AN - Sorry about the delay on Final prologue. Starting next chapter is the slight summary of the time between Xander in Toril (BG3) and the whole tutorial level (Nautoloid). For obvious reasons there will be spoilers for BG3 coming from here on out. The chapters won't post as quickly now, but should be longer now that we are getting into the meat of the story. And I apologies ahead of time, there will be points to the story where Xander will effectivly skip some of the BG3 content because there is no reason he would have gone through a particular situation except as an XP grind (which won't happen as this isn't a Gamer story). I hope everyone enjoys.

Fixer chuckled slightly at Archer's commentary and said, "Better hope Hurricane Tsundere doesn't hear you complaining. Who knows what she would do."

Archer shuddered at the comment and said, "The only way she would find out is if you or the troll tell her."

Fixer shook his head and said, "She ends up his apprentice about sixty percent of the time. Chances are good that she can figure it out. That being said, allow me to introduce Rupert Giles, librarian and Watcher to a local empowered Vampire Slayer. The brunette goes by the name Jenny Calendar, technopagan, computer teacher, and monster truck a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Willow Rosenburg, who honestly reminds me of Rin at times, computer expert and bubbly optimist. Last, but not least, Alexander Harris, a young man who saw what went bump in the night and decided to bump back and use what resources he has available to do so."

Fixer could see the wheels turning behind Xander's eyes at his introductions so he continued as a form of distraction, "And this is Archer, who's name in life is up to him to share with the group."

Archer grimaced a bit before saying, "In life my name was Shirou Emiya, but unless someone else can also use it call me Archer."

Giles asked, "Wouldn't it be Emiya Shirou? I assuming you were Japanese based on the name."

Archer nodded, "I think I was, my memories that far back are a bit sketchy beyond issues when I still lived. However I know given name comes before family here."

Fixer added a piece of knowledge to the mix, "I never did figure out if you were fully Japanese as your hair color was almost unheard of in Asia. However in most of the timelines I have seen you have a bloodline link to the Muramasa family. It's why that version of you became a Pseudo-Servant for Senji at Chaldea."

Ms. Calendar asked, "Senji Muramasa, the bladesmith and what is a Pseudo-Servant, or a Servant for that matter?"

Archer said, "Care to field this one in a way that translates better for the locals? The summoning wasn't like a Grail War so I don't have the extra information."

"Archer is a Servant, they are basically Familiars formed of magical energy with memories drawn from the Throne of Heroes. The Throne is," Fixer replied, pausing as he tried to find a good parallel, "Think of the Throne as a combination resting place and computer storage for the memories and soul based copies of people of legends. A pseudo-servant is a mortal imbued with the strength and power of a being from that realm. The closer the person is conceptually to the hero, the more of that legends mystery can be drawn on. Before you ask the Grail War was a ritual contest between seven magi, each with a summoned Servant to compete for a wish granting cup that was called the Holy Grail by the egotistical magi who started the ritual."

Archer took a seat at the table across from Xander and with a small grimace pushed to box of donuts away from him. Xander seeing this asked, "Do you not like donuts?"

Archer responded, "I am not a fan of most mass produced food."

Fixer snorted and said, "What he means is that he's a perfectionist regarding food, and cooking is the one skill he takes pride in."

Giles joined them at the table next to Xander and in an effort to move things along asked, "So, Archer, how does this work?"

Archer gave a shrug and hooked a thumb towards Fixer saying, "This will be my first time doing this. I was going to look at his preliminary pact and use that as a baseline."

Fixer clapped his hands together and when he opened them 3 pieces of parchment were in them before he passed one to each of Xander and Archer while saying, "Right here's the basics. Xander will receive a Crest, similar to the magic crests of Archer's branch of the multiverse. This will provide magical circuits equal to Archer's in life as if his hadn't atrophied. This crest will also filter the local energy sources as part of its use, so you don't have to worry about pulling in hellmouth energy when the circuits need to draw in extra. The crest will have two other functions: one, it will be a reference source for the Archer's magecraft knowledge; and two, it will provide a link for dream training under a resonance effect."

"Archer will receive a tithe of energy that will repair his own circuits as it helps awaken or develop your own, that amount will be one third the amount of excess energy beyond what the crest provides. As Shirou had twenty-seven circuits in life you will have twenty-seven in the crest. If you were to develop three of your own circuits one would be dedicated to passing that energy back to Archer," Fixer explained.

Archer asked, "What happens when my circuits are repaired?"

"They can be refined further, but will eventually reach a stopping point where they will begin to form a crest of his knowledge you will be able to access," Fixer answered.

Archer coked his head and asked, "How will that work if he's getting my Origin and Element?"

Aat the Sunnydale natives questioning look Fixer explained, "Origin and Element are the major determining factors of what and how a magus from Archer's region of the muliverse uses their magecraft. An Origin is the core concept and driving goal of a person, where as an Element s how they express their magic in a conceptual sense. To answer your question Archer, The pact will grant him yours on top of his means that with a crest formed by your pact holders you will gain an increased repertoire of magic."

Giles asked, "What about the resonance effect you spoke of. I know what the word means to us, but it sounds like it has a different meaning for Archer"

Archer was the one who answered this question, "A Resonace Effect is commonly found in my worlds version of some supernatural creatures. I have also experienced it myself when dealing with other versions of myself. If I understand Fixer's intent though this will increase Xander's learning speed by creating a resonance between what I teach him and my own knowledge of a subject."

"Basically," Fixer said, "Xander will also be granted access to an empty section of the Unlimited Blade Works that he can use to start his own armory. Shirou can access it as he chooses, but it is his choice if he wishes to add any of his collection to it. I would recommend putting a couple of standard armaments in there for him to use once he has gotten the hang of Projection, but that is just my opinion."

Fixer laid out the last preplanned point by saying, "The last part is stating that either one of you can terminate this pact with at least a twenty-hour warning before the crest dissolves. Archer can close access to the Blade Works at the time of the warning, but won't be allowed to fully dissolve the contract without the lead time. This is to give Xander at least a chance to get to safety."

Willow asked, "What about the ability for them to talk?"

Archer nodded and said, "I don't mind, so long as it isn't constant incessant prattle I am forced to listen to."

"We can work telepathic communication, similar to what you have as a summoned Servant into the seal. It would be more akin to a phone call though, rather than a constant connection," Fixer said making a note on his parchment.

Xander commented, "Dream training is all well and good, but does this include learning how to use the swords? I thought that you had to actually use your muscles to form muscle memory."

Fixer waggled a hand and said, "The dream training will actually grant some muscle memory. Archer what do you think about a limited ability to summon a physical manifestation of yourself?"

Archer seemed to consider this before saying, "I can't fight all your battles for you. Most of what I know was refined over constant struggles, but a safety net wouldn't be a bad thing. I'm not sure how it should work though."

Fixer grinned, "How about three command seals, each allows for one eight hour summoning of you at full Servant capabilities. You can also be summoned three other times at your human capabilities, but Xander can channel energy over time into refilling that. This would let you train, or go have a beer, or whatever."

"So a twist of the absolute orders. I can agree to that," Archer said, after a short thoughtful look he said, "I think an automatic termination clause should be included. If he is ever actively attempting to wipe out Humanity or the World the contract is terminated."

Xander was nodding like a bobble head as he said, "I can agree to that. If I ever go dark side I wouldn't want to keep this power. I also want it to end if I get turned into a corpse."

Fixer said, "Don't worry, this is a soul contract. That means you have to have your soul for it to work. If you get fangy then the contract is over."

Xander reached out a hand to Archer and said, "I can agree to these terms."

Archer took his hand and replied, "It should be an experience."

Fixer placed a glowing hand over the clasped hands and said, "Then the pact is sealed."

With that a statement Xander winced slightly as his hand heated up before a red marking appeared on the back of his hand. Archer smirked slightly at the sight of it and commented, "So the crest looks like the Command Seals from a Grail War?"

Fixer shrugged, "It seemed fitting. And Xander, you don't have to worry about losing the crest if you're injured. It will shit to another visible location on you. You won't be able to magically hide it either, but nothing stops you from wearing a pair of gloves."

Fixer took out a notebook and passed it to Archer, "Here are some vacation options for you, and no it won't impact your training Xander. I'll release the summoning and you can go through that while I have a conversation with them regarding the future."

Archer gave him a quizzical look before bidding farewell and standing to leave. As he walked out the doors of the library he seemed to dissolve into particles of light before vanishing completely.

As the Fixer turned back to the group Giles was glaring at him, "The future, you know about an upcoming danger. That's why you went to this trouble."

"I know about many upcoming challenges you will face, and I can't really share them with you," Fixer said.

Xander interjected before Giles could, "Because just me having this contract changed things."

Fixer laughed out loud before saying, "Precisely, along with the fact that not everything is the same between timelines. For example this version Giles I believe went to a boarding school in the highlands. Am I right?"

Giles nodded and asked, "I take it that isn't common?"

Another waggled hand from Fixer before he said, "Ehh, there is usually a bit of variance in your background."

"You are correct then, but why bring it up?" Giles asked.

"Because I have a couple more deals I would like to put out there. First is for Xander. It takes time to learn Archer's version of magic, even with the resonance effect. I would like to offer you the chance to go to an alternate timeline where you will have time and maybe a little secondary help in mastering the basics before returning here. As part of this you would have your aging locked to this reality, but one day here would get you thirteen there."

Before Xander could accept Ms. Calendar asked, "What is the price, and where would he be?"

"The price would be a future favor in the same general concept. I would either ask you to train someone in their timeline, or host them while they learned here. As for where I won't tell you the specifics because this is a dimensional weak point. There is the chance of things following to that realm if they know and have a name to follow me with. I can tell you that is less technologically developed and there are no certainties about safety," Fixer replied.

"Compared to the Hellmouth?" Xander snarked.

"Rarely, but there would be dangers, but the majority are common enough that someone there could forewarn you about them. My plan was to drop you with a married couple that are local artisans. As knowing how things are constructed would increase your capability in Projection I believe it would help. It could also provide you with a trade skill you could continue here, albeit a niche one depending on your preferences. The downside is that you would return as is when you decide to return. So if you contracted a disease or curse in that location that could only be cured there, well you're screwed." Fixer said.

Giles polished his glasses before saying, "It seems like a fair deal on the surface."

Xander said, "I don't like the idea of leaving the gang to handle the locals on their own."

"Well I had a secondary bargain for Ms. Rosenburg that relates to the school Giles attended," Fixer said.

"She's a little old to be a first year," Giles said.

"Yeah, I looked into it during the past week. She had an invite from a school over on the east coast, but they couldn't get a lock because of the local energies. And the messenger got snacked on. My thought is to send her back a few years in time, with the appropriate de-aging, and send her to the highlands to attend school though the first couple of years. With her potential she's in danger if she doesn't get some basics training. You could then tutor her for her exams after that once time has caught back up," Fixer offered, "In exchange no rite or ritual based magics until fifth year exams are passed."

"You don't want her using those kinds of magic for two more years; why?" Xander asked suspicion lacing his tone.

"Does it matter?" Fixer asked.

Willow spoke up, "Yes it matters. Everything you have offered seems to have secondary meanings. If we hadn't seen the interview you did with that watcher in the 1300s where you said you were born human I would think you were one of the Fey!"

Fixer chuckled, "i am a lot like the Sidhe. I can't lie, and my bargains must be kept. You are correct that there is a secondary meaning. Your magical potential is only rivaled by a few other people in the world, but ritual magic opens you up to the ambient energies of a location. Most of the time that's isn't an issue, but here on the Hellmouth it would taint you before your magical core stabilizes. It's why Mrs. Madison went off the deep end here, well one of the reasons."

Xander looked at the Fixer with more suspicion as Willow pulled Giles away to discuss his school. When they were out of earshot he asked, "What is the other reason. The bargains have been helpful to us, but there is more you are accomplishing. When you sealed that pact I got the sense that bargains you make are locked in. If she takes this deal she won't be able to use ritual magic until the conditions are met."

"Damn your eyes. I can't tell you the full reason. For the most part it is me meddling with certain beings plans. It shouldn't hurt her, but her training at that a school will give her a leg up in situations where magic is an appropriate solution," Fixer said.

Reaching into his pocked Fixer pulled out a small knife that looked like a a fancy, over sized, letter opener covered in etched runes. Passing it to Xander he said, "Have that on you when you do your first dream training with Archer. It will help him determine your Origin and Element to aid in the direction your training takes. Now about my offer?"

Xander nodded, "I'll take the deal if she does. I don't want to leave her alone knowing the dangers of this town."

"Fair enough. Any questions while we wait for them to discuss the idea?" Fixer asked.

Xander began by asking about some of the realms Fixer had been to that he only knew as fiction.