PSL (closed)

[1stknight]

[Honestly, being summoned was quite the surprise to Bedivere. Being a saber, he knew he was at a disadvantage. After all, there were so many more sabers even just from the Round Table who were much more famous, so surely they would have been summoned over him. In fact, he was sure it had happened countless times before. That one master he had met, the one from Chaldea, they had spoken of singularities and grail wars to span several worlds and timelines. And with so many fine Sabers to choose from, he was sure that he hadn't ever been summoned before. The short time between the 'creation of his legend' and 'now' notwithstanding.

It made him feel a touch inadequate, if he was being truthful. After all, he was a simple knight. The master who had summoned him, he deserved better than someone like him. But if he was the one who was summoned, then he would fulfill his duty to this new master. Nothing would be done in half-steps, never again.

So as his form solidified in the summoning circle, Bedivere offered his new master a warm smile. Once again, his life was sworn to someone else's. Whatever his master wished for, Bedivere would help him achieve it.]

Saber, Bedivere. I am honored to be summoned by you. From now on, I shall be your Servant.

['I am honored to be summoned at all' was the truth, but he didn't speak that.

Then he paused, and he took a survey of the situation. The summoning circle was expertly made, but this man in front of him...well. He didn't look like a mage. He looked like a normal person. Perhaps it was a disguise? Or maybe there was more to this situation than he could see immediately. He would have to wait for his new master to respond in order to find out more.]

Comments

[1stknight]

[A hat like that would be so silly, but Bedivere might just wear it.]

Then I would like to-

[Bedivere's sentence is abruptly cut off by a sharp knock at the door. The knocking pattern would be familiar to Dazai, as the white-haired individual responsible for it comes knocking at Dazai's door often enough for it to be recognizable. Atsushi doesn't call out for Dazai this time, though. Instead, after knocking, an envelope slides under Dazai's door. Then the sound of Atsushi's footsteps can be heard as he runs away from the door.

Bedivere stares at the envelope, and then glances to Dazai. He hasn't even moved yet beyond that, because he's so shocked by the interruption.]

[neverwashere]

[Many photos will be taken.

As for that knock - he turns his head sharply with a raised eyebrow. The pace of that knocking sequence doesn't suggest there's an emergency, but here's the thing: why use this particular method of communication, Atsushi? Sure, Dazai will be very displeased if someone rudely calls his phone now, but is this a sign that their dear tiger's paying attention to what he overhears?]

Hold on a moment.

[After brushing his lips on Bedivere's temple, Dazai gets up to retrieve the envelope, presses his back on the wall, and opens it.

What's news, Atsushi?]

[1stknight]

[At least his three knocks in quick succession are very distinct, so Dazai doesn't have to worry about someone else listening in on his private conversations with Bedivere. Speaking of which, Bedivere is torn between curiosity and absolute shame at possibly being overheard during such a sappy conversation.

First off, the outside of the envelope says "13:17" on it in what is distinctly Atsushi's handwriting. But inside the envelope is a set of four tickets to the big carousel on the pier they would be going to that day, with a time of 1:15 pm as a boarding time. Another strange present that surely will have some use in the near future. Given how much of a stickler Atsushi is with his money, the fact that he bought four tickets on his own sure is something.

Also, four tickets. Not two.]

Dare I ask what it is?

[neverwashere]

...an invitation.

[Plain and simple.

What's absolutely bizarre about this is that Dazai's pretty sure only four people are aware of this alliance, and none of them are tigers. If he didn't already find Atsushi reliable on some level, Dazai's paranoia would've urged him to check this apartment for bugs and not return for a few days.

Before returning to Bedivere, he schools his expression into a more thoughtful one and hands over the tickets for inspection, slipping the envelope into his pocket.]

Or, more specifically, a lovely set of freebies. [If this was from the Agency, Kunikida would've been the messenger. No, this is Atsushi's handiwork, which begs the question - how is his protege involved? Is this something he's doing out of concern? That's the most likely possibility for now, in which case - my, my, someone's learned how to be sneaky.] It seems we're boarding a nice carousel, with the added bonus of maybe talking in private with the other two.

[What is he missing here? Is Atsushi working with someone else? And when on earth did he find the time to save up for these tickets and purchase them?

If Bedivere's busy with the tickets, Dazai will just go ahead and fire off two text messages.

To Ango, he'll mention a change of plans - how does he and his companion feel about a carousel ride?

To Atsushi, he will send the most obnoxious smiling kaomoji with sparkles and hearts along with a compliment for his thoughtfulness before adding: Oh, to have someone like you keeping an eye out for my love life! Are you trying your hand at being my personal cupid and matchmaker?

'fess up, tiger.]

[1stknight]

[Bedivere doesn't see the time written on the envelope, since it goes right into Dazai's pocket, so he misses that particularly concerning bit of information there. Instead, he sees the tickets to the ferris wheel (not carousel, RIP me, I meant ferris wheel before) and assumes they are just a friendly gift. He is still perplexed by them, though, because he had thought that their plans were secret.]

Has one of your co-workers been eavesdropping on us?

[That has to be it, right? Nobody else would have been close enough to overhear them, not without someone being aware.

Ango returns the message saying that his companion is interested by the prospect, and saying they can meet up at that location later in the day.

Atsushi doesn't respond immediately, but Dazai will see the 'typing...' message for several minutes before he gets a response. Atsushi is Trying, but finding the right words is difficult. But eventually a message does come through: "It's not like that! I was going to take Kyouka-chan but our plans fell through. You can use them, right?

An obvious lie. because if it was him and Kyouka, they wouldn't need four tickets.]

[neverwashere]

That's what I'm trying to figure out. [Sighing, Dazai sits back down and presses his face on Bedivere's shoulder. Look, it's comfy.] If he is, I'll be impressed. Atsushi-kun can walk quietly if he wants to, but discretion doesn't come naturally to him. He's too honest, like you.

[(Down the line, he'll want to slam his head on the closest table when he recalls saying that. How can he be this oblivious!?)

For a few moments, he's quiet again as he checks his phone. "Interested," right - Dazai can imagine she and Bedivere will love seeing the city from high up. And, really, Atsushi.

Sure can! As a reward for your good behavior, I'll send you both photos of the lovely view.

He's on to you.]

[1stknight]

Ah. Well, I suppose it's reassuring to be in like company.

[Atsushi, meanwhile, will definitely be having giggle fits every now and then when he recalls these conversations. They're both so oblivious, it sure is something.

Atsushi's message back might be a little concerning, though. Please be careful, Dazai-san. Even though Atsushi is a worrywart, this is Something Else. And Dazai and Atsushi might have to have a conversation about it after this afternoon is over.

Bedivere will be offering out the tickets to Dazai, so he can take them back.]

[neverwashere]

It is.

[For Bedivere, specifically. Dazai's not about to spend any more time with people like himself - happy jail time with Dostoevsky was bad enough.

And that sure sounds awfully like a setup involving a firing squad. Dazai frowns at his phone - they are definitely talking about this later - before pocketing it and taking the tickets back. When he glances at the clock, he sighs. Licks Bedivere's neck, and grazes his teeth on the damp skin. Thinking about this as, well, charging up his Servant in preparation for a possible fight is not sexy, but he's sure he can swing the mood one way or the other.]

Now, where were we?

[Whether or not they go beyond anything handsy, they'll make it in time for their ride.

Did Ango get there early? Y'know, as is usually the case?]

[1stknight]

[There is time, and Bedivere is eager to reciprocate his feelings for Dazai. He might not have learned much new from the quick trip to the internet, but he certainly remembers the wonderful things Dazai did to him the night before. Dazai is going to find himself feeling just how talented Bedivere's mouth is.

Bedivere does insist on washing up and thoroughly brushing his teeth before they leave, though. He's going to be minty fresh for at least another hour.

Ango does arrive early, as usual. What's different is that Artoria is right there with him, rather than hiding in spirit form. This may be reasonable, though: it's hard to disguise a Servant suddenly appearing if you're in a very public place like this. Also, Artoria has been provided modern clothes for this, so there's that too.]

Dazai-kun.

[He nods to Bedivere as well, and Bedivere nods to Ango and gives Artoria a smile.]

[neverwashere]

[Getting laid does wonders, because Dazai's back to being a contented cat even after they shower and get dressed. A shame they have to leave.]

Yo, Ango. [Two tickets are handed over with a glib smile and a shrug that looks casual to anyone but the two of them.] Exciting, isn't it? We might see something an unusual view today.

[Something's up, and it's very strange to not be in on the setup he's walking into.

Arturia, meanwhile, had waved happily at the both of them when they arrived, and now she's ooh-ing and ahh-ing at Bedivere's appearance. She is, of course, ready for anything that might happen, but that won't stop her from enjoying herself before that!]

It's a nice afternoon, isn't it! [She might've asked Ango for a crepe or three from a nearby stand while they waited. If he got them for her, she's down to the last one.] You look well.

[1stknight]

[Something is definitely up, because Ango is immediately using his ability to see the past of those tickets. It only takes a few seconds, but the pause as Ango uses his ability is one that will be familiar to Dazai. Ango doesn't blink when he uses his ability, and that can look weird if he's doing it for too long.

But after a couple seconds, his focus comes back on the present and he frowns.]

Unusual indeed...did you ask your benefactor about these?

[Ango already has quite a bit of information on what Atsushi was up to, but it's clearly left more questions than answers.

Bedivere and Arturia can go for crepes while the grown ups talk boring talk though. Bedivere is definitely interested in introducing Arturia to all the good foods the future has to offer. And as they pick out flavors- Bedivere goes for chocolate-covered-strawberries, that should satiate his sweet tooth- he's happy to carry on the light conversation.]

Haha, is it that obvious? Dazai has been spoiling me just a little bit. He got me a few sets of modern clothes to wear "off the job", and he indulged me by taking me to the zoo previously. And the food! He's shown me so many good things to eat around here.

[That knowledge, at least, he can pass on to her. Because food should be shared with everyone.]

[neverwashere]

He's been surprisingly careful in getting these to us.

[Secretive is the right word. With the two Servants occupied, he gives Ango a somewhat unreadable look. The only way he's able to tolerate not knowing what's going on is because Atsushi's the one setting this up. His skin's crawling, and it's going to be showtime soon.]

Perhaps we should compare notes later.

[That's not a suggestion.

Meanwhile, Arturia gets a fourth crepe: matcha with jam, whipped cream and berries.]

It pleases me that he's taking care of you. [There's a hint of the king she will be here, contemplative over matters that have not yet come to pass. The brief moment of solemnity is broken by a bite to the crepe.] Living in the modern world suits you, Saber. Seeing you happy brings me joy.

[1stknight]

We should, yes. But for now, our charges may need some supervision.

[Ango sure does see Arturia eating all those crepes. His wallet can handle it for now, but he dreads to think of his lifestyle for the next month or two after this grail war is over.

Bedivere does look a touch embarrassed at Arturia's words, but he takes them for what they likely are: a king worrying after her knight, and pleased that he has found some companionship. Even if this Arturia has yet to see much of the adventures of the Round Table, her attitude is still the same as that King that Bedivere knows and loves.]

Mmm, I do like it here, yes. There's so much worth protecting here, in a city like this.

[He's not going to say his wish out loud, but he's sure Arturia can guess it, or at least something close to his wish.]

[neverwashere]

Hmm?

[He follows Ango's look and... oh, another one? Dazai muffles a snicker, familiar with the man's way of handling budgets. Caster's kind of like Odasaku in a way: hard to say no when you can see them enjoying the hell out of food.]

Bring her to a curry stand next time and see if she likes it.

[That's not something he would've said before this. Having Bedivere around is doing wonders for his psyche, although he's yet to notice the small ways he's being affected.

Arturia, meanwhile, would shake her head if she knew what Bedivere was thinking - she's not a king yet. Just an ordinary girl looking out for her friend.]

Maybe it can be a home for you. [The bright smile on her face might make her words sound like a casual suggestion made in the spirit of the moment. Almost too conveniently, she spots Ango's look, and she laughs sheepishly at her Master, rubbing the back of her head.] I think they're expecting us. Shall we?

[1stknight]

[Hearing 'curry' and knowing Dazai is the one saying it makes Ango go 'HHHHHHHHHHH' mentally, but his only outward reaction is to adjust his glasses.

Bedivere's smile, meanwhile, turns a bit sad suddenly. It could be a home for him, yes. But for him to win and get his wish, all of the other servants must fall first. All of them, including...

...]

Mmm, let's go back then.

[And avoid the talk of wishes and how he's torn between his want to protect the world and his love and duty towards Arturia. They're going to be at odds in the near future, and the choice is going to break him, he's sure.

The smile stays on Bedivere's face as they go back towards the other two men, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. He's troubled, but he's trying to keep it covered up for the sake of this meeting. Fortunately, Ango speaks up once Bedivere and Arturia are back.]

Our ride is in fifteen minutes, shall we go get in line?

[They will be able to talk more privately once they're in the ferris wheel. Though they might only have 2 minutes to talk, depending on what is about to happen.]

is that a HHHHH of 'oh no?'

[neverwashere]

[Arturia's smile softens. He really cares about her older self, doesn't he? And her by extension. But saying anything more will be... not wrong, exactly, but painful. All she can offer is companionable silence and --- ahh, he's too tall for her to reach his head! His shoulder is the next best thing to leave pats on.

He'll figure it out.]

We shall.

[Once the two rejoin them and they get to the queue, Dazai hands Bedivere his ticket before discreetly glancing around.

Is there anything unusual out here? Or is what they're expecting the kind of thing only visible from a high vantage point?]

Apart from the sky garden, there's no better way to get a bird's eye view of the city. [To completely ignore the five looming towers in the distance. Were it not for their continued stability, Dazai would've suspected they were raised using some sort of Ability. Anyway, he's just talking for Bedivere's and Arturia's benefit, so there's no need to go into the glum details.] Unless you know of another tourist destination, Ango?

it's a HHHHH of "I'm thinking about Odasaku now oh noooo"

[1stknight]

[Okay, that makes him feel a little bit better. It's cute, how she tries her best. Next time he'll remember to duck his head down so she can reach.

There is nothing out of the ordinary yet, though Dazai does have the right idea. The timing on the envelope is when the ferris wheel will be in motion, so it's very likely that what they will need to see will only be visible from high up. Otherwise it's just a normal, busy day at the pier.

Ango gives a 'hmm' of agreement to Dazai's words, before adding a few of his own.]

A chartered plane may offer a better view overall, but that is costly in both funds and time. And it may be best to avoid air sickness in these two here.

[Bedivere is already glancing up at the sky. Given how big Yokohama is, there's probably at least one or two planes high up, either ascending from a takeoff or preparing for landing at the nearby airport. Bedivere is also looking up, immediately noticing one of the planes far overhead.]

Is that not a bird up there?

welp they can suffer together-ish. without really talking. so separately.

[neverwashere]

[The ducking is very much appreciated, and Arturia beams at him.]

Yeah, no, that's too much of a hassle. [He's not too fond of planes. Sure, they're necessary, but having a severely diminished number of escape options makes him twitch. (Dazai doesn't acknowledge he's more comfortable in one if it's owned and piloted by someone from the Agency. It's the kind of thing he'd rather not look too much into, knowing that he's liable to take up old habits at the most inopportune moments.)] And a little too obvious.

[What he actually means is that they're possibly sitting ducks on one, moreso when Servants enter the equation.]

Its design might be bird-inspired, but it isn't! Think of it as a heavily modified version of Leonardo da Vinci's air glider, capable of carrying passengers and cargo over long distances.

two guys, chilling in a bar, five feet apart because they're not gay (for each other)

[1stknight]

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if she saw one and decided to try and make one of her own.

[Spoken like someone who has met Leonardo da Vinci. Because he definitely has!

Though when Bedivere says that, Ango casts Dazai a Look, complete with a raised eyebrow. It seems to say 'your servant has quite a few secrets, doesn't he?' Then he clears his throat and continues.]

Regardless, we will get quite the view from the top of the ferris wheel. It's a good spot to get a view of everything, if you haven't seen the whole city yet.

[And possibly a good place to get a view of whatever is supposed to be happening at 1:17. Ango definitely has his worries, but he's trying to stay calm. Dazai and Arturia might be the only ones to pick up on his anxiety here; Dazai because of how long they have known each other, and Arturia because of the Master and Servant bond. Bedivere will, unfortunately, remain clueless for now.]

accurate. sad, but accurate.

[neverwashere]

[He returns that look with a shrug and a smile that might be teensy bit smug. Sorry not sorry, Ango, no beans are being spilled today.]

I wouldn't expect anything less from a renowned inventor.

[The city is a good topic as any other. Dazai points out the various visible landmarks and areas from up here to kill the time and maybe allow Ango to watch out for whatever's going on - his Ability might've given him more of a clue as to what's going on.

Arturia shifts a little closer to Ango, a subtly protective stance, although she doesn't let on she's noticed something amiss. Her hands may be on the rail, but she's ready to summon her staff if need be.]

We ought to visit Chinatown soon. [She doesn't even clear her throat here, even if she's thinking of food. Again. Transparently so.] If a foreign Master's appeared there, perhaps they'll be close by.

[She means the woman Dazai and Bedivere spotted when they returned from the train station the other day, since Dazai's taken on mixing in a few tactical notes while playing tour guide.]

[1stknight]

[Ango hums in agreement. Most of the Masters in the Grail War are not from Yokohama, so looking in Chinatown is an excellent idea. That might get them some more leads. Ango does notice Arturia's stance change, and he gives her a small smile to reassure her. It's fine, just his constantly-humming mind thinking of the worst case scenarios, as it usually does.

Bedivere, meanwhile, is going right over to the ferris wheel so they can board. No sense in being late! These were a gift, after all, so they must be important.

They are the only four occupants of their particular gondola, so they do have a little bit of privacy for conversations. The ferris wheel isn't spinning quite yet though, as it is still loading. In fact, the group of four will have made it about 3/4ths of the way up by 1:17, with passengers still loading into the bottom-most gondolas.

At 1:17, anyone who is looking down below will be able to see two foreigners standing there talking to each other. One, a black-haired man that is familiar to Dazai and Bedivere. The other, a woman with pale grey hair and an interesting purple outfit. Their very presence screams 'Servants'.]

Master, over here.

[No fighting yet, so maybe they can spy on the two for the moment.]

[neverwashere]

[Arturia is no stranger to reassuring smiles, for she herself gives them often. She simply accepts this as her Master's method of saying all will be well and nods, ever prepared to do her duty. A simple village girl and student of magecraft she may be, but she has promised to do her best.

If Bedivere takes the front, she'll take the rear and let herself in last. Or second to the last if her Master accompanies her.

Dazai, for his part, follows after Saber and takes a seat next to him, placing his elbow on the ledge and crossing his legs. For all intents and purposes, this is a casual ride until something happens, even if it seems that Caster's picked up on her Master's behavior.

...

Hmm. Nice and prompt, those two below are. Yes, he will be having that chat with Atsushi later.]

Rider, hmm? [A hint of old unpleasantness shows in the corners of his smile as he recalls that flimsy agreement with Steinbeck.] He's pretty far from his woodland base.

[1stknight]

[The two of them in the front seems like the best idea, if only because it leaves Bedivere open to be a shield for everyone else if need be. His armor is good for deflecting some attacks, as long as that crazy Archer isn't here.

But this. Hm. Just what are they up to?]

What do you think he's doing? We told them that we could handle the Lancer, we just needed help with the Archer.

[A flimsy alliance indeed, and Ango is making mental notes for later. He expected Dazai to make deals with other teams, so this isn't too much of a surprise for him. He's just going to sit quietly and listen.

Roberts just seems to be annoying the Lancer, though. The more he speaks, the deeper her frown becomes. This could explode very soon, in fact. Possibly literally.]

[neverwashere]

No clue. [Even if he can't see Lancer's face, her posture looks quite closed off.] Mind, this is an unusual move for Rider's Master. He has his reasons for keeping out of sight, and there are too few trees in this territory to take advantage of. More importantly, I think he'd rather not alert his former boss that he's in the area.

[Woodland is doubly convenient in that there are no security cameras around, rendering the Eyes of God useless.]

If I were to guess: this might be Rider's own initiative, and he's also picked a terrible spot. The Port Mafia's docks are more suitable for his regular vessel, should that be tied to his Noble Phantasm.

[Sorry not sorry, Steinbeck. It's not a leak if just any observer can draw their own conclusions based on your Servant's attire.

The closer Lancer is to boiling point, however, Casturia will straighten and peer down at the two intently, summoning her staff in clutched hands.]

She is the one suspected of killing that civilian at the train station, yes?

Master, please give me your orders.

[Not to attack necessarily, but she will shield any innocent bystanders if a fight breaks out.]

[1stknight]

Don't act yet, but be ready to move innocents out of the way if-

[If a fight happens, is what he had been about to add. And that is exactly what happens, because Rider says something and winks and the Lancer suddenly lets out a scandalized gasp.

Then the Lancer materializes her spear and throws it at Rider's face. Point blank.

The resulting explosion of energy is enough to shake even the ferris wheel, and both Bedivere and Ango grab for the side of it to hold on for the few moments it takes for the ferris wheel to shudder to a clunky stop.

People on the ground are screaming and running away now too. Including the ride operator. What a mess.]