Animea's Holy Grail Fan Fic-> Archer's Arc

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Servant Archer/ Master Akimoto Story Arc

ColaManiac and Mat67846


Thanks to Skullreken, Skysongfan, Shizuka1704, Barzillal, Biganimefan, De-kun, wondering, whiteday26, and others

Servant Bio

I'd be an Archer class servant. My Archer would be Anubis, the Egyptian Guardian of the dead. Anubis is of course of Egyptian descent fighting with a scimitar or bow. Legends say that Anubis was given Osiris' organs when the God of the Underworld.
Anubis wields a Golden Bow rumored to be given to him by Ra the sun God which is called the "Bow of Scorching." His scimitar has been infused with the organs of Osiris and can leech another Servant or Master's mana earning it the name "Sword of the Soul Eater."

Noble Phantasm->"Cursed Soul Shot" in which an arrow would be fired causing severe damage, cursing my enemy for eternity, and having them slowly bleed to death.

Noble Phantasm Variant-> "Eternal Shot" can only be used against airborne targets and is simply an extremely mana-depleting shot.

Noble Phantasm->"Judgment of Anubis" can only be used against a Master. It judges the Master's soul and forces them to either deal with their insecurities or perish with their sins.

Also I might point out that my servant is not a hero but more of a guardian spirit. Also instead of changing to spirit form and being invisible, Anubis simply changes into a big black wolf/dog.

Unlike most heroic souls that have been summoned before, Anubis is actually a rather friendly (and at times clumsy) Servant. Also he holds human like above all else and will not take the life of an innocent unless a command spell is used.

History speaks of the Servant Anubis/Archer having been summoned in one of the first Grail Wars and chose to kill his own master instead of letting the enemy kill her. Yes, Archer had fallen in love with his Master, but the corruption and destruction of the Grail War forced him to take her life instead of letting another unnamed Servant torture her. It's said that even as his Master lay dying in his arms, the Servant Archer (as he himself began to disappear) took down several opposing Servants and unleashed all his Noble Phantasms as vengeance.


*note*-> After Archer's battle with Ra, Anubis can now use Ra's Reality Marble "Unparalleled Underworld" and has access to his Lost Phantasm, "The First Sarcophagus." BUT! He can only use the Reality Marble and Lost Phantasm in Dark Archer form. The First Sarcophagus is the first part of 4 steps. Once the final Sarcophagus is called upon, Archer will die and Dark Archer will permanently take his spot *note*-> That is NOT a good thing X D

A catalyst is required to summon me or you must summon me by traveling to the Egyptian ruins.

Master Bio

My name is Akimoto Takumi (23). I didn't use to have any magic power but I got accidentally possessed by an ancient spirit. We had some hard time at first, I was being controlled, went on rampage and destroyed half of the forest where I live. I solved the problem by getting help from an old shopkeeper who used to be a priest. He gave me a seal which would restrain the spirit from causing any more harm. Having the spirit inside my body has forced the magic circuits to awaken thus allowing me to use magic. The spirit has calmed during these years and now we exchange thoughts through telepathy. It seems that it wanted to posses someone so it could enter to the Holy Grail war to regain its original body. I'm not sure if it was the wisest choice to help it but I trust the spirit and I’m ready to do anything with the cost of my own life.

I may not be the strongest mage around here but I tend to plan beforehand and support my servant.
I'm good with enchanting and I can cast illusions. Otherwise my defense and offensive spells suck

The Archer Servant would suit me the best.

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Now that the stage is set… Let the summoning begin!

Master Akimoto had prepared for this day for years. The catalyst is set… he has a piece from one of the Pyramids of Gaaza. This should allow him to summon an amazing Servant. The incantation is complete… but where is the Servant? “Woof!” came a bark.

A big black wolf/dog was sitting in the corner. “What on Earth is this? That is a dog… not a Servant!” shouted Akimoto.

“Does my Master not find this form to his liking?” said the dog as it transformed into a human.

The Servant Archer stood before him…
*insert image*

“I’ll warn you now, I tend to work alone. Do your best not to get killed Master.” said the Servant disappearing.

Archer’s Master didn’t even bother chasing him… In just the few seconds that the Servant was before him, he had learned what he needed to.
Akimoto was preparing to leave his cabin but he had to do one minor thing first.
He decided to disguise himself by a simple illusion spell since it wouldn't be surprising if someone was to spy on him. He started to chant a spell and after a while his whole appearance had changed. He wasn't anymore that tall and slim man with silver hair that he used to be. Instead there now is a short old grandpa with greasy black hair and gloomy little eyes admiring his looks at the mirror. "Perfect" he thought. He gathered everything essential to his bag: staff, spare clothes, food supplies and couple of magical devices that he thought he could use as traps. He walked around the house, like he was looking for something but he was doing completely opposite, hiding. After being done he rolled carpet away from the floor revealing a hidden door to underground tunnel. "We are leaving the forest!"

"What if they follow us?" said the spirit that was possessing Akimoto. "Don't worry, I trapped the cabin, even if they manage to survive the blast the entrance to the tunnels will collapse because of the impact" Akimoto answered. "So... where does this tunnel lead to?" Asked the spirit it's curiosity. "The tunnel is connected to the abandoned underground network, it should allow us to travel safely around the city without being noticed" He answered. "Ok, but one more question. Why did you disguise yourself as old geezer instead of hot looking babe?” Spirit teased him. "When the time comes that I'll be with my servant, it would look more natural if an old geezers would walk his dog than if a hot babe were to walk her dog... Why do you ask? Could it be possible that you are some perverted guy's spirit?" "Oh no no, of course not, I thought that you would be the perverted one" spirit corrected.

Servant Archer decides it'd be safer to let the initial fighting go without involvement... then turns into wolf/doggie form and wanders off in search of food.

Sensing his Master's movement, Anubis follows him at a distance still in wolf/dog form. He will never allow another Servant to get close to his Master, but he would rather have worked alone. Oddly enough Anubis is very easily distracted by the female dogs along the way. Realizing that he has lost track of his Master, Anubis reverts to humanoid form and barrels down the streets of the foreign city at break-neck speeds. Upon finding Akimoto, Anubis drops to one knee and offers his apologies.

“I’m sorry I was rude before… Forgive me Master.” said Archer.

“It’s fine, I understand that you are simply trying to end this war quickly. Do as you please for now.” replied Akimoto dismissing the Servant.

Archer realized that there was a lot of movement among the Servants and decided to check the competition out. His first target was Berserker. "Let's see that Noble Phantasm of yours, Berserker" taunts Archer as he approached the massive Servant.

The sweet prospect of a fight with the god Anubis was tempting, anxiety and excitement took hold of Berserker and lashed his sword at the dog, Anubis was agile and evaded the blow. Berserker was back to reality, his master was alone and if ever two or three servants might target her it would be her end, berserker howled more than it is a laugh; it has been so long since he had felt this rush. His opponents in this war is far more superior than the ones he had fought before, as much as he loved to cleave the head of this dog of a god he restrained himself, and decided to return to his master.
Anubis, the archer class servant; felt the force of the blade and he knew that Berserker was a servant like other servants are not to be underestimated, even though he evaded the blade that would have halved him he felt a twinge of bruise in his left shoulder.

Archer ponders Berserker's intentions for a few minutes, tenderly rubbing his slightly bruised shoulder and returned to wolf/dog form. Could it be??? Could it be that Berserker and his Masters relationship was...sexual.... Archer felt nauseated. To think that Servants and Masters of such desperate caliber were competing in this Grail War.

Before Archer could ponder anymore, a cat appeared before him... "Not again" thought Archer as his canine instincts flared to life.

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Archer continued his stroll around Fuyuki City and soon ran across another Servant.

As they stepped out into the street Skullreken froze he felt the eyes again he looked up the road there sat a big black dog "ARCHER!" he hissed at Hoshime.

Seeing the mighty Servant Skullreken before him, Archer decides what to do...
"Meow? I mean WOOF!!!" says the agitated Archer.
Skull looks at the dog before him... and then pets him. "Woof... arf? Um... ruff?" says Archer imitating a dog.

Clearly the Servant before him can see through his disguise so Archer woofs a hurried explanation about a hot female dog off on the other side of town and flees.

But alas, poor Archer runs headlong into the Master Sakura. And in the process gets tripped into a fence. But the Master Sakura is kind to the Servant Archer/Dog. She pets him kindly and scratches his ears.

Upon parting, Archer ponders whether or not he would be capable of killing Master Sakura if the Grail War demanded it of him.

Skullreken and Hoshime want to find out all there was to know about their newest opponent taking Hoshime up on his back Skullreken stalked after the black dog as it ran after the scent of its master. It was a good disguise but not a clever disguise it seemed to dull the archers senses "That’s right lead us to your master" Hoshime smiled over his Servant’s shoulder.

Meanwhile after walking for hours at the tunnels, Akimoto finally decides to leave the tunnels, but before that he had a small conversation with spirit

Spirit: "Why are leaving now instead of hours ago when we entered to the underground tunnel? What were those little thingies you placed on the wall anyways?"
Akimoto: "Those little "thingies" that I placed all over the place are magic detectors, even though they can't tell the exact location of every master and servant, they are able to locate anyone who uses magic at the radius of the detectors"
Spirit: "Why can't you just use some kind of magic to find out where everyone is or something..."
Akimoto: "believe me I would if I could"
Spirit: "And where the hell are we anyways"
There was slight smile at the Akimoto’s face as they rose up the stairs
Akimoto: "Here"
In front of their eyes there was a huge mall across the street
Spirit: "Great... We walk for hours so you could go shopping..."

The Servant Archer soon after parting ways with Master Sakura realized that Servant Skullreken was following him. In order to protect his own Master, Archer quickly rushed into a crowded department store. Not caring which way to go, Archer quickly slipped into a changing room. As soon as he could no longer feel the other Servant's presence, Archer reverted back to his humanoid form. But.... what's this? *SMACK* A heavy hand bag comes out of nowhere and clubs Archer firmly on the side of the head. "OW!!! Come on now... was that necessary?" demands Archer.
Then Archer realized who had hit him... It appeared to be a young woman about 19 in age, clearly in the middle of changing... "Sorry?" mutters Archer before turning a bright shade of red.


What followed could not be shown or typed due to the graphic nature.... no.. Archer did not get lucky... he got pwned... by a school girl....

Akimoto had stolen the janitor’s clothes and acted like he belonged to the mall's staff. While he was preparing new enchanted gadgets out of items that he had stolen from local shops the spirit started a conversation.

Spirit: So... why the mall?
Akimoto: Isn't it obvious, it's the best suited fighting area for me, at the days there are too much people around, unless they want to slaughter them all it's pointless to start a fight, the mall is huge and there are lots of objects so it's suitable for ranged combat and the items here give me a change to create more enchanted items to use as trap... But we will not stay here forever though...
Spirit: Mall alone eh?
Akimoto: Well sort of

Akimoto continued to create his gadgets such as elemental traps, flash bangs and seals.

Spirit: What if the other masters come before we are ready?
Akimoto: What are the changes, I have disguised and nobody saw me entering the tunnels, It's not like my Servant would lead them straight to the mall just because he felt himself lonely. And it's more unlikely that someone would perform magic that could easily locate me since it isn't the easiest task to locate so small magical aura.

Akimoto laughed and continued his work.

Later after the young woman, Nao, had finished pwning Archer, the Servant hastily retreated in search of his Master. Fate intervened again and Archer (who is god-forsakenly clumsy) accidentally ran into Nao once again. Of course they landed in such away that Servant Archer's face was planted firmly in Nao's chest... *Insert 20 minutes of crazy pwnage here*

Once Nao finished screaming "Hentai! Ecchi! Rape! Fire! (and who knows what else)," Archer collected himself off the ground. As he stood up again, Archer took a good look at the young woman before him. His breath stopped for a few seconds as he realized that Nao was almost a reincarnation of his first Master. "What is the meaning of this?" thought Archer.


Archer seemed distant as Nao guided him through a mall. "Why on earth am I here?" thought Archer.
"You're here because you felt me up and peeked at me while I was changing." said Nao.
Archer's face became startled. Could Nao be a magus? Or was she just lucky? Out of the corner of his eye, Archer spotted someone rather familiar. "Master Akimoto?" called Archer.

Lo and behold, it was indeed his Master Akimoto. "Do I even want to know what you're doing Master?" asked Archer.
"Same for you Servant Archer. Who's the young lady?" replied Akimoto.
"Um.... my sister?" muttered Archer.

*SMACK* "You SICKO! If I was your sister then why did you feel me up and peek???" yelled Nao clubbing Archer with her handbag again.
"Ow... No more Ms. Nao... It hurts..." moaned Archer.
As the Servant and Nao bickered Akimoto whispered, "Could this really be the fearsome Servant Archer... no.. He must have suffered severe brain damage when I summoned him... Woe is me. I'm surely doomed...."

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Akimoto thought quickly and said to Archer "Oi, are you the help boy that I asked from the boss?" Archer was still quite confused after meeting Nao, getting beaten up and finding his Master. "Um... yes?" he answered. "Good" said Akimoto and gave bucket and mop to the archer "And now go clean the sector seven! FAST!" he shouted to him. Archer started to run with mop and bucket on his hand but he tripped on his feet and as result of that the bucket flew through the air ending up to the head of a mature woman.

*Small beating scene with a handbag*

As soon as archer came to his senses he noticed that there was a false bottom on the bucket. The bottom revealed some magical traps, message and blueprints of the mall. Anubis started to read. "I wasn't sure when you would get here so I prepared this. Here's the blueprint of the mall since we are going to use this as our fortress. The blueprints showed the location of the traps and suitable fighting locations. But for now I want you to set up these traps to corresponding locations (which you can see from the blueprints). Don't worry about them, just place them and you are done. Later tell me everything what you know about other masters and servants."

While Anubis was busy Akimoto was talking to the Mao. "Ahhh... I'm terribly sorry for all the problems that my boy has caused, of course the mall will pay for any damage caused, but for now these free choco coupons have to do" ^.^'

"I got bad feeling about this" said the spirit.

Archer quickly read over the blueprints of the mall and began to make his rounds. Once he had the mall completely covered, he returned to his Master. His Master and Nao were engaged in a rather heated discussion. "Ok, sector 7 is all clean." said Archer grinning.
Nao turned towards Archer and hurled her handbag at him. "You BAKA! You didn't tell me you were a Servant!"

"Er... can we cut back on the clubbing and throwing stuff?" pleaded Archer as Nao violently shook him.

"No! Explain yourself!" growled Nao.

Archer gave a tortured look to his Master who held up his hands and said, "You're on your own Archer."

Thus began the beginning of Archer's fond memory of the Grail War.

Archer finally grows tired of Nao, and decides to go to the local shrine to seek out a new Servants presence...
"Caster!" shouts Archer as he recognizes the Servant.
"Archer!" replies Caster.

The two Servants stare each other down. They both realize that the battle that could follow would cause devastation all around. Instead Archer sits down and offers Caster some snacks

"Aren't we supposed to be fighting?" asks Caster.
"I'm tired... and I got beaten on all day. Food first... Go make tea or something." replies Archer.
"Basically you're being lazy... or you're just a weak Servant."

Archer jumps to his feet and shouts "Don't make me go Bankai on you!"
"You can't... that's copyright infringement... not to mention a completely separate anime." replies Caster calmly sipping some tea.
"What about Unlimited Blade Works!" stutters Archer slightly flustered.
"Nope... you're not that Archer. Just sit down and shut up. Have some tea." growls Caster.

"You're so mean, Caster-san." whines Archer.
"Just wait till the Grail War starts, I'll show you mean."

Thus Archer and Caster sat at the shrine and enjoyed their snacks... Until...

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"ARCHER!!!" screams Nao... -> followed by
Caster watches from the side with leisure with a nice cup of green tea as Nao beats up Archer.

Meanwhile Akimoto is finally ready with his preparations

Spirit: So... how does this plan of yours work?
Akimoto: It's quite simple yet devastating
Spirit: Oh really?... -.-
Akimoto: As soon as they enter the mall, no matter which entrance, the flash bang traps will blind them for a moment during that archer and me began to use our ranged attacks, as soon as the enemy notices that he is being shot they will seek cover from the nearest cushions. But little they know that all those obstacles are filled with elemental traps causing them to receive some fatal injuries. After that we shoot for while and then retreat to the emergency exits only to turn invisible with my magic, after they come after us we seal the door behind them and run away through main entrance and exploding the whole building!
Spirit: sounds perfect... but one question... where's Archer?
Akimoto: Aw... Sh…

In between sporadic moments of beatings, Archer gasps, "I felt disturbance in the air, I wonder what that was?"

Caster ponders, “Which is another mystery to me as how the hell do ‘you’, Archer, know me who came from a totally different universe than the one you are in.”
“Probably from a previous Grail War =P We must have met during the 2nd one... or the 3rd... or was it the 1st... man I lost track of which Grail War I was in.” replies Archer.

“Oh my my my, then shouldn't i knock that knowledge out of your head since you may know my weakness” snickers Caster

“Oooh, good point! Don't make me go Bankai on you! Wait... disregard that... darn copyrights...”

“Oh ho, no no no, i won't fight you, since I want to conserve my strength before the war, and the living in this shrine is not bad, nice and quiet, I want to enjoy it for some while longer. So......Nao? Please continue.”

“Ahhh no Nao-chan... Please not the handbag... OMG! Is that a metal pipe! Argh... Master save me?” moaned Archer.

Meanwhile Akimoto was walking circles while trying to think what to do. Thanks to the disappearing of Anubis, the change that the plan will work is now near to zero.

Akimoto: Oh what to do! What to do!
Spirit: Mantra?
Akimoto: The war hasn’t yet started officially, there would be no point use them yet.
Spirit: Search for yourself?
Akimoto: Someone might come and set the traps off while I'm gone
Spirit: Whistle?
Akimoto: Stop kidding, it's not like he some dog tha... Hey, I got an idea!

Akimoto rushed out from his janitor's room and went downstairs to the local instrument shop. After a while he returned to his room.

Spirit: What are you going to do with that rod looking thingy?
Akimoto: It's a flute, and I'm going to use to call anubis back here...
Spirit: Dear Akimoto, you might not know this, but he isn't a snake, so you can't hypnotize him...
Akimoto: Now hush...

Akimoto pointed his fingers at the flute and started chanting. Magic sparks flew from his fingertips and landed on the flute giving it a light glow.

Akimoto: Behold! My enchanted dog whistle!
Spirit: Okay... What does it do?
Akimoto: It sends vibration trough air that only dog could hear, and the best part of it is that the range is over 10 kilometers! I'm sure he will notice this.
Spirit: Well give it a try then!

Akimoto gathered air into his lungs and blew into the flute. No sound could be heard but every single glass object was broken within a radius of 1km.

Spirit: Oh you are screwed now, I wonder what other Masters and Servants think about that... and is that barking that I hear and why it's getting closer?
Akimoto: Aw CRA...!

"Aw my ears! What was that" Archer shouted in pain.

Holding her ears from the annoying sound, Caster can already determine that it’s from a dog whistle. And from a blast that size, it must have come from some kilometer away from here, plus there is no doubt that this is a magi's doing, must be one of the Masters, possibly calling his Servant, trying not to use the Command Spells. But.....who's Master would use a dog whistle to call his Servant?

My eyes centered on Archer who was pinned down by the katana Nao "borrowed" from the other room, he dropped his guard when that blast came through, “Now if I remember correctly, his identity is........” The answer struck Caster square in the head, and spasm of laughter erupted from her belly.

"My my, what kind of Master is this?" Caster whispered, whipping away tears of laughter.

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Nao looked at her with questioning eyes; Caster gave her a gaze that said nothing was wrong.

"Now excuse me for a sec, I need to go outside for a bit, be right back." said Caster

Standing in the empty yard, she whispered "Oh curious wind, answer my command, and bring me the news of the city."

Winds gathered, forming a small hurricane around Caster, words and pieces of conversation was sounding her. She concentrated, picking out the ones from the other Masters and Servants. Then, seeing the seriousness of the matter, she walks back inside.

Nao still had Archer pinned down, and was now sitting on top of him. With a fleeting thought on how much potential Nao had to become an SM queen, Caster asked "May I borrow Archer for a sec?" Without waiting for reply, she grabs Anubis by the neck and drags him to his feet. "What, what?" he sputtered, unable to grasp what is happening. “He's helpless,” she thought.

"You got work to do." continuing to hold him by the neck, Caster ‘took’ him out into the yard.

"What work?" He asked.

Frustrated, Caster murmured "Ten thousand volts." (please imagine the classic scene where Ash got electrocuted by Pikachu, except this time its Anubis)

Then she murmured "Null gravity" and sprang into the air, rising to 1000 meter off ground, spin around, and throwing Archer to the approximate centre of the whistle blast.

As Archer hurtled through the air towards where his Master was still playing his dog whistle/flute, he attempted to plug his ears. "Surely I can't be the weakest Servant in this Grail War... I can't do a Bankai, or a Reality Marble, but I suppose I still have my Noble Phantasms." he thought.
Suddenly a random image of Nao-chan with a whip in hand sprung to his mind. "Now is not the time to be thinking of such things. Yes, she resembles my first Master, but she is not her." thought Archer.

Unfortunately for Archer just as he neared the mall where his Master was at, Akimoto unleashed another shrill yet piercing wave of whistles. Poor Archer covered his ears and tired to drown the noise out... and failed to see the street pole he was rushing towards.

*BONG*

Archer collided violently with the pole... Akimoto looked up and began laughing as Archer cursed and got up.

Back at the shrine, Caster burst out laughing again as she poured Nao another cup of tea.

After the second whistle,

Spirit: Are you sure that flute is working?
Akimoto: I'm quite sure, I can feel his presence from that direction

Akimoto pointed to the direction on the pole only noticing archer lying on the ground. He started to laugh.

Akimoto: Archer, what are you doing?
Spirit: I think he didn't hear it, maybe you should give it another go.
"Dear god no!" Archer begged
Akimoto: Sorry about that, I needed you to come back so we could proceed with our plan to lure 1 master and servant at time... But for "certain" circumstances we are not able to stay here any longer.

Akimoto took a sly look at his enchanted flute and placed it on his pocket.

Akimoto: Change of plan, we are moving to another location. But before that we are going to fill this place up with explosives, Archer, take these traps and place them all over the place while I go set up magic emitter that will hopefully distract other masters to think that we are still here. After we have found new hideout tell me everything you know about other masters and servants.

Skullreken and Hoshime were randomly passing by Akimoto and Archer. Skullreken was understandably pissed about tonight’s events.
He grabbed the dog flute from Akimoto threw it on the ground and jumped up and down on it until only little pieces which Hoshime then set on fire with a small pyro spell remained, before continuing on home

Both Caster and Anubis wept with joy at the blasted flutes destruction.

Archer and Akimoto got back to work once things settled down, until…
"Master Akimoto is this dyna-mite-thingy supposed to be lit?" said Archer.

"Anubis... I hate you"
*KABOOM!*


The mall blasted into the air, concrete was flying and an iron bar hit a on the Akimoto's leg pinning him down on the ground. Akimoto yelled for help in pain while the ceiling was crumbling and falling. Anubis tried to do the best to save Akimoto but it was already too late for that ending up to only save his very own life...

Everything went white and suddenly it was like nothing had happened

Archer: Ok, what did just happen
Akimoto: A mere illusion to show what would happen if those dyna-things were to lit while we are inside
Archer: Oh...

And they continued to set traps.

Archer ponders his Master's wonderful illusion skills... very useful in battle. Archer slowly continued the task of setting massive amounts of explosives all over the mall, and once he was done checked to make sure all the innocent bystanders were clear.

As Akimoto tended to the last few details, Archer decided to change his wardrobe. Quickly he rearranged his humanoid form and materialized clothes that suited him. Now dressed casually in black jeans, a red shirt, and black jacket, Archer reached into his pocket and pulled out a Zippo. "Was that supposed to be in there?" he thought.
In his jacket he found a pack on cigarettes and decided to try one. Thus he sat around smoking while his Master finished up.
Akimoto came outside the mall and noticed his Servant had completely changed his appearance... and was smoking!

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"That's bad for you!" shouted Akimoto.
"Your point? I'm technically dead..." replied Archer.

Neither spoke for a moment and then they both burst out laughing.

Skullreken and Hoshime had decided to hang around for some lulz


"Like the new look Archer" remarked Skullreken "too bad your fly is open!"

Archer’s hand flew too his crotch. "Fooled you" grinned Skullreken.

Hoshime and Akimoto both laughed "To bad your pants are down Akimoto" laughed Hoshime

"No, they're not" replied Akimoto.

With lightening fast reflexes Skullreken slashed Akimoto's belt with his lance leaving him with his pants around his ankle. The pair then faded into the nether realm and went home.

Akimoto was still standing with his pants on his ankles
Archer: Master, your pa...
Akimoto: More importantly, did you catch a glimpse of Skullreken's power.
Archer: Well I di...
Akimoto: It's quite unlikely that we are able you beat him just like that. It's true that we haven't yet witnessed your combat skills put we can leave anything on luck. We have to find a place that will dramatically decrease Skullreken's power dramatically. His speed is the problem, we could use spells, illusions or obstacles to slow him down but I think that will not be enough. We have to find a way! We have to!
Archer: Your pa...
Akimoto: Too bad I was seen in my disguise so I'll have to change it... too bad, I was starting to like this old man form.

Akimoto reverted back to his old self, Fat is gone and he became taller and gained his original silver-ish hair color and sharp eyes. But as soon as he was done he started to cast another disguise spell. For a surprise he switched his gender! He was as tall as before but his body shape had changed a lot. A busty blond with short hairs and blue eyes stood before Archer on janitor’s shirt.

Akimoto: So... how do I look *wink*
Spirit: Um... Akimoto... Your pants...

Archer had a nose bleed…

Akimoto, with her new disguise, and Archer were walking around the city to find a new hideout and think a way to decrease Skullreken's speed. She had finally gotten something to cover her pale legs from the cold. But Archer was slightly disappointed since he was expecting to see his master at good looking skirt, but instead she was wearing torn up jeans and black sweater. Archer popped a question out of nowhere.

Archer: By the way, did you ever think about that those traps in the mall could possibly kill normal people also when they detonate?

Akimoto stopped walking for a while like she was shocked, but soon she started to walk again.

Akimoto: Um... Nope? Does it matter?
Archer: Well for me, it doesn’t, it was a mistake after all...
Akimoto: I guess you are right, but now we have to do something about lancer's speed.
Archer: Oh yeah...

When they were about to pass local electronic store, Akimoto stopped again. She began to watch a TV which was behind the shop's window. There was running a popular kid's show where holy knight used a magical sword to defeat a dragon. The knight himself lacked the courage and power to fight, but with the sword he was able to multiply his strength and beat the evil dragon. After watching for a while they decided to move again.

Akimoto: I wonder why the dragons are always the bad guys, but darn it would be a useful If I owned sword like that... sword? Wait a second!
Archer: Huh?
Akimoto: Archer! Find me a sword! Any sword! But it has to be sharp! Since I have an idea!
Archer wondered where his Master would need a sword since he lacks power at offence.

"Akimoto wants a sword?" thought Archer as he walked towards the shrine Caster was at.

"Caster-chan! I need one of you katanas." Archer announced as he arrived.

Suddenly a sheathed katana smacked Archer in the face. "Don't call me Caster-chan!" shouted Caster.

"Ow... Anyways thanks for the katana. Ooh I want some tea!"
"Grr... You just come over for the tea don't you?"
"No... Not really."
"Liar!" shouts Caster sending a gust of wind past Archer.

"Quit fighting Archer!" says Nao as she hits Archer.
"Caster started it... she was being mean >_<" moans Archer.

"I don't care! No fighting!" snarls Nao.

Caster and Archer look at each other briefly. Then Archer materialized his scimitar, the Sword of the Soul-Eater. Caster likewise materialized her dual fans. A stand-off...

Then Archer realizes that a fight here would be in direct violation of the Holy Grail War rules. "Both of you had better knock it off... or I'll..." roars Nao grabbing a katana.

Archer of course decided it was time to retreat and jumped back. Nao-chan stumbled past him off-balance... And managed to grab a hold of Archer's cloak effectively pulling him down on top of her. "Er... uh... there's a bedroom over that way." Caster muttered mildly blushing.

"Nooo!!! Ecchi!" screamed Nao pushing Archer off.

*Insert scene with Archer being chased around the shrine by Nao-chan wielding a katana.*

Akimoto was sitting in front of a local motel, she was angry.

Akimoto: Geesh! What's taking him so long!
Spirit: Is it really that hard to guess?
Akimoto: Of course! Nao! Why the hell he can't do anything right? Always playing with the women!

Suddenly Akimoto had shiver send down her spine!

Akimoto: Brrrrr
Spirit: What's the matter chief?
Akimoto: I got a bad feeling about this, it feels like an another powerful force has shown up...

While Akimoto was trying to think what could have caused this Archer showed up, having a black eye and covered in bruises, carrying a katana at his hand.

Akimoto: Now what did ha... why to ask... Nao?
Archer: Yeah she chased me half the way here before giving up and returning to the shrine. Oh here's your sword by the way.
Akimoto: Whoppidou!

Archer threw the katana to the Akimoto and she decided to take a quick look at the katana.

Akimoto: Quite good craftsmanship if I have to say... You did steal this, did you?... Nah never mind, this will do fine. You can take a break; meet me at the room 341 after 3 hours.

Akimoto was heading to the door.

Archer: Wait! You didn't tell me what are you going to do with that!
"You'll see, oh and take care of those bruises, it's embarrassing that my servant got beaten up by a girl" Akimoto gave a devilish smile and entered the motel. Archer grabbed a smoke from his pocket and placed it on his lips.

Archer: I do wonder what that wise-ass is up to...

While his Master was off doing sword enchanting or what not, Archer decided to get a good viewpoint of Fuyuki City. After locating the tallest building, Archer scaled it in a few short leaps. From the top he could see everything, but felt as if someone was watching him. "Probably just Caster..." he thought.

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After surveying the city and waiting till the sun had set, Archer materialized some new clothes and headed down to a bar. Little did he know that Nao-chan had seen him enter the bar. Luckily for Archer, Nao gave him 30 minutes or so before she barraged in and dragged him kicking and screaming out of the bar. "You shouldn't be drinking!" snapped Nao-chan.
"But... I've had a long day with you beating on me and things." whined Archer lighting a cigarette.
"Don't smoke either!" yelled Nao trying to grab Archer's lit cigarette.
"Nyuu! Mine!" growled Archer.

The two bickered for a few more minutes but Archer won the argument. Archer and Nao walked silently for awhile until Archer noticed that Nao was shivering. Without even thinking twice, Archer took off his jacket and dropped it on Nao-chan's head. "I don't want your smelly jacket!" said Nao throwing it back.
"Suit yourself." replied Archer
"You seem a bit off. Did I hit you a little too hard?"
"No... You just look like someone I knew a long time ago."
"Really? I'm prettier right?"
Archer gave Nao a blank look...
Suddenly Nao's handbag came swinging towards his face. "What's with the stupid look? It was a simple question!"
"Nao-chan, calm down! Being angry isn't good for your blood-pressure..." Archer stammered as he backed off.

"I don't care! Grrr! Bankai!"
"What the hell! Can everyone but me go Bankai and get away with copyright infringement."

Back at the hotel Master Akimoto felt Archer's mana flow going haywire... At first he thought Archer had engaged another Servant, and then realized that he had simply gotten owned by Nao-chan... Again... "I sense that Nao-chan could be a problem..." Akimoto muttered.

Archer senses a new Master has arrived... could it be... Illyana...

*Archer's mind begins to crank out random images* *Insert Image*

No way! It can't be... another one? Due to the insane amounts of events occurring and Nao-chan's regular beatings, Archer decides to go into a mediation state in order to hone his skills and possibly regain his lost Phantasm.

He informs Akimoto of his plan and reverts to his spirit form. Of course his Master would be in no danger as he could materialize whenever his Master called for him. Also Archer sense that the Servant Caster now had a Master as her presence became more powerful and profound. Could it be that all the Servants were slowly coming to Fuyuki City? Was the Grail War about to start? How much of this city will remain after...

Archer entered the motel and was closing to the room 341. As he got into the front of the door he tried to knock it, But as soon as his knuckles were about hit the door an unknown force pushed his hand back. "Seals... Well I'm not surprised, I'm sure he has left something here" Archer thought and took a look at his surroundings. He saw a small piece of paper peeking out from the planter. Archer took it and had a look at it. It was a message from Akimoto, he mentioned to use next room's balcony to enter the room 341. "Now which room is he talking about... 339 or 343? Well let's try"

Archer grabbed the handle of the room number 343 and tried if it was unlocked. "Bingo!" Archer though. But there was a couple in middle of an act. "I'm terribly sorry! there has to be some kind of mistake!" Archer shouted and slammed the door shut. archer was embarrassed and went to the other door. "This has to be it" he thought and grabbed the handle... Locked... "Does this mean?... No! It can't be! I'm not going back there! But my master is waiting for me! I must!" Archer had a hard time to decide but he decided to rush through the room and get into to the Akimoto's room. "Banzai!" he shouted and started to run towards the balcony, but he slipped on the man's underwear and fell on the bed where the couple was. "Nice day eh?". The woman started to scream and the man was pissed, Archer decided to take his leave. He went to the balcony and leaped to the next room's one. "I wonder why Akimoto had to do that?" he said quietly and entered the room.

Akimoto was sleeping at bed, he seemed exhausted and he also had reverted to his own form, at the other end of the room there was the sword that archer gave to him lying on the table. Archer sneaked past Akimoto because he didn't want to wake him up. He grabbed the katana and looked at it. Nothing had changed he thought, But as he took the blade out from the sheath he saw the difference. The blade had a red color and it was emitting a gentle glow. Also there was strange looking meter imbued into the blade it was only 15% full. "Now what is this, you can hardly tell any difference but at the same time you can feel powerful force coming out of this" archer thought. "Beautiful, isn't it?" Akimoto said as he had woke up and was sitting on the bed glass of water at his hand. "Sorry for waking you up master" archer said. "Don't worry about it, I woke to the screams at the next door" Akimoto replied "that's why I'm sorry" archer said his head down. "What? You mean you didn't use the room 339? What happened to the key I taped on the other side of the message?" Akimoto asked with strange look at his face. "Key? What key?" took the message out from his pocket and turned it around "Oh this key... I didn't use it" Archer said with 'sorry, my mistake' kind of look. "Well doesn’t matter, I tell you everything about it at the morning" said Akimoto and went back to sleep.
Instead of remaining in the hotel room, Archer found a comfortable spot on the roof and laid down. Placing his hands behind his head, he watches the stars. "So this is the Grail War." he thought.
Materializing his Sun Scorcher, Archer practiced firing arrows and made sure his muscles weren't getting out of shape. The he materialized the Sword of the Soul-Eater and went through a series of complicated swings.
Finally Archer sat back down and simply took in as much of the night as he could...

Sakura and Berserk had gotten into an argument earlier…

Sakura was hiding in the park. After she felt that Uriah’s presence is going to the castles direction. She stood up and ran off to the woods. She passed the shrine and felt how she breached the barrier, but she didn't think anymore, she just ran. After some time she came out of the barrier surrounding the shrine. She went deeper and deeper into the woods, going up and up. After a while she got tired and collapsed near a tree. She rested for a while, and then sat up and trying to rub off her tears. She didn't understand why they were coming out, but she tried to stop them and after a while she just ran out of them.
She sat under a tree dozing off every few minutes. She knew that dawn is coming close but Uriah’s presence was still wandering around the town and finally disappeared. Maybe he went to the underworld or just did something. She didn't know but she cared.
After a while she settled down, and the decided to change her appearance. She concentrated and her long grey-red hair became short and golden, but her eyes became purple. She loved the color of her eyes. After a while she changed her clothes, and then jeans and shirt were changed with a skirt, belt, white shirt and jacket. Her les very covered in long striped hose and black shoes. On her body were rings, necklace, earrings and so on... She totally changed except for her eyes. You couldn’t say that this was a magi before.

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When night deepened, Sakura stood up and started walking down the path. But when she reached an open place in the woods. She saw the moon and she couldn’t stop her feeling from coming out in a song.
Sakura started singing, her voice and song leaped to the city. Everyone who was awake reacted to that song. It was like a lullaby filled with passion and love. It was a wonderful song sung by angelic voice. The song reached the ears of Archer.

Archer heard something beautiful, no angelic... then realized it was a person singing. Closely listening to the voice, Archer honed in on the location and bounded towards it. As he leapt through the air, Archer let the beautiful, soft, and perfect voice enfold his senses.

Master Sakura had her eyes closed and apparently wasn't paying attention as Archer landed silently behind her. Archer watched her for a few moments as her breath hung in the cold air. Then he wrapped her arms around her and let her weep.

Sakura was surprised that someone hugged her from behind. It was a warm hug, but it felt somehow strange. She started tearing up. But she hold herself together wiped the tears with her arm and jumped out from the arms of unknown person and turned around. She saw Archer standing there.
"What.. What are you doing here?" Sakura was surprised that this was a servant, and in the night too... "Did he hear me singing? That means that Uriah heard it too. I must get out of here" Sakura started going backwards, but Archer grabbed her by her hand and stopped her.

Master Sakura attempted to flee from Archer, but Archer had a firm grip on her hand. "I mean you no harm, Master Sakura." said Archer calmly.
"How do I know you won't just shoot me in the back or incapacitate me..." replied Sakura.
Archer replied by dematerializing his armor and changing into his casual attire
*insert Image*
He then sat down on a tree stump and lit a cigarette. "Please continue and allow me an audience. If not I shall listen to you from far away. I simply cannot stop listening, your voice pierces my very soul, the soul that I thought I had discarded for this war."

"Why did you try to discard your soul? That could have caused your summoning to go horribly wrong. Your class could have changed from Archer to something else and thus doomed a Master that summoned you." gasped Sakura.

"I am a guardian, not a warrior. I do not kill innocents, I help them find the path that is right. My own Master is my top priority, but I would gladly stop a fight between Servants who were wreaking havoc unnecessarily on this city and it's inhabitants. I guess you could say I'm a soft or tame Servant."

"Archer... what do you want the Holy Grail for?"

"World peace? No something like that would corrupt the world and it would be a false sense of peace."

"Do you have nothing worth fighting for?"

"I do not. My life is my Masters. If he dies, I too will die shortly afterward. But if that time comes, may I hear you sing one last time Sakura?"

The two gazed each other as the moonlight poured down into the clearing. A Master and a rival Servant. Or was it two tortured souls resonating with each other?

Meanwhile in some bushes nearby…

"Caster-chan shhhhh!!" Illyana signaled for silence.
Caster-chan, covered her mouth forgetting that she was there to pry and eavesdrop.
"By the way I did not know you have a cute voice, the two girls giggled.
It was unexpected that Kvasir the silent of the bunch shush them to silence. Both girls giggled again and watched how this love would unfold.
"May I hear you sing again-" they heard Archer said.
The two gals held their breath as their moe flames blazed stronger. They were watching intently to what would happen next.
The two were staring at each other with such intensity that the two eavesdroppers were profusely sweating... Kvasir leaned his head unexpectedly perhaps to hear more of their conversation