EVENT ★ THE USUAL SUSPECTS

[futurologists]

THE BARRIER As promised, Arthur has the means to unlock that first, crucial step to saving the ALASTAIR recruits: unveiling the runes maintaining the barrier. He has sequestered himself in a rented room in the inn down the road from the prison; he’s at a good enough distance to keep his concentration unbroken, but near enough that he can reach the runes in question. The recruits are told to be ready, to wait for his signal before they take action. The signal comes just after the stroke of 5 on the town’s clocks, at what would be dawn in a world of less darkness. There’s a shimmer in the air around the brick building of the jail, like the surface of a bubble. Then suddenly the runes are there: glowing bright green, flaming into existence at various points along and within the barrier. There are at least 30 of them along the outside. They’re etched on walls, scribed into doors, carved into the very ground. These have to be destroyed first to make any progress, in any way the recruits are able to. Once these all have been broken, erased, or scattered (and some of them are cleverly hidden or out of reach -- have you checked the topmost brick in the clock tower of the jailhouse?), the first defense of the barrier has fallen. Then the jailhouse itself can be rushed, but magic is still hampered until every rune is destroyed. From there the runes can be found every few feet in the walls, ceilings, and floors of the jail, and only once each one is broken will the spell be completely lifted, magic and abilities restored to the area, and the inmates considerably easier to break out. The recruits aren’t the only ones that can see those runes, though. The jailers are quick to react, and some spring to the defense of the runes while others rush to sound the alarm, calling even more armed guards to the area. Even city guards start to show up in response to the alarm -- there’s definitely a time limit on this venture. Dispose of the runes, rescue your friends, and be out of the area quickly, or you might just be overrun with armed, angry opposition. THE ESCAPE By the time those in the cells are finally brought out, it’s pandemonium. The guards, jailers and city guards alike, might not have been able to stop ALASTAIR’s recruits from destroying the runes and bringing down the barrier, but they’re determined at least to stop dangerous criminals from escaping into the city. And these criminals were due to be hung, so they’re not looking to take anyone down peacefully. They’ll be going for the killing blows. The best chance will be to rely on numbers and scatter. In ones and twos and threes, people should be taking to shadowy alleys, slipping around corners, even dropping down into the sewers, if they have to. Anything to thin out and disappear. The most capable and destructive fighters are asked to stay as long as they can, giving the bulk of the rest of the escapees time to disappear into that unending night. THE COOLDOWN Those that helped free their friends probably won’t run into too many problems in the following days, unless you run into a guard with a few injuries and a long memory. The ex-prisoners, though, are another story. They were in there long enough that the men and women who guarded them know most of their faces quite well, and since they’re out of prisoners to guard, what else do they have to do but take to the streets and search? Ex-prisoners should play it carefully, then, if they don’t want to end up right back where they started. Guards are more than happy to cause an immediate fracas should they spot anyone that belongs in jail. That’s not to say you shouldn’t go out at all! Just, you know, take a disguise with you. As if anticipating the rising demand for them, all local merchant shops seem to be stocking up on scarves, shawls, and bulky clothing. Isn’t that nice? Most of them don’t really care what anyone did to end up in jail, they just want to share in on those ALASTAIR-paid wages. If spotted, townsfolk have varied opinions of the escapees. Some are mistrustful and bitter, and will immediately alert guards upon realizing who they’re dealing with. Some of them really don’t care. They’re tired of the darkness, tired of the conflicts, they just want to get on with life. One old man in particular seems to inexplicably love all ALASTAIR recruits, the ex-prisoners in particular, and will insist on buying a drink and playing a game of chess with any of them he runs into. The goblins, of course, have pretty good opinions of anyone on the wrong side of the king, and will be your best bet for finding lodging and food. Some of them might even think of you as a hero, or at least a roguishly charming vigilante. Spend your post-breakout time well, and try not to make any more enemies.

Comments

[defenceless]

[oh, saber... it's moments like these why rin is attracted to you. beautiful smiles, flattery without overindulgence, honor, dedication—she would be a catch of a servant for any lucky master, and especially some nobody in alastair. she blushes openly.]

Well, you won't have to worry about whether you have reasoning or not as long as I'm around—!

[rin chirps up, quick and immediate. it's a confident response to saber's fluffing of her ego.]

But, backing up, you're aware of Archer's identity. Saber, what do you think of it?

[it doesn't take a genius to figure out archer and her former master, shirou, are very different people.]

[invisiblade]

[any trace of pleasantry in her expression vanishes when Rin proposes that question. What does she think of Archer's true identity? it is difficult to see it as anything other than a complete tragedy. to think of all that Shirou Emiya must have endured in life to transform him from that wide eyed and hopeful youth, into a hardened shell of what was once a loving and caring person... she doesn't want to think about it at all.]

I am not certain I have the right to assert any opinion of it, to tell you the truth.

[they are not so different, she and Archer... so she finds it difficult to place judgment on all he has done or what has become of the master she grew so greatly fond of in such a short amount of time.]

However... I will say that it saddens me quite a bit. It is not the life I would have wished for him, but then, such is not my place.

[defenceless]

[that's a load of crap. rin isn't satisfied with that answer (even if she can hardly fault her for it) and it's obvious on her face. one could venture a guess archer's path is not only what rin would have never wished for him, but one she sees it as her duty to critique, or at least ensure the man earns some measure of comfort along with all his suffering. she straightens up in her chair, staring down at saber with lips pressed together before she begins speaking again.]

It's always our place. He [is she referring to shirou or archer? perhaps both.] can't make good decisions on his own, not all the time. Now he's proven it to the point it's indisputable fact. Saber, express your opinions to Archer freely, here. He needs that guidance.

[she offers, then, tentatively:]

... It would lift his heart to know his old Servant is watching out for him, in addition to his old "Tohsaka".

[invisiblade]

[her gaze falls downward and she dips her head slightly as a guilt-ridden look etches across her face, a frown worrying at her lips.]

I fear my guidance may have already done irreparable damage...

[the boy Emiya Shirou had all but followed in her footsteps on his path to becoming a Hero of Justice, and Archer is the result of that. she can't help but wonder, if by chance the other 'her' had not contracted with that Emiya... would he still have walked that same path? without a forever distant star to chase, would he have found some other way to accomplish his goals in life? would he have lived a more fufilling life that way? one that wasn't full of mind numbing pain and endless regret....]

Nevertheless, I pledged that I would be his sword, that promise has not changed. I have every intention of keeping an eye on you both.

[yes. both of them. because Rin was her Master too, once.]

However, I feel that you are a much better influence than I. You keep him grounded. He needs an anchor to keep him steady.

[his ocean of despair runs too deep, he'll be swept out amidst the tide otherwise.]

[defenceless]

[if saber had not contracted with emiya shirou, he would be dead.

she blinks in interest at her words, and settles once she's apparently decided on some sort of arrangement that's pleasant to her.]

Right. I'll be his anchor, and you'll be his sword. He needs both of us, that's what I'm intending to say. It's a pain in the ass, but sadly, we'll have to keep looking after him.

[that "sadly" isn't sincerely meant—naturally, rin adopts any task of caring for shirou or archer with as much selflessness as saber would, and it's in her heart.

deciding that finishes up that, she muses on another question and voices it; actually quite intrigued, though it would be only natural. and they're on the topic of the names and realities of these heroic spirits.]

Saber. [rin tips her head.] I'm the strongest mage here. Tell me. What's your true name? What is your identity?

[invisiblade]

[ah... is that really fair? when asked directly she feels honor bound to comply. though honestly telling Rin the truth isn't necessarily a bad thing, after all she's already been told once before- even if she doesn't know it.]

You needn't be the strongest, Rin, my trust is already yours to keep regardless.

[Saber glances around them, to ensure there is no one else within earshot or otherwise paying attention to the two of them. when her gaze levels with Rin's once more she seems somewhat older- wiser. it is the gaze of one who once surveyed an empire.]

I am Arturia Pendragon, King of Britain.