12 Chapter 11: Everything Up to Now

Emiya Estate

Shirou sat down at the table, having cleared up Rider's presence with both the normal maids and the HHC. He couldn't help but sigh as the thought of the image the HHC likely had of him passed through his mind. He hoped that Rider would be the last time something like this happened. He was running out of excuses fast.

"So, Rider, can you explain how this is possible," Rin questioned.

Rider finished drinking from her cup before speaking, "it has to do with the irregular authorities and our past."

"How so?" Illya responded.

"Simply put, while I met the requirements to be under [Fellowship of the King] but due to the fact I had returned to the Throne of Heroes before Shirou got it prevented me from being bound by it. When you defeated my counterpart in this... reality I suppose would be the best term, the interaction between your authority and her power called me forth from the throne. The magic of our original reality is a complete unknown to Nyx. Due to her aspect of womanly wisdom, she is compelled to find out any information that she judges to be of value. Due to her desire for knowledge regarding our system of magic and my desire to live my own life, we were able to strike a bargain. We would coexist as a being like Saber and obtain our objectives jointly. I will have to trouble you for information on magecraft later. A coexistence of this nature shouldn't happen again."

"I can teach you with respect to magecraft," Rin spoke, "but something bothers me. You said that the two of you would coexist, but so far I've yet to see any of Nyx's traits. I've only seen Rider's present."

"That's because whoever is currently in charge of the body will determine the appearance of the body. I've been in control because we figured that you'd freak out if Nyx appeared and just started acting friendly."

"They aren't wrong," Sakura stated.

"Moving on to more important matters, do you both understand the situation?" Shirou spoke.

"Understand in what way?" Rider was confused by Shirou's question.

Shirou focused his gaze on Rider, "Nyx must never under any circumstances be seen by anyone other than the people of this room. And as for you, Rider, we need a name for you. We can't use your true name and even if I was the fastest talker in the world, I wouldn't be able to fool them into thinking Rider is actually your name. I'm actually impressed with myself that we managed to fool them into believe Arthuria's name is Saber."

"Let me guess, if people figured out who I am, they'll make guesses about the identities of the rest of you. For the most part, it would be a waste of time. Your worry is for the one which isn't a waste of time to study, Saber, right?"

Illya, Rin, Saber, Sakura and Shirou all nodded, solemn looks on their faces.

"We almost pushed our luck too far regarding Saber's identity with Mordred and Morrigan. I don't want a repeat performance anytime soon." Nobody showed any sign of disagreeing with Shirou.

Rider broke the silence first, "give me a day or two and I'll have a name for you to call me in public. On to other matters, what gods have you defeated and what authorities do you posses?"

Shirou relaxed and took a sip of his tea before speaking, "unlike your story, this one is actually a long one. Where to begin?"

"Wouldn't the start be the logical place to do so?"