Everybody wants to rule the world

[maskormods]

WHO: YOU.
WHERE: Downtown Cape Canaveral
WHEN: Wednesday January 15th, around 5 PM EST
WHAT: Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome.
WARNINGS: None anticipated; let us know if this should be edited.

Cape Canaveral. It's no longer the heat of the day and in January the temperatures will be livable; not too hot and not too cold, either. A pleasant change from the City, perhaps. The sun is on its way to setting but the last light of the day still fills the sky, bursting the city into color. The air smells like ocean.

The locals are friendly and smile and wave, looking on at you in awe. They'll approach if you ask for help, or a question, but they don't want to interfere, either; if you want to be left alone you probably will be. American flags can be seen in many windows and restaurants are rolling out their dinner menus. There's no parade, no big banners, but many storefronts have handmade signs and posters that read:

Welcome, imPorts! We love you!

The woman at the Porter told you what to expect: You know what your tattoo means, you've been given your file, and you know in a few hours they're going to be here to answer more of your questions and see if you'll stand with them or if you'll go off on your own. "It's your decision," one of them had said, but you were already told what you get if you agree and what you don't if you don't. After that's done, she told you, you'll be driven to your new homes.

In the meantime, enjoy the area, or try to. It may not be what you're used to, but after the apocalypse even Florida might seem like an improvement.

Comments

[toolongdidntrejoice]

There you are.

[ It's not any surprise that he finds her, is it? Even when her lowered hair makes her less obvious, and when she's on her knees in the midst of the crowd, it doesn't take him long to pick her out from the herd. He approaches from her back, resting one hand on her shoulder, and he smiles. He's close enough to have heard her curse. ]

Do you mean me?

[ It's in good spirits. Isn't it a surprise? After all, he is a man who got to see the end of the world -- and live. Most would consider that joy to be relief, but it's not exactly the case. He is delighted since most would only be able to see that much destruction and death once, and yet here he is, and he has the potential to see it again... ]

You should stand; the head of the family should always present herself with elegance, should she not?

[gandere]

[ At least she's regained enough of her senses to not admit outright she's alone here. That hand of her's that normally shows off a seal or two is tucked underneath her leg casually, as if she intends to fix her skirt before rising. ]

I know what I should be doing. [ Admitting that she's feeling ill over everything else doesn't seem a wise idea either so soon enough she's pushing herself up. ] Shouldn't you be off finding a new church to take over?

[toolongdidntrejoice]

You know, and yet you're not. [ He speaks simply. He removes his hand when she rises, neatly folding his arms behind his back instead. ] It's only natural, considering your youth and inexperience, but a family head should keep herself composed.

[ Her question earns a smile. ]

I've yet to ask about it. I'm sure something can be arranged.

[gandere]

I have my reasons.

[ All of them involving the lack of an extra presence with her. How did she manage to arrive with the cats, but without Archer? Surely he's around here somewhere, just studying the new world so that he can return and take her some place safe. ]

Where's your Servant? I rather speak with him than with you.

[toolongdidntrejoice]

I am sure you do.

[ At the mention of Lancer, Kirei makes a thoughtful sound. He can sense their bond, but he hasn't laid eyes on the Servant yet. ] It seems I have misplaced him -- but he is present.

Is it really wise to become so friendly with another Master's Servant, Rin?

[gandere]

Oh, but didn't you know that Lancer was friendly with me first? Really, you should have known better than to send your Servant to babysit me during the war.

[ If that was a threat, the intent was seemingly lost on her. ]

I'm going to go find him. You should be careful Kirei--you know how I am when I see something I want that's obtainable.

[toolongdidntrejoice]

Is that your goal? [ Kirei's voice raises with amusement. ] You had the opportunity before; you should have taken it then.

[ Kirei had been dead, after all. ]

Besides, can you endure the strain of two Servants?

[gandere]

What I can or can't endure is none of your concern, Kirei Kotomine. [ Can he just hear the beat drop when she uses his full name? ] Or didn't you know that I had both Saber and Archer under my command in the City for several months?

Besides what fairness is there in taking something of yours while you're dead?

[toolongdidntrejoice]

Can I not be concerned for the well being of my charge? [ Such formalities are usually beyond them, so the sound of his full name earns a smirk. ]

You seem softened, Rin; fairness does not win wars.

[gandere]

I killed you and yet you have the gall to call me soft? What's gotten into you Kirei--you're not usually this daft.

[ Scratching the back of her neck. ] Maybe something happened to you on your way here. Did your heart grow three sizes suddenly?

[toolongdidntrejoice]

Not daft so much as disbelieving.

[ He leans over her somewhat, scrutinizing. ] If you felt you needed Lancer, why would you not take the obvious opportunity? Something has changed.

[gandere]

[ That unnerves her a bit. ] Nothing's changed.

Quit trying to change the subject. I'm only interested in Lancer now because we're in a strange new environment so the more Servants I have, the better.

[toolongdidntrejoice]

If you're so concerned, you could simply ask me. I would be failing as a guardian if I did not offer my services to you.

[ He makes a gesture with the file in his hand ]

After all, it appears we are going to be stuck together.

[gandere]

Whaaaaat?!

[ Snatching for that file now to read it herself. ] You can't be serious! I have to put up with you?!

[toolongdidntrejoice]

[ He holds his file up for a moment, like a bully with a stolen schoolbook. ] Did you not read your own?

[ But he does relent, lowering his arm so she can take the file. ]

It seems they think you need some observation.

[gandere]

I'm sure it has nothing to do with supervision since I've been living on my own for a good year!

[ Flipping through his file to snoop a bit. ] I recognize one of these names, but the other? Abel? From the Biblical narrative?

[toolongdidntrejoice]

And yet here you are...

[ The question causes him to arch a brow. ] The name is biblical, but the man is not. I made his acquaintance in the City.

You will also meet Danger then; I imagine the two of you will get along.

[ That alone earns a smirk. ]

[gandere]

I'll get along with both of them--ughhh, and I suppose you as well.

[ If anything, she's always been good at putting on a proper appearance. Being surrounded by individuals who weren't familiar with her meant she will just slip into a mild-mannered act. Kirei's probably seen it enough times in his life. ]

I met her briefly over the network once when you were... really strange that one time. I'm sure she'll remember me. [ And likely not in a positive light. ] Abel--is he like you then?

[toolongdidntrejoice]

Hm, then can I expect your best behavior? [ It's a cruel comment. One suited to when she was years younger, but not now. ]

I suppose I may compare to Abel Gideon. [ He replies after a moment of thought. ] He heals with medicine, rather than magic. If you want to draw relations, Danger is more relevant.

[gandere]

I am a proper lady now after all.

[ Her confidence waivers slightly as she thinks of the situation she's in now. A man who resembles Kirei in one way and a woman who likely resembles him in another way if her name is anything to go by. It isn't an ideal situation, but she wants to cut this conversation short.

If everyone has a folder like this, then it'll be easy to locate her missing Servant. All she needs to do is snatch folders from those who aren't looking. ]

Do I have a curfew or will I be able to return when I please?

[toolongdidntrejoice]

I may grow to suspect where a young girl spends her late hours -- especially in a dangerous new city. Wouldn't it be safer to keep early hours? But I suppose that is for our government to decide, not me.

[ Kirei makes a glance around them, as if to demonstrate. ]

They do seem keen on regulations.

[gandere]

Regulations...

[ It does appear to be that way here. Rin won't argue it, but she's also not going to give in to Kirei's feigned concern for her well-being. Some battles are better neglected instead of fought. ]

I wonder what sort of restrictions there will be for us in the future.

[toolongdidntrejoice]

That remains to be seen.

[ While appearing compliant on the surface, Kirei Kotomine is not a man who follows rules when they do not benefit him. This is the man who was overseer, threw out practically every rule of the Holy Grail War, for his own gain. ]

Do you intend to side with them?

[gandere]

Naturally.

It's the option that benefits me the most so why not? [ She's all smiles once more.

That fake happiness she wears so easily comes naturally to her as ever before. The man she stands before can unravel it in a single line, but she has something akin to faith that he won't do that here. Not now at least. ]

Will you behave as well?

[toolongdidntrejoice]

[ Kirei studies her smile, wearing one of his own. ]

Of course. [ his answer comes slyly. ] Would you ever doubt?