Part 18: Orchid Words Arc - Contact

Contact



So, Fuyuki again. Make you're prepared with anti-Frost countermeasures, and select your missions appropriately. There's that mysterious Side Mission again, though... We'll get back to that, after we've finished all three main stories, and all but one of the Servant Side Stories. A story for many moons from now.


Orchid Words stage 2

Because of that, there are still unclaimed areas, called Neutral Sectors. I advise you attack at once and seize the Neutral Sectors before the enemy can.



So, *very* occasionally, you'll have a gimmick like this in the game. Normally, when you start a map, all Sectors are either under your faction's control, or the enemy's. As you might expect, if Neutral Sectors are a thing, neither faction controls them, and you can seize them without a fight. How it works it quite simple, but in spite of that, this is a rather hard stage to get an EX rank on.



So we've got Nero's armies out in force today, but never mind that for now, here's how Neutral Sectors work. When you're in one of the special areas, there are three Lost Matrixes on in the area. Normally they're hidden, but the screen will start to get like this when you're close to one. All you have to do to reveal it is smack it a few times.

Once you've revealed all three, a new Sector is added to Tamamo Land.



As you can see from the mini-map, Nero has brought out herself and Cu Chulainn, who will soon begin to invade that one Neutral Sector, and, assuming he takes that over, he'll then proceed to take over as many Neutral Sectors as he can. Best to put a stop to his rampage as soon as possible, but first, we'll take out that Plant, then take the Neutral Sector in the center the one just south of it. However...





Huh, kinda weird they let you fight the final boss of the first part of Tamamo's story as a regular enemy in the second stage...



Unfortunately, Nero's pretty tough, and more importantly, there's no particular sense in fighting her. Instead, although this is a Neutral Sector, we're going to withdraw from here. If you're going for the EX rank, it's good not to get too hung up on the details. From here, Nero will head northeast to the small Sector with a Phantasm Circuit in it. We'll leave her to that, and hoping she doesn't take it over before we finish the stage.



We'll instead be focusing our attention on one of Nero's Sectors, but unlike her, we won't take forever to conquer it.



See? Now we'll loop around, get the Phantasm Circuit on the way, and take out Cu Chulainn, before swinging back and taking the red Sectors at the bottom of the map.







So Cu is a pretty damn dangerous enemy, if only because he's probably the fastest attacker in the game and has quite a reach with his spear. Like with Nameless, you're better off constantly being in his face and not allowing him to use his speed to get an advantage over him.

But, Tamamo does have one potent weapon against man or beast...





In addition to her repitoire of Chun-Li kicks, she has also has an explosive kick to the groin. Powerful on anyone, Grand Order confirms it's most effective against men. No really. Tamamo has two incarnations in Grand Order (regular Caster version, who unfortunately does not kick, and a Lancer version that does. Her "lance" is beach umbrella), and her Lancer Noble Phantasm is basically just a big ol' kick to the groin which does a ton of damage against any target, but inflicts extra damage against males.

Tamamo is pretty good, is what I'm saying. After defeating the Hound of Chulainn, Nameless decided to show up as the level boss, and wouldn't you know it, we get a remix of EMIYA, which is more or less the character's official theme song. Actually, now that I think of it, a ton of characters have theme songs in this game. Nameless, the Main 3, Gilgamesh (we haven't heard his yet), Elizabeth, and the hidden character all have songs associated with them. Always nice.

However, since we still have two Sectors not under our control we'll be ignoring the red-cloaked Archer for now. I just wish the AI could make that easier for me.



This is when a fight really comes alive. Tons of enemies, more than a few Aggressors, an enemy Servant, and a Plant to replace any enemy losses. Even funner when there's *two* enemy Servants in the same Sector with you. That can get more than a little dicey.

However, shortly after this screenshot, I managed to turn things around and take over this Sector. Only one to go. For my new friends, however, I think they need a welcoming present.













A fox-induced nuclear explosion. Looks good to me.



Now our conquest is complete. Nero *has* to be close to finishing on her end, so let's just hope we can wrap this up quickly.



And indeed, we did. Side missions were 5/5, so it is an acceptable result all around. Part of the reason why this mission is tough to EX rank is it's a pretty small map, so you'll frequently get engaged in some pretty pitched battles with the enemy, so you have to move quickly and efficiently to make sure you clear the Sector requirement.


Encounter with the woman in white

...Oh. What is it?

...Oh, oh.

...Caster seems to be in a bashful mood. No, it's something else...She's humming. Whispering.

...Oh, oh... I tried to hold on, but...it only made me blush harder... Heavens me, oopsies. How disgraceful of me. But that's okay. I don't mind being disgraceful. Are you asking for more of what we did this morning, my dear? ...No, no. No need to say it. Of course you're asking. ...You are, right?

Amazing. Her energy is amazing. I can tell she's really pushing for this. So for now, I vaguely nod. When I sit next to her like this, her eyes seem like the Sun itself. The golden colors are looking at me. Ah, just being here like this makes me feel like they're sucking me in...

...That's not fair, dear. I'm prepared and always will be. And you know I could just push you right over at any time... This is the Millennium Capital. A city I built for my own desires. Here we are, in my castle, in my keep, in my special room at the heart of it all, but you... You, with that silent stare of yours... I can't wait any longer! Are you teasing me? Are you baiting me?! Whatever challenge you want to give me, I'll take it! My Husband!!



This is the second time we've been like this. It never works out until the third time. There's going to be some kind of interruption...right? Last time, Elizabeth flew in and kicked me, but not this time, and I don't think she's about to. So does that mean the coast is clear? ...Caster. Wait. ...The moment i try to stop, a feeling builds up, and my body starts shaking.





Even though we're in such different places, you continue to stare at me. Straight ahead, without averting your gaze.

...It's a maiden in white. She has brown skin, a tall and slender body, and unforgettable red eyes. She has the look of a warrior. No doubt about it. She's definitely someone who fights.

"Someone who fights" is putting it mildly. I'm not so much a human as a walking calamity. I came to this planet to destroy it. I'll corrode all of SE.RA.PH and rule over it. I'll bring the Moon Cell to a halt and wipe away its civilizations. I was born to be an alien invader.

I see. If she's an "alien", it's going to be hard for either of us to understand each other. And if she was born only to destroy, then I can see her living up to that. But... I do have questions. If she was born that way, born to destroy everything, then that's who she is. But is that really what she wants to do? Or does she want to give that up?

...Reasons. I have reasons... How strange. You look the same, but you have different natures. You ask the same questions, but with different meanings. You suggest I should stay who I am. That I shouldn't reject who I am, that I should seek a different path while living as who I am. ...But I don't have that option. I only destroy. I don't want to break lives apart, but in the end, they break anyway. I destroy civilizations. I destroy lives. That's my existence. It's futile to try and change that. You may as well give up... Questioning me is a waste of time. You should surrender as my Prisoner. How long do you intend to resist me...? This is so pointless... I...I feel so heavy... Ahh... When will I awaken from this dream?

You know we had a scene like this in Flame Poem, and I don't think the game ever 100% explains how this happens. My guess is it's some sort of psychic connection both the Mind and Soul have with the Body, which Altera is in possession of, that allows her to interact and speak with both.

Also, it's quite a contrast with Nero and her Praetor. Hakuno's Soul seems much more insightful and more on the ball with things, which elicited quite a different reaction from Altera. We haven't seen the Body too much, but don't you worry, we'll be seeing a LOT of her in Altera's story.

...i found you, my Husband! You flutter off just when we're having fun, and THIS is what happens! Coming out of nowhere to steal my prey. It makes my tail bristle! Very well, I'll scorch this little minx with the heat of my... Wait. You. What barbarian god are you?

...

That presence. That pressure. I...remember it. From a long time ago. Ah, so this is how you present yourself, is it? An enemy of humanity, just like me. That "unknown threat" approaching SE.RA.PH? hmm. It's you, isn't it?

...

The maiden in white doesn't respond to Caster's words. It's as if she has no words to respond with. The maiden in white doesn't respond to Caster's words. It's as if she has no words to respond with. She just stares out at Caster with a chilling gaze, and then...





...It's my second experience with vertigo. When I open my eyes, Caster is right there. The maiden in white is nowhere to be seen. Was I dreaming? The maiden's words are still echoing in my mind, but Caster's reaction is what worries me the most. Caster called the maiden an "enemy of humanity"...

...No. I just wanted to say that. That little home wrecker was trying to dig her way into my Husband's head. I wanted to send her straight to Hell, but...I couldn't. ...She had quite a bit of power, I must say. No wonder Archimedes is all worked up about her. ...But she's our enemy. That's all there is to it. You cannot sympathize with her. Do you understand, my dearest darling?

...I can't really think of an argument. As Caster said, she felt extremely dangerous. But that might not be the whole story.



Good thing you weren't up to anything pervy, huh? Not as long as I'm around...

Maid. I don't remember demanding your services here.



Gyaaah!! TI...NGL...ING... NO MORE! *pant* *pant* *pant* ...I can do it. I've trained myself to be completely lightning-proof... Your next show had better hit a million volts! ...Wait, no, never mind that. Anyway, what the hell? Are you just shocking me for no reason now? What're you, having a rough day?

How presumptuous. Maybe I should start using two fingers.



WHAAA! H-HEY, TH....IIISSS...REA...LLY...TIN...GLES...!

I can see what a powerful shock it is. Eating another one like that, after this morning, must be dangerous even for Servants.

This...is...nothing....

Off with you, maid. And be grateful for my Husband's mercy. He pities you too much to see you fried to a crisp. Ahh, such compassion.

...

...Thank goodness. Looks like she's stopping for now. I should be safe here myself, but I highly advise Elizabeth to leave the room. Caster clearly hates it if anyone else gets in here.

...I just...need to go...right? I...get...it...



What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Cheer up, Erzabet.

My apologies for that little display. Please just forget it ever happened. ...I suppose I won't pounce on you just now. Pleaes rest tonight and sleep well, my dear.


That night

Well, then... Everything has been the same as the last try up until this point. But this... This is new. Saber was so wretchedly emotional, and unpredictable for it. But Caster's desires are clear and simple. I've set the wheels in motion, and spared no effort to do it. Nothing left to do now but stand back and pray. ...Pray? Hehe, who am I praying to? Perhaps I should wish upon a "Star".



Oh my, look who it is. I commend you, Lancer. So faithfully devoted to the tasks you shouldn't have.

...

Karna, Lu Bu, Medusa, all glorious Servants who fight for the Queen. But here you are, stuck with the scullery work. Why do you obey? It's not as if the Queen will ever respect you. You could leave anytime you like. They'd never catch you. But here you stay.

Well... Yeah, it's humiliating, but...but I guess I'm okay with it. I have a lot to make up for. The things I've done, well...I can't exactly work 'em off.

...Hm. If you show that meek expression of yours to the King, I'm sure mercy would find you. Ah, well. Let us end our game here. It's your turn now, Elizabeth. I'll remove the curse Caster placed on you. But you know...what you must do in return.

...Huh. So you were serious about giving me the spotlight. Are you more into dragons than foxes?

Oh, don't be foolish. I despise both. But I do know how to appreciate a human body. Yours in particular has a certain symmetry. Now, show me your throat. Ah, this level of curse is child's play. I'll wipe it away without leaving a mark. If you want, I can even give you a little tune-up. That was what I missed last time. This time, I'll increase your spirit value so that you can properly wield the Regalia.

...Um, I only sort of get it, but okay, yeah, sure, I'll believe you. That fox is acting weird for sure. There's no way she'd just forget about the little squirrel, even if it is "just the Mind".

I see. If that's what motivates you, fine. Ironic, but I suppose no one can see just how they'll fall into the abyss. No matter. You will seize the Regalia and become the new Sovereign. After that, do what you will. But make sure to fuse both pieces of the Regalia, the Queen's and the Emperor's. And when the third one arrives, you must connect them all.

Not that I care, but why gather them all together if you're just gonna break 'em? Wouldn't one be good enough?

It doesn't work that way, Lancer. If the Regalia isn't at its most complete, its most perfect, it cannot shut down the Moon Cell. The Regalia must be complete before it's broken. Only then will its destruction resonate across the entire system. Then, finally...that damnable Moon Cell will suffer the deadliest wound in its history. Do not forget. Connect all three pieces.

...Yeah, I get it. Screw making up for all my sins. I'm done playing that stupid game.

So, there's something new... Archimedes and Elizabeth are partners in crime. We previously didn't see any association between the two of them, except for Elizabeth knowing about the Umbral Star between Stage 3 and 4 of Flame Poem. Wonder how that happened...



Ah... Ah... By the way, honey?

As I lie there half-asleep, Caster speaks to me, flaunting a sinister smile. ...I have a premonition. Knowing that is an unforgiving battlefield, I sit up on the futon and face her.

No no, you don't need to do that. I just have a simple question. ♡ Now then, I hope I'm wrong here, but you know how some women are, the way our thoughts always keep us up at night. So even at this hour, there's something I need to hear from you, all right, dear? Darling. During your little dizzy spell, what did you feel toward the woman in white? Was it admiration, by any chance?



Well, honesty is the best policy, even with fox demons.

Hmm. I hadn't thought of it that way, but now that Caster brings it up, I suppose I can't deny it. I can say, as the Soul of Hakunon, that the woman certainly made an impression on me. But even so, I have no intentions of cheating. Even if I do respect the maiden in white, I still have the heart of a lady.

...W-With wide-eyed innocence...you share your honest thoughts without any hesitation... Ah, my darling, you look so wonderful... Ahh, you have a deliciously gorgeous Soul. So pleasing, so appetizing, so ready to devour... *slurp* N-No, none of that. Calm down, Tamamo! Control the berserker cat within you, or you won't be the perfect wife anymore...!

Tamamo is actually an incarnation of the goddess Amaterasu, and was born with 9 tails as a fox demon. She cut them off after years of training, and all 9 of her tails have the potential to become Heroic Spirits themselves, but we've only seen one of them, Tamamo Cat, show up thus far. Tamamo Cat is a Berserker, true to form, but is more cute and goofy than, say, a Lu Bu-style Berserker is.

Caster is wrestling with her own desires. When I do that, I try to do it with my mouth closed.

What are you saying, Rabbit?! This is all because of my Husband's charms! What? "Consent"? Oh, you mean "Go for the kill"?! Even if I hate her charisma, I can't be spiteful of my darling... No wife would begrudge anyone for flutting over her Husband... My Husband's sex appeal is out of control... Well, you are pure Soul, after all, so there's no helping that. You see beauty as it is, and unsightliness as it is. That's just the way you are. ...When I question that, I end up feeling like a fool. I, Tamamo, officially apologize. My regret is deeper than the sea... Please excuse me for waking you up. I won't bother you again. Goodnight, and I mean it this time...




Ohohoho... Just what do you think you're doing, maiden in white? You think you can out-maiden a Japanese shrine maiden? Going for the old "dark-skinned shaman, overflowing with freshness" look, are you?



Altera doesn't stand a chance.