowly rolled to a stop, allowing it's occupant to step out and take a good look at the city below her. It wasn't as grand as London, but she could feel the power of the grail at work here. Sigyn Hildebrand sighed, letting her silver hair hang over her eyes for a bit before glancing over to the driver side door as it opened.

Archer stepped out, and took a place beside his master.

"What do you think Archer?" Sigyn asked.

Archer made a passing glance "I estimate fifty percent of the population of the city will be dead within two days. One if the fighting begins tonight."

"Archer, we talked about this."

Archer nodded "Adam asked me to give you the percentage of survival in all actions. You wish to stay in this city, I am telling you the odds of it lasting long enough for you to have a good impression."

Sigyn shook her head "It's not going to be like that."

"Several blocks of burning London would disagree, but your wish is my command master."

<We'll be arriving soon, I could go for some ramen right now.>

<Ooh! If we go pick up some supplies I can make you some!>

<Sure that would be great.> Takeshi wasn't sure if a servant could be skilled in cooking, but he was willing to try anything once.

Joseph decided that's the first place they were going once they landed, West Side Shopping District. He closes the catalog and puts it back. <Before we land, tell me if you know, how likely is it that the other Masters and Servants are heading to this part of Japan?>

<...> He got the sense that Saber was mildly irritated by the question. <The Grail War takes place in Fuyuki - they all have to be here.>

He chuckles nervously and bites his thumbnail. "Yeah...I should've figured that was the case." He then pulls his hand away and heard the signal that it was time to land. After the usual, entering the airport, baggage claim, the 'Passport? What is the purpose of your visit?' things, Joseph waited outside for whathe hopes were taxis.

Shortly, a taxi arrived - presumably to take them to the marketplace.

At essentially the same time, Takeshi's train arrived. Would he also head to the marketplace? Find out next time on Dragonball Z!