shinytoybox | Fate/AU

It was the duty of the Kuzunoha clan to protect the country and its populace from threats both external and internal, as Magus and as appointed Guardians of the Yatagarasu. This would be quite different from his summoning familiars, a Heroic Spirit was on a different level.

Thankfully he had someone that was more than familiar with the process, having been witness and guide since the Holy Grail appeared in Japan. On the rooftop of the Narumi Detective Agency, under a clear, moonless night - a bad omen for most Magus, but for the Kuzunohas a fortuitous time - the summoning circle drawn to the exact specifications, incense - bellflowers, sandalwood, sage burn in the air.

The black cat nods in approval as he sits next to the young Magus, the latter starting to stand. "All right, I gave you the basic chant - every one of your predecessors who took part in this ritual changed it to suit their personality and preference of Servants, so Jouhei - do what fits your needs."

With that, Raidou pricks the tip of his right pointer finger to let a drop of his potent blood hit the circle, his left hand gripping over his below, the wind picking up as power starts to surge through him and circle - confident the boundary field they set up around the Agency would mask the ritual from prying eyes.

Soon he starts, speaking in a low, whispery voice, raspy from disuse.

"In the shadow of black wings
Under the three talons
In the name of the Gods' emissary
By Authority of the Eight-span crow
I summon thee to this land
I grant thee my magnetite to have form
I render unto thee my desires
I give thee life and thou grant my wish
I bind thee by my soul and by my appointed name
For I am the 14th Raidou of the Kuzunoha Clan
By the name I taken I tie my fate to thee
And I close my fate from those that’ll steal thee
And I close my fate from treachery
Spirit, God, Beast, Man, Devil or Celestial!
I will accept thee no matter what form thou take.
Our destiny is now bound!
Come forth in the name of the Kuzunoha and Yatagarasu!
Come forth!
Come forth!
Come forth!"

The original chant was restrictive, only for the great and legendary, they were fine concepts, great Servants, but something in his heart made him change such a specific clarion call to a wider net, the forsaken, the forgotten, the lonely and mistaken, those who spend their lives in the shadows.

As the last syllables fell from his lips, a bell seem to ring in his ears as light exploded in front of him, forcing him to shield his eyes as the black cat hide behind him for protection as something seem to tug right at his core and behind his eyes.

Edited 2021-08-08 23:39 (UTC)

['Spirit, God, Beast, Man, Devil or Celestial!
I will accept thee no matter what form thou take.'

These words, Raidou might regret. Or...perhaps, he wouldn't in the end.

After all, he was, without a doubt, gaining a Servant that would help him against this holy Grail war - perhaps even against all magic. The Crow of the Divine Golden Beast might have bound quite a few Servants, regardless of their alignments and the blood that coursed through Raidou's veins.

But this...was unusual. The light convalesced into butterflies, gathering together - for a moment looking like the glowing outline of a taller, thinner man - before bunching together to create someone a little shorter, a little stouter.

As the light faded, an old man - definitely western - was looking directly at Raidou, before giving a grin and doing a short, gentlemanly bow.]

...Hm hm....I see, I see! You're an interesting one, to summon me! I am Archer, my dear Master - it is my pleasure to meet you.

[His breath quickens, heart pounding in his ears as he could feel the connection flowing - butterflies? He wandered as the shape flickers in the light, as Gouto moved out from behind him, tail thrashing warily]

A Western figure... eh?

[The green-eyed cat sniffs the air, blinking as Raidou jerks, feeling the sting as the summoner's mark spreads on his chest, and a link that sensation of tugging settled, and a path... of sorts?]

Archer then?

[The voice came through the telepathic link, firm, curious]

...A chant to accept anyone? That does sound like you, but I'm not sure if that was wisest choice, Raidou.

[Ah....his master was the silent type, hm? Easy enough - he gives a nod, though he can't help but notice the cat's reaction to him...or his words.]

Raidou, is it...? An interesting name.

[And this was an interesting world - the mana in the air was high, along with the sensation that another world was just within reach...what sort of timeline was this one, he couldn't help but wonder.]

You are correct about the Western aspect, but I believe for the moment I will keep my True Name to myself. Nothing against you, of course.

Raidou Kuzunoha XIV to be exact, you can just use Raidou if you want. I'm Gouto-Douji, you can say I'm his instructor.

I understand, there are ways of getting such answers from a Master. You do look curious... is there any questions I should answer?

[The young man peers, tipping the brim of his hat up slightly, revealing pale gray eyes.

Well, while you get settled with this fellow, we should clean this place up or Narumi will have a fit when he comes up for morning joe.

Edited 2021-08-09 04:30 (UTC)

Gouto-Douji...hm, very well.

[He nods, though it's clear the cat is more than that. When he sees those gray eyes, there's an odd moment of shock...before he seems to master himself with a cough.]

Well, I am given to understand this is Japan, and...in an interesting time period, it seems. Of course, this is all information the grail has given me, but...I must confess - what is it that you seek the grail for?

[Also, Narumi? He doesn't ask that yet, but did this young man do his ritual in a space used by 'normal' people?]

[The pair looked to each other at the question as Raidou carefully snuff the incense, and wipe the marks - there's a deliberate way of doing it, closing the lingering gaps and traces of magic, even without a talking cat it was clear by the care he had a magic background]

My Wish...? I wish to contain the upcoming war to prevent the deaths of innocents... as for the Grail...

[He looks to Gouto briefly, before inclining his head, before he parts his lips, then silent]

There are a few old covenants that are still in action when they have long lost their meaning and only cause suffering, I wish for the ability to undo them.

[Yes, this boy was clearly a mage - yet, the answer he gave was....interesting, and certainly not mage-like.]

So you would give away your wish for another? Though you could have anything in the world...or find the Root?

[The goal of all mages...or so, at least, the clocktower claimed. He watched Raidou carefully, calmly, as if probing him for any hint of insincerity.]

[He shook his head, as Gouto watches - it seems the cat may not have picked on the exact thoughts Raidou had]

You gotta admit it's a fair question.

...

[A soft exhale, then he speaks - like a breeze given the ability to form words as he looks at Moriarty straight in the eye]

I have seen what the search for the root does to people. I do not like the results.

Edited 2021-08-09 05:39 (UTC)

[That - said many, many things. The voice was the most obvious - damaged? A defect from birth? - but the mere fact that a mage was willing to give it up upon seeing what it had done to people...

Yes, that was more than enough. He had passed - no need to dispose of him.]

How wise for one your age....indeed, the search for that sort of knowledge will destroy most humans - and even if they did manage to achieve it, they would no longer be human.

[There's...an odd note in his voice. Almost as if he'd seen that outcome - both of those outcomes.]

...Well then! I believe that's enough of my endless questions. Will you be needing me to go into spirit form, or should I make myself acquainted with this 'Narumi' fellow?

Narumi is aware that Raidou is a Magus... it's a complicated arrangement. I'll trust Raidou's judgment here - though he is a louse on most days.

[There's a slight huff in the cat's voice as he weaves around the teen's legs.]

On the surface, Narumi-san is my boss and my temporary guardian while I attend school here. He's not a bad person really, just... frivolous. It might not be a bad idea for him to be aware of your presence.

Edited 2021-08-09 06:04 (UTC)

He's aware....Then I see no issue with revealing myself to him. I am also capable of changing my outfit, so to the outside world, I will merely be a foreign old man.

[He'd still probably get looks, but it would be much less obvious than his current flamboyant wear. Snapping his fingers, he dispels the bright butterfly cloak, butterflies, and shiny accoutremants - leaving behind his quite nice looking pinstripe suit, practically in line with the fashion of the time, if a bit formal.]

Of course, I'll slip into something more 'common' for an older man in this time period - to truly make it look like I'm merely a nativized foreigner. But this should be good enough for this Narumi fellow?

Handy little trick.

[The cat murmurs, as Raidou gives him a quick look over than a nod]

He should be asleep, so that might wait until morning - but that will work. If anyone sees you, we'll say that you're one of our clients.

Being a Heroic Spirit has it's benefits.

[He says, lying through his goddamn teeth.]

Ah, before I forget - You work with the man, but he's a layabout? What manner of work does he do? Or is he merely someone living off of family money?

[Not like THAT isn't something he knew about, given nobles.]

He's a Private Dick, but one that only takes on 'special cases'.

[If his body was able to, one could sense Gouto would be rolling his eyes]

I'll show you around the place before I turn in, I still have school tomorrow...

A Private...detective, you say?

[While he seems to think about it, even placing a hand on his chin - internally (away from the link with Raidou), he's screaming.

Why must he always be involved with Detectives?!

...Wait. Narumi is his Master's boss, which means...

...Truly. Once the boy was gone, he would lie on the ground and scream into the earth over how unfair this all was.

Nodding, he takes a step - before suddenly seeming to notice something, his eyes widening.]

....Ah. Master - we may have a slight problem.

That's right...

[At the mention of a slight problem, the young man's hands disappeared under his cape, which shifted, betraying the outline of a sword hilt as he scans their surroundings, as the cat listens, then looks at Moriarty silently tail flicking]

What's wrong?

Ah - no, it isn't a threat, more of an...inconvience.

[Lest they get the wrong idea, obviously. He smiles, to lessen their guard, before giving a sigh.]

It appears I cannot go into spirit form, for whatever reason. My apologies, but it seems as if I will have to forego accompanying you in secret at your school.

[Gouto just gives him a long, silent stare, again the impression of raising an eyebrow without having animate brow ridges - again giving a single flick of the tail]

Huh-...did something go wrong in the ritual? We'll have to think of something else.

I see that look, nope - you did pretty much exactly as prescribed, it could be any number of things. Let's get out of the night air.

[With that, the Gouto turns and heads through the access door, and down, and Raidou follows, tossing his head to indicate that Archer should follow]

The top floor is my bedroom, Narumi-san's, and a spare bedroom, below that is the agency. Of course if we had considered keeping you from him, the choice is out of our hands now.

[He sees Gouto's suspicion, but doesn't react to it. He'll file it away for later, at least - if the cat isn't going to outright voice his suspicions, all the better.]

If I may offer an explanation - Japan is far from where my 'legend' is, so it may be a temporary lapse before I am able to do it.

[It's bullshit, but he's also very clearly british, so hopefully...]

How lucky for myself that there is a spare bedroom! Though I do not need food nor sleep, I do enjoy partaking of it at the very least.

[Also, bed nice and soft, his shoes clacking against the floor as they walk.]

The agency...you said this Narumi only takes on special cases, yes? I'm surprised he can keep it in business, unless special cases fall into his lap often.

[Raidou's brows knit at the explanation, unsure while Gouto just turned away]

Some of those cases do come with wealthy clients, but it's a mystery otherwise.

[The cat gave a long sigh as Raidou pauses to remove his shoes, heading down to the floor, moving quietly]

End of the hall is Narumi-san's room, the spare room is between his and mine.

I know where the key to it is, I'll be right back with it.

[and Gouto darts downstairs]

[Wealthy clients....perhaps this detective might be less Good than first thought. Interesting....

He nods at the explanation, though once they're alone, Moriarty does seem to...ease up, just a bit.]

Your familiar's quite the chatty one, isn't he?

[He heard the 'instructor' thing, but hell. Anyone would assume the cat was a familiar at first glance.]

[He notices the shift in the man's demeanor as he opens the door to his own bedroom, which is actually quite sparse, and very tidy - the only real signs of someone actually living in it are the books on a desk under a window and on a shelf next to the bed. He places his shoes inside as he glances back at the Servant. The idea of having one is still sinking in.]

Gouto has been around for a very long time, and very few people can understand him - I think he's a little excited that someone else besides me can hear him.

Edited 2021-08-16 07:09 (UTC)

[...More like just a place to sleep, instead of a personal room. Or, perhaps, his master is merely a practical sort, seeing no use in the superfluous.

Moriarty doesn't attempt to step in, merely standing outside the doorframe when Raidou looks back.]

Ah, well - I suppose I can understand that. So he is less of a familiar, and more akin to a....guardian spirit, perhaps?

[That also wasn't completely unheard of, especially in asian mage families.]

Well. I may have said it before, but I look forward to participating in this war with you, my master. Even with the minor setbacks, I can easily be of use, especially in the areas of planning and tactics.

Yes... he's been with the family for a long time.

[He removes the cape and coat, hanging them up.]

You can come in if you want... and I think I need them, this is different from subduing demons and purifying curses.

[In the morning, Narumi does seem like a flake but to someone of Moriarty's experience, the Detective is someone that's far sharper than he lets on, he makes an incredibly good cup of coffee and is an absolute fiend with Mahjong. But there's not much time to enjoy such a thing, as other Magus and Servants started to make a move. A Chinese Servant staked the Red Light District as her territory and so far had mostly stuck to defending off intruders for now, Saber and Lancer were seen clashing all over the city in hit and run engagements, drawing them into it. The others were strangely low-key.

Then the locusts arrived, along with rashes of wild swings of fortune - a man fishing found antique coins in a carp's gullet, a girl horribly disfigured in a rickshaw accident, people losing wallets, a student finding wallets seven days in a row - all unnatural extremes.

And while splitting up to search down the Servant that was spying on them when they went to search for intel, Moriarty would hear a distinctive yowl of a cat that got it's tail stepped on, and the crash of furniture and crockery coming from one of the small houses as something golden zips out]

[Oh, Narumi was absolutely the kind of detective that was troublesome. Not to the level of Holmes - no one could reach the vaunted height of his nemesis - but the kind that was a particularly annoying sort with a good eye and the guile to act like he had less brainpower. Thankfully, he isn't a threat - and Moriarty could even enjoy the few mahjong bouts they got into when Raidou was at school.

That, and also seeing that there was nothing in cupboard and buying and cooking all the meals in the agency, because there was no real use in eating out all the time when there was a perfectly working kitchen, honestly.

(Though he ended up having to switch to Japanese dishes after the first few days, due to neither of them enjoying English fare that much.)

But there wasn't much time to enjoy being a 'normal' old man. The war was beginning to heat up, though he told Raidou it would be in their best interest to stick to the shadows at the moment, given his lack of firepower.

But the locusts were definitely something none of them could have predicted - seemingly outside of the war itself, though something about this...

Looking like a nativized foreigner in a traditional kimono, Moriarty was about to turn around when he hears the yowl, and sees -

Ah, the locust is -

....running towards him?

It zips onto him - and then suddenly falls to the ground, legs curling inwardly like it had suddenly gotten a blast of poison.]

What in the devil...

[Time to kneel down and carefully inspect the insect, and give Raidou a mental ping.]

Master - I believe I've caught one of the locusts that have been sighted around. I'm near the road.

I'll be...right there.

[Raidou stumbles out of the house, hand firmly pressed on his hat as he awkwardly shakes a bucket off his foot and shrugged off someone's laundry, as Gouto darts out frazzled enough to look like a halloween cat.]

Damn, that little rat managed to slip away...

[Raidou hunches up in embarrassment as he heads towards Moriarty's location, Gouto sniffing at the curled up insect disdainfully - it looked like a golden-hued locust with a head colored like a noh wakaonna mask]

That thing flew right into Raidou's face. So did you smack it right out of the air, Archer?

Ah, well...yes, something like that, Gouto.

[It's a lie, but he just shrugs off the question.]

If it flew into your face, then did it have anything to do with the kerfuffle it seems you two had gotten into?

[Y'know......how they came out.....]

Felt like something was... pulled out.

[His face turns red as he chose to examine the insect very closely]

I... stepped on his tail - and fell.

On top of me.

[Gouto starts licking at his paws]

Of course that lead we had managed to rabbit while we were getting our footing.

Fell, hm....?

[Listening to both sides, he....believed he realized why it was attracted to him, but should he reveal it so easily? This, along with the unnatural luck...

But who would cause these to happen? and why now? Questions that still had no answers, yet...

They would undoubtably why he was able to be summoned into this grail war.

He gives a kind, grandfatherly smile - before nodding, as if he's confirmed something to himself.]

...Raidou, perhaps we should return home to check that you haven't injured yourself too badly.

[I.e. 'let's go to a secure location so I can talk about what I've discovered without being overheard.']

[He nods, catching on quickly. He knows he's at least going to have some nasty bruises. Gouto follows after, ears swiveling as they Moriarty lead the way, occasionally murmuring to him some things of interest in the district...

when Raidou didn't somehow keep finding every single banana peel in Mannen-Cho under his heel]

Oh this is getting ridiculous. Just a little more... then we can exchange what we know.

You poor boy...

[Keeping up the good grandfather looks in public, though he does try to 'naturally' catch raidou whenever possible, to keep him from falling too much. It's during one of those that Moriarty decides to speak, to keep his Master's spirits up.]

Careful now, we're nearly -

[Another golden locust bounces into view before he can react, bouncing onto him - and just like the first, sticking for just a second before falling off and curling in on itself.

Shit. Is it too much to hope for that they didn't see that?]

Did... that just die?

[Pity, Raidou is fairly observant, as he straighten himself up, Gouto moving to sniff the locust]

How curious, it's like you're poison to them.

[The cat gives the man a glance, as the young man rubs his chin thoughtfully]

Did you feel something before it just dropped dead, Archer-san?

Ah....Perhaps it's due to my innate magical resistance skill?

[He clears his throat, then quickly shakes his head.]

No, not at all. Did you feel something?

Like a prick, then a suction, but there's no marks.

[He gestures, Gouto looking at Moriarty skeptically through his explanation, if Raidou had any misgivings - it doesn't show]

...I might need to get this looked at, I'm no good to you as a Master the way things are currently.

[Yeah, he has questions about you too, Cat. Though at Gouto's mention, he shakes his head.]

Though that might be the case, we'll need to return home first beyond anything else, and then consider our moves from there. If you'll allow me -

[He's just. Going to pick up Raidou in a bridal carry, because they've wasted enough time as it is.]

Eh-!?

[As he's scooped up the young man let out a mortified squeak as he claps a hand down on his hat, his face slowly turning a bright shade of red]

Is this-

[He quiets before giving a nod, this really was the fastest way even with streetcars or taxis, and it wouldn't drag others into what's affecting him. Gouto crouches, wiggling before leaping, landing on the Servant's shoulder, balancing himmself]

Hm? My, Master - one could almost believe you have a thing for older men, given that blush of yours.

[SHIT EATING GRIN, because c'mon, y'gotta tease the youth.]

Hold on - it may be a bit of a bumpy ride, given my age!

[Once Gouto is on, he begins to use his speed - slowed down a bit so neither the cat nor his Master get blown off, but it's definitely faster than a moving vehicle during this time period.

In practically no time at all, they're at the agency - a few mishaps left in their wake but never touching them, due to Moriarty's luck cancelling out Raidou's lack of it.

He does, however, walk Raidou all the way in the door before setting his Master on his feet....and then immediately placing a hand on his back.]]

Guh, ahh.....I shall have to sit for a moment, oough....!

[He earned a sharp death glare, the sort he used to make some lesser Onis back down, and there's sensation of claws in his shoulder. Raidou started to get down as they landed in front of agency, only to realize they're walking over as he stands]

I'll get something.

[The young man winces in sympathy as Moriarty groused as Gouto jumps onto couch then to Narumi's desk, as Raidou starts heading up stairs]

He's out to buy more cof-.

[Raidou yelps as he slips, but he catches himself, righting himself before disappearing upstairs]

...That was a close one

....Poor Master. Certainly having a rough time of it, hm?

[He says that inbetween small noises of pain, rubbing his back. It's when the boy is entirely out of sight that he sighs, giving a look at the cat still nearby.]

...I'm surprised that someone with his lineage could be so affected by those bugs, personally.

[That's aimed directly at the cat, eyes looking as if he's just asking for a comment in return, and being ready to gauge the response.]

[Gouto's tail sways low as he hops onto the banister that divided the entryway from Narumi's office and the way upstairs]

So you picked up on it? You're an unusual man, Archer.

[The cat answers after a moment's pause, deciding there's no point in playing at being ignorant]

It's hard not to notice the Phantasmal blood in the boy - he hides it well, but his hat moves every so often in ways it shouldn't due to gravity or hair.

[Ears twitch, after all.]

With that in mind - and his family name - I merely showed surprise that a descendant of such a famous kitsune and, ostensibly, one of the greatest Onmoyji of this country could be affected so heavily by the loss of his luck.

Edited 2022-02-05 23:21 (UTC)

[The cat gives a little huff, but he does not deny what Moriarty has observed]

Agreed, normally it should not have affected him, but there's something mighty weird about them, and I don't mean their markings.

[Well, that's at least not an outright denial. Moriarty gives a hum, nodding.]

They are quite...odd, aren't they? I assume there are no such creatures in the tales and recounting of this country's Yokai, yes?

If there is, it's an extremely local legend from someplace remote.

[The door opens, and Narumi enters, looking a touch frazzled and sans coffee]

The louse looks worse for wear.

[The man places his bowler on the hat rack and sighed, giving Moriarty a sheepish shrug:]

Sorry Archer-san, no coffee for tomorrow. Damndest thing, someone's brakes went out and their car went crashing into the store, owners had to close up shop. It's pretty lucky nobody got hurt, Raidou's upstairs I take it?

It seems bad luck is the order of the day - Poor Raidou had an accident while we were looking around somewhere, and my back gave out just as I stepped in through the door! He's off getting me a few supplies for the pain.

[Though honestly, he tries not to look happy at the mention of 'no coffee', given he's always preferred tea.]

No coffee? A pity....thankfully, I have some decent assam leaf I acquired recently, which should give you what you need to get through your day. Though I hope beyond the shop, you didn't run into any issues?

[Narumi exhales as he plops himself at his desk, running his fingers through his hair:]

Assam? Well, we can give that a shot, but other than nearly jumping out of skin, nothing really happened - I can't do the things you guys can, but something pretty rotten is going on.

[Raidou comes downstairs with an aspirin bottle, gripping the rail more tightly than he normally would, silently handing the bottle to Moriarty]

I bet the insects and the weird streaks of luck is involved with the Grail war,

[At being given the bottle, he shakes out two and swallows it, dry. It's not as if he truly needs it, given that the pain has already receded thanks to the healing Raidou's mana has given him - but it's a nice gesture all the same, and he's not one to scorn it.

At hearing that - from both the man and the cat - he nods.]

Hm. Yes, I agree. Most likely, these may be related to some sort of Servant - though a heroic spirit relating to insects and luck...

[He muses for a second, before shaking his head.]

I haven't the foggiest. Though, that is assuming that it isn't something more...along the lines of what Raidou would deal with.

[Due to it's long period of isolation, Japan was practically the last bastion for Phantasmals on earth - most likely the reason why there were so many Yokai and spirits around, even if this world seemed a bit different than the one he came from.]

Edited 2022-02-06 02:48 (UTC)

[Narumi gave Moriarty a puzzled look at the mention of insects, before snapping his fingers, as Raidou tucks a hand into his cloak pocket, taking out pieces of red wood, speaking quietly]

Narumi-san, can you fix this? Our target had dropped it.

[His cheeks went a little pink, which may hint it wasn't broken when he got his hands on it originally, the Detective takes the pieces, and lays out paper on his desk, starting to assemble the pieces]

Speaking of Servants, We know there's Lancer, Saber, You, and Rider - that leaves Caster, Assassin, and Berserker unaccounted for - and if I reckon, berserkers tend to make themselves known real quick.

Of course we need to figure out if the war and this luck plague is related first...

Fate/AU

Master Raidou, Servant Moriarty

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