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{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/09/12
|Location=False Grail DC <FG>
|Synopsis=An anonymous tip leads Union and Confederate forces to investigate a warehouse said to have lots of alchemical supplies being shipped to it... In Washington, D.C., in the middle of a Grail War.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=446, 533, 691, 707, 826, 832
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
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{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:832|Assassin of Brown (832)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Washington, D.C. on this world is in the middle of a Grail War. That means suspicious activity is usually not just a coincidence. And when an anonymous source leaked info to others that a lot of materials suitable for alchemical research and the construction of a magus's workshop were being shipped to a warehouse in the area, it didn't take a genius to figure out something was up. Given all the various materials were being brought in from many differet places, through many different means, and that efforts had been made to conceal this fact, it is perhaps unsurprising that no one had noticed previously that this was going on. But it's known now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that probably means something should be done about it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The warehouse in question is called 'Off The Beaten Track Warehouse', and sells 'vintage furniture in a warehouse setting'. Not exactly the place you'd expect to find a magus, is it? It's an older-looking huilding that has been rebuild and modernized. It's meant to be a furniture show room, so it has plenty of space for people to walk around, despite divider walls, hallways, and various rooms.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which also means that there's no telling what's actually inside, or what might have been done to the place to turn it from a warehouse into a death trap for trespassers. Of course, if it's just meant to be a mid-way point between 'delivery' and 'destination', then it might not be defended at all, or only loosely.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If this is just a point where all the resources are going to be moved to another location, then the opportunity exists to sabotage them and/or to find out what might be intended for them, or even who might be planning to use them.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:826|Bertram Silent (826)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>To say that Bertram stands out in modern day cities like this one is an understatement. The white robes and mace-like staff aren't exactly screaming 'nobody to pay attention' to, more akin to the opposite in fact. Being tall, rugged and bearded doesn't help with stealth. For that reason, when he heard about these circumstances, he's stopped a fair distance from the warehouse in question, on top of a building, wielding binoculars to get a good idea about what's going on. After all, you only live once, better make it last.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> To call the shipping movements suspicious in an area with an active Grail War would be a horrific understatement. It wouldn't do for a spy and Centurion like Yari Takane to not at least investigate the matter, and so she's arrived in the area. Thus it is that Yari's gathered up her infiltration gear, and taken the opportunity to find a convenient rooftop to scope out the place as is any ninja's natural habitat. <br /><br /> Dressed in a casual overcoat hiding a tactical harness over shirt, pants, and boots, the Au'Ra lurks at her perch as she scans the area. She'l note entrances and exits, watching those who come and go while trying to remain out of sight. She's darn good at her job, but it's hardly supernatural: just hard won skill. The lizard-woman puts down her binoculars, checks her suppressed MP5, then activates her magitek gauntlet's ambient magic sensors as she tries to get a feel for Aetheric levels, and perhaps any suspicious concentrations that might be traps. <br /><br /> After all, if she's learned nothing else from talking to Saber and researching the Grail Wars, she's learned that A. Magus' are almost all self-interested bastards and B. They love to use magic to do things when more conventional means might be easier or more effective. <br /><br /> It should also be noted she doesn't spot her fellow Hydaelynian just yet. It's probably for the best.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sir Gawain doesn't want to be involved in another Grail War. The very recent end of his own has made the very thought of them unpleasant. However, he is a knight, and he has made an oath that he would assist Archer of Brown in winning his own. And he would rather be uncomfortable, than an oath-breaker.<br /><br />Riding in on his custom black motorcycle, the knight is dressed in a gold suit, and he's driving rather slow, which is about 60MPH for him. He parks a bit aways, his bike facing straight down at the warehouse, as he communicates on his wireless radio. "Sir Bertram! Do you have visuals on inside? I am contemplating leaping off my bike through the window!" He sounds decently cheery, though he is taking this seriously, which can be slightly a surprise to those who know him. "Let us hope that the threat is minimal."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's not that Xiaomu knows all that much about alchemical theory or practice; she knows a few basics of the Chinese equivalent, and very little that could be applied in any useful sense.<br /><br />However, what she knows of the *theory* is enough to realize that somebody who's smuggling alchemical supplies is likely not somebody who's up to any good ... especially in a world and era where magic and alchemy aren't supposed to be a thing that is generally known to exist. In short, whoever's behind the smuggling is likely up to trouble of some sort, whether sneaky or soon to be blatant ... and that probably means it's worth helping to investigate.<br /><br />So Xiaomu, trouble-shooting sage fox of Shinra, is taking time off (while her game controllers are recharging, probably) to lend a hand, an eye, and an ear ... and the rest of her, of course. Some youkai can split themselves up into disembodied parts; she ain't one of those. And rather than joining the others in skulking around from the shadows, she's looking the building over as she walks towards it, dressed like she usually is in black qipao with silver highlights (and big zippers) and her red combat vest, carrying her monk staff. She's not about to go breaking and entering until somebody who knows the local situation better makes that call, though.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The princess of the Sundew Kingdom doesn't know much about what is going on, but she heard about the shipments here and felt this might be an opportunity to improve her image. So, Princess Sarracenia has made her way here, mostly on her own power with the help of a leaf power-up. Like Bertram, the princess stands out in a city thanks to her poofy royal-looking dress, as well as the raccoon ears and tail she currently has. She comes floating in from ths sky, and lands a short distance away from the warehouse in question. She does have -some- idea of how to be inconspicuous. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once landed, she pulls another power up from her purse. This one is a black shell-like item. She hugs it against her, and it bursts into sparkles which settle on her before she is shrouded in a puff of smoke. When she emerges, it is in what is known on her world as a 'hammer bros' costume. Black helmet, black shell covering her back, and black tights over her body with a yellow belly. She figures it is the closest she has to a low profile outfit. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She isn't quite sure who else is here that might be an ally, so as she peeks around a building at the warehouse, she looks around for other confederates or anyone who seems to be scoping out the warehouse.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:832|Assassin of Brown (832)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least from what can be determined, there doesn't seem to be any major threat right now. No sign of traps or barriers or wards or even familiars. The warehouse appears to be closed right now, though there's activity inside, and around back. It looks like people are loading and unloading furniture and various knick-knacks and so on like a vintage steel Coca-Cola sign. There's a lady behind a counter in eyeglasses and a coat and skirt. She's visible through the front windows, perusing some sort of book of records. Light-blue hair is up in a somewhat messy bun. She looks up after a few moments to gaze out the window, but it's not clear whether it's because she noticed activity outside or for some other reason.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way, she closes up the book after several seconds and starts to leave the counter. Everything looks rather mundane so far... A bad tip? Or just very well-hidden magecraft?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:826|Bertram Silent (826)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Into his Linkshell, Bertram speaks, "I see no overt reason not to use your proposed strategy other than general caution, Sir Gawain." Just as he starts casting spells on the man, a proshell to reduce the impact of all attacks that go his way, sucking out the energy as it comes. Kinetic, magic, chemical. Anything, really. Then he calls upon the earth to layer around the knight to take the first hits. "I'll be following along shortly."<br /><br />And this he does, using the same fire escape stairs he used to get up, then running towards the place. He's making no effort to hide from anyone at this stage, not even from Garlean Ninja. And he stands out, he's holding his staff tightly, making sure to cast proshell on himself and Xiaomu once he gets close enough to her to do so.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu nods thanks to Bertram as the Proshell magic takes effect around her, then strides on up to the front door of the warehouse/furniture shop. And, raising her right hand (with her left hand holding her staff) ...<br /><br />She knocks on the door. If there are business hours posted and it's currently within them, she'll actually try opening the door; otherwise, she waits to see whether there's a reply to her knock.<br /><br />And if the 'reply' comes in the form of some kind of violence, well, she'll go right back to supporting Gawain's proposed means of entrance. Assuming she's conscious for it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sir Gawain begins revving his motorcycle, but as Xiaomu decides to check the door, he doesn't drive just yet. He's preparing for the chance of combat, and is watching both the window and the door carefully. "Ready for liftoff whenever!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Xaiomu and Sarracenia's arrival go unnoticed for now by Yari, too focused on scouting out the warehouse itself. The ninja takes her time, caution and stealth being a byword for her kind. <br /><br /> However, it'd be near impossible to miss one Sir Gawain, Knight of the Round Table, riding in on a motorcycle with a gloriously golden suit donned. Her eyes squint. Is she really seeing this? Could someone actually wear something so easily noticed /here/? <br /><br /> Then she remembers it's technically an antique furniture store. Maybe the man is some rich gentleman seeking the legitimate angle of the warehouse? The thought sticks with her, and only complicates the whole operation. Time to key up the Confed radio. <br /><br /> There's movement, and Yari comments so on her radio. She transmits her own coordinates to Sarracenia, before concentrating on Bertram and Gawain. The effects of Bertram's spells on Gawain, as well as the aetheric spikes they produce are similar to those on her home world: enough to get her suspicious, but not enough to draw any conclusions. What /is/ obvious is that the two are connected, and that one at least isn't native to the area. <br /><br /> Could they be Elites? <br /><br /> With Xiaomu approaching, the Au'Ra finally decides to act. She slips down from her rooftop, and starts a roundabout route towards the Warehouse: slipping through alleyways, crossing a street some distance away when she thinks no one is looking, and then circling back around for the side of the building. She'll try to keep low at her approach, a glass cutter ready just in case as she tries to get a better look inside of the building through a window, discretely!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; From her spot on the ground, Sarracenia watches Bertram just...run toward the building. She gets a deadpan expression as she watches him. Then Xiaomu just walks up and knocks. The princess blinks, then sighs. Why didn't she think of that?! After consulting with her fellow Confederate, Sarracenia makes her way similarly roundabout to the opposite side of the warehouse. She walks as if she is merely out for a walk as she makes her way toward the warehouse, and she doubts she will be recognized in this hammer bros outfit. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When she reaches the side of the warehouse, she lets Yari know she is in place, then tries to peek in a window. If there are any windows.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:832|Assassin of Brown (832)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hours are posted. Thurs and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the first and last Saturday of the month from noon to 6 p.m. That means it's a week too late for the first Saturday. However, despite the closed sign, it appears the front door is unlocked. It's a civilian establishment that is clearly seeing a lot of work done in the time between openings, so with people coming in and out, maybe they don't bother locking the front door when there's still people here.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From Yari's and Sarracenia's positions, they will see that the bluenette woman who was at the counter is making her way into the back, and out of the front area where all the cool stuff is located. Further, they'll see two people who were not visible from the street outside examining a painting or something. One is a somewhat portly man with a moustache, in a nice clean suit. The other is just some nondescript presence that is easily missed. A clerk or something. But the moustachioed man... HE seems to be somewhat... Different somehow. He turns when he hears the knock at the door, leaving the side windows free of anyone in a position to look out at them and spot Yari or the princess.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a few moments, the door opens, and the man asks of Xiaomu, "Yes, madam? Have you some business here? If it is as a member of the visiting public, the hours are as-posted, and I must sadly turn you away at this time without a compelling reason to do otherwise."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He sort of trails off when he sees someone charging towards him with a staff, casting spells. Then there's the revving of a motorcycle that seems to startle him, and the man says, "My apologies, I must bid you good day, please return at another time, good bye!" and slams the door.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Come on, most people would do the same.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"They *are* my compelling reason," Xiaomu says with a smile. She can't do much about her spellcasting allies (and by and large, she wouldn't want to). "More specifically -"<br /><br />Can she wedge her staff in between the door's edge and its frame before it slams shut? She's trying to do that.<br /><br />"- we've got rumors of unlicensed use of controlled chemical substances at this location and were asked to check it out," she finishes. Through the door, if necessary, but louder to account for the wood.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sir Gawain stares at the window, before he gets an idea, which may or may not be a good one. Noticing whatever is going on with Xiaomu at the door, he stands off his bike, goes to put his arms on it...<br /><br />And then with a leap, both he and the bike are gone, now on top of the roof of the building next to him in seconds. He quickly remounts the bike, pointing it at the window, as he begins looking through his MP3 player. Well, it looks like pretty soon it'll be go time.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:826|Bertram Silent (826)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"To add to that." Bertram states, trying to push his staff in between the door as it's being slammed close, in an attempt to that. "I would much prefer doing this the polite, sociable way without anyone getting hurt." He continues, in the same friendly but serious tone, "Unfortunately I can't account for the actions of some of my allies should you choose not to take this preference into account, and it's my job to make sure they don't get hurt, and I won't hesitate to do so. Now please, can we come in? I brought tea."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Gawain bikes to the rooftop, Xaiomu and Bertram make a show of being narco police, and Yari gives a sigh. There's only one entrance, and as the suspiciously aetheric mustachio'd man makes his way to the front, Yari takes her chance. <br /><br /> Trying the window, she finds it unlocked. Being sure to quietly open and then /shut/ the thing, she forms several handseals. Magic flows through her veins, enhancing her reflexes several fold, and then puts out a set of hand-spurrs to her hand. She's then leaping straight up, using the brick wall itself and any available hand-holds to silently vault up towards the ceiling, trying to find rafters to cling to and pull herself upon. Failing that, she'll simply use spurrs, and kunai to literally cling to the ceiling like some kind of spider, turning on her gauntlet's audio recording features as she keeps scanning. Her voice is even lower than usual as she listens and waits. She has /two/ odd sources of magic to keep track of now.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarracenia was probably less than inconspicuous when she looked in the window. A woman with fiery red hair wearing a shiny black helmet. But, luckily, Xiaomu and the others distract the people inside and she hears Yari has climbed in through a window. Sarracenia quickly follows suit, closing her window as well. Then, she looks for boxes or canisters or anything that might carry chemicals. Then, an idea strikes her. Chemicals are used in paints and varnishes. She looks toward the painting, then at the nondescript man, then she looks around for other things that might be painted or varnished. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, she has no idea what these chemicals actually are, or what should be done with them. She is just guessing. It could be a wild goose chase.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarracenia doesn't want to be discovered, so she takes only a few moments for a quick look around, then finds something she can hide behind. Such as an antique Coke machine!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:832|Assassin of Brown (832)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blocking of the door is successful, though the words are wasted. The moustachioed man is already off and heading into the back the same way the blue-haired front desk clerk did. They can open the door all the way if they wish, and go inside. No fuss, no bother. Yari successfully ninjas up onto the ceiling, but she will probably not be receiving any cake thrown up to her. She IS in a position to spot Mr. Moustache run off into the back rooms of the warehouse however!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sarracenia, meanwhile, may not spot any unusual varnish... But there's a lot of furniture in here that have drawers, cabinets, and things of that nature. Places where things could be hidden. She just might be onto something when she considers the furniture as the medium for the transportation. She also successfully hides herself for now, unless someone else who is barging in spots her somehow.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gawain has no impediment whatsoever for his planned course of action. This is either going to be really stupid or really awesome. Or both.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:826|Bertram Silent (826)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And thus Bertram opens the door, adding a message over the radio, "Sir Gawain, you do you." The Highlander makes sure to be on guard as he walks in, looking for the moustachioed man, and making it very clear. "Nonviolent resolutions become increasingly unlikely. I will advice that you cooperate if you do not wish to suffer from serious injury." The friendliness has been replaced by mild annoyance, but otherwise his tone remains the same.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sir Gawain salutes, replying with slightly the wrong word, "I take that as a queue!". Getting ready on his motorcycle, he chooses a song, which begins blaring out his speakers. He begins singing along...<br /><br />"This is a thing I've never known before~" The bike suddenly dashes off the roof, flying at high speed towards the window. "It's called easy livin'~" Gawain salutes towards the two at the door with his right hand, before focusing back on what's in front of him. "This is a place I've never seen before~" And crashing straight through the window, turning his bike sideways a bit in, in an attempt to brake it. "And I've been forgiven~"<br /><br />Gawain's still singing, as he dismounts, and doesn't bother turning off the music. Excalibur Galatine is summoned into his hand, as he quickly takes a look around the warehouse, crunching broken glass under his feet. He's ready for combat, and he's on full alert.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu actually waits for Gawain to do his thing; she'd just as soon NOT be inside when a window is getting smashed open by somebody coming in through it. Flying glass hurts, after all.<br /><br />Once Gawain has crashed in through the window, the sage fox strolls in behind Bertram, looking around actively now and apparently, ready for combat if something should choose to happen. Not that she looks all that heavily armed; her handguns are tucked away under her vest, and her staff LOOKS like it's just a staff.<br /><br />Sandals notwithstanding, she's also trying not to step on any shards of glass. It's not so much for 'sneaking around' purposes as a matter of courtesy, if slightly displaced: broken glass isn't pleasant or easy to pick up safely, and she's not about to make that job harder for whomever has to clean up later.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> The man with the amazing facial hair is making his way to the back, and Yari follows as best as she can. Should there be a divider between front and back rooms? She'll take the opportunity to use a quick sword-draw, and a convenient kunai to staple the bit of offending divider to the ceiling. Even as Gawain so valiantly crashes the party, sword in hand, Yari proceeds to try to be stealthy. Mostly. She's ceiling-crawling more with tail and feet than with hand, already drawing her gun with her hand. She pauses, too, to gape at the spectacle of Gawain. <br /><br /> The threats by the Eorzean go completely unheard due to song blaring and that motorcycle crashing in. She blinks. <br /><br /> She /swears/ she's heard that voice before, but where exactly escapes her. She doesn't abandon stealth, but by now Yari is ceiling-crawling quite rapidly. Hopefully no one looks up or hears her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The sudden crash startles Sarracenia, who ducks down in her hiding place and looks toward the front. "Nnng...aren't the Unionites supposed to be the sensible ones?" she says to herself. With the mustachioed man running and the others giving chase, Sarracenia just waits for the others to pass then starts looking through drawers, and uses a small hammer she apparently created out of thin air to chip off pieces of paint and varnished wood for later testing. She also makes sure to take the painting that was being inspected. It might be important! And if not it will look good in her study! <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If anyone does not chase after the portly gentleman, they will likely notice the black-clad princess in the shiny black helmet quite easily.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:832|Assassin of Brown (832)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Everyone who is chasing the moustachioed man is able to give chase into the back room! Sarracenia remains in the front after the rest have passed, and starts investigating! Gawain crashes through a window on the second floor!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As all of these things occur near-simultaneously. Seconds prior, a powerful Bounded Field encompasses the entire warehouse, a magecraft barrier with special properties, and on the scale of a Noble Phantasm: the mystical crystallization of a Servant's legend.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accompanying this change is the sense of TWO Servants being present OTHER than Gawain. Something else about the building was muffling the sensation, but now the concealment has been lifted. Bertram, Xiaomu, and Yari, upon entering the back room, filled with antiques, tiki statues, furniture, mirrors, and what not, find a series of wooden statues of some tribal culture lined up on the far side of the room start spitting poison darts at them! ...Well, not Yari, who is out of the line of fire. And she in turn may spot that there's another door into the rear of the warehouse, the storage area, and Mister Moustache has just gone through it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Are two Masters working together? Is that why there's two Servants other than Gawain here? Giving chase may reveal the answer, though clearly precautions have been taken if they have poison-dart-spitting statues lined up and ready to fire!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, as Sarracenia opens a drawer, a wire snaps, and a tear gas grenade inside the drawer suddenly goes off, the trap triggered. The gas starts pouring out, and even closing the drawer quickly is unlikely to fully spare her, as the fumes find other openings to escape from. This place is trapped like crazy!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking of that, Gawain's arrival on the second floor through smashing a window with his motorcycle finds him in a room full of boxes and paintings covered in sheets. He might ruin a few before he comes to a stop, or maybe not. But what waits for him there is a man with stringy black hair, sharp teeth, and red eyes that seem to shine with a light of their own. And a very large, black dog, slavering and snarling.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The dog charges at the motorcycle-mounted knight without hesitation.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Everything erupts into chaos. There's a powerful burst of magic, the sensation of /three/ horrifically magical individuals that remind Yari of Eikons, and of course there's still another suspiciously White Mage-like man down below. She keys up her radio, and warns her compatriot, even as she ninja-ceiling-climbs her way about as rapidly as she can. Thankfully it lets her bypass the many traps assaulting those on the floor. <br /><br /> Going quiet is /definitely/ out, however. As the mustachioed man makes his way to the room beyond, Yari follows along the ceiling, again cutting her way through with her katana and a kunai to get through hopefully without suspicion. Then she leaps into action. <br /><br /> Quite literally: deciding it's the time to strike, she'll pause, sight her opponent, and then leap down like some kind of jumping spider quietly towards his back! There's a poisoned kunai in her tail's grip, and heavily so: a paralytic, but it's aimed at larger opponents. She's trusting she either won't need it, or that whoever this is, he can survive such poisons. Yari will try to surprise and grapple the man from behind, making handseals as she lands! <br /><br /> A spray of black, inky water will descend upon the poor man, hopefully dousing vision and letting her get a grip on him. <br /><br /> "...I'd really prefer this to end without casualties, or further violence. Care to tell me who you are, and what magery this place is concealing?" Her voice is tense, even as she tries to sound calm, the ninja rather young for her occupation.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As Gawain crashes in, he can sense everything. A Noble Phantasm, two Servants, the warning bells in his brain are ticking off like insane. He doesn't know what's going on, but he does know they're in trouble, and things are getting serious. But then, he's not alone, his bike having already crashed through and destroyed several paintings. It takes him a second to notice the man and his dog, but as soon as the shadowy dog is lunging at him, he's reacting. Gawain's reflexes are superhuman, and the dog seems to be mostly mundane.<br /><br />Excalibur Galatine's blade lights aflame in a flick of a wrist, as Gawain moves into defensive position, attempting to scare off the dog. However, if it refuses to back down, he will not hesitate to use force, though he is attempting not to hurt it or its master. "Get back! I'm a knight, and that means I know how to use a sword!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:826|Bertram Silent (826)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Bertram interrupts the chase to cast Esuna on both himself and any others who were hit by the poison darts. Not as good as avoiding of course, but better than letting the poison rack its natural course. It still stings. He then continues to chase the Mustache Man, only to notice Yari Takane. "I didn't expect to encounter Garlean scum here." He says, suddenly far less calm, "What are you planning for your slave masters today, miss Takane?" Yeah he's basically forgotten about why he's here, at least briefly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tear gas? Sarracenia has never encountered it before. So, she doesn't think to close the drawer. Even though she recoils instinctively, you can't really run from tear gas. The princess lets out a shriek as the burning starts, then starts coughing heavily as she stumbles away from the terrible cloud. In her blindness and confusion, she stumbles toward the back where the others are being assaulted by darts. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She is too busy rubbing at her eyes to notice the darts. "My eyes! I am blind!" she cries. Then, she is darted! Now blind and poisoned, she cries and falls to her knees. The princess might be strong, but she is not used to these sorts of situations. That's what heroes are for!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Yari tilts her head, despite all of the chaos. She actually smirks a little. <br /><br /> "I tend to end up at the worst kind of places. Trust me." Sigh. <br /><br /> Her confidence returns immediately. <br /><br /> "Scum? Fine words from an Eorzian barbarian! I'd ask the same from you...if it weren't obvious, anyway, Mister Silent." A shrug. She seems to dim back to her usual tones of politeness. <br /><br /> "We're all looking into the matter of this warehouse, right?" If she has a grip, she'll tighten it on poor Mister Mustache.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And everything goes to hell, tidily arranged in a cute little handbasket, all at the same time. Xiaomu has a simple and straightforward response to the poison darts suddenly flying: she just drops flat on the floor, which is hopefully enough evasion until the dart-launchers are empty. (This may, however, mean that she's prone to getting tripped over by Sarracenia.)<br /><br />... Those launchers ARE going to run out of ammo, right?<br /><br />Once the coast is somewhat clearer, she carefully gets back to her feet, wary and ready to dive for cover again; she fishes a handkerchief out of a vest pocket and offers it to Sarracenia, then starts moving to rejoin the main group. The sound of arguing between Yari and Bertram has Xiaomu's ears angled back; hopefully they can put their differences aside before the actual bad guys assert any other advantages. Like, say, breaking Mustache Man loose from Yari's grasp ...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:832|Assassin of Brown (832)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yari leaps upon the figure and douses him in dark water! He collapses readily under her, and lets out a quite high-pitched scream! Almost girlish! As Yari pins him down, and exchanges banter with Bertram as the latter + Xiaomu and Sarracenia arrives in this big open space full of crates and furniture and things under sheets and so on (maybe the alchemical supplies being smuggled)... Well, Yari may notice that... The proportions of the person under her are all wrong. This IS a girl. Crying and apologizing, the dark-skinned, blue-haired lady who was working the counter seems to have somehow swapped places with Yari's target! She's even wearing the same clothes as Mr. Moustache!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She tries to struggle free with merely human strength while insisting she has nothing to do with whatever THIS is, and some STRANGE CUSTOMER just grabbed her and FORCED these clothes onto her, and WHY is this HAPPENING to her!!! The sound of footfalls may alert Yari, Betram, Xiaomu, and Sarracenia that the Servant's still on the loose! Infact, he's heading out the big open doors in the rear of the warehouse! What a slippery Servant! Is he some kind of escape-artist!?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Gawain is able to evade the attack dog handily, causing his doggy toenails to skitter on the wooden floor as he misses his target! He does not seem inclined to follow Gawain's commands, and that red-eyed, sharp-toothed man is also turning to flee! ...And sleap right out the window that Gawain came in through! Further, from the smoking gouges on the floor, it looks like whatever's covering the dog might be more dangerous than the canine himself! With the other Servant running rather than fighting... It might be better to give chase than to keep dealing with the crazed canine!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is this just an extended chase sequence, or is something bigger at work here? Surely stalling and running away can't be the ENTIRETY of the plan, given this was clearly all set-up specifically for a situation like this!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The warehouse doors, previously wide open as workers unloaded supplies I mean MUNDANE FURNITURE from trucks, begin to drop after Mr. Moustache passes through them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why are two Servants running instead of fighting, in a place they have clearly secured in the preparation to deal with invaders? Why are they abandoning all those supplies they went through the trouble of getting? Is it just the number of Elites coming after them? Or is it--<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An air current blows up the corner of one of the sheets, revealing stack after stack of red glass spheres with timers ticking downwards.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">00:10</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">00:09</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's still time to flee back the way they came if they run qui<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ kly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;chr">00:08</span><br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Somebody's running who isn't a soaking-drenched crossdresser; Xiaomu bolts to investigate, still wary of traps but trying to make good time despite that. She may be fast, but she's not fast enough to catch up with the Servants who already have a head start. She's also wondering why they're running ...<br /><br />The stacks of odd-looking bombs with a synchronized set of countdown timers seems like a pretty good explanation, though. "Oh are you KIDDING me -" she starts.<br /><br />She doesn't finish the sentence, instead turning to run. She has an idea for getting through the gargage door, but it'd take more luck than she's ready to stake her life on.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:826|Bertram Silent (826)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It doesn't take long for Bertram to notice what's going on. And so, he flees, but not before casting one last spell. He summons forth heavy rocks to land on and weigh down Yari so she is, if he succeeds, unable to move at anything faster than a snails's pace. "Good luck." Then he starts sprinting, eager to take the nearest exit to survive this kind of explosion. He makes sure to pay attention to his allies, in case they need aid or healing, but otherwise, fleeing.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Gawain has a dilemma, in that he can either take the bike, or he can get the dog out; he has no time to grab both. However, his decision is made rapidly, as he spins on his feet and tackles the dog out the window, attempting to shield it from the fall with his body. He's going to resist any injuries he takes as long as he can make sure the canine lives, and then he's going to attempt to subdue it once they're away from the building.<br /><br />Once he lands, Gawain attempts to carry the dog, conscious or not, as fast as his superhuman feet will let him, not looking back. Even the burning won't stop him!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> The shape under Yari is hardly masculine, and there's a number of suprises to be had! She's clinging to a person that's all wrong, and likely innocent, and some part of her self rises. <br /><br /> Even as the Servant escapes, Yari Takane peers at a nearby window, and leaps upon it as magical bombs appear. <br /><br /> Bertram is hardly inactive, and crushes Yari with rocks! The ninja takes it ot her body, and upon realizes the girl isn't exactly her target, holds her close to keep her safe from the damage of his spell! <br /><br /> There's clearly a Servant abound, but she won't just let this girl die. <br /><br /> No, she abandons her chase, and leaps out, shielding the used girl with her body from the glass, and then eventually again with her body from any resulting explosion. <br /><br /> Despite the damage, she lays beside the buidling, and smiles. <br /><br /> "Are you okay?" She asks to the girl, despite the circumstances.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Princess Sarracenia is Cured! Or..well..Esunaed! Just in time to see bombs. Lots of bombs. She is a bomb enthusiast herself, so when she sees bombs, she knows it. "Great moldy mushrooms!!" she exclaims before running for it. She runs for the hole that Yari made, and ends up barely making it out of the building! She lands beside Yari, the princess now back in her elegant dress thanks to the darts hitting her. Or, at least it was elegant a few moments ago. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Although she is used to explosions, the princess still doesn't like her dress being damaged. "They tried to kill us! How dare they! Do they not know that I am a princess?!" she complains loudly as she stands and dusts herself off, then looks at her tattered dress. "If I discover who they are, they will receive a very large bill!!" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She does at least take a moment out from complaining to thank Bertram, though. She smiles as she sees him, then waves. Then promptly returns to complaining. "It seems our operation was a failure. I took some samples from the furniture, but I am unsure it will be of any help."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:832|Assassin of Brown (832)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Everyone makes their es<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ ape.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;chr">00:05</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gawain rescues a dog who has been drugged and covered in some alchemical concotion to turn him into a weapon.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">00:04</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bertram tries to crush and pin Yari out of spite, nearly dooming the innocent bystander as well.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">00:03</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yari rescues that bystander and Sarracenia escapes after her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">00:02</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bertram and Xiaomu likewise make their es<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ ape.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;chr">00:01</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The two Servants are nowhere to be found. One has dematerialized and fled, the other just plain vanished. Which is which isn't clear amidst all the <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ haos.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;chr">00:00</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of these spheres would not be enough to kill a Servant, or most Elites. A dozen would not be enough to kill a Servant or most tough Elites, though they would likely inflict meaningful harm. Hundreds of them, stockpiled with all those supplies that were being shipped here, is another matter.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Elites survive things like this, usually. But it's good that they decided not to test their fortune even so.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hundreds of alchemical spheres all crack simultaneously, releasing living flame, a magecraft-enhanced napalm that is as close to dragon's fire as mere mortals can manage in this day and age (and a a very very very far cry from such)<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is enough to fill the entire warehouse with rivers of fire. The Bounded Field has already vanished, collapsed when the Servant who created it departed. Probably Mister Moustache. The wooden walls nearly implode as the flames suck up all the combustible case in the building nearly instantly, collapsing the building and all its antiques and heirlooms and vintage furniture in an inferno that continues to burn away and the ruins until nothing is left.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flames go out quickly. Because they consume the building fully within just a couple minutes of time.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The dog is unconscious, his coat of fur clearly made of just mundane fur, but whatever is smothered onto it a very caustic substance of some kind. At least it doesn't seem to be impacted the dog's health at all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The rescued clerk doesn't know what's going on, but after being rescued, and asked if she's okay, she bursts into tears and clings to Yari in terror and confusion. "How am I going to explain this to my boss!?" she wails.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That could have gone better. But as the last flickers of living flame literally die in a sound like a final breath escaping from deceased lungs, it's clear that it also could have gone much worse.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's nothing left of the building or what was inside.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Yari Takane is both a woman of her word, and someone who takes opportunity. Despite the fireball that is the warehouse, she hugs the poor clerk close. <br /><br /> "...Don't worry. You got caught up in some terrible circumstances." <br /><br /> Cue some comforting hair rubs, and Yari trying to pull the poor clerk into her arms and away from it all. Most importantly, towards a warpgate. <br /><br /> "Bluntly put, your previous employer was a jerk. How about joining me? Gather data, and live in a safe Citadel? It's not much, but I can offer that much at least. How about it?" Yari offers to the girl, finally. Off to the warp gate they go!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As the fire ceases to exist, leaving nothing, Gawain stops, turning briefly with a cold stare, a sacrifice made for a good reason. He looks down at the dog, and smiles dimly, before taking care to make sure it is safe in his arms. Then, in order to deal with the acidic coating, he runs as fast as his legs will take him, towards the next warp gate, and to a place where the dog can be treated.<br> <br>


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