>>21619110

"Only for people to kill me when it's over."

"Well... no. I mean, if they don't know you know, or at least know you aren't going to tell anybody then it shouldn't be an issue." I respond. "Besides, getting in trouble a couple weeks from now won't matter if you get killed tomorrow."

"... Alright, so just don't tell anybody?"

"Yeah. I mean, if you want I might be able to tell you more later, but just this here and now is probably pushing our luck."

"So you're involved in a... thing?"

"Kinda. I mostly agreed to compete to minimize collateral damage."

Issei sighs. "Well I suppose it's comforting to know some things don't change." He hesitates "Is there anything you need me to help with?"

[ ] No.
[ ] Keep your eyes open.
[ ] Let me copy your homework.
[ ] notice anything weird at home?

>>21619124
[X] Notice anything weird at home?

"Anyone living there other than you? Any new house guests? Anything like that?"

>>21619124

>Homework.

I know a bad end when I see it.

>>21619124
[x] notice anything weird at home?

>>21619124
>[ ] Let me copy your homework.

>>21619159
>trying to get killed

File: 1353133750417.jpg-(147 KB, 1280x720, 1320090907506.jpg)

>>21619110
>>21619124
>Actually telling Issei about Wizards n` Shit.

>>21619192
Well now that he knows about magic we can give him a damn good reason not to let on that he told us anything at all. Tell him to just act like everything is normal and it'll all be cool, like cucumbers and Fonzie.

>>21619124
Anything weird?

>>21619204

Because that's what won the vote at the end of the last thread.

>>21619192
>>21619159
>>21619189
>>21619248

HEY ASSHOLES.

This is PRECISELY the trigger that made Issei MURDER Shirou and then die of a stroke in the VN.

Ask him about ANYTHING THE FUCK ELSE.

>>21619124
[ ] notice anything weird at home?

>>21619204
Because life is a game, and Shirou intends to WIN

>>21619259
That's funny I didn't think that we were just replaying the VN by votes here

>>21619259
>die of a stroke

Didn't he stab himself in the neck?

File: 1353134147349.gif-(1.33 MB, 480x267, TwoGirlsInThisGifGotRaped(...).gif)

>>21619110

Its that time of the day again!

>>21619259
We had a pretty good discussion last thread about why that probably won't be the case this time since we're in a tentative alliance with Caster, and it IS the most pressing question we have for him at the moment

File: 1353134190923.jpg-(30 KB, 277x281, 1336876557305.jpg)

>>21619124
>[X] notice anything weird at home?

Even IF he gets body-jacked, we have reinforcement and shit now. We could reinforce our throat so he can't strangle us, or reinforce our limbs and grapple him into submission. Non-sexually.

>>21619204
Because we are sick fucks who enjoy that sort of thing.
besides, we could complete 100% of all the drama-triggers discussed last thead. If we hit all of them, we _could_ be on our way to a Best End

File: 1353134384938.gif-(1.09 MB, 500x281, Lancer OH CRAP.gif)

>>21619280
Not that homework wouldn't be bad, mind. We can't let our grades slip too much.

Still, hilarity first! The sudden turn with Sakura was some heavy shit; let's lighten the mood with getting our gay best friend flustered!

File: 1353134650804.png-(188 KB, 449x533, 1352562365788.png)

>>21619307
B-but we a-accidentally closed off the Issei-Route already...

>>21619330

>You, Skype, NOW.

>>21619273

... Maybe? Little fuzzy on the details, but the end result was basically the same.

File: 1353134827147.jpg-(225 KB, 933x700, MiseryTastesLikeBlueberries.jpg)

>>21619330
..Well why didnt you tell us sooner! Now I will obviously vote for triggering all the bad shit!

>>21619371
Speak for yourself.

I, for one, want the golden ending. Complete with harem.

>>21619383
I kind of lean this way, too.

I'll stick by my vote, but I'll avoid being dipshit stupid from now on (less flippant and all that).

At least Issei has our back with this one. (plus, I want to see Ofuda-wielding Issei. Work him into the fold, let him develop his own brand of magic!).

File: 1353135212634.png-(97 KB, 640x360, 5448441184977.png)

>>21619383
I´m just here for the delicious and sweet suffering of the three heroines.

>>21619259
>implying I've played any of the VNs
In fact, the only direct exposure I have to the entire franchise is MBAACC.
Archetype:Earth is mai waifu. So classy.

>>21619351
ahahah ac guy is mad as hell.

File: 1353135520104.jpg-(247 KB, 990x1400, 1334190613455.jpg)

>>21619351
Aww, shit! You can FEEL the mad oozing!

Oh well, at least he tried to run it.

This quest is cursed.

File: 1353135684212.jpg-(48 KB, 414x600, Touko smoking promo.jpg)

>>21619424
While I have my preferred Nasuverse woman of preference, I salute your tastes all the same!

>>21619344
I still think we should try and introduce him to Archer. Archer is basically Shirou with a decade of maturation on him and a broken heart.
The fanfiction just writes itself

>>21619422
I won't deny that the suffering in of the protagonists of this setting is delicious. However, this is a setting where, once you cross the point of despair, the badassery you've been building is unleashed in a torrent of GAR!

>>21619461
Like we DIDN'T all know, deep down, that we were setting ourselves up for a shitstorm of epic proportions. Not exactly a revelation to anybody, just confirmed suspicions.

Well, now that that's dealt with I'm going to go grab a drink and keep running.

>Finish binging the archived threads
>"Well shit, I guess I've run out of quest to read. I wonder whats on /tg/ at the moment..."
Well isn't that a brilliant coincidence...

File: 1353136273678.jpg-(21 KB, 650x365, 1341791402628.jpg)

>>21619513
Take your time, dear sir!

>>21619545
Ha ha! Indeed! Alas, if only AC-bro's time zone were more attuned to my own! Woe! WOE!

>>21619351
Reposting of posterity
>There's a lot more freedom, yeah.

>But It's generally considered bad-form to step on a land mine that you have every reason to believe will kill you.

>Could, yes. I've seen the notes. I'm telling you right now, to your face, that trying to trigger bad shit is a terrible idea.

>100% everything bad triggered is pretty much guaranteed everyone dies territory. Like seriously. I fully expect half the cast to die by the end of this, due to the shit that's already been set in motion.

>It's that bad.

>I'm begging you not to deliberately make it worse, because I happen to enjoy this quest and the setting.

>>21619567
>of
Damn it and fuck my face

>>21619567
On the one hand, shame for reposting what was clearly spoileriffic heresy.

On the other hand, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

>>21619576
Just call me Wikileaks, mothafucka

File: 1353136561193.png-(273 KB, 858x617, 1320594193094.png)

>>21619582
Because you're a vainglorious Australian and want news stories about you dining with Lady Gaga?

I kid. Too much gin for me

Don't mind me, I'll be waiting playing Kagetsu Tohya (aka Tsukihime's unofficial sequel)

>>21619567

... He deleted that not because spoilers, he deleted it because he realized it would spark drama and stupid shit.

I've never understood the whole 'repost for posterity' thing. It's available on Foolz if you get curious, generally posts get deleted for a reason.

Is it a way of telling them they aren't allowed to unsay something after it's been put out there or something?

File: 1353136815110.jpg-(127 KB, 1280x1024, Cowby Bebop - Gotta carry(...).jpg)

>>21619616
For me, there is a bit of an archivist's impulse there. information must be preserved, for the sake that preserved information is viewed as a good in-and-of itself. But that's my librarian training flaring up.

Aside from that, I don't care.Like this glorious bastard taught me: whatever happens, happens.

>>21619616
No, it's just that who the fuck ever goes to foolz if they don't have to?

Also yo AC-Guy, good to actually see one of these.

>>21619616
Because it was there.

File: 1353137076932.png-(108 KB, 704x396, fsn_shinji.png)

>>21619607
Who is the chick with the pink hair?

..Please tell me that isn`t supposed to be Rider.

>>21619684
Looks like Goddess Madoka to me.

File: 1353137264909.jpg-(54 KB, 1280x720, 1341777067098.jpg)

>>21619684
Madoka, from Puella Magicae Madoka Magica

Both series feature characters who are entrapped by Faustian contracts which promise them a fate of sorrow andd suffering. Madoka broke the system and found a way to visit each Puellae who would suffer their fate and free them. The joke is that she does this for Archer, too.

"I don't know." I respond casually. "Notice anything weird at home?"

"Not really." He answers, voice distant. "Why do you ask?"

"No reason. I mean, the Temple is somewhere I don't go often. If something weird was happening there it'd be the one place I wouldn't really notice it."

He looks at me, gaze eerily distant when suddenly there's a knock on the door. We both stop and turn to the noise, when a girl steps in. She has a light reddish-brown hair, and while I don't remember her name I recognize her as a first year member of the student council. "Ryuudou-Sempai?"

"Hmm? Yes, Emiko?" He asks lightly.

"T-there's been some kind of vandalism outside the Archery Range. Some kind of Grafitti."

Issei lets out a sigh. "Well, duty calls again." He says, standing up, before turning to me. "If you don't mind postponing our conversation until Lunch?"

I shrug. "Not much else to talk about there." I answer, and he nods and begins to follow the girl out the door.

[ ] Go with.
[ ] Do homework.
[ ] Other.

>>21619709
>[x] Go with.
I don't like the sound of this at all.

>>21619709
[X] Go with.

Graffiti, during the Grail War. Damn good chance it's magic as hell.

>>21619709
>[ ] Go with.
NOT MUH ARCHERY RANGE!

>>21619709
>[ ] Go with.

This can't possibly be good

File: 1353137491407.jpg-(155 KB, 850x686, sample-9e6d9e9b0985cd4e21(...).jpg)

>>21619709
WHELP! That was close.

CrisisAverted.jpg

[X]Do Homework

What? We can't become a hero of justice if we flunk out? We'll turn into this guy, but with knives and fighting instead of cannibalism and cross-dressing

>>21619709
[x] Go with.

>>21619707
Well, it's basically a Valhalla for magical girls.

>>21619709
[X] Go with.
Paranoia growing over here.

I decide to tag along, claiming that I have nothing better to do at the time. When we get there....

"What?" Issei says, looking at the weird markings, reaching out to touch one. On instinct I slap his hand down.

"That's not paint." I say, pointing at the edges of it, realizing what set off my internal alarms. "It looks like it was burned in."

"But there's something paint like right there." He says, pointing at the markings.

"That scorches the wall and pavement where it was laid down? Probably not safe to touch." I respond, making a few gestures at other such markings.

"Hmm...." Issei scratches his chin slightly. "Have you ever seen anything like this?"

"No. I'm not even sure of anything that COULD do something like this. I mean, acid's the only thing that even comes to mind, but that doesn't... 'feel' right."

"Is- it really that dangerous Emiya-Smepai?" Emiko asks.

"I'm not sure." I respond. "But let's say better safe than sorry. Should we tape off the area?" I ask, turning to Issei.

He hesitates, then nods. "Until we can figure out exactly what the deal is. I should go find a teacher."

"Taiga's right in the Archery Range." I respond with a gesture.

Issei nods and begins to walk away, Emiko looks back and forth between his retrating figure and the weird sigil on the wall.

[ ] Go help Issei, leave Emiko.
[ ] Guard the wall, send Emiko to help Issei.
[ ] Stay and talk with Emiko.
[ ] Take Emiko and go help Issei.

>>21619906
>[X] Guard the wall, send Emiko to help Issei.
Make sure nobody even thinks of touching that shit.

>>21619906
[X] Guard the wall, send Emiko to help Issei.

Don't leave civilians by weird magic shit.

>>21619906
>[X ] Guard the wall, send Emiko to help Issei.
Muggles should NOT touch this thing. Send them both awya, while we protect/investigate this.

Rin is still way, right? We can't investigate this without her expertise, but we can at least do SOMETHING to keep mortals away from this.

is Archer still nearby? he might know some shit we don't. he's at last a little knowledgeable.

I'm off for the night, soon. If I crash before next post, g'nite, ladies and gents!

>>21619906
[ ] Stay and talk with Emiko.

>>21619906
>[X] Guard the wall, send Emiko to help Issei.
Clear the area. And stay on guard.

This has got to be a trap, but is the danger from the girl or the markings.

>>21619906
[x] Guard the wall, stay and talk to Emiko.
Let's give Issei a chance to call in Caster. Archer probably doesn't know shit about it, and Rin may as well drop by after school to check it out.

I send Emiko after Issei, and then I-

[ ] Examine the sigil.
[ ] Call Rin.
[ ] Check and see if Archer's around.
[ ] Chill.

>>21620007
[x] Bother Archer.

>>21620007
[X] Check and see if Archer's around.

>>21620007
>[ ] Call Rin.
This is outside our pay grade. Even if we can examine it safely without hurting ourselves, we wouldn't know what the shit we were finding.

>>21620007
>[ ] Call Rin.

>>21620007
Check for Archer, then call Rin if he's not around.

File: 1353139217117.png-(15 KB, 300x400, 1350995860702.png)

>>21620007
>[X] Call Rin.

She might be busy with her own problems, but this requires an expert. And we, while badass, aren't experts.

While I;d like to get in touch with Archer, Rin knows these things more. Besides, the kind of talk I'dlike to have with Archer isn't offered here.

>>21620007
>[X] Check and see if Archer's around.
Someone could be trying to psych us out. Even so, backup would be really appreciated.

>>21620007

>Call Rin.

With the whole marking and tatoo things last night, it's too weird not to bring up.

I pull out my phone, and after a few rings, Rin's sleep voice answers.

"Eh, Emiya-kun? Did something happen?"

"Kinda, yeah. Someone vandalized the back of the Archery Range. Maybe I'm paranoid, but the markings look kinda like the ones we saw last night on the way home."

"... Should I head in?"

"Nah, I'll just take a picture and send it to you. Might be enough for you to make a judgement call." I respond, quickly taking a picture and e-mailing it. I then spend a few minutes explaining to Rin how to open an e-mail file. Finally-

"Weird. It's not quite the same."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's almost like somebody trying to copy another's technique."

"Like a fake?"

"More like a student." She responds. "If their craft is similar, piggy-backing on your master's technique means you progress a lot faster down the road."

"Really?"

"Yeah. That's basically how Magic Crests work." She responds.

"Is this something we should be concerned about?"

There's a moment of silence "I'm not sure. Maybe we'll take a look at it tonight, but whatever started it clearly didn't get a chance to finish it properly. Notice those weird crescent things on either side?"

"Yeah?"

>>21620233

"That's the beginning to the spell boundary field." She responds. "If it's not intact they can't use the intended Thaumaturgy. Since they can't finish it during the school-day..."

"Mark it off and we're safe for now?"

"Sure."

"Alright, I'll let you get back to sleep."

"...That obvious?" She asks, sounding disappointed.

"Only to me. you want me to cook lunch when I get back?"

"... No, I'll do it so we can go visit Sakura as quickly as possible."

I ascent, and then hang up, seeing Issei and his underclassman returning with Taiga. Seeing them carriny caution tape and barriers, I-

[ ] Get out of their way and do Homework.
[ ] Help them.
[ ] Ask Taiga if she's noticed anything weird.

>>21620235
>[ ] Ask Taiga if she's noticed anything weird.
Someone be poking around our school?

Aw hell naw. Lets INVESTIGATE!

>>21620235
[X] Ask Taiga if she's noticed anything weird.

>>21620235
[x] Help them.
Gotta keep an eye on that Emiko chick. Reporting her work as vandalism would be a good way to deflect suspicion.

>>21620235
>[x] Ask Taiga if she's noticed anything weird.

As they begin setting up, I ask Taiga if she's noticed anything weird this morning.

"... Not exactly." She responds, thinking. "I thought I saw Shinji earlier, but-"

"Wait, Shinji was here? This morning?"

"I'm not sure. It looked like him but I didn't really have a chance to double check before he was gone.

[ ] Investigate.
[ ] Help.
[ ] Homework.

>>21620351
[X] Investigate.

>>21620351
Well, either
>Someone's trying to frame Shinji
>Shinji is a lying bastard
or
>Zouken's on to us

>>21620351
>[ ] Homework
This is evidently important

>>21620351
>[ ] Investigate.
FUCKING SHINJI WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?

So help me god, if he lied to us...

>>21620351
[x] Investigate.
By calling Shinji.

>>21620351
>[x] Investigate.
Ah, hell.

>>21620351
>[X] Investigate.
Dumbass probably got himself posessed or something.

>>21620351
Help then get our homework done

Investigating at this point would just lead to a dead end

>>21620403
What?

We're a stone-cold badass, its broad daylight, and worst case scenario Archer should notice if shit starts getting wrecked.

I tell Issei I'm going to go and look into it before class starts. I follow the path Taiga pointed out, and find a few footprints that look like they were done at a decent clip towards the Forest on the North side of the school.

"Towards the Temple?"

Sure enough, I see a few broken branches and trees that indicate movement. I follow them for a short distance before I suddenly feel a sharp sensation of Danger.

[DC15 Magecraft]

Rolled 12

>>21620455
Magecraft!

Rolled 20

>>21620455
Magecraft!

Rolled 1

>>21620466
Yesssss!

>>21620466
>>21620469
Welp.

File: 1353142273949.jpg-(96 KB, 894x894, 1352149159757.jpg)

>>21620469
Should have expected this would happen.

>>21620463
>>21620466
>>21620469

I don't even think about it. I pump magic into my legs and go straight up about fifteen feet before kicking off a tree and tumbling back out of the way. When I land I feel something in my ankle pop and I'm holding his swords.

I see the figure approaching me, A living shadow holding a long staff in one hand and what looks like a shorter spear in the other.

He comes at me quickly, and I don't have time to think. Only defend.

[DC12 Swordsmanship check]

Rolled 10

>>21620498
Have at thee!

Rolled 14

>>21620498
Why defend when we can *attack*?

Rolled 10

>>21620498

Rolled 1

>>21620498

>>21620508
>>21620509
>>21620516

Just barely...

>>21620516
>>21620523
Dodged a bullet there...

>>21620508
>>21620509
>>21620516
Well that's pretty medio-
>>21620523
Mediocre is fine. Very fine. Perfectly happy with mediocre.

Anyone mind giving the links to the previous threads?

>>21620554
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Grail-kun

>>21620508
>>21620509
>>21620516

His style is weird. He uses a long spear to attack and defend, but uses a short-spear for closer work.

Dual-wielding swords can be tricky as hell, but dual-wielding SPEARS should be impossible. Yet here he is, twin staves spinning and bouncing off my swords as they swipe and thrust.

After an intense clash for almost a minute straight, the Shadow Man hops back, looks away as though alarmed, and then throws his larger spear directly at my heart before vanishing into smoke.

The speed is so much greater than his prior attacks that I drop one of the blades and swing as hard as I can to deflect it.

[DC15 Parry]

Rolled 18

>>21620565
Watch me roll a one.

>>21620560

....After seeing several episodes of Carnival Phantasm, the words "Grail-kun" have taken a slightly more terrifying meaning for me...

Rolled 18

>>21620565
I am a sword!

Rolled 7

SWAT IT OUT OF THE AIR LIKE A FAT ANNOYING PIGEON

>>21620565
Calling it now.

BAHSAHKAH is Lancelot.

>>21620574
>>21620570
>>21620568
Thanks Christ for that

>>21620568

Nice...

>>21620570

Nice!

>>21620574

Well, at least it wasn't a one. Not that it would matter with those two 18s.

Rolled 20

>>21620565

Oh SHIT, its the Lancer from the previous war.

HIDE THE BITCHES! Not even our swag can compete with this man!

>>21620582

God damn it, where was that for the last roll? What a waste of a 20.

We just fought the last war's Lancer...

I spin and catch it on the edge of my blade. It still lightly grazes my arm on the way past, but it's so shallow I barely feel it.

Saber lands next to me. "Shirou? What's the danger?!?"

"Nothing, I'm fine. The guy I was fighting just left."

"Eh?" She turns to me in confusion. "You managed to defeat a servant?"

"Not exactly. I'm not sure he was a Servant for one. He was a lot faster and stronger than anyone I know, but he wasn't exactly on the Servant level. Also, I didn't really 'defeat' him. I just fended him off after he attacked me." I look out into the woods. "I think he left because he knew you were coming..." I hesitate. "Wait, Saber, why are you here?"

She gives me a look. "I sensed you were in Danger. Rin wanted to go shopping and we encountered Archer, I came here because I sensed trouble."

I look at the trail. "If he was scared of you, it might be safe to keep exploring this path."

Saber nods. "If you wish. But are you not supposed to be in school? Why were you out in the woods without a servant accompanying you?"

[ ] Tell her about the markings.
[ ] Tell Her about Shinji.
[ ] Tell her about the Servant.

>>21620638
[x] Tell her about the markings.
That is, after all, why we're here.

Rolled 2

>>21620638
>[x] Tell her about the Servant.
This should be good.

>>21620638
[X] Tell her about the Servant.

Ask if she knows anything about any servants that dual wielded spears, one long and one short. We don't have much in the way of other details due to him being all shadowy and stuff.

Also is the shallow wound on our arm healing? Because something shallow should heal rather quickly.

>>21620638

>[x] Tell her about the Servant.

>>21620638
>[ ] Tell her about the Servant.
She'll definitely recognize him.
On a side note, we just got grazed by Lancer's anti-magic spear. It wasn't the unhealing wounds one at least.

>>21620638
Fill her in on everything, she might have insights on it

If we can't do that then I guess the Servant since that is the only thing we don't have any extra info on

File: 1353144118287.jpg-(31 KB, 425x271, nah.jpg)

>>21620638

>Call the imposter's bluff.

Rin went back to sleep immediately after we called her. Even if she didn't, it's been five minutes. Drag ass morning hating bitch was not only up and dressed, but IN THE MARKET that quick?

Aw HELL Naw.

I wonder why he has shown up?

Has Zouken summoned TRUE LANCER rather then TRUE ASSASSIN?

>>21620638
Servant

>>21620690

Wait what?

Oh damn you might me on to something!

>>21620638
>>21620674

Changing vote to

>[x]Press the issue on how she got here.

>>21620638
>[ ] Tell her about the Servant.

File: 1353144310145.jpg-(107 KB, 960x540, 1352694178094.jpg)

>>21620690

Oh.

OH.

OH SHIT.

>>21620690
Wouldn't shirou at least feel something was off with seibah if that were the case?

>>21620690
>>21620702
Oh shit, thats a good point.

[X] Press the issue on how she got here.

If we're dealing with something that can disguise itself, then its possible that we're talking to the very person we just fought.

>>21620718

We are Shirou.

We just noticed.

Also, her dialogue feels slightly off to me.

>>21620690
We don't know how much time as passed, but you're right. Even if it had been like 15 minutes, Rin still wouldn't have been out of the house.

Maybe she sent Saber off alone to do some shopping? She did say she was going to cook today. I'd like to think we could recognize our own Servant by now.

>>21620699 here

Changing vote to
>[X] Press the issue on how she got here.

>>21620724

How many servants, canonically, are able to fuck with people's minds and/or conceal their presence/abilities?

Pretty much ALL of them.

>>21620724
Not if we're up against a Noble Phantasm like Lancelot's For Someone's Glory.

Uh, guys, even if this ISN'T Saber I think we should just play along seeing as we were clearly outmatched, and probably have a dislocated ankle right now.

>>21620742
I'd rather be in the know than get backstabbed

Hear that? That's the sound of Ac-guy furiously making up a new storyline on the spot, based on our theories.

Or just as planned?

>>21620760
Either we just picked the hidden fourth option, or we're a bunch of paranoid madmen all of a sudden. Maybe both.

"Noticed something odd." I respond. "Hey Saber, how did you get here that quickly? I mean, you said you and Rin had been in the shopping district, right? I mean, I was only attacked a minute ago."

She looks away faintly embarrassed. "I didn't come because we met Archer. I was already headed this way to scold you for your carelessness in sending him away when I sensed the Danger." She responds.

"So you've been heading this way for several minutes then."

"Yes."

"Hmmm..." I respond, pulling out my cell phone, dialing a number.

"Who are you calling?" She asks.

"Well, I think Tosaka should get a status update. Especially since we just encountered an anomaly in a war that's already this far off track."

Saber hesitates as I turn on the speaker-phone function. "Shirou? Ah, I just managed to fall back asleep." She grumbles into the phone.

"Saber with you?"

"Eh? Yeah." I hear her open a door. "Yeah, she's watching TV."

The Girl in front of me growls and her eyes turn red. "Be a dear and send her along, will you? I appear to be in mortal Danger."

I hang up and force the pattern of his swords into my mind.

[DC14 Magecraft]

Rolled 9

>>21620786
OH GOD I THOUGHT IT WAS A RED HERRING

Rolled 18

>>21620786
Who are you, not-saiba? who are you REALLY?

Rolled 15

>>21620786
Told ya guys.

>>21620760
And now the part where we assume everyone we see for the rest of forever is actually a Doombot.

>>21620786
HA HA TIME FOR SWORDS

[X] Compliment our opponent for their strategy of fighting, running, then coming back under another disguise.

Rolled 6

Summon Saber with a Command Seal, we have all three yeah?

>>21620797
This too.
> [ ] Compliment

>>21620798
We're down to 2. Let's not burn it unless needed.

This guy doesn't seem to be an ace at close combat, we can delay and get distance.

>>21620798
NO!
You use Command Seals when you have no further options, and not an INSTANT before. We've already traded blows with this guy. Hes tough but not unsurvivable.

>>21620790

Ah, shi--

>>21620791

Okay, so long as we get a decent roll--

>>21620793

...Wow, honestly thought I was gonna jinx it there. THANK YOU BASED DICE!

The swords leap into my hands.

It's obvious now that I'm fighting her that this isn't Saber, but someone trying to imitate her style. The moves are there, but it's lacking something of her grace.

I catch the first blow and push it aside, and then parry the second with the second sword. Even if it isn't the real Saber she hits like a freight train. I'm forced back several feet every step, and suddenly the figure stops advancing.

"Command Seals?" She says confused. "You didn't have those last night...."

"Last night? I have no idea who you are!"

She blinks. "You aren't the one who set those markings then?"

"What? Like the one at the school?"

"... It seems I have miscalculated." She says, taking a step back and disengaging. "Call it a draw and pretend this never happened?"

[ ] Sure.
[ ] Fuck no.
[ ] After you do some 'splaining.

>>21620847
[X] After you do some 'splaining.
I want some bloody answers and I'm gonna get 'em!

>>21620847
>[ ] After you do some 'splaining.

We aren't particularly enamored of whoever set those marking either, but just letting you walk away when we have no clue of your intentions could very well bite us in the ass later. So get talking, please.

>>21620847
[X] After you do some 'splaining.

"Seriously? You ever try confirming identities before trying to stab people? An explanation would be nice, get us a lot closer to even."

>>21620847
[x] After you do some 'splaining.
Also keep an eye out for Saber. Don't want our new source getting minced before they can talk.

>>21620847

Explain some more.

>>21620847
After you do some 'splainin for trying to skewer me sure

Well, we now know Avenger is here.

Who the hell is the servant in front of us?

>>21620847
Explain, common enemy, possible alliance, etc. etc.

>>21620847

>[x] After you do some 'splaining.

You seem to know the identities of several important people. Who are you?

For some reason I imagined Kirei making a "Fifth Grail war wiki".

>>21620952
"Here you are, Emiya Shirou. Red hair. Loves to cook, gets all the girls. What? It's right he in the wiki!"

>>21620927
Lets take stock:

-Shapeshifter
-Knows Saber and Diarmuid, based on the fact that he was shapeshifted as them

So probably someone who was involved in the 4th war. Lancelot, maybe? Hes clearly not a Berserker right now, but he might fit the bill based on our limited knowledge thus far.

>>21620969
Also shapeshifted into Shirou if what 'Saber' said is accurate. There seems to be two seperate shifters stiring shit up.

>>21620969

What classes could Lancelot be?

Obvously not Caster.

He could either a:

Saber, Lancer or a Rider (considering the stunt he pulled off in the last war).

I could be a Archer, but he hasn't used any ranged weapons so far

>>21620998
He could still be Berserker. Illya (Or whoever his master is) could have used a Command Seal to give him his sanity while For Someone's Glory is active.

File: 1353147063652.jpg-(9 KB, 200x200, ancient-aliens.jpg)

>>21620997
Good point.

Therefor, Dead Apostles.

"Maybe after you do some explaining." I respond.

"Oh?" she asks, turning to me with a small smile. "Tell me, why should I bother explaining myself to someone like you?"

"You mean the guy who was kicking your ass after you attacked him out of nowhere? The guy who you disguised yourself as a friend of, only to now claim you have the wrong person?" I answer, getting just a little bit upset. "I don't know. Maybe because I have a half a mind to Call Kirei and tell him someone's trying to fuck with the Grail War disguised as my Servant. I wonder how pleased a bunch of Magi commanding ancient and powerful heroes might be a bit upset at someone meddling in their affairs?"

She hesitates. ".... Perhaps you have a point. I came hear searching for something that shouldn't be. I care little about your Grail, but someone's attempting to use a magical gathering for some type of ritual."

"... Like a Grail War?" I ask, looking at her.

"You truely believe it's the Holy Grail?" She asks with a smile as though mocking my naivety.

"No, It's just a cup we painted gold. Thought the name would be hilarious." I respond coldly. "The Grail isn't the 'real' holy grail, it's a magic artifact of sorts capable of granting wishes. The War is a gathering of energy to fill it, as well as a method to determine who's the most worthy."

She's silent. "A few nights ago, there was a disruption in the ritual."

"What?"

>>21621027

"Like a taint appearing. Or a taint... emerging would be more accurate. The similarities between it and the Dead Apostles I hunt are too great." She sighs. "This whole affair has gotten rather complicated." Her armor vanishes suddenly, leaving behind normal clothing and a vastly different appearance. "I don't think I could face your servant with such restrictions anyway. In any case you can have your war without my interruptions. I won't interfere in the outcome unless someone else does first."

Before I can respond, she's gone. Saber lands next to me a few minutes later, panting heavily. "Where's the enemy?"

"Just left." I respond, looking at her. "Anyway, it seems like somebody-"

"Shirou, what happened to your arm?" Saber asks, giving me a concerned look. I glance down at where I was grazed, only to discover that my entire arm under the sleeve has turned black.

[ ] Go home.
[ ] Go to the church.
[ ] Go to the temple.
[ ] Panic.

>>21621029
[X] Panic

>>21621008
Don't even joke. Though if that's true then the idea of all servants working together to turn the Apostles into prana batteries to allow them to sustain themselves is a delicious idea.

>>21621029

Go home...THEN panic.

>>21621029
>The similarities between it and the Dead Apostles I hunt

C-Ciel sempai?
Anyway....
>[X] Go to the church.

>>21621029
[X] Go to the church.
Don't panic, this is just another annoying moment in the life of Emiya Shirou. Exasperation seems more likely. Having to go to the church and get fixed up.

"Well, my day's just getting better and better. I'm going home.

Say Saber, you know anything about tainted grails?"

>>21621029
[x] Go to the church.
Fucking ass could have at least healed us before ditching.

>>21621029
Church go there now! Also cut off our sleave. If need be the arm as well, we can reattach it later.

Rolled 15

>>21621029

>Hunting Dead Apostles

...Curry sempai??

"Joy of joys." I say, looking at my arm. "Alright, I'm going to the Church. Apparently someone's screwing with the Grail, and Kirei knows healing magic."

Saber hesitates and then nods. As we walk away, I call Issei and ask him to tell Taiga that I fainted and ended up going home for the day.

We walk down the road and across the bridge, knowing it'll take us the better part of an hour to make it to the church. Along the way, I get a call from Rin who apparently had started gearing up as soon as I called her earlier. We make it almost to the Station when I hear a familiar voice.

"Good Morning Onii-chan!" I turn to the source of the call, and See Ilya. "Eh, Onii-chan, what's wrong with your arm?"

[ ] Play it off.
[ ] Tell her what happened.

>>21621149
[X] Tell her what happened.

>>21621149
>[ ] Tell her what happened.

She may have some useful input.

Rolled 6

>>21621149

[x] Tell Ilya what happened.

Best be prepared for anything that happens in this town. This grail war is offfff.

>>21621149
[X] Tell her what happened.

"Ilya, if you want to kidnap me, could you put it off for a bit. I've had a long day."

>>21621149
Tell her what happened. I vote that we let everyone involved in the grail war know that someone is playing silly buggers.

>>21621149
[x] Tell her what happened.
Shit's getting crazy, yo.

SUDDEN REALIZATION:

Assuming this isn't Ciel, the mystery person could very well be "IX", as in a ninth member of the Burial Agency. but who am i kidding, its probably Ciel and we all love it

File: 1353148892348.png-(9 KB, 502x92, YourMissionShouldYouChoos(...).png)

Mentlegen.

>>21621192
That was what my line of thought was.

>>21621192

Was it AC-Guy or Nowwhere Man who said he hadn't read Tsukihime before?

"I've had a rather trying morning." I explain, relying the events in the forest and about the Sigil. I then take a moment to explain about the weird markings and the incident with the bird the prior evening.

"... That's weird." Ilya comments after a moment's consideration. "No servants have been killed yet, but I've noticed something odd about the magic flow around the Grail." She begins to think. "It's more than that. Caster doesn't seem like someone who COULD be summoned. Between that and Berserker...." Her voice gets distant for a bit, before she looks at me. "May I see your arm?"

"Why?"

"I want to see if I can fix it. That's the arm with your command seals."

I look at Saber, who gives me a thoroughly unhelpful 'it's serious but also your call' sort of look.

[ ] Trust Ilya.
[ ] Hurry to the Church.

>>21621206
[X] Trust Illya

Better than trusting Kirei.

>>21621206
[x] Trust Ilya.
"Alright, but if you rip my arm off or something, I am totally never buying you icecream again."

>>21621216

Ahaha, Oh god, this.

>>21621194
Cission mompleted.

>>21621206
[X] Trust Ilya.

>>21621216
Yeah, that covers it. Maybe add an offer of more ice cream if she fixes up our arm.

>>21621216
Seconding this.

>>21621206
>[ ] Trust Ilya.
We need her on our side. If she wanted to get rid of our Command Seals, it would have been more efficient to just bumrush us with Berserker.

Plus we've been on pretty good terms with her thus far, and last time we met during daytime she made no attempt to fuck with us.

>>21621206
Trust Illya. "Okay but only because you asked so nicely."

>>21621223
This works good, she either gets more ice cream for helping or she doesn't get any again for tering it off

File: 1353149926418.png-(131 KB, 300x300, 1351623155088.png)

>>21621216
I like the way you think. I'm voting for this.

"Alright." I say, before giving her a very serious look as I remove my coat. "But if cut off my arm or something I'm never buying you Ice-Cream again."

My joke seems to slide right past her, as she examines the cut by poking it, and then rapidly tapping several locations nearby.

"Hmm.... It's like it's trying to infect your circuits, but it's not actually damaging your circuits. It seems to be going into your nerves, but very slowly."

"My Circuits and my nerves are the same thing." I respond, and Ilya does a shocked double take.

"That's not.... Saber, hold him down." She says, grabbing a bottle of water out of her pocket and giving it a few swishes before taking a sip. "Don't resist Onii-chan. This is going to be hard enough."

She then proceeds to grab my arm after Saber pins me lightly and places her mouth to the cut.

[ ] Relax.
[ ] Resist.

>>21621272
[X]Relax.

>>21621272
[X] Relax.

She knows the price for betraying us, no more Onii-chan time or ice cream.

>>21621272
>[ ] Relax.
We've gone this far, let her do her thing,

>>21621272
Relax
We trust her for now

>>21621272
[x] Relax.
But we're totally making a 'how did I taste' joke later.

>>21621272
Relax. This is going to hurt. So try not to bite off our tongue.

I try to relax, and just watch her suck on my arm.

I decide to close my eyes and NOT watch it, but it only makes the situation worse. After several uncomfortable seconds, Ilya pulls back and spits something that looks like Tar on the ground before letting out a small hacking cough. "Oh god, what was that?" She asks wiping a few tears out of her eyes. "It was like solid despair. I can't even..." She looks at me. "Onii-chan, how did you manage to walk over here from your school without collapsing?"

"... I didn't feel any different from normal." I respond uncomfortably. "Was it really that bad?"

"Yeah, it was like evil and filth given form. I managed to ward it and keep it from infecting me, but it was INSIDE you. That wound-" She hesitates, surprised. "The wound is gone? Onii-chan, did you already heal yourself?"

I look down in surprise. Other than a small smear of blood, there's nothing to indicate I was ever harmed at all. "No, no I didn't. I'm not even capable of such magic." I respond.

[ ] Stay with Ilya.
[ ] Go to Church.

>>21621314
[X] Stay with Ilya.

Problem was solved. You know what she deserves for this one, head pats, ruffling her hair, and ice cream.

>>21621314
Bring her with us to the Church. We need to let Kotomine know about the intruder and Illyas testimony about what that black stuff is will help. We can't really describe it if we didn't even notice it.

>>21621314
>[ ] Stay with Ilya.
More Ilya points!

After all, our entire reason for going to the church is now gone.

>>21621314
>[X] Stay with Ilya.

I think a certain adorable girl deserves some ICE CREAM!

>>21621329

>Our entire reason

You mean other than warning Kirei about the Vampire invasion?

File: 1353150832214.png-(564 KB, 372x798, grailkun.png)

>>21621314
>Yeah, it was like evil and filth given form.
WELP.

[X]Stay with Illya

>>21621314

Lancer Alter?

Kirei might be tried of us continuously going to him "Shirou, I can't heal all your wounds sustained in the war."

>[x] Stay with Ilya.

ice cream?

>>21621314
[x] Stay with Ilya.
Illya da bess.

>>21621314

[x] Stay with Ilya

Rub her head and thank her. Like an onni-chan should.

>>21621344
Eh, we're going there tonight to meet Caster anyway.

>>21621345
Wait a minute...
Why would a wound from a Burial Agency member have grail gunk on it?
HOLY TITS. I think we fought two completely separate people in that forest just now.

File: 1353151278143.jpg-(62 KB, 445x350, 3f16b07f2a97b9bc01c95d351(...).jpg)

>>21621350

For the DAWW

>>21621314
Stay with Ilya. Ice cream time to get rid of the taste of despair

I look at Ilya, and give her a smile. "Well, if you fixed it, I guess that means I can put off going to the church for a little while."

"Eh? Onii-chan, I hardly fixed it." She responds. "I just removed some of the Taint and you did the rest on your own."

"No, I feel comfortable giving you all the credit for this one." I respond. "So how do you want to be rewarded for your good deed? Ice-Cream?"

".. A bit early for that, isn't it?" She asks with a smile.

"Pfft, I'm not your Mother. I'll give you all the candy you want." I respond with a shrug.

Ilya looks conflicted for a moment "How about we go to a... Bar?"

"Alright, I said Candy, not booze."

"No, I remember reading about this. It's like a bar, but with food. Noodles?"

"Oh, a Ramen bar? Sure, I think there's one down the street from Copenhagen." I respond, giving her a pat on the head.

The three of us proceed down the street, Saber giving me a concerned look. "Shirou, is it wise to trust Ilya like this? She's still technically our enemy."

"She hasn't done anything to us since the failed kidnapping attempt." I respond. "Look at it this way, Happy Ilya means we don't have to fight Berserker. If nothing else, I think DELAYING that fight is a good idea."

Saber hesitates, and then nods. Which is when I get a phone-call from Rin.

>Answer?

>>21621411
"What can you tell me about a tainted Grail, and what's a Dead Apostle?"

>>21621411

[x] Answer

>>21621411
Answer the phone.

>>21621411
"Emiya."

>>21621411
Uh, yeah.
>Rin using a phone
>actually succeeding
WAIT. SOMETHING IS HORRIBLY WRONG WITH THIS SCENARIO.

>>21621411
Eh, yes, Answer.

But we aren't bitching out on our little trip with Ilya unless its DAMN urgent.

>>21621411
Answer.

"Emiya. What is the latest crisis?"

If there is no crisis. "Really, no crisis? Okay, I've had a long day and I'm getting noodles with Ilya, you can come along if you want. I have some questions about grail corruption and Vampire hunters."

If there is a crisis, listen, and get info.

>>21621411

This phone thing is very convenient.

>Answer

>>21621439

The thing is according to the F/HA script...

Shirou actually doesn't have a phone.

THEN WHO WAS PHONE

>>21621449
... True Assassin?

>>21621460
Assassin can't become a phone, that's silly.

Though I suppose it would be a useful Noble Phantasm to be the communication tools that your opponents used, you could utterly disrupt and mislead them.

"Emiya. What's the latest Crisis?" I answer with a calm resignation.

"Eh? No, Shirou Archer and I are at the Church. Kirei wants to take a look at the wound, and talk to you about the person you fought."

"Well, I hate to disappoint but I bumped into Ilya along the way and she fixed it."

"Wait, what?"

"Yeah, sucked out the poison and healed me right up." I respond. "She demanded noodles for her help, so I'm taking her to a Ramen bar. By the way, what's a Dead Apostle?"

Rin's silent for a moment. "Those are Vampires. Shirou, did someone say something about Dead Apostles? Come to the Church."

Before I can say anything, Ilya's fixed me with a glare. "Onii-chan, you didn't say anything about Vampires. Let's go to the church."

"You're sure?" I ask, away from the phone, and she nods.

"We can go to the bar for lunch." She responds.

[ ] Go to Church.
[ ] You'll never take me alive.

>>21621480
>Go to Church.
Shit sounds nasty.

>>21621480

[x] Go to the Church

"Alright, we'll go with everyone later then."

>>21621480
"Why don't all of you guys come to the Ramen bar? I'm hungry and if I spend any more time at the church Kirei is going to charge us rent."

>>21621489

Kirei is a full executioner.

He WILL help in this sort of shit.

>>21621480
[x] Go to church.
Eh. Lunch is fine.

File: 1353152933476.jpg-(35 KB, 600x450, 138593-kotomine_super.jpg)

>>21621489
I predict that Kirei will be perfectly fine with the idea of eating out.

>>21621480
Go to the Church because this sounds serious.

>>21621480
>[ ] Go to Church.

But...but...noodles!
Eh, fine. Lunch it is.

>>21621480
You'll never take me alive! Ramen for imouto time now

>>21621517
I went and tried mapo tofu due to massive curiosity.

NEVER.
AGAIN.

File: 1353153253879.jpg-(39 KB, 450x268, 1148_1253230725640.jpg)

>>21621517

...Mapo Tofu Ramen?

>>21621539

Ahaha, too hot for you?

Mapo Tofu is an awesome dish.

>>21621541
>Mapo Tofu Ramen

Oh god, it is actually a thing.

What is this.

>>21621539
Ooh, Mapo Tofu sounds good. I love Szechuan peppercorns. I need to find some of that.

>>21621539
It sounds like the kind of dish I would love, but I can't find any places that serve it in my area that aren't scummy little shitholes.

Living in the Pacific Northwest (but not in Seattle) is suffering.

>>21621600

Just look for the one frequented by alot of chinese and you'll be golden. Regardless of the external appearance.

I shrug, and allow myself to be dragged back to the Church.

"You seem hesitant to return here." Saber notes as we walk across the yard.

"I guess I'm just concerned that if we spend much more time in the church, Kirei's going to start charging me rent."

"Certainly tempting." He responds, somewhere off to my left.

"Kirei. I thought you were inside?"

"I decided to get some fresh air." He says calmly. He looks at Ilya and gives her a polite nod. "Ms. Einzbern. I understand that you healed this mysterious wound of his?"

"I did. You sound displeased."

"If it was a vampire he fought earlier, examining the wound might have given some clue as to his identity. Normally given the black corruption, I would guess Nrvnqsr but that can't be the case."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well for one he preferred a type of mass combat using animal familiars. Also he was recently brutally murdered a few provinces away. Details are a bit Hazy, but apparently a member of the burial agency went AWOL and started shaking up with a Vampire."

"... WHAT." Ilya asks. Meanwhile I pretend the words mean anything at all to me.

"Like I said, details are hazy." He responds with a shrug. "Besides, we have no idea how much bearing it might have on this situation." He turns to me as he leads us inside. "I'm surprised you haven't been asking about that girl you brought here."

"Has something happened?"

>>21621630

"No, I just thought you cared more based on your earlier reactions." He states simply as he opens the door.

A few minutes later, I've fully explained the situation to Kirei as I understand it.

"Well then, I would suggest that the best thing to do would be to deal with Sakura." He says calmly, leaning against the Alter.

"How so?" Rin asks.

"I mean that my duty as an Executioner for the church means that I'm both trained and required to investigate rumors of Vampires. On the other hand, that girl needs my care and supervision. If I'm across the city and something happens, her condition is still fragile enough that she will certainly be killed." He looks at both of us. "If I attempt the surgery now, she has very little chance of survival. If I wait I can't do anything about the Vampire."

"Well what other choice do we have?" Archer asks.

"I could kill her." Kirei responds. "As corrupt and ravaged as she is it would be a mercy. Quick, clean and painless."

"That's cold." Archer responds, surprising me slightly.

"Perhaps." Kirei responds simply. "But it's also kinder than dragging her on with no hope if we can't save her."

>What say/do?

>>21621635

I suppose now its the time to bring up the meeting with Caster.

The surgery carries on regardless if Caster breaks the contract.

We should get Rin to see Sakura before she goes under.

>>21621635

Confer with Saber about our self-healing wounds, since we didn't have those before the war.

>>21621635
We've got Caster coming over tonight to see about using Rurur Breakah to save Sakura, so we just have to keep her safe until then.

How about we Investigate on his behalf for today, until we hopefully get the Sakura situation sorted later tonight?

>>21621635

"There is a chance. Saber reminded me that Caster is able to 'sever bonds'. She has agreed in principle to meet with me tonight to discuss the matter. Until our negotiations fail, we still have a chance.'

Leave out ANYTHING about Kinkais- I mean Gil. A new servant appearing means something is terribly wrong and that the supervisor would know and say nothing is suspect.

>>21621635
Inform him that we've requested Caster's help with severing the magical connections, and plan to meet with her soon to make the deal.
We also need to talk to Saber about her Sheath, ask her where she saw it last and if we could locate it through magical means

>>21621635
I am not sure that she is beyond our help yet Kirei. Until I am then I think we should do everything we can to help her

Discuss the thing we fought and the imposter saber then mention our self healing shenanigans which while very cool and useful are a rather new thing

>>21621635
That's not happening. I will not damn someone I care about just because it would be expedient to do so. I am to meet with Caster this evening to discuss a possible method of curing her. If I can't convince her to aid me then I'll just hunt down that vampire for you so you don't need to stop watching over Sakura.

>>21621761
We Vampire Hunters now.