Scene #4533: Silver Grail War: Mine, All Mine

Owner	Pose
Kazusa Ujikane	After the last crazy appearance of Rider and Archer in High Noon Online - an event written off as the work of hackers by the company running it - rumors of disappearing NPCs have dipped. Which is unfortunate, because the Union has actually been on alert for further strangeness after almost literally stumbling onto it the last time. But when strange things happen, rumors have a tendency to work their way out, and a strange thing has, recently, happened. Specifically, a new NPC that no one had seen before, appearing in a town not far from Marston Mine. Such things are always of interest in Seed MMOs; so when a couple of players named Bakudan Bomber and Dangan Machinegun started bragging about how they'd accepted a quest from him to go down into the mine after a lost gatling gun, people took interest. Especially when no one could find the NPC afterward. Word filtered up from the usual informants and listening posts, and now there's a Union group headed out from the town to investigate Marston. At the head, on a rental horse, is Kazusa Ujikane, frowning faintly. "...I really hope this just turns out to be some weird quest thing generated by the system..." Meanwhile, at the entrance to the mine, a larger and fiercer horse waits, stamping at the ground impatiently, while his black-clad rider - or rather, Rider - sits atop staring out into the distance. "Fella," he says, turning his head to his companion of the moment, "Y'all probably oughta get movin'. I see a dust cloud out there. Reckon your archer eyes can suss out what's in it better'n mine, but hell. Think we both know what's in it."
Kirito	Kirito's had enough of people pulling weird shenanigans in VRMMOs and having to investigate it, but he's here anyways... because you can't back out of something that easily and still be able to look in the mirror! By now though, he's spent enough time leveling up and learning that his avatar - customized to look like him in real life with EERIE ACCURACY - is now somewhat competent in a fight. He's decked out in a black trenchcoat, having apparently suffered no trouble obtaining his customary outfit style in a WILD WEST genre. A weapon's strapped to his back, although a close eying reveals it to be a GUN BLADE. Who designed those into High Noon Online? Whatever the case, Kirito's also riding a rental horse. "So why is the Holy Grail War spilling into VR? Seems like a weird place for heroes of legend to duel."
Moonlit Saber	It would be extremely improper for her to ride a horse normally, so Saber is sitting sidesaddle on hers. She's still holding onto the reins, but a few gentle words before climbing up seems to have left the beast quite tame. She doesn't even have her class' standard Riding skill, but sometimes all it takes is a little sweet talk to get a horse, even a virtual one, to behave. "It is possible, Master. What did someone in town say? Time of day based quest?" Saber looks a bit confused about the term, but she seems to accept it, at least. "Let us hope it is nothing out of the ordinary for this place."
Shielder	Mashu has acquired a horse! Given the warning that Servants were involved, the Demi-Servant had shown up already donning her black and purple armor, thick and protective for the most part, minus a few choice poor design decisions as tends to be the case when one meets a girl (or woman) in armor at all. Still, it's no chain-bikini and it looks sturdy, and a couple more pieces and it'd be proper full plate. The Shielder lacks her shield, mostly because riding a horse with that massive thing sounded like a terrible headache to her at the time. It turns out it probably wouldn't have mattered, as her body moves and directs the horse with quite the skill-- skill she doesn't recall ever learning, and doesn't really understand herself. Muscle memory, if not automation, that isn't really hers. "W-Well, some Servants have... t-they're people too, and something like this... t-to those of us who've never seen anything like this before, it's really impressive!" she answers Kirito, or rather half-answers, because it doesn't REALLY address his question entirely. "I mean... I don't really know, but if I didn't know better this would just be another world for me, right? I-It's also possible one of his Noble Phantasm plays well with digital worlds so he's making use of that..."
Winedark Archer	Perched not far from Rider, atop the mine entrance, is the cloaked Archer, previously revealed to be 'Aeolus'. The bearded man's hair and clothing are covered by his cloak, as his bow rests atop his back. He carries a small wrapped cloth, with some sort of object inside it, carefully holding it in one hand as he replies. "Got it. Don't allow them inside, or to know that I'm here." With those few words, he tips his head, and disappears into the mine. As Archer does so, he pulls something out from under his cloak, and puts it on. It's a miner's hat, as he pulls the cloak down from over his head, revealing his dark hair and mature appearance. He places the miner's hat on his head, before pulling out a lantern with it, using it to light his way. The plan will be simple, and there's no way they can fail. Not when he needs to prove himself here.
Tomoe	Tomoe was back here she wasn't sure why after what happened the last time. Maybe she wanted to see it through to the end. She was here again with a proper PC for the game but that would leaveher not as strong as she normally was, still she'd not wanted to make waves the purple haired gunslinger followed in a bit behind Kirito. She's not sure what's going on in this game but if there is something rottong it needs to be handled so here she is. Her own horse has likewise been rented and she's riding along beside Kirito. "That what concerns me magic leaking into our world...we don't need the witch tirals part two happening..."
Kazusa Ujikane	"I dunno," Kazusa replies to Kirito, Tomoe and Mashu as they gallop along. "Last time we were here, we kinda stumbled onto them almost by accident. Someone or other used some kind of magic to whip up the townspeople NPCs, and then other PCs got involved, and Rider and Archer called up a lot of wind... If they're back, I think it's more than just curiosity." Rider, meanwhile, reaches up to tug the brim of his hat down lightly. "Don't you worry your head none, Archer. I'm ready for 'em this time." Mutter mutter gonna settle that silver-haired she-devil down mutter. He hasn't quite been himself since the last fight, though Archer wouldn't know that, having been only recently acquainted. The grecian Servant would have been warned to keep an eye on him, though. While his companion goes in, however, the Servant that is Pecos Bill turns his fierce stallion around to face the oncoming horde of investigators. He'll wait until they're all within shouting range, then cup a hand to his mouth and yell out. "Well howdy, there! Ain't that a fine-lookin' posse. Don't know what y'all folks heard, but I ain't gonna be lettin' no one in these mines no how!" His eyes track to Saber, and then he adds, "'specially not no gatdamn moon gal!" Boy, he doesn't sound real happy. Kazusa immediately turns to look to Saber and the others. "...Can you guys distract him? I wanna go sneak around and see what's going on in the mine now."
Shielder	"I-Is that the Servant?" Mashu inquires, as she sees Rider with another man. She should really use her eyes, because it's hard to mistake a Servant for anything else. Before she gets her response, Bill insults Saber! Mashu seems slightly offended on her behalf. "H-Hey! Y-You should have more respect for the princess of the moon! She hasn't been insulting you, m-mister!" Credit for trying, but that stuttering really has got to go if she wants to have any sort of presence. "W-Why can't we go in, though?" She doesn't hop off her horse, though the request for a distraction is-- well, that's kind of what she's doing now, isn't it? If this is the enemy Servant, Mashu'd like to avoid a fight, but at least if she fails to do that the ensuing chaos will be a distraction.
Kirito	"No kidding! They're after SOMETHING, I just have no idea what." And Tomoe's words also send a shiver down Kirito's spine. Witch hunts in Tokyo? Now that's a hell of a bad image to go over in his head... And then Shielder makes a point that has his eyes going wide and thoughtful for a minute. "Magic that works really well with technology? ... I hadn't thought of that." Woops. He really should have! Well, the journey comes to a halt with the Black Swordsman on his horse taking a mighty stare at Pecos Bill. He's quick to scowl... And one of the first to answer Kazusa's call by LEAPING from his horse and down to the ground. "Pecos Bill." The name sounds a bit weird, given it's spoken with a Japanese accent, but Kirito addresses whim with a strange intensity. The swordsman shifts his stance forward. "Aren't you doing both your beloved AND your home nation a disservice with that line? And that saying nothing of being rude and spiteful to the princess here!" A hand goes up behind his back... and in a single decisive motion the young man draws his gunblade. "Pretty distasteful conduct for someone called a hero."
Moonlit Saber	"If there is wind again, I will handle it." Saber lets the hand not holding the reins fall to the shorter of the two swords at her hip. "And do not worry, Kirito, Tomoe. I will warn you if I must use my Noble Phantasm." There's a slightly apologetic look on her face, but she soon focuses back on the mines ahead when she hears a loud voice. "That would be Rider." Lips press together firmly. "I do not appreciate being called something like that." Her expression softens slightly, though as she hears Mashu and Kirito yelling back. "Ah... there is... there is no need. We are enemies, after all." She glances aside to Kazusa, then nods slowly. "Be careful, Master. Call me should the need arise." Saber's own dismount is nowhere near as flashy as Kirito's. She merely leans forward and strokes her horse's mane, whispering softly to it until it slows to a stop. "Good boy." Careful of her kimono, she slips down and lands on her feet, pausing to give her horse a kiss on the muzzle before stepping away. "Keep a safe distance, all right?" As she walks forward, Saber drops one hand to the swords at her hip. "Shielder, it would be a good idea to dismount. That goes for the rest of you as well. He is a Rider and has an advantage in mounted combat as is." Green eyes flash, and she finally raises her voice for the first time this evening, "Rider! I do not know what your continued plan is here, but I cannot allow anyone to be hurt. You know the rules of the Holy Grail War as well as I!"
Tomoe	Tomoe looks to Mashu for a moment nd then to Kazusa listening. "If they are back then they would be up to something. I know enough about grail ways to want to keep them the hell away from my world." Mage Hubirs was ocne a joke between her and her gaming friends, now it's an actual thing that could wrack up a body count, which was unettling to Tomoe to say the least. Still it wasn't she hated magic or servants she just knew how much of a mess a grail war coulc cause. Tomoe does not say mush as Mashu brings up about respect and to the Princess of the Moon she does however doesn't seem. "The salem hunts are a matter of shame for my country but I can get the fear that would cause it." She looks to Moonlit and seems to relax slightly at her words. Moonlits Saber's Noble Phantasm for lack of a better word mind crushed the Iron Lily. So to know she'd be restained or at least give warning helps a fair bit. She looks at Rider for a moment. "I'm not sure about you Pilgrim but are you sure your what you say you are?"
Kazusa Ujikane	"She been insultin' me just by existin', li'l lady," Rider replies to Mashu, his voice gruff. "At this point I don't need no reason to hold y'all off." His gaze sweeps between Kirito and Saber, and develops into a scowl. "Y'ain't got no right tellin' me what's as disservice and what ain't. When the moon gives me back mah Sue, then mebbe we can talk 'bout that!" Well, if people were wanting to distract Rider, they've done a very good job of it. He is now even more irritable than he already was - and that's pretty impressive! Already, the ebon hoof of Widowmaker is stamping at the ground, the legendary steed picking up on his rider's ire and snorting fiercely. And then Tomoe. Ohhhh, Tomoe. You just challenged Pecos Bill. That serpentine lasso of his comes out, whipped and whirled around before it forms a loop that Rider begins spinning over his head. "Well I dunno, there, li'l missy. How 'bout we find out? HYAH!" Immediately, Widowmaker thunders forward, the cowboy whirling that lasso over his head as if it weren't a very long snake but rather a true, proper rope. He's headed straight for Tomoe - but that doesn't stop him from snapping out his revolver and snapping off shots at Saber, Shielder, and Kirito!
Kazusa Ujikane	Meanwhile, Kazusa flings herself off her horse in what looks at first like a panic. "WAWAWAAH-!" Fwump. She scrambles off to one side, as if getting herself clear of the melee with hands over her head to hide behind a tumbleweed... but as soon as she's sure Rider is focused elsewhere, the girl grins to herself, and quickly scampers towards the mine. Speaking of which, the Marston Mine is... well, an abandoned mine. Precisely what you'd expect of an 'abandoned mine' level in a steampunk wild west MMO. Archer will spot several steampunk mining machines here and there, columns that look like they're specifically coded to be shot at for temporary collapses, and in general a very good mine for a shootout. The layout is not quite 'labyrinthine', but it does tend to fork, split, re-merge, and has a number of dead ends and useless side rooms. Much, much further in, he can hear the faint sounds of conversation. But he also might be able to hear the scampering sounds of footsteps from the mine entrance.
Shielder	"B-But even if you're enemies that shouldn't mean--" No, Mashu, it's not the time to preach that two people who have to fight can still have respect for one another. Things get much worse when the deep well of mythology knowledge in the Shielder realize who this Rider is. Sue, wronged or taken by the moon, a horse, a lasso, a revolver. She'd be absolutely fangirling right now if she weren't under attack! ... okay she can probably manage both. In what seems like a blur the Shielder is off her steed, and mana takes form into her massive shield. She stands in front of Tomoe, just like that-- her movements are swift, controlled, but a bit stiff. If you asked her how she did that, she wouldn't be able to tell you. Her body knows, not her mind. The runed, cross-shaped, almost seven foot tall shield is slammed into the ground, and Mashu holds on to it tight. If Rider wants to trample Tomoe, he'll have to get through Shielder's defenses first. The tradeoff is that she took a shot to the arm on her way to Tomoe, but now she's going to be halting Widowmaker's charge dead in its tracks.
Kirito	Now what on earth possessed Kirito to speak up for Kaguya? The black swordsman's not entirely sure himself, but he does seem to have this weird propensity for this kind of feat. Tomoe might recognize that by now. He just isn't the sort to let such things go unchallenged. "I don't suppose you have any idea what happens when American legend about the moon meets ours? I sure don't!" He very quietly and sincerely asks Moonlit Saber, as if he might be fishing for a plan of action to solve this mess... but there might not be time to get any response. Chances are he's not going to have ANY way of achieving what Pecos here really wants... and so, Kirito raises his weapon - and JUST IN TIME. "Tomoe, keep on your toes! This guy's dangerous!!" And what's worse... though they're in a game... he's not sure what's about to happen. Not after what happened with Konoe's brother... BULLET LINES appear in his vision and Kirito acts on REFLEX! Moving his blade carefully to position the flat at an angle towards the incoming shots one after another! Two out of three. Two out of three slam into the gunblade and ricochet off in fragments, though his shoulder gets sprayed by the fragments and one bullet goes through an arm... The one that would've struck his head, the one for his heart, both were dealt with! "Ghhhhhh--k!!" Even so, he's BLOWN BACKWARDS by the Heroic Spirit's shots and... it's evident in his eyes. THAT REALLY HURT!
Moonlit Saber	"He has not been polite since the day we have met, Shielder. I do not expect him to start being so now." Just in case Rider decides to use his tornado again, Saber draws Kusanagi, a sword that should be immediately recognizeable to Shielder, and to most Japanese people, in fact. "I am not sure, Kirito. I do not remember anything about the girl he is talking about." She takes a breath and calls a bit louder, "I do not mean to insult you, Rider, but I have nothing to do with this Sue of yours!" She glances briefly up to the sky, even if it's broad daylight. "I never even met her. But..." A shot rings out. Kusanagi flashes, striking out swiftly, and two holes appear in the ground on either side of Saber, each about half the size of a bullet. "Are you behind the false Enp..." Saber makes a face briefly. She may have knowledge of the omdern world downloaded into her, but she was a sheltered girl even while she was alive, so some things still are weird to her. "The one who lured people here! Was that your doing?" Part of her hates ganging up on another Servant like this, but the battle here is more than just a fight between Servants in the Holy Grail War.
Winedark Archer	Archer has realistic expectations: Rider likely has a grudge against the enemy Saber due to her powerset, and therefore will be too easily distracted. Therefore, once he hears footsteps from the entrance, he's already assuming someone's slipped past Rider; likely not the Saber, as Rider would be focusing full force on her, but perhaps her Master or another one of their non-Servant allies. He's too busy to focus full force on them, but luckily, if they're not a Servant, the terrain itself may be enough. Archer stops for a moment, analyzing the layout of the caves. Columns built to collapse. Good reflection potential due to the cracks and concave surfaces. For a Servant of his famous cunning, figuring out how to maximize their potential is trivial. Archer draws his bow, preparing several arrows, as he waits, listening to the footsteps of his enemy. He fires one arrow to reflect and hit a column right as they pass near it. Assuming they have the agility to dodge it, he fires another to reflect and hit the next, hoping to pin them. And do it again. And again. Turn the entire mine into a death trap for anyone attempting to approach, solely via indirect means. And then, Archer travels deeper down the mine. He's searching for the sounds of conversation, though he's attempting to crouch and minimize footsteps, hoping to get enough of a jump to choose exactly how he'll approach this. If he's lucky, the cave-ins will keep his pursuer a bit busy.
Tomoe	Tomoe seems to have said the wrong thing as Raider comes for her. Well if Pecos Bill wants a fight she's going to give him one. Then she realizes she's not set up to tank she'd grabbed the DPS class as it was easier to pick up. Oh this is going to hurt as she pops what few damage reducing cool downs she has. Which proves to be unneeded as suddenly Shielder is there tanking with enough skill that she's basically earned Tomoe's respect in under sixty seconds. She's got her pistols out as she leaps off her horse and is trying to open fire on Bill to give Shielder some support. She tries to not /think/ about what might happen, the memory of all the blood was still fresh in her mind. Being covered in her friend's blood as she tries to patch his wounds before medical air arrived. She's thankfully in survival mode right now so that doesn't last long. "I owe you one." Tomoe then keeps on shooting, reloading as she needs to with her six shooters, it's a good thing she brought the speed loader fear as soon as she was able to or she's be in worse trouble now.
Kazusa Ujikane	Unfortunately for Shielder, Rider's plan wasn't to trample Tomoe. Not quite. The whirling loop that is Shake the Snake wasn't just a distraction or a show - it was the main attraction. Seeing that big shield in his way, the cowboy veers Widowmaker to one side, angling as if he's gonna go stampeding off to one side and try to come in at a different angle... only the moment he gets around the side of that shield, he slings the lasso downward, and the snake lets go of itself long enough to try and curl around Mashu's ankle. If she can't move, she's gonna go for a ride. A rather unpleasant one. "I'll tell ya what happens! Ah shoot it!" Bless your heart, Rider. You're terrible at banter, but dammit you're trying. One thing he's also trying, is opening fire on Kirito a couple more times - but this time it's just a distraction. Because this time, someone IS intended to get trampled by Widowmaker. Namely, the Gunblade Beater. Pecos isn't stopping his horse for anything. Mobility's his biggest advantage here. And his biggest disadvantage is probably- "I ain't got time for no babblin' moon bunny! I ain't never forgiven the moon for takin' mah first love, and there ain't never gonna be no forgiveness!" Saber herself, yes. Saber is taking the entire brunt of his ire, and that means taking nearly constant gunfire. "Ah ain't got no appetite for sneakwork, neither, and ah resent the accusation!" Is his accent getting thicker the angrier he gets? It might be. He's at least pissed and distracted enough that Tomoe gets some absolutely clean shots in on him. One, two, three, four, bleeding holes appear in the black-clad Rider's coat, and though he lets out a growl of pain, he's so focused on trying to run Kirito down, take Shielder for a ride, and shoot Saber until she stops moving that he flat-out ignores Tomoe for the moment!
Kazusa Ujikane	In the mines, however, all is much more quiet, and Kazusa is on an /adventure/! An adventure that lasts for about as long as it takes for the sound of an arrow to echo through the mine - and a small cave-in to come within half a step of smashing her. "AAAH!" She even gets smacked by the falling wooden crossbeam, knocking her onto her back with a hiss of pain and a quiet groan... and after a second, realization hits her what just happened. That was an arrow. That was a /trick/ arrow. Which means... "...o-oh... oh god, he's here, he's... I'm trapped in here with him..." Kazusa Ujikane is sorely, sorely tempted to turn around and flee the mine. She really is. She remembers the last time she and Archer fought. It did not go well for her at all. More than one night has involved a nightmare of an arrow, viciously stabbed into her again and again. But no, no no, whatever he's doing here, it's gotta be bad. She's gotta stop it. Even if she's alone in here with him... Then something ticks over in her mind. Maybe it's the panic talking. But something in her suddenly whispers, 'But what if it's him that's trapped in here with you?' If Archer is still listening as he ventures further in, he might hear the mumbled incantation. He will probably hear the louder yell of, "The Beast!" He will definitely hear the sudden emergence of a low, keening groan, a groan from something that Should Not Be, an abomination that defies sanity by simply existing, something that sounds angry, insane, monstrous. And he will probably /feel/ the rubble blockades being smashed through, one after another, as the groaning rises to an ongoing cry of wretched hate and starts to close in.
Shielder	In the moments before Rider reaches her, or so she assumes he will-- the downside of that massive shield is that she CANNOT REALLY SEE THROUGH IT, so clearly whatever hero used this in life was either a fool or a terrifying melee combatant-- Mashu starts squeeing a bit. "I-Is that really Pecos Bill? T-THE Pecos Bill? D-Does he really ride a tornado like in the stories?!" she asks Saber, in a voice that betrays her enthusiasm and admiration. Sadly, this opening allows Rider to wrap his terrible lasso around her ankle, and yank her off her feet. Rider makes off with his prize! ... but his prize hasn't let go of her shield. By reflex, the shield is almost kicked under her before she can hit the ground, and she falls on the shield instead, shifting her grasp on it. As Rider drags her off, he doesn't manage to do so in the dirt, but rather she's using it like-- well, a sled. It's not comfortable, especially since she's being pulled by the ankle, but better the shield handle the friction with the ground than her body. No one tell Bedivere about this. Or about last time. In the heat of the moment she completely forgets that thing hanging from her waist is a sword, and instead just kind of struggles (pointlessly) against the lasso with her one free hand. She can't overpower Rider's hold on it, no. "H-Hey, let go! This isn't f-fair at all!"
Tomoe	Tomoe oh hells at Shielder is roped in a move right out of a old western, she could see it happening in a John Wayne movie to be sure. She's now going to try to do something else as she gets a few shots in on Rider. She's more concerned for Shielder now. She's being being dragged along and she knows enough about the tactic about how painful it was said to be. Given her class she start to pop every acc related cool down she has with one intention on taking a shot to shoot the rope that's holding Shielder. "I don't think so." She takes the shot but there's a lead up time and she's going to be left open to reprisals.
Kirito	Kirito's hands fly strangely, one tapping at the air off to the side! but in those few elongated seconds he also raises his blade and batters away the shots! This time he does it without taking more than a smidge of damage from shrapnel... although the Gunblade's durability drops sharply every time it absorbs a shot like that. Unlike the PHOTON SABER this thing can't just vaporize bullets, it has to absorb the impact... The Black Swordsman regards what's about to happen strangely, eyes flicking left and right... but he makes his decision. He can't jump over Rider. Horses can also jump, and a Servant can certainly do it far better than he can. He can't dodge, Widowmaker's far too quick and he'd just get shot at while wide open. He can't try to rescue Shielder, he'd get creamed. At his (comparatively) low level, he can't hope to outmanuever a Servant. Every time he imagines the manuever, it ends in disaster - a faceful of hooves! So there's only one choice! Blue-white light flickers on Kirito's back... and moments before Rider arrives he THRUSTS BOTH of the weapons for Widowmaker's front, bracing himself against the ground! By all rights this would seem to be the CRAZIEST course of action, but there's a wisdom to it, it turns out! By bracing himself against the gound, this forces Widowmaker to IMPALE their horseflesh on the weapons or turn away! Even that would result in Kirito being pushed across the ground for a considerable distance before his grip falters and he's trampled... The guy's not one of Alfheim Online's best players for nothing!
Moonlit Saber	"He does, Shielder. He did last time we fought, but I was able to counter it." Green eyes glance aside to Mashu. "You... seem to know more about him than I do, and you have just met him. If there are any weaknesses you know of, now would be the time to say so." Saber raises her sword slowly... then her eyes widen. "Shielder, look out!" Too late, though. "Do not struggle! The lasso is a Noble Phantasm in itself! You will only be able to counter it with another one... use your shield!" At least she hopes that advice will help, because she is far too busy with all those bullets to be able to give chase! Not that she could hope to outrun Rider's mount... Kusanagi swings out, sending blades of wind with every stroke. A few of the bullets are knocked off course, but several impact Saber, piercing through her kimono and drawing blood. Rather than wincing in pain, though, she simply takes a deep breath. "This pales in comparison to the pain that I feel in my heart... You shall not fell me today, Rider. No... Pecos Bill!" Despite the fact that sandals are probably the worst footwear to use for combat in this environment, Saber isn't slowed down as she charges. She know she can't close the distance, but she also knows she has to act fast. Her Master is trapped inside the mine now, and without the means to summon her via Command Seal, if what she remembers of the Beast is true. She's on a timer, now, and she forces herself to keep calm and not panic... hard as that is. "Kusanagi-no-tsurugi has felled entire armies. Today, it needs only cut a single blade of grass. Kamaitachi!" Planting one foot, Saber swings her blade low, sending a narrow slash of wind toward Widowmaker's legs.
Winedark Archer	The cave in is going to work. Archer knows it will; he's the one who did it. What he didn't know is /who/ was the one following him, until she spoke up. Kazusa Ujikane, the shapeshifter. Mortal, but dangerous. He's unsure of her exact capabilities, so he must assume she can do anything that may be a threat to him. He stops, crouching. He listens. And she activates her ability. 'The Beast'. While Archer does not know what this means, he can infer. She's a monster. She's dangerous. And she'll overpower him. He wasn't famous for killing monsters, he has no ability to fight against her. So instead, he must play to his strengths: trickery, deception, and most of all, an ignorance to traditional morality. Archer deactivates his lantern, tosses the helmet into the air, fires an arrow into it so that it'll travel through the caverns and make noise elsewhere, and pulls his cloak up. And then, he proceeds to the source of the conversation from earlier. Archer's hoping that they're still there. And most of all, he's hoping they're /players/, because that leads to several things: 1. it allows him to complete his mission. And 2., he can use it against Kazusa Ujikane. Either she refuses to harm civilians, especially when he may have a way to do something to them... Or, what he's betting on: she gives into her bestial instincts and truly becomes a monster, and he stabs at the hero inside her, allowing him to use that as leverage in the future. Only time will tell.
Kazusa Ujikane	"Ain't no point fightin' fair when y'got five varmints gunnin' fer ya at once!" Five? Has he still not realized Kazusa's gone? Apparently not. But to be fair, he's so laser-focused that he's only barely noticing he still has Shielder dragging behind him. Now, Shake, on the other hand, Shake is very aware. Shake is also aware that someone has opened fire in an attempt to free Shielder, for that matter. But Rider still wants to keep holding her, so Shake keeps right on holding on... right up until a bullet clips serpentine scales, and the snake lets go. One thing Rider does notice is the sudden lack of weight pulling on the lasso. He turns to look behind him- and it's the first moment of real pain on his face the entire fight. "Shake! Aw, you sorry little-" Well, Kirito, good news and bad news. The good news is, Widowmaker skids to a stop before even reaching the makeshift spear wall. The bad news is, it's not because he's afraid. Rider hauls back on the reins, the horse skids to a stop, and rears up - and you'd better watch out for those forehooves, because they're kicking right at your face. But no, the gunslinger's stopped the horse so that he can turn around and go absolutely /barreling/ straight at Tomoe. Rider's shooting the entire time, firing and firing and firing at the DPS in a way that suggests she just provoked some sort of enrage mechanic. Or, y'know, she just shot his little buddy and now he's mad. But the horse never reaches her, because Saber's wind blade clips across one oversized flank and sends the horse to the ground, hard. Rider is thrown clear, and comes up bleeding from several new gashes that result from such a high-speed tumble; he comes up and turns his gun on Saber next, striding calmly towards her with Shake whirled into a spin yet again. "All right, there, /princess/, ah had jus' 'bout enough a you." Somehow he manages to make 'princess' sound like an insult.
Kazusa Ujikane	Down in the mines, Archer is more or less alone with what might or might not be Kazusa anymore. It's hard to know until she's seen, really. But if he remembers anything about White Berserker, it's almost as if the nerd was replaced with the Servant - save that the constant, ongoing scream of mad fury is in Kazusa's voice rather than the original's. But the wily Od- Aeolus has ever been known for his trickery, and the helmet hurled down another direction in the mine instantly results in the sound of a charging, furious Berserker heading that way. It's bought Archer some time. Time to go hunting for what turns out to be two player characters, chattering with mounting frustration. "Man, this is bullshit, we got sent out on the quest, the stuff should all be spawned already." "Dude, Baku, chill a little, alright? It could be some kind of timed event. Or maybe we just gotta go head back out of the mine and then we'll get attacked or something. I'm pretty sure I heard something out there already, and if it doesn't work we can just come back." They're completely oblivious. Which is probably good, because not long after the rampaging Beast Kazusa goes storming off in another direction, her furious yell rises in frustrated ire at being duped. She's already found it out.
Winedark Archer	The trap worked. /Of course it did/, Od- er, Aeolus is a tactical genius who is way better than these other guys. Or, that's what he thinks, anyways, as he doesn't look back once she heads down that way. Instead, once he's spotted the players, he adjusts himself. Time to try and hit two birds with one stone. He tosses his cloak around to make it look overly worn, messes with his beard, and begins hobbling as he runs straight into the players, storing his bow under his cloak to assist. "Aieee! Y-you brave heroes! I require your assistance! The Beast of Marston Mine attacked me, and my pickaxe was of no use against it! You are younger than I, and I have heard of your great skill! I need one of you to distract and slay the beast, while the other helps me get to my lost supplies. I will be /most grateful/ and attempt to /reward you anyway I can/!" Archer takes up the role of an NPC, using his Charisma to make it more believable. He's also using a mercenary's favorite words in an attempt to appeal to their greed, especially since he knows they think it's only a game. If they do choose to help him, he'll direct one towards Kazusa and lead the other, slowly, as he's a hobbling old man, down a separate shaft. And then he'll reach for the wrapped cloth. It's time to put this to work.
Shielder	As Shake lets go, Mashu and her shield tumble back for a few moments before coming to a halt, kicking up some dust. It takes her only a second to dart back up, massive shield in tow, and a few more seconds to shake her head and stop being dizzy. The fighting has escalated; Rider is pissed, and is firing everywhere. What can she even do? This shield isn't a weapon at all! Maybe if she just... stays determined and braces. She's a Servant now, after all! She has access to all of that person's tricks, if she just lets his memories guide her, even if she doesn't remember them, it'll be alright. With a loud slam, the shield is jammed into the ground upright, shining like a banner. Onlookers may feel fortified, and not just metaphorically. Mana bleeds out of Shielder and her shield, into everyone else. Their defenses increase! Their skin hardens like steel, their clothes become impenetrable armor. It doesn't make them impact-proof, but for as long as this lasts, even someone like Kirito could afford some of his crazier tactics!
Moonlit Saber	That poor horse. But Saber also knows that the poor horse is a terrifyingly evil beast, and is not a regular horse, or even a digital one like the ones they all rode here on. She knows it's one of Rider's Noble Phantasms, and that getting him off his horse will at least slow him down, if not necessarily make him less dangerous. Saber takes another deep breath as she feels mana flowing into her, strengthening her skin and her Robe. It does help quite a lot, since now the shots that strike her don't hit quite so hard. At least for three turns. "I wish I could get you to understand, Rider. The two of us may be enemies, but we are not as different as you think. The moon has taken from both of us." She shifts her grip on her sword, advancing toward Rider. "Not that I expect you to listen to me. Come, then. I will show you that even a princess can be formidable."
Tomoe	Tomoe has seeminly succeede in her plan to help Shielder but she's endeing up geting more heat on her for it. She sees he's thrown from his mount and she tilts her head a bit. Where's he going now with this she sees he's on Moon now hwoever it just doesn't end? How does a fake like herself end up with actual legends? She doesn't know and she wonders why she even keeps doing this. Then Shielder now ends up buffing everyone also she forgot an imporant part that likely wasn't a rope that was likely the snake that Bill kept as a pet. She basically just shot an man's dog. Oh hell. There's not much she can do now but try to lay down fire on Pecos Bill and wonder just how dithis come to this. "Shielder! You are something I seem to owe you again!" She now treies ot keep shooting but she's going to end up feeling osme pain sooner or later she's blown most of her cooldowns already.
Kirito	Well, having to deal with a kicking horse is considerably better than dealing with a TRAMPLING horse. Kirito brings the weapons up and starts frantically parrying. He's got two blades, Widowmaker has two hooves! Sparks fly as the two meet again and again! Since Widowmaker's joints only move in two directions... the kicks are somewhat more predictable than swordplay. On the other hand, THAT BEAST is TREMENDOUSLy strong compared to Kirito. Each time they clash his HP meter takes a dive, more and more shaved off... and his arms feel the impact in ways he's NOT used to. Even with the bolstering provided by Shielder, he's forced to stagger backwards a few steps... and takes a few blows to his shoulders. Kirito backflips away and pauses to catch his breath the moment Widowmaker goes elsewhere, drained of strength. If he was ONLY here with the right avatar, his proper gear, all his stats and abilities.... "I hope Kazusa finishes fast," He murmurs to himself.
Kazusa Ujikane	Rider doesn't know what Shielder did. If he were a little more sane right now, he might care enough to wonder and perhaps counter. But he's focused on Saber like a laser-guided missile at this point. Focused on putting the hurt on what, to him, is just one more reminder of the moon that stole away his first and greatest love. He doesn't even realize everyone's taking less damage from his gunfire. "That don't matter none. The moon done took Sue, and then it tosses you right here in fronta me! Standin' there lookin' all pretty, talkin' all pretty, /jus' like her/! Cain't stand to look at ya! Cain't STAND it!" He shoots and shoots and shoots again. Even Tomoe's shots aren't registering on him despite the actual damage they're doing. He whips Shake around him and then snaps the snake out like a whip at Saber, once, twice, trying to spark some opening that he can shoot through. But at this point that isn't even enough to satisfy the cowboy. "Jes' standin' there actin' all sad! Well last time y'acted all sad, them buddies o' yours ain't do too well neither, did they?!" The simple act of saying this brings him to a realization of sorts, and the cowboy stops, for once becoming a beacon, a bastion of calm. Deadly calm. "Well now, there's a thought." Overhead, the digital clouds begin to act in a very analog way, flowing and starting to churn. Rider gives Shake a flick, and the snake curls around to become a lasso again. "What say we do that li'l dance again, princess? How's about I call me down a twister and Ride Like the Wind, and we see whether it's me or you they gotta worry 'bout!" The words ring with power, the activation call of a Noble Phantasm. Shake whips out and snares the twister that slams down from the clouds, and Pecos Bill hauls himself up, the powerful whirlwind gathering speed and force - presenting a danger to anyone in the vicinity.
Kazusa Ujikane	"See? I /told/ you!" "You're also the one who once told me you were totally sure that quest that required you to take off your AmuSphere mid-fight was a real thing." "Oh we're going there, are we." "Look, my point is-" "Dude. Quest." Archer, this is what you have to work with. Regardless, Bakudan Bomber and Dangan Machinegun are gamers. The offer of quest rewards absolutely has their attention. More or less. "Dan, you take this one. You're better at hit and run." "Yeah, yeah, I got it. You two go for it." Despite his name, Dangan Machinegun is a dual-sixshooter duelist, but with some of the higher-level skills it amounts to the same thing. He twirls a revolver in each hand, and then goes dashing off down the mine shaft towards the oncoming sound of a Freight Train-class Servant. Bakudan, meanwhile, twirls a stick of dynamite in his hand and grins. "Alright, lead on! Quest accepted."
Winedark Archer	As the two gamers fall for it, Archer can't help but smile briefly. "Thank you so much! You, with me, we must recover my stuff before something happens to it!" Archer leads Bakudan down an empty shaft, one far enough that Dangan won't be clued in, but close enough that Bakudan won't get suspicious. Once they're there, he moves quickly. An arrow is drawn, and used to knock the dynamite out of his hands, and then knock it down the shaft. Obviously the shaft wasn't safe, otherwise why would he require an escort? Archer then proceeds to unwrap the cloth with a rapid reflex, as he begins speaking to Bakudan. "You have been a valuable player, however, we must unfortunately inform you..." "That we will be terminating your account, effective immediately." Archer may or may not have prepared that line in advance after researching the medium. A silver necklace, of intricate design, is drawn out of the cloth and waved in front of Bakudan's eyes. Magic swirls from it, firing straight at him, aiming to absorb /something/ straight into the necklace. There's another smile from Archer, and then once it's done, he's heading back out the tunnels. While two players would be nice, there's a risk involved. Instead, Archer moves towards the entrance of the mine and takes a stealth position; close enough to hear what's happening with Rider and the others, while also close enough to hear whatever ends up being the outcome with the player and Kazusa. He /could/ go give Rider a hand...but that'd be way too much effort, no thanks.
Shielder	"T-That build-up of mana... h-he's using...!" Mashu doesn't need to be an expert on Servant to tell when a Noble Phantasm is coming. And she's a bit scared now, because she's not had the (mis)fortune to be on this side of one yet. Last time she saw a few of them, she was on their side. Galatine, and this Saber's sword, and... It's no time to be distracted! The winds are churning. How do you even defend against this?! You'd need... you'd need some sort of very large rock formation. Maybe arranged in an unlikely circle around the center of the area, vulnerable to feathers for some reason. There's no such thing here! She recalls Gawain and Merlin's instructions. She searches, deep inside, for the True Name of the Heroic Spirit within her. For the name of his trump card. She finds fragmented information her brain can't process, but that, without thinking, she shouts at the top of her lungs, clinging to her shield, still jammed into the ground, even as the winds buffet her. "LORD !" It's incomprehensible. Maybe it's just the winds, covering her shouting, or maybe it wasn't even a word she screamed. It was a feeling she shouted, just an intense desire to protect. The fake Noble Phantasm activates nonetheless. The shield flashes, and covers the entire area being blasted by the winds into a glimmering green and blue shield, a sort of dome with a complex magic circle overlapped, a cross in the center. No one but Mashu has to suffer Rider's wrath. For every impact Ride Like the Wind does against the barrier, her presence dwindles, her mana reserves diminish, and she seems to be wobbling on her feet, struggling to stay upright. By the time Rider's done, whether he stops himself or gets stopped by the others, there'll barely be any magic to feel coming from the girl.
Moonlit Saber	Green eyes blink several times. "Just like... her?" Saber looks confused for a moment. "Are you saying that I look like your Sue?" What are the chances of that? Though, given both are stories about a woman going to the moon... But she doesn't really have much time to think about it, not with those bullets incoming! Saber manages to deflect a few, and the protection from Shielder blunts some of the damage from the ones that do hit her, but they still tear through her Mystic Robe, each shot drawing blood. Well, maybe if he keeps focusing on her, the others can do something. A few quick flicks of her blade send out more gusts of wind, but whenever she tries to keep the snake away, another bullet hits her. Saber grits her teeth, taking a step forward... and then stops as Rider gets an idea. A really bad one. "No..." Gripping Kusanagi tightly with both hands, Saber begins to slowly channel mana into it. She can't do the same trick as before, not without potentially leaving Kazusa vulnerable and weak in the process. And so, Saber speaks a very unprincesslylike word. "...fiddlesticks." And then the feeling of mana flowing around her, and Saber's eyes widen. "Shielder... This... He can outlast this!" It does buy her some time, and she'd probably have been blown away in an instant without that mystical wall protecting her, but she can't sit idly by while others protect her. She can sense the barrier weakening as she steps forward, raising Kusanagi high. "Rider! No... Pecos Bill! Is it not I you are angry with? Is it not I who reminds you of your lost love?" It's subtle, but as she speaks, there's a flow of mana, as if her very voice carries power with it. "I then challenge you to look me in the eye, me alone, and tell me the depths of your feelings for Sue! In return, you may take out your anger on me alone!"
Tomoe	She's been shooting Bill but she's not sure how much effect it's having. Shielder's buff is going to make her life suck a lot lessbut it's still going to suck as she's getting caught in the wints and hit with various things that the Noble Phantasm. She's caught with rocks, sticks and at least one impales her she lets out a scream and in reality she's feeling the pain she's actually physically injured it wasn't just Kirito, no it was likely every last soul with wandermode. She's trying to not get blown away. Without the budd her life would be so much worse. She's staggling and she moves to pauses at the mention of Sue and there's a visable cringe on her face this is going to be bad for someone.
Kirito	Malevolent winds kick up from nowhere as Kirito's trying to regain his composure, and he's IMMEDIATELY forced to raise his arms and shield himself agaisnt flying rocks and dust getting in his eyes. The sensation's quite real, more than it should be, thanks to facing a Servant... But he starts backing away. News on the radio says he's needed elsewhere more. Although he struggles against the winds to do so, Kirito turns away and starts on a lopsided gait for the mines!
Kazusa Ujikane	The fury of the Texas twister twists and strains against the protective shielding deployed by Mashu. It's a fierce, furious onslaught, the full force of nature's wrath in its most concentrated form, and yet Shielder's power is able to hold it off. To contain it, to pit her own mana against Rider's. She may realize in doing this that he's putting quite literally everything he has into this whirlwind. Struggling. Trying to fight her off, to reach Saber. Saber, whose words get to him, eliciting a wash of emotions across the Servant's face way up on the tornado. "Sue was... well hell she was the purdiest gal y'ever laid eyes on! Eyes like the night sky, hair like a rollin' golden wheat field! Weren't but one gal could ride a catfish like mah Sue! Ain't a lady like 'er, never will be, and the moon took 'er from me, and then here you are! Here y'are..." Little motes of blue-white light are, by now, floating off of Rider. The tornado is starting to lose its fury with how much he's poured into it trying to break Shielder's hold on it. In the end, as his tirade on Sue saps his fury and turns it to lament, he gives his arm a little flick... and Shake releases the tornado. Down he goes, and the winds relent, dispersing bit by bit until there's nothing left. Nothing but Pecos Bill on the ground, with those motes of glimmering light floating off of him as he walks straight at Saber. It's hard to describe the look on his face. Rage. Grief. Resignation. Even he realizes at this point he put too much into it. "...ain't but one thing left for us now, li'l lady," he mutters. "Ain't a damn bit a' meanin' to it, but we gotta. Like a cai-yote, howlin' at the moon." He brings Shake around, prepared to whip... but the Noble Phantasm is too much for him to support anymore. It disperses into nothing. He turns to look in Widowmaker's direction. There's nothing left of the horse but dissipating glimmers of magic. So when he looks back at Saber, there's only one thing he can do. He rests his hand on the grip of his six-shooter, where it sits in its holster.
Kazusa Ujikane	Off Dangan goes. Straight towards the ragebeast. There will be a few moments of (relative) silence before the sound of distant gunfire happens, first steady, then panicked. The poor sap isn't equipped to deal with Berserker's groan of madness - nor the Bridal Chest. There's a loud impact, and the shooting stops. Bakudan, on the other hand, is running along with Archer until the moment an arrow divests him of his signature weapon. "Whoa shit-!" He'd be impressed with the coding for this 'event', except that the NPC then tells him his account has been terminated. "W-what the hell?! Is this some ha- aaa..." A glimmering light seeps through the digital avatar. It immediately twitches and shudders in a very glitchy way, visible artifacting happening before Bakudan Bomber starts to slump lifelessly to the ground - only to abruptly undergo an automatic logout thanks to the AmuSphere. But Archer doesn't have a whole lot of time to enjoy it, or escape into hiding. Kazusa's cries of frustrated rage fill the mine, and when she can't find her target, she turns, and starts running, this way and that... only to catch the sound of something going on outside. In her mad state, she turns to run that way, towards the sound of the fight, the only thing that gives her any direction. Unfortunately, that means she's also heading in Archer's (general) direction. Kirito, meanwhile, will find much the same thing Archer and Kazusa did - a perfect 'mine level' mine, with that distinctive, maddening roar from Kazusa echoing somewhere within.
Shielder	It's to Mashu's advantage that, unlike a Servant, she can pour her everything into what she does, and not topple over dead for it. But the state it leaves her in, it may as well be death, if this had been a fight between just the two of them. When the winds calm, Rider is, after all, still standing-- weakened, moments from fading, it looks like, but still more than able to attack if he had the mind to it. Mashu? Not so much. The incomplete Noble Phantasm she deployed fades too, like the energy in the wind. Mashu's shield, and her armor, break apart into blue wisps of light, like Rider's, dissipating in the air. It leaves Mashu completely exposed, in her one-piece black dress and sweater, no protection, no superhuman traits to help her. She can't stand anymore, falling to one knee and panting, desperate for air. But she can't take her eyes off Saber and Rider now. She has to see how this ends before she passes out, or she'd never forgive herself.
Winedark Archer	As the necklace absorbs the soul, Archer glances over it briefly, before enclosing it back in the cloth and storing it on his person. He takes a moment, once in cover, to inform those outside of what is going on. He's not sure if Kazusa Ujikane will actually feel remorse for taking out an avatar, but he's going to assume she will. That's what these sort of 'good people' do; those who can't understand that the world isn't about morality, but about surviving, about /winning/. As they mention that one of them is going down there, he prepares himself, reaching for a small brown sack on his waist. And then, he listens. This is going to be risky. He reaches into the bag, grabbing two objects from it; not the full power. And then, he speaks, magic reverbating in his words. "AEOLUS!" Two of the Winds tear forward out of the bag, slamming into the tunnel. They begin to rage, quickly turning the mine tunnel into a wind tunnel, one that slashes and tears at those who cross through it. The wind buffets at him too, slashing his cloak and his face, as he hunkers down for just the right moment... And then Archer leaps forward, hopefully /over/ Kirito, diving for the entrance. Maybe he'll try and grab Rider, he thinks. But maybe, just maybe, Saber will kill him. And that's one less opponent in this War. Which is why, if he clears that entrance, he's not heading for the fight. He's fleeing with his prize.
Kirito	Kirito's not in the best of shape already. His health is getting low, and his avatar's power is not what he wants it to be. It's at half the output he really wants, being generous... And just as he's getting into the Mine shaft... he spots... "Oh COME ON!!" WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!! Kirito braces himsself, using his weapon and arms to shield his face YET AGAIn from the rushing winds. But in this tight quarters... it's much different from the twisting, horizontal gale of a tornado. This head-on windstorm takes him clear off his feet and sends him tumbling across the wall! It might've been different if he had some warning or something to hold onto, but... It buys Archer the time he needs. "What's with all the wind powers?!" He complains, sounding more than a bit dizzy and tired.
Moonlit Saber	True to the terms of her statement, Saber listens. She listens as the winds howl, listens as they die down, listens as Rider describes Sue and descends to the ground. "Rider..." Saber can feel the weakness. She can sense the flagging mana all around her, both from Rider as his Noble Phantasms fade away and from Shielder behind her. She gives a quick glance over her shoulder, seeing as Shielder is... not quite Shielder anymore, and presses her lips together thinly. "Yes, Rider. There is only one more thing we can do." She did promise, after all, and she is unable to go back on her promise. And yet... her vow was that he could take his anger out on her, and she isn't so sure there's much anger left in him. Moving slowly, she sheathes her sword again, though keeps one hand resting on the hilt. Perhaps she's preparing for an iaijutsu strike? It does seem to put her on even footing with Rider and his holstered gun. "Only one thing left to do," she repeats, striding forward. Should he shoot... Saber doesn't even try to dodge, adding one more bullet wound to the others. Tonight would be a painful night anyway. But rather than draw her sword, Saber lifts both arms, reaching toward the taller Servant... and pulls him downward. "After all this time, you have not forgotten your love. The moon is a harsh place... but I know that your love has reached her." She pats Rider's head, offering the other Servant opportunity to cry. "You can hate me for it if you want. But speaking your pain helps ease it. And as long as you have not forgotten your love..." Saber lowers her head slightly. "...you will one day meet her again. I am certain of it." Her eyes close, one hand comforting Rider, as the other slowly reaches down. And in one swift motion, she draws her sword between them, running him through. "May you find Sue in the next life, Pecos Bill."
Tomoe	Tomoe has been puretty hard up with everything she's hurt in game an out of it, she understand now just what she's at risk or. Now she understand what Bill is up to he wants the love of his life back and as far as he's concerned. It's going into a shoot out she knows Moonlit Saber is trying to tank for them all she's not able to do much but she sees there's more problems. She has no idea that a horror that should not be able to happen in this world has happened. She now lowers her guns and watches a legend of her own homeland cut down by Moonlit saber. Even with all of that she's not sure how to feel. Though deep inside the wheels are starting to turn for the Iron Lily.
Kazusa Ujikane	It's hard to say what Rider would do were circumstances different. But they aren't; Mashu is ignored, her helpless state proving to be no issue at the moment. Tomoe's silent vigil goes uninterrupted. For this moment in time, there is no one Rider can see except Saber. But perhaps, he's not even really seeing even her. His hand rests on the grip of his six-shooter, his body tense but his face calm. Calm, but filled with a deeper sadness than an ordinary man could survive. His fingers curl, uncurl, curl again... but he doesn't fire. When she doesn't move as if to actually draw, he doesn't either. Only stares at her, quietly, as she approaches. For a moment it looks as if he's resolved to draw and fire, but it never comes. In the end, all he can really do is slump, the last of his strength gone out. It's not until after the blade goes through his chest, that Rider speaks. He doesn't even sound surprised. There's just a sad chuckle. "...well ain't this a hell of a way t'go. Some cowboy, huh? Gettin' all mushy in th'middle of a fight." And that is the last that Rider has to say.
Kazusa Ujikane	The rising winds prompt a renewed roar from within the mines. It's an incredible, powerful wind, vicious and clawing, and yet being so injured only seems to infuriate Berzusa even further. And with the power of White Berserker to draw on, if anything she can draw some strength from that wind, sapping the prana it leaves behind in the air. It doesn't allow her to go any faster or blunt the injuries she's taken, but it at least means she can keep right on going. Unfortunately, she doesn't make the entrance until Archer has already exited and left. Which means that the only person who will get to see Kazusa-as-Berserker come stampeding out of the mine with a blank, mad look of rage in her eyes is Kirito; it looks as if she might run right /through/ him if he doesn't move, but if he either refuses or simply doesn't react in time, she'll skid to a stop, giving him a look of dim confusion, before her head starts whipping around in search of her prey. Or Rider. Or... anyone. There's no one. No one to fight. That constant, ongoing cry of madness finally dims, settling down to a dull groan once again... but it's still there, not stopping, needling at the back of the mind for anyone who can hear it.
Kirito	Kirito's just getting to his feet when Kazusa comes strolling by, dressed all wrong and acting RAAAAATHER UNHINGED. His only reaction is to eye her, freezing up.... Archer's long past, and now he's got an ally who's being weird. Also, what is that freaky naggling sensation that's started gnawing at him the longer he looks at her? Kirito's face starts twitching and a few hiss noises get past clenched teeth. He's no stranger to the look he was just given. his instincts are screaming... if he twitches the wrong way, she might try to kill him. And there is NO good reason to be fighting her. But it doesn't change the fact that he's staring on with ever-increasing confusion...
Kazusa Ujikane	Going into the mine will reveal, first of all, that Aeolus tripped every single 'rubble trap' in there. One can find two disconnected players in there, both of them flashing with the bright <AUTO DISCONNECT> sign that indicates AmuSphere safeties have been engaged. One of them looks like a perfectly normal disconnect - likely the one stupid enough to attack Kazusa in her berserk state. The other, however, is very glitchy and difficult to get a look at visually. Something has been done to it at a code level... or perhaps at a /reality/ level, it's hard to say. Magic has been done here, if there's anyone who can actually detect that. Discovering for sure what happened to either will probably have to wait until news reports come out, or any local Union intel resources dig up info. Kazusa is... essentially one step above 'mindless beast' right now. She doesn't seem to recognize any of her Union allies as hostile - in fact, they probably get looks of confusion, as if she's trying to put thoughts together through the haze of boundless fury. The only one that she truly seems to 'recognize', however, is Saber - towards whom she ambles, constantly looking this way and that as if expecting someone that needs smashing to appear at any moment. This will last for a good while longer, until the transformation finally seems to 'peel' off of her in a progressive shower of bright white sparks. Once it's reverted, no matter where they are, she'll slump to the ground unconscious.
Moonlit Saber	"Do not sell yourself short. To fight for love not forgotten is a wonderful thing." Saber lowers her head slightly as Rider begins to fade away, pulling her sword back and resheathing it. No tears fall from her eyes, and her gaze remains cold as steel as she steps back. This isn't how she wanted it to go, but... there's some hope that at least Rider was at peace in the end. Hope is all she has there. But there's still more to deal with, even if both enemy Servants are gone. "Master..." Saber takes a deep breath and calls out in a clear voice, "Master! Kazusa! The battle is over." She isn't sure if she can count it as a total win, but she knows that the Beast has to be informed there is no one else to fight. At least, she hopes that Kazusa will still recognize that. As her Master runs toward her, Saber takes the girl in her arms and holds her, offering what support she can until the power of the Beast wears off. This battle was more emotionally draining than she ever could have expected, and it will take some time for her to fully understand all that happened here. But for now, she knows that her Master is safe, and her allies as well. That's all she can hope for.