Part 17: Orchid Words Arc - Passion

Passion



So before we continue with Tamamo's story, allow me to speak a little about her. A bit of an introduction, if you will. Tamamo has been a staple of the EXTRA series, having starring roles in EXTRA, CCC, and, of course, this game. She describes herself as an Anti-Hero, and has always been playing the good wife shtick in all of her appearances thus far. Indeed, this casual outfit is straight from CCC, which I happen to like a lot. Suits her well.

But as for Tamamo no Mae herself? She's definitely not as well known outside Japan / China than, say, Nero is outside of her (or his, whatever) country of origin. Tamamo's story itself originates during the Muromachi period of Japanese history (1336-1573 CE), specifically a collection of stories called the Otogizōshi. The nine-tailed Tamamo first appears in these stories as a fox demon who managed to possess a concubine named Daji, who was close to King Zhou, the last of China's Shang dynasty. Here she began a familiar pattern: ingratiating herself with a country's overlord, and through her natural demon-ness and troublemaking spirit, brought upon the downfall of the king and a rebellion by their subjects.

After she had worked her magic in China, she was driven out by angry humans, and found her next home in India. Much the same thing happened, before rebounding BACK to China, now famous as a massive troublemaker, and you know, a fox demon. After fleeing China again, Tamamo next surfaces in Japan as Tamamo-no-Mae, a courtesan to Emperor Toba and one of his most trusted advisors.

Doing what she does, she caused the emperor to fall gravely ill, and her identity was exposed by the emperor's astrologer. This time, however, the emperor was able to command soldiers loyal to him to kill the fleeing Tamamo, and she met her end on the plains of Nasu (northern Kanto). *Our* Tamamo, is no less troublesome, as we've seen. She will namedropping a few of those faces later this update, so just a heads-up on what she's talking about when we get to that. As far as her looks go, well...let's just say Arco Wada took a few liberties.

By the way, most of this was gleamed off Wikipedia, so if anyone has more details on the mythological Tamamo, feel free to add.


Dinner Bell

Time for a little quality time in Tamamo's Room. Heavens me, I'll heal your battle fatigue in a snap! No, there's no trick to it, aside from just being here in this room. Just relaxing and talking will naturally heal you, physically and mentally. This room was made just for that. ♡



Hm, well, Tamamo is on Nero's mind as much as the reverse. I doubt she'd want us talking about Archie.

...Saber, you say? Oh, she's strong, I'd say. She definitely made an impression in the Holy Grail War. But what does that have to do with anything? I have the Regalia and the shining, gorgeous Soul of my Master beside me. As long as I have both these things...I have nothing to fear from her. Not that I'd lower my guard, mind you, but let's keep her in perspective.

If Saber is our greatest enemy, then we might be able to talk things out with her and combine our influence. I wonder what Caster thinks of that.

Are you asking me to play nice with the traitor? Hold it right there, darling. Are you saying you're not satisfied with me alone?

That's not it at all. I just want to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Ah, why am I not surprised, dear? Your looks are as perfect as your heart is generous. To be so forgiving, even of treason... But... There's something about that I can't stand. Something about treason, I mean. Not about you. Either way, you've only made me more upset. If you show any more pity to this traitor, I'd be so furiouis. I...I don't even know.♡

We should...probably keep that in mind. More importantly, what's for dinner? Even a 1/3 of a digital person needs to eat sometimes.



Piping-hot meat, white potatoes, fresh, savory omelettes, and teriyaki yellowtail, fished from the seas of SE.RA.PH. Carrot and daikon miso soup and boiled spinach, all made with vegetables from the western fields of the Capital. Oh, and white rice. It's not much, I'm afraid, but this is the cuisine your loving wife has painstakingly prepared. How do you like it, darling? ♡

It's truly, truly delicious. She's modest about her cooking skills, but I think she's extraordinary. ...And as I dig into the food, a strange feeling comes over me. Up until now, Caster the Servant and Caster the Queen have seemed like two different people. But now that I experience the full measure of her cooking skills, I realize that even as a Servant, she's an incomparable Queen.

What seems to be the problem, honey? You're hesitating... Ohoho. No need to worry. Tomorrow, the day after, and every day after that, I'll put all my heart into my cooking. If you have a favorite, please don't hesitate to say so. I'll prepare it with a recipe book in hand!



I hear curry's pretty popular in Japan...

What?! You like curry? Why didn't you say so sooner?! Because... I am the best at that! See, as my friend Beni Enma says, "First you must learn the simplest things." I have TRAINED to make the world's best curry. Trained so hard I've shed blood on the beaches. Now, I can prepare 108 spices. And as soon as an Indian-like region appears in SE.RA.PH...! Cardamon, tumeric, and cumin! Even Garam masala! I will arrange the greatest spices and prepare them for you. Ohoho... This will be fun. Very fun...

Man. Nero's speeches-on-demand have nothing on Tamamo going on about food. Food and Nasu go together a lot, actually.

Incidentally, while all of the spices she mentioned are real stuff, "Beni Enma"? I have absolutely no clue who that is, and Google doesn't know either. I'd probably have to ask Nasu about that one.

A lone Servant stands before me, her Queen-like presence concealed. Tamamo no Mae. When the subject turns to cooking, her expression lights up... She is truly the perfect wife, or at least I believe that looking at her now.

Ah, I'm sorry. We should be doing more than talking right now, shouldn't we? If you'll excuse me a moment, my Husband...

As she says that, Caster lightly taps her knees.

How about a lap pillow?

Yeah, sleepy time sounds about right right now.


On the warpath



I sense someone nearby. I open my eyes. I see a beautiful sight. Even awake, I feel like I'm still dreaming. Her eyes glow in gold. Her hair shines bright. The woman who stands and fights beside me. She's close to me. Incredibly close. Close enough that our lips are almost touching. Not what I expected to see first thing in the morning, but I guess nothing is impossible.

...Are you awake, my dear? I don't mind if you want to sleep in longer. I don't mind one bit. This is a dream. We're both in a dreamlike state. That proves it.

I'm not sure that's exactly how it works, but let's see where this is gong...

I don't bother arguing. She lies on top of me, pressing down. She's warm and comfortable, like a blanket.

I'm a Servant who specializes in guarding the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor. I can play that role anytime. If you want to sleep in, please do. Same if you want to wake up early. Everything is all up to you, my Husband...

A reference to Tamamo's time in China. The Yellow Emperor is the legendary progenitor of Chinese civilization. Wikipedia tells me he supposedly ruled ~4500 years ago. The Mausoleum itself, though, is a very real place.

A former Guard of the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor. I remember that she can establish a secret connection with a certain negative energy, which guides luck from the Kunlun. She also has a mirror which can reflect the golden light of the sun. It's great that she has so many titles and jobs. You can't go wrong with branching out. Frankly, I wish I had more than one name. But that's neither here nor there.

It's one of those reference-heavy updates, huh? Well, the Kunlun is a mountain range in Tibet, but that's not really what Hakuno was referring to. Simply put, the Kunlun is basically the Chinese equivalent of Mount Olympus, a place where various gods and goddesses hang out. And, frankly speaking, I don't think you need a special mirror to reflect the sun's "golden light", but the mirror she does have on her hand is none other than the famous Mirror of Uka, one of Japan's National Treasures, which in real life is supposedly kept at Izumo under *very* safe guard.

Technically, it does count as a Noble Phantasm, but she mostly uses it for magical attacks. She can just whack people with it, though.



But you have to wonder...how long has she been there?

...Is that not allowed? I'm the Queen. Your wife. Everything in the Millennium Capital is mine. I can go wherever I please here. ...Or maybe this isn't allowed Well, glad to see you're awake. So let me say this. As part of an ancient tradition, a loving wife must say a certain phrase when her husband awakens... In other words... Good morning, Husband.

I get up and respond with, "Morning. Looks like a nice day." Caster casually sidles toward me. And then she sticks with me. We're basically glued together.



Such depravity on Hakuno's part, touching a fox woman's tail so brazenly. Still, it does warrant mention.



Oh no... And after you enjoyed the fluffiness of my tail with such love and intensity in the past! Now it's "a little warm"? What, do you only like it during the winter? That's beyond outrageous! My heart would be jumping right now if I weren't so busy shaking! You know what it's come down to now: Force.

Well jeez. I didn't mean it like that...

Huh? Force?

Yes, yes. I, Caster, will seize anything I want at any chance I get.

"Seize anything she wants"? Speaking of seizing, if I can stretch my hand a bit, I can grab her hypnotic, fluffy tail. But I'm 90% sure that's not what she means. All that aside, when I'm talking to Caster like this in My Room, nostalgia begins to rise up. Caster's the same as ever when she's in here, but once she goes out to the throne room, she shows her dangerous side. I have to find out why.

...I...am Tamamo no Mae, who stands by your side here in SE.RA.PH. This time for sure... I promise I will NEVER let you go again. I will serve you forever. And ever. In this form that you loved me in.

Her words are melancholy, but full of genuine heart. This isn't her usual cheerful courtship. This is quiet, something she can't just laugh off. i feel like I've seen her say farewell like this before...in the middle of the Moon's Holy Grail War...or like in the middle of a fight, something from a dream I can't quite grasp...

...Is something the matter? Why are you staring at me like that, honey? Oh... Oh no, no... Look at you, you're the very epitome of heat... Like your soul itself is on fire... And that's... Oh... And those aloof....silent eyes... Ahh, I can't take it. I'm just going to devour you! I won't leave a crumb!



Huh? I was just looking at her. I didn't even mean anything by it. How did it come to this?

A real Hero always cleans her plate! ...Wait, am I a Hero? Whatever, i don't even care! The entire world belongs to me... So I declare from the very Millennium Capital! Even though you're my Master, here I hold you in my hands... No, in my tail.

Ahh. It's so fluffy...! The fluff is getting out of control...! Stay! Stay, Caster!

Ahh, if you handle my tail like that... Oh no, Master! But no, this is great. This is the first time I've felt like this...! Yes, yes. I understand my Husband's feelings! If you entrust yourself to me, I'll take care of everything. You'll live like King Zhou of Shang here in SE.RA.PH!

Eehhhh, I'm not sure ending up like poor King Zhou will much work out in our favor.

Ah, she finally said it. She really did say it. She's been telling me all this time that she's not that kind of woman, but this is like she's declaring she's Daji herself. I tell Caster to calm down and remember why we're here.

But the situation continues to advance like a rolling boulder. Caster removes her sash, and she and I...

Well, she's not wearing a sash at the moment, so I guess she unzips her coat, and well... she moves fast, doesn't she? Can't say







Never mind then. Nothing quite kills the mood like Elizabeth showing up.

What have you been, night crawling? You trying to pull off some kind of weird Oriental fantasy, you...you fox?!

...And just like that, the boulder stops. Maybe I should thank Elizabeth for saving me. Or was I really in that much danger?

Huh? Saving you? N-No, no, just get your head out of the clouds, will ya? I-I just came by because Karna handed me a package to deliver! And then I saw...you, and I flew on in! 'Cause I'm a dragon! It's not like...I was worried about you or anything.

Ohoho... Oh, so that's what it is... Are you trying to be the girl next door, who steals the hero from the sassy, pushy heroine...?

"Girl next door"...? So who's she supposed to be, the visiting princess? ...That's fine. That story's cliche, but I love it, little squirrel.

..How cheeky.





That sort of shock...looks just like the effect of an attack. Not sure if it's magecraft or a curse. Probably a curse. Is Caster the one who put that curse on her in the first place? And if so, what about the other Servants she has under her? Did she curse them too, to keep them under control? Well, I understand where she's coming from. It's heartless, but it does keep her in control. Still, that shock did seem pretty drastic. I hope Elizabeth's okay...

Ahh, dammit! Am I dead? I thought I died. Good thing I'm a Demi-dragon, or I'd definitely be super-dead right now. But hey, I think she jolted the fat right out of my stomach. Keep that up, and I'll look great in no time!

Okay. Looks like there's no need to worry. Caster might have been a little heavy-handed, but Elizabeth's sheer determination can't be stopped.

See what I mean about Elizabeth being a saint? The world hates her and wants to bring her down, but she's much too powerful for anyone, including Tamamo. If Hakuno says it, you know it's gotta be true. Truly impressive.

"Demi-dragon", is it? If you're insulated against electricity, you're more like an electric eel. Call yourself one of those from now on. And...aren't you going to thank me for all this healthy discipline? A maid cheekily mouthing off to a Queen. You don't think I'm done with you yet, do you? If you're used to electricity, then next up is fire. Should I roast you into a burnt little newt right here?

Urgh... Thank you for disciplining me... Please forgive my atrocities, my Queen.

...Hmph. This no longer amuses me. Darling, please go on ahead to the throne room. I have breakfast on the table for you. Please take your time and enjoy, and I'll see you afterwards. Now, if you'll excuse me. Farewell.



I'm the castle's maid. I'll just do my job, and you go on holding that stupid fox's hand. That's for the sake of SE.RA.PH. ...But thanks for the thought, anyway.

Man, the sight of Nero must *really* tick Liz off, because she's like a totally different dragon idol so far in Orchid Words, huh? Much less crazy, though who knows how long that will hold up.



King of SE.RA.PH and Queen Caster, please forgive my intrusion. Now that we know a certain Emperor holds the other Regalia, there is no doubt she will oppose the Queen's rule. It would be wise to defeat this other Regalia wielder, Emperor Nero, as soon as possible.

So you finally see it my way? Very well, then...though it is rather convenient for you that you have an excuse to come around. Still, you shameless scholar, I won't say "I told you so." I overrule my own edicts whenever I please, after all. It's only human.

Delighted to hear that, Your Majesty. When you defeat the Emperor, you can reassemble the split Regalia. But Saber has built a base of her own, deep within her territory. Just like this Millennium Capital. In order to defeat the Emperor, you'll need to take the fight to her.

Hmm...

Unlike yesterday, Archimedes and Caster seem to be on the same page. Or rather, their interests now overlap. We are going to fight Saber...the Emperor. It's not something I wished for, but I don't think I can talk Caster out of it. There's also the "enemy" we encountered at the Moon Cell core. We need to prepare for it by putting the Regalia back together. So we have to make a move...

...Wait a minute. We're all talking about running off to invade somewhere. Don't we need to rescue the Emperor's little squirrel first?

Shut your mouth, maid. I thought I told you to clean the oven. Go sulk in the soot, will you?

I'm done cleaning the kitchen already! It's, like, breathtakingly clean right now! So how about a little gratitude? No, forget it. Forget the gratitude. Let's talk about the squirrel. See, now that I'm free, what you could have me do is...invade Saber's territory, throw a nice, big concert, and make the rescue while I'm there.

...There's no need for that. The master's Soul is right here. That being the case, there's no need to drag the Mind here too. In fact... It would happen much faster with only the Soul here.

Huh?!

...Oh. I see. Yes, that makes sense, I suppose.

...Isn't this going too fast? I mean, Caster seems to know what she's talking about... Is it a compatibility issue? Maybe the Mind is better suited for Saber, and I'm better suited for Caster?

What matters is the Regalia. Once we restore it, we won't have to conquer the Moon Cell the hard way. Instead of marching in sector by sector, we get our hands on her Regalia, and everything will fall right into place. And in the end, SE.RA.PH will belong to me! The Moon Cell itself will proclaim my sovereignty, and we shall rule forever in paradise! Ohoho, it's all so simple! And here I thought it would be so much trouble... Does our little Emperor not understand that everything in SE.RA.PH exists to please me?

Her words are honest, and her intentions are pure. Some might say her desires are selfish, but I can't argue with her. And she's not wrong. If we do get our hands on the Reglia, all the little problems beneath her will sort themselves out. But then there's the unknown threat. From what Archimedes and Saber mentioned, Caster and I will eventually have to take care of it. Uniting the Regalia... If we do that, we'll take all of SE.RA.PH and the Moon Cell, and that does mean we'll take on the responsibility to protect it.

Ohoho, it seems like my Husband agrees as well. How perfectly suitable. Shall we head off to battle, then? ♪ Hand in hand, we shall scatter the petals of the Roman rose and stain its soil with blood. Yes... Let us go together, dearest.

Some time later...



So we're gonna forget about the other little squirrel. Did she really just say that? What the hell...? That fox has got to be nuts...

I think that goes without saying. Well, before we sally forth, we should shoot the shit with Tamamo. There's always time for that.


D.U.T.

Have you eaten all your breakfast? Oh, could it be, could it be? That you were so in love with me that you couldn't wait to see me? And you couldn't even wait until I finished changing? Ohohoho... I am so happy to hear that.

It's true that I came in here for her. I wanted to see her face before the battle. Seeing her on the throne like that made me want to check up on her, so I'm glad she's back to her usual self while she's in here.

Ahh! ★ Please, don't mention it! Ooh, you look so gorgeous when you thank me for a meal!

She really does all she can to be what she thinks of as an ideal woman.

Now, no apologies for coming in here. This isn't just My Room, it's Our Room. So you don't need to hold back. You can D.U.T. anytime you like in here. Or should I say...it's not too late to do it now. If you want, we can pick up where we left off, in all that secret sweetness...



So much as I'd like to continue the flirting, we should probably establish what D.U.T. I mean, for all we know we could be signing away our soul in this dark, arcane process. Best to know what we're getting ourselves into.

Should I have asked that question? I figured it was just some nonsense thing to say, but I questioned it on instinct.

Nice of you to ask! Oooh, how typically sharp of you, honey. Then allow me to explain, my devious consort! "D.U.T." stands for "Dadum-Unintentional-Trouble". "Dadum" is the sound our hearts make when our love crosses the line. The moment our hands and feet slip. The trouble we get into... So sweet and sentimental, yet so intense. ★ And since we're on the subject, let me show you a little more... By the laws of the Millennium Capital, I hereby renounce my inhibitions! Now, to move in for my lucky kiss...



Ow!

Oh, no. Since Tamamo was getting out of control, I grabbed a paper fan and swung at her. Unintentionally... Unintentionally...

Oh, oh, oh... That heart of yours... So lost sometimes, and yet so steady... Heavens me, it's been a long time since we've played around like this. I still love how unshakable you are... ♡

Sounds like things could get pretty heavy soon. We should...we should move out now.