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[Ahh, were it only so simple as to be a thing of the past.

(Gilgamesh being able to manage his own Sight is only part of why he speaks as he does. After returning from his quest for immortality, his priorities shifted to making Uruk and its people prosper, and he's said as much during their brief encounter --- of course, if Watanuki hasn't picked up his and Merlin's soon-to-be roles in the future, he'll find out more about that and Gilgamesh's way of understanding things soon enough.)]

No. There are no records of a calamity of that nature bringing about the downfall of Mesopotamia.

[The smile slips from Merlin's face. This is a serious matter, and he still has to be careful with what he says. After all, the Beast occupying King Solomon's corpse possesses those Eyes, and it won't do for that shadow to discern who else is aware of that grand plan. Especially when one of them happens to be a walking anomaly.]

The culprit will reveal themselves in due time, but I can say this: you and I will be aiding the king in holding off that disaster for as long as we can since it threatens the very existence of human history as we know it. As you've noticed, our chances of victory are quite slim... but.

[He dispels the illusion from his palm. Briefly turns his Sight to Chaldea... yes. There is still hope should they survive the first strike.]

If all goes well, we may receive aid, and you and I might witness something akin to a miracle.

[Wait until Merlin figures out that Watanuki's existence is a blind spot to Goetia and that these early conversations are going completely unnoticed. It's a fascinating trait that will become less useful in the future, when their enemies are aware of how difficult it is to perceive him and start deliberately looking for the blind spots he could be hiding in. But for now, it lets Watanuki learn things without giving away too much to the enemies of mankind.

As Merlin's look turns serious, so does Watanuki's. If the lazy wizard is being serious about something, then it definitely deserves care and consideration. And Watanuki has been learning to read between the lines. "No records of the calamity" doesn't mean it didn't happen, just that nobody survived to write the records down. And if Merlin himself, this powerful mage, is just an aide? Then yeah, this is going to be quite a battle. Watanuki is further motivated to learn as much as he can and become a mage capable of helping save the past.]

The fact that humans still life is proof of existence, isn't it? Or is this one of those 'if you travel back in time you can change the future' kind of things?

[Aye, that'll be a game changer in the early parts. Not that Goetia has plans of directly interfering with Mesopotamia given the presence of a certain primordial goddess there.]

Changing events through time travel isn't as simple as it sounds. There are major events [Quantum Time Locks] that are considered necessary for the history of the world, allowing for some variation across other timelines and parallel worlds. Uruk, for example, is one such linchpin: it is one of the most important civilizations from that era, the Epic of Gilgamesh is the world's oldest piece of surviving literature, and King Gilgamesh's life has, ultimately, benefited humanity and its division from the gods.

Now, in order to completely undo human order and anything that might fall under the umbrella of acceptable variance, an incredible amount of mana must be used to both travel across time and distort its events to the point of conceptual annihilation. In a way, our culprit isn't just taking out floors at random - they're targeting both the support pillars and the cornerstones of a building.

[Here, Merlin pauses - this is more metaphysics than he and Watanuki have discussed so far. How well is the youth absorbing all of that?]

[It's metaphysics, but the metaphor Merlin gives actually helps Watanuki visualize it. Major events are the support pillars that keep all the timelines up. Take out a support, and the world comes crashing down.]

And we're going to stop that person from taking out those cornerstones, right?

['that person'. As if Watanuki knows who's responsible for all of this.]

[To be fair, no names have yet been given. That said -]

There is someone preparing to take the helm. You and I will be assisting.

[Although... he eyes Watanuki with some consideration. Noble Phantasms and Servants were useless against Goetia as things stand, however. Watanuki isn't a Servant. Nor does his he fully part of humanity, strictly speaking.

...

No, this isn't something that should be even thought about now. The youth doesn't even have a clue as to what he's signing up for, and this is one of those circumstances wherein Merlin's own specific interventions might depend on the character of the actual human embarking from Chaldea's shores.]

The destruction you saw is only one part of what he can do. Once we begin our work, you'll be placing your life at risk and exposed to many a mortal peril.

Are you prepared for that?

[He's hoping Watanuki will be realistic. Expressing uncertainty isn't a bad thing, moreso when one has the opportunity to prepare.]

[Is he prepared for it? To risk his life at such a hopeless situation? And for what, really? If the city has already been wiped off the map by historic standards, then what is Merlin hoping to change? What difference are they supposed to make there?

...maybe it's a matter of one person. One witness, to continue the story. Or a small group, enough to keep life going. Maybe that's what it is. That even if most die, having a few survive is what matters. Or hell, even having records survive might be what's important. Just some biit of evidence of what used to be, some proof that Uruk existed.

With that in mind, there's only one possible answer Watanuki could give.]

Not yet, but that's what I'm supposed to be training here for, right?

[This wouldn't be asked of him if it was beyond his capabilities. He know that much. So he just has to get to the point where he can make a difference.

And. Hopefully not die in the process.]

[What, indeed, is he hoping to accomplish if the end is, in some ways, a foregone conclusion? On most days, his view is so macroscopic he won't even notice the minutiae, and it still counts as witnessing.

But that's not what this is about. Once more, he finds himself watching over a handful of individuals - two kings, one student, and whoever else Chaldea ends up sending. Slowly but surely, he may yet be convinced to turn this into a long-term collab instead of a one-off thing.

Oh, if anything else, he wants to see how his student ends up blooming. That tree in the dreamscape remains a sharp image in his mind: elegant and enduring amidst the storm, and Merlin gives an approving smile at Watanuki's answer.]

Very good.

And you best mark your words. Not only are you contending with two sets of expectations other than your own, but we now seem to have a deadline. Even your dreams will be full of lessons, and you may as well set up a picnic blanket and a chalk board beneath that charming tree of yours.

[As if they hadn't started doing that, but Merlin will take the same approach as he had once done with Arturia if he has to.]

Who would have thought I would have cram school in my sleep...don't tell the school about this, they don't need ideas like that.

[He does sound a touch annoyed, but it's definitely his usual level of whining about having to do anything new. In truth, he's already entranced by Gilgamesh and is determined to at least be competent enough in his eyes. And Merlin's opinion is important too, but Gilgamesh's brash personality is more motivating. Being praised by someone so gruff and demanding would feel like an honor.

Still, he sighs and changes his tone almost immediately after that complaint.]

So, how do we start? Or...continue, I guess, since you're already teaching me magic.

[YEP he's ready to learn, even this early.]

[He scoffs.]

Neither will I deprive myself of extra entertainment. All that intense focus and repetitive living makes for restless dreaming, you know? Besides, your other instructors don't have the talent for it.

[Just stating the facts and rubbing it in their faces, wherever they are. Not that Merlin's aware that he's been upstaged by Gilgamesh, and he produces a thick tome with the snap of his fingers.]

Well, now that we've established your current level of mana sensitivity, we can proceed to the other fundamentals. Intent is a cornerstone of magecraft. Over time, you'll learn how to cast simple things with only a gesture and a thought, but you must start with incantations.

[There's a fair bit of linguistics involved, but that's better assimilated in demonstration and practice. For now, he passes the tome to Watanuki.]

Familiarize yourself with these. For now, don't hold on to metal or wood while you're reading, and don't focus on what the words are supposed to do. Proper pronunciation is the first step - believe me, you don't want to find out what happens if your tongue trips in the middle of an important incantation.

[At the very least, Merlin does recognize that his own personal approach isn't necessarily the most suitable for his student's style. At the end of the day, he does want his pupils to excel, and he can leave his own ego out the door when he's focused on helping them where it matters.]

Edited 2021-04-17 14:57 (UTC)

So just memorize the words and make sure I'm saying them first, and we'll get the rest later? That sounds a lot like my English classes.

[Classes which were functional, but. Well. Watanuki can speak English, but it's very formal and sounds like a textbook rather than what a teenager might sound like while talking. He's imagining the end result of these studies will be somewhat similar, at least until Merlin starts teaching him about what the magic will do and how to use it beyond knowing the words.

Fortunately, Watanuki excels at rote memorization, so this will be an easy task for him. Read the book, memorize the words. He can do that.

Speaking of which, what language is this book written in? Because as Watanuki takes it, he's opening it to the first page to at least glance over it and see what it looks like.]

I see. And how well do you enjoy those classes?

[As a frame of reference.

That said, the meaning of words is also important in magecraft. Naturally, any student will glean something of the incantation's purpose once they read the text, but Merlin's secondary aim is for Watanuki's unconscious to also its job in getting comfortable with the idea of casting spells before bridging the gap between that and the effort to memorize syllables through a demonstration.

While it's good that Watanuki doesn't tolerate bullshit, banking too much on that kind of thinking can also get in the way of a mage fully committing (so to speak) to a spell. Everything must be in moderation, including skepticism.

As for the book: Merlin's helpfully translated it into modern English. Eastern magecraft is better tackled through their talisman maker's borrowed dreams, and he's not about to let his student trip over Welsh or something more archaic. One language and writing system at a time!

(Hope you like poetry, Watanuki, because that's about two-thirds of the book. And feel free to enjoy the nice illustrations. Lots of nice flowers, vines and Celtic knots on the borders, text intersparsed with various sketches, symbols and diagrams.)]

Well enough, I guess? School is school.

[He didn't particularly enjoy his schooling, but he can at least understand why it's important and stick with it. Magecraft, on the other hand, is different. As he goes on to explain almost immediately.]

I think I like the lessons here much more than the ones back home. But magic is also way more interesting than Japanese history, or calculus, or English.

[Though he sees the book is in English and is suddenly glad that he paid attention in English class. The words mostly look familiar, at least, though the content is...well. Enough to get Watanuki to look back up to Merlin with a raised eyebrow.]

Is this poetry?

Of course it is.

That said, it's not all you'll be learning here.

[If anything, Merlin will add more history lessons and a smattering of other subjects, simply because he likes telling stories. Moreover, as later events will reveal, it'll serve as a good foundation for Watanuki to better grasp the full nature of Goetia's fuckery.

And now, what's with that look?]

Flows off the tongue quite nicely. [Zero apologies here! Y'know, from the guy who'd pick drawing a sword over saying something that wordy in the heat of battle.] The sounds are as important as the actual words you use. It's about getting the flow of mana to do what you want, so don't underestimate its usefulness.

[If there are things he forgets to explain down the line, Watanuki will have to remind him. Merlin hasn't taught anyone in a while, and at the end of the day his grasp of magecraft is still on the intuitive side. What's apparent to him might not be obvious to an observer.]

Edited 2021-04-23 05:53 (UTC)

If flow is so important, then why aren't we starting with Japanese? I'm not fluent in English.

[Near-fluent, but not perfectly so. And he can understand it far better than he can speak it himself. Though perhaps that's the point, that learning the pronunciation in a language you're unfamiliar in helps make sure you do it properly. In fact, a moment later, Watanuki decides to put that thought to words.]

Is it because it's a second language, so I pay more attention while speaking it anyway?

I might be an all-powerful Caster, but my specialty isn't Eastern magecraft. There are distinct differences in the systems used in several regions, starting with how the elements are used. That said, I believe there's one magus who was successful in combining Western and Eastern practices, although I've no clue if he ever took on an apprentice.

[You bet he's heard of Clow. Not that he's currently aware of that guy's link to his student.

Merlin peers at Watanuki. Having to pay attention to a second language isn't something Merlin's considered: it's not a barrier that exists in dreams where he can taste a sleeper's intent, and were he to be summoned as a Servant (hah! As if he can ascend to the Throne) he'd be supplied with the necessary knowledge.]

Once you get a better grasp of using your own power, you're free to compose your own incantations in whatever language you choose. Unlike most magi in the present era, I think you can afford to be flexible in that regard.

[For several reasons. Watanuki, as far as he can tell, isn't limited by the technicalities of a typical magic crest. On top of that, a singularity does, in a way, represent possibility. Instead of being a human that has to find ways of reaching the Root, it can be said that, as a product and embodiment of magecraft, the way he can utilize mana is more direct.

...yes. He looks forward to seeing what his student can accomplish, if - or when - events fall into place that will permit the permanence of his existence in the world.]

[Watanuki hadn't even considered the possibility that Merlin might just not be familiar with Eastern magic. But if that's the case, then why did Yuuko send him here? Why not train him herself, or at least send him to an Easter mage?

Though a moment later, Watanuki realizes he's looking at the problem backwards: instead of focusing on the fact that Merlin isn't an expert in a kind of magic that Watanuki might be more familiar in, he should be thinking of why Watanuki was sent to study this kind of magic. Hmm...

For a moment, Merlin will feel that tug of Yuuko's wish magic again. It's the same as the time Watanuki stumbled over the magical blocks on his memories, though not quite as strong because Watanuki is more carefully toeing around them this time.]

I think...my father might have had some Western ancestors. Very far back, perhaps.

[He sounds unsure of it though and he's starting to get a headache, so he's going to stop trying to think about his family directly.]

Could that be why? That somehow I've inherited some magical capability from an ancestor, a power that hasn't shown up in a long while?

[That would certainly explain a lot. As far as Watanuki knows, his parents were not mages.]

[It is, for better or for worse, a familiar situation: this sensation combined with that expression. He wonders just how aware Watanuki is of why he has headaches and the occasional blackout.

...to some degree, at least. It's clear the youth won't be able to reveal a bargain he's forgotten the details of.]

Yes, that can happen.

[And a Western ancestor..? Something to ponder later. There's a high chance that Watanuki's guesses may not be the result of random dart throwing.]

It's true that there are several magus bloodlines in decline thanks, in part, to the means used in passing on certain aspects of their heritage. [Magic crests.] A resurgence like yours isn't unheard of, but I daresay your potential outstrips the other cases. For example: the quality of your magic circuits is remarkable.

[For reasons obvious to Merlin. He won't clue in his student just yet, believing that Watanuki is better off discovering for himself the nature of his own unstable existence.]

Someone from a newly discovered line will have problems producing the same results you're capable of, and certain established families have been unable to produce capable heirs. When that happens, the work they've invested centuries into is rendered virtually useless.

[He listens to Merlin, carefully taking it all in. Magic lineage is complicated, and he still doesn't completely get how magic circuits and such are passed on. He thinks it's completely hereditary and that the only control over it all is genetics and a roll of the dice.]

Then maybe it is some family from long ago, and the magic just happened to show up in me.

[He can't remember a lot about his past, but something about that description feels off. Like it's a piece of the puzzle, but not the whole solution.

How troubling.]

Is this something I'm going to have to worry about if I ever have kids? Sudden explosions of magic from a baby, or something?

[To be fair, it's a little ridiculous how inherited magic circuits doesn't guarantee the successful transfer of the family crest. Talk about having a system riddled with flaws.]

Not unless there are unusual circumstances. Even the most powerful mages from the Age of the Gods adjusted to using mana as they grew up. Think of it like having a second set of nerves.

Is it a dream of yours to settle down with a family? With - what's that modern phrase - a white picket fence?

[Fate, why is your magic system like this?

The question itself is one Watanuki probably could have answered properly, but Merlin phrases it in such a way that Watanuki gets embarrassed and sullen. He feels silly now, for even considering potential future children.]

No! Not exactly. But everyone does it eventually, right? And if I fell in love and that person wanted kids, then I wouldn't be bothered by it.

[It's still an honest response, albeit one that comes out a bit snappy.]

[To gratuitously dwell on the nature of suffering, probably.]

Already blushing before you even think of the more invigorating parts?

[What's there to be embarrassed about? It's a typical human dream, layered with domesticity and romance and the romance of domesticity. That said, he will call out that blanket "everyone."]

No, not everyone - some are content with a solitary existence, and half the time marriage used to be an affair concerned more with economic practicality or political advantage. [That isn't to say love matches didn't occur in the past, but arranged ones have plenty of documentation given the personages involved.] That said, the mutual willing consummation of love and the agreement to have children are wonderful things. At least you aren't of the mind to resort to trickery when it comes to matters of the heart.

Political marriages aren't as common anymore, and I don't exactly have the kind of connections for something like that anyway.

[An orphan with an average name and no social clout at all, arranged marriages are definitely not in his future. Or so he thinks. Who knows what the future might bring him, with all this power he's sitting on. Here's hoping his 'disaster bi' vibe doesn't kick up when people come to him with offers of marriage for strong offspring.]

-and why does that sound like a backhanded compliment anyway?

[He shrugs. Economic, then, had Watanuki been born a century ago, and Merlin spares his student details like inheriting the family trade, contributing his talent to another line, and so on and so forth.

(Oh boy, those offers. Merlin will scrutinize each and every one, look at how Watanuki's progressing in his lessons, and deem that any match will only occur once his student's gotten ahold of himself and not a second earlier. So maybe Watanuki won't have to contend with the adolescent phase of the disaster bi vibe.]

Oh, there's nothing backhanded about that - any beauty you find yourself drawn to shall be able to sleep well at night, knowing that they've entrusted their heart to a kind young man.

[Now, were he more aware of the link between Watanuki's kindness and predilection towards self-erasure, Merlin might've added something else to that last part that highlights his pupil needing to maintain his existence as a natural prerequisite..!]

With that disposition of yours, you may as well hang up your apprentice robes [surprise trailer material, that mention] and replace them with armor instead. How agreeable is chivalry to you?

If you're trying to teach me to use a sword to make me a knight, then you're going to be sorely disappointed.

[Watanuki is no knight. While he does try to do the right thing, he is not chivalrous nor is he of a moral composure to follow the Code. He's just an average guy who wants to try to do the right thing, even if he sometimes doubts his ability to do the 'right thing'. Or, sometimes, his pettiness gets in his way of doing the right thing.

He crosses his arms in front of him, taking on a slightly defensive and impatient stance.]

I'm not going to find any beauties in this tower though, so we should probably get started with lessons for the day.

[Watanuki, insinuating that Merlin is not a beauty. It's his way of dragging Merlin.]

Please. I'm confident with my teaching skills, not deluded: even if the passage of time here differs from that of the world's surface, you will have to experience at least a decade's worth of training to catch up. No, I'm simply after the practical aspects. Should you become capable in defending yourself and remember that magecraft is not the only thing you can fall back on, I'll be satisfied.

[So, no full metal attire for Watanuki. Maybe an extra layer of padded quilted linen for protection, or a cuirass if the situation really requires it - and moving around in those is something that one must also do exercises for!

One step at a time.]

--- hey, that's a really lengthy way of saying I'm not your type, isn't it? [Merlin's not sure if he should even be bothered by his usual charm not working, and maybe it's not a loss at this point. Watanuki, after all, has yet to finish growing into himself, and so he's more gangly kid than adult.] But I suppose that's for the best if you must get used to speaking long-winded sentences.

So! [He reaches for the book.... and opens it two-thirds closer to the end, where the wordier incantations are. Pettiness exchanged in kind.] You can start here.

Edited 2021-05-08 01:48 (UTC)

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if there's something here not in line with what you have planned for wata, lmk & i'll edit

This all works!

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