Part 46: Golden Poem - Gathering

Gathering


Negotiations

...She's strong! But I am no weakling myself!

Try not to let it go to your head! After all, I've been supporting you with my full power this entire time! So please, be cautious! Even though we have the power of the Regalia on our side, she'll blow us away if we let our guard down for an instant...!



My Husband?!

Thanks, you two. But... Could you put away your weapons for just a little while? ...Our enemy isn't Altera. Even this battle was orchestrated by...him. Right now, any amount of time we can put toward thwarting his plan is precious.

So you say, my Praetor, but for a Master to enter the fray at a time like this is reckless, if not... Hm? Do my eyes deceive me, or is Altera staying her hand along with us...?

I think she has doubts as well. We might have clashed together just now, but I"M sure that if we talk to her...we can negotiate with her face to face, as the Heroic Spirit she is.

..."Negotiate", you say.

(...I'm very close to running out of mana. How are things on your end? How much longer can you continue fighting?)

(Hm, so you're at the end of your rope as well. ...I hate to admit it, but my back is against the wall. I can scarcely continue trading blows with that magic sword.)

(That sword is neither an article of magic nor divinity. However, well, hmm... Yes, I suppose...we'll have to leave it up to my Husband. Whether we live or die depends on our Master's words. And, of course, how Altera receives them.)

(What, is that all? Then we have nothing to worry about. Our Master is sure to come through!)

(...As nonchalant as ever, I see.)

Very well. Truthfully, you have my ear. I will give you five minutes, for all the difference it will make in the end.

...That is more than sufficient. First of all, thank you, Altera.

No need.

Five minutes... It's not much time, but I guess we're in no position to complain. I'll just have to make the best of it. First, I need to explain our goals. To unify the Regalia. And stop the coming of Velber. We intend to protect SE.RA.PH and the Moon Cell, and by extension, the Earth. The proof of the Royal Authority over the Moon Cell Automaton, the Moon's Holy Grail... Using the Regalia, we will continue jamming the observation function of the Umbral Star as it looms over us from the far end of the galaxy, perpetually searching for civilizations to consume. And after that...

...This is not worth listening to.

Listen well until the end, Altera. My Praetor has not yet explained the most important part. We will project the world, naturally, but in addition...

The unification of the Regalia. Did you honestly believe I would agree to such ludicrous terms?



That was the deal.

...Fine. I'm the one who set those conditions. ...Hm. It seems you have just as much gall as the "other one".

Yes. Our goal is to protect the world from the Umbral Star. You could even say our goal is to live. We won't submit to some one-sided invasion, and we have no intention of being destroyed without even knowing the reason why. But that's not all. You, Altera...

...What?

It goes without saying that we can't explain the entire situation in only five minutes. And I can't share this data with you, since we aren't connected by the same Regalia. So I'll say this as clearly as I can. I will protect the world. And I will protect you. That is my wish, delivered to me from someplace both impossibly far and impossibly close. I will do everything my power to make it come true. There's no reason for you to do exactly as the Umbral Star or Archimedes says. So...

You say such strange things. You? Will protect me?

"Five minutes". How vexing. Can you not grant us a bit more latitude, Altera? This matter is of paramount importance, and it concerns you as well. Look into my Praetor's eyes. I know not a single other soul with eyes so pure. What say you? Truly... Can you truly claim you feel nothing when you gaze into those eyes?

...I am a killing machine A great King of Destruction, the Vanguard of the Umbral Star. I've never particularly cared for the reasoning of humans. I've never even thought to care. But let me reply to you, Saber. Your words are entirely too irrational. *turns around*

Wait! Altera!



...I gave you no permission to show yourself.

The third Hakunon, the Body, appears. Whether to join the conversation or for some other reason, I don't know, but I'm grateful either way. It will take more than just words to persuade her, since the Mind and Soul are strangers to her. As frustrating as it is, Altera and I share no deep bond. All I have are memories. Memories of the things they shared... But even so, all I can do about it is make educated guesses and assumptions about what might have happened in this timeline. Her, on the other hand...!

(Body) *shakes head*

Wh-What...? What is...?

There are no words. Neither sound nor voice reaches my ears. And yet i still pick up on some faint sensation. I know that I'm the only one who's sensing it. It's not some kind of upload or download, but somehow, I can still sense the intentions and feelings of the Body. "...You two were able to reunite", the Body tells me. "That in itself is a wonderful thing. However...that can't be the end of it. We can't just unite the Regalia and leave it at that. Nothing would change then. That alone isn't enough to write Altera a new ending."

That's what she said. Without language, she told me every word of that. From one Hakunon to another.

*teleports Body back into ring* *teleports out*

It seems our negotiations have come to a standstill. But even so, we were incredibly fortunate If she had half a mind to do so, she couldn't demolished us. We would have been powerless to stop her. So please, do not be disheartened, my Husband.

*nod*

...Altera... Are we destined for conflict, no matter the circumstances? No, never. That cannot be true. I only know of you through the record I've accessed. And I have only just made your acquaintance. But even so... There must be a way to reach her somehow. Surely you concur, my Praetor? I refuse to succumb once again to a destiny of destruction...!




The Moon's Round Table

Ohoho...This place isn't bad at all. I imagined some vulgar, tacky, gold-encrusted palace, but this throne room is quite lovely indeed.

Of course.. This is where my Praetor confers prestige upon our generals, after all. I put aside my own dignified tastes and modeled it in my Praetor's image. Your Capital held a certain grace, but it could never compare to the brilliance and beauty of Rome, the eternal embodiment of human culture!

By all means, keep running your mouth, Ms. Saber. The ancient Roman Empire has long since crumbled to dust. The only thing it left was a stain on the history books. You made this little fox howl with laughter at your brazen claim that Rome is "eternal". Well, I suppose depending on how you look at it, traces of Rome and its culture are still on the face of the Earth, if only barely.

Pretty generous coming from her, actually. Mustn't be judgmental.

...Caster, what manner of nonsense leaves your lips. In the words left to us by my divine ancestor, Romulus, Rome is indeed eternal!

Romulus... Oh, that old meat-brain. Hmm... Well, I could certainly see him making such a boast, but...I don't suppose you have any literature or epigraphs that prove he uttered those words?

The Romulus of our world and this series are pretty similar (notwithstanding his twin Remus, but to my knowledge the loser brother has never been mentioned in anything related to the Romulus in this series). He was the legendary founder of Rome and can trace his lineage back to the Trojan War and the god Mars, who allegedly was his father (the very same who was cut down by Sephyr).

However, the Romulus of this series does not care for his origins and "seals" his divinity, because this world is Rome and Rome is this world. He has no use for anything not of this world, and thus, not Rome. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, he's a flamboyant dude.



But like many memorable characters, Romulus has a catchphrase, and damned if we're not gonna use it here.

Yes! Rome! Speak its glory aloud!

Wha... I don't get it. And you, too, my Husband? ...Don't tell me there's some sort of "Rome" fad spreading through SE.RA.PH...? Hmph, I'll pass. The Mediterranean is fine to visit on your honeymoon, but if you lived there, your hair would get so damaged from the sun! Ah... *ahem* I'm not trying to dispute your relationship. But I have another question, Ms. Saber. I am a bit curious about what you said just now. You're not going to tell me that you've met him? This divine ancestor Romulus of yours?

Do not be so foolish. Of course I have met my divine ancestor.

*gasp* A-Are you telling me that meat-brai... Er, I mean, Romulus has also ascended as a Top Servant?

No. It is a matter of lineage. All of the Emperors of Rome are children of my divine ancestor, and so we have all met him in the far corners of our dreams.

On an amusing note, Nasu actually expressed regret for how Romulus turned out in Grand Order. Not personality-wise, though. He said it was a shame such a famous dude had a low in-game rarity, so it's not really much of an accomplishment to summon him. No word on if that'll ever change.

Ah, that makes PERFECT sense to no one. Well then, what now? Did you bring us here just so you could brag about Rome? The only reason I followed you here was so I wouldn't have to sleep alone, on a cold, moonless night.

My reasoning should be self-evident. I brought you along because this is where my Praetor lives, and you are one of the Servants of my Praetor. We could not very well abandon you in that flowering capital You needn't become a consort, but you should at least move your base here. ...This is the least I could do to fulfill my duty.

What's that, now? Your whispering all of a sudden is unnerving me... Anyway, we'll decide which of our houses my Husband will live in after this battle is over. These Roman territories are the perfect point from which to plan our attack on the Umbral Star. They're both easy to defend and difficult to besiege. My generals have already gathered together, I'm ready when you are, dear Emperor.

Yes! Now then, my Praetor...





Well, at least someone here has experience on a round table. Quite the gallery we've got here.

It nearly leaves me breathless. You don't often see so many Servants gathered in one place. All of the Heroic Spirits belonging to both Saber's and Caster's armies are gathered here. It's a huge conference with a total of nine Servants attending. All to prepare for the battle ahead. Even though we managed to converse with the other side - briefly - I wouldn't really call what happened a success. We have to prepare ourselves to fight Altera, as well as the Forces of Destruction she leads. Their side is likely to have Top Servants as well.

Yeah, it's just like that girl says. Those guys have already fired up their invasion of SE.RA.PH, and with a huge army, to boot. Enemy programs, right? They put up a bit more of a fight than the grunts we've been dealing with up until now.

For the sake of simplicity, and to differentiate them from the things that Caster was controlling, we will henceforth call these Umbral Enemies.

Well, isn't that...literal. Well, it's easy to remember, at least. Oh, and I should warn you about one thing. The moment I handed over the Regalia to you, I became unable to produce attack programs, so keep that in mind. The ring won't make them anymore, apparently.

Indeed, I am aware. It is unfortunate, but the Regalia was originally made to adjust the environmental balance of pseudo-spiritrons within SE.RA.PH. It is unwise to endlessly create attack programs without considering the aftermath. From this day, we will use only the forces we already have.

Aw yeah, now we don't need to rely on the fox lady's grunts. Any one of us could take care of those things. Now, the real pain is gonna be...

I'm not surprised you're on this so quickly, Lancer. From the way you're speaking, it sound like you've already done your fair share of scouting. Wait a second... Does this mean that the Umbral Forces are already active on SE.RA.PH?

Yeah, I checked them out with Assassin here. Between my runes and his weird skill that blocks sight, sound, and heat, recon was a cinch. If they were in our territories, we could use the throne to get some more details on 'em, but... Just our luck, looks like that ain't gonna happen.

...So the enemies have taken complete control of the territories they have invaded.

Exactly. Straight to the point. You have all shown skill in martial strategy, but the other side is even more formidable. Their conquests are impressive to behold

Altera, was it? It seems as though the Umbral Star has other Servants in its thrall besides her. Isn't that right, Lancer? You were about to say that they would cause trouble for us?

Yeah. Those guys... I know I'm amongst warriors, so I don't say this lightly, but we don't have much of a chance at beating them head on.

He says it straight out, deadly serious. I've never heard him so intense and forceful. ...Cu Chulainn is a Servant who's been through hundreds of battles Even if I haven't fought with him as an ally for very long, I can tell how powerful he really is. And yet, that expression on his face and the tone of his voice... I know exactly what he means. He's talking about the Top Servants. I know of their existence through the record that was sent back in time. These Heroic Spirits were hand picked by the Moon Cell for their exemplary strength. These Heroes among Heroes are known throughout the world for their famed exploits. These champions are summoned as special classes, separate from the seven standard classes.

Iskandar doesn't quite count here, since he's always been summoned as a Rider, and Ruler is one of the Extra Classes, but technically speaking Gilgamesh isn't an Archer within SE.RA.PH. The game will say he is, but plot-wise, because of his overwhelming power he defies classification. On Earth he'd usually be summoned as an Archer, but he also has the ability to be a summoned as a Caster, thanks to the wide variety of magical artifacts he has within his treasury. He could also be summoned as a Berserker, as his story says he went mad with grief after the death of Enkidu, but that hasn't been seen yet.

...You're talking about her Top Servants.

*gasp*

You don't have to look so surprised. I have my own channels of information in this new SE.RA.PH. According to my sources, the Servants that Lancer saw are Top Servants without any doubt. And they're even elite by that standard. They are easily on par with Karna in terms of military strength. And there are at least two of them. Normally, they exist only to protect the Moon Cell. They were summoned to SE.RA.PH to combat the Umbral Star, but were unable to resist its corrupting influence. They're currently staging invasions of our territory from their home base in the Zero Dark. They already control roughly 80% of Tamamo's former territories. Their next target will be the Roman territories. We don't have time to sit idly by while they make their preparations.

I wasn't aware they had so much momentum. ...That's impressive.

They've started altering the shape of the territories they've conquered. We'll call their new domain the "Ancient Shrine Area" for now.

80%... Our enemy is strong indeed...

Something else: The gate that leads to their home base in the Zero Dark must have an entrance in that same area. They wouldn't normally need a base at all, since the goal of the Umbral Star is to destroy everything. But the very fact they've made a base means they have something to protect. Otherwise, I can't imagine what purpose it would serve.

I understand the situation, thanks to Archer. The Umbral forces are invading at an astounding pace. This is a different situation, a different outcome than what was stated in the Body's records. Now that I think about it, there were some discrepancies in the record about how Altera and Saber met, too... I'll have to pay more attention from now on. The record isn't always going to match up with the future that unfolds in front of us. Of course, it's possible that they'll overlap, and we should use whatever information we have when that happens. But the fact that the future can change gives me a new sense of hope. That ending... If we can stop all of Archimedes' plots, she won't... We can save Altera. It's not unreasonable to think that it's possible, assuming that the record of the future isn't set in stone.

A good lesson to keep in mind, when it comes to alternate timelines. Just because it happened one way in one story, does not necessarily mean it'll happen that way all the time.

My apologies, Archer. You would not have had to do what you did under normal circumstances. In that last battle... You covered for my failings. Allow me to proffer my gratitude.. And I swear that I will repay the favor someday...

I just did what needed to be done. It's nothing for you to worry about. I simply happened to be in the right place at the right time, that's all.

...I don't know if it is my place to say so, Sir Knight of the Sun, but...I thought your fighting in the last battle was amazing. It was I who could not see the tides of war. There is not a single thing for you to be ashamed of.

Lord Karna...

Hm? What's this? All of you are getting on so well, and yet you leave your noble Emperor out in the cold? This is a fine opportunity. Allow me to partake in the merriment! I love discussing the postmortem of a victorious battle as well!

Umm... By the way, Sir Lu Bu has not said a word since we started our discussion Is...everything all right...?

...

Caster. I trust you have no objection to me calling you that, since you are no longer Queen. Regarding Lu Bu...I don't think you ever really noticed. He has been like this since the beginning.

Huh...? Wait, you've got to be kidding me. You're serious?

Ka-ka! How very like the lightning general! Your unparalleled bravery bolsters your resolve like an immovable mountain!

Ah, yes! If I recall correctly, Sir Assassin, you are from the same hometown as Lu Bu. Did you happen to be a fan of his in life?

Of course. Anyone who has tread the path of wushu knows his name. The bow, spear, horse... Lu Bu Fengxian was a destructive force with all of them. Of course, his treachery is just as legendary. Ka-ka, a Queen who enlists the Great General of Rebellion is either destined for greatness herself or a great fool!

Wha... Hey, next time, don't wait so long to tell me something like that! W-Wait a moment... Sir Lu Bu, did you intend to betray me all along...?!

I mean, everyone who is even remotely familiar with Lu Bu knows he switched allies basically every other day, so I don't think Tamamo has anyone to blame but herself, here.

Right, this is getting out of hand... Hey, Boss. Let's wrap this up. We've got some pretty tough enemies to fight. ...So, what's your plan?

His eyes are sharp. His gaze has a certain sort of pressure to it. It makes me think of the red spear he wields, and I'm about as capable of breaking his gaze as I am of dodging his spear. No one could tear their eyes away from him. Somehow, I endure the pressure. As Saber's Master, I can't let anyone think any less of me. Saber places her trust in me, even though I'm so ordinary. She says that I'm a Master worth putting her life on the line for. And so I owe it to her to live up to her lofty expectations. No matter kind of Heroic Spirits are gathered here, I can't let them see the fear in my eyes.

Yeah, that's right. Even if we wanted to negotiate with the boss of the enemy troops, we've gott aget around their defenses first, now don't we?

Yes! All that remains is for us to try! Hearken to me, powerful warriors who have assembled in the name of my Empire! I make my proclamation here and now! The Umbral Star that stretches its creeping tendrils towards SE.RA.PH! My Praetor and I shall fight this evil star that plots to consume the Moon and Earth alike! We fight not as the victors of the Holy Grail War, and not as the bearers of the Moon's Royal Authority, but as the ones who call SE.RA.PH home! And forgive us! For while this is a fight to save the world, my Praetor and I plan to annihilate our enemy for another reason...



This is a personal mission for us. If you cannot accept such a thing, fine, and if you must leave, so be it. I will neither question you nor beg you to stay. But if you Heroic Spirit shines bright, I implore you to stand by my side! Our battles, our glorious exploits shall inspire thunderous applause!

...I can't imagine there's anyone who would leave after everything that's happened. Although it seems like Mr. Lu Bu is...ready for a nap. I suggest that for our part, we protect the home base and await my Husband's return. Does that suit you, Mr. Karna? Ms. Rider?

I have no complaints.

A sensible decision I think protecting this throne is just as important as protecting the old throne in the Millennium Capital. Even if it's not as powerful as the Regalia itself, it looks like it contains a number of important functions to aid in controlling our territories.

Caster... Yes, I'll leave it up to you! For my long-standing rival to support me...it inspires confidence in my mind and warmth in my bosom.

...Hmph, don't you go crying over every little thing. Our relationship is purely give and take, so don't feel like you owe me anything. *bows toward Hakuno* ...Please leave the defense of our Empire to me. I await your safe return, my dearest.

Let us make haste, my Praetor. We aim for the Ancient Shrine Area. This is the beginning of our fiery expedition towards a glorious victory!








Homecoming





...You must have been so tired. *giggle* I caught you sleeping. It's no wonder. First a great battle in the Millennium Capital, then a great council meeting, with no rest at all in between. Of course you would be tired to the bone. You started looking drowsy the moment you entered My Room.

...Drowsy? How long was I asleep? I don't feel like I hit the sheets at all, but I must have slept if Saber says so.

Were you not aware of your nap? I can understand why, considering you were unconscious the entire time. To be sure, only I know what kind of face you were making.But do not worry. My Praetor... You, who strum the finest instrument ever forged... I will never leave you lonely. I will never let you go again. And it is my wish that you will return the favor. I am, again, the world's finest instrument. There are undoubtedly countless villains who would do you harm and steal me away.

I have no intention of letting that happen. We belong together, here on the Moon. But that puts me on the spot. What do I even say at a time like this? I guess it would be best if I let my actions speak for themselves. Yes. That's the best plan. Since she took my hand to comfort me, I should hold her hand too. Or...something like that...



What are you doing...so suddenly? My Praetor, if this was the "you" of the Mind... I-I could understand this sort of aggressive behavior, as the Mind is where one's passion dwells, but...you have merged with the Soul already... Ah... Could this be...what Caster means when she...speaks of your handsome soul...? I-I never knew sitting in mere silence could be more sensual...Ah, ahh... Ah... Ah... Ahh, no, this is not good, this is not good at all! Run, my Praetor! I...! I...!

Hm...? All I did was take her hand, so how did we get here?

I told you to run! And so you must accept responsibility for choosing to stay! ...Do you understand me?! I can no longer stop myself. No more than I could stop the deep rumblings of Mt. Etna. Now, listen to me.. Everything that is about to occur... None of this is a dream. Do not remember it as a dream. Do you understand me, my Praetor?

Um, no. I have no idea what Saber's talking about. Well, I feel like I have an inkling, but hold on. Just hold on for a second. Calm down. Not rushing into things is the key to victory, Saber.

Ah... Y-You would still look upon me with those eyes... So you truly... An Emperor can never retreat, my Praetor! Magna Voluisse Magnum!

Before we go on, "Magna Voluisse Magnum" is the name of Romulus' Noble Phantasm. It means something like "To have a great wish" or something if Google Translate is to be inferred upon. Nero's Noble Phantasm, Laus Saint Claudius, means like "Praise Claudius" or thereabouts.

Yes... Leave it all to me. Close your eyes and leave everything in my hands... For I shall close my eyes as well... Yes...?



By any other name, they would be as sweet, and yet I can only describe Saber's lips by comparing them to roses. ...I think they're beautiful. A cherry blossom or a peach might be closer to them in color, but I still think roses are the best metaphor. They also make the best backdrop when their petals are flying behind her. I have that thought, faintly, in the corner of my mind...the back of my head is paralyzed, like I don't know how to take all of this in... In the middle of My Room, where the cool morning air wafts through, we draw closer by the second...



Get off! Both of you, get away, right this instant!



Now that I'm no longer Queen, THIS is the only My Room that operates properly! That's the only reason I held back my tears and allowed my dearest to come here with you. But what have you done?! Instead of using a recovery function, you are about to drain all of my Husband's vitality! What an awful use of this room!

...To be sure, I would've had difficulty "recovering" from this. Yes, she's right, she's completely right The whole point of resting in My Room is to recover my strength.

I hope your face burns with embarrassment before the Sun! This... Oh, I cannot even stand to say it. Impossibly horried, the actions of a fallen woman! This is the end of your Roman backstabbing. Yes, the very end of it!

...Hmph, why do you stop me? I was just about to act out an Imperial Romance. And how dare you question the Roman way? I have no doubt you did the same in your own precious Capital, with your own "Husband". In fact, I know it for a fact! I dare you to stay it, Caster. That not even once did you pressure the Soul of the Praetor into some Oriental fantasy!

W-Well, I, um... So... When a beautiful girl and a handsome Soul gather under one roof, well, sometimes...that kind of opportunity sometimes presents itself... Maybe it did, and maybe it didn't...?

I knew it! My Praetor has been besieged with battle upon battle ever since awakening, and we haven't had a moment of peace to... It's not fair!

Excuse me? YOU have the gall to say "It's not fair"?! Especially considering that I'm now short one Husband? There's no cheating allowed! Is that not what we agreed?!

That's, well... Wait! I have the Imperial Privilege! How about that?

Isn't that a Skill of yours? And not a very useful one, at that!

...I don't know what it is, but...as I sit here watching Saber and Caster's vehement exchange, I get a very specific feeling in the back of my heart. It's different from worrying about the outcome of the fight. It's something much more calm and peaceful. The sight and sound of the two of them, their whirling expressions as they sling words back and forth. I realize now that I'm right where I ought to be. I don't have all my memories back yet. I can't even recall all the details of the Moon's Holy Grail War by myself. Even though two-thirds of my Cyber Frame have consolidated, I'm still technically incomplete. But even despite that... I've come home. To the place where I belong, right between these two.



...My Praetor?

Yes, my Husband?