[h2]Saber - Castle Tepes[/h2]

Saber gave a firm nod, then turned to face the Queen. She returned the gesture with a shrug. It seemed to Saber that the childlike ruler would have accepted any outcome of the decision immediately. Was it not the matter of the defense of her family's jewel at stake? Or perhaps she simply trusted that they would ensure its safety regardless of the decision. In any case, as she received the nod from the tiny Queen, her attention returned to her allies.

"I agree with Jack's proposal," she began, "His position closest to the Eye is ideal for his set of skills, as it will be difficult for Shadow Eternity's forces to attack at range if they desire to avoid harming it. He will be able to keep the fight at close range and overwhelm his enemies in close quarters."

Granted, Saber was fairly certain the samurai could counteract ranged fighters as well. His skill with his blade was extremely impressive, and therefore it seemed to her that fighting close to the Eye in the event of Shadow Eternity's approach would be ideal. For the others, she would need to investigate the layout of the castle. Though there was one in particular she felt would be most useful outdoors.

"Nono, you will most likely be placed outside of the castle," she added, "Though I will need to investigate the layout of the building more thoroughly."

With that, she headed for the chamber's exit, pausing when she saw a familiar face approaching.

"You've returned, Gintoki," she said, nodding slightly, "We are beginning to plan our defense."

Meanwhile, Queen Tepes approached Samurai Jack, peering up at him with a small smile on her face. "I like you. You volunteered before Miss Saber even started planning a defense strategy. Just for that, I'm going to assign some maids to prepare your meals special! What kind of food do you like the most?"

At that moment, Shirley faded into view nearby. She leaned close to the Queen and whispered into her ear. After a moment's pause, the childish vampire nodded. It seemed that there were non-threatening intruders [i]and[/i] what appeared to be salespeople in front of the castle.

"... Fine, fine, I'll see to all that in a moment," she said with a sigh.

[h2]Kirisame Marisa - Academy City[/h2]

Well.

Crap.

Marisa hovered in place, trying to struggle against the binds. The rubber bullets had been a problem but she'd wheeled out of range, but this dark matter or whatever it was... that was kind of trouble. This sucked. She didn't like just anyone tying her up like this! She frowned deeply and glanced at Othinus in her pocket. Seriously? Jeez...

"... Aww, I don't even get to dress her up?" she complained, trying her best to fold her arms even with the restrictive dark matter netting keeping her in place. "Really? Can I at least collect all my stuff again? The weirdo with the hand made it all come out of my hat."

Sure, she knew his name, but calling him 'weirdo with the hand' was more satisfying.

[h2]Shadow Eternity Vessel [i]Foecrusher[/i][/h2]

Soldiers poured onto the vessel. Each of them took a seat in the vast machine, some helping each other adjust their gear or calibrate their weapons. They were all equipped with the new rifles, the ones capable of utilizing mana-imbued blasts of energy in order to harm those foes who seemed impervious to mundane harm. At least, any that would be easily transported by a human-like individual on a large scale. Among them, a woman with a long ponytail clutching a sheathed katana stepped onto the ship. She was rather eager to see if a certain enemy she had faced would be there.

It wasn't likely, the UMMA surely had no knowledge of the Eye of the Serpent, but really, there was no harm in hope, was there?

She flashed a smile to the soldiers around her. This bunch. This bunch seemed like reliable types. The kind who wouldn't shoot civilians just for kicks. The kind who only hurt their enemies, not the innocent people cowering nearby. [i]These[/i] guys were worth some concern, in her opinion at least. They showed each other some concern as far as she could tell, checking one another's gear even without needing to be ordered to. Certainly not the scumbags she'd been last saddled with.

The ship's communications crackled to life.

"I am certain you are all aware of your mission," the Leader's voice began, "The castle's defense is composed of a variety of supernatural creatures, including a being known as 'Clark'. We still have very little information on 'Clark'. They are not easily slain, and it is advisable to attempt to disable them rather then wasting time on killing them. Of course, my operatives are indeed capable of permanently ending them as a threat, so defer to them for orders."

The ship's engine flared to life.

It would not be long, now.

[h2]The Leader - Shadow Eternity HQ[/h2]

The Leader strode out from behind the tube that contained Dead Master. In the dim lighting, the purple haze around her body almost seemed more intense. She regarded Hazama for a moment, before addressing him directly.

"I was monitoring your mission as best I could," she began, "This woman... she wants you to get a signature from the Murder Doll of the UMMA? Quite difficult, even if she is currently injured... However, I believe you may be able to use her. If not... she is a threat to your mission, and therefore I am willing to provide any assistance you may need in eliminating that threat."

One hand was placed upon the tube containing Dead Master. The Leader seemed fond of doing this, for whatever reason, as if it provided her some kind of comfort.