Part 10: Flame Poem Arc - Resolve

Resolve



So here we are, marching off to the final battle of Flame Poem. I think this is a special occasion, don't you?



I think Nero would like to be in a little thinner of a dress, personally. This costume comes straight out of CCC (and if you were watching, the OP of this game), where it was her casual outfit. I think this should work out marvelously.

Oh, and speaking of CCC, her regular outfit in that game, an unzipped bride outfit, is going to be one of Nero's costumes in the Switch port of this game, apparently the only outfit exclusive to that version of the game. Nero also got another non-DLC (kinda) outfit, but only in Japan, naturally. I really wish I could have gotten this, but it was not to be. It's such a shame, as I really like that oufit. The first time I remember seeing that particular costume was actually on a figure.


Late night thoughts

She speaks of destruction, but has shown mercy. She says she is heartless, but she allowed me to retreat... I cannot understand what she means to do, or what she means to be. ...Just what is she?



I'm just not too good at raising her affection...

No, besides that... There has to be more to the story... Aaargh, even I cannot explain it! But the destruction of civilization... Still, something about that Servant's words, her presence... It's all so familiar, and yet so out of place...

Well, we can worry about her later. What does Nero think about Altera? Physically, I mean.





...What? Someone being your most powerful enemy is no reason not to appreciate the finer things. Time for sleepy time, however. It's been a long day.



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Question and answer

We have some time before we deploy, so please ask if you have any uncertainties. I cannot contribute as much as I would like to. But I will answer your questions with all sincerity, Hakunon.



Know thy enemy and all that, right? We'll start from the third choice, just for larfs.

Altera is a Heroic Spirit from Earth. She exists in SE.RA.PH as a Servant. For some reason, the Planet chose her to be its instrument, pitting her against the two of you. The black enemy programs now swarming SE.RA.PH are all soldiers of Velber, infected with the Planet's cells and corroded. Such soldiers are led by so-called Anti-Cells, who spearhead Velber's campaigns against other worlds. Altera commands them all now. Her goal is to rally the armies of the Zero Dark, the realms Velber infected ages ago, and bring ruin. If the Servant who wields the Regalia is the embodiment of the Moon Cell... Then Altera is most likely the embodiment of the Planet. And since she holds a part of the Regalia, her strength is beyond legendary. With her unimaginable amount of mana, and her armies from the Zero Dark, she aims to conquer every inch of our world. A titan in strength and stature. She is truly a fearsome foe.

For the record, whenever anyone in this game refers to the "Planet", they're referring to the Umbral Star.

Now, most of the time, when the proper noun "Planet" comes up in Nasu's writings, it's referring to the defense mechanism of the Earth itself, namely, the desire to avoid destruction (known as Gaia). Gaia is an intangible but important part of Earth's existence. It has a few ways it makes its presence felt when it senses a serious crisis. That's actually pretty important to this game's story, so just keep it under your hat for now.

But in form, she is still a Heroic Spirit.

Yes. Just as the Moon Cell chose you, Velber most likely chose her.

Just like me, hmm? But then what is Altera's true name?

Hmm. As of this moment, I cannot confirm a match for her among any known Heroic Spirits.

Hm, I see. That's it. Did you hear that, Praetor?! Once we learn her true identity, then at the very least, we can find out which timea nd place she belongs to. Even if her records are missing, I feel I must have heard of her before. The answer is tugging at the back of my mind.

She may be concealing her past willingly, through the use of her Independent Skills or Noble Phantasm.

"Independent Skills", as opposed to "Class Skills", which all Servants summoned under a particular class already have, just by virtue of them being a part of that class. Mad Enhancement (Berserker), Magic Resistance (Saber), and Independent Action (Archer) are three such examples.

An example of an Independent Skill would be Nero's Imperial Privilege skill. With her rank in that particular skill (EX), she can, to quote the Fate/EXTRA material book "The acquisition of skills that one should not possess in a short period of time, due to personal wishes.
Skills available included Riding, Swordsmanship, Artistry, Charisma, Military Tactics, etc. With A rank or above, alteration of the corpus (Divinity etc) was possible.".

So basically, "Let's say one day Saber decided "I can pilot a jet! It is nothing, just adjust the plane according to altitude, not too different from the jet chariot I invented!" And just like that, she would figure out how to pilot the plane.
.... but because of her short attention span and headache, she would soon forget what she learned. ". Her "headache" is related to another one of her skills, Migraine. It somewhat lowers her abilities, but if you want to know the Personal Skills of every Servant in the game, you can check out their bios in the extras menu in this game.

Yes, we must consider that as well.

I will continue to investigate, of course, but I must advise you that I don't expect to find much.

Tell us more about the Planet.

The all-consuming Planet, Velber. It masterminded the assault on you, Hakunon. Its path mirrors a comet's, crossing our solar system every 14,000 years. Based on photos from its last visit, it resembles a crying eye. Simply put, Velber is the greatest enemy of all sentient life. Whenever it passes near a planet, all civilizations upon that planet are destroyed. The last time Earth encountered Velber, 80% of the planet's surface was burned to ash. Velber also accesses certain partitions of the Moon Cell. Those partitions, now quarantined, are known today as the "Zero Dark". On earth, the civilzations that thrived before Velber's coming were all wiped out. When Velber shines in the sky, it is said that the Moon breaks asunder. That is how powerful our enemy is. The enemy of all life, all intelligence. And of the Moon Cell Automaton, who watches and records all human lives from above. We must also consider the sudden appearance of the White Servant, Altera. There is no doubt she is a soldier of Velber.

H-Hmm. Pardon me, I couldn't help but hold my breath hearing all that again. Hmm, fighting a celestial body may be easier said than done. Supposing we find a Servant who weapon of choice is a... What is that word? A rocket! Hmm, but who...? Grr, I can think of no one.

There was a certain Von Braun, but when the Western European Plutocracy froze the space program, he disappeared... How unfortunate.

So I guess mankind never landed on the moon in this timeline. The Western European Plutocracy is more of a thing in EXTRA than anything you need to know about this game's story (which, fair point, goes for a lot of things that are more about establishing the setting of this game).

More to the point, Werner Von Braun as a Servant would be interesting to see. We're about overdue for a rocket-based Servant, I think. He'd either be Archer or Caster. Archer more likely.

They might be overthinking, but I can barely think at all right now. The scale of this situation is so large that I can't wrap my head around it. A living planet, eating its way through space? That's beyond my imagination. But it's true. Velber is real. The Moon Cell closing itself off. Mysterious enemy programs appearing in SE.RA.PH. ...And the White Servant, with her ravaging power. She is every bit the destroyer she claims to be.

Velber, the Umbral Star... Hmm, I believe I understand now. It would trample our lands and cause my Praetor suffering. And so I curse its name.

That's the least it'll do, but fair enough.

Tell us more about the Regalia.

Velber, the Planet that attacks every 14,000 years. The Regalia is one of our defenses against it. In short, the Regalia temporarily allows a third party to gain special admin access to the Moon Cell. The Moon Cell's mana powers the Sovereign's transformations, infusing her with anti-Velber technology.

So we use the Regalia's authority to build up the Moon Cell's power and tailor its features as I see fit. But what about those enemy programs? Do they belong to Velber?

A very insightful question, Your Majesty, if I may say so. The territories Caster tried to hold, which Altera now commands, are all infected with Velber's cells. The soldiers are remnants from Velber's previous attack, who've escaped quarantine. Their captains are called "Anti-Cells". The Moon Cell attempted to eliminate them when they first attacked, but could only seal them away in the Zero Dark. Until now... So please remember, the Regalia is a mystical piece of code designed to battle Velber and the likes of Altera.

I see. I see. At first, I thought it merely a symbol of my union with the Praetor. A wedding gift, of sorts. If only the truth were so romantic. A harsh truth indeed...but I suppose I always knew the Regalia must have had some other purpose. Very well. I shall accept what was given to me. If the Moon Cell has gifted me a weapon, then I shall do what I do best and master it!

Well, personally speaking, I see no reason *not* to think of it as a wedding gift. After all, Hakunon got the Regalia after receiving it straight from the Moon Cell, but it ended up with Nero. I see no practical difference. Just remember to keep in mind what it actually is supposed to do.

Hakunon, I have something important to tell you, ma'am. Do you still remember? While we were registering your Royal Authority at the Moon Cell core, that enemy titan appeared... Apparently, it was an aspect of Velber. I believe it's the selfsame titan that laid waste to the Earth, and the Moon with it, long ago.

Titan...? Is Velber not a planet?

In a sense, but it doesn't simply crash into other planets. Rather, it sends its soldiers to assault those planets' civilizations. 14,000 years ago, that titan was among those soldiers, I believe. Since then, it's most likely been slumbering in the Zero Dark.

...And it awakened at the approach of its master. Is that what we're inclined to suppose?

Yes. But its efforts had long ago left it near death. The harshness of the Zero Dark could barely sustain it. And exposure to the outside would kill it even faster. It's an old-generation model of soldier. That's why Velber needed a new replacement. To clear the way for its arrival, Velber marshaled its remaining resources in the Zero Dark and launched a surprise attack. As Hakunon and I were registering the Regalia, it attacked us and split her being into three pieces. I was able to help the Mind and Soul escape, but I was too late to keep the Body out of enemy hands. So even though the titan fell, the enemy's access to an aspect of the Master gave it access to the rest of the Moon Cell. The enemy then forced the Body to summon a Servant, Altera. Earthling or not, she is evil to the core, and is aiding the Planet willingly. She, of course, is the one who then forced Hakunon to stay on as her Master and prisoner.

... Very well. First and foremost, she holds my Praetor's Body in her clutches. Nothing we say here will change that. So I ask again, to make doubly sure: Her Regalia, properly restored, can save the Praetor from fading away?

Yes. There is no doubt about that. Caster still has the Praetor's Soul, and her whereabouts remain unclear, but if we can restore the Regalia...then Hakunon will not disappear. Have no fear of such a thing.

If we do unite the Mind and Body, what will happen to the Soul? Could we draw the Soul out of hiding that way?

Indeed. You see, at this point, the three aspects of Hakunon are all in even balance. The Mind and Body in one would become the "true" vessel of Hakunon, drawing the Soul to the vessel eventually.

I see, so the individual parts are drawn to the stronger whole. But what if the Soul refuses to rejoin the vessel?

That would be impossible. Rejoining the vessel is the natural order of such things. However, you do raise an interesting observation, Your Majesty. If any of the Praetor's three aspects were to meet an untimely end, the other two would call for a replacement. For example, if the Soul of Hakunon were killed at the hands of Caster, that Soul would disappear. However, a new Soul would form inside the Body, and it would take on the old Soul's memories - up until the time of the split, at least. That goes for the Mind as well. If either Mind or Soul were killed, the Body would gain new versions of them. So if Altera defeats you and Caster, and kills their aspects of the Master, she would then obtain the perfect Master for herself.

So Altera's possession of the Body gives her the upper hand. Ugh, this is intolerable. Still, recovering either the Soul or the Body will save the Praetor from fading away. That is more than enough of a reason to fight Altera. Even if... *sigh* First a sly little fox, then a harbinger of the apocalypse from beyond the stars. Why...? Caster I can understand. Beastly as she is, she stood no chance of resisting the Praetor's charms. But of all people... A starlet... A maiden from beyond the stars... How are you so very popular, Praetor...?

Well, for Altera's sake, it's *probably* because of Hakunon's connection with the Moon Cell Automaton, but honestly, you never know. And hey, the Charisma skill becomes something of a drawback once it's A-rank or higher, and I mentioned Hakunon's Charisma rank is EX++++++++, so that would be a huge problem. Easy enough answer.

...

That's a fair question. I can understand Saber's concern. But there are bigger issues at stake. We've gone from a serious discussion to a chat about love. I can see Archimedes trying to force a friendly smile. Saber, it's time to focus, don't you think?

*laugh* Ah, isn't youth grand? But i have little to contribute on that particular topic. Shall we discuss our strategy? Perhaps after we defeat Altera, we can speak more of love and envy.

Fade to My Room...


Unexpected guest

Nonetheless, her lips were sealed. Whatever her reasons may have been, she kept them hidden even at the end. No matter. If we take enough wild stabs in the dark, one of them will draw blood eventually.





You sensed me. How astute of you.

This is the third time we've met. Your presence has a very distinctive aura, I must say. Regardless, I have questions, and you WILL answer. Why did the Holy Maiden turn?







...It was you! She chose her side and fell because of you!

So you've pointed out the obvious. Is that all you have to say? Oh, Saber, listen to yourself. But speaking of the obvious: Twice now, I've made you bow before the Sword of Mars.

Ha! is that what you expect to happen here, Altera?



The sparks flying from Saber's meteoric blade as it clashes with the Sword of Mars. THe surge of energy as Saber swings. The vast reserves of mana in Altera's sword of light. Twice before, Altera drove Saber back. This time, Saber stands her ground.



Is there some deeper hidden power within the Regalia? Is it some untapped reserve in Saber's nature? Perhaps it's simply the result of all her training. All that aside, will Saber unleash the core of her passionate fire? I don't even need to ask. The arcs of her sword paint a picture as beautiful as a blooming rose.

No one can take me head-on. If you try, you'll break like all the others. If you had any sense, you'd at least try a fighting retreat. Although I must admit, your style intrigues me. You fight to avoid destruction, and yet you court it. Perhaps you recognize its worth. ...Saber of Deep Crimson. You dance like a flower in the wind. You burn like an unceasing flame.



Of course I do! I will gladly court death in pursuit of vandals like you. And...



...No, too late.







...Phew. Even a surprise attack does nothing to phase you? I can see how you earned the Holy Maiden's respect. Though I must defeat you, allow me to praise you first. There can be no doubt of your strength or your will to conquer. But beware, lest your pride become arrogance! Soon enough, you will fall, and when you do, it shall be I above you!

I think my favorite thing about Nero (and admittedly, I have only played this game in the EXTRA series), is she seems to have a speech ready for every occasion. It's such a shame she and Elizabeth don't get along.

...

Altera. Why do you smile? No, let me ask instead: Why do you take pleasure in this?

It does look like Altera's enjoying this. That's why I can't help but think there must be something human about her. Despite being powerful enough to embody the destructive will of an entire planet...she feels something. She enjoys something. I sense that she has the same feelings as us.

Smile...? ...Me...?

Indeed. Why are you happy, Altera? You claim that you exist to destroy, and yet you have not destroyed me.

...You're right. I haven't destroyed you yet. despite having every chance to... AM I smiling...? Truly...?

Truly. Take a glance in the mirror if you must. But where does that smile come from? Do you smile because you envision my imminent death? Or because you have finally found a worthy opponent? Which is it?

...Can't you tell? My purpose is to crush you. I hope for nothing more than to make you suffer, no matter who you are or what you've done. But... Smiling... That's not possible. I've never smiled, not even once. You suggested a mirror, Saber. Very well. I should have one in My Room. I already know you're wrong, of course. There's nothing human about me, emotional or otherwise. But, if I must confirm it...

What?



S-She's leaving? Who would ever do such a thing?! Come back at once, and finish this! How uncivilized! Did she not say that she would not hesitate the next time we met?!

Oh, and I also like how, whenever Nero is denied a chance at some glorious battle or triumphant moment, she always gets upset over it. Well, there's nothing worse than building up the drama, and someone backs off and ruins the whole thing. And there's not much Nero loves more than the dramatics, that's for sure.

Another "scene-stitching together" follows...



My goodness. If we had been bathing, what then? She clearly has no sense of propriety...though she did seem a bit flustered herself...



What? It's possible.

Ha! I'll wager you have the right of it! She must covet my Mirror of Venus' Tranquility - my own handiwork, I might add! Heh. Altera must be a hasty one indeed to act so rashly. Or perhaps she feared and envied My Room's immaculate aesthetic? Hers must be filthy, then. Something else... I oppose her, but strange as it is, I do not despise her.



Well, as they say, a fine line between love and hate.

Praetor! Just what do you mean by "like her"? Or has her cool, feminine beauty worked its wiles on you as well? Urgh... I must confess. I do envy her flexibility. Her body may surpass even mine in that respect...but! But my features radiate like glamorous gold, making me invincible in comparison with her!

So, we have one final scene before we're done for today. Normally, this scene plays after you actually begin the stage, but trust me, we're going to have plenty of outro next time, so why not?


Off to war

...Your Majesty, it is with greatest delight that I bring you this report. Lord Nero Claudius, true King of SE.RA.PH. There is no other who is suited to wield the Regalia. You have defeated the false King Caster and are well on your way to reclaiming the territories from the Forces of Destruction. Even the Umbral Star's champion herself has no chance against you when next you meet. In other words, the Moon Cell made the right choice.

...Hmph. Of course it made the right choice. What other choice could there be? But regardless of who is King, or who wields the Regalia, I have a score to settle. Leave all talk of Velber aside for now. Once I defeat his emissary, I shall resume the fight against him as a victor.

Hmm? I'm afraid I don't understand. Is this something you have to prove as a Servant? Perhaps it's unique to the Saber class?

That is indeed a part of it. She is a Saber as well, of course. If I were to lose to a fellow Saber again...it would reflect poorly not only upon myself, but upon my Master as well. then again, she has the same Master, so I suppose the Praetor's reputation would remain untarnished either way... Urgh.. Regardless, I wish to do battle with her because of who I am! A challenging, worthy opponent awaits, and I have every reason to face her. Does that not inflame your soul as it does mine? I love power. I love beauty. Altera has both of those things. Her challenge is more than that to me. It is a calling.

See what I mean about having a speech ready for every occasion?

Saber's eyes burn brightly. This has nothing to do with our strategic situation. Not anymore. Her fight with Altera is personal now.

Altera. She called me a flame. She and I... The first time, I was in no position to fight. The second, I was desperate. The third, I stood fast, and we spoke as we fought. This time, I truly feel sorry for her. The fourth time...will no doubt be the last.

This battle with unite SE.RA.PH once and for all. Whatever your orders, please, make use of my sword. Praetor, as you guided Leo, as you believe in the Emperor, I shall believe as well.

Yes, I am counting on you, Sir Gawain. When we face Altera, remember: Our pride as Saber is on the line. But why are you looking at the Praetor instead of me? No matter. We'll discuss that later. Moving on for now.

Huh? We're going to do this in order? ...Whatever. This is definitely going to be the final battle. Lancer Servant Cu Chulainn ready. If you wish, I will lend you my power. This place is your Ath nGabla.

This is the "Ath nGabla" he speaks of. I'm not overly familiar with Irish mythology, but just judging by this Grand Order description, seems to be like a "Last stand magical circle".

It is, apparently, described on Wikipedia thusly: "With the third he hits Cú Chulainn, mortally wounding him. Cú Chulainn ties himself to a standing stone to die on his feet, facing his enemies. This stone is traditionally identified as Clochafarmore, located near Dundalk". Cu is really metal in Irish mythos. The mythological Cu Chulainn was so ferocious as a spearman, that even when he's dead, he had one last trick left, to burn the hand off the man who ended his life.

I don't care about any Umbral Star, planet, comet - whatever it is, I'll send the enemy packing with my cursed spear.

Ath nGabla... I have heard of such a thing. The rune of the determined warrior, is it? That truly does pique my interest, but... My sword and I are both determined enough, Son of Light from Ulster Cycle. Regardless, you have my thanks. The Praetor and I honor the commitment of your spirit. Now...

Hm, so this new Saber opposes our King? I have no say in our land's politics, but your words are convincing enough. You're no King of the Yin Dynasty, but I admire your honest spirit, and I've seen you grow tremendously as a ruler and a warrior. This battle is ours to win. Please use my fists to your liking. And at any rate... I am sworn to be an Assassin. Should you ask it of me, I will gladly go forward alone and return with your enemy's head.

Ah, with apologies, Demon Fist Master, I would rather you hold to your current role and fight as a general. And speaking of roles, considering that you ARE an Assassin, I shall take your words as high praise. Are you so austere with your students, I wonder? Strict as you are, you must be a fine instructor. Indeed, once this battle is over, I would love to learn all I can from you. Now then, Archer, we come to you.



You have a knack for turning long odds into major victories. Based on that, I'd say we have a chance. And as long as we have that chance, all four of us will do what you say. But be careful... You also have a knack for losing control of your victories. Winning is all well and good, but it's what you do with the win that counts.

*sigh*

So don't make the mistake of taking our support for granted. That said, your orders are on part with a Master's orders, and we all know that Velber has to be stopped. Most of all, every one of us wants to bring down Altera, so we're all together on that. Isn't that right, Great Scholar?

You are absolutely correct, Archer. And all praise to Her Majesty for her pure intentions of victory.

Well, if there is one thing that unites all Heroic Spirits, it's the desire to protect the world from outside threats. After all, the foundation of all their existences is humanity itself. So when some punk-ass planet is threatening everything, they can bury the axe for a bit to deal with it.