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[h2][i]Master: [color=salmon]Mercedes[/color][/i][/h2]
[i]???, Tokyo[/i] | [color=blueviolet][i]Night[/i][/color][/center]

	A brisk wind swept low through a lonesome street in the center of Tokyo. The few people on the side walk shivered and wrapped their coats tighter around themselves, walking by without a second glance at a particular red haired woman. She sat at a small outdoor table, alone, enjoying the bite of winter wind. She brought a small cup to her lips, slowly sipping hot tea with a pleased expression on her face.

	Yes, Mercedes certainly had a lot to be pleased about.

	Least of all how delicious this cafe's tea was. She savored it as she thought over the events of the last few days. Her latest mission had gone very well. The target was a man who'd grown disillusioned with the Clocktower and the Mage's Association in general. Apparently he had fled after promising the destruction of several dozen colleagues - and some feared he had the power to enact said destruction. After being sent to the Eastern nation in pursuit of the disgraced magus, she'd cornered him in a rather nice hotel. Mercedes had been prepared for anything, and expected to have to deal with the guy ruthlessly, as the vengeful types were usually the worst to deal with in her experience. It came as a pleasant surprise that the would-be 'destroyer of mage society' had eaten himself full of junk food as his ego deflated as a result of his lack of a plan. He was a superior magus, that much was certain, but it seemed that he lacked in future sight department. A second son, with a wealth of magic power and the circuits to use them, but not the willpower! Well, it worked out for Mercedes. The scene almost became comical when the man cried on her shoulder. 

	Mercedes consoled the man and sent him back to Clocktower - with a little [i]something[/i] she'd slipped on his person to make sure he followed through. She expected he would, though. Now finding herself with much more free time than anticipated, she'd decided to make a mini-holiday of the rest of her time in the lovely cities of Japan. That's when it happened: a gut feeling, a surge of distant magic... a brand new mark on her body.
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/HYEsXXv.png[/img][/center]
	Mercedes stood, finishing the last of her tea and placing the cup back down on the table before making her way down the chilly street. The bright lights of the city seemed to illuminate every street, even the quiet, out of the way one she currently walked. The soon-to-be master felt light headed with... [i]emotion[/i]. Surprise, elation, anticipation, fear, hope, curiosity. They all rushed in and out of her heart. What she was most though was [i]excited[/i]. For whatever reason, the Holy Grail had chosen her to become a master in the latest war. What were the chances of that? She had never expected, nor intended, to ever participate in a Grail War - yet her she was. 

	The red head stopped in front of an unassuming building, much taller than it was wide. She stepped over the property's threshold, feeling the bristle of her bounded field as she passed it. After a quick glance to make sure the runes making up the field were holding up, she ventured quickly inside. Once the door was shut behind her, she left her hand up to her face. She admired the bold red command spells etched into her skin, not for the first time today. A grin made it's way onto her face, and she moved upstairs with a purpose. It was about time to summon her servant.

	[i]'I never was good at summoning magicks, but let's give it a shot,'[/i] she thought to herself as she drew out a magic circle, taking her time as not to commit some grave error. She had no catalyst, but that's just the way she preferred it. She got her command spells by chance, why not leave the summoning up to fate as well? After the circle was complete, she lit a few candles and sat down on the floor. She withdrew a deck of cards from the pouch on her waist and idly shuffled them, considering an incantation. 

	[i]'I suppose the words don't matter much,'[/i] she concludes. Maybe out of habit, maybe out of nerves, she stops her shuffle and pulls several cards from the top of the deck and places them face down on the ground in front of her. Flipping them over one by one, she can only laugh and shake her head at the result. [i]Six of clubs[/i]: go with your gut. [i]Ace of hearts[/i]: a new relationship will begin. [i]Eight of spades[/i]: an important decision will have to made.

	[color=salmon]"Okay,"[/color] she chuckles, and moves to her feet. Placing her hand out in front of her with her palm facing the magic circle, she closes her eyes. Heart beating, she begins the ritual.

	[color=salmon]"Thy essence is silver, and iron.
	Thy foundation is stone, and of noble rank.
	Construct a gate against wind.
	Travel now the branching road.
	Come out from under under the Throne.
	Fill it up. Fill it up. Fill it up. Fill it up. Fill it up..."[/color]

	As she chanted, Mercedes could feel the pull of her mana. It seemed to be working. She didn't let the revelation distract her, continuing the incantation until the end. She opened her eyes and called out.

	[color=salmon][i]"Come forth, my servant!"[/i][/color]