dear_mun | arcanarum in which the mun's writing ahead for the present event

[Dia blinks once, twice and then a third time. Until recently, he's been happy to hang out in his little corner of reality trying to keep things as under control as he can, but this face, this voice, pull at events he's buried deep in his memory.]

Waver Velvet, wasn't it? Rider's master?

You've...grown.

[Dia pauses and laughs a little nervously. After taking a moment to pull himself together, he folds his arm over his chest and bows slightly.]

It's been a long time and I hate for the first thing I do is to disagree with you, but I feel I must. Details are very important. Change one little event and a whole cascade of things will come from it. This may not be readily apparent at the time, but believe me, at a future date it will become something that cannot be ignored. Your mun may not be so far off as you believe her to be.

[oh hell there's an unexpected face and the bow throws him off for a second]

I'm thirty nine - I would hope I've grown.

As for that - mm, well, think about it logically. My actions do not impact every aspect of the Fourth Grail Clusterfuck. I had no part in the Grail filth that destroyed the city and so that does not change. You might call it a fixed point in time. It is the aftermath of the fourth and fifth where I have an impact. Those are the parts that matter more and I stake my reputation on.

[Dia blinks again. He's starting to get the feeling that he's going to be doing that a lot during this conversation.]

Thirty-nine? Well, it has been a long time, then, hasn't it? It's good to see you survived the war and seem to be doing so well, mun problems aside. Of course, I've been through two more wars on my side, so I guess it's been a long time on both of our ends.

The funny thing about fixed points is they aren't always as fixed as you think. Just from what little you have said, I can tell you that you and I are from different universes. In my world, the grail wars didn't stop after the 5th. And while we are still trying to figure out the whys of it all, what we do know is that something happened during the 5th war that eventually caused the Throne of Heroes to shatter and release all of us upon it into the world.

[Dia runs his hand though his hair, frowning slightly.]

It's actually rumored within the Mage's Association that the actions my version of you and Tohsaka Rin took after the war made the situation worse. So, actions and reactions are not so fixed as you may think they are. While all of these things took place after the 4th war, even just a small change in the 4th war might have made none of it come about. After all, it is just a small change between our 5th wars that has caused such a large difference between our worlds.

[This is quite a bit to process, give him a minute to get over the fact that the thing he did that sort of cemented him as someone to take seriously in destroying the grail is not a fixed point.]

There is something disturbing in knowing that the Grail's destruction in the way I've gone about seeing to it is not fixed, forgive my silence. It interrupts even deeper laid plans, and I can't say I'm thrilled in knowing that my longest game is forced to undergo revision.

Two more though and a destroyed throne of heroes? Mm, that's a concern, although I find myself wondering not only how that came to be but how the natural forces deal with such an interruption. The dead, after all, should remain as such. [He'll ask after what he and Rin did to worsen the matter later. Basics first.]

[Dia nods.] I understand completely. Please don't worry yourself. The other people I've talked to thanks to this site who know how our world works have had similar strong reactions. The Throne of Heroes breaking is something that should never have happened. It is why the Mage's Association is working so hard to try and find out exactly why it happened and how to fix it.

[If Waver has recovered enough from his shock to notice, there is quite a bit of bitterness and anger in that last sentence.]

Unfortunately though, despite all experiments The Association has done, they are really no closer to finding out why this happened. I have no solid answers I can give you from the servant's side either. After the Great War that followed the shattering, most of the servants still living have scattered. They have contracts of a sort with The Association, but they were rewarded with a chance to live normally when they helped end the war. Most have jumped on that chance.

[Unconsciously, Dia's left hand moves to his shoulder and begins to rub it nervously. It makes it pretty obvious that the arm that should be there isn't.]

I don't know if I would call either of the last two wars I was in proper wars like the 4th and 5th. In the first something else seemed to be controlling the path of those fighting. It even offered several masters their wishes in exchange for sacrificing their servants to it. That is most certainly not how the war is suppose to work.

The second war was the war that occurred after the Throne shattered. I'm sure you can only imagine the chaos that happened after that. So many powerful heroes free without masters to control them was not a good thing. That was why the Association gathered those who wanted peace to stop those who would have rather fought and destroyed.

[The laugh that comes after all of this is incredibly derisive, and Waver isn't going to hide it] The Association forcing mages to work togeth- oh my God you're serious aren't you? They'd have better luck herding cats and getting them to do circus tricks consistently. I don't mean to laugh at the situation itself - that is actually all quite horrid - but I take a very dim view of the governance of the Association and their ability to fix the matter.

Mm, from what you're describing to me then it seems like a fundamental part of the Throne's structure shattered and something might have been wedged in to destroy the thing properly. Not a path I would pursue for stopping the Grail system for well - you're evidence of why that's a piss poor idea - but I can see how it might come about. Frankly though, they how this happened is the least important aspect. If the Throne is gone, it is gone, and to reconstruct it enables these grail wars to continue. That should not be and the Einzbern should consider the experiment a failure and move on.

As far as your comment concerning masters sacrificing servants for their wishes - you're partially incorrect. My understanding, and this is thanks to Rin rather than knowledge I had going into the whole matter, is that seven servants being dead lends greater power than just six. The problem you're describing is a Grail that can grant multiple wishes. To me that speaks of either a prana overload or further corruption within the Grail itself - plausibly both. I have no evidence, so I can only conjecture on your words.

[Dia's eyes narrow at the laugh, but he can't argue with the sentiment. He doesn't think much of the Association himself after all.]

When it comes to this goal, they seem to be working together far too well for my liking. Apparently a good deal of them enjoy using servants as live test subjects and as long as they have no problems tricking innocent servants into breaking their contracts so that they can take them in, I suspect they will continue working together quite well for a long time.

[His hand squeezes tightly against his shoulder and his face darkens at Waver's next words.]

I will not claim to know the details of how magic works. I may have grown up around it, but it was never something I had much affinity for. However, as one of those servants who was sacrificed, I can say you are completely wrong about how it worked. I don't think it was actually the Grail granting those wishes. It was something else. Something dark and corrupted. [Dia can't hold back the shiver that runs though his body as the memories of the time he spent under that evil's control come back to the front of his mind.] It used those it took to fight the other servants who were present. I don't know if anyone really got a true wish. Thankfully, Saber was able to release me from my slavery before the end.

[Dia pauses as something Waver said in all of that finally hits him. After a moment, his eyes open wide.]

Wait....the Grail was corrupted, wasn't it? Could that corruption have gained life of its own? A will of its own?

Well, some things never change then. To paraphrase a rather good quote a student found for me some time ago, every mage acts only for himself, seizing each opportunity he can. Fiction, mind you, but that doesn't make the statement any less true. You've clearly and unfortunately learned that first hand. It likely helps that you're not technically human either - just a humanoid spirit. Makes experimentation easier, as callous as that sounds. How many have they worked with thus far, or is that unknown at present?

[but it is always back to the corruption in that damn cup, isn't it? His mind runs back to what he's learned of the shiny made of bad ideas over the years, prods at every little pocket of information on the system before continuing] That actually confirms a lot of our suspicions, actually. Rin had found a number of documents within her family's own home to suggest that some manner of corruption occurred in the third war, but we were never capable of deciphering what it was. It is why we chose to destroy the leylines within Fuyuki rather than approach the Grail head on. Too much risk.

I ramble. To answer you question, yes it is plausible that corruption might have gained sentience. God knows that I've done enough work with artificial intelligence in regards to the volumen hydragyrum to say that to discount that thought is idiotic.

[Dia's face saddens as he counts up the number in his head.]

I would have to say somewhere around two hundred that I know about. I'm sure there are many I don't know about as well so the actual number might be much higher. They seem to like targeting anyone who was a Berserker or could have been one. They are easier to upset and cause to break their contracts. But, they will pick up anyone who even hints at causing problems. It makes them look like the good guys.

[He pauses a moment to consider Waver's words about the corruption but finds himself distracted by what he mentions at the end.]

Y-you have his Mystic Code? I had thought it destroyed when he was so badly injured. You have his title as well. How did this happen?

That's still no small amount. I'm not surprised by that particular angle on it either, of course they're trying to look like the calm, controlling force. Given the circumstances I don't even think it requires trying that hard. I should like to ask after who you know that became targets, but I understand that answer may not be one you'd like to give. You don't need to if the matter is difficult to speak of.

[Oh, well, if we must explain circumstances] They sit inactive, apparently. I simply made the right connections and argued a valid claim for it. The title was a bit of a surprise but - [there's no nice way to tell Diarmuid that he used Kayneth's death to his own advantage.] I needed what that title means to further my own goals. As I said before, I play a long game. The title is a stepping stone towards greater things, like the Grail's destruction, and other matters as well.

[Dia nods. If he doesn't seem particularly bothered by talking about his former master in such a way, it's because he's not. So much has happened to him since then that the emotions that are still there are very faint and easy to push away.]

Then you are probably putting them both to better use than he ever did. It might not mean a lot to you, but I am glad to see them in the care of someone who will use them to help others as opposed to just inflating his ego.

[He pauses for a moment torn between telling Waver about he and Set's problem and keeping it a secret. In the end, the decision is an easy one. Talking to Waver has already given him a clue to what might have caused the Shatter and their current world state. If there is a chance he might have some insight into how to deal with The Beast, then he would be remiss if he didn't ask.]

There is one person I care a good deal about. In terms of servant classes, he qualifies for Lancer, Caster, and Berserker. As a part of the Shatter, most servants have gravitated toward the classes that they most strongly identify with or were summoned into if they were summoned. Those who strongly identify with more than one class or were called as more than one class have found their class lines blending leaving them with traits from all their classes. Set was called as Lancer in his war, but also strongly identifies as a Berserker. As a result, he's gained what is almost a split personality we call The Beast. The Beast is his Berserker self personified, but he can think. Something most Berserkers can't do. It makes him even more dangerous since he can take over without any warning at any time. The Beast is also smart enough that he is using his mental instability to cripple the runic skills Set should be able to use.

I have something of an agreement with The Association right now. As long as he doesn't hurt anyone else but me, he is allowed to live free like everyone else. The moment I fail to keep him in line, they will take him. Only we are fairly sure they won't be using him for experimentation. They have other plans for such a weapon of destruction.

[You know, he can't say he was expecting that ease or the compliment, but he's grateful for both]

That's exceedingly kind, thank you. Those words mean as much as the feathers I ruffle within the Association.

[the problem described isn't anything that there are set studies for or spells created to address, which is just fine. Figures the Association has managed to win no matter the circumstances though]

Set as in the Egyptian God, or do I confuse identities?

What concerns me here is the Association's ultimate goal in amassing such power. The sort of behaviour you describe here is typically what they send out Enforcers to control. To me, that says that they have an end game in mind with themselves triumphant. I don't think they would have caused this shatter, but they are using it to their advantage.

I do wonder if there would be a way to split those two personalities. I know that Edlefelt magecraft is capable of doing such work--

[Dia chuckles.] I'm sorry. I forget you aren't used to the new names we have taken. Mine is not so different, but he is using a shortened version of his birth name. I believe you would be more familiar with him as Cu Chulainn, the Lancer from the 5th war.

I am certain that they have some plan in mind, yes. Ideally, they want the Holy Grail and the Throne of Heroes back and under their control. If they can't have that, I suspect they would be just as happy building an army of servants who can't do anything but obey them.

[His face saddens and for a moment, he can't meet Waver's eyes.]

And unfortunately, they know exactly how to control Set. They just need the opportunity.

[When Waver mentions there is magic that can split personalities, he looks back at the other man, hope in his eyes.]

Is there truly magic that can do such a thing? Recently we met someone who was able to lay a geis on The Beast to try and control his behavior, but how well it will work we don't know.

[Dia's expression becomes contemplative for a moment before he continues.]

Sometimes I wonder if The Beast is so angry and destructive because he knows he is a part of someone else and can never really have what he wants. There is someone he loves very much.

[there's this one moment in Waver's brain that he's trying to reconcile the Egyptian god in Celtic clothing and tilts his own head at the strangeness of that particular mental image.] Okay, yes, that would definitely not be who I expected with that name.

See that's interesting to me for other reasons - the Association let the Grail go on because it kept major Eastern families out of Association politics and squabbling among themselves. There must be some ideological shift involved here that would explain the change.

And last I checked, yes. You'll want to get in touch with the family I mentioned and explain your situation to the present family head. If she'll be inclined to help, I can't say, but any attempt at resolution is a worthwhile effort.

Mm, and that would be--? Placating it might be another option to pursue.

[Dia shakes his head.] I'm afraid that I can't say much about their politics and such, but I'm going to guess that something as earth shaking as the Throne of Heroes shattering probably got a lot of attention. I'm going to also guess that we might be farther in the future than you by quite a bit and perhaps that has changed their views as well. I have done a little looking in the time I've had since the war and I don't know that anyone who was alive in the 4th war is still alive now even if their actions are still shaping the world.

[Waver's question has Dia blushing bright red and unable to meet his eyes again.]

That person would be me. Both he and Set love me, but I'm guessing The Beast would like a chance to be close to me on his own instead of just through Set. As it is, he usually just gets to hold me on occasion when he is sane. A lot of the time when he and I are together, I'm fighting to wear him out so that he doesn't go out and hurt someone innocent.

[WOAH WOAH WOAH did you just imply that he might be dead there, Diarmuid? Because that's what Waver just heard.] What year is it for you then? I'm in 2016 with the grail's destruction and a near sealing designation on myself and Rin having been settled a few weeks ago.

[Waver would love to make some sort of Beauty and the Beast joke here to lighten the entire conversation but nothing comes]

Okay, going to the Edlefelts is probably better in the long rung then, what you are describing to me sounds exhausting both physically and mentally.

[Dia can't help but break out laughing at Waver's reaction.]

Oh, I'm sorry. That was rude of me, but yes we are quite a few years in the future from you then. Would thinking that you might have some great-grandchildren hanging around help any?

[The laughter fades from Dia's face and he suddenly does look very tired.]

I would do anything for them if it meant keeping them away from the Association, but I am starting to get tired. I will never admit it to them though. They are no burden to me. It is just my weakness that slows me down. I should be able to handle this and more, but... [He's hand finds his shoulder again and rubs it.] I'm not whole anymore. I've learned to fight again, but I don't think I'll ever be a good as I was. That means I get hurt and hurt badly enough sometimes that even Set's healing runes cannot keep me from being bedridden for days afterward.

I will remember that name and see if I can find any information on what they might be doing now. I thank you for the tip.

I wasn't certain how immediate your timeline was to mine, I feel slightly better now. And frankly I hope I don't have descendants. If there's any institution I reject it is the hereditary nature of magic circuits.

That you've recognized the problems is commendable, but I do advise that you share the problem. It can only be resolved if you make the issue known and it sounds like you should.

Much of magic comes down to knowing the right people, as loathe as I am to admit.

A protege then? Like Miss Tousaka? Would that be closer to your wants?

If magic is about who you know, then it's not so much different from most other things in this world. That is part of the reason I have started branching out and trying to contact others be they in our world or outside of it. I recently started a journal that I hope to use to contact other servants in my world. [Dia pauses and runs a hand through is hair.] Unfortunately, it's not going as well as I would like it to be. Something is causing it to act...oddly. It records and posts things without our consent or knowledge in most cases. I really have no idea how it can record things that take place in rooms on different floors than the computer is.

And we don't like that it seems to like recording and posting things regarding The Beast in specific.

Essentially, although she has her own priorities that I would never dare interfere with. She's a friend before anything else.

I've long prized talent over connections, but that is not how mage games are played. Rejecting that fact for as long as I did in my youth was - mm, foolish we'll say.

Your equipment problem is sadly nothing I can help with, I don't think. I would say take it apart and then re-assemble it, but that may only make the matter worse.

What gets saved, specifically?

Anything that it seems to want to save at the time. It's almost like there is a video recorder there in the room with us that we don't know about. The first time was a discussion I had with The Beast after a call from the Association upset Set enough that he lost control. The second time was also a run in with The Beast, but it was more personal because it showed his greatest fear. The last time was different from the first two because it was me and Set in our bedroom instead of being downstairs in the basement which is The Beast's Lair.

I'm still not sure why it recorded that one. All we were doing was a dexterity exercise for my hand. Of course, that video did end up getting us connected to one person in our world so I shouldn't complain.

We thought maybe it was the Association at first, actually, but I don't know if this is something that just magic could do. It seems too all-seeing.

[A curious look crosses Dia's face.]

You say that you approached the Association the wrong way in your youth. How do you deal with them now then? Do you think it might be something that would help us deal with them?

Well, mages and technology. Never a great combination to begin with.

There's no discernible pattern in these recording-- no. I'm wrong, there is. This is all key information concerning how the Beast acts and what comes to impact the Beast, correct? You seem to have a few outliers, but that's normal.

[some parts of this are still things Waver's not comfortable with discussing, so it takes him a moment to pin his words before answering]

I wished to prove I was clever to everyone because I assumed everyone's opinion mattered. This was not so. So I decided whose opinion did and what I wanted, which was change in certain attitudes. But you cannot reform a system without being a part of it yourself. To cause change, I needed authority and deeds to my name. For authority, I became both a lord and professor. For deeds to my name, I chose kindness and befriended students and destroyed the grail. My final end game can be enacted when I see fit, now that I have acquired what I need.

To win against the Association, you must fly under their radar, acting as they expect and seemingly doing nothing unusual. Then, when they are secure, then you raise a hand and do what you must do.

Edited 2012-12-08 05:07 (UTC)

Flying under the radar is exactly what we are trying to do though it is a little hard when we have agents watching us all of the time. I suppose as long as we keep things looking the same as usual even.... [Dia drops off suddenly. Some plans were best not talked about where others could hear even with the best of intentions.]

In any event, yes The Beast so far seems to be the common factor except for the few odd things. Actually, so far only three videos have been posted, but considering their personal nature, three is too many. I just wish there was a way we could control what it posts.

But that is our problem and not yours especially if mages of your time are as unfamiliar with technology as you claim. They have started using it more by our time. It's kind of necessary. They would be putting themselves at a severe disadvantage if they continued to ignore it.

[Dia can't help but smile at Waver's description of how his methods have changed.]

I think Rider would be happy to see how you have grown. It is a shame he's not here to see it.

There's always the matter of deleting the information. Certainly that some record will remain, but if the Association isn't saving those videos then the details will escape them. It isn't much of an advantage, but it is preferable to nothing at all.

I've been arguing that they've been at a disadvantage in their refusal to use technology for years. A part of me is actually pleased that they listened.

[he grins at that and gives a confident little shrug] He'll know eventually.

Unfortunately, we've tried deleting them. Whatever force is doing the recording is also preventing us from altering the posts in any way. That includes deleting them or even marking them as private instead of public. It's very frustrating.

[Dia can't help but grin.]

Who knows, perhaps it was a seed planted by the you of my world that led to this? Just because one of your plans for the grail didn't work out quite as you wished them to, doesn't mean all of them failed. You don't seem like the kind of guy to give up when something goes wrong.

Would it please you to know that as far as I'm aware, Rider is alive and well somewhere in my world? He helped us stop the Great War and was granted the chance to live freely as reward--just like the others who fought to stop it. As far as I know, he has not run a foul of the Association since then. For all I know, he is planning some kind of world conquest even as we speak. He is one I would dearly like to get in contact with again. He seemed a trustworthy man. Perhaps a little...strange, but trustworthy.

arcanarum in which the mun's writing ahead for the present event

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Late tag is late. Sorry about that! Suddenly, niece and nephew! X.x

No problem dude, don't worry about it.

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