He's actually living on Einzbern ground. Like right now.
Fate/Promised Dream
- Thread starter BlackHadou
- Start date
Yes but that's where he's lived the majority of his life, somewhere prepared for him by nominal/actual rivals is a bit different.
Hyp3rB14d3
Gotta catch 'em all!
We could rent him a hotel and have Illya teach him how to set up proper defensive fortifications.
- Location
- The Grandcypher
He isn't. The ground belongs to the Fujimura group. At least in canon it does.
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If its of his choice I could see them agreeing, not so sure about the teaching aspect though, chances are he may already know what he's doing in terms of magic and, well, if he's already paranoid and selfish like a Mage then chances are he may just assume any boundary taught to him would have a 'back door' for her use. Maybe I overestimate his paranoia here, honestly I kind of just want to avoid offering too much right off the bat.
OMG A SHEEP
Not of a serious temperament
- Location
- United States
^ This
Then we OFFER to, if he declines then whatever, he can make his own if he wants. So I guess that vote might look like.
[X] Offer to put him up somewhere safe, he can choose if he doesn't trust us.
[X] OFFER to teach him a bounded field to keep that place safe if it doesn't have one, if he declines never speak of it again.
I will point out, we are being... Like... Almost too generous here. And we seem to think we're the primary negotiator, when ALLLLL of the stuff we're offering (as Saber) would have to be done by Illy.
It may just be a good idea to offer a couple of standard things, then ask what he might want? I mean, if I were in his place right now, we'd look pretty desperate to get Avalon back. If I were rider, I'd have definitely guessed something was up about Avalon. We're way too keen on getting it.
I'd also like to ask if we KNOW Chu Chu-kun is actually of the rider class? He SAID he was, but a spirit can say anything... All it takes is a telepathic transmission from the master saying "tell them your rider class".
I'm not 100% sure it matters, just putting it out there.
Omegahugger
Inattentive Idiot
We know that he has Riding Rank: A-
The chances of a non-Rider getting a class skill to that level are pretty slim, so I think we can accept it as a fact.
Hyp3rB14d3
Gotta catch 'em all!
We already told them why we want it. They know it's because Illya is dying (although they think that's because she's sick).
Admittedly, we probably should check with Illya first before we start offering things.
That's more what I had in mind, and I totally agree that we may be offering a but much, haggling is an important part of deal making, plus, yeah, we're doing this without Illy's direct permission. We may have been a king but what is Illy's is not necessarily ours to offer, regardless of any skill we may have had in bartering or trade.
We have telepathy with Illya don't we? Maybe we can have her chime in with what she's willing to offer in our heads?
OMG A SHEEP
Not of a serious temperament
- Location
- United States
Ran a quick Google search, and I'm wondering if now that we know for sure he's our friendly neighborhood Cu Chulu, do we have a comprehensive knowledge of his legend? If so, it should be noted that he CANT refuse hospitality.
- Location
- The Grandcypher
But Shirou can refuse in his stead, I think.
OMG A SHEEP
Not of a serious temperament
- Location
- United States
Maybe, but this doesn't answer my question.
Still, it's rough here because we're Saber.
What would she think about offering? She probably doesn't know about Illy's top secret cheat code, and command seals, though we may not need them quite as much as the next mage, would still be remiss without one. Saber is remarkably friendly and would likely propose an alliance, but more importantly I think she'd be somewhat more obliged to ask what they might want for Avalon.
We've kinda been doing this already, but I believe our votes should be more of a list of things we'd be willing to offer, rather than things we lay out on the table right away.
notthepenguins
Neither Spherical Nor Frictionless
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
We should; we have whatever Saber knew in life, and she was local to him and later than him.
OMG A SHEEP
Not of a serious temperament
- Location
- United States
Are omakes fair game, op? Just to pass the time with a little nonsense?
BlackHadou
Bunny-Sensei
I won't stop you. Make whatever you want.
Hyp3rB14d3
Gotta catch 'em all!
Hear that? We've got the go ahead for Berserker King Kong vs Ruler Godzilla.
OMG A SHEEP
Not of a serious temperament
- Location
- United States
SHIELDER GAMERA WITH AN RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!?!?!!!
BlackHadou
Bunny-Sensei
Vote Tally : Fate/Promised Dream | Page 20 | Sufficient Velocity
##### NetTally 1.1.17
[X] Barter for Avalon.
-[X] Ask Shirou why he didn't know about the war already.
-[X] Use the gaps in each group's knowledge to convince Ilya and Shirou of the benefits of an alliance.
-[X] See if all the different things you want from the Grail can be combined into a shared wish to make it less important which of you wins in the end.
-[X] Offer an alliance
--[X] "I seek to win the Grail with honor, but the last War has taught me that there are more madmen and monsters out there than true heroes. I would settle this in the end between the true heroes with honor than be forced to watch the city drown and burn.
No. of Votes: 7
[X] Barter for Avalon.
-[X] Offer a command seal, and safe shelter
-[X] Remind him that his house isn't safe. Shirou wasn't aware of the War until now, he has no preparation. Should an enemy Servant come here and unleash a large scale attack, he and his neighbors might be affected
-[X] An alliance is possible
No. of Votes: 4
[X] Barter for Avalon.
-[X] Offer a command seal, shelter, and a promise not to attack him when he is on Einzbern ground.
-[X] Offer an alliance if that doesn't work, but not before.
-[X] Ask Shirou why he didn't know about the war already.
No. of Votes: 3
[X] Barter for Avalon.
-[X] Offer a command seal, shelter, and a promise not to attack him when he is on Einzbern ground.
-[X] Offer an alliance if that doesn't work, but not before.
-[X] Ask Shirou why he didn't know about the war already.
--[X] Use the gaps in each group's knowledge to convince Ilya and Shirou of the benefits of an alliance.
--[X] See if all the different things you want from the Grail can be combined into a shared wish to make it less important which of you wins in the end.
--[X] Offer an alliance
---[X] "I seek to win the Grail with honor, but the last War has taught me that there are more madmen and monsters out there than true heroes. I would settle this in the end between the true heroes with honor than be forced to watch the city drown and burn.
No. of Votes: 1
[x] Barter for Avalon.
-[x] Offer a command seal, and safe shelter
-[x] Offer an alliance if that doesn't work, but not before.
No. of Votes: 1
[x] Barter for Avalon.
-[x] Offer a command seal, shelter, and a promise not to attack him when he is on Einzbern ground.
-[x] Offer an alliance if that doesn't work, but not before.
No. of Votes: 1
[X] Suggest that you and Rider could work together to defeat the other Servants so in the end the two of you can face off in honourable combat.
[X] "I seek to win the Grail with honor, but the last War has taught me that there are more madmen and monsters out there than true heroes. I would settle this in the end between the true heroes with honor than be forced to watch the city drown and burn.
No. of Votes: 1
[X] Offer to put him up somewhere safe, he can choose if he doesn't trust us.
[X] OFFER to teach him a bounded field to keep that place safe if it doesn't have one, if he declines never speak of it again.
No. of Votes: 1
Total No. of Voters: 19
##### NetTally 1.1.17
[X] Barter for Avalon.
-[X] Ask Shirou why he didn't know about the war already.
-[X] Use the gaps in each group's knowledge to convince Ilya and Shirou of the benefits of an alliance.
-[X] See if all the different things you want from the Grail can be combined into a shared wish to make it less important which of you wins in the end.
-[X] Offer an alliance
--[X] "I seek to win the Grail with honor, but the last War has taught me that there are more madmen and monsters out there than true heroes. I would settle this in the end between the true heroes with honor than be forced to watch the city drown and burn.
No. of Votes: 7
[X] Barter for Avalon.
-[X] Offer a command seal, and safe shelter
-[X] Remind him that his house isn't safe. Shirou wasn't aware of the War until now, he has no preparation. Should an enemy Servant come here and unleash a large scale attack, he and his neighbors might be affected
-[X] An alliance is possible
No. of Votes: 4
[X] Barter for Avalon.
-[X] Offer a command seal, shelter, and a promise not to attack him when he is on Einzbern ground.
-[X] Offer an alliance if that doesn't work, but not before.
-[X] Ask Shirou why he didn't know about the war already.
No. of Votes: 3
[X] Barter for Avalon.
-[X] Offer a command seal, shelter, and a promise not to attack him when he is on Einzbern ground.
-[X] Offer an alliance if that doesn't work, but not before.
-[X] Ask Shirou why he didn't know about the war already.
--[X] Use the gaps in each group's knowledge to convince Ilya and Shirou of the benefits of an alliance.
--[X] See if all the different things you want from the Grail can be combined into a shared wish to make it less important which of you wins in the end.
--[X] Offer an alliance
---[X] "I seek to win the Grail with honor, but the last War has taught me that there are more madmen and monsters out there than true heroes. I would settle this in the end between the true heroes with honor than be forced to watch the city drown and burn.
No. of Votes: 1
[x] Barter for Avalon.
-[x] Offer a command seal, and safe shelter
-[x] Offer an alliance if that doesn't work, but not before.
No. of Votes: 1
[x] Barter for Avalon.
-[x] Offer a command seal, shelter, and a promise not to attack him when he is on Einzbern ground.
-[x] Offer an alliance if that doesn't work, but not before.
No. of Votes: 1
[X] Suggest that you and Rider could work together to defeat the other Servants so in the end the two of you can face off in honourable combat.
[X] "I seek to win the Grail with honor, but the last War has taught me that there are more madmen and monsters out there than true heroes. I would settle this in the end between the true heroes with honor than be forced to watch the city drown and burn.
No. of Votes: 1
[X] Offer to put him up somewhere safe, he can choose if he doesn't trust us.
[X] OFFER to teach him a bounded field to keep that place safe if it doesn't have one, if he declines never speak of it again.
No. of Votes: 1
Total No. of Voters: 19
Post incoming. Won't pretend to be happy with it, but I'm about three steps off going insane right now.
8. Sucks to be Shirou
BlackHadou
Bunny-Sensei
I need something. Anything. What exactly can I use to barter for Avalon?
I take a deep breath. I was getting worked up. No, perhaps I was simply focusing too much on the end goal and not enough on how to get there. Avalon was a peerless Noble Phantasm, yet…
I glanced at Rider. It occurred to me, for a moment, to try and take advantage of him and his oaths, but I discarded that thought entirely. That would destroy any chance of a alliance of even convenience between us, and given what I've seen so far, I'd much rather face Rider at the end of the war then any of the other Servants.
"You have no idea what your asking, do you!?"
Illya did not react nearly as calmly as me. Her voice blew up, and her face was red.
"Avalon is-"
"Even if you wanted to claim it was Saber's..." Rider spoke up. "It isn't anymore." I nodded.
"Illya, I've been gone for over thirteen centuries. Any claim I had to Avalon has been lost."
Well… from a technical perspective, that wasn't quite true…
Still. This boy in front of me, with more bravery then common sense, was right to ask for something in return.
"Before we make any offers, I have a question for you in return, Shirou." I state. "Tell me… why don't you know about the Holy Grail War, but know enough to summon a Servant?"
My words are level. Shirou's eyes widened. Rider looks almost uncomfortable at my words, his gaze turning to Shirou.
Illya let out something close to a growl.
"You knew alrea-"
"Illya, let him speak." I cut her off again.
'But he's lying!'
'There are any number of explanations. Let's find out which is real.'
I knew who Rider was. He wouldn't suffer much in the way of deception on this front, if I knew anything about him at all.
Cu Chulainn wasn't an unknown legend in Britain. I knew of him, was even a little fond of it in the way all people are fond of their local legends. I must admit, I hadn't put much in the way of stock in it in life, but after four rounds in the Holy Grail War, I certainly could appreciate the life he'd chosen to live.
If even half of what was said about Rider was correct, then he would not let Shirou lie. Rider's reactions would, indeed, be critical in reading the mood, a skill all kings needed.
To be honest, this was the part of ruling I hated.
"I only learned today." Shirou finally admitted. "That guys been following me for a few days. Now's the only time he actually attacked, though..."
'He' was no doubt Assassin. Yet Shirou's words were quite odd. If Assassin wanted Shirou dead, then he would have already died. There was nothing that he could possibly have done to fend off a heroic spirit. Either Assassin's Master had only finally ordered him to attack today, something I find unlikely given the man's temperament earlier, Assassin had been waiting for the manifestation of the Command Spell, or…
Something had been fending him off. Except that would mean the protection has, at this point, been waived.
"You were taught today." I repeated. Shirou nodded.
"This morning. On the way to school, actually." His hand reaches into his pocket, pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. "Here."
At first, I questioned if it was actually paper. It felt more like parchment then paper. Yet reading it's surface, I understood.
It wasn't quite the summoning ritual I was used to. Some word changes here and there. However, the gist was the same. It was the same standardised summoning spell used by most Masters, with slight variations that were indicative of someone of German descent.
Though… who the great master Schweinorg was, was completely beyond me. I hand the parchment to Illya.
"Well?"
Illya's face twists and contorts as she reads it.
"Tohsaka. This is the chant the Tohsaka use."
"You're sure?"
While I'd been summoned by them once, the chant I remembered was entirely in German. I understood the gist of it, of course, but I no longer understood it like I did at the time. Despite the fact that if Illya were to speak at me in German right now, I'd understand it in its entirety, I could not decipher the words from a memory in another Grail war.
It was an older form of German, anyway. Languages could change a surprising amount in two centuries.
"Positive. Only the Tohsaka would call the old Magician their great master. They have an odd relationship with the Wizard Marshall."
That meant absolutely nothing to me, though.
"Where did you get this?" Illya asked, her voice clipped. Shirou flinched.
"Uh… a kid gave it to me..."
"A kid."
"Yeah."
Illya didn't believe him. I almost didn't, either, yet I don't think he's lying. Rider just stares in disbelief.
"You got it from a kid?" He asked. Shirou nodded.
"He said I'd need it. I did."
Well, that… was the beginnings of an explanation. The parchment had a chant, and an instruction, 'In your hour of need, recite this before the circle in your shed and a hero shall appear'. The better question is, just why did Shirou believe it?
Perhaps hypnosis? One would think Shirou would disbelieve such a ridiculous thing. Or perhaps he had been driven to despair by Assassin's attack, and done the only thing he could think of.
Actually, given the positions I'd burst in on, the evidence should be…
There, by the mess that was once a television. Two long strips of paper, that looked like they'd once been one long poster. He must have tried to use it as a bat.
It hadn't been his first decision, but his last, once he'd realised that he was going to die.
Which brought his decision to try and barter for something, in exchange for Avalon, into context. Shirou still assumed he was going to die. Or, perhaps, he was more afraid of something else.
Perhaps he was scared of living, and being unable to do anything.
"I believe you."
"Saber!?"
I give Illya a long look, leaning back.
"Correct me if I'm wrong..." I state. "But you have nowhere to go, Emiya. You have no base of operations, and no way to hide." I pause, watching the discomfort on his face. "More importantly, you have a Servant trying to kill you and no way to stop him."
"I can take him." Rider retorted confidently. I didn't doubt him for a moment, but that didn't change anything.
"Tell me, Shirou. What do you want for Avalon?" I asked. "Enough of the game. We can spend all night dancing around the point."
Shirou fidgeted under my gaze.
'Saber?'
'We'll have to see what he asks for. I would rather him a friend then enemy.'
'Not happening.'
I let out a small sigh. Illya was resistant on that front, it seemed.
'He's more valuable to us an ally then an enemy.'
'No way. No. He took father from me. The greatest pleasure I'll have will be crushing his arm once his Servant is destroyed.'
Well, that was somewhat unnecessarily brutal. The destruction of ones Servant removed the Command Spell automatically. Illya was proclaiming that she'd destroy the arm that held them out of nothing but spite.
In some ways, she reminded me of Mordred. In others, they were nothing alike.
'Illya, two Servants are very difficult to defeat in this war… There are only seven total.'
'When I'm through with him, there will be less. Keep your mind on the goal! What about your wish!?'
That, in and of itself, was a good point. If I let Rider live, I was slowing down my acquisition of the Grail.
Shirou finally stops fidgeting.
"Somewhere to live." He started. "Somewhere safe." His gaze fell on me. "You're right, I'm going to die if I stay here."
Shirou had Rider. So long as he could find a new home, he would be safe. Any Bounded Field a mere human could make would be incomparable to what Rider could make.
"Just a residence?" I asked. If that was all he was going to ask for…
"Tch. I can provide that." Illya grumbled to herself. "What a waste of..."
I shook my head.
'That seems like too little.'
'Take what we can get.'
Illya was over this, it seemed, yet…
"Yeah, get me a home, and I'll give you Avalon." Shirou finally stated. "I can't stay here after that."
Well, he probably could, but the damage to the houses structure would make it an unpleasant prospect.
"Tch. Consider it done." Illya stated, holding out a hand. "Now..."
"First thing's first, kid." Rider retorted. I blinked, and realised we were at a different impasse.
Well, that was awkward.
"Illya, I hope you have a spare house just lying around." I stated. Illya glared at me.
"Do I look like I have a spare house just lying around? The Einzbern didn't exactly just leave them lying around. I'd have to get Sella to check the store room." She grumbled.
This could get ugly…
"Then in the short term..."
"No. Absolutely not."
"I am right here Illya. I doubt Shirou can defeat either of them on her own."
"No. NO! Not a chance." Illya turned with a huff.
I let out a small groan.
Shirou would need a short term residence if nothing else. Otherwise…
Well, there was nothing stopping Assassin from striking again. If his range was as long as I thought, then it would be a simple matter of simply causing Shirou to give out from exhaustion.
The Einzbern mansion wasn't looking to be an option. Illya and Shirou in the same house was probably a recipe for disaster.
"We will sort out a new home for you." I state. "In the meantime, do you have somewhere you can stay the night?"
Shirou's face turns white.
"Not somewhere I'd bring a Servant."
Right, that was a fairly stupid question. Of course he wouldn't, that would mean bringing the war to one of his friends. I sincerely doubt Shirou had any Magi friends, so that meant more innocents in the crossfire.
"Look..." I breathe out, my attention not only on Shirou, but Illya. "All I want is to fight this Grail War, win, and get my wish. I don't want to destroy the city, I don't want to cause any more harm then is necessary. I'm a knight. These people are worthy of my protection."
I glanced at my still unopened can of drink. Well, may as well…
*Pop* *Hiss*
"In four Holy Grail Wars, I've seen my fair share of monsters and lunatics. The last war had more of them then I like to think about, and the third war..." I shudder at that memory. "Point is, I'd like this one, at least, to be clean. Will you help?"
I offer my hand to Rider. He's the only opinion that really matters on that front. Illya just sniffed.
"Of course I will." Rider just flashed me a smile. "So, about that hunt..."
I rolled my eyes. Men.
Still, that lightened the mood. Illya seemed to understand the underlying message, for she turned away, pouting.
Shirou was just as worthy of my protection as any other innocent, for the moment. My only opponent was Rider.
"You're not giving me any options here, Saber." Illya grumbled. "Fine. If we have to let him stay, I'll let him stay. But only for one night." She raised a finger imperiously. I nod.
One night would be long enough.
"There is the matter of returning, though." I note, glancing at Illya. "You're car is kind of-"
"It's fine. It was a dingy old thing anyway."
In truth, I don't think she was too happy at its loss, but she seemed to not begrudge me for it. Rider glanced at Shirou, and for a moment, there was some furious whispering between the two.
"I can get you anywhere. My class is Rider." Rider noted at last. I glance at him for a moment. "We don't really have a choice but to accept."
Well, were we done?
Perhaps we were…
[ ] Go back to the manor. (End of Day)
[ ] Write in.
-
Avalon may be claimed once Shirou has moved into a new residence.
I take a deep breath. I was getting worked up. No, perhaps I was simply focusing too much on the end goal and not enough on how to get there. Avalon was a peerless Noble Phantasm, yet…
I glanced at Rider. It occurred to me, for a moment, to try and take advantage of him and his oaths, but I discarded that thought entirely. That would destroy any chance of a alliance of even convenience between us, and given what I've seen so far, I'd much rather face Rider at the end of the war then any of the other Servants.
"You have no idea what your asking, do you!?"
Illya did not react nearly as calmly as me. Her voice blew up, and her face was red.
"Avalon is-"
"Even if you wanted to claim it was Saber's..." Rider spoke up. "It isn't anymore." I nodded.
"Illya, I've been gone for over thirteen centuries. Any claim I had to Avalon has been lost."
Well… from a technical perspective, that wasn't quite true…
Still. This boy in front of me, with more bravery then common sense, was right to ask for something in return.
"Before we make any offers, I have a question for you in return, Shirou." I state. "Tell me… why don't you know about the Holy Grail War, but know enough to summon a Servant?"
My words are level. Shirou's eyes widened. Rider looks almost uncomfortable at my words, his gaze turning to Shirou.
Illya let out something close to a growl.
"You knew alrea-"
"Illya, let him speak." I cut her off again.
'But he's lying!'
'There are any number of explanations. Let's find out which is real.'
I knew who Rider was. He wouldn't suffer much in the way of deception on this front, if I knew anything about him at all.
Cu Chulainn wasn't an unknown legend in Britain. I knew of him, was even a little fond of it in the way all people are fond of their local legends. I must admit, I hadn't put much in the way of stock in it in life, but after four rounds in the Holy Grail War, I certainly could appreciate the life he'd chosen to live.
If even half of what was said about Rider was correct, then he would not let Shirou lie. Rider's reactions would, indeed, be critical in reading the mood, a skill all kings needed.
To be honest, this was the part of ruling I hated.
"I only learned today." Shirou finally admitted. "That guys been following me for a few days. Now's the only time he actually attacked, though..."
'He' was no doubt Assassin. Yet Shirou's words were quite odd. If Assassin wanted Shirou dead, then he would have already died. There was nothing that he could possibly have done to fend off a heroic spirit. Either Assassin's Master had only finally ordered him to attack today, something I find unlikely given the man's temperament earlier, Assassin had been waiting for the manifestation of the Command Spell, or…
Something had been fending him off. Except that would mean the protection has, at this point, been waived.
"You were taught today." I repeated. Shirou nodded.
"This morning. On the way to school, actually." His hand reaches into his pocket, pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. "Here."
At first, I questioned if it was actually paper. It felt more like parchment then paper. Yet reading it's surface, I understood.
It wasn't quite the summoning ritual I was used to. Some word changes here and there. However, the gist was the same. It was the same standardised summoning spell used by most Masters, with slight variations that were indicative of someone of German descent.
Though… who the great master Schweinorg was, was completely beyond me. I hand the parchment to Illya.
"Well?"
Illya's face twists and contorts as she reads it.
"Tohsaka. This is the chant the Tohsaka use."
"You're sure?"
While I'd been summoned by them once, the chant I remembered was entirely in German. I understood the gist of it, of course, but I no longer understood it like I did at the time. Despite the fact that if Illya were to speak at me in German right now, I'd understand it in its entirety, I could not decipher the words from a memory in another Grail war.
It was an older form of German, anyway. Languages could change a surprising amount in two centuries.
"Positive. Only the Tohsaka would call the old Magician their great master. They have an odd relationship with the Wizard Marshall."
That meant absolutely nothing to me, though.
"Where did you get this?" Illya asked, her voice clipped. Shirou flinched.
"Uh… a kid gave it to me..."
"A kid."
"Yeah."
Illya didn't believe him. I almost didn't, either, yet I don't think he's lying. Rider just stares in disbelief.
"You got it from a kid?" He asked. Shirou nodded.
"He said I'd need it. I did."
Well, that… was the beginnings of an explanation. The parchment had a chant, and an instruction, 'In your hour of need, recite this before the circle in your shed and a hero shall appear'. The better question is, just why did Shirou believe it?
Perhaps hypnosis? One would think Shirou would disbelieve such a ridiculous thing. Or perhaps he had been driven to despair by Assassin's attack, and done the only thing he could think of.
Actually, given the positions I'd burst in on, the evidence should be…
There, by the mess that was once a television. Two long strips of paper, that looked like they'd once been one long poster. He must have tried to use it as a bat.
It hadn't been his first decision, but his last, once he'd realised that he was going to die.
Which brought his decision to try and barter for something, in exchange for Avalon, into context. Shirou still assumed he was going to die. Or, perhaps, he was more afraid of something else.
Perhaps he was scared of living, and being unable to do anything.
"I believe you."
"Saber!?"
I give Illya a long look, leaning back.
"Correct me if I'm wrong..." I state. "But you have nowhere to go, Emiya. You have no base of operations, and no way to hide." I pause, watching the discomfort on his face. "More importantly, you have a Servant trying to kill you and no way to stop him."
"I can take him." Rider retorted confidently. I didn't doubt him for a moment, but that didn't change anything.
"Tell me, Shirou. What do you want for Avalon?" I asked. "Enough of the game. We can spend all night dancing around the point."
Shirou fidgeted under my gaze.
'Saber?'
'We'll have to see what he asks for. I would rather him a friend then enemy.'
'Not happening.'
I let out a small sigh. Illya was resistant on that front, it seemed.
'He's more valuable to us an ally then an enemy.'
'No way. No. He took father from me. The greatest pleasure I'll have will be crushing his arm once his Servant is destroyed.'
Well, that was somewhat unnecessarily brutal. The destruction of ones Servant removed the Command Spell automatically. Illya was proclaiming that she'd destroy the arm that held them out of nothing but spite.
In some ways, she reminded me of Mordred. In others, they were nothing alike.
'Illya, two Servants are very difficult to defeat in this war… There are only seven total.'
'When I'm through with him, there will be less. Keep your mind on the goal! What about your wish!?'
That, in and of itself, was a good point. If I let Rider live, I was slowing down my acquisition of the Grail.
Shirou finally stops fidgeting.
"Somewhere to live." He started. "Somewhere safe." His gaze fell on me. "You're right, I'm going to die if I stay here."
Shirou had Rider. So long as he could find a new home, he would be safe. Any Bounded Field a mere human could make would be incomparable to what Rider could make.
"Just a residence?" I asked. If that was all he was going to ask for…
"Tch. I can provide that." Illya grumbled to herself. "What a waste of..."
I shook my head.
'That seems like too little.'
'Take what we can get.'
Illya was over this, it seemed, yet…
"Yeah, get me a home, and I'll give you Avalon." Shirou finally stated. "I can't stay here after that."
Well, he probably could, but the damage to the houses structure would make it an unpleasant prospect.
"Tch. Consider it done." Illya stated, holding out a hand. "Now..."
"First thing's first, kid." Rider retorted. I blinked, and realised we were at a different impasse.
Well, that was awkward.
"Illya, I hope you have a spare house just lying around." I stated. Illya glared at me.
"Do I look like I have a spare house just lying around? The Einzbern didn't exactly just leave them lying around. I'd have to get Sella to check the store room." She grumbled.
This could get ugly…
"Then in the short term..."
"No. Absolutely not."
"I am right here Illya. I doubt Shirou can defeat either of them on her own."
"No. NO! Not a chance." Illya turned with a huff.
I let out a small groan.
Shirou would need a short term residence if nothing else. Otherwise…
Well, there was nothing stopping Assassin from striking again. If his range was as long as I thought, then it would be a simple matter of simply causing Shirou to give out from exhaustion.
The Einzbern mansion wasn't looking to be an option. Illya and Shirou in the same house was probably a recipe for disaster.
"We will sort out a new home for you." I state. "In the meantime, do you have somewhere you can stay the night?"
Shirou's face turns white.
"Not somewhere I'd bring a Servant."
Right, that was a fairly stupid question. Of course he wouldn't, that would mean bringing the war to one of his friends. I sincerely doubt Shirou had any Magi friends, so that meant more innocents in the crossfire.
"Look..." I breathe out, my attention not only on Shirou, but Illya. "All I want is to fight this Grail War, win, and get my wish. I don't want to destroy the city, I don't want to cause any more harm then is necessary. I'm a knight. These people are worthy of my protection."
I glanced at my still unopened can of drink. Well, may as well…
*Pop* *Hiss*
"In four Holy Grail Wars, I've seen my fair share of monsters and lunatics. The last war had more of them then I like to think about, and the third war..." I shudder at that memory. "Point is, I'd like this one, at least, to be clean. Will you help?"
I offer my hand to Rider. He's the only opinion that really matters on that front. Illya just sniffed.
"Of course I will." Rider just flashed me a smile. "So, about that hunt..."
I rolled my eyes. Men.
Still, that lightened the mood. Illya seemed to understand the underlying message, for she turned away, pouting.
Shirou was just as worthy of my protection as any other innocent, for the moment. My only opponent was Rider.
"You're not giving me any options here, Saber." Illya grumbled. "Fine. If we have to let him stay, I'll let him stay. But only for one night." She raised a finger imperiously. I nod.
One night would be long enough.
"There is the matter of returning, though." I note, glancing at Illya. "You're car is kind of-"
"It's fine. It was a dingy old thing anyway."
In truth, I don't think she was too happy at its loss, but she seemed to not begrudge me for it. Rider glanced at Shirou, and for a moment, there was some furious whispering between the two.
"I can get you anywhere. My class is Rider." Rider noted at last. I glance at him for a moment. "We don't really have a choice but to accept."
Well, were we done?
Perhaps we were…
[ ] Go back to the manor. (End of Day)
[ ] Write in.
-
Avalon may be claimed once Shirou has moved into a new residence.
- Location
- The Surface Of A Hostile Planet
We did it? Maybe?
I mean, getting Avalon to keep Illya alive is non-trivial, and there's going to be a clusterfuck and a half later on like there always is, but we accomplished our secondary objective and made an alliance.
[x] Go back to the manor. (End of Day)
I mean, getting Avalon to keep Illya alive is non-trivial, and there's going to be a clusterfuck and a half later on like there always is, but we accomplished our secondary objective and made an alliance.
[x] Go back to the manor. (End of Day)
BlackHadou
Bunny-Sensei
Glad your optimistic. Now excuse me while I plot a way to make this a bad thing.
OMG A SHEEP
Not of a serious temperament
- Location
- United States
You didn't have to post for us if you just weren't feeling it :C we love you man, if you're not feeling up to it, we understand.
That said, perfectly awesome post! Still don't believe Shirou for a damn second though.
[X] Go back to the Manor
As tempting as it is to write in, the only thing I can think of is maybe talking to lolillya about this, and honestly I don't think she's in the mood to be reminded she'll be sharing her home with Not!Shirou
That said, perfectly awesome post! Still don't believe Shirou for a damn second though.
[X] Go back to the Manor
As tempting as it is to write in, the only thing I can think of is maybe talking to lolillya about this, and honestly I don't think she's in the mood to be reminded she'll be sharing her home with Not!Shirou
BlackHadou
Bunny-Sensei
Didn't post for you. Posted for the sake of my rapidly dwindling sanity.
Excuse me, gonna go be a space ninja and murder level 1's with far better gear.
- Location
- The Land of Many Bregrets
- Pronouns
- They/Them
A male Tohsaka? Interesting...