Quote:Well, that's what Griever's first Fate/Stay Nite ficlet had Shiro trying to do.
And I was absolutely certain of the fact that Archer == Shiro. This would be accomplished by simply going back in time with Saber. Que semi happy ending and making enough of a historical impact to be summoned by Rin. So many things would then be neatly wrapped up (at least in my opinion) that were left open in the series.
As for the rest: Spoilers in white.
Archer is future Shiro. The final scene in the ED where Archer bought the farm in the fight with Beserker is proof of that. Shiro became a Heroic Spirit for the deeds he will do in the future. If I recall correctly, the final event that will set Shiro into becoming Archer is the tragic death of Rin in the future. You can summon a heroic spirit from the future as well as the past.
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Into terror!, Into valour!
Charge ahead! No! Never turn
Yes, it's into the fire we fly
And the devil will burn!
- Scarlett Pimpernell