>>2149299
>I don't know am I?

>>2149299
>>I guess I am?

>You lost me

>>2149299
>I guess I am?

For the purposes of update speed, I will close each vote after 20 minutes. Please, go ahead and steer to your hearts' content.

>>2149299
>I guess I am?
Yeah let's try and play Shiro as a halfway intelligent kid out of his depth. Y'know, like he's actually supposed to be. Instead of a shit meme.
>Arturia summoned as Lancer
Oh fuck the hell yes.

>Writing

>I don't know? I guess I am?

"I... Guess?" I manage to stutter, as my eyes meet the brilliant green ones of this 'Lancer'.

"Good. Then the contract is complete." She says, nodding as she inspects the rest of my yard.

"I really don't know what's going on, though, Lancer. That red man started chasing me down on my way home from work. " I rub at my forehead, and catch her piercing gaze at the back of my left hand. "I don't even know why you're here."

"...Master, are you saying that you did not intentionally summon me?" The woman pauses for a moment, voice curious. "Are you at all aware of a 'Holy Grail War' being conducted by the magi in the area?"

...Those words. 'Holy Grail War'. They're familiar to me, for some reason, but...

"No. I don't even know what that is, honestly." I shrug. "If you need a magus to help you, I don't know if I'm really the best choice. Neither of my teachers could help me learn much more than structural magecraft and reinforcement."

"Hm." Lancer seems troubled by this. "And the amount of mana you are providing is restricted, as well... This is..."

There's a few moments of silence, but eventually Lancer nods.

"Be that as it may, I feel the bond of our contract, and I see the seals on your hand. We shall carry on this battle, regardless of handicaps." She says firmly. "I shall have to explain the rules first, then, as best the Holy Grail has told me."

"Sure. I'd like to know what's going on here, if there's others like that 'Saber' you fought. People might be in danger." I offer her a handshake, and I see what must be the most beautiful smile in the world start to form as she reaches to-

"Blast! Another Servant!" Lancer says, jerking her head towards the gate of my house. "Master, pray flee! It may be that blaggard returning for a second try!"

If it is that Saber, then he'll probably want me to get away from her... And we have no idea who it is approaching. It could be our enemy, or the enemy of our enemy for all I know. Or even some innocent, right...?

I-
>Let her go attack the Servant
>Have her hang back- we can talk this out!

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>>2149445
Forgot my image. Apologies.

>>2149445
>Have her hang back- we can talk this out!

>>2149445
>>Have her hang back- we can talk this out!
This may backfire, but UBW is best route dammit.

>>2149445
>Have her hang back- we can talk this out!
Murderhobos gtfo

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>Writing
>>2149457
>UBW is best route dammit.
mfw assumptions

>>2149503
I said it could backfire. But fuck it, either we get best route, or we get to REJOICE, YOUNG MAN!

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>Hang back

"Lancer, wait. We don't know who it is that's approaching." I say, reaching out for her shoulder before she starts over the wall. "And even if it's an enemy, that Saber could come back at any time."

She pauses grudgingly, but nods.

"A fair point, Master." Lancer says. "Then what shall we do? Attack as one? Parley?"

"We're going to see if we can talk it out. Come on, there's a gate over here." I start off, heading towards the safer way to get out of the bounded field surrounding my home. "This way, we can at least see who it is before we decide to attack."

"A bold plan, Master. Let us move."

It takes less than a minute until I'm on the street that goes in front of my house with Lancer not far behind. Uphill from us a red clad figure stands.

One that I know and recognize easily, despite hoping it was someone else. Rin Tohsaka, one of the 'Three Queens of Homurahara', a model student, albeit a bit of a witch according to one of my friends, and the magus entrusted with watching the city and surrounding lands.

"Oh, Emiya." Rin says, her tone relaxed and somewhat happy. "You were the one he was chasing?"

"Tohsaka? Are you involved in this too?" Lancer steps past me as I say that, and I can see Rin's expression flicker from relief through several emotions, settling in something stony and hard to decipher. "Can you tell me what's going on?"

There's a moment of silence as she rubs at her forehead.

"Praetor, we are in luck!" A cheery voice echoes from beside her, spoken by someone that doesn't seem to be there. "The boy is as ignorant as you had hoped!"

With that, another girl dressed in red 'fades' into view, flourishing her arm happily. It's like looking at a younger version of Lancer, though less bountiful, and much more shameless from the looks of her dress. Even as my gaze takes in... quite a bit, Lancer's polearm is raised, ready to defend

"Saber, please don't antagonize him..." Rin's voice is filled with exasperation. Obviously, her Servant has been nothing but flippant this whole time... "Now, Emiya, I should be the one asking that question. I didn't know you were a magus..."

"Oh, it's nothing like that, Tohsaka. I only know a few things. Nothing special." I wave the question off. Better deflect than have her pry, if what he told me is right. "Lancer was summoned somehow, and-"

"Master, pray hold one moment. " As though I cued her, Lancer interrupts, narrowing her eyes as she looks at the... Red... Saber. "Girl, you claim that your Servant is the Saber summoned for this war?"

"But of course! My Praetor is blessed to have my glorious blade working for her!" The female Saber puffs herself up, grinning smugly. "For I stand at the apex of all arts, and am blessed at those of war!"

"That's right! My bloodline obviously lets me summon only the most prestigious of Servants, in the strongest class!" Rin says, her expression nearly a mirror of her Servant's.

(1/2)

>>2149557
(2/2)

I let the two of them bask in their pride for a few moments, and Lancer just stares blankly at them.

"...So would you be willing to help me figure out just what's happening here?" I ask , breaking their air of superiority and smugness. "I was being chased by a lunatic in red who was trying to kill me, and I only survived because of Lancer."

Rin's expression changes as she realizes the depths of my ignorance.

"...Maybe we should go inside so I can explain things to you." She says.

>Write in up to three questions you might have about Servants and the like.

>>2149562
"What's a Holy Grail War?"
"Why was that 'Saber' trying to kill me, and is you 'Saber' somehow related to him?"
"Why doe your 'Saber' look like a younger version of Lancer?"

>>2149562
>Whats a holy grail war?
>Why did we get different servants this time?
>Do you know any magic that affects memories?

>>2149562
>Whats a holy grail war?
>Why did we get different servants this time?
>Do you know any magic that affects memories?

>Writing
Though the "Different Servants this time" question is a bit meta, you know.

I lead the way into my house, bringing Rin and her Saber into my house and brewing a pot of tea for the four of us.

>What's a grail war?
"Well.. Seven magi summon seven heroes from history to fight for a wish on the Holy Grail."

"Basically, the last Master and Servant standing each get a wish, once the other six Servant are killed. There are other rules, like no involving regular humans and exposing magecraft, but..."

"Usually, it happens once every fifty years, but the last one was only 10 years ago..."

>Why was that 'Saber' trying to kill me, and is your 'Saber' somehow related to him?

"Umu~! That 'Saber was nothing more than a fraud! He must surely be another Servant, perhaps an Assassin, falsifying his identity to cast shame upon my class!"

"Like Saber says, he's probably unrelated. Why he tried to kill you... Well, if you kill a Master, the Servant usually goes with them. Maybe that's why?"

>Why does your 'Saber' look like a younger version of Lancer?
"Perhaps she is copying me? I was summoned before her, after all. Fear not, Lancer! For imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!"

"Master, it may be that we simply look similar. It occasionally does happen, though why in the world I'd look like someone like her..."

(1/2)

>>2149736
(2/2)

>Do you know any magic that affects memories?

"...Doesn't everyone know how to hypnotize people? It doesn't usually work on people with functioning magic circuits, but it at least helps cover things up."

>In addition, you receive basic information on the mechanics of Servants, Masters, and Command Seals

...It takes nearly 30 minutes for Rin to explain everything, with 'helpful' interjections from the nearly twin Servants in the room with us.

Of the four of us, only Saber touches her tea, quickly moving on to drink Rin's as well, before getting bored and poking around my entertainment center.

"So, if I get killed, Lancer dies with me." I say, and she nods. "But if Lancer dies I could keep going. I'm guessing that, if I still have Command Seals-" I raise my left hand to indicate the marks there, "- I can form a contract with another Servant. Is that right?"

A series of crashes draw my gaze to my DVD shelf. I see Saber looking innocent, a pile of plastic cases on the floor by her feet.

"...That's about right." Rin doesn't even bother turning around. "Now that I've given you an overview, you should decide for yourself whether you're going to participate or not. I know you were kind of forced into this by that fake Saber."

I nod after a moment.

"I don't know that I can withdraw, even if I want to." I shake my head. "That 'Saber' only ran away because I summoned Lancer."

Rin goes silent, in consideration, and I can see Lancer clenching her fist to my side.

"...If you really don't want to participate, the mediator could keep you safe." She says, rubbing at her chin. "He probably could explain more about what the rules of the War are, too, but... He's a really sketchy guy, and his daughter is just as bad."

...His daughter. She can't mean-

"So we could go see Kotomine, and he'd be able to take your command seals and keep you safe until the war is over."

Oh. Oh no. My blood runs cold. Not her father. Not the priest that Kiritsugu told me never to meet.

"Master. I would just like to raise a concern." Lancer says, fist still clenched. "I believe at the least three of us here have wishes that would not harm others.

"But what of the other Servants, and their Masters? Can you say the same of their wishes?"

...That's true. Any one of them could be a villain, and cause suffering for countless others. It might be onl me that can stop them, too...

I-

>Continue as a Master
>Talk to the priest

>>2149737
>>Continue as a Master
If Kiri says to stay away from him we should. There may be other ways out later on if we turn chicken.

>yet another Grail war quest
>metagaming this hard already
Why would you do this OP?

>>2149737
>Continue as a Master

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>Writing

One more update, and then I'm going to crash for the night, and resume in the morning. Probably around 10-11 AM, Eastern.

>>2149756
Because it's poor metagaming, and everything in the backstory is off enough it will make things worse without all of the information.

And that? That pleases me.

>Continue as a Master

"...This priest sounds like trouble to me. Just like his daughter." I say, shaking my head. "Besides, Lancer is right. I can't let some villain get their wish if I have a chance to stop it. What kind of superhero would I be if I did that?"

Lancer seems proud at that statement, while Rin seems to rub her face again.

"I can't fault you there. His daughter is a piece of work." She says with a sigh. "I'll at least let him know that you're the seventh Master, then.

"And I suppose we can make a truce. We don't attack each other until tomorrow, at least." She finishes, looking me straight in the eyes. "Is that alright?"

"Thank you, Tohsaka." I say, nodding. "I wasn't going to go after you, anyway. I don't think you're a bad person, and even though your Saber is a bit..."

I trail off as another crash comes from my DVD cases.

"...I noticed." Rin says, shaking her head and standing up. "I'll get going now, then. Saber, come on. Emiya, consider the information my thanks for your hospitality."

"Very well! My imitator, I bid you a good night! Pray care for your poor, deprived Master as well~!" The red clad blonde waves, disappearing back into her astral form as Rin heads out.


After a few minutes cleaning up, my DVDs are finally back in order. What was Saber even looking for then...?

"Master, my thanks for your faith in me." Lancer says quietly, waiting for my attention before continuing. "You intend to compete in this war to deprive power from those that would abuse it, correct?"

"Yeah. I'm willing to give you the wish, though." I say, rubbing the back of my head. "I can't imagine you have anything too awful you'd wish for."

Her expression turns odd, and the room is silent for a few moments. "...I just wish to correct some mistakes of my life, and bring peace to those I wronged." Lancer sighs. "Many suffered for my failings."

"That's more than noble, Lancer. I'll be proud to help you achieve that wish." I say, watching the tension fade from the room.

"Thank you, Master." She seems at peace with that, and relaxes, sipping at one of the remaining cups of tea.

Now I'm left with some free time, and without my workshop, my usual magecraft practice seems like a poor idea at the moment. I should-

>Make small talk with Lancer
>Get ready for bed

I'm going to bed with this. I'll resume in the morning with the results of this vote.

>>2149845
>Make small talk with Lancer
Goodnight

>>2149845
>>Make small talk with Lancer
Ask her what she thinks of the others so far and if she needs or wants anything.

>>2149845
>Make small talk with Lancer

>>2149845
>Make small talk with Lancer

Apologies for the large delay from when I planned to update. Life occurred.
>Writing

>Small talk

"...So, Lancer." I start. Maybe she has a better idea than me. "What do you think about the Servants we've met so far?"

She seems to think for a moment. "The one who was attacking you is obviously a fraud. If I had to guess, I would say his true class is Assassin, from how I could not discern his identity from name or use of Noble Phantasm.

"However, he could be any of the other classes, with what we know of him at this point." Lancer shakes her head. "As for the true Saber...

"It's like looking into a whorish mirror, Master. She appears shameless, not one bit a knight."

"I see." ...There's not much I can say about that. "And what about Tohsaka?"

"Hm. Now she is interesting." Fingers tap against the table, and Lancer seems to be in thought. "At first glance, she seems every bit the 'Perfect magus', does she not? But everything my instincts are telling me is that she is not. She's far more 'nice' than she prefers to appear, best that I can tell.

"Should the other Servants prove villainous, I would advise you to reach out to her. She will certainly be willing to help, even should she not act like it."

"...That's good to hear, at least." I say. "I know there are at least another couple of magic users in town, but the ones I know aren't likely to have evil wishes."

"Excellent. Be aware, though, that what their Servants desire may be evil in their stead. "

With that, the room is silent once again.

"...Lancer, when you were fighting that fake, your stance seemed a little off. Like you were off balance, or something. Is something wrong?" I ask, thinking back to that fight. If there is something wrong, and my Servant can't fight at her best....

"Eh?" Lancer seems surprised by the question, and looks down to her teacup. Or tries to look down, at least.

"I. What. Eh? Ehhhhhh?" A few moments pass, before she manages to get her thoughts together enough, and she pokes at her armor.

Before I can even blink, she's on her feet, rushing from the room in some sort of shock.

>Let her go. Whatever is wrong is her business. ...Right?
>Follow her. Let's see what the problem is.

>>2150718
>Follow her.
Cue the Always Sunny theme.
"Shirou Fucks Up"

I'm going to give this vote until the hour, just to see if it can drum up some more votes.

>>2150718
>Follow her.

>>2150718
>>Follow her. Let's see what the problem is.

>Follow her

Within seconds, I'm after her.

Following along a path of open doors and the sound of footsteps, I eventually reach a spare bedroom, far away from where any visitors of mine usually go.

Inside, I see her looking at herself in a mirror, almost singularly focused on it. There's a clatter as her chestpiece comes undone, then fades away into motes of light as it hits the floor.

She-

I look away. If she was aware of me, I have little doubt I'd be attacked at this point, especially given that my face is likely the same color as Rin's sweater.

Quietly pulling the door closed, I hear her voice mutter something, half awed, half horrified.

"This... wasn't part of the deal..."

With that beautiful image seared into my mind, I go about my preparations for bed, hoping that the routine will let me rest easily.

It works, and my dreams that night are filled with swords and dragons once more.

****

The First Day- Sunday, 4/17

As light cracks through my bedroom window, I rise from my futon. The daily routine I have comes to me naturally, and everyone will be here for breakfast soon enough.

Looking at my refrigerator, I try to figure out what would make for the best meal for five when something starts to nag at the back of my mind.

What is...

"Good morning, Master." Lancer says somewhat cheerfully, stepping into the dining room.

OH.

The events of last night slam into my brain like a hammer. I dart to the sliding doors to my home's garden. As expected, my shed and workshop is a burnt ruin, and the yard around it is covered in ash. Thanks to the morning light, I can see the searing marks along the wall where it once stood.

All I can feel when I see the damage and ruin is annoyance at how long it will take for me to replace my tools.

Well, I can deal with that later. Feeding everyone comes first. Taiga, of course, will be famished as usual. Then I need to account for Sakura and Shinji. Knowing how things have been so far, this will be one of the days their uncle shows up with them if I don't make enough, so...

It takes me a few moments to settle on something. With Lancer's European features, I assume a Western style breakfast would be the most suitable. Even though Tohsaka did say that the Grail prepares Servants for the modern era, I still would prefer to not have someone not-used to a traditional Japanese breakfast be surprised by one.

With that thought in line, I start to fry eggs, cook ham, and take on the arduous process of toasting bread. The simple breakfast gives me plenty of time to go over what else I had learned last night...

(1/2)

>>2150983
(2/2)


****

The platters reach the table not a moment too soon. Taiga is through the door and seated, digging into the feast with abandon and not even noticing Lancer sitting next to her.

A few more minutes pass before the hallway intercom buzzes, and Lancer gives me a look between bites.

I nod reassuringly, and stand to answer it.

"Hey, Shirou." the cocky voice is familiar. Shinji is in the lead again, huh? "Uncle got sick again, so Sakura is home taking care of him."

...It's getting more frequent now. Like Kiritsugu's, before...

"But, hey, look. A 'cousin' of ours showed up. Not quite sure how we're related, but uncle knows more. I knew you were already making some food, so do you mind if we join you?" His voice is pleading, which is, well, unusual for Shinji. Then again, if Sakura is in the same state she was the last time this happened, I know she probably isn't in any shape to think straight, let alone cook.

"Come on in, then. Taiga is here, and I have a guest of my own." I say to the speaker, and head to the door to greet my guests.

"Thanks for having us over, Shirou." Shinji's voice if full of relief as he gives a polite bow that just doesn't work for him. "You know how bad I am at this stuff."

His cousin, on the other hand, is a rather... Cold, and sad looking woman. About the same height as Lancer, with hair that looks more an icy blue more than something natural. There's something familiar about her that I can't quite place, but...

"Indeed. I thank you for your hospitality." She says. What she's wearing is obviously a bit 'off' for her. Probably spare clothes of Sakura. "Shinji spoke highly of your skills."

With that, she steps past me, joining the table with Lancer and Taiga.

...Another Servant. No human feels that 'otherworldly'. I turn to stare at Shinji, who uncharacteristically seems to sense the awkwardness that hangs in my doorway.

>Let it go, and go eat.
>Push for information.

>>2150985
>Let it go, and go eat.

>>2150985
>Let it go, and go eat.
The trivial matters can come later; we're having breakfast now.

>>2150985
>Let it go, and go eat.
Is...
Is Shinji NOT an asshole rapist in this universe?
Wait,
>uncle
Uncle?! Did Kariya survive? Is ol' man wormcock dead?

>>2150985
>Push for information.

>Go ahead and eat.

I sigh, pushing aside the worry. Why ruin breakfast? Whoever this is probably won't start a fight, given that she didn't draw a weapon to start with...

I lead Shinji to the dining room, where I see that the food I already set out is demolished. Lancer and Taiga are glaring at one another, while the new Servant is sitting there, starting on a plate as full as theirs must have been.

"Yet another big eater." I sigh, shaking my head. My poor pantry is going to suffe for this, I know it.

"And a big... Something else." I glance to Shinji, and his eyes are locked to where Lancer is leaning against the table. I swat the back of his head, and he straightens up. "Yeah, I know. We realized that the other night with dinner. I got told to go get groceries, so..."

"You decided to stop by and eat some of my breakfast, first?" I grin. At least I knew he'd do this when I started cooking. "Don't worry about it. I made sure to leave enough extra in the kitchen because of Taiga."

He sighs in relief, and takes a seat as I head to restock the table. A hungry Taiga is not something I want to underestimate or get in front of ever again, and the other guest seem similar.

"Wait, hold on! Who are you two?!" I hear Taiga exclaim as I reenter the dining room. It's not really surprising that it took her this long to notice the others, but...

"You may call me Rider. I am a cousin of the Matous. It is a pleasure to meet you." The icy beauty that Shinji brought with him says, smiling softly.

There's a moment of quiet, before Taiga turns to Lancer.

"And how about YOU? Who are you, and what kind of cruel seductions have you done to my poor, innocent Shirou with those-"

Thankfully, the intercom buzzes again, sparing me from the disaster waiting at my table. As distracted as he is, I leave Shinji behind.

"Who is it?" I'm close enough to look out at the gate. A flash of black and white catches my eye, and I feel a horrible sense of impending doom.

"Dear Shirou, it's me. I'm here on business." My stomach drops. Her. The devil's own daughter. The fake priestess. "My father is ever so regretful that you did not call on him, and sent me to confirm your participation in the Holy Grail War."

Of course she showed up. Caren Kotomine. Another of the three Queens of Homurahara, and... Well, a manipulative and cruel woman in the making. Of course, if she comes in here she'll start something, but... I won't be able to avoid talking to her completely.

With that in mind, I-

>Let her in
>Stall until later

>>2151030
Best you know, the Matou siblings were raised by their loving uncle, Kariya. He and Kiritsugu had some differences, but occasionally spoke in a manner like old coworkers.

Shinji is a bit of a jerk, but nowhere near what you'd call an asshole.

>>2151311
>>Let her in
Yo, glad to see another fate/ quest running. I used to run one a while ago but then college started.

>>2151311
>Let her in
She may be the devil in disguise, but that's no reason to be rude.
>>2151363
Do we know that Sakura and Rin are sisters?

>>2151311
>Let her in
The other option would blow up in Shirou's face, sadly.

>>2151311
>>Let her in
Time for FUN

>>2151311
>Stall until later

BE GONE THOT!

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>MFW reading this
>kariya somehow fucking survived so zouken probably ether actually ate the dust or got fucked up so badly, most likely because kariya probably went fuck this in this universe and sicc'd fucking lancelot on him to chase his ass off.
>Tohsaka has Nero as Saber
>We have Lancer Saibah, which me shes has rhongo this time around instead of excaliber, and since we summoned her odds are we still have avalon in our chest, which means kiritsugu somehow got regular Saibah.
We probably got our shit nearly wrecked by what is most likely berserker/some other class because the grail is still fucked and it might very well be even more fucked in this universe then normal.

>>2153630
Shit i messed up last post so i deleted it. anyways Kariya is probably dying right now of grail Juju, Blue haired chick so probably not medusa, but is a rider and a female, i have ideas, but i'm not certain. I would be Wary because of this. Also karen is in Fuyuki apparently living with Kiritsugu, which means he survived the war, he might not have a heart still like in canon though, and SOMETHING convinced him enough to actually bring his daughter over? Maybe he got more fucked up in the war then he was in canon so he got his daughter to take his place and hes gonna play the Zouken of the route? Sakura still seems to be Sakura, probably tortured alot less because Kariya is around and he would be exceptionally assmad if she was actually hurt so less likely to do seriously asshole shadow things, which is good.
i legit wonder what caster we have this war, since i'm not sure if medea is gonna pop up by the way this is going.

>>2151311
>Let her in

>>2153661
fuck my life **Kotomine, not kiritsugu.
just shoot me now.

>>2153661
Actually, bluenette Rider could BE Medea.
In Euripedes' version of her legend, after getting her revenge she left Corinth and flew to Athens in a flying golden chariot driven by dragons, that she got from grandpappy Helios.
That COULD be enough to qualify her for the Class. Maybe.

>>2153774
I was thinking the same things. She's the only canon girl who would fit the description so far. Thought OP could be throwing another OC servant at us.

>>2153804
Well, that "Saber" that attacked us used the name "Rhydderch Hael", a historical Britonnic king. He ruled Alt Clut (or Strathclyde) in the Hen Ogledd some time between 580 and 614 AD.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhydderch_Hael
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Strathclyde
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hen_Ogledd
So whether or not he was lying about his identity, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if Caster is willing to throw OC Servants at us. In fact I relish the thought of getting to try and figure out identities based on frantic googling, rather than meta-knowledge.

>>2153830
I agree completely! It's always nice to see someones takes on new heroes.

>>2153830
we could also be looking at shit Medea did in canon and the resident caster summoned a fake servant thats somehow fucking mobile, that is also a potential thing, or this could be an apocrypha situation with 2 groups of servants and everything is full retard. I still hold this guy is the seventh class guy who may be berserker or some other brand of silly shit.

>>2153904
well his noble phantasm makes sense reading that, and the thing is nobody knows how he actually died so that rules out the potential avenger thought i originally had, he also fits how the shit he would be strictly a Saber, so i'm inclined to believe him. Nero as we know in Canon is Saber, but the fact of 2 sabers makes this grail already full retarded.

this makes me wonder entirely what the shit Illya is doing in this timeline and whether she has herc with her or the Ainzbern's decided to go full retard once again and summon some shit off class thing, since they either summon Akamusa Shirou a ruler or Angra Mainyu, an avenger in the third war, they might be willing to try it again and the result is shit has already gone so off kilter we are seeing things like potentially rider Medea, who may very well be a double class servant for all we know and 2 fucking sabers running about.

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>>2153904
I doubt it would be as straight as it is in apocrypha since the servants there were aware of the team nature of that war. I'm betting Rhydderch isn't his real name since he just through that out there, unless he's a berserker class whose madness means he doen't give a fuck(which could lead to him insisting he's a Saber).

My belief is that he's definitely an assassin pretending to be someone connected to the Britons to fuck with Lancer(how he knew to do this is beyond me).

Or we're dealing with some unprecedented Grail War fuckery.

>>2153926
the problem is his noble phantasm is strong enough to fit the power level of a middling saber, shit usually ain't anywhere near strong as an Assassin NP as basically a rule.
the OTHER thing is could potentially be is OP decided to be asshat extrordinaire and caster is Prelati from F/SF, dicking around with grand illusion shit, thats always a thing that could be, especially if you have read it you would know the only thing that kept those 2 out of the 5th was Zouken, who may or may not be dead in this war. This means the grail has gone full retard and we should expect silly shit ahead.

>>2153939
I admit I'm only moderately versed in the Nasuverse(and am waiting patiently for the Strange Fate manga translations) so I don't know the extent that canon characters could be fucking with the war. But I gotta say considering his NP only burned up that shed it doesn't seem too impressive. I maintain that an Assassin with some weird trick like explosives disguised as a fire attack could have blown it up easily.

>>2153963
its fine anon, we are all just making wild shots in the dark right now.

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771 KB JPG

>>2153967
Sorry if I came across too combative there, really that's all I'm trying to do too.

>>2153925
Well I can only think of one thing Shiro has ever even remotely stolen and that's Illya's dad so you know. That's meta as fuck though and with all the differences in the timeline already meta can cost us.

Sorry folks. I was writing the update for last night, and stuff kept coming up. I've got some errands to run today, so I should be able to pick up in like 6-8 hours and run for real.

To answer questions, though.

>>2153630
Kariya's Servant went "Fuck this" more than he did, actually.

>>2153661
Bluenette is not a F/SN Servant, but a canon Servant who got 'Reclassed' as something else she qualifies for. Most Servants are like that, actually, except for the current Archer and Saber.

>>2153830
>>2153904
>>2153963

The red man is lying his ass off. Best you can tell, that Noble Phantasm he threw was a C rank one, B- at best.

>>2153939
I am asshat extraordinaire, but our Caster is a magus, not an author.

>>2154337
>a canon Servant who got 'Reclassed' as something else she qualifies for. Most Servants are like that, actually, except for the current Archer and Saber
Welp, google time. Need to find a list of blue haired female Servants.

>Let her in

"Alright, Kotomine." I sigh, unlocking the gate with regret in my heart. "Taiga is here, though, so can it wait until she leaves?"

There's silence, and I have a few moments to gather my thoughts before she's in the door.

"Oh, dear Shirou. You should certainly invite me over more often. However will we get to know one another better?" She asks, face far too close to my own for comfort. She's leaning just far enough forwards that I can make out every shape of her.

It takes a few moments for me to back up, but I shudder slightly.

"But where are my manners? I thank you for inviting me into your humble home." She finishes, smiling as she draws away. "Might I join you for breakfast, before considering business?"

"I made plenty." I say after a few moments. It won't really hurt to feed someone else, will it?

She moves on without a word, taking a seat in the dining room and starting on her own meal.

The meal goes quickly after this- Taiga eventually settles for Lancer's explanation of 'being a friend of my family, down on her luck and needing a place to stay', and excuses herself to visit her grandfather.

This leaves only two problems at my table. One of which isn't here along with my friend, so...

"Kotomine-" I start. The girl raises her hand before I have a chance to continue.

"Shirou, dear... I've asked that you call me Caren oh so many times."

"Fine. Caren, What about the Holy Grail War did your father send you to talk about? I thought Tohsaka had confirmed it for me..." I trail off, hopefully with the unsaid 'So I didn't need to speak with either of you' being unnoticed.

"Oh, my father said that she did. However, he would like to speak with you personally, and sent me to request you visit him." Caren smiles again.

Her father, again. Kirei Kotomine. A fake priest, with dead eyes, as Kiritsugu had described him. Thankfully, I've yet to meet the man, and my father made it clear that I would be best served by not.

"I'll think about it." I say in the most non-committal tone I can manage. Caren looks amused, but Lancer perks up about the conversation.

“Your father is the mediator in this War?” She asks, cocking her head slightly. On a girl half her age the gesture would be cute- on her it’s closer to comical. “In that case… do you work for the church?”

"You could say that, Servant Lancer." Caren's gaze goes to my Servant for a few moments, then back to me. "He leads the Fuyuki church, on the hill. It is quite the demanding position, and I am honored to help him as I can."

Lancer appears satisfied with that and nods, then returns to her food.

(1/2)

>>2156514
(2/2)


"That's all well and good, but don't you have somewhere else to be, Caren?" I take the chance to be rid of her. "Maybe Tohsaka needs to be spoken with? Or one of the other Masters?"

Caren smirks, and I have a sudden feeling of regret at my words.

"Oh dear Shinji..." She starts, drawing my friend's gaze from where the mesmerization that Lancer seemed to inflict on him. "When did you become a mage, such that you can summon a Servant?"

"Gah! Shirou, why did you let her in here?!" Shinji seems to slide himself back across the tatami mats, fast as he can. "She's the devil!"

"But dear, dear Shinji... Do you not revel in the attention of young women?" Shinji is a fish in the water here. He's never been good at dealing with Caren, "Am I not granting your wish?"

On cue, he sputters, and I sigh.

"Caren, could you not kill him from embarrassment? It would make Sakura sad."

Caren's laugh is beautiful, pure, and... Well, 'malicious' springs to mind, but I can't say she's that cruel. Just mean spirited, and a tease. "Certainly, Shirou. On that note, what's this scandal I hear about you seducing classmates, hm? And my father's ward among them, too..."

"...You lost me."

"Ah, well. My message has been delivered. I pray that you visit my father when you have the opportunity." She smiles, and stands from the table. "I should be going. I have many more errands to complete today."

At that, I stand and follow her to the door. Better make sure there's not someone else waiting to show up and eat my food.

"Oh, and dear Shirou?" We stop before the gate, and Caren's voice takes a hint of sincerity that I've not once heard from her. "Please, be careful. Something is amiss with this Holy Grail War, and I know not what it is."

With those cryptic words, she leaves, heading up the street, towards the ruins of where the old Matou home stood.

>Talk to Shinji. He may not be a mage, but he should know what's going on with his family.
>Call Sakura. If their uncle is sick, she'll be the best one to get information from.
>Talk to the Servants. There's no reason Rider and Lancer need to fight yet, right?
>Write in

>>2156518
>Call Sakura

Shinji is useless. Maybe she'll have the information we're going to need.
Ane we can seduce her.

>>2156518
>>Talk to the Servants. There's no reason Rider and Lancer need to fight yet, right?

>Writing

>>2156518
>>Talk to Shinji. He may not be a mage, but he should know what's going on with his family.
>>Call Sakura. If their uncle is sick, she'll be the best one to get information from.
>>Talk to the Servants. There's no reason Rider and Lancer need to fight yet, right?
All of these, this ain't no laughing matter. Let's be thorough.
>>2156750
Sure he SEEMS useless. A healthy dose of alertness (not paranoia) will hopefully save us.

>Call Sakura
>Talk to the Servants
>Talk to Shinji

I sigh as I lock the gate behind her. She's always like that.

Walking back inside, I pick up the phone in the hall, dialing Sakura's number. She'll know better than Shinji the specifics of what their plan is, if my guess is right.

The conversation is leadless, and she's totally evasive, claiming her uncle needs close care, but then..

"And what would you say if a 'Lancer' saved my life last night and was sitting in my dining room?" I say, finally tired of the evasions and trickery.

"...I'll be right over, Senpai. Let me make sure uncle Kariya is comfortable first." She says, and the line goes silent.

Well, that's something dealt with. Now on to my guests.

Sitting back down at my table, I see Lancer and Rider staring at each other appraisingly.

"I've called the one I'm guessing is your Master over, Rider. We're going to sit down and talk this out before fighting." I say, drawing the attention of both Servants and Shinji.

"...Master, is this truly a wise idea? We're letting an enemy into our home so..." Lancer cuts in, shaking her head. "So casually."

"Not really, Lancer, but it's what I've got at the moment. Besides, I've known the Matous since I was a child. They're friends." I rub my forehead. "I know that Sakura at least, probably doesn't have a horrible wish. It's Rider I'm more worried about in that case."

"...You are a peculiar boy. It is surprising to find someone who thinks so much like him..." The blue haired Servant says, a sorrowful look on her face. "My wish is to reunite with my dear, departed husband. That is all I desire."

The room is silent for a few moments, as all involved consider it.

"...I cannot find fault with your reasons, Rider." My Servant says, nodding. "When we do fight, it will be honorable."

"Indeed. I would like to test my spear against your own. It would be an honor to duel another maiden born for battle."

The two start to stare at one another further, seemingly evaluating and examining each other, and I sigh. I suppose their minds are set, and they'll fight each other at some point.

Turning to Shinji, I give him an expectant look.

"What? You know Sakura hates this stuff." He whines. "I took over 'cause it's important. She said I can serve as the Master, and she'll give power to Rider."

"'sides, we were going to scout things out, first. I figured with your attitude, you'd wind up involved sooner or later. I didn't expect you to start by summoning one of the Knight classes."

I sigh.

"Shinji, I was almost murdered by a lunatic in red last night, who called himself 'Saber'. Lancer barely saved my life. He burned down my -shed-." I say after a moment. "The more answers I get, the more confusing this whole thing gets."

(1/2)

>>2157044
(2/3)

"...Oh. That isn't good. Well, what I know is that the Einzbern are in town, and they probably summoned some sort of monster as their Servant. From what that rotten corpse's book said, they always tried to game the system somehow." Shinji slams his fist on the table. "I guess we'll need to take whoever they summoned out first, then show up Tohsaka. After that, it'll be a clean sweep."

"I doubt it will be quite that easy, Master's Surrogate." Rider says, glancing back and forth between Lancer and myself. "This Lancer will be quite a foe, should we be forced to fight."

From there, the Shinji continues to boast and get shot down for several minutes, before I hear the intercom buzz. Within moments of that, Sakura has already let herself in, and before I can even stand up, her pink dress is fluttering by as tea placements are set for the five of us.

"Senpai." Sakura says, looking at me with big eyes. "Thank you for letting me know about this."

That... Was quicker than expected.

"Not a problem, Sakura. You're one of my oldest friends, aren't you?" Her expression is somewhat mixed at that, but I continue. "Anyway, I wanted to hear you out. What made you decide to summon a Servant? Why are you participating?"

"...Uncle Kariya is dying." She says, after a few moments of silence. "We've tried everything. Modern medicine, magecraft, alchemy, even..."

There's a moment where she stumbles, and doesn't meet my eyes.

"Other things. And they worked! ...At first. He's dying, and the only thing that can change that is a miracle..."

"And the Grail grants miracles, right?" I ask. Both siblings give a somber nod, and Sakura seems to be near tears.

"Yes. So when the seals appeared on my hand last week, I knew what we could do. Shinji and I...

"Well, uncle had a book he salvaged from the old family home about how the system works. Written by one of the creators. I summoned Rider, and.."

I let out the breath I didn't know I had been holding. The three of us grew up knowing our caretakers were ill. The only difference was that their uncle had been fighting to live, even as Kiritsugu had given up hope.

Right now, I have no doubt that Kariya Matou is in excruciating pain, like he has been for the last year. At least it was quick for Kiritsugu.

I wouldn't have passed up a chance like this if I was in their position.

"Alright. Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I ask, feeling Lancer's judging gaze as I do so. "You know I'd have been willing to help you with something like this."

Sakura's expression is filled with guilt, but while she hesitates, Shinji speaks up.

"Because, we didn't want you dragged into a family affair." He's back to his usual cocky tone. "We Matous are guaranteed a place in the Holy Grail War.

"'sides, we only got everything ready yesterday morning."

...Of course they did.

(2/3)

>>2157047

>Move on to planning what your next moves are.
>Tell them all the details of last night. They may as well know.
>Leave out certain parts. You know Sakura seems to resent Rin for some reason. Probably best not to mention her.

>>2157049
>>Tell them all the details of last night. They may as well know.

>>2157049
>>Tell them all the details of last night. They may as well know.

>>2157049
>Move on to planning
The details are unimportant. What is important is figuring out what we're going to do from here.

We know who the masters of Rider and Saber are. We need to figure out the rest, first.

>Writing

>Tell them all the details of last night. They may as well know.

"...Well, I sort of got thrown into this." I sigh. "I was attacked on my way home from work last night by a Servant dressed entirely in red. Coat, hood, everything. I couldn't even make out his face, for some reason. He kept calling himself 'Saber' the whole time he was chasing me, though."

"That appeared to be a Noble Phantasm, Master." Lancer speaks up, seemingly interested in the subject. "Two knights I once knew had abilities similar to that, regretfully."

I nod. What kind of hero has identity concealment as part of their legend, then...?

"Either way, he then tried to kill me with a flaming sword. Lancer showed up, fought him off, and after we had a chance to catch our breaths, well..."

"Tohsaka showed up, with her own Saber."

Sakura gasps at this, then hastily covers her mouth. Shinji's expression is a strange mixture of disappointment and dread.

"I know, I know. We talked, and she explained the rules. After that, we parted ways, and here we are now."

The table is quiet for a few moments, before Sakura speaks. "Senpai... Did Tohsaka seem like she was looking for a fight...?"

I shrug.

"Best I could tell, no. More like she caught sight of the fight and wanted to check on it."

"Indeed. The girl seemed to want to limit collateral damage best she could. Quite responsible, for a magus." Lancer chimes in. "Her Saber, on the other hand... Not once before have I met a woman as flamboyant, shall we say, as her."

"...That's... Interesting to hear." Sakura manages to say, shaking her head. "Well, senpai, we'll help you if you fight that fake Saber again. He sounds like a difficult foe."

"Thank you, Sakura. We'll have to see if I meet him again."

From there, the conversation turns into rough attempts at strategizing and deciding what will be done today.

The Matous need to restock their food supply, and mine is looking somewhat precarious as well. However, there's also the concern about other Masters in the town and scouting them, as well as the ominous request from Kirei Kotomine to meet him at the church on the hill.

The first priority is-

>Restocking food. An army fights on its stomach.
>Scouting Masters. 'Know your enemy', as Kiritsugu said.
>Meet the priest. May as well get it over with.

>Please also include who you plan to take with you.

>>2157250
>>Meet the priest. May as well get it over with.
Lancer's coming with us, natch. Shinji and Rider could keep lookout.

>>2157299
Kiri told us to not meet the priest, though. He must have had a good reason, right?

>>2157250
>>Meet the priest. May as well get it over with.
Let's not be rude. Also, bring Lancer of course.

>>2157250
>Restocking food. An army fights on its stomach.
We should take Shinji since the Matous need food too, but leave Lancer. If anything bad really happens, that's what command spells are for.

>>2156750
>Sakura
>ever
Sakura is way down the list, below Rin, Ayako, Saber, Taiga, Rider, and Bazett.
She's not SHIT, but there are so many better girls...
>>2157250
>Scouting Masters. 'Know your enemy', as Kiritsugu said.
Also see if the old man had any mysterious storage containers. I'm sure the old "shoot them in their arrogant Magus face" trick should still work if we find any Masters that are fucked up individuals.

>>2157337
She's probably not a wormslut in this timeline, though.

Do we even know about Kiri's past, anyway? Or did he just save us and raise us as his own?

>>2157250
>Scouting masters

It's looking like a tie at the moment.

Would you prefer to speak with a man of god, or see if you can pick a fight earlier than usual?

>>2157375
>She's probably not a wormslut in this timeline, though.
It's nothing to do with that. In fact that's basically the only interesting thing ABOUT her, and taking it away just makes her the generically nice girl.
Going down the list,
Rin has the whole tsundere gap moe thing going for her. She tries to be the perfect detached Magus, but she's too good of a person to really pull it off.
Ayako is the obligatory background character waifu, and a fellow archery nerd. She is F/SN's Sacchin, and if I were to waifu a Fate girl it would be her.
Saber (well, Lancer in this timeline) has thematic ties to Shirou in that both of them tie into the VN's theme of living solely for others and the consequences thereof.
Taiga is mother fucking Fujimura Taiga. Hot-ass Christmas Cake kendo girl with a mob boss grandfather.
Rider is Rider, but doesn't exist in this timeline as far as we know.
And Bazett is an Irishwoman in a suit who's such a mythology nerd that she became a Master solely so she could summon her husbando. That shit is adorable as fuck.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>Since there hasn't been a tiebreaker

>1- Visit the priest
>2- Scouting

>>2157250
>Meet the priest. May as well get it over with.
also nice rider CoG, thats an interesting choice you picked, not exactly what i would have but thats an interesting choice.

>>2157396
At least give Sakura credit for lasting as long as she did. The fortitude for that must be insane.

>>2157451
Every Servant I have planned has some amount of compatibility with their Master.

And with that vote, I'm disregarding the dice roll. Onwards to the Hill.

>>2157396
Think that with us summoning Arturia as Lancer, we'll likely see Cu as another class entirely? He apparently qualifies as Berserker class, if the presence of Cu Alter in F/GO is of any indication. As far as how much of a Berserker... I'd wager he'd be about as "mad" as Kintoki, though maybe a tad more battle-crazy.

If Heracles does in fact remain on the roster, he's likely to show up as Archer in this war, which would make him just as dangerous, if not moreso, than his Berserker incarnation.

It's something of a shame EMIYA's nowhere to be seen thus far, given that in almost every other instance of the Fifth Grail War, Tohsaka summons him as Archer.

>>2157525
Odds are likely we got attacked by Illya's servant in the war by the by since that was the guy who attacked us from the things he said, now the guy is acting avengerish but i like to think Illya isn't dumb enough to summon an avenger.
i'm actually legit curious as to who the shit the archer is in this war.

>>2157544
Wouldn't it be nice if we had an Avenger that WASN'T a chaotic evil misanthrope?

You know, someone that did avenging as part of a good cause? Or was a HERO that happened to avenge something?

>Visit the Priest

...The priest. Despite what Kiritsugu told me, I need to speak with this man.

"Shinji, could you and Rider back me up?" I ask, finally having my plan clear in my head. "I think I need to go visit Kotomine at the church. "

The others at the table look surprised, but... Shinji gives a grave nod.

"Yeah. He sounds sketchy, but if he's the mediator... We'll need to introduce ourselves, won't we?" He asks, cocky tone in his voice. "We may as well get it over with all at once. Sakura, after we do this, Rider and I will stop by the market and get some more food, alright?"

"...Alright. I'll head home, and keep an eye on uncle Kariya. Please, be careful." Sakura manages after a few moments, while the two Servants stand up.

"Master, a... Slight difficulty here." Lancer says. "I do not believe my attire is quite appropriate for modern day, and, erm..

"I cannot seem to turn myself astral."

There's silence for a few moments as the statement sinks in.

"...I think Kiritsugu had some coats leftover. Maybe one will fit?" I manage to say.

"Erm... If all else fails, Lancer, I might be able to loan you some of my clothes?" Sakura says, after thinking. "I-I don't know if they'll quite fit, though..."

****

It takes us some time to figure out a solution, and it's already noon by the time we head out.

Lancer is wearing the dress she was summoned in, armor 'dispelled', as she claims it to have been, with one of Sakura's spare jackets. The jacket fits surprisingly well, given her assets, but I push those thoughts from my mind.

Shinji, Lancer, and I are on the path leading to the church, making small talk. Evidently, the Archery club has been doing alright, even since I left it, and Shinji has heard a few underclassmen express interest in joining the Kendo club due to rumor about my skills. Just as well I left Archery. Ayako would have been overwhelmed in students if I had stayed.

Before too long, we're passing by the memorial built where the former foreigners cemetery was. Ten years ago, when that disaster had struck, this whole hill had been stripped nearly clean. A few memorials for the dead were put up, and the area converted into a public park.

Very rarely was anyone here, but today, a young, red headed woman seems to be running an ice cream cart. Unusual for a foreigner to be working part time in Fuyuki, but that's probably why she set it up here.

Within a few more minutes of walking, the three of us are at the gates of the Fuyuki Church, staring at the imposing building.

"Master, if it would be alright, I would prefer to wait here, at the gate." Lancer says, stopping in her tracks. "I do not believe it is a good idea for me to continue."

"That's fine, Lancer. If I need you, I'll call you somehow."

"Rider is staying back, too." Shinji says, shaking his head. "Ah well. Let's get this over with."

With the two Servants waiting at the gate, we head into the church despite our impending sense of dread.

(1/2)

>>2157586
(2/2)

The church is surprisingly silent for a Sunday afternoon.

Near the altar, two priests are talking. The one to the left is thin and lithe looking, with short silver hair. However, the one on to the right turns to face us... A tall man, with brown hair. Imposing, menacing. More than likely Kotomine.

"Ah, greetings, Shirou Emiya and Shinji Matou. It is good that you were able to meet with me this day. I am Kirei Kotomine, the head priest of this humble chapel." The taller priest confirms, smiling widely and extending his arms in welcome. "Sancraid, my friend, let us continue with our conversation later."

"Certainly, Kirei. I'll leave you to your business with these boys." The thinner priest smiles kindly, stepping away. "Have a good day, young men."

The door closes behind him, leaving us alone with Kirei Kotomine.

"What did you want to talk about?" I ask with a sigh. If he's as bad as Caren, this will be ... Interesting, to say the least.

"Is it so wrong that I wish to evaluate the remaining Masters in person?" He smiles again, drawing closer. Everything about this seems fishy. "To evaluate their characters, and their goals?"

"...No, not really." I sigh. Shinji seems as resigned to this as I am, and he shrugs. "I'm just in it to keep someone worse from winning the Grail. Tohsaka explained the rules to me last night."

Kirei smiles further at this. "And were you aware of the fact that your father, and your friend's uncle alongside him, participated in the Holy Grail War of 10 years past?"

...That's a shock. Kiritsugu never really spoke about what happened before he saved me. All I can remember is his smiling face as I woke up that first time, and the smell of blood and fire filling my nose.

...Oh no. Was that night of nightmares caused by-

"Uncle Kariya told me when the seals showed up." Shinji lets out a sigh, interrupting my train of thought. "We have one of the old books with the rules in it, too, so you don't need to explain too much."

Kirei seems amused by my expression, and nods happily.

"Then you, too, are aware that the Fourth Holy Grail War is what caused that calamitous disaster ten years past? The one claiming near fifteen hundred lives, and damaging a not insignificant portion of our dear city?"

I feel sick. The fire, the 'terrorist attacks'. All of them were caused by the grail war?

The thought seems to be dawning on Shinji as well, and his face turns pale.

"Well, it is fortunate that you two upstanding gentlemen were selected as Masters. Perhaps you will be able to prevent things from going as out of hand as the last time, unlike your predecessors?" Kirei continues. This man isn't just trying to open up old wounds, is he? He's doing it with surgical precision. "I certainly hope you will succeed. A great many innocent lives are counting on."

>...Is it likely to get that bad?
>Ask for more details about the last Grail War
>Leave, quickly. This entire place is unsettling, and so are the priests.

File: Rejoice.jpg (63 KB, 298x452)

63 KB JPG

Calling it here for the night. Evidently, I'm dropping words in my prose, which is never a good sign for writing quality.

I'll try and run again tomorrow night. Until then..

>>2157588
>Leave, quickly. This entire place is unsettling, and so are the priests.
>>2157591
Righto

Take care, man.

>>2157586
>Bazett
Oh fuck yes.
>>2157588
>Sancraid
OH FUCK NO.

CoG what are you doing with this timeline. Please explain this fuckery.

>>2157588
>Bazett is still alive in this timeline, so she probably has a servant, could be caster cu for all we know.
>Sancraid
the actual fuck are you doing CoG? I think you managed to successfully scare the shit out of everyone who knows shit in this series, god damn.

>>2157682
Or Diarmuid
Or Scathach
Or Aoife

>>2157688
problem is Saibah took the lancer spot because Nero took the saber spot.
whoever it is is probably either caster or assassin, or if CoG is feeling cheeky he gave her the archer spot for the shiggles, which would be hilarious. Also Scathach can't be summoned off the fuyuki grail yo because shes not technically dead and she never actually has the Counter Guardian deal going on either, shes in the land of shadows.

>>2157698
Also for those who don't know why people are butthurt about Sancraid, thats the priest dude from Fate/Prototype and the dude Kotomine is based off, hes also arguably even more insane then Kotomine is, and that says a lot.

>>2157544
...I have a thought. That could have been EMIYA, in some form. Red, an asshole, runs when we summon a blue Lancer....

The only issue I see is that he probably can't create a shroud for identity concealment, right?

>>2157821
Could it be one of the the other EMIYAs?

>>2157831
Maybe. But Alter doesn't use swords, and Mumei has the same restrictions as normal.

Or it could be some fucker that's cheating his way. OP just showed that he's drawing from side materials.

For all we know, he could be something crazy like an Ainsworth.

>>2157588
Anyway, my vote is GTFO.

Alright, back and ready to run. So far, votes look to be
>Leave, quickly.

Any other votes, or should I just start writing?

>>2159289
I think we've reached a consensus at this point.

Blame Aniplex.
>Writing

>>2159647
ok.
in b4 we get bad ended right away because thats how this series works.

>Leave, quickly

"Riiighhhttt." I say. This whole place is creepy. I can see why Kiritsugu told me to avoid him completely.

"Hey, uh, Shirou..." Shinji seems as disturbed by the place as I am. "Don't we, uh... Have to go get groceries?"

"You read my mind. Father Kotomine, it was interesting talking to you, but we do have other business today, so if you'll excuse us..."

"Certainly. I wish you both the best of luck in your endeavor." The priest just smiles, and the two of us start heading for the door.

"But, Shirou Emiya... Your wish is one that the Grail itself will not be able to grant."

I pause. Whatever he has to say is probably bad, but... "What do you mean?"

"Your wish shall be granted, before you reach the Grail itself." Somehow, his smile becomes wider. "After all, you cannot be a hero without a villain to oppose you."

With those sickening words ringing in my ears, I finally leave the church. I take back what I thought earlier.

He's worse than his daughter.

Lancer and Rider are waiting at the gate, and the sun is still high in the sky. A glance at my watch, and I see that the whole trip took us until maybe 2 PM, at this point.

Even though we still have shopping to do, the day is young, and those parting words are haunting

>Just go shopping. The priest was unpleasant enough.
>Scout for Masters.
>Write in

>>2159873
>>Just go shopping. The priest was unpleasant enough.

>>2159873
>>Just go shopping. The priest was unpleasant enough.
They'll find us if I'm right.

>>2159873
>I take back what I thought earlier.
>He's worse than his daughter.
Because deep down Shirou, you know that statement's not wrong. Wanting to be a hero is tantamount to wanting someone else to need your heroism.
>Just go shopping. The priest was unpleasant enough.

>>2159873
>Just go shopping. The priest was unpleasant enough.

>>2159873
>Just go shopping. The priest was unpleasant enough.
At this point, it'll be a welcome distraction.

>>2159873
>fucking kotomine full damn well knows hes about to cause the entire war to go to shit
this tricky bastard, anyways:
>Just go shopping. The priest was unpleasant enough.
lets not accidentally get shinji killed and erryone gets mad at us for it.

>>2160144
Yeah, this Shinji is actually tolerable. Probably to the point where other people actually LIKE him, even.

Must be uncle Kariya's doing.

>>2149299
Dude, just fuck her already. Bet the Chad you all are and forget this m'lady shit. You sound like a desperate sleep aid addict.

>Just go shopping. The priest was unpleasant enough.

"Come on. We may as well go get groceries." I say, shaking my head. "This trip has been rough enough."

Lancer appears keenly interested, while Rider and Shinji nod.

Within another hour we're in the market, picking out fresh produce and ingredients for tonight's dinner, and a few more days beside it.

"...Master." Lancer says quietly, as we start past the department store. "I believe we are being watched. I feel a malicious gaze."

Shinji and I stop, glancing around.

"I don't see anybody, Lancer. You sure it's not you getting antsy for a fight?" My friend's voice holds its usual cocky tone, even as I see his eyes dart around.

I focus for a moment, and shudder as I feel it. A dark, violent pressure, like a curse or a mindless beast is homing in on me.

"No, Lancer is right. I can feel it, too. Like someone wants me dead, more than anything." I say. That amount of hate can't be natural, can it..? "I think we're going to need to get somewhere with fewer people around..."

Shinji has a confused look, but nods.

"Rider, check for somewhere out of the way." He says, and I feel a presence dart away.

Looking around for the source of this feeling, I think I manage to pinpoint it. There's a person I swear should be familiar in the crowd, far enough away I can't make out his face.

As soon as I raise my hand to point to him, I speak

"It's there!" Both Lancer and I say simultaneously. Glancing to her, I see her pointing a completely different direction, towards a small cafe...

We stare at one another in confusion.

"Master, the man at that cafe is the source, or at least near it." I follow Lancer's finger, catching sight of her source. From here, he looks like some kind of wild biker, with spiked brown hair, a leather jacket, and sunglasses. Even if he looks menacing, though, if I focus...

I can see it. A distortion in the air nearby him. Is he a Master, then?
The feeling of malice from behind me vanishes and I turn back to look. Whoever it was is gone or hidden.

Great. Another person that wants me dead, and someone after Lancer specifically as well.

"Master... What shall we do?" My Servant asks, looking around again. "If we have two enemies..."

"We need to get somewhere less crowded, first." I wave her and Shinji on, towards where the malice aimed at me came from. "This way. Shinji, ask Rider to see if there's anything over here that's out of the way."

Shinji gives a weak nod. "As soon as she gets back to us."

We hurry as best we can, still carrying the groceries, eventually reaching a wide alley. Piping and shadows climb the walls to our sides, and the noise of the crowd is a memory.

"Yeesh. We really needed to get out of there, huh?" Shinji asks, setting down the bags of groceries that he was carrying, and flopping against the wall next to them. "I don't get what you two were talking about. Nobody seemed to be being scary to me."

(1/2)

>>2160178
(2/2)

"Master of Rider, I have only felt that murderous of a gaze directed at me once before. If the Servant with such ire is anything like the person I fought, collateral damage will be the least of their worries. " Lancer's tone is dead serious, and she turns to me. "Master, what concerns me is the malice that you felt. Did you catch sight of the source?"

"All I saw was a guy about as tall as me or Shinji. Dark hair, too. He could be anyone." I shake my head. "And I don't know who would be so angry at me that fits that description. Maybe that fake Saber, but... That doesn't feel right."

Shinji lets out a laugh at that.

"Try any guy at our school. You've got all sorts of beauties eating out of your hand, don't you?" He smirks. "I mean, it'd take a certain kind of pathetic guy to really like Kotomine, but you've got obvious chemistry with Ayako and Sayjou, right? Not to mention the stuff I hear about Tohsaka watching kendo practice more lately.

"Hell, thinking about it, even I'm getting kinda jealous of you."

"...You lost me."

Despite the concern on her face, I see Lancer crack a smile.

"As relaxing as it may be, I fear this is not the best time for such flippancy." She says, shaking her head. "What we must do first is ascertain the source. I believe I was the target of another Servant, however, I did not feel that sort of presence in the same direction as you did, Master. I fear it must be something else."

I give a weak nod. With everything that's happened in the last day, it wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't a Servant.

We discuss possibilities for several minutes until Shinji's phone rings.

"Hang on, it's Sakura." He says, flipping it open.

Within moments of that, though, I catch a glimpse of red light from the corner of my eye. It's gone in a flash, but... A certain feeling of unease sets in, and I look to Lancer.

Without a change in her expression, her stance has already changed, practically ready to guard. or attack. She can sense that presence, too.

"Shirou, it's bad news." Shinji says, sliding his phone into his pocket, completely oblivious to the change in situation. "Uncle's gotten worse. Sakura needs more help, and she said she's already called Rider back. I'm gonna take the groceries home and do what I can, alright?"

>"Sure. We'll be fine, right here. See you tomorrow."
>Go with him.

>>2160181
...That makes 3, Cog. Three different parts of Fate, if the menacing brown haired guy is who I think it is.

How many more are you pulling in here, and how are you going to explain it?

>>2160181
>>"Sure. We'll be fine, right here. See you tomorrow."

>>2160181
>Go with him.
I mean, in a sense, Kariya and Kerry were both suffering-bros. And I'm sure Kariya doesn't HATE us, so...

Also
>We're possibly gonna have to fight Kairi Sisigou and Berserker Mordred

Hold me Anons, I'm scared.

>>2160220
>inb4 pseudo-Servants
>inb4 Kaleidosticks

>>2160223
The better question is if this was the case why hasn't berserker moedred not immediately gone apeshit from lancer? Seeing her would probably set off some serious Ex Madness enhancement, especially if she sees the damn spear that killed her.
>>2160270
>in b4 illya has archer herc with kaleidostick and is EASILY the scariest God damn thing in the war.

>>2160181
>>Go with him
We should stick together as long as we're being watched.

>>2160270
Jaguar Taiga when?

>>2160286
When we have Louhi as a pseudo-Servant, summoned into the body of Luvia Edelfelt

>>2160223
>>2160286
I think this is a bad idea. We're clearly about to get into a fight, and Shinji...

He's not a mage, AND Rider isn't here. He's just someone else we'll have to worry about keeping alive.

>>2160181
>Send him home alone, asap.

>>2160294
Callous double-oujosama doesn't get me going like wild mob-boss oneechan.

>>2160368
He still has Riders' command seals and if off on his own is in a lot of danger.

>>2160379
Sakura is the one with the Seals. Shinji seems like a decoy to me.

>>2160412
My bad, thought he had Sakura's seals for some reason. Still we don't want some unscrupulous master abducting him once he's out of sight so I still think we should stick with him.

Looks like another tied vote.

>>2160222 and >>2160368 for "Send him home"

>>2160223 and >>2160286 for "go with him".

Any other votes? If not, I'll roll a die at the hour and go with the result.

>>2161104
>Go with him.

>>2160223
>>2160279
Mordred might not be berserker. She just REALLY hates Arturia
Speaking of where's our horse
>>2160181
>send him home

>>2161104
go with SHINJIIII

>tfw he never ride the robot

>>2162154
If you can consider an unholy formless flesh construct a "robot", then he rides one in UBW

>>2160181
>"Sure. We'll be fine, right here. See you tomorrow."

>>2162156
>If you can consider an unholy formless flesh construct a "robot",
I mean that's basically what an Eva is, so I'll take it.

>>2161104
>15 hours later
RIP

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>>2162325
Maybe if we chant Long Live The King Caster will come back?

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Sorry for dying on you guys. I'll have an update for
>Go with him
up tonight.

It's not stupid and heroic, though.

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>>2162654
LONG LIVE THE KING!

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>Go with him

"That sounds bad." I say, looking to Lancer in worry. "We'd better hurry."

She nods, and the three of us gather the groceries, starting off towards the Matou family's apartment as fast as we can. It takes us a few minutes to get through the crowd of other shoppers, but soon enough we're through, heading on the shortcut that we've used for years.

At least, until Lancer stops in her tracks, holding an arm to keep us from going further.

"Damn. You boys sure have a perceptive Servant." A gruff voice echoes from down an alley ahead of us. a faint light and a small cloud of smoke precede the steps of the biker-looking man.

"The boss lady said I was here for the Emiya kid." He continues, pointing his cigarette at Shinji. "You might want to get out of the way, kid. My Servant said she didn't detect anything like one from you."

"Then bring out your Servant, so that we might fight this first battle of the Holy Grail War." Lancer says, her armor reappearing in a burst of mana. "I am Servant Lancer, let our-

The next moments are a flash. Before Lancer can finish her sentence, she's feet away from where she was standing, invisible lance holding back another invisible weapon.

Her assailant is a-

... I can't describe them. Their looks, their clothing. Anything about them. I know that there is a 'Servant' fighting mine, but I can't muster the information about it.

"So here's how it's going to go. If you are the kid of the Magus Killer, I can't afford to take it easy on you. So..." The biker looking man continues, taking a deep drag of his cigarette, before-

What kind of magus uses a shotgun?


>Give me 1d20 "Don't Die" check. DC 12, best of first three.

>Also, Action?

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2164329
Oh fuck, it's actually Go-Lion.

>Tear the grocery bag open and reinforce it to create a shield to absorb the blast.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2164329
Oh fuck. See if kicking up some dirt can't at least let us see an outline of that other servant.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2164329
>it is Sisigo with fucking berserker Moedred
SHIEEEEEEEEET we can't actually dodge this fight entirely cause of saibah.
anyways, projection sword this shit away?

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2164329
LETS DO THIS!

>>2164373
well at least we didn't die.
this is gonna be rough though.

>>2164329
>"The boss lady said I was here for the Emiya kid." He continues, pointing his cigarette at Shinji. "You might want to get out of the way, kid. My Servant said she didn't detect anything like one from you."
shit is he and Bazett a team in this universe?
he might be a different thing since hes actually a merc and not simply someone from the clock tower, but i feel this is likely, especially since we see shes not actually dead in this universe.
also apparently his servant can in fact speak rationally, to him, might not actually be what i think his shit is.

>>2164357
>>2164373
>>2164379
>The d20 was the "Don't die", and that's covered.

>What's your action, other than that?

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>2164329
Jesus Christ, I second kicking up some dirt to create a visual filter of sorts.

>>2164405
thirded,

>>2164373
>>2164405
>>2164406

Also, you can see the Servant. But you can't exactly put words to how it looks.

Almost as if the information was being erased.

But since the vote seems to be for dust to make cover from shotgun necromancer...

>1d20. DC 10, best of first three.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2164409
LETS DO DIS!

>>2164411
i'm done rolling for the night, i only roll trash, hopefully some of you guys suck less then i do.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>2164409
GO GO MAGIC DUST

>>2164419
jesus anon.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2164409
>tfw have to remember how to roll

>Don't die, 12

I reinforce myself on instinct, and the bullet hits my shoulder.

It's painful, but I feel it slide off my shoulder, and it cracks against the wall behind me.

Looking at Lancer's fightr, I see her struggling with her opponent. The shape looks like someone in armor, but... The details are all 'static', like a picture of a broken old television. What kind of Servant could that thing be to be like that...?

"Hey, kid. I'm the one you're going to want to watch out for." The enemy Master says, and I hear another click.

>Throw up dirt for a smokescreen, 7

I duck down, thrusting my reinforced hand into the ground beneath me like a spade, and throw it up again.

Clumps of moist dirt fall instead of the dry smokescreen I was trying to use, slightly obscuring me, but not nearly enough.

The second shot grazes my cheek, leaving a bruise despite my exceptional reinforcement skills.

What the hell is he shooting to do that?

>Action?

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2164450
Pick up a rock, reinforce it and pitch it! Shirou's good at archery, right? Pitching should be easy.

>>2164450
Well crap. Either throw a rock or try to rush him down, I guess?

>>2164450
anything we can use in the area to use as a makeshift weapon?
cause i don't want to reinforce groceries just to beat his shit in with them, but i will, i will blackjack his ass into next week if hes got nothing else.

>>2164502
>There's a bit of junk lying around. You think you can see a broken pipe from where Lancer and his Servant were first clashing...

>>2164505
excellent, grab pipe, reinforce it, proceed to brain Go-Lion.

>>2164505
Enhance pipe, rush that motherfucker

>>2164450
>>2164505
Respect the pipe

>Pipe time, then. Give me 2d20, DC 8 first, DC 14 second. Best of first three.

>>2164523
anyone feeling lucky?

Rolled 5, 19 = 24 (2d20)

>>2164523
Let's brain this bitch ass nigga

Rolled 14, 8 = 22 (2d20)

>>2164523
fuck it, gonna go for it.

Rolled 7, 8 = 15 (2d20)

>>2164523

>Reinforce Pipe, 14
>Combat, 19

I dive for the nearest thing I can reach.

Within seconds, I have a pipe in my hand, about four feet long. With the right grip, it's barely any different than using one of the bokken from the kendo club.

"Trace on." I mutter, flooding the pipe with my prana and reinforcing it to the utmost.

Not a moment too soon. I hear the clicking of the magus' shotgun, and jump back. The wall where I was standing has a hole punched in it, and the Master is smirking at me.

"Damn, kid. You're telling me you can put up a reinforcement good enough to block my bullets, but don't even carry a weapon?" He asks, shaking his head. "What kinda idiot are you?"

Before he has a chance to take another shot, I'm running straight towards him, pipe in both hands as I aim at his gun. If I can break it, he won't be able to shoot at me anymore, regardless of what he's using.

He's obviously not ready for a direct fight, and I get a few hits off, denting and at the least damaging the barrel enough that no normal round can fire again.

In return, though, I take a heavy kick to the stomach, staggering back with the wind knocked out of me as he tosses aside his shotgun.

"Aw, crap. That kind, huh?" He mutters.

I brandish the pipe like a sword, holding it ready to block, but-

The Servant is on me in a second, a short blade in its hands slashing the top foot off of my well reinforced pipe. It's a miracle I was able to keep myself from getting cut I realize as the flash of air blurs past me.

Whatever- whoever- this is, they're a monster, I realize. The physical strength is beyond what almost any human could reach, and with their [dagger] invisible like it is at the moment, I can't gauge its length right.

"Away from him, villain!" I hear Lancer yell, and the tide of the Servant battle has turned again.

Well, at least I took out his-

The Master is grinning, a grim looking pistol in his hand now.

Son of a-

>Action?

>>2164629
Dodge!
I forget, what happens exactly when you overload reinforcement?

>>2164641
It breaks. Depending on how it's done, it can explode, or just shatter.

>>2164660
I was thinking we could use the pipe, overload it, and sacrifice a bit of our hand to shrapnel the guy while dodging. Or throw after overloading, if possible.

>>2164666
The thing about that is the one weaponizing overload was Archer who
1. Is a servant
2. Used NPs
3. Had a high Magic capacity
In our case it's more likely to just fall apart

>>2164673
guess not then... might as well just throw the thing and dodge. could try our luck with overloading it while throwing, but seeing how our rolls have been going, I doubt it.

>>2164697
We'd have better luck ordering Lancer to attack the Master while we hold off the enemy servant with whatever we got, not like Lancer would need more than a second to deal with biker, then again normally neither would servant with a human like us

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Alright, it's getting pretty late, and I should get to bed.

I'll check back on what the vote is in the morning and go from there. I'm probably not going to have much time until the evening, so expect an update tomorrow night, regardless of the vote.

Until then...

>>2164734
You can only post spooky Kirei so much until everyone becomes numb to it

>>2164765
Exactly.

>>2164629
>The Servant is on me in a second, a short blade in its hands slashing the top foot off of my well reinforced pipe. It's a miracle I was able to keep myself from getting cut I realize as the flash of air blurs past me.
what the actual fuck is that servant?

>>2164629
oh one other thing, probably try to deflect the bullet with your fucking pipe sword, while presumably moving out of the way.

>>2164855
I want to say Mordred, given the master and one of her abilities, but it could be a swerve.

>>2164911
I assumed so too, but that's still some weird silly shit, also apparently the servants can communicate with him and I don't think moedred can be any classes other then saber and berserker. Maybe rider, but 2 of those classes are already taken and I don't think berserker would let her talk to him.

>>2165051
>saber and berserker. Maybe rider, but 2 of those classes are already taken
Consider the following:
Nero might be Caster and just lying about being saber due to personal bias and pressure from Rin
There might just not be class restrictions here

>>2164911
Assassin Lancelot?

Assassin Agravaine who was also the red motherfucker from the begining?

That masking effect...
And a dagger...
I think the weapon MIGHT be Carnwennan? Maybe?

>>2165102
...Assassin Mordred could fit.

Jesus fuck CoG, what are you doing when you write this bullshit?

So the suggested actions are

>>2164666
>Throw and dodge

>>2164703
>Have Lancer attack the Master while we try to hold off the Servant

>>2164860
>Deflect bullet and put distance between the Servant fight and you

I'll try and be writing by this evening, but as I mentioned, it's going to be a busy day.

>>2165106
>...Assassin Mordred
HNNNNNNG!

>>2165155
Y'know what? I think we got ambushed because we weren't stupid enough to stay in character.

Let's
>Hold off the Servant

>>2165300
I mean it sounds stupid but I came up with it because I would legit rather bank on Shirou's plot armor against swords than actual bullets

>>2165155
>Have Lancer attack the Master while we try to hold off the Servant

I had less time than I expected, it seems.

>Have Lancer attack the master while trying to hold off the Servant
seems to be the vote.

>1d20 distraction check, DC 15. Best of first three.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>2167232

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2167232

>>2167264
>>2167276
Oh shit, someone save us!

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>2167232
fine

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>>2167315
>>2167276
>>2167264

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>>2167264
>>2167276
>>2167315
>Writing

>>2167315
You were the one that was supposed to deliver us from failure! Not plunge us deeper into it!

>>2167322
It was fate what cursed us.

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>>2167315
Man, good thing Caster doesn't seem to do critical failures...at least not yet. Still, this is going to suck.

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>Try to distract the mystery Servant and have Lancer go for the Master
>Distraction check 6

"Lancer! Trade!" I yell, swinging my pipe with all my might towards the head of the enemy Servant.

I see a look of shock on Lancer's face, but she nods, taking advantage of my distracting attack to lunge for her foe's Master.

"What kind of death wish have you got?" The Servant's voice is bizarre. I can make out the words and half-excited tone, but the rest of it is vanishing, just like their appearance. "Going up against a knight like me with just a pipe I already broke?"

"I'll never know unless I try." I manage, every other fiber of my being focused on not being struck by that dagger.

And for a few moments, it works. I'm parrying, blocking, and dodging as fast as I can, until-

"Shirou! Watch out!" I hear Shinji yell, diverting my attention for just a second, but a nearly fatal one.

The blade slashes my shoulder, and I feel my self-reinforcement crack and shatter at that point, as though the flow of mana through that part of my body was cut in two. The magic circuit nearest there screams, white hot pain coursing through it, like when I was just creating them every time.

The Servant takes the moment of agony to deliver a solid, painful blow to my abdomen with an armored boot, and I fly backwards down the alley, watching a new pipe force the Servant back into a dodge before I crash into some trash cans. Lancer must have-

I see her grimacing across the alley, the opposite way from where the pipe had come, and the shocked expression on the enemy Master's face as he holds a grenade of some sort.

The clank of metal on metal from behind me confirms my fear.

"EMIYAAAAAAAAA-" A grossly distorted, yet somewhat familiar voice growls, and I pull myself out of the heap I was thrown in to look back.

A black knight stands there, glowing red eyes standing out from the shroud of dark mist that has enveloped it. Despite that, what I can tell is that he's not as physically imposing as the armor would make out- he's probably only around my size overall.

What's more concerning is that in his hands, I see another length of pipe, and even to my eyes, it seems like it's his Noble Phantasm.

"Oi, Assassin. Change of plans." The enemy Master says, raising his hands as Lancer splits her attention between him and the newcomer. "The boss lady didn't say shit about this guy. We're bailing."

"And miss getting in on this fight? Not a chance in hell!" The mystery Servant- Assassin-'s tone is gleeful, and I can practically hear them grinning.

I barely have enough time to process all this before this black knight is on me, pipe roaring through the air.

>d20 "Don't Fucking Die" check. DC 10. Best of first 3.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2167395
What the fuck.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2167395

HEAR ME CROM

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>2167395

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>2167407

Thank you, based Crom!

>Writing

>>2167395
>my decision caused shirou excruciating pain and maybe an injury or two
It's like I'm playing the VN

>>2167416
Looks like this is taking too long tonight, and I've got another busy day in the morning.

I'm going to put off the writing which isn't flowing tonight, and I'll aim for something tomorrow, but likely will only have another good stretch on the weekend.

Feel free to discuss and commentate. A talking thread makes a happy QM.

So... wait, we're dealing with ASSASSIN Mordred? And a Berserker resembling Lancelot that knows us, specifically?

Shit, dude.

>>2167528
Allegedly Mordred. Might be that fella from earlier, he seems to have a thing for brits and has something like shapeshifting

>>2167539
Assassin also doesn't seem to have a raging hate boner for Lancer so I doubt it's Mordred.

A thought on Lancelot knowing us, maybe he doesn't know us specifically. He's apparently the reason Kariya is still alive and he may have had interactions with Kiri, heck he just might be here to save us.

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>>2167588
Also holy shit if he is an ally then having Arturia as
our servant is gonna make this awkward as hell.

>>2167588
Maybe it is Kariya himself using a Berserker card? The not-Lancelot is skinnier and shorter than actual Lancelot, after all.

>>2167599
You mean he might have fused with Lancelot? I heard that kind of thing is mortally draining, could explain why he suddenly took a turn for the worse.

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>>2167599
>>2167605
Aren't cards a Prisma Ilya thing. Demi-Servant is a possibility but it's mostly used for Divine Spirits, there wouldn't be a need to fuse with Lancelot, unless it acts as a life support for Kariya or something

>>2167588
Lancer looks like an older, tit-enhanced Arturia, though. She wouldn't immediately set off any anger aside from a first burst.

>>2167599

... IF this thing is using a Class Card, and has a raging hate boner for Shirou, this whole thing is thrown off.

OP is obviously already doing weird shit with merging timelines, but I don't know how he'd use the Prisma stuff if there aren't magical girls flying around.

>DON'T FUCKING DIE 19

Before I even think about it, I'm moving. The next thrown pipe pierces the wall behind me, leaving a clean hole as it sails through the building.

What happened to 'keep the war quiet'?

The thought is pushed from my mind again as I watch the black knight grab another piece of trash from the street, this time a can, and once again, the moment it's in his hand, it's like it's 'his Noble Phantasm'.

This one comes at just as high a speed, shattering the corner of the building as it flies past me, and I desperately try to bring my reinforcement back up.

"Hey, don't let the kid have all the fun, you shoddy knockoff!" I hear Assassin yell cheerfully, shooting forwards at least as fast as I've seen Lancer move.

Within moments, the black knight is being pushed backwards, step by step as the bizarre Servant strikes again and again, barely parries with whatever object comes to hand.

I stop to catch my breath, looking at the whole of the situation.

Lancer is running towards me. Assassin- who really doesn't act, or seem to wear the clothes of the Hassans- is gleefully attacking that black knight, overwhelming him and pushing him back with whatever that dagger of theirs is.

Shinji is evidently trying his best to stay out of the way, typing on his phone furiously. The Master of Assassin, though, has scooped up his battered shotgun and is running at this point.
"Master." Lancer says, as she finally closes the distance, a look of relief on her face. "Do you have any idea who this might be?"

I shake my head, still catching my breath. Whatever that dagger did to my mana circuit still hurts, if not excruciating.

"No... But-"

"GYAAAAAAAAAHHHHH-" The roar of pain draws both our gazes. Where Assassin just managed cut this new- fake?- Servant on his shoulder, the black smog had cleared out. A gaping hole in the armor shows the sleeve of a casual shirt from the modern era, quickly turning red.

"Hah! So that's what you are, huh?" Assassin laughs cheerfully, and though I cannot see it happen, I know they're twirling their dagger. "Sad thing for you is that my knife here is a witch-killer! Whatever spell you've wrapped yourself in can't stop it!"

"Master. We should take your friend and leave." Lancer's voice cuts through the thoughts about what Assassin just said. "Assassin's Master has already fled, and I believe I may know her identity from her weapon's properties."

"Lancer, what-"

Another projectile cuts me off, but Lancer deflects it with barely any trouble despite its enhancement.

Thinking quickly, I-

>Stay and fight. Maybe you can take out two Servants right now.
>Start running and have Lancer grab Shinji
>Grab Shinji and have Lancer provide a diversion
>Write in.

This is probably all you're getting today. I just had a few spare minutes to finish the update.

>>2167647
>Grab Shinji and have Lancer provide a diversion
This is the worst idea. Let's do it.

>>2167647
>>Start running and have Lancer grab Shinji
He'll thank us.

>>2167647
>>Start running and have Lancer grab Shinji

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>>2167647
>Sad thing for you is that my knife here is a witch-killer! Whatever spell you've wrapped yourself in can't stop it!

Either way
>grab Shinji, have Lancer grab both of us and run away
Gotta put that B rank STR and A rank AGI to work

>>2167658
>>Sad thing for you is that my knife here is a witch-killer! Whatever spell you've wrapped yourself in can't stop it!

Well it sure as hell sounds like Carnwennan, and explains why Assassin is so unreadable. But who the hell is using it? I can't find anything on anyone but Arthur having it. I suppose an Assassin Mordred is still on the table but it feels like a false flag for some reasonHeroine X?

>>2167874
Mordred did steal Clarent, so that's probably it.

She has a bad habit of looting daddy's armory.

>>2167874
its assassin mordred, she probably doesn't care about this as much since she might have very well misread who the fuck shes up against.
Consider while Lancer Arthuria doesn't quite look like her regular Saibah Arthuria, which is odds are what this one is used too, and mordred is fucking dumb, so she probably didn't make the connection. anyways apparently kariya survived the 4th by demi-servanting it up with lancelot, which means Kariya has officially completely and utterly screwed the pooch and probably made the grail go full fucking retard that way.
this war is gonna be fun.

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>>2168357
>>2169113
Alright you've convinced me, I'm ready for Mordred getting flustered by how hot her dad now is.

>inb4 she calls Lancer a titty monster

>>2169113
Still, you'd think she'd have recognized the lance that killed her...

>>2170200
The lance is invisible.

>>2170235
I don't think she canonically had that skill as a Lancer, to conceal her weapon. As a Saber? Oh sure, no questioning that. Not so sure of that as a Lancer...

>>2170235
Wait, Lancer-Arturia gets Invisible Air, too?

>>2170286
>Yes, yes she does.

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>>2170279
>>2170286
It's mentioned right here.
>>2164329

>>2170290
Well there you guys go.

>>2170290
Caster, quick question while you're here, what are the odds of in quest lewds?

>>2170319
I'd think pretty high since we're playing Shiro and the guy gets ass no matter what path you play in the OG.

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>>2170319
>>2170324

If it comes up, I'll either go full Nasu with them, or you'll get this. Those are the options.