[Locked to people who responded to the previous post (including Birkin)]

[unknownrival]

Can we aim for a level between 'roughed up' and 'dead', not inclusive? I have a worldhop arranged already.

I assume Diarmuid will absolutely refuse to have me come along, so I won't bother making the argument.

Comments

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[unknownrival]

I don't need to watch. I just want him to think twice about threatening my loved ones again. ...However, it would be good for me to be there in case I need to help with a Command Spell.

[action OOPS HEY RIGHT HERE DUDE]

[croibhristeoir]

Excuse me?

[action]

[unknownrival]

The purpose of a Command Spell should be to help the Servant achieve feats that they cannot otherwise achieve. I can't do that unless I can see what I need to assist with, can I?

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

Master, I grow increasingly weary of such needless worry. I begin to wonder if you think I can even hold my own in a single fight.

[action]

[unknownrival]

Do you know anything about the enemy's capabilities?

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

Do you know anything about mine? Do you have any confidence in me whatsoever, or will you plan for the worst before the fight even begins?

[action]

[unknownrival]

I always plan for the worst. If I don't and there was something more I could have done to help you, how will I ever forgive myself?

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

How can you possibly expect so little of me? If my Master asks me to win, then I will make sure it is impossible for me to lose. Ask me to survive and I will allow neither blade nor magic to so much as touch me. Tell me to return and I will destroy all that stands as an obstacle.

Do not assume that I can fail, least of all before the fight has even begun.

[action]

[unknownrival]

If determination and loyalty was all that was needed to gain a victory, then you would be king among heroes. I shall never doubt that you will do your utmost to return to my side, my love. That has never been in question...

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

And yet you still doubt that I will emerge victorious.

[action]

[unknownrival]

I'm sorry. If you refuse to accept help then I can't send you.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

Do not think me incapable of doing this alone.

[action]

[unknownrival]

Why do you so desperately need to do it alone?

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

That is not what this is about so much as it is your utter lack of faith.

I would allow others to accompany me if they so chose. But the fact that you seem to find it a necessity stings more than I can put into words. Truly, have you so little trust in my strength? Do you think me incompetent or that I've lost my edge, as the saying goes?

Do you have any idea the magnitude of that which I've faced before and come away unharmed? Or do you simply not realize the severity of the injury to my pride you inflict with every passing moment you assume the worst will transpire?

[action]

[unknownrival]

No, I... I don't know. I'm sorry. I'm just terrified of you being hurt because of me. I can't order you properly as your Master like this.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

...All I ask is that you trust me. That is all I could ever ask, for you to believe in me and in my abilities.

I have never truly lost a fight. I have no intention of starting now.

[action]

[unknownrival]

I trust you. Please, forgive me for what I've said.

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[starofchaos]

From the title, I can guess what it does - but I doubt it. If Diarmuid is as good a fighter as his story implies, he will need no instruction to hold his own. But does he not rely on you to remain here?

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[unknownrival]

I hate sitting and doing nothing...

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[starofchaos]

Then don't.

This is your battle, Issei. If you are not needed as a commander of it, then remain at a distance and be prepared to negotiate peace should it turn bad. Hope - or pray, if that is your desire - for victory. And above all else, have faith. A leader cannot falter.

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[unknownrival]

I'll do what I can.

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[starofchaos]

If you do not wish to be there in person, then find a way to distract yourself. Go explore my library if you wish.

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[unknownrival]

[Even that doesn't get much excitement.]

All right. I'm sure that could easily take me days.

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[starofchaos]

...I will not allow them to die. Whether I end up fighting or not, I will be sure of that.

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[unknownrival]

Thank you.