#A PEACEFUL WORLD FOR THE CHILDREN (FGO)

[morsking]

i just finished romulus=quirinus’s interlude and... i have to say how refreshing it was for the story not only abstain from judging boudica for hating rome like it has before, but actively take her side and validate her feelings. she’s done something immensely difficult in making peace with the rest of the roman servants. she’s made peace with caesar, romulus, caligula, and even nero, the ruler directly responsible for the indignities committed against her people. but she cannot make peace with quirinus, because he is rome’s greatest divine authority and everything rome does is done in his name. he is rome, thus what rome does is his will and is blessed by him, whether he desires it or not. but he is not just a god of rome, but a god of civilization. that entails allowing civilization, people, to flourish on their own terms, both virtuous and objectionable. the gods all learned humanity’s destiny is to carve its own path, with or without them.

and what bleeds and perishes when that path is carved is what fgo is all about. the interlude makes it excruciatingly clear what it is the romans did to the iceni. boudica piercingly asks quirinus whether the romans were justified in doing what they did because they had his blessing, and quirinus cannot answer otherwise. he cannot defend them, but he is not at liberty to condemn them either. whether he could stop them or not is irrelevant, the fact is the sins of rome are for him to bear because he cannot deny the choices of rome as its god. the only thing he can do is plead for forgiveness for an injustice committed knowing he will not receive it, and respect her right to vengeance.

that’s why when quirinus says he will accept boudica’s spite he does not refer to himself as “rome”, he says “we”. he, quirinus, the individual, will bear the responsibility for rome’s sins and he personally will answer for its crimes. there is no attempt from the narrative to deny or shift blame here, or pretend boudica is irrational for holding a grudge. quirinus’s acceptance of the fact he is hated, not just by her but by everyone rome has ever wronged, is his way of saying that if the romans made their choices the rest of the world has the right to make their own as well, even the choice to seek revenge against his children.

there is an overarching theme reaching all the way back to the original fate/stay night vn of “holding on to a conviction, even to the bitter end”. whether a conviction is wrong or right isn’t what’s important, what’s important is if it was held in earnest, and thus even the trampled and defeated have a right to their conviction. and that’s why i was delighted when the interlude ends with boudica saying to quirinus “today we eat together, but tomorrow i’ll lop your head off”, with quirinus replying “that too... is romantic”. her conviction is the antithesis to rome, but it is no less righteous. it embodies a promise, a hope that crimes not answered for will be one day. a hope that even those whose voices were long extinguished can still speak and be heard, and it is worth listening to what they had to say.

it just so happens they sometimes say “fuck you, die.”

[mako-neexu]

Same person who sent that arknights/FGO idea from a while ago but here's another one 😁 the doctor and Romani talking about their wards but before Romani leaves he asks the doctor to tell Ritsuka "good job but take it easy sometimes okay? You've worked hard enough" if they ever meet before dissapearing from existence again.

ANON IM GOING TO JUMP ON YOU BTW i rushed this so bare with me (dies) i initially wanted a convo between two doctors but then... i lost braincells www so have this instead/???? TvT I present to you my first ever cheesy crossover fic between the two gacha games i play. im so very weak for roman...

—

How should they go about this?

The Doctor taps their fingers against their arm, both crossed in a pondering manner he habitually uses whenever he has to negotiate with a high-ranking individual.

It was familiar by now, though merely because deep inside, it was practically muscle memory for them to be able to convince and deceive anyone.

Doctor hums lightly, moving forward to lean against the railing of the landship alongside the dark-haired boy and the orange-red haired girl.

Their stay was soon going to end, with the unknown organization calling themselves ‘Novum Chaldea’ preparing to return them home after a month of life here as Operators of Rhodes Island.

It was a bit sad… considering they and the many people living in the landship had grown fond of the two Casters who were not from this world.

They had already said their goodbyes, each of them promising to visit once more and fight alongside them.

“Welp, no use getting sad over this!” Gudako laughs, her hair whipping around her face like silk fluttering in the air. “After all, I’m sure we’ll meet again.”

Gudao sighs with a smile and turns to them, “Yeah, sometimes, there’s cases where we randomly end up in different worlds while sleeping. So who knows? We really might get to visit again.”

Doctor smiles, reaching out to nudge the boy’s arm with a fist, “Rhodes Island is happy to welcome you both with open arms then.”

The atmosphere turns a little solemn. Perhaps it was the sunset. Perhaps it was the fact that they all knew that they wouldn’t be seeing each other again after this.

While the boy had a peaceful expression on his face, the girl’s own was conflicted. The two of them had bonded with so many people here that it was understandable that the pain must be near indescribable for them.

“You know,” Doctor says, eyes downcast as he looks at the dry soil of the ground beneath the ship, “In case Kal hadn’t yet offered, you both can stay here as just staff.” The only thing they could hear was the soft blowing of the wind and their voice.

The two ‘Casters’ had told them of their story. Of a world where Grail Wars exist, hundreds of ghosts summoned to fight alongside and against, the world burned except for handful of people including them, forced into committing repeated mass genocide all for the sake of their own survival-

The Doctor knew what that man’s words had meant as soon as they were told about Gudao and Gudako’s stories.

It was near unbelievable, but considering that they have their own brand of ‘magic’ and technology, they and Kaltsit had been the first ones to believe their origins. While Kal had her own reasoning, the Doctor’s own had been different.

“The two of you are young, barely into adulthood even and you both are forced to dye your hands with the blood of your allies and foe alike.”

Who were they to say that when they have former child soldiers of their own, and current children at that, employed as an Operator to allow them treatment to slow down the effects of their Oripathy.

But they still have a chance to do something for these two.

“‘Retreat is a victory itself. Nobody would fault the two of you if you decided to stay here.” Where no grail war, no ‘Servants’, no forces out there would enforce upon them a cruel position.

Gudako smiles. It was a bright yet sad one. “Thanks for the offer, boss. But-”

“-We want to take back our world, no matter the cost.” And Gudao finishes for her.

The Doctor stares at them, takes a good long look before shaking their head good-naturedly.

…No matter the cost, huh?

It’s seriously like that man said. 

Before they could say anything, a blue hologram of a little girl appeared before the two Masters.

“Gudao, Gudako! The rayshift will now start in five minutes! Be ready for my countdown, okay?”

“Yep. Thanks Da Vinci.” The two replied before the connection was cut off.

The two turn to the Doctor, all smiles and solemn goodbyes, “Thanks for taking care of us here, boss.” Gudao says, his arm wrapping around Gudako’s own.

They cross their arms with a half-hearted huff, “I hope the both of you take care of yourselves. The medical examinations we conducted with you guys for the past weeks had all of the medical team worried.”

After all, the results they gathered and concluded had been vague at best. But they made sure that the two were in perfect shape even if it's just the outward appearance.

But-

“We’ll do our best! No promises, though.”

Doctor’s eyes flit from their pocket to the two of them.

A beat. One, two…

Their gaze softened, and so did their tone, “And I don’t mean that from Rhodes Island and myself alone…”

Then, he pulls out a pair of white gloves they knew to have been recognized by the two judging from the gasps and astonishment in their gazes.

Doctor hands it to them, unable to meet their stares, “That man… He said he was proud of the both of you, how you made it this far with everyone despite the odds. But he also wanted for you both to take it easy. Rest if it gets heavy, move forward even if you no longer have a path.”

The hands that took the pair of gloves were shaky at best. And the Doctor could see from the corner of their eyes that Gudao and Gudako’s eyes were shiny.

…That man must have been what he is to Amiya. 

The only difference was that their doctor no longer exists.

Reaching out, they patted both the teenagers’ heads in a similar way he had done so with Red and Ifrit.

“Good job.”

—was that man’s message to them from a dream they had before Gudao and Gudako came to Terra.

As a physician themselves, death was a familiar and intimate concept. Loss and grief follows second.

To think that the man laid his life down to pave the way for these two…

The two clutched at the gloves, no doubt that it was drenched by now.

But Gudako suddenly shot up and cried, “H-How did you see him!? H-He’s no longer here- that would be impossible! U-Unless-”

Doctor shook their head, “I met him in a dream. When I woke up, the gloves were sitting on my desk.”

Da Vinci appeared once more, the hologram now occasionally interrupted by static, “Alright! Thirty seconds left. I’m sorry commander, but we need them to be still now.”

They nod as their hands slip away from the two Masters’ heads. “He’s a kind man.” They smile at the memory of fluffy peach hair bouncing from embarrassment, gloved hands shooting up to rub his nape in a sheepish manner, “Your doctor, that is.”

The proud blush on the two was endearing. “W-Well, he’s the reason why we’re able to push forward.” Gudao imitated the same manner as that man’s habit.

They rest a hand on their hip, amusement filling their smirk, “I suppose that’s why you prefer to call me boss rather than my primary title.”

“Sorry! It’s just that that title holds a special place in our hearts.” The red-haired girl laughed.

“It’s fine,” They respond with equal emotion, fifteen seconds left.  “But I wish the both of you luck.”

From them, from Rhodes Island, from Closure, Amiya, and Kaltsit—

As a blue light came from above and engulfed Gudao and Gudako, the Doctor waved them goodbye

“And his wish was to see the both of you happy.”

#please kill me if doctor is ooc #arknights #fgo #fate grand order #dont kill me for grammar mistakes #romani archaman #urk implied ig #guda #doctor

[onifunashug7]

FGO Knight of Round Table if they have vision and views of Teyvat law towards them:

1. Artoria/Arthur:

Anemo or Electro. DEAD FRIEND, Even though being king weighed heavily on him/her, he/she still fought for his/her freedom. His/her strong will to create a utopia where the world is peaceful and prosperous could threaten the principle of heaven.

2. Gawain:

Pyro or Geo. His attitude is always cheerful, has a great passion in his field. After all he got the blessing of the sun. Moreover, he really sticks to his principles in serving his king. He would not change that principle until he died and he was loyal to the king. (Stubborn)

3. Galahad:

Dendro or Hydro. As someone who managed to reach the grail, it was certain that he gained knowledge beyond what humans could think of. His attitude is clean and remains holy. It seems his father, he will be fair. But his justice is beyond humanity.

4. Tristan:

Cyro. Having quite a tragic and sad past, has a cold appearance on the outside but full of love on the inside, elegant and beautiful, he looks always sad.

5. Percival:

Geo or Pyro. Tough, a little stubborn, stick to his principles. Also, he is a very cheerful and childlike person, very dedicated to children and giving them affection.

6. Gareth:

Pyro or Anemo. Cheerful, full of enthusiasm, has a great passion to become a strong knight. His attitude is always looking for his own way and seek freedom in his own life.

7. Agravain:

Electro. Does this have to be explained 🗿? He is a strict person. Dedicated to the mind and its king. He would be blind to everything for the sake of his king. Camelot's most influential aide in critical decision making.

8. Mordred:

Electro. Bro... She has same VA as Raiden Shogun 💀. Moreover, with an attitude like that it is still suitable to be paired with electro.

9. Kay:

Maybe Anemo or Cyro. A whiny person and always do as he pleases. It's not easy to set up and it doesn't want to be set up. He has his own outlook on life. But sometimes he felt contradictory to Artoria.

10. Gaheris:

Anemo or Cyro. He was very quiet, but he really knew what he had to do. He wants to be free and do whatever decision he chooses.

11. Palamedes:

Dendro or Anemo. He has the nickname knight of inquiry. He must have gained a lot of knowledge. He is free and can go wherever he wants. Always try to be a wise and good person. DEAD FRIEND

12. Bedivere:

Anemo or Dendro. DEAD FRIEND, always try to make wise decisions in solving problems, Be flexible and have integrity. Have a sense of freedom to achieve dreams.

13. Lancelot:

Celestia: "TF ELIGOS?! WE HAVE CUT YOUR HEAD AND REMOVED YOU FROM IRMINSUL. HOW DID YOU COME BACK HERE?!"

Lancelot: "I just do what must I do... No, I'm joking. You all must have mistaken me for the first true Hydro Archon."

Celestia: "You are lying! You are one of the Primordial One's creations."

Lancelot: "Seriously? I'm just knight here..."

Celestia: "Eligos (First hydro archon) is knight you damn..."

Lancelot: "... Damn you Da Wei! NO, I'M NOT!"

Celestia: "Then guess who replaced you as the first Hydro Archon in Irminsul's memory?

Lancelot: "Of course idk... Botis or Vine?"

Celestia: "YOU ANSWERED IT RIGHT!"

Lancelot: "WHAT?! SERIOUSLY? WAIT PLEASE... I'M NOT HYDRO ARCHON AS YOU KNOW."

Nasu: "How? Herrcsher or Archon, he can be anything."

Da Wei: "Yeah... Such a good and unique character."

What else could I think of for Lancelot in the world of Teyvat other than being an Archon candidate.

Fontaine comes from a French/English fusion which is where the legend of Lancelot originates. He is known as the adopted son of a lake nymph, Vivian. Of course that makes Lancelot like he has a water trait (hydro). Apart from that, Lancelot is known as a justice martyr as well as a formidable knight who will be true to his principles. Moreover, Hydro Archon's gnosis is predicted to become a horse (knight) from the slime theory. And Hydro Archon holds the name of God of Justice. And all the water gods that exist in European legends mostly come from Gaul. Sjit... I'm done... Let Okki-san cook again.

#fgo #genshin impact #fgo camelot

[zeravmeta]

hot theory that the reason guda is now "something outside of humanity" is specifically because they've gone out of their way to understand beasts. it's one thing to overcome the world ending threat meant to push humanity to its limits but it's another to not only hand them their ass but help them come to terms with what they are in the process. goetia in his final moments was human because he finally understood the value of limited life and in that decided to bet it all on fighting us regardless, with guda reciprocating. tiamat was used endlessly by those around her yet had infinite love to give and guda put that to rest not only to save the world but for tiamats sake as well. fou is meant to become a creature that absorbs grudges and eradicates humanity but in witnessing the tireless journey of two children to save it was shown proof of humanitys worth. fgo kiara is something of a special case since she's technically a copied beast but either way defeating her also gave her the chance to make peace with that and actually become a genuine ally (fgo kiara was a normal person before zepar fucked up). kama was an abuse victim hellbent on destroying the concept they embody yet are accepted with open arms. hell even limbo and koyanskaya we kicked the shit out of before they could even properly become beasts and they join us because theres understanding of themselves to be gained from it.

for someone to understand and empathize so thoroughly the mentality of inhuman monsters, someone who also has a purpose to destroy alternate humanities, could they really even be called human anymore?

#fgo #fate grand order #zerav meta #fgo spoilers #beast guda possible lol. honestly? i can combine this with beast mash concept #two halves of a whole. the human who gave up their humanity to save the rest and the shield which sharpened itself into a blade

[danurso]

FGO: Story Time.

*in a common room in chaldea*

Astolfo: so, there I was, just me and my good friend hippogryph flying so fast we were practically cutting the skies in half!

Boudica: you hippogryph is that fast?

Astolfo: the fastest mount in all of france.

Medusa: hmm. . .I wonder if pegasus could compete with him in terms of speed.

Astolfo: no way, no one is faster than my hippogryph.

Edmond: kuahaha! I'm afraid i will have to disagree on that one.

Achilles: same here. There isn't any mount in the world who can match my speed.

Astolfo: Bullshit!

Achilles: *grins* wanna find it out later then?

Astolfo: heh, you're on!

Raikou: my my, these children love to bicker, don't they?

Moriarty: it seems so, but can't we just return to the story in question?

Astolfo: sure! So. . .where was i. . .

Ritsuka: *walks in the room where Astolfo, Boudica, Cú Chullain, Medusa, Edmond Dantes, Emiya archer, Minamoto-No-Raikou, Atalante, Scathach, Moriarty, Jack the ripper, Karna, Achilles and Nightingale are reunited* ah, there are you guys.

Astolfo: hey master!

Cú: 'sup master.

Jack: hi mommy!

Emiya: Need something master?

Raikou: If you are in need of assistance, don't hesitate to ask your mother.

Ritsuka: hey guys, and no, i'm done with everything for today, it's just that da vinci told me there were a lot of servants gathering today to do something and i got curious.

Astolfo: well then, come in! *skips to him, grabbing his arm and pulling him into the room*

Ritsuka: What are you guys doing?

Boudica: just passing time with some stories.

Karna: *sipping some tea* all servants here are heroes who had their fair share of adventures, so we decided to gather today to share some of them with our fellow servants.

Cú: share, or boast about them like on a certain someone's case *nods at achilles*

Achilles: Are you jealous because I had more fun in life than you?

Cú: at least I didn't die to a single arrow in my heel.

Achilles: *vein pops* at least i died only once, different from a certain blue lancer who already became a meme at this point!

Emiya: ouch, low blow.

Cú: *pulls out spear* YOU-

Scathach: my dear student!

Cú: *shivers and freezes*

Scathach: i thought we had agreed to avoid fights on this day, haven't we?

Cú: b-but he-

Scathach: *giving him a cold glare* If you wish to fight so much, we can go to a training room and I'll be glad to make your wish come true.

Cú: *pale* n-no need for that shishou, i'm sorry.

Achilles: *snort* i thought you- *gets smacked on top of the head* ouch!

Atalante: *glaring at him* stop being a prick already.

Achilles: s-sorry. . .

Ritsuka: so, you're all sharing stories?

Astolfo: Yeah, wanna share one too master?

Ritsuka: who? Me? Pff, you're all legendary heroes, i doubt anything i tell can hold up a candle to your stories.

Karna: You shouldn't sell yourself so short, master, you're the savior of humanity, I'm sure you have good stories to tell.

Ritsuka: i'm serious, you guys always did the heavy lifting, i don't think i did much compared to any of you.

Edmond: we all went through hardships o' accomplice of mine, you cannot say that you didn't, right?

Ritsuka: I mean. . .yeah, I got through some stuff but nothing compared to you guys.

Boudica: Still, we would love to hear your talles master, no matter how big or small they are.

Jack: I wanna hear mommy's story!

Ritsuka: *sheepishly* I'd rather just listen to your stories. I don't have anything really interesting to say, I mean, what could I tell you guys? I was just a normal guy who ended up in Chaldea by chance. . .

Astolfo: well, if you don't wanna share you don't need to-

Ritsuka: and on my first day here i witnessed several masters getting into a near death state and was thrown into a city in flames while having to deal with the fact that i was now a master even though i had no idea what a master was supposed to be or do. . .

Astolfo: eh. . .?

Ritsuka: Then I had to spend my time trying to survive the hordes of monsters and servants trying to kill me, and I also had to witness someone being murdered right in front of my eyes for the first time. . .

Emiya: . . .

Cú: . . .

Karna: . . .

Atalante: . . .

Ritsuka: *sweating* Then when I came back I heard that mankind was extinct and I was the only master left so only I had a chance to save the world so if I messed up one single time all of mankind was doomed. . .

Raikou: . . .

Moriarty: . . .

Jack: . . .

Achilles: . . .

Ritsuka: *tearing up* so i kept going into singularities having to face monsters and other terrifying creatures while avoiding my constant death and witnessing the death of several people who counted on me to protect them, but i couldn't afford to freak out because a lot of people counted on me so if i freaked out they would probably do it too. . .

Boudica: . . .

Edmond: . . .

Nightingale: . . .

Scathach: . . .

Ritsuka: *crying* then when i think we're finally ended i have to watch my kouhai dying to protect me before i watch one of the best friends i've ever had in my life sacrificing his life to save mankind and give us peace but turns out there's still people messing up the world so i need to keep fighting and never lose my cool so his sacrifice wasn't in vain even though i'm always so terrified of going into a singularity and putting my life on the line for a world i'm not even sure i remember how it is anymore!

Everyone: .

Everyone: . .

Everyone: . . .

*a few moments later*

Mash: *walks in* senpai? Are you he-

Ritsuka: *crying and laying on raikou's lap, with jack hugging him and covered by karna's fluffy coat, and with a lot of servants either patting his head, his back or just sitting next to him on a supportive manner*

Mash: err. . .w-what is going on?

Ritsuka: *incoherent sad sobs*

Nightingale: we're giving him a proper support for his disturbed mental state, since apparently chaldea failed to deliver that to a young man going through so much stress like he is.

Moriarty: *sitting on a psychologist couch* so? When do you think these problems started?

Ritsuka: *more incoherent sad sobs*

Moriarty: *taking notes* I see. . .i see. . .

#fgo #fate go #fate grand order #fate/grand order #fate series #fate #ritsuka fujimaru #mash kyrielight #astolfo #edmond dantes #florence nightingale #minamoto no raikou #emiya #archer #jack the ripper #cú chulainn #karna #boudica #james moriarty #scathach #atalante #achilles #medusa

[queenofnohr]

FGO Material III - Ryougi Shiki (Saber) Profile

Another commission! Thanks so much for the support!

*If anyone is interested in commissioning me, here’s my regular commission page, and here’s my chart for Chapter America/E Pluribus Unum!

Class Skills:

Magic Resistance: A

No matter what kind, magic less than A rank will be nullified.

Independent Manifestation: C

A special skill. An ultra-high level version of Independent Action. Additionally, for definition’s sake, she resists Insta-death and time manipulation style attacks. Having this skill, she---

Connection to the Root: A

Something that comes from「」, and goes to 「」. Divided at the two, revolving with the four symbols, managing the eight trigrams, it is what lays the foundation of the world. The Ryougi is the cosmic duality of the taijitu, exemplified. Her name is Shiki as in suushiki* and from Shiki in shikigami.**

Thus, this is proof of an all-powerful wish granting device. To those with this skill, normal parameters hold no meaning.

Personal Skills:

Mystic Eyes of Death Perception: C

It ranks lower than Assassin Shiki’s. It’s not something she actually needs.

Cloud Shine: B

A high-speed sword rush from the readiness of changing into a mindset of that of a swordsman. Five intervals…… Meaning nine meters can be crossed instantly to her target.

Taijitu: A

Taijitu Raden***. If you wish to remember it, if you wish to save it, then - forget it. Longing and regret are two sides of the same coin. It is the same as life and death. A paradox spiral. This Shiki gains HP by losing NP.

Noble Phantasm:

Mukushiki - Kara no Kyoukai

Rank: EX Classification: Anti-Unit Range: 1~999 Maximum Number of Targets: 64 people

Mukushiki - Kara no Kyoukai. By applying the theory of the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, she can cut the target’s “lines of death.” From nirvana, a single sword swing of the afterlife cleaves, and all life is given peace.

Personal:

Personality:

An integrated personality of Shiki Ryougi’s subconscious. A female in her late twenties. A gentle and understanding elder sister. Shiki grew until her late twenties and took on a maternal charm. She exudes a sense of otherworldliness, yet in actuality, she has no sense of danger as a character like “the dream Shiki sees.” Everything is “seen through glass” and accepted. She is not a Western Goddess, but a kami of the East. She is close to being a benevolent manifestation of a kami, but since she is intrinsically malicious, she could be said to be a “devilish manifestation of a kami.” She denies the theory that humanity is fundamentally good. She has a sighing, “Because human beings are fundamentally evil, things will become worse,” while cheering on humanity’s underlying strength in their false courage, saying, “So please do your best,” kind of stance. It’s truly troublesome.

Motivation and Attitude Toward Master:

Because the chance of summoning her is on par with a miracle, she follows her role as a Servant well. She almost certainly sees this as a game. For her, who cannot be found by anyone, whose existence cannot be spoken of by anyone, what is this fleeting encounter?

Speech Example:

“Servant, Saber, Ryougi Shiki. I have appeared in response to your summons. …...Fufu, is this alright? There’s a limit to uniqueness, but even so, I look forward to working with you, Master?” “Everything is but a dream--- and this, the remnant of flowers.” “It is good to replace a katana. You can never have too many beautiful children.***” “I am a Servant. No matter what, I will obey any command. I mean, this seems pretty fun.” “Things I like? Of course that would be you, who summoned me, Master. Even if this is but a fleeting dream.” “Truth be told, I do not sleep. That’s why the nights are always so lonely. The feeling that something is missing is frustrating. But seeing your sleeping face is a benefit. Be that I could protect you, even in your dreams.”

This Figure in FGO:

A glimpse of a goddess, a Shiki from the boundary, a rogue singularity. She wears a radiant kimono, has a graceful bearing, and benevolent judgement. She regards all strange circumstances as simply daily life. Because her existence is uncertain, despite realizing events are strange, it is of no concern to her.

Properly speaking, one will never meet her. Still--- if she were to be encountered, it would be on a snowy day while everyone is asleep.

◆

This is the same Shiki Ryougi as the girl who wears a leather jacket on top of a kimono. However, her personality is different. If Shiki Ryougi is a girl named “Shiki,” then this person is a woman named “Ryougi.” In addition to Ryougi it is the origin, the personality of the body itself embodies 「」. Because she should not come into the world, she slumbers within Shiki from her birth to her death. Shiki cannot perceive “Ryougi,” yet still, “Ryougi” would never impersonate Shiki.

Ties to Characters:

Mysterious Heroine X: “She’s much too cute. Somehow it’s similar to cutting.” *Too much…… The meaning of “too much.” She uses it to mean something like “the best” and “absurd.”

Minamoto no Raikou: As both of us are katana wielding Servants, I’d like to have a bout. There’s also a sense of familiarity in toying with a devilish lurking within.

Xuanzang Sanzang: Sanzang is someone Shiki Ryougi cannot keep quiet about. “So you’re the administer of the Tathagata. Then…… can you stop a blade with your bare hands?”

Illustrator Comments:

Initially, I thought her third stage should be a young bride from Mirai Fukuin, but in terms of concept, she’s slightly different in FGO, so I made her a new design with Kaguya-hime***** as the motif. That’s why her uchikake pattern is the same as the Silicon Princess’s from Tsuki no Sango.******

*The kanji for Shiki’s name is used in many words with the same pronunciation. “Suushiki” means a numerical formula. **Likewise, that kanji is also used in “shikigami.” “Shikigami” are beings in Japanese folklore, originating from the Onmyoudou (literally - “The Way of Yin and Yang,” which ties into Shiki’s thematic motif of taijitu AKA yin+yang). They’re thought to be a sort of kami and are conjured to act almost as familiars to their conjurer. ***”Raden” is a technique in lacquerware in which inlays of shell and ivory are used. The kanji itself translates to mother-of-pearl. The Onyou Raden (or Taijitu Raden) is also Shiki’s parry in Melty Blood. ****She says, aloud, “children,” but in the material book “children��� is in parenthesis, and what she means is sword. (Yes, she sees her swords as children apparently) *****An uchikake is a woman’s bridal robe with trailing skirts worn over a kimono ******Tsuki no Sango is a written work relating to Tsukihime, in a world where the events of Tsukihime didn’t take place. The “Silicone Princess” is the also known as the Girl of the Moon (or Moon Girl if that’s a mouthful) who was the moon’s mind/soul put into a silicone body scientists created for her.

#long post #fgo #fate grand order #grand order #my translations

[morsking]

the theme of shimosa, onigashima, and rashoumon... which extends to a major theme of fgo as a whole... is that of inner humanity...

the reason why amakusa shirou’s plans fall apart as an avenger, as the sorcerer that tried to destroy the legacy of the tokugawa is very much the exact same reason why amakusa shirou’s plans as a ruler and mastermind of the great holy grail failed. amakusa shirou is someone who, in his effort to remove his humanity, whether to save mankind or destroy it, still remains human to his very core. 

an individual person is a part of humanity. the feelings you have towards yourself, positive or negative, project themselves outward to the rest of humanity, like a flower blooming either poison or fragrance. likewise, what mankind feels towards you will shape you, like fire tempering a blade. amakusa shirou had to remove his humanity to achieve his goals. saving humanity means saving yourself with it, and you cannot save yourself without the rest of the world choosing salvation with you, and the same is said of its destruction. 

but mankind as we are would never accept salvation. not with the greed and selfishness of many. an inhumanity that could only come from humans would persist like a disease, because it is only human to persevere. so to eradicate it, it would need something inhuman to force sin to submit to salvation. it is a move devoid of consideration for human will, but it is also a gesture filled with fundamental humane love for one’s neighbor. and so, it is love for humanity that destroys amakusa shirou, the will to protect the precious existence admired by one little homonculus who so desired to be human because to him, that humanity, the justice he believed in, a free and dignified life where one could forge their own destiny, was beautiful.

in contrast, amakusa shirou in shimosa tried to destroy humanity by becoming an inhuman monster. however, his inhumanity was a product of his own human grudge, anger, and grief as a reaction to an inhumanity that also came from other humans. by calling his demonic castle “onriedo”, rhyming with the “edo” built by the tokugawa, senji muramasa was able to cut through its existence as the famed swordsmith who cursed their line. it was human attachment that was amakusa shirou’s own undoing, the persistent and unwavering work and will of a being so human in his ambition he surpassed humanity, while also being restrained by it, as a human cannot wield a sword that is divine. the curse of amakusa shirou is undone by the curse of sengo muramasa.

and this is an idea that extends to the rest of the cast as well. minamoto no raikou, a person who desperately sealed the inhuman part of herself to protect her inner humanity and in extension protect other humans by vanquishing inhuman beings. shuten douji, who was so attached to a human she staged her death at the hands of one all over again despite being at her most inhuman. tomoe gozen, who in her grief and regret collapsed because her desire for inner peace and harmony with the world persisted despite her instinct to slaughter others with vengeance. mochizuki chiyome, who was so deathly afraid of the inhumanity cursing her bloodline while trying to live as a human. hozoin inshun, whose love for others became the reason why he tried to destroy them. and finally, yagyuu munenori, who could only feel the purpose humans crave for when committing the inhuman act of murder, because the art of the sword is the art of murder.

not even ashiya douman himself is exempt from this, despite being the most notorious misanthropist. his presence in the story and as a pawn of the alien god are only possible because he too is firmly rooted in human history. his deeds, heinous and envious as they were, were human efforts born from human emotions, and therefore upheld human dreams. 

sengo muramasa’s desire to cut fate and karma were an endeavor so inhuman and so in rejection of humanity that ironically it was a life led with the human desire to challenge one’s own limits and pursue the ideal of freedom. muramasa, despite distancing himself from his family and his students, still yearned for human connections and valued them far more than his own life. he himself even acknowledges that raising children is like making swords. a child and a sword are things you foster, things you create and tend to painstakingly. a love for your craft is a love for your child. it is also rather fitting that, in true human fallibility, his endeavor to sever fate ended up fulfilling it as his sword destroys the monument to tokugawa rule as his works are always destined to do. 

how musashi fits into any of this isn’t any different, especially not from yagyuu which is something she admits. despite killing however, her humanity was found in her love. love for fighting, love for eating, love for freedom, love for self-improvement. her desire was to reach a state beyond humanity, shedding her limits and becoming “nothingness” through sheer blood and effort. her love, despite being a manslayer deadset on her work and her path, was a love for life itself. 

grudges persist. hate persists. ambition persists. kindness persists. bonds persist. destiny persists. love persists. and all those things persist because humanity persists. its spirit and its struggle go beyond, speeding like a shooting star through the “all” and the “nothing”. that is the story of humanity, a tenacity so pure and so beautiful that its briefness is so powerful it is timeless. 

#fate series #fate grand order #fgo #fate go #shimosa spoilers #long post #fate/grand order