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"Sure." I answer with a smile, and take her hand as she helps me stand.

I immediately fall or my face.

Odd.

I push down with my arms and try to stand back up, only to find that my legs aren't answering my demands to work like legs should.

"Shirou?" Saber asks, then looks at something I can't see, eyes going wide.

"I'm fine, just...." She leaves the dojo in a run, and I struggle to stand. After a minute, I get feeling back as well as some control. It feels like my legs are asleep, but I'm upright again at least. I slowly wobble around to look at what Saber saw.

Blood. Not much, but some at right about the point where my tailbone hit the support beam.

I reach back to touch that spot on my back, and feel something cold and hard, slightly wet with blood. As I rub it, I feel the skin healing over the scratch, barely leaving a mark. If it wasn't for the blood, you wouldn't even know I was hurt.

A few moments later, Saber enters the room with a panicked Rin, and they both Freeze as they see me standing there, perfectly fine.

>Actions?
>>
>>24290016
"PAISE THE LAWD!"
Or maybe just "Hey Saber, didn't you say something about your sword's Sheath having healing properties?"
>>
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>>24290016

>>Actions?
Ok ladies, new standing orders: I apparently have near-instantaneous regeneration, so unless one of my limbs is detached just assume I'll be fine. Seriously, this is getting silly.
>>
>>24290016
"I can apparently heal from crippling injuries. This is good. I just received a crippling injury. Which I subsequently healed from. If you don't mind I think I'm going to have a panic attack now."
>>
>>24290016
"Huh. There's blood everywhere. I guess cleaning is going to take a little longer today."
>>
"Well now, that was less permanent than I imagined."
>>
>>24290016
"uhh hey quick question, Did anyone else's spine just break just now or was that just me?"
>>
>>24290223
Seconding this.
>>
>>24290016
"No, I don't know what happened, but I'm fine. So unless one of you has something genuinely enlightening to add, just chalk it up to my own weirdness and let's move on, yes?"
>>
Ebook updated. Links are now in a pastebin I can edit, so even though the mediafire link to the current file change, this link won't.
http://pastebin.com/kbGzcbDb

>>24290016
"Well, I think I found Avalon, or something better."
>>
"Why are you both so worked up over? Its just a flesh wound."
>>
>Well, you guys are all over the place. If you wouldn't mind making something coherent or settling on one thing?
>>
>>24290544
Make something work AC-Guy
>>
>>24290544
We want a snarky indicator that we are okay even though something bad happened. And this time even Shirou knows his reaction is wrong.

>>24290223 works nicely.
>>
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GENTLEMEN, LISTEN!

We're going about this all wrong. We shouldn't be coming up with excuses, or throwing snark around for no reason.

This is a perfect time to figure out why we heal so well, using the power of SCIENCE!

Now Rin, observe closely as I stab myself repeatedly!
>>
>>24290016

I think this is a good time to come clean with Saber about our doubts of being human.
>>
>>24290634
this does make sense
>>
>>24290544
Something like
>>24290221
>"Well now, that was less permanent than I imagined."
Maybe with an addendum "Ok, so now's probably as good a time as any to figure out why this keeps happening."
>>
>>24290016
"Well, my severed spine just fused itself back together. While this is elating, the fact that I just felt the crippling feeling of...being a cripple has pushed me dangerously close to a full-blown panic attack."
>>
>>24290634

>Inb4 random people in the city start sprouting stab wounds.
>>
>>24290634
"The body is a tapestry."
>>
>>24290634
You know what. Let's do it. Only way we'll solve this crap.
>>
>>24290634
>>24290724
Can we at least stab ourselves in a non-vital area? Like a leg or an arm?
>>
>>24290634
>>24290660
>>24290724

Theres still Avenger's 'gift'.

It might not be healing and more transferring wounds.

Out there some poor fuck suddenly finds his back broken for no reason whatsoever.
>>
>>24290016
>cold and hard
Juuuust in case anyone missed it, it's swords. I dunno if that's a given for the participants to know, but just thought I should mention it.
>>
>>24290772
We need to think seriously about this. If Avenger naturally shifts his injuries off onto another person, then who is getting our injuries? It might be someone or something specific. What connected Avenger to the recipient of his injuries, and who is similar to that for Shirou?
>>
>>24290792
For Avenger, it was whoever last attacked him.
Saber was able to run after Rin, so I don't think we severed her spine.
Going by >>24290773, I think we're going through swordification.
>>
>>24290773

Or perhaps, bone?
>>
>>24290860
Bones still inside the body aren't cold. Especially when they're coated in fresh blood.
>>
>>24290792
Verg Avesta: "it causes any damage taken by the user to also be dealt to the attacker by reflecting it directly on their soul ... The weakness in the ability is that it not only requires Avenger to be wounded, but he must also be alive and conscious, as he must consciously activate the ability by chanting its name."

It doesn't magically heal him, and he can't bounce it to anyone but the actual attacker.
If thats what we were using, Saber would have just broken her own back.

Not saying the "we're bouncing wounds off to innocent people" theory isn't possible, but its not Verg Avesta thats doing it.
>>
"Wow." I respond, stretching slightly. "Did anyone else's spine just break, or was that just me?"

"Eh?" Saber begins, snapped out of her daze. "Your- but how are you walking?"

"I got better." I respond calmly. I look at Rin, doing her best not to devolve into a panic attack, and gently place my hands on her shoulders. "Alright, seriously. I know you're wanting to freak out, but if either of you freak out I'M going to start freaking out."

She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "Alright. Exactly what happened."

"I did something stupid." She glares at me. Angry is better than scared. "More specifically I did something to upset Saber before we had a sparring match. Then I did a stupid thing, she accidentally hit me harder than she intended because I more or less leaned into it.... and I hit the wall."

Rin turns to the blood splatter and back to me. ".... And you broke your spine?"

"I don't know. I couldn't feel my legs for a minute there, but I'm not sure how bad the wound actually was." We sit down. "It's weirding me out too. I mean, healing quickly is one thing. Healing something like THAT that quickly...."

Rin nods. "There might be some way of determining how you did it."

"... Like what? Observing it in action?" I pause, thinking. "I guess I could stab myself and see what happens?"

Rin looks at me alarmed. "What? No, don't do that. For one thing it could a be a shield against other people hurting you."

"... Shirou...." Saber begins, looking at me. "My sheath could do something like that."

"Well, yeah. But I don't have it."

"Has something like this happened before?" Rin asks. "Maybe there's a trigger other than 'getting hurt' involved."

".... Is something like this normal?" Saber asks, looking between us.

Rin gives me another, worried look, and I can see some form of question in her eyes. "... Not for people, no. Artifact assited and supernatural creatures is a more varied field though."

>Actions?
>>
>>24290883
Trace knife. Hand to Rin. Press finger into sharp pointy bit.
>>
>>24290773
>>24290836
So we're swording harder than any Shirou has sworded since HF Archer's Arm Shirou?

>>24290874
Swords inside the body aren't cold. Especially when they're coated in fresh blood.

>>24290883
>Artifact assited
Hahaha. *cough*

"Could a wish do it?" Lesser Grail Shirou?
>>
>>24290923
This, we're going to use SCIENCE, damn it!

Have Rin poke our finger, observe healing.
Poke our finger ourselves, observe healing.

Supernatural healing should require energy, and that has to come from SOMEWHERE. I mean, come on Rin, we're goddamn Magi. Lets do some controlled tests and science this shit out.
>>
>>24290975
Speaking of which, where did Avalon get its energy from? The Master?
>>
>>24290883
>"... Not for people, no. Artifact assited and supernatural creatures is a more varied field though."
"Well, it's not exactly a field I have any knowledge about, so you're going to have to explain what you're going to need me to do."

"...and last time we did some soul-searching hue hue hue, Ilya seemed to think I WAS human, if a little mixed up on the magic front. And she didn't really find anything artifacty while fishing around... I feel like she should probably be in on this in case something has changed since then."
>>
>>24290883
So Im a Demon right right?
>>
God dammit, AC. I can feel it from the way you're writing. We're so close to figuring this shit out. We're just too dumb to notice, like, one thing. It's frustrating.
>>
>brb, dinner
>>
>>24291013
Saber. I suppose it ultimately got power from her Master, but Avalon is charged by being near Saber. Of course the amount of energy that goes in is disproportionate to the healing that results, but it's not an EX rank NP for nothing.

Real quick, can anyone think of healing swords that might be connected to Arthur? Perhaps Keery didn't summon Saber with Avalon in the first place.
>>
>>24290883
"I have no idea why this keeps happening... I've had a few talks with avenger though and aside from the fact that i'm apparently not missing my soul - that thing you think is a void *is* my soul apparently - I apparently got a 'gift' from him and he wants it back"
>>
>>24291116
The only weapons I know that relate to King Arthur (thanks to Doctor Internet) are Excalibur, Caliburn (usually the same sword), her lance Rhongomynad, Pridwen her shield (also the name of her ship), and her dagger Carnwennan.

It could be the shield, but I don't know any tales about any of these. I'll see if Doctor Internet has any more information on them.
>>
>>24291207
>Pridwen
>"According to Welsh tradition, the shield was called Wynebgwrthucher."

That's a fucking mouthful. I thought Cu Chulainn (sp) was a pain in the ass to say in a modern dialect, but I thought fucking wrong.
>>
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I'm curious, just how hard have we pushed or experimented with our sword slinging abilities, are we actually able to nit ourselves back together with swords like Shirou did?
>>
>>24291207
The only other reference to healing I see in objects of Arthurian legend is the Grail itself.

>Holy Grail or Sangreal had restorative power, such as healing, or endless supply of divine food. Different authors described the grail to various objects, such as dish or platter, cup or chalice, cauldron, crown or circlet, rock from falling star, even a severed head in a platter.
>>
>>24291115
FUUUUCK YOUUUU
>>
>>24290883
>my sheath could do that
quick we need to figure out a way to check to see if we actually do have it.
someone go do a cat scan or an x ray or some shit.
>>
>>24291300
Where the fuck is a good old fashioned Detect Magic spell when you need one? Identify would be better, but DM would work fine.
>>
>>24291300
We already had a magic xray done.
It came back sword.
>>
Let's not joke, or suggest to them that they STAB US.

I mean... You don't stab friends. That's kinda um.. Yeah.

Nobody is going to feel good about it, so let's not go for that.


We could bring up the Grail, or maybe Caliburn -- after all, Caliburn kept Arturia ageless, right? Could it have healed her too?
>>
>>24291321
It was Avalon that kept her ageless, along with the healing effect.
>>
>>24291321
No one is suggesting an actual stab, non-jokingly at least, we're suggesting we cut our finger or palm or something a bit.
>>
>>24291207
Could be other weapons of the Round Table. A catalyst ensures you'll get a spirit associated with the item in question but it won't always be the one most closely tied to the item. For example, Kotomine Shirou using Avalon as a catalyst could possibly get Mordred instead of Arthur, since they're closer in mindset and upbringing.
>>
What if we had a physical sword inside of us?
What if our bones are swords?
>>
>>24291115
>Dammit, boss I wanted to sleep tonight

Saber, Ilya and Avenger both have said I have a soul, but... there might be some evidence that I'm a demon
>>
>>24291348
Well, if we're having to delve that far into the rabbit hole for an answer, I have a feeling we're going in the wrong direction, because that's a crapshoot as far as getting an answer goes. We're probably thinking way too hard about this.
>>
>>24291348
Kiritsugu summoning Arturia with Avalon says you're bullshit. Avalon is too strongly tied to Arturia.

Now, something like a piece of the Round Table itself would probably summon the KotRT with the closest mindset to your own.
>>
>>24291348
We didn't summon Arturia but an extremely delusional Mordred!
>>
>>24291116

Not really connected, but Lancelot's NP Arondight has watered down qualities of Avalon. Arthur wouldn't be summoned with it though.
>>
>>24291384
What if, instead of swords being the bones of us...
>>
>>24291416
You have no idea how giddy that kind of revelation would make me. It would make no sense as far as plot goes, but it would be fun.
>>
>>24291444

We are the bones of our swords! Also steel is our body and fire is our blood.
>>
>>24291116
>Perhaps Kerry didn't summon Saber with Avalon in the first place.

From 22nd Verse, Re: Kiritsugu's notes
>Shirou is now aware of a general timeline of events in Fate/Zero. The parts experienced by Saber and Kiritsugu were the same as in canon.

So no, I think this means Avalon was involved.

In 25th, Rin did a cursory scan and
>>24291384
is almost accurate.
>".... I don't know." She give me a concerned look. "It doesn't really feel like a different thing inside you. It's like it's supposed to be there. Like Kidneys, heart, lung, sword. Just natural."

>"..... That's weird, right?"

>"Kinda. Not as weird as most things you've been doing." She sighs. "Someone storing a conceptual weapon in their own body would have similar marks. But there would also be a clear boundary between 'person' and 'magic item'. But for you it feel like you're both 'person' AND 'magic item'."

This might mean pulling it out, whatever it is, is a Bad Idea (tm).

Fishing around inside to get a better idea of what the fuck is up with our mojo seems like a pretty good idea regardless of what we end up doing with it.
>>
>>24291444
We are, in fact, the literal, sentient manifestation of the idea of a sword in a mortal shell. It's not that we are Shirou, housing the origin of Sword, but that we are the Origin of sword, housed in the body of Shirou.
>>
>Back. What's the plan?
>>
>>24291499
Suggest mild wounding/magical xray
>>
>>24291499
General consensus seem to be coming clean about whatever's inside of us and trying to figure out exactly what the fuck it is. Also, experimenting with small injuries done to ourselves versus taken from another person to see how our healing functions.
>>
>>24291499
Seems to be "Existential crisis."
>>
>>24291499
Either go through every NP in Camelot or pull out our bones to see if they're swords
>>
>>24291466
>This might mean pulling it out, whatever it is, is a Bad Idea (tm).
But it was the same for Avalon. Shirou had a NP implanted in him for 10 years. It pretty much diffused itself inside him until it became a part of Shirou himself.
>>
>>24291499
Whatever we do, CALL ILYA OVER.
>>
>>24291582
Yeah, Ilya should be involved.
>>
>>24291564
Well if we've gone full sword that might make it easier to get Avalon out. I mean, swords and sheaths are SUPPOSED to come apart.
>>
>>24291582
Seconding this. We need someone with better intuition when it comes to magic to spot us when we do our "What the fuck are you doing" Check.
>>
>>24291499
The plan seems to be "get everybody who knows something together and finally figure out what the hell our deal is."

Rin has an inkling, Ilya has an inkling, Avenger seems to know some shit, even Kirei has had some ideas (but fuck that guy, don't invite him.)

Whatever it is, it seems like knowing more might give us some insight into what the fuck is going on on the whole.
>>
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>>24291402
Between Mordred's father complex leading him/her to evil and Arthur's idealism leading him/her to ruin, which do you think Keery is closer to?

>>24291416
Hysterical as it would be, this is Mordred's battle form. Interestingly, Blood Clarent Arthur (her Excalibur clone) was the ACTUAL Sword in the Stone, reforged after it was broken.

>>24291499
Shirou's feeling a bit of fear for the first time in ten years. All it'd take now is spontaneous combustion and he'd have an epiphany!
>>
>>24291628
Were you planning on inviting Avenger then?
>>
>>24291499
step one panic, step two gather all the mages in the house, step three gor guy wtf am I
>>
>>24291628
>Rin, Ilya, Avenger, and Kirei
>Ditch Kirei, not Avenger.

This can only end well.
>>
>>24291658
That would obviously go over swimmingly with everyone in the house.

so no; don't think ANY of us want Avenger digging around our insides, even if it is for SCIENCE
>>
>>24291675
Well it's not like Avenger has tried to kill both Rin and Illya as a means of drawing Shirou out!

Wait.
>>
>>24291699
Well maybe if we just invited him over once and a while, he wouldn't have to keep trying to kill everyone we care about just to get us to come talk to him!

>fullretard.png
>>
>>24291644
>Blood Clarent Arthur
Ah, so that's what happened to Caliburn.
>>
>>24291644
>goat horns
Subtlety really is a dead art, I swear.
>>
"Alright. I think whatever is going on has officially gotten too weird to ignore." I say, looking at my hand while idly considering taking a knife to it. "I think we should grab Ilya and seriously talk about it."

"Why Ilya specifically?" Rin asks.

"Well, she's tried examining me before. Besides which with Caster gone she's the only other magical expert in the house." I shrug. "I mean, who else are we going to call in? Sakura and freak her out? Kirei who I honestly don't like or trust? Avenger?" I continue listing, allowing my voice to become steadily more sarcastic.

"A fair point." Saber says, as she leaves to find my sister.

Rin and I sit alone in the dojo for a long moment. I glance uncomfortably at the blood splatter. "That's going to be a pain to try and clean." I comment, conversationally. I try not to let on how freaked out I am by all of this.

I fail spectacularly. ".... Are you alright Shirou?" Rin asks, scooting closer to me as we wait for Saber's return.

Somehow I think this question means more than I can understand.

>What say?
>>
>>24291466
Remember - Emiya Shirou *IS* swords. What do swords have? Sheathes. Literally his soul, his body, his mind = sword, if you put his swordsoul into a conceptual sheath called avalon, you could achieve the affects we've gotten.
>>
>>24291771
"I'm actually thinking about my own well-being instead of being the reckless martyr I normally am. No, I'm not entirely sure I am."
>>
>>24291715
>http://theswordlibrary.com/myths-and-legends/clarent/
Caliburn is actually another name for Excalibur, the one used by Geoffrey of Monmouth.

Also I absolutely wanted to rename the website link to theshiroulibrary but then it wouldn't link.

>>24291771
"No. In so many ways I am not all right. I made more sense when I thought I was a demon, and that was right stupid of me."
>>
>>24291771
"I'm not sure if anything is alright at the moment."
>>
>>24291771
"At the moment, I'm actually marginally more concerned about myself than everyone else. So no."
>>
>>24291771
"Please hold you questions until after all this or I might have a break down"
>>
>>24291771
"Not really. I spoke with Lancer about that, actually. Saber too.
I've firmly established that there is something very wrong with me, but I'm having trouble figuring out how far it goes. It basically boils down to 'do I want to get better for my sake, or for the sake of everyone else?'."
>>
>>24291810
To add on to this: "Being this aware of myself is sobering and terrifying. You people seriously walk around like this all day?"
>>
>>24291771
"I am having a mild panic attack, there's been a lot of little things tonight - I smelled cooking pork and almost vomited, then I had a chat with lancer who the first time he smelled charred bodies said 'that smells delicious' until he realized what they were... I think I was burned badly as a kid but something restored me"

"Also, i've kind of had a moment with every girl in the house just now... and that was part of my chat with lancer"
>>
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>>24291801

Heh, I see the disconnect. You're looking at history while I was browsing the Type-Moon wiki

Ignore me!
>>
>>24291810
>>24291847
I'm actually in favor of these
>>
"I'm actually not sure. I think I'm actually more concerned for myself than everyone else at the moment. It's a totally new experience."

She hesitates, placing a hand on my lap and squeezing my knee gently. "Alright, so.... how does that make you feel?"

"Having a mild panic attack. It's both sobering and terrifying." I hesitate, looking at her. "You people all seriously walk around like this all day?"

Rin blinks. "Well, to be fair it's not all constant confusion and horror."

"Had kinda a weird day too. Talked to Lancer earlier when I ran into him. He had some.... interesting perspectives and some advice."

"How so?"

"He thinks I might seriously have something wrong with me mentally. I'm beginning to wonder if we underestimated the scale of the problem." I sigh, shaking my head. Rin surprises me with a hug. "What?"

"You're not the only one who wants to comfort loved ones." She says calmly. "Listen. No matter what's happening here, you've got friends."

"What if I'm actually some kind of freaky demon?"

"Then we'll deal with it together." Something about her tone.... it calms me. It helps more than I can really say.

She sits back down and regains something of her usual poise when Saber and Ilya enter. Ilya spares a brief glance for the drying blood before barking a simple command at me with a twirl of her finger. "Lay down, on your stomach. And take off your shirt."

I move to follow her simple commands, and she begins rubbing her hands over my back as soon as I've lain down. Rin asks a few question, which Ilya returns simply, tapping out things along my back. "This is weird. The bone here... when bone breaks, it fuses back together. This looks like it's just continued to heal, not until it's knit but until the wound is gone like it never was." She then rubs higher on my back. "But then up here... it's like all the skin on the left half of his body is new, even the scar on his chest."

"What could have caused that?" Rin asks, confused.

>What say?
>>
>>24292028
THIS BIKE IS AN EYESORE
THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE THIS BIKE
>>
>>24292028
"I...Might have somewhat... set myself on fire working on that bike."
>>
>>24292028
I may have lit myself on fire a few days ago.
>>
>>24292028
>What say?

"Uhhh... that might have been when the Bike lit me on fire a while back. I got over it pretty fast though."
>>
"Well, there was a bit of a disagreement between the Bike and I when I tried to fix it and, long story short, I might have ended up on fire."
>>
>>24292028
I may have, kinda, pulled a Thich Quang Duc while working on the bike a few days ago.
>>
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>>24292047
>>
>>24292028
Rmember how I mentioned the something being seriously wrong with me...Being at ground zero of the fire a few years ago might have something to do with it.
>>
>>24292028

"Saber, remember that time lancer was on top of me?"
>>
>>24292028
So I'm a sword right? And Avalon is a sheathe that heals - well what if I have Avalon now, but I didn't always... I set myself on fire a few days ago with the bike and had a pretty horrible flashback about bring badly burned - I think I was in the fire.

I also read dads journal and he apparently had Avalon and did something that would guarantee I could summon the "best" servant... What if my soul is in sabers sheathe?
>>
>>24291941
In TM where Blood Clarent Arthur came from isn't discussed. Traditionally Mordred received Clarent from Guenivere, so it's that or Morgiana, the way she gave Mordred the sheath.

Also. Guys? Nasuverse Caliburn had the same powers as Avalon.

And then get this: It's related to Gram.
>>
>>24292028
"A bike set me on fire, I crossed the panic attack event horizon, and saw my face melt."
>>
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>>24292095

This cannot go wrong, anyhows.
>>
>>24292028

>>24292068
>[...] I got over it pretty fast though."
We should mention that we initially thought we were injured VERY badly. Like, worse than breaking our spine badly.

Saber was there near the end of it, so we should probably ask her to explain what the experience was like from an outside point of view, because it was just us, her and Arc/NOTLancer, and we only know what it was like from our own point of view.

Which was, understandably, slightly panicked.
>>
>>24292028
"Small mishap while fixing the bike. Fire was involved. Arcrueid probably saved my life. She looked like Lancer at the time, though."
>>
>>24292101
I believe gram was supposed to be the original.

>gram, ectioct
>>
I was working in the shed then got rather hot under the collar and Arc grabbed me and, well. She was very forceful in the end Saber caught us together in the tub.
>>
>>24292133
Not quite the reaction I was hoping to engender: According to the TMwiki Caliburn had Avalon's powers. There is a sword connected with Arthur that has healing powers. There is a sword in Shirou and something with healing powers is healing him.

The fact that we Traced a sword related to it is pure gravy.
>>
>>24292185
The wiki lies. Caliburn never had healing powers.
>>
>>24292185
So you're saying we have Caliburn and not Avalon inside of us.
>>
>>24292185
The sword may or may not be shirou - something out of place would 'feel' out of place. It doesn't with shirou though it feels like its always been there and always was supposed to be though - Kiritsugu's binding and severing couldnt ever be capable of that.
>>
>>24292214
I am not the most informed on the Nasuverse, but I'm pretty sure it's canon that after a decade inside Shirou, even Avalon seemed to be a part of him.
>>
"It was probably that time I set myself on fire working on the bike." I respond. Judging by the way the room seems to freeze I wonder if I should've spoke up.

"... You what?" Rin asks.

"Wait, that's why you were on fire when Lancer ran by carrying you?" Saber asks, surprised.

"He WHAT!?" Rin returns, looking between us.

"Technically, that wasn't Lancer, that was Arcueid disguised as him." I say, and Rin just sort of.... Rotates her entire body in one smooth motion so she can stare at me bewildered. "Yeah.... The reason nobody said anything was because I came out of it unharmed. I saw something that... well frankly looked like I had been ripped apart by the fire. Which would make sense with me being on fire for several minutes. But...."

"It healed so quickly and so cleanly you didn't question it." Ilya comments. "Makes sense."

"How does any of that make sense?" Rin asks confused.

"Well, he's stupidly selfless and wouldn't want to worry people even if he was horribly wounded." Ilya responds, continuing to rub my back. "Something about his magic is changing though. His magic circuits are a lot stronger than they were before, and more distinct. They still run along with and intertwine with his nerves, but....." Her voice seems distracted suddenly. "....how does that connect there? And what is?..... So if that's keyed into his magic.... well, that explains why he's so good at reinforcing his muscles..... Is that a damn sword?"

"Eh? you saw the imprint too then?" Rin asks.

"Not imprint, like there's actually a sword. Or at least a place where a sword would go." I turn slightly and can see her brow furrowed. ".... It's like a door."

"... How so?"

"Like he's connected to something or someone else with a sword or something. Like it's impaling both of them." She looks up at Rin. "But that's.... impossible."

>?
>>
>>24292214
But that was the case with Avalon in canon. He doesn't know about Avalon most of the VN, and it didn't feel out of place with him.
>>
>>24292242
"What if it's a metaphorical sword?"
>>
>>24292242
Archer gave me a magic crest, that explain anything?

(do we know archer is shirou? I can't remember)
>>
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>>24292242
>"Is that a damn sword?"
>>
>>24292267
We do.
>>
>>24292267
Yes. He also told us never to tell anyone about him giving us the magic crest.
>>
>>24292242
Oh god dammit now we can't NOT know what the thing is.
>>
>>24292242
"Can you pull on it a little? Not a lot, just in case it's structurally important. I don't want to collapse into a black hole or something."
>>
>>24292242
I think this is a good time as any to bring up Avenger, how he calls us "brother" and how he said that he gave us a "gift" that he wants back.

As of right now, I'm too tired to make sense of it, and the only crackpot theory I have involves Avenger stabbing himself with Tawrich and Zarich (his ..."swords" for lack of a better word) and using Verg Avesta, which makes no fucking sense.
>>
>>24292242
"So, what? I'm connected to someone with healing powers?

...is someone taking my wounds?"
>>
>>24292276
Yeah, so we should probably not mention the crest. He'll probably kill us outright if we do.
>>
>>24292290
This.

So we can say that we asked Illya to tug on our sword later on.
>>
>>24292242
>?
Is how I would feel if I didn't think I knew where this rabbit hole/sword-door leads.

"Is it Avenger? Because if I don't die when I'm killed, and he doesn't die when I throw exploding swords in his face, and I'm connected to someone through a magical healing sword, I bet it's Avenger."

>>24292267
Stahp. Archer told us to tell no one, so we tell fucking no one.
>>
>>24292276
Too damn bad - "Rin your former servant is me - Emiya shirou, he gave me a magic crest I told him i'd keep it a secret but I trust you all, don't say shit to him."
>>
I'VE SOLVED THE MYSTERY.

Shirou's connected to Avenger somehow. We know this.

I think that Avenger has Shirou's body, and we're the soul/demon thing.

So when Kerry saved 'us' he put the sheath in Avenger, and we're connected to him like Master/Servant.

Basically, we're the same person, magically, just in two places at once.

He heals because we're near Saber and he has Avalon. We heal because we're near Saber and he has Avalon.

We're still connected to Avenger, which might be the gift he was talking about.

Remember, the magic contract-breaking dagger hit Saber, not us.

.... My god, could we use this to spy on him? Kirei had a Master/Servant scrying spell he got from Tokiomi.
>>
>>24292276
>>24292267
>Yes. He also told us never to tell anyone about him giving us the magic crest.

I'm pretty sure this is the time to tell them, we can't keep hiding the truth from our friends. Just make sure to tell them that this is a secret and they shouldn't tell anything to anyone else.
>>
>>24292313
Hmm, it wouldn't hurt telling them our wild speculations, who knows, maybe something could be true.
>>
>>24292312
Rin knows that Red Archer is Shirou, have you forgotten?
>>
>>24292313
...
If AC-guy would let us save (I know he won't, and he shouldn't let us) I'd say we stab ourselves with Rule Breaker just to see what the fuck would happen.
This is probably how Archer threatened Avenger and Avenger had to beg Archer not to kill them. Tracing RB and stabbing Avenger.
>>
>>24292339
>>24292339
And he's forgetting that we're supposed to keep this all secret. So let's not say anything about this shit in front of anyone but Rin.
>>
>>24292312
Archer told us explicitly that we are NOT the same person. He thought we were, but then apparently something disabused him of that notion.

Also in 25th Verse:
>She smiles. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Sorry. And about Archer. I think I know why he wants to kill you, I just-"

>"It's fine. He already told me when we fought."

We should probably double-check what Rin thinks the deal between us is, because it wouldn't be the first time there's been a TERRIBLE misunderstanding.

We also shouldn't assume it's Avenger, even though it's a good bet. We've had enough shit happen with Archer that IC we could easily think it's him we're connected to as well.

We should probably ask something like "Is there any way to figure out where this sword door goes?"
>>
>>24292339
Yes. Now is the perfect time to mention the crest really, were amongst people we can trust not to say shit.

The theory with avenger is kind of okay too.
>>
>>24292353
This.

Rin would be the ONLY person we'd ever tell about the crest.
>>
>>24292365
Mm. You're right, actually. Let's ask that, and propose Archer of "Red" and Avenger as possible end points.
>>
>So what're you saying/doing exactly?
>>
Hmm... How about mentioning Unlimited Blade Works?

We can mention that Archer had it. Rin'll get it immediately. To the others, we can say that Archer said that Shirou's magic was somehow both very similar and at the same time somehow "off."
>>
>>24292445
Telling them this seems ok for now >>24292313
>>
>>24292445
Wakka wakka wakka
>>
>>24292452
mmm
>>
>>24292445
Asking if there's a way of finding out who the sword is connected to and suggesting Archer and Avenger as possibilities. Suggesting a connection to Avenger as well, offering him calling us "brothers" as evidence.
>>
>>24292456
This seems like a completely absurd conclusion to jump to.

>>24292445
The main thing we should focus on is figuring out where this sword "door" connects to.

Should also have Rin take a look inside us. Ilya has been talking about that things have changed since she last poked around, and Rin apparently thought the sword was just an imprint last time. She should take a look at what our magic guts look like at the moment so she has a better grip on what's going on also.
>>
>>24292445
this>>24292468
>>
>>24292520
>This seems like a completely absurd conclusion to jump to.

Yes and? Why should we have any "realistic" conclusions when our spine healed up in 2 seconds?
>>
>>24292520
'Rin, I want you inside me?'


NB. Don't say this.
>>
>>24292242
>"Like he's connected to something or someone else with a sword or something. Like it's impaling both of them."
Now that I think about it, we should ask if she can figure out what this "impaling" looks like to her. Like whether we are on the hilt-end or the point-end. If the former, that means we were the origin point of this phenomenon (the first person "impaled", as it were), which means the connection might be able to be removed if necessary without disconnecting us from whatever the sword actually is.
>>
My eyes go wide and I sit up.

"If I was connected to someone else, magic would flow through that, right?"

"... Yes, of course." Rin says, confused. "Why?"

"Saber, how does the healing magic in your sheath work?"

"...Um..." She looks at me confused. "Shirou? We aren't connected."

"Would it work just by being close?"

".... I suppose." She answers, cautiously. "Do you know what happened to the Sheath? Is it in you?"

"No, I don't think it is." I hesitate. "I think Avenger might have it."

There's a full ten seconds of stunned silence in the room, as all three of them stare at me. "... What?"

"Every time we've spoke, running into him and fighting, he's said something about a connection. If that's where it is, it explains everything. How I heal and how he won't die."

"Shirou, it wouldn't work like that." Saber says. "In order for it to be affecting both of you, you would have to be the same person. It only affects the person holding it, so if he had it and my magic went through you.... it would only be healing him."

Rin nods. "If that'si how it was happening, it would at least explain his ability to bounce back so quickly from apparently fatal wounds. It doesn't really explain how you're doing the same thing though."

".... Well that mark has to connect somewhere. Who or what else could it be? Archer? He certainly has it out for me."

"It couldn't be him." Rin responds. "If you had a direct connection like that with him.... we'd know.i It would have very dramatic side effects."

Ilya looks between us curiously, and then shrugs. "Everything about your magic is weird. Not impossible or anything, but like it was designed weird."

"What do you mean?" Rin asks.

"I mean... some magi have an element that they're tied to and have an easier time manipulating. It's like he's not geared towards something as wide as an element. It's more like he's tied to a concept. Or actually, a specific execution of said concept."

".... That sounds odd." Saber comments.

"It is."

>?
>>
>>24292628
>Shirou's element isn't Sword
WHAT THE FUCK.
>>
>>24292628
"So, what, as far as magic is concerned, my body is made of swords?"
>>
>>24292628
"Would having a magical sheath stuffed inside me when I was a little kid do that?
Oh god that sounds wrong. Really wrong."
>>
>>24292628
SWORD! MY ELEMENT IS SWORD YOU FOOLS!
>>
>>24292660
>"So, what, as far as magic is concerned, my body is made of swords?"

You brilliant man, I support this.
>>
>>24292657
He's tied to THE CONCEPT OF SWORD. We don't specialise in making them we bring them into existance because we occupy the same metaphysical space within Akasha as SWORD.
>>
>>24292628
>"I mean... some magi have an element that they're tied to and have an easier time manipulating. It's like he's not geared towards something as wide as an element. It's more like he's tied to a concept. Or actually, a specific execution of said concept."

This is getting too weird for me guys.

We might have to let Illia and Rin see our magic crest, its the only way we can be sure.
>>
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>>24292695
We could always just ask Avenger.
He doesn't seem to ever want to kill us when we meet. Or maybe that guy we dream about (no homo)?
>>
>>24292717
I would love that fem!Archer tenderly, if not for the fact that she has a mullet.
>>
>>24292724
That looks less like a true mullet (which is short in front) and more like she just combs her hair back.
>>
>>24292628
>"In order for it to be affecting both of you, you would have to be the same person.

Well he keeps calling me brother. So either he's a relative from before I was adopted or there's some connection he's teasing me aboot.

>Also, you damn punk kids I said Avenger had Avalon ten threads ago. grumble grumble my lawn grumble music isn't as good
>>
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>>24292683
That's the Origin, not element.

>>24292717
That isn't Archer-ko. For what it's worth, neither is this.
>>
>>24292628
>It would have very dramatic side effects.
"... how dramatic are we talking here?"

I think him giving us a magic crest is pretty dramatic connection-based consequence, but if what she means by "dramatic side effects from a direct connection" is an UBW-arm-transplant-tier "everything is exploding forever" reaction she's probably right that the connection isn't with him.

>"I mean... some magi have an element that they're tied to and have an easier time manipulating. It's like he's not geared towards something as wide as an element. It's more like he's tied to a concept. Or actually, a specific execution of said concept."
"Can you tell what it is? Knowing would probably explain a lot about whatever weird thaumaturgical shenanigans I've managed to pull off so far."

>>24292717
>Or maybe that guy we dream about (no homo)?
You mean the one we kind of think is Merlin and is always furious at us because apparently we're always fucking up everything he's set up to try and make things easy for us?
>>
>>24292733
Regardless, it ruins it for me.
>>
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>>24292724

Better Archerko?
>>
>>24292741
Also, right, the arm transplant thing was in Heaven's Feel, wasn't it.
>>
>>24292765
>Better Archerko?

Yes.
>>
>>24292769
yerp
>>
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>>24292765
Yep.

>>24292628
Not geared toward an element, but a concept... Heroism? Specific execution: saving people?
>>
>>24292800
Servant Saver?
>>
>>24292800
>>24292765
10/10 Archerko, would tenderly restore prana of
>>
>So.... is there a plan yet?
>>
>>24292822
Is there *Ever* a plan yet?
>>
>>24292800
Heroes? With Avenger being our twin as the Villian?
>>
>>24292822
The only plan so far is having Rin and Illia look on our magic crest.
>>
>>24292822
Suggesting that our element is sword seems to be the consensus.
>>
>>24292832

>That got pretty Zen, bro.

>>24292849

>Rin's already said your element is sword.
>>
>>24292822
I'm fine with explaining that Avenger at least thinks there's some sort of connection between the two of us (having called us Brother, saying he has given us something he's going to want back after his plans are done, etc.) so the fact that we now know we have a magical connection with somebody means we have to at least entertain the idea that it's to him.

I already said a couple other things I think we should ask in
>>24292741

>>24292842
I remember him saying something like this when we ran into him downtown at one point. Gonna try and remember what/when that was.
>>
>>24292842
Remember what Kirei suggested in the game, that the Grail could make Shirou a hero by causing a disaster for him to avert? Avenger would be our villain.

Okay, crazy question: Are we in F/SN or in F/HA? Because Avenger mentioned wanting to get a better ending for himself, which means he's gotten endings, which means he remembers other wars. And the only way for him to remember multiple wars is if this one's been repeating.
>>
>>24292822
I still want to say >>24292667 but if nobody else thinks it's a good idea I won't lose any sleep.
>>
>>24292736
is this a book somewhere

tell me this is a goddamned book
>>
>>24292872
It's from an Asian red board. It's literally impossible for me to tell but I don't think so.
>>
"Rin told me my element was Sword, though. Which makes sense, because, y'know, pretty much all I can really DO is swords. And cardboard boxes, but those are just another kind of sword when you think about it, really.. If my origin is something else, how does that tie in to my abilities?"
>>
>>24292861
Ok, so it was in 29th.

>"Speaking of which... are you actually my brother?" I ask, looking at him. "Because you're a servant and I'm.... a something else."

>"... I suppose it isn't technically accurate." He responds. "I mean, what if someone had a clone? Would that clone be their Child? Sibling? Legal slave?" He shrugs. "We don't really fit any conventional label. Brother's just the closest and most convenient."
And slightly later
>"... I don't follow."

>"Think of it like this. There's a villain in a story. In fact, the villain is necessary for the story to even exist in the first place. The hero needs somebody to fight and be all heroic against." He gestures. "It's a short straw, but what's the alternative? Not existing in the first place?"
>>
Shirou needs a stiff drink. He's had a long day.
>>
>>24292920
Well that's a perfect story to relate to them
>>
>I still have no idea what's going on, vote wise.
>>
>>24293009
I don't think any does.
>>
>>24293009
>>24292920
^ we should tell them this
>>
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>>24292920
Straight from the horse's mouth, if the horse were all four Horsemen of the Apocalypse rolled into one. We've got our connection: Avenger is us.

Hell, we probably are who we are because someone at the end of the last war wished for a hero.

>>24293009
See >>24292920, generate explanation.
>>
>>24293013
anyone that is.
>>
>>24293009
Let's do >>24292741 and >>24292695
>>
>>24293009
Make something up. Use the old DM standby, sudden orc/kobold/skeleton/dragon attack.
>>
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>>24293009
Doesn't matter.
Just pick something and give us something to hit.
>>
Now that I'm thinking about it, maybe we should also bring up our first conversation with him VERY early on (12th verse).

>"Oh, so he put a memory block to try and keep you from being too preoccupied with tragedy. Whole mess of good that did for you." He lets out a sigh.
Since we're currently in the process of trying to get over whatever hidden anxieties we have, remembering IC that Avenger said it was an external memory block rather than just us trying to keep something repressed might be a good step to take.

>"Oh right, that hasn't happened to you yet. Don't mind me, just being all non-linear." he shakes his head. "I feel like I need to thank you for this though. I was hoping we'd have a chance to speak before the end." He leans in as though examining something about me. "So that's it then? You've somehow managed to trigger the link he set within Avalon? Meddling god-damned wizard. Oh well, I suppose I can't complain if he's helping me along this much."

This is literally the first time we heard anyone say anything about Avalon, so we didn't really have any idea what importance it might have at the time. So Avenger has at least some connection to Avalon; whether it's a direct physical one or just knowledge of where it is/was remains to be seen.
>>
>>24292920
Yeah, telll them this.
>>
>>24293009
I think we just want to start giving Rin and Ilya what we know about Avenger to help connect dots.
>>
>>24293086
>Saberlancer

... I'll be in my bunk.
>>
>>24293086
I find it amusing how Arturia fits in all the classic roles beside Caster and Assassin. Rather versatile girl.
>>
>>24293138
>Saberlancer
>Not Saberider or Sabersassin

I'm not saying your taste is shit, but your taste is shit.
>>
>>24293198
>Saberrider or Saberassassin
>not Saberarcher or saberassassin
I'm not saying you're only partially correct, but you're only partially correct
>>
>>24293086
Sabercaster actually looks like a proper Queen.

It's hot.
>>
".... I suppose I should mention I've spoken to Avenger a couple of times."

"What do you mean?" Rin asks.

"I... I don't know how to put it. Remember how before when we spoke to Ilya? Before we all made nice and we were all just kinda waiting for Berserker to pop up and kill us all?"

Rin and Saber nod, but Ilya just smirks slightly.

"It's like that. I'd be out shopping alone, and there's Avenger, wanting to just... hang out, talk about the weather." I shrug. "It's really weird because he both seems distantly concerned about how I'm doing, but then does his level best to kill me when we meet up later."

".... What do you think it means?" Saber asks, confused.

"I have no idea. I do remember that the first time anybody said the word 'Avalon' it was him. I didn't even have any idea who or what he might be before that thing at the Church." I hesitate. "Then that one time when we went to save Ilya and I fought him with Berserker.... he called me his Brother. Which.... I honestly don't even know where to start with that, except I'm pretty sure I was an only child before....." i trail off uncomfortably.

"... How come you never said anything about this?" Rin asks, confused.

"Honestly, nothing useful came out of it, and I didn't know what to make of it. Honestly, I'm half convinced he does it to screw with my head."

There's a long, considerate silence. A few more ideas are bounced between us, but we can all feel that we're grasping at straws somehow.

Everyone else heads to bed, Rin doesn't even pause to say goodnight as she leaves which makes me feel..... I don't know how to describe it.

[ ] Go to bed.
[ ] Other.
>>
>>24293226
[X] Go to Rin's bed.
>>
>>24293226
>[ ] Go to bed

Barricade the damn door. We're getting answers out of creepy dream man if it kills us.
>>
>>24293226
[x] Go to Ilya's bed.
"This is gonna sound really creepy and/or pathetic, but I think I need a hug."
>>
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>>24293198
>>24293215
>not all of them

Get on my level.
>>
>>24293226
[x] Go to bed Shirou. You're drunk.

Ouch, did we lose Rin points for once? Guess Rin finally realized that there's something actually WRONG with Shirou.

First thing in the morning: Taiga.
>>
>>24293226
Go to bed. Make sure nobody is going to fucking wake us up. We need sleep, badly.
>>
>>24293257
>Ouch, did we lose Rin points for once?
I think it's more that she's too incredibly disturbed by the turn of events to say anything to us. I don't really see how we could have hurt or offended her in that post.
>>
>>24293257
Doubt we lost points so much as she's incredibly worried and distracted.

Go to bed. How many threads ago was it we slept?
>>
>>24293273
>I don't really see how we could have hurt or offended her in that post.

Keeping secrets from her?
>>
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>>24293260
Go to sleep.
Dream of men.
>>
>>24293277
Boy, if she's going to get mad at us for keeping secrets, she's a big fat fucking hypocrite.
>>
>>24293284
>she's a big fat fucking hypocrite.

Welcome to every woman ever.
>>
>>24293284
Hey!

Rin is not fat.
>>
>>24293226
>[ ] Other.
Chat up Souichirou!

I'd rather be a lil friendly with mr. pragmatic than him saying "hey Caster, this'll be easier if we kill/dominate everyone else"
>>
>>24293226
Go to Rin, show her our magic crest when we are alone.
>>
>>24293280
o god wat

>>24293293
She has flab on her mind.
>>
I feel like I'm giving up. I walk to my room, and lay down, inwardly praying that I can have a normal nights sleep, and wake up feeling better about myself.

I open my eyes, and find myself sitting at a table with a man who instantly irritates me. "Alright, so there's been a chance to calm down a bit. I know you've been frustrated with me, and it hasn't been just you feeling that between us." He sighs, as he sets up a chessboard. "Plus, I'm beginning to realize what I was messing up, and how. So hopefully, this relationship can work out for the better."

[ ] I don't understand.
[ ] You could be more helpful.
[ ] What's with the Chessboard?
[ ] Fuck this (tableflip).
>>
>>24293322

"Explain further".
>>
>>24293322
>[ ] What's with the Chessboard?
>>
>>24293322
>Oh god
>Tableflip is an option
>I know its wrong
>But its so tempting

Y U DO DIS AC-GUY?
>>
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>>24293293
I'm sorry. You're right. She's not fat like Sakura, that cow.

>>24293322
>[ ] I don't understand.
>>
>>24293322
Dagger through chessboard, >>24293328
>>
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>>24293322
>[ ] Fuck this (tableflip)
"No! Not this, Not NOW! I'm in NO mood for you right now old man" power vent in our dreams
>>
>>24293322
>[ ] I don't understand.

HURRY, ENLIGHTEN ME WITH YOUR WORDS BEFORE SOMEONE WAKES ME UP!
>>
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>>24293322
I've been waiting all day to post this.
>>
>>24293322
>[ ] What's with the Chessboard?
"Seriously, is this supposed to be some sort of visual metaphor or something? I assumed you'd have come to the conclusion that beating around the bush forever isn't exactly the best plan if you need me to figure out what you're trying to explain to me."
>>
>>24293334
Apart from freaky hands, that is a hot Saber.
>>
>>24293322
>[ ] Fuck this (tableflip).

Fuck it.
>>
>>24293322
[x] I don't understand.
>>
>>24293343
God damn, this. I swear to god the road to fucking up Shirou's day is filled with good intentions.
>>
>>24293322
"If that chessboard is a symbol or metaphor, I am going to ram it down your throat.

Use. Words."
>>
>>24293322
The dalek sez... EX-PLAIN
>>
>>24293322
[X ] I don't understand.
>>
>>24293322
>[x] Fuck this (tableflip)
Always pick CRAZY IVAN when it's listed.
>>
>>24293328
I concur.

[X] Explain Further
Using small words, and understanding I'm not a Magus, and have little to no idea about what the holy hell is going on; and do be brief, concise, and to the fucking point, Merlin - Arturia warned me about you.
>>
"... I don't understand." I finally say, looking between him and the board.

"No, you wouldn't. In part, that's my fault." He sighs, motioning to the board. "You've probably been wondering a few things, not really understanding. Now though, I think I know a way to explain it."

"Please tell me that chessboard isn't a convoluted metaphor. I might be forced to kill you after the day I've had."

"No, nothing so asinine." The man answers calmly. "It's more of a direct object explanation. I will extend but a little of my gift to you, that you may understand my predicament. Now tell me, as white, what is my first move?"

I glance at the board, irritated. Then it hits me. I can see the board, but somehow I'm also seeing all the moves that could be made. Somehow.... "You'll move the Queen's Knight in front of the Rook."

"Indeed." He responds. "How would you open?"

"Uh...." I think, carefully. "I'm not good at chess."

"Any move."

I grab a Pawn and scoot it forward.

He steps another piece forward, and somehow I can see what he's doing. He wants to go for the king with a quick checkmate with a queen and a Bishop. I move forward another pawn to block the move. It's like an assassin's dagger, only dangerous if you don't know it's there.

"Did not take you long at all to start cheating. You ready for the downside of clairvoyance?"

"Eh?"

Suddenly all of the endless possibilities for moves and counters explode into my vision all at once. Thousands of moves strategies and counters intertwined hopelessly as we play chess on a level I can't explain at a speed I can't comprehend. Suddenly, it all ends. The strain felt like trying to project enough weapons to field an entire army.

"And that was with the kid gloves, and nothing at all like creating a personal paradox. I can't TELL you anything directly helpful. All I can do is drop hints and hope you're smart enough to follow the breadcrumbs."

"...ow..."

"Sorry."

>Ask whatever questions you want.
>>
>>24293457
"Who the flying fuck ARE YOU?"
>>
>>24293457
"Are you a Wizard?"
>>
>>24293457
Well, that was efficient.

So, how does this factor into our situation? Is this Avenger's problem?
>>
>>24293457
"What is a man?"
>>
>>24293457
Who are you?

What am I?

How can I win this war and save everyone I care about?
>>
>>24293477
No, I'm pretty sure its THIS DUDE's problem, he's explaining why he's being so obtuse.
>>
>>24293457
"You can start by introducing yourself mister "Oh no, I can't speak clearly because the multiverse is gonna explode".

"And don't tell your name is Doctor or Wizard. I might get angry."
>>
>>24293481
A miserable pile of secrets. Now don't waste the Wizard Marshall's time, he's a very busy man.

>>24293457
Who am I?
>>
>>24293457
"Can you recommend a good psychiatrist?"
>>
>>24293457
>He wants to go for the king with a quick checkmate with a queen and a Bishop.
Taking out Gil using Arturia and Kirei? I dunno.

Anywho, Zelretch, this is getting to be a huge mess, you know that? I think simply getting rid of Avenger might solve quite a few problems. I seem to be stuck to him like a leech, from his perspective. Any way I can suck the blood out of him without him noticing?
>>
>>24293516
But Arturia is a King. Ilya is the Queen.
>>
>>24293457
"Which of the girls do I have a shot with, and how can I get the rest?"
>>
>>24293516
>I think simply getting rid of Avenger might solve quite a few problems
We don't want to kill Avenger, that'll just push him down to another point on the Kaleidescope. We need to save him.

Also he said right at the start this wasn't a metaphor.
>>
>>24293527
Ilya is more like a princess, to be honest, but I see your point.
>>
>>24293516
>>24293527
There's literally a fourth turn checkmate with the Queen and the king-side bishop. It's just easy for even a halfway-decent player to see and even easier to avoid. And it's not even the quickest theoretical chess game.

The opening knight move was unnecessary, though.
>>
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>>24293457
>>>24293527
And then we wake up to find the puppy licking our ears
>>
>>24293457
What's Avenger's deal? He's DOING a bunch of stuff, but none of it makes any damn sense.

On a related note, whats my connection to him? Is he my evil twin? Am I the evil twin? Are we both clones of a legendary supersoldier from the cold war? Which of us got the dominant genes?
>>
>>24293567
>Are we both clones of a legendary supersoldier from the cold war? Which of us got the dominant genes?
You motherfucker, my roommate is asleep. Besides, we don't have blonde hair. We have red hair. Since when is red hair EVER dominant genes?
>>
>>24293457
The small list of Big Questions (tm)
Who are you? (This should be a thing he can actually explain to some extent.)

What the hell am I? ("o hey, can you solve my existential crisis real quick, kthx")

What's the deal with Avenger? (We know it's not the same Avenger as the 3rd grail war, but he's told us we met in passing 10 years ago, which means he was involved with the disaster. He also seems dead-set on being the Villain of the story, but also doesn't exactly seem happy with the role he feels like he's stuck with. "I WANT TO SAVE EVERYONE"-Shirou would find this incredibly irritating, I think.)

What's the deal with Archer? (He thought we were him until he took a closer look, and then was suddenly VERY confused. He managed to give us a crest while peeking around inside us, which blew his mind even more, so there's gotta be some serious shit behind the scenes.)

How's Gilgamesh still around after the 4th war? (This might explain more about 10 years ago, and if it involves him having recontracted with a Master (or another power source) in the meantime it should make getting rid of him easier than having to try and fight him manually.)

What happened 10 years ago? (We know sort of what happened, but more detail can't hurt.)

What's wrong with the grail? (This probably ties in to "What's the deal with Avenger?")

Where IS the grail? (Caster said she tried to find it to tamper with it so she could cheat her way to victory, but it wasn't in any of the 4 places it was supposed to be able to appear in Fuyuki.)

There's probably more shit, and there's no way he's going to be able to give straight answers about most of this, but hey; them's the breaks.
>>
>>24293576
this sounds good
>>
>>24293576
OH RIGHT

Mystery Wizard Mentor seemed REALLY confused when we mentioned that there were Vampires involved, which makes me skeptical that he can actually explain anything about that end of the spectrum. But if possible...

What ACTUALLY drew Arcueid to Fuyuki?
>>
>>24293472
>>24293475

"The only real Wizard you've ever met.": He hesitates, and sighs. "Sorry, just me getting bitter about stupid fucking traditions. I can't tell you who I am, because that might have direct consequences. I get the feeling you already know the answer though."

>>24293481

"Better question, how do you know that joke without playing videogames?"

>>24293486

"You're.... a person. More or less. The thing is, you're quite possibly unique in having this.... condition, so nobody really knows how to classify you. It's like finding a bird that gives live birth or something."

"Listen to what I have to say, trust that they have your best interests in heart, and stop involving outsiders."

>>24293506

"You are Shirou. More specifically, you WERE Shirou, and then someone else had to get their insane long term diabolical plan mixed into mine and now everything's a fustercluck."

>>24293511

"Try talking to someone who's experienced similar things. Actually, no, that would require you to find someone who died in a fire." He hesitates. "Try finding someone who's survived bad shit? I recommend not 'Saber' though. She'll spend too much time trying to build you up when you really need to be torn down."

>>24293538

He smiles recklessly. "Now i know you're a man with his priorities straight." His eyes go vague, and unfocused before he turns to me. "The one you call Rider has a hard time understanding happy endings, Saber's afraid of leaving you high and dry- " He pauses to wink "-luckly, I have a plan for that. Rin... well honestly, you're doing that better than I ever could. Don't lie to her and keep doing what you have been. Sakura.... yeah, that's going to be fun. Sakura's had an entire life of getting kicked and genuinely thinks she's not worthy of you." He sighs. "Most of the others look like they're out of your range. Besides, I think four's gonna keep you busy."

>>24293567

"Seriously, you keep dancing around the best question to ask here....
>>
>>24293554
I accidentally managed to do that once. Was hilarious when we both realized that I had them in checkmate.
>>
>>24293596
>"Seriously, you keep dancing around the best question to ask here....
"What are the questions that I should be asking you?"
>>
>>24293596
Ok.

WHAT is Avenger?
>>
>>24293596
"Why can't the servants sense me when I'm in a box? Did you give me an enchantment or something?

>"Seriously, you keep dancing around the best question to ask here....

"Alright here it is: Who is Avenger? Is he your creation? Cause I feel like he is your lackey in this game."

"Is there a good reason you are screwing around with my life?"
>>
Who is Avenger?
>>
>>24293596
"Fine, let's get the most basic ones out of the way right now. Avenger: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Not what he's doing, and not me doing things to him. Him specifically."

"Oh, I'll make sure and have some real talk with Sakura, too, by the way. I could probably use a little perspective. The fun part is getting her to say anything besides apologies."
>>
>>24293630
>>24293635
I believe the questions should be "WHAT is Avenger".
>>
>>24293596
Who, what, where, when, why, and how is Avenger?
>>
>>24293596
Just WHAT is Avenger? It he my soulless body? A projection?
>>
>>24293636
>>24293639
Six-Basic-Questions-mind.
>>
>>24293596
"How can my injuries disappear so quickly? Are they transferring to someone else? Am I a demon?"
>>
>>24293596

What about ayako?
>>
>>24293653
The Most Important Question.
>>
>>24293576

"Avenger's a Metagaming dick. I don't know how he knows or has done the things he's done, but he has knowledge that's not supposed to be possible." He smiles evilly "What he doesn't realize is that I'm smarter than him, and if I know his assumptions are true, I can out play him." he hesitates, looking at me. "In theory. Actually, my plan relies entirely on you willingly helping, which means I'm kinda screwed if you tell me to fuck off. Then again, so is she."

"Avenger's been feeding him the souls of Orphans. He has something over Kirei, and the priest spends a lot of time praying for something these days."

"Kirei tried to wish on an incomplete grail while 'Saber' smote the fuck out of it. All things considered, we're rather lucky it was only a catastrophically bad fire instead of... well, a lot of potentially worse things."

"The Einzberns. In fact, if something's weird about anything grail related, it's probably their fault. In this particular case, they tried to summon what amounts to 'Satan' and misunderstood what they were doing. So now they broke their magic-wish cup and I wish I could choke that arrogant fuck in Germany with his own beard." He sighs. "I'm working on a way around it, as we speak."

"The main Grail's somewhere immune to scrying, so I can't see it. Apparently the 'lesser' grail is the one that manifests elsewhere. Which I can't find." He sighs. "Blame Avenger."

>>24293620
>>24293635
>>24293638
>>24293639
>>24293640

"That would depend on which 'Avenger' you're talking about."

>>24293630

"They can't sense you because you think you're hidden. Honestly, you don't even need the box for that, you just need to really strongly desire not to be found while not thinking about your own existence. You, more than most, are exactly who you want to be."

>>24293646

"Avalon." He says "I more than an object. If that doesn't make any sense well..... Not really sure what I can do to help you there."
>>
Where is Avalon? I don't seem to have it.

What is the Sword named 'Folly', and why is it inside me?

Who am I connected to?

Why am I able to heal impossible damage? / Who is receiving my wounds and why?
>>
>>24293659
>They can't sense you because you think you're hidden.

what

>Honestly, you don't even need the box for that, you just need to really strongly desire not to be found while not thinking about your own existence. You, more than most, are exactly who you want to be."

WHAT
>>
>>24293659
>"That would depend on which 'Avenger' you're talking about."
"That's one way to dodge a question. What other one would I give a damn about besides the one causing me constant trouble at this very moment?"
>>
>>24293653

"The Tomboyish one?" He looks away "Frankly, she's not going to be down with sharing you, and she ends up truly happy with someone else in about four to five years. I mean, I'm looking at you and her, and she's just as good with that.... I'll admit, I'm biased towards you hooking up with a certain girl, for reasons I'm not going to bother explaining."

>>24293659

>That should say 'Is' not 'I'.
>>
>>24293659
>"Avalon." He says "I more than an object. If that doesn't make any sense well..... Not really sure what I can do to help you there."
SHIROU IS AVALON
I FUCKING CALLED IT
>>
>>24293659
>"That would depend on which 'Avenger' you're talking about."
The one who is running around drawing runes all over the place, kidnapping vampires, throwing Gilgamesh at me, and generally being a pain in my ass.

I get that you have to be obtuse so you don't accidentally mess up the wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff, but it IS safe to assume I'm talking about THAT Avenger.
>>
>>24293659

Why are you even telling me this?
>>
>>24293659
>>24293683
>SHIROU IS AVALON
>I FUCKING CALLED IT

Wait

Is our true element then "Sheath"?
>>
>>24293696
Issei will be pleased.
>>
>>24293678

All my hopes and dreams, shattered.
>>
>>24293688
>assuming the first 3 are the same Avenger
>assuming the 4th isn't true for all Avengers
Remember, Avenger told us he was living backwards.
WAIT SHIT
>>24293678
"What would you say if I told you I knew where Avenger was getting at least some of his knowledge from?
>>
>>24293659
"... How do I know I can trust you? Don't get me wrong, what you're saying actually makes a weird kind of sense and I want this whole Grail War malarkey to end well, but put yourself in my shoes for a second. Would YOU believe an apparently nigh-omniscient dream-wizard without some form of proof?"
>>
Hold the phone.

Wasn't Avalon in the games something like "The utopia that the King dreamed off"? Are we a pocket dimension? Is that why we have reality warping powers?
>>
Is Avenger me from the future in THIS timeline?
>>
>>24293707
Just give us the standard inconsequential, but completely secret detail about Rin to test out his legitimacy with. Preferably something embarrassing.
>>
>>24293696
Shirou CONTAINS his Origin and Element, which are both Sword.
What contains swords? SHEATHS. Or Scabbards if you don't want to get innuendo all over yourself.
>>
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Why am I unable to contract with Saber again?

What is your plan, how do I fit into it; and if it involves saving someone, why do you think I'd object to helping you?
>>
>>24293659
>>24293715
>>24293709
>>24293696

"Am I Avalon given physical form? I don't know what to think right now"
>>
>>24293659
"Are you Zeltrech?"
>>
>>24293678

So gentlemen, who do you guys think is AC-Guy's favourite?

I say rider
>>
>>24293736
No you fool. He's Gandalf. I thought that was obvious.

We should say that. His reaction will be priceless. But yeah its probably Big Z.
>>
>>24293736
>>24293752
It's almost assuredly Merlin.

>"The only real Wizard you've ever met." He hesitates, and sighs. "Sorry, just me getting bitter about stupid fucking traditions.
'>I'll admit, I'm biased towards you hooking up with a certain girl, for reasons I'm not going to bother explaining."
>"In theory. Actually, my plan relies entirely on you willingly helping, which means I'm kinda screwed if you tell me to fuck off. Then again, so is she."
>, and then someone else had to get their insane long term diabolical plan mixed into mine and now everything's a fustercluck."
>He smiles recklessly. "Now i know you're a man with his priorities straight."
(The fact that he's a notorious lech seals it.)

Assuming his long-term diabolical plan is something to extricate Saber from her fate.
>>
>>24293596
>'Saber's afraid of leaving you high and dry- " He pauses to wink "-luckly, I have a plan for that'
Yep, it's Merlin.
>>
>>24293670

"... What do you mean You don't have it? If you don't have it, how is the magic affecting you?"

"... Alright, I honestly have no idea what you're on about."

"..... Uh.... nobody? I mean, you and Archer look like different people even though you're not. Unless someone's doing something REALLY WEIRD with magic that I've never seen before...."

"Avalon. Or it should be anyway."

>>24293674

"It's a belief thing. Granted, I guess they could still see you if you weren't in the box, but then a cardboard box with legs looks just as suspicious....."

>>24293675

"Because they both are, so that's not as simple a question as you think."

>>24293688

"That makes more sense. Honestly, I don't know what his deal is. He's like a ghost possessing a corpse, but it's more like the ghost possessing his own corpse. That doesn't really make any sense though, because he's shaped like a heroic spirit somehow."

>>24293694

"Because if I told Shirou directly, Avenger could eavesdrop. I'm not sure how he does that, but with you and me it should be safe."

>>24293696

"No, it's sword. As is your Origin." He gives me an odd look. ".... Spend a lot of time thinking about swords do you? Explains why you haven't fucked any of your girls yet."

>>24293712

".... What? No. That doesn't make any sense."

>>24293740

>I don't play favorites, at least not in that way.

>The dude you're currently talking to on the other hand.....

>>24293726

".... You're what? You have command seals, there shouldn't be anything stopping you."

"My plan is to give someone the happy ending they deserved because I'm bitter and hate how bad things happen to good people." He looks at you. "Honestly, it originally involved making you live a lonely life where you suffered forever and died rejecting the world. I think I can revise that a bit now."

>>24293736

"Do i look like a Smug Asshole Vampire with ADD? No, I'm a Smug Asshole WIZARD. Get it right."

>>24293752

"... Gandalf? Really? Are you even trying?
>>
>>24293769
"Dude, Saber doesn't sense Avalon inside me and I don't have any idea where the fuck it is. Are you sure that Avalon is the one healing me or is this one of the things that went wrong with the plan?"
>>
Oh merlin, you so meta.
>>
>>24293769
Ok so who is this other Avenger.

...And...can Avalon be corrupted?
>>
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>>24293769
>"Because if I told Shirou directly, Avenger could eavesdrop. I'm not sure how he does that, but with you and me it should be safe."
WAIT WHAT
>>
>>24293769
>"Because if I told Shirou directly, Avenger could eavesdrop. I'm not sure how he does that, but with you and me it should be safe."
Oh god, we're Legion. What Legion really was was my least favorite twist in that entire quest.

"To be fair Myrddin, when you start talking about alternate futures you're kind of talking about Zeltrech's thing."

>>24293786
The Avenger in a body and the Avenger in the Grail. Both the same entity, but one's a Heroic Spirit and the other is a sentient force for hatred growing to physicality.
>>
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Oh god, we're the sentient grail, aren't we?
>>
>>24293797
Well, there's always the chance that we're Blick Winkel.

Fuck, we should probably ask him which one we are.
>>
>>24293769

Confirmed for Merlin.

Also, Fuck this is some serious shit.
>>
>>24293769
what do you mean by eavesdropping? and earlier you said I died in a fire.... Care to elaborate?
>>
>>24293769
"Okay, you said three to four different things that register pretty fucking high on the Shit-Is-Wrong scale, but the big one is saying I'm not Shirou. I'm going to politely ask you to imply something in your obtuse way to clarify that."
>>
>>24293769
>"..... Uh.... nobody? I mean, you and Archer look like different people even though you're not. Unless someone's doing something REALLY WEIRD with magic that I've never seen before...."
"Archer seemed to think we WERE different people when he took a closer look. Was he wrong, or was that just him not knowing how to compute that we're somehow SortaNot!Shirou"

>"Because they both are, so that's not as simple a question as you think."
>Honestly, I don't know what his deal is
"Well, how about the OTHER Avenger, then? The one that's an incorporeal spiteful prick instead of the one that I can at least stab to get my frustrations out."

>"No, it's sword. As is your Origin." He gives me an odd look. ".... Spend a lot of time thinking about swords do you? Explains why you haven't fucked any of your girls yet."
"Well, maybe if my element was "Penis", like YOURS seems to be." Little good-natured ribbing about his horndoggery can't hurt.

>".... You're what? You have command seals, there shouldn't be anything stopping you."
"Well, it didn't work last time, and I can't try again until Caster's Geas wears off, so any tips for figuring out how to handle that issue in the meantime?"
>>
>>24293769
>"Avalon. Or it should be anyway."

"Could I be using my reality warping powers whenever I'm injured to project Avalon to heal me? It would explain why noone knows were it is if that is what's saving my life all the time"
>>
Am I a character in a choose your own adventure game with many players?
>>
>>24293769
"Archer and me are not the same beings. Hell, did you see how I grew a magic crest when we were facing each other when he kidnapped Rin?"
>>
>>24293769
IS AVENGER THE AVENGER FROM HOLLOW ATARAXIA COME BACK TO THE PAST TO SAVE THE FUTURE?

Also is Kirei a sociopath or what?
>>
>>24293769
>"That makes more sense. Honestly, I don't know what his deal is. He's like a ghost possessing a corpse, but it's more like the ghost possessing his own corpse. That doesn't really make any sense though, because he's shaped like a heroic spirit somehow."

"Try this one on for size: Archer is Heroic Spirit EMIYA, right? Now we've established that he is NOT me, but I am still Shirou Emiya. What if Avenger is also a version of Emiya, and is possessing the me that got caught in the fire ten years ago, and somehow that whole process spawned the me that you're talking to right now."

"yeah, that's convoluted as hell and my terminology is probably way off, but him being a Heroic Spirit Me would neatly explain why he's like a ghost possessing his own corpse while shaped like a heroic spirit, because under that scenario that's EXACTLY what he is."

"Now my head hurts"
>>
>>24293769
>Avalon/connection/Archer
"According to Ilya, I have a door inside me, connected to someone else. Neither she nor Rin we able to find anything like Avalon inside me, they just found Sword. And Archer said we're not the same person."
Should we tell him about the Crest?

>Avenger
Please to be seeing >>24293703
>>
>>24293831
I swear to god if this quest goes full meta, I'm gonna throw my laptop out the window in a conflicted fury of amusement and anger.
>>
>>24293769

"Rin's Archer, apparently, used to be Shirou Emiya. From another timeline. So he was expecting me to be... well, him. Except somehow, for some reason, I'm not."

"Avenger said something about how he (Avenger) is... a clone or twin of us."

"And also that he is 'acting out' his part as the 'villain' because every story needs one, and that while it sucks for him, the alternative is not existing in the first place."

"I think he might have taken Avalon -- taken it "back" maybe or something -- because something's different about us.."
>>
>>24293838
>"Try this one on for size: Archer is Heroic Spirit EMIYA, right? Now we've established that he is NOT me, but I am still Shirou Emiya. What if Avenger is also a version of Emiya, and is possessing the me that got caught in the fire ten years ago, and somehow that whole process spawned the me that you're talking to right now."

Oh god why does this makes so much sense

THIS IS CONVOLUTED AS FUCK BUT FUCK, ITS MAKING SENSE
>>
>>24293769

"Also, why is 'belief' a a big thing for us? Why the hell should we be able to... accomplish Magecraft or whatever, just by *believing* in whatever we need or is convenient?"

"How do you go from 'Has avalon' + 'Makes swords' to 'Belief makes things happen.' "
>>
>>24293845
>Should we tell him about the Crest?
I feel like this is a guy we can probably tell, since he seems to be completely reliant on us to execute his plans.

And seriously, if Archer gets mad, we can go "Well, shit, did you want answers about why this happened or not? I figured asking the legendary clairvoyant wizard that appears to me in my dreams was the best way to figure it out. Oh, you didn't have one of those when you were Shirou? Guess that's why it never occurred to you."
>>
>>24293873
>And seriously, if Archer gets mad, we can go "Well, shit, did you want answers about why this happened or not? I figured asking the legendary clairvoyant wizard that appears to me in my dreams was the best way to figure it out. Oh, you didn't have one of those when you were Shirou? Guess that's why it never occurred to you."

10/10, my sides are in orbit
>>
>>24293873
Either way he's been dead for centuries so its not like there's any harm in it.

Unless he's a dick and somehow makes things work out so Rin gets some kind of message saying ARCHER GAVE SHIROU A MAGIC CREST.

Oh wait, he is a dick.
>>
>>24293596
>The one you call Rider has a hard time understanding happy endings,

We need to get her a copy of the Princess Bride novel. HAPPY ENDINGS.

>Sakura.... yeah, that's going to be fun. Sakura's had an entire life of getting kicked and genuinely thinks she's not worthy of you.
...do we have a standard procedure for this sort of thing? This being /tg/ I feel like we should.
>>
>>24293879
He's a dick, but I don't think he's set on sabotaging our relationship with our girls. He needs us stable and focused for many reasons.
>>
>>24293883
Group hug with everyone telling her she is an excellent person.
>>
>>24293892
That's so magnificently patronizing that I can't even think straight.
>>
>>24293883
>We need to get her a copy of the Princess Bride novel. HAPPY ENDINGS.
There's a Japanese dub...
>>
>>24293883

We open up completely. That so many died while shirou alone lived.

SHIROU is not worthy.

And then we work from there.
>>
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>>24293883
Get severely hurt trying to protect her might work.

Or we could go with the other standard method.
>>
>>24293901
Oh, right, borrowing the Heaven's Feel approach should work pretty well for getting her to stop being so mopey. Might make her have a minor psychotic episode down the line, but it'll only take a couple accidental stabbings to set her straight.
>>
>>24293779

"I can feel Avalon. I would know, Avalon is affecting you somehow."

>>24293786

"The one summoned in the Third war. He never quite went away."

"No, since it's just a representation of something greater. That's like asking if a country can be destroyed by burning a flag."

>>24293797

"Not really. I mean, I'm looking forward. Zeltrich looks forwards, backwards and sideways. Yet somehow still sucks at Poker."

>>24293811

"I don't know, and I'm not telling. Not stepping on any mental and emotional landmines right now."

>>24293813

"You are Shirou. But you're NOT 'Shirou'. Alright, think of it like this. It's totally not the case here, but imagine someone having multiple personalities and I found a way of only talking to one of them. That's not what's happening here, but I found a similar way to cheat let's say."

>>24293820

"The reason why Archer was confused was because he was expecting a straight reflection, and got something more like a fun-house mirror."

"He's not really aware at the moment, he's mostly just getting by on what the other one's telling him. By the time he's a real threat we're all fucked."

"Don't be absurd. My Element was 'True Mysteries'. Not my fault ladies are into that, being the sexy, dazzling beast of a man I am."

"You'd have to not have a soul. But you have more soul than you should, if anything."

>>24293824

"You'd know if you were projecting something as potent as Avalon."

>>24293833

"You're a softer clay than most, more easily moldable."

>>24293837

"... Kirei is evil, but it's not really his fault. It's hard to be a good person when you're born without the ability to feel joy from things that aren't... well, questionable at best."

>>24293838

"That's completely impossible. Even by MY standards."

>>24293845

"Wait, a magic door?" He grabs me and hesitates. "Well that's weird. You're connected to yourself. Not Archer, you. The Fuck?"

>>24293849

"... Acting the part? That... huh."
>>
>>24293912
>But you have more soul than you should, if anything."
>more soul
>MORE SOUL

FUCK, >>24293803 MIGHT BE RIGHT
>>
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>>24293883
>Standard Procedure.
>/tg/
>>
>>24293912
>"Wait, a magic door?" He grabs me and hesitates. "Well that's weird. You're connected to yourself. Not Archer, you. The Fuck?"
>"... Acting the part? That... huh."

OH GOD WE'RE CONFUSING MERLIN


ALL IS LOST
>>
>>24293912
>"You'd have to not have a soul. But you have more soul than you should, if anything."
>"Wait, a magic door?" He grabs me and hesitates. "Well that's weird. You're connected to yourself. Not Archer, you. The Fuck?"
Is there any way to follow this connection? I get the feeling we'll find Avalon at the other end.
>>
>>24293912
>"Wait, a magic door?" He grabs me and hesitates. "Well that's weird. You're connected to yourself. Not Archer, you. The Fuck?"

THE FUCK INDEEEDDDDD
>>
>>24293912
"Uhm, I hate to be like this, but when you get confused, that just gives me a really good reason to panic. At least tell me it's nothing volatile that might go off in my face or blink me out of existence, this door thing."
>>
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>>24293909
>>24293926
No Descartes, we're not giving the multi-year rape victim the dick, I don't care that it happened in the game. Gives me an excuse to post this pic though.

>>24293912
Ah shit, forgot to ask the most important question: What do we have to do to ensure that Illya lives to grow old?
>>
>>24293863

"To be fair, you're cheating. You shouldn't even be alive, but then I nudged things. And then other people nudged things, and now everything all confused." He shakes his head. "My real question is why you spend every night camping when you have a houseful of women to take care of."

>>24293937

"Honestly, if it hasn't out and killed you yet, it's probably not going to just randomly happen one day. Whatever it is, it's stable right now."
>>
>>24293912
>"Wait, a magic door?" He grabs me and hesitates. "Well that's weird. You're connected to yourself. Not Archer, you. The Fuck?"

YEAH, BECAUSE AVENGER IS ME.
It just fits too damn neatly! Hell, at one point he pretty much up and told me that we were like magical clones or some shit, and whenever we fight he's all like "BROTHERRRRRRRR" and for some reason I can't kill him no matter how much I shove my Gae Bolg into his tender flesh!
>>
>>24293955
>I can't kill him no matter how much I shove my Gae Bolg into his tender flesh!

You magnificent man.
>>
>>24293955
We haven't tried Gae Bolg on him yet. I don't think we've even tried Tracing it. Let's remedy that.
>>
>>24293968

We have.

We turned it into an arrow and fired it at him
>>
>>24293970

In the face, no less.

He got better.
>>
>>24293912
"So, uh, how do I get Avalon in a form that Saber can use? Or could I function as a proxy?
Also, is it at all possible that, for all the possible realities, there is one that both I and Avenger are the same person? Because with the way things have been going lately I would not be surprised to find that I existed within that single possible reality.
>>24293968
Yeah we did. We also Gae Bolg'd Zouken.
>>
>>24293968
We did. We got a fucking Nat20 and blew his torso to bits.

Then he showed up like the next day and was totally fine.
>>
>>24293970
I thought that was Hrunting?

>>24293977
No, Zouken got a face full of Assassin's daggers.
>>
>>24293930
>Is there any way to follow this connection? I get the feeling we'll find Avalon at the other end.
"Hey, I have a great idea. Let's try and follow the infinite loop to its end!"

Wait, actually Avalon seems like the kind of place that WOULD be found at the end of an infinite path. Fuck.

(Still don't think it'd work.)

>>24293968
We launched it at him with Archer's conceptual bow IIRC.

>>24293953
>"They can't sense you because you think you're hidden. Honestly, you don't even need the box for that, you just need to really strongly desire not to be found while not thinking about your own existence. You, more than most, are exactly who you want to be."
>"You'd have to not have a soul. But you have more soul than you should, if anything."
"So now that I "know" I have a soul and nothing should be stopping me from recontracting, should just knowing that let me recontract with Saber even if something ACTUALLY happened that made it impossible to recontract with her the first time?"
>>
>>24293953
"Because I'm frankly terrified of sending my home into chaos as half of the women currently present attempt to maim me for not picking them, or at least picking them first, as it may turn out. Rin's a sure shot, and Sakura has been around for way too long to be out of the running, but the rest of them are a powder keg in a malfunctioning incinerator."
>>
>>24293985
Is it an infinite loop, or is i-

...

Oh fuck is this Archer's Magic Crest?

...Did he even GIVE us a Magic Crest?

...

OH GOD ARCHER FUCK US OVER
>>
>>24293912
"Alright wild speculation time: Could Avenger or anyone really be turning me into a host for this war's grail?"
>>
>>24293985
>"So now that I "know" I have a soul and nothing should be stopping me from recontracting, should just knowing that let me recontract with Saber even if something ACTUALLY happened that made it impossible to recontract with her the first time?"
Also, I'm just realizing that I'm basically asking if we can use our legendary Shirou stubbornness to stubborn the pit to death.
>>24284713
>>
>>24293912
are you talking to us?
>>
>>24293953

"What is love?"
>>
What was Kirei trying to wish for when Saber blew up the grail?
>>
"What are Avenger and Gilgamesh up to?"

"What's up with the runes?"

"... What, exactly, is going on with this Grail War?"
>>
>>24294050
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktbhw0v186Q
>>
>>24294062
>"What's up with the runes?"

More accurately, 'What is the function and purpose of all the black sludgey runes around town? That seems important."
>>
>>24294062
>"What's up with the runes?"
This reminds me. It's the one topic of conversation we haven't actually touched, and it also happens to be the topic we JUST decided at our most recent strategy meeting to focus on solving.

We should probably ask that/why Arc came here, if not for the shit-tier vampire we mostly-killed.
>>
Shirou is going to be so damn tired in the morning. And when the girls call him out on it, we can honestly say 'I spent all night playing Chess with Merlin. Also I think he's trying to hook me up with King Arthur. Yeah."
>>
>>24294081
Nah, we shouldn't speak of what he said, Avenger will hear them don't you remember?
>>
>>24293930

"And find yourself? I can't tell if that's really stupid or really insightful."

>>24293955
>>24293963

"You're doing that on purpose. Stop it." He sighs. "Humor's fine and good to distract someone, but I'm trying to help. The only way Avenger could be you is if you were somehow in two different places at once. I checked, the only place you are is off in the damn mountains."

>>24293977

"'Saber' powers it, it only helps the person holding it. Unless you yanked it out of wherever you're hiding it and gave it to her....."

>>24293984

>Avenger was Bolg'd, Zouken was actually hit by the twin swords.

>>24293985

I don't know how it could have not happened the first time. If it happens again, then clearly we have bigger problems."

>>24293986

"Complaining about having too many women in love with you is like complaining that your dick is too big. It might be a real problem, but nobody's going to take it seriously. Not even me."

>>24294001

"..... In theory, you could force it upon any real Magi, you'd just need the core. Where you'd get one's another question though, since the only one he could've gotten.... well, let's just say he doesn't have it. Or shouldn't."

>>24294050

"When you care for another person more than yourself. Everything else is pointless window-dressing." He frowns. "Also, stop making stupid jokes."

>>24294043

>As in to /tg/ directly? No.

>>24294059

"I'm not sure. That much magical interference messes with srcying. It's like trying to focus a T.V. Antennae during a thunderstorm."

>>24294062

"Not quite sure. I think they're trying to complete the Grail, but they've been shockingly non-violent about it. I think they're waiting for some condition to be fulfilled before proceeding."

"No idea. I don't speak the language they're written in."

"Fucked if I know. There's like three different people who messed with the leadup and now it's going crazy."

>>24294080

"The Princess? I don't know. Avenger seemed surprised she was here."
>>
Did I somehow fuck everything up by killing the vampire?
>>
>>24294095
>"When you care for another person more than yourself.

SHIROU IS AN ENDLESS FOUNTAIN OF LOVE

THE IRONY IS PALPABLE
>>
>>24294095
>"Fucked if I know. There's like three different people who messed with the leadup and now it's going crazy."

You and Avenger should be 2/3, is the third Red Archer?
>>
>>24294095
"What do we have to do to keep Illya alive to grow old"?

Seriously people, we save the loli we save... well, our future self from running off to become a hero. Do I have to start posting the doujin where she dies? Because it's heartbreaking just remembering that one.
>>
>>24294095
...You know, mister wizard, this conversation has been rather disappointing. I mean over the last few nights you've been building yourself up as some kind of omniscient sage, but now that we've actually had a chance to talk - fuck being obtuse, you flat out don't even know most of the answers!

You are the worst mysterious old man who seemingly knows all the answers ever.
>>
>>24294095
>Where you'd get one's another question though, since the only one he could've gotten.... well, let's just say he doesn't have it. Or shouldn't."

"Since almost everything is turning to shit, let's be realistic. The worst case scenario will always happen during this Grail War, so we should try and figure out a way for me to not get turned into a corrupted grail."
>>
>>24294123
Gandalf would know the answers
>>
Is there anything you want me to ask that I haven't thought of yet? I get the feeling that I'm forgetting something important.
>>
>>24294095
>I don't know how it could have not happened the first time.
"Right, we should probably mention that we had our connection severed from her by a Noble Phantasm that Archer projected, if that helps explain how the situation came about at all. If not, hey, I don't think we're going to get anywhere more on that topic."

>>24294123
Hey, he's trying to help. (And I feel like the trigger to end this Get All The Answers session is snarking him one too many times.)

>>24294108
I'd put money on Zouken, probably.
>>
>>24294140

And his answer to everything would be melon.
>>
>>24294095
Archer - our future self - gave us a Magic Crest. Could you give it the once over and tell me what you think of it?

>>24294123
Maaaaybe don't say this.
>>
>>24294095
>And find yourself?
"Or maybe Avenger."
We're going to try that with the girls tomorrow. AFTER trying to contract with Saber again.
>Unless you yanked it out
That too.
>Or shouldn't.
"You keep saying that. It does not fill me with confidence."
>three different people
"And the third would be Zouken? What about the red Archer? Cos he gave me this groovy Crest."
>The Princess
"So she's a trump card, then. Gotcha. Does she have a completely overpowered alt-mode that I should know about?"
>>
Mountain?
>>
>>24294095
"Dude what mountain. We've been sleeping in an ocean of estrogen for the past week or so."
>>
>>24294097

"Maybe? I'm not really sure what they were on about."

>>24294112

"The girl? What makes you think there's something wrong with her?" He asks confused. His eyes zone out, and his voice becomes a low growl that makes me take a step backwards. "Acht, you bastard.... Shit like THIS is why I kicked your family out of England! Shit EXACTLY LIKE THIS!" I reach out to calm him, and he swats my hand away. "This is the real problem with the pretender Magi who think themselves masters of the fires of Magic. The Einzberns have long since mistaken their goal for a means. The grail cores for the last two wars are living, sentient people. He gave them a sense of self so that they'd stay alive long enough to die for his greed." He sighs, trying to calm himself. "There might be ways of helping her avoid such a fate. I'll begin investigating immediately. You? Keep doing what you can to make your sister happy in case I fail."

>>24294146

"Caster's knife?" He strokes his chin. "Don't know what to tell you there. I mean, other people who were cut with it had no problems."

>>24294175

".... Yes. The mountain woods on the Southern side of the city."

>>24294207

"..... I saw the campsite, and the wards around it. You've been sleeping there for almost two weeks." He gives me the weirdest look. ".... Why would you lie about that. You're there right now."
>>
>>24294225
>".... Why would you lie about that. You're there right now."
I give full permission for >>24294123 to be used.
>>
>>24294225
We are not shinji. Shinji was staying there, a vampire was trapped there, we were there briefly to alleviate those two things.
We have not been back since.
>>
>>24294225
No Saber just broke my spine in the dojo and then I went to bed, my bed, in my room, in my house....
>>
>>24294225
>".... Yes. The mountain woods on the Southern side of the city."

>"..... I saw the campsite, and the wards around it. You've been sleeping there for almost two weeks." He gives me the weirdest look. ".... Why would you lie about that. You're there right now."

"MERLIN THIS IS WHERE AVENGER IS SLEEPING, GODAMNIT GUY WE HAVE A HOUSE WE WOULD WE SLEEP IN THE WOODS. NO WONDER YOU THINK THAT AVENGER KNOWS EVERYTHING I KNOW, HE WAS THE ONE YOU WERE WATCHING ALL THIS TIME"
>>
>>24294225
>".... Why would you lie about that. You're there right now."
Hah. Hahaha. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Of course, Shirou and Avenger switch places at night!
>>
>>24294256
>Avenger is in our house
>Right now
>With all the girls
FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK

MERLIN WAKE US UP RIGHT FUCKING NOW
>>
>>24294254
That first first "we" should be why, fucking autocorrect.
>>
It seems we have severely miscalculated. It has begun.
>>
>>24294225
>You're there right now.
"You're wrong. I'm in my house in the city. The one with all the magical hot chicks in it. Why would I be camping while my house is full of magical hot chicks?"
>>
>>24294266
NO, DON'T WAKE US UP, THAT WILL TIP AVENGER.

REMAIN CALM AND KEEP SHOUTING UNTIL WE KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING
>>
>>24294248

"She broke what?" His eyes zone out and his gaze comes to the house. "Oh what the Fuck? THAT'S- Well shit, maybe..." He hesitates as I hear what sounds like a shrill whistle.... outside the field we're in. "Oh goddamned wards. Make your next question snappy, someone's about to come in to tell you a wizard's trying to scry on you while you sleep." He hesitates. "Blame Zouken. He's a dick anyway."
>>
>>24294266
>>24294256
This is stupid.
We've been asleep with people watching us before.
Avenger is interfering with merlin's scrying, making him confuse the two of us.
>>
>>24294256

I want to hate ac-guy to death
>>
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>>24294225
"WAIT WHAT?"

"No, no I am NOT at a mountain campsite. I was in the dojo, then I walked to my bedroom and went to sleep, and then you showed up. I am in a house filled to the brim with women who won't stop worrying about me no matter how much I yell at them to stop. DO NOT TROLL ME MAGIC MAN."
>>
>>24294280
How do we maximize our tactical espionage action skills?
>>
>>24294225

>"..... I saw the campsite, and the wards around it. You've been sleeping there for almost two weeks." He gives me the weirdest look. ".... Why would you lie about that. You're there right now."

I wonder if it's Shinji's rune bracelet causing that?
>>
>>24294280
"Location of the campsite you thought I was. Now. WE are going to know exactly what the fuck is going on."
>>
I think both of us need to stop making assumptions about what we think we know and start with the basics. Because I'm not at that campsite and I've been sleeping in my room in my house every night. Where else do you THINK I've been?
>>
>>24294280
"What's your plan to stop Avenger while keeping everyone, including the Servants, alive?"
>>
>>24294280
How do we give Saber a dick?
>>
>>24294280
"Rin Satsuki. Came with the vampire. Anything weird about her?"
>>
>>24294298
...Oh my god, that what the Rune Bracelet's for.

Its there to fuck with Merlin.
>>
>>24294225
SEE, WE ARE AVENGER, AND AVENGER IS US.

You can't trick me! If I was a magical pseudo-clone of an evil Heroic Spirit I would know it, and I DO!
>>
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>Everyone's face right now
>>
>>24294311
Shinji hasn't been there for two weeks though, since IIRC that puts it pre-Grail War beginning.
>>
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>>24294314

Yes
>>
>>24294319
>>24294311
It's Avengers location guys. Anyways, doing >>24294301 should be the smartest thing for now. We can search that area in the morning.
>>
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>>24294314
Bit more like this actually, even though it's not a face.
>>
Can I trust Lancer and his Master?
>>
What kind of clothes was I wearing at the campsite?

Red coat? Baggy Pants and a red turban?

Because Emiya Shirou only has endless white / blue rag top tee shirts, school uniforms, and recently, his dad's black trench coat as his clothing options.

Also, I don't know enough magecraft to set up anti-scrying wards, and Shirou hasn't asked anyone to set any up.
>>
>>24294330
Agree that we want to know where this campsite is.

...but if it's warded like our house is warded and the wards only went off when he changed to looking at the house, that means he's been tripping Avenger's wards EVERY TIME he talked to use before this.
>>
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>>24294225
>Merlin
>Berates us for not fucking our house full of hot magical babes
>Thinks we actually sneak off to a mountain hideout at night to sleep, rather than staying in the secure house filled with magical babes

Wizards, no fucking common sense.
>>
>>24294360
YOU ARE THE WORST MYSTERIOUS OLD MAN MERLIN

THE

WORST
>>
>>24294353
This. Also how can we make her trust us? And how do we get into her pants?
>>
>>24294297

"Get a bandana and learn to stop asking stupid questions."

>>24294301

I get a glimpse of a place, beyond the temple, in the woods past Ilya's house.

>>24294308

"I'll let you know when I've got something."

>>24294310

"Shell-shocked and Heartbroken. Recommend shipping her home with the Princess as an Escort."

There's a pause as I feel something shaking my arm. "Good luck kid. I'll try and check in on you in a couple days."

I wake to Saber shaking my arm. "Shirou. Rin said a scrying spell set off the alarm. Everyone else is awake."

"Eh?" I stand up, pushing the blankets aside. "What's going on?"

"Rin's trying to trace the spell now, everyone's awake and ready in case something happens."

I follow her to the living room, and see Tosaka sitting in front of some strange looking.... thing that she's drawn on the table. "I lost it....." She sounds angry as much as anything else. "It looks like whoever did it decided to cut the connection as soon as they realized they were discovered."

"Do we know who could have done this?" Rider asks, clearly serious.

[ ] Blame Zouken.
[ ] Say something else.
>>
>>24294380
[ ] Blame Zouken. He is a dick after all
>>
>>24294380
>[ ] Blame Zouken.

"It's not the first time he tried to molest me in my sleep"
>>
>>24294380
"It was Merlin. The enemy team knows about him already because he's been tripping their own wards every fucking night if his competency in checking in on us is to be believed, so I don't see any reason why you guys shouldn't know."
>>
>>24294380

>[ ] Blame Zouken.
>>
>>24294380
>[X] Say something else.

Avenger is camped out in the woods past Ilya's house. He'll know we're coming, but does anyone else feel like some early morning vandalism? Because I sure do.

Whats that? Shirou is suddenly clairvoyant? Damn right he is. At least, thats what we want everyone to think.
>>
>>24293596
>Rin... well honestly, you're doing that better than I ever could. Don't lie to her and keep doing what you have been.
FUCK YOU OLD MAN. You want us to take your advice, we'll take your advice!

>>24294388
>>24294389
>>24294395
Jesus, guys. No. No need to fabricate a threat even if Merlin told us to. We've got to focus on the serious shit that's ACTUALLY happening instead of making up windmills to tilt at.

>>24294380
>[ ] Say something else.
"This isn't the first time, and I can promise it wasn't someone hostile. Eccentric, but not hostile."
>>
>>24294380
>I get a glimpse of a place, beyond the temple, in the woods past Ilya's house.

Wow, that could be the reason why we could use the wards in the trees. If avenger has been camping out there then he could have sneakily replaced the original wards with his own.

Anyway

>[x] Blame Zouken.

"Well Zouken is still an unknown element in the war."
>>
>>24294380
>[X] Blame Zouken.
>>
>>24294388
>>24294389
>>24294395
Oh yes, we should TOTALLY take the advice of the man who's answer to almost every question was either that he didn't know or was completely wrong.
>>
>>24294380
[X] Say something else.
"I can't tell you much, but it wasn't an enemy who spied on us."
>>
>[x] Say something else
"I think it was... Someone trying to help me. I've got my suspicions, but I'd rather not say until I've confirmed a few things. If I'm right, then we may have a sort of ally working behind the scenes."

"At any rate, I just got a huge dump of expositioning. Not sure how much of it I should trust yet, but we've got a few new leads to investigate."
>>
>>24294419
Seriously.

His blatantly wrong assumptions were the most informative parts of that conversation. Thankfully, he was wrong enough that it added up to a sizable infodump.
>>
>>24294380
[X] Say something else
Anything other than blaming Zouken. There's no reason to spread misinformation that could send our allies into a frenzy until we admit that we lied and lose Rin points.
>>
>>24294380
[x] Blame Zouken.
As correct as >>24294391 is, Avenger might NOT know that we've actually been chatting with him.
>Shell-shocked and Heartbroken. Recommend shipping her home with the Princess as an Escort
So he wants us to a) not help her and b) send away the one person we have that can go toe-to-toe with both Avenger and Gilgamesh. At the same time.
Yeah, no.
Gentlemen, I believe it is time for the Sacchin Route.
>>
>>24294405
HAHA, TIME FOR SURPRISE FRONTAL ATTACK!

>Gil and Avenger get up
>Gil: "Hey Avenger, whats that mongrel Shirou up to?"
>Avenger: "Not much, just on his way here to break all our stuff."
>Gil: "Really, and you're ok with that?"
>Avenger: "Yeah, I mean... WAIT NO, HOW DOES HE KNOW WHERE WE ARE GODDAMN HOLY SHIT."
>>
>>24294380
[X] Do NOT blame Zouken
Anything other than this. Seriously. All Merlin's given us is bad advice and this is no different.
>>
>>24294405
Seconding this.
>>
>>24294427
>>24294419
You guys are way too harsh on poor Merlin, he just wants Arturia to score.
>>
"Zouken?" I throw out there. They look at me. "Well, he's the only real mage type person involved we're not working with."

"What about Avenger and Gilgamesh? Or the other Archer?" Sakura asks, confused.

"Archer would know how not to set off the Alarm, he used to live here. Avenger seems like he's waiting for something on his own plans, and Gilgamesh.... Honestly, I don't think he's the sort of person who would use magic to peep in when he could just show up in person."

"What about Lancer?" Rider asks.

"If he showed up under a banner of peace, we'd let him in. We've done it before. They don't NEED magic to spy on us."

Everyone's silent and thoughtful. Eventually Rin's the first one to speak. "I'll reset the wards, I suggest everyone goes back to sleep. If they were testing to see if we'd noticed, they should know better."

There's a lot of silent nodding as everyone shuffles back to their rooms.

[ ] Go to bed.
[ ] Help Rin.
>>
>>24294438
Why are you saying we should listen to Merlin's advice on who to blame when he's advocating we send away the strongest person on the planet while facing a world-ending threat?

Shouldn't that tell you a little about how bad his advice is?
>>
Anything other than blaming Zouken. We do NOT lie to our girls, especially Rin.
>>
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>>24294405
>>24294445
I can dig it.

No reason to blame Zouken when we might need his help later. Just blame it on Avenger, and say we traced him with our mysterious sword juju powers or something.
>>
>>24294438
I agree with this.
>>
>>24294408
But I have a feeling if we say it aloud, we'll tip off Avenger. Maybe the house is bugged/spied upon/etc

[X]Blame Zouken.

[X]Find a way to be honest with Rin without blowing Merlin's well-made plans

(Honest, man!)
>>
>>24294455

>[ ] Help Rin.
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>>24294455
>[ ] Help Rin.

Suggest to her to scout out the woods again
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>>24294225
>"..... I saw the campsite, and the wards around it. You've been sleeping there for almost two weeks." He gives me the weirdest look. ".... Why would you lie about that. You're there right now."


Allright, we need to wake up right the fuck now and TAKE A HIKE INTO THE FUCKING MOUNTAINS!
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>>24294455
[x] Help Rin.
Can we check on Rin, too?
>>
>I like how violently the goddamned vote changed in the last few seconds of me writing that.
>>
>>24294455

>[x]Help Rin

This might be an opportunity to tell Rin who is the real source behind the scrying
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>>24294455
[X] Wake everyone back the fuck up. We're going hiking.
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>>24294455
[X] Help Rin.

I feel bad for lying, earlier.
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>>24294479
No need to feel bad Acguy, if you started to write then the vote is over anyway.

You shouldn't just change it midway into writing it.
>>
>>24294455
>[X] Help Rin.

Hey Rin, I was thinking. How about we take a nice relaxing trip to the mountains sometime soon? Just you and me. And Saber. And Rider. And maybe Lancer. And we all come armed to the teeth.
>>
>>24294478
>>24294471
>>24294472

I suggest we tell Rin that we might no something that can help, but we don't want to risk saying it out loud because what if someone's spying on us?

Merlin can be our Chinese Martial Arts.
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>>24294479

We were too late!
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>>24294490

>It's happened in AC-Quest.

>One time a thing was winning, and I switched it, then I switched it back, and then finally told people voting was locked so I could write in peace.

>Sometimes I'll change, and sometimes I'm like 'fuck it, I'm not spending another forty minutes on this post."
>>
>>24294492
>I suggest we tell Rin that we might no something that can help, but we don't want to risk saying it out loud because what if someone's spying on us?

I agree with this, maybe even tell her we might be more carefull with what we say outside the house, incase someone is spying on us?
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>>24294479
inb4 this has horrible unforeseen consequences.
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>>24294502
I know man, I remember those days. Maybe put a "Vote is locked, writing next part" like what the shadow quest OP does?
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>Wow, that could be the reason why we could use the wards in the trees. If avenger has been camping out there then he could have sneakily replaced the original wards with his own.
This is an interesting idea. IIRC the warding system in the forest was made up of the trees themselves, though, so I dunno how plausible it is that Avenger overwrote them.

>>24294455
Well, that was fucking retarded. Now Sakura's going to be DOUBLE-WORRIED until we decide to come clean with everyone.

> [ ] Help Rin.
We should probably break it to Rin that it wasn't Zouken after all, and it isn't a threat, but that it was too complicated to explain thoroughly at the moment, especially with Saber there.
>>
This quest is archived, remember to vote it up.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=AC-Guy
>>
>>24294532
>We should probably break it to Rin that it wasn't Zouken after all

Aye, that we should. If we're going to take ANY of Derplin's advice, then we should take the bit we KNOW to be good: Thou shalt not lie to Rin.
>>
>>24294532
>Well, that was fucking retarded. Now Sakura's going to be DOUBLE-WORRIED until we decide to come clean with everyone.

>Implying Sakura cares about Zouken
>Implying anyone cares about Zouken's feelings

Zouken fans are the last thing that I thought would see in a Fate thread.
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>>24294560
We should honestly tell -everyone- that it wasn't Zouken. There's like, no reason not to.
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>>24294532
Then we just have to go DOUBLE-DESCARTES on her to calm her down.
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>>24294565
>Implying Sakura doesn't care about the person who tortured her for most of her life spying on her current location
HURR DURR
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>>24294565
I think that Sakura is going to be worried because the only thing greater than her hatred of Zouken is her FEAR of Zouken.

>Zouken fans are the last thing that I thought would see in a Fate thread.
Its not that, its just that arbitrarily blaming him doesn't seem productive, especially since he's been at least somewhat helpful the last few times we've talked.
>>
>>24294565
It's less about Zouken's feelings and more about preventing OH GOD WORMS.
>>24294532
I agree that we should tell her, but maybe in a sort-of stealthy way.
... hug her from behind and whisper in her ear?
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>>24294565
The fuck? No, it's that saying we think Zouken was scrying on us is going to make her think Zouken is either after her again or planning something against us, which is going to fuck with her mental state unnecessarily.

Not sure how you interpreted that as my being upset that we were going to besmirch Zouken's good name or anything.
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>>24294578
>HURR DURR

10/10 comeback, would read again.
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>>24294567
you mean other than the fact that Avenger can somehow listen in on our conversation, thus the whole purpose for the dream visits so Avenger doesn't know we have Merlin trying to back us
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>>24294565
>Zouken fans are the last thing that I thought would see in a Fate thread.

I agree, Shinji was far better character and the only one I could identify with.
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>>24294597
We could just go, I KNOW NOTHING OF THIS WIZARDRY and let Avenger draw his own conclusions.
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>>24294597
This, did you retards forgot about his already? And don't say "HURR DURR MERLIN IS SHIT HE DOESN'T KNOW ANYTHING", the fact that Avenger is spying on us 24/7 is truth.
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>>24294616
How do we know this?

Do we have any evidence other than Merlin's word?
>>
Guys, our entire advantage with Merlin involves nobody knowing about him.

If we say a fucking word to anybody, we risk the wrong people overhearing it somehow. Fuck, Merlin couldn't even trust SHIROU directly.

He suggested Zouken because he's literally the only plausible person to blame. Name one other person in the entire war who would possibly want to scry on us.
>>
>>24294625

Dude, the fact that Merlin's talking to us at all is evidence that he knows what the fuck he's doing.
>>
Guys, remember, stealth powers.
As long as we believe avenger can't hear us, he can't, but if we decide to go all HEY RIN I TOTALLY LIED that won't work.
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>>24294616
I'm mostly just sore about the fact that his reaction to the "We are Avenger and Avenger is us" theory was to go "NUH-UH COMPLETELY IMPOSSIBRU I AM WIZARD SO I KNOW BEST" (which, granted, is EXACTLY how I would expect Merlin to react when faced with something his gut tells him is wrong, but still), when its so obviously correct that it hurts.
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>>24294634
He thought we were sneaking off every night to go hiking halfway across town and were somehow making it back before breakfast every morning without letting anyone know.

He also thought we could actually make decent wards.
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>>24294591
>>24294590
>>24294589
>>24294565

"Sakura. It's time to go back into the pit"
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>>24294637
>As long as we believe avenger can't hear us, he can't

I wouldn't trust that in Avenger's case, since we seem to have some weird soul-bond-via-sword-impalement thing going on.
>>
>>24294644
>He thought we were sneaking off every night to go hiking halfway across town and were somehow making it back before breakfast every morning without letting anyone know.
>He also thought we could actually make decent wards.

Please see >>24294616, Merlin's interpretation of the events don't change the fuct that there is truth there.
>>
>>24294644

It's worth noting that he also said us doing that made no sense to him.

Which is what tipped us off in the first place.
>>
>>24294445
Sacchin? but that's not the person we need to help us, i think it's time for Arcueid route, we can deal with the fallout from Shiki after we live through the war
>>
>>24294682
So, the only evidence we have that Avenger is spying on us all the time isn't smart enough to realize that going halfway across town to sleep out in the open every night is a perfectly reasonable thing and is not suspicious at all.
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>>24294695
He only realized it was wrong when we flat-out -told- him we weren't doing it.

He didn't even check our house.
>>
>So, I'm done for the night.

>Since we're already well into the auto-sage, I'm just gonna go ahead and say have fun and I'll see you next time.
>>
>>24294696
fuck wrong quote, meant this one
>>24294438
>>
>>24294697
>>24294706
To be fair, ancient Wizards of unfathomable power are renowned for their power and knowledge, not their common sense.
>>
>>24294714

>no new post

aaaaaaahhh

Seeya AC-Guy.
>>
>>24294706

He had no reason to believe he was wrong until we told him otherwise.

"Hey bro, why did you do this really stupid thing."

"I didn't."

"Magic said you did."

"Double check with these factors."

"OH GOD, WHAT."

He's overconfident in his abilities. He didn't think to second guess his own shit until we fucking told him too directly.
>>
>>24294714
Sacchin route possible?
>>24294696
Shirou would probably never hit on another dude's girlfriend. And he'd only interfere if he thought she was suffering somehow.
>>
>>24294726

Plus, he's been out of the game for a while.

Maybe back in his time, running to the mountains to hide from your Harem of women whgo love you was a thing that happened.

Crazier things have happened.

Things like Merlin, really.
>>
>"Avenger's a Metagaming dick. I don't know how he knows or has done the things he's done, but he has knowledge that's not supposed to be possible."
>"Because if I told Shirou directly, Avenger could eavesdrop. I'm not sure how he does that, but with you and me it should be safe."
Merlin doesn't even know how Avenger's doing it, and he's only assuming that Avenger is eavesdropping, or even NEEDS to eavesdrop.

And judging by how he's been surprisingly easily deceived into thinking we're sleeping in the woods every night...
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>>24294786
>And judging by how he's been surprisingly easily deceived into thinking we're sleeping in the woods every night...

See the other side too. If avenger is so strong magically to deceive Merlin so hard, then you bet your ass that he has a way to spy on shirou 24/7.
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>>24294855
How the hell does that even follow? The two outcomes are only tangentially related to each other.
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>>24294855
Or it has nothing to do with anything intentional on Avenger's part, and we're just the SAME DAMN PERSON, so Merlin got confused because clearly someone being in two places at once is impossible.
>>
Personally I get the feeling that Avenger is in some sort of timeloop, which is how he knows 'impossible' things.
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>>24294896
You'd think a powerful wizard would've learned to excise "Impossible" from their vocabulary early on.
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>>24294752
Is she Shiki's girlfriend, we did hear that he's currently running around with Cecil after all.
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>>24294924
It's implied he's going both of them.
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>>24294924
>Cecil
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>>24294924
... Yes. He's dating both of them. And it's Ciel, not Cecil.
>>
>>24294752
>Sacchin route possible?
I dunno if I'd risk it.

Re: "How can I win this war and save everyone I care about?"

>"Listen to what I have to say, trust that they have your best interests in heart, and stop involving outsiders."

Pretty sure she's pretty unrelated except for having the wrong associates.

From 27th:
>"So is she staying here then, Sempai?" Sakura finally asks.

>"Not long hopefully." Satsuki answers. "I was hoping to go home."

[...]

>"So, Satsuki. Can you tell me what the last thing you remember is?" I ask, sitting down across from her.

>"I.... I remember about a month ago I met a man who was passing through my town. He told me he was a friend of Shiki? Or his girlfriend..." She trails off for a moment, voice sad. "I remember... staying with him? He got angry about something. Something he was looking for was taken away, or he missed an opportunity. Then a couple weeks ago he wanted to go somewhere else because he said magic was acting weird. He wanted me to go with for some reason.... and then all I remember was that shed."

>"But why would a vampire keep her around for that long? Why not feed and move on?" Rider asks.

>"She said she knows Shiki. He was probably intending to use her as a human shield if her friends showed up."

So the Vampire only brought her along as an anti-Shiki Brigade measure. We should probably just let her go home.

With Arc as an escort, though, remains to be seen. I'm assuming that
>Then a couple weeks ago he wanted to go somewhere else because he said magic was acting weird.
and Arc in 31st
>"He was definitely the only Vampire -Or at least the only Dead Apostle type vampire- in town. But the signs that drew me here are older than his arrival. In fact, his being here seems coincidental."

means that it's possible that whatever disturbance made the Vampire want to come here was what brought Arc also. She'll probably want to stick around until whatever it is gets dealt with.
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>>24294913
You'd think, but then again he said "nah, thats impossible" at least twice during that conversation.
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>>24294957
Maybe we could get Caster to teleport her to France. I really don't want to lose Arc's firepower, and the last time we chucked someone on a train Avenger got his tentacles into them.
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>>24294981
I can't help but feel that we don't need to worry about Avenger trying anything with her, though if he does and succeeds we may as well give up now
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>>24294993
If he wanted to go full MAD on our ass, he could just dump a bunch of blood in their train car. He DID say that slaughtering the whole city would fulfill his purpose, and that would be a deliciously ironic way for him to start the endgame.
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>>24295071
>Arc and Rin in full BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD mode together
Goddamnit boner.
>>
Did we ever figure out who the real enemy is? I'm not finding Avenger, Archer and Gil to be very threatening to us to be honest, the only time Gil attacks us we usually deserved it.
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>>24295222
I'm pretty sure that the big bad of the Quest is the Grail itself, and Avenger's trying to stop it from killing everyone.
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>>24295240
Yea, that's all i'm getting from this as well
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>>24295272
Also, I wouldn't be surprised if Kirei's up to something.

That fucker's been WAY too quiet. Especially since he managed to make a wish on the Grail in the last war.
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>>24295289
Just what the fuck would he wish for anyways...actually that might be the reason why everything's so fucked up right now
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>>24295304
>has the possibility of wishing to be able to gain joy from things besides suffering
>wishes for more suffering instead
GO REJOICE SOMEWHERE ELSE
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>>24295289
Well according to Merlin he's being manipulated by Avenger (I'm getting a "blackmail" vibe), and spends his time praying for something, which is not like him (as we know him from F/SN) to say the least.

>uso DiarMAD
Did captcha just make a Fate/Zero joke? I...think it did.
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>>24293831
What do you think that loophole Merlin mentioned was about? Why contact Shirou and risk getting eavesdropped on by Avenger when you contact the hivemind controlling Shirou?
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>>24294957
Arc goes with Sacchin as protection. And to get Arc out of Fuyuki, as much fun as having the girl in town is for us players it's probably best if she doesn't stick around so that Avenger doesn't get any funny ideas as per >>24295071.

Besides, outsiders. Minimum involvement.



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