Christmas 2021: Nightingale's Christmas Carol
Prologue/Broken Present
Narration:
The snow falls silently, covering everything in a soft, white blanket.
Narration:
I exhale and watch my breath transform into white mist.
Narration:
My hands are numb from the cold, and the freezing wind relentlessly slices through any opening it can find in my clothing.
Narration:
In solitude, I turn my gaze up
towards the snowy gray sky.
???:
You're here again, huh?
You really don't have any friends, do you?
???:
So, what do you say?
Are you ready to celebrate ▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅?
Narration:
I tilt my head to the side, unsure how to respond.
Narration:
What is Christmas, anyway?
???:
Normally, you not knowing wouldn't be a problem.
???:
But now that you've been chosen,
you need to think long and hard about it.
???:
Anything less would just be cruel to her.
Narration:
“Her”? Who are you talking about?
Narration:
But before my lips could form the question,
she disappeared into the whirlwind of snow.
Fujimaru 1:
Jingle bells, jingle bells♪
Fujimaru 2:
It's the most wonderful tiiime of the year♪
Mash:
I'm glad to see you're in good spirits, Senpai.
Fou:
Fou fou fou...
Fou?
Mash:
And not just you.
Everyone in Chaldea seems to be in a terrific mood.
Da Vinci:
Oh man, there's so much to do, and so little time!
Inshun:
Hahaha. You know, in my home country of Japan, December is known as “Shiwasu” and is written with the characters for “teacher” and “run.”
Inshun:
I am told that is because it is a season where mentor monks like myself tend to be running around frantically.
Da Vinci:
Oh yeah? Then how about keeping the tradition alive and lending me a hand.
Inshun:
Indeed. I would be happy to assist in any way I can.
Inshun:
That said, I am but a Servant and I doubt there is much I can do besides carry heavy objects.
Da Vinci:
Fine with me. That'll still be plenty of help.
Mash:
Don't forget us, Da Vinci.
Senpai and I would also be glad to help out–
Da Vinci:
No, that's okay. Christmas is just around the corner,
so all I want you two to do is remain on standby.
Da Vinci:
We all know there's no telling what could happen around Christmas here!
Mash:
Look, Senpai! What an enormous, yummy-looking cake!
Boudica:
Oh no, you don't. It's still not done yet. That goes for you too, Fou. No sneaking a bite on my watch!
Fou:
Fooou.
Boudica:
After all, Christmas is coming up very soon, right?
Oh, that reminds me.
Boudica:
There's one thing I wanted to talk to you about.
Boudica:
We don't have a Santa.
Mash:
I see...
Mash:
And by Santa, I assume you mean one of the numerous Santa Servants we've had over the years?
Boudica:
That's right.
Boudica:
Usually, by this point, we'd have a new Santa saving up magical energy for presents...
Boudica:
...or the Santa from last year would already be on the lookout for a new one.
Mash:
That's true...
Fujimaru 1:
Now she mentions it...I think she might be right!
Fujimaru 2:
Now that you mention it, I don't think I'veseen Nursery Rhyme or her friends either.
G：Da Vinci:
Hello? Do you guys have a minute?
G：Da Vinci:
It looks like my suspicions were right on the money. We've got a new minute Singularity, and I don't mean in the seconds or hours sense.
Boudica:
So we've got an emergency?
Then I guess I'd better get ready for comba–
???:
Ooh, there you are!
Hiya, Boudica!
Boudica:
Hm? That voice...Huh?
???:
Here I go! Kapween!
Boudica:
Wha? Huh!? What's this light–Aaah!
Da Vinci:
So, here's the location of our latest Singularity.
Mash:
...I'm sorry, where is it?
Da Vinci:
Exactly. We haven't been able to pin it down.
Da Vinci:
I do think it's around the year...2017? And it also looks to have weather pretty close to your average winter.
Da Vinci:
I was hoping you could put on your snowsuit and go check it out pronto...
Da Vinci:
...but the problem is, there's something strange about it.
Mash:
How so?
Da Vinci:
All the Servants who were stationed here at Chaldea are already there, or on their way.
Da Vinci:
...
Da Vinci:
Don't worry about how they all
managed to Rayshift for now!
Da Vinci:
The point is, after they Rayshifted there...they all started fighting.
Mash:
Wha–
Mash:
Th-that sounds horrible!
Fujimaru 1:
Wh-what're we gonna do!?
Da Vinci:
Whoa now, take it easy.
Da Vinci:
They might all be fighting, but so far,
there's been nothing lethal.
Da Vinci:
They've all been stopping before anyone's Spirit Origin disappears, so at least for now, we're still at zero casualties.
Da Vinci:
That said, having Servants fight among themselves is still a big problem.
Da Vinci:
Throw in all the Rogue Servants who've been summoned there too, and it's clear we need to do something about it ASAP.
Da Vinci:
I was going to call on a Santa Servant to help out, since they're naturally a good fit for winter, but–
Mash:
They've all Rayshifted there too, haven't they?
Da Vinci:
Yep.
Da Vinci:
For the moment, I guess we can put out a call to all the Servants who are still here, then–
???:
One moment.
???:
If I understand you correctly...
???:
...a large number of patients is awaiting aid at this Rayshift destination.
Fujimaru 1:
That voice...
Mash:
Nightingale!
Nightingale:
It is my duty to help the injured,
wherever they may be.
Nightingale:
Very well then...
Nightingale Santa:
Let us be on our way, Master.
Mash:
...
Da Vinci:
Uhh...
Fujimaru 1:
Nightingale?
Nightingale Santa:
Yes, I am Florence Nightingale.
Mash:
W-well, we already knew that!
Mash:
But I'm pretty sure that isn't your usual outfit!
Nightingale Santa:
Oh, this?
Nightingale Santa:
No, I suppose not.
I am uncertain when my wardrobe change occurred.
Nightingale Santa:
But no matter. My combat style may be different now,
but I am still me.
Nightingale Santa:
Please, pay it no mind.
Fujimaru 1:
Easier said than done.
Fujimaru 2:
See, I'm pretty sure that's a Santa Claus outfit...
Nightingale Santa:
Hm?
Nightingale Santa:
I don't understand.
Isn't Santa Claus supposed to be a jolly old man?
Da Vinci:
Yes! Yes, he is! Finally, someone addressed the elephant in the sleigh! Uh, room!
Da Vinci:
Never mind that now, though.
That's just how things work around here.
Da Vinci:
Anyway, now that we've got a new Santa Servant,
that makes things nice and simple.
Da Vinci:
You're just the Servant we need to help out on
this mission. Everyone! Get ready to Rayshift!
Mash:
I'll be monitoring you from here just like always, Master.
Mash:
I wish I could accompany you myself, but...
Fujimaru 1:
Don't worry! I'll bring you back the best Christmas present ever!
Mash:
Thank you, Senpai. I can't wait!
Narration:
The snow falls silently, covering everything in a soft, white blanket.
Narration:
I exhale and watch my breath transform into white mist.
Narration:
My hands are numb from the cold, and the freezing wind relentlessly slices through any opening it can find in my clothing.
Narration:
In solitude, I turn my gaze up
towards the snowy gray sky.
???:
You're here again, huh?
You really don't have any friends, do you?
???:
So, what do you say?
Are you ready to celebrate ▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅?
Narration:
I tilt my head to the side, unsure how to respond.
Narration:
What is Christmas, anyway?
???:
Normally, you not knowing wouldn't be a problem.
???:
But now that you've been chosen,
you need to think long and hard about it.
???:
Anything less would just be cruel to her.
Narration:
“Her”? Who are you talking about?
Narration:
But before my lips could form the question,
she disappeared into the whirlwind of snow.
Fujimaru 1:
Jingle bells, jingle bells♪
Fujimaru 2:
It's the most wonderful tiiime of the year♪
Mash:
I'm glad to see you're in good spirits, Senpai.
Fou:
Fou fou fou...
Fou?
Mash:
And not just you.
All of the Servants seem to be in a terrific mood.
Da Vinci:
Oh man, there's so much to do, and so little time!
Inshun:
Hahaha. You know, in my home country of Japan, December is known as “Shiwasu” and is written with the characters for “teacher” and “run.”
Inshun:
I am told that is because it is a season where mentor monks like myself tend to be running around frantically.
Da Vinci:
Oh? Interesting turn of phrase.
Does that mean you're going to lend a hand?
Inshun:
Indeed. I would be happy to assist in any way I can.
Inshun:
That said, I am but a Servant and I doubt there is much I can do besides carry heavy objects.
Da Vinci:
Hey, that's plenty! Pretty much seventy percent of the end-of-year cleanup is just manual labor, after all.
Mash:
Don't forget us, Da Vinci.
Senpai and I would also be glad to help out–
Da Vinci:
Oh no you don't. You two stay on standby.
Christmas is just around the corner, right?
Da Vinci:
And I've seen enough in the database to have a pretty good idea of just how crazy Christmas at Chaldea gets.
Mash:
Captain also certainly seems
to have a lot on his plate...
Goredolf:
You two. What are you looking so giddy about?
Goredolf:
Can't you see that everyone's busy getting ready to deal with the Lostbelts?
Goredolf:
Get back to your standby positions at once. This is no time to be sitting around twiddling our thumbs.
Fujimaru 1:
You don't say.
Mash:
I suppose you're right.
Mash:
By the way, Director Goredolf,
may I ask you where you got that cake?
Fou:
Fou...
Fujimaru 2:
What about sitting around with a literal piece of cake?
Fou:
Fou fou fou!
Mash:
Ah! Fou is taking strong issue with that proposed course of action!
Goredolf:
Hm? You've got it all wrong, you little bacon thief. My snack here is all part of my emergency preparation regimen.
Goredolf:
Thanks to all these bizarre little events that have been taking place on top of the already strenuous Lostbelts, my stress levels are at an all-time high.
Goredolf:
And considering the toll they were found to be taking on me during my last physical before this nonsense, I don't even want to think about what my next one will be like if this keeps up.
Goredolf:
Which is why my technical advisor officially prescribed me a strict sweets quota to aid my mental health.
Goredolf:
If you don't believe me,
go ahead and ask Da Vinci yourself.
Goredolf:
Suffice to say, this cake is mine alone. And before you ask, I'll have you know there was not a single (overt) bribe involved.
Fou:
Fou. Fooou?
(Sniffing for anything “under the table.”)
Mash:
Okay... But, um, I have to ask, Director Goredolf:
Are you sure you're okay eating that cake?
Mash:
I mean, considering that there was that,
well...poisoned cake incident...
Goredolf:
Oh, yes, that. Naturally, I'm still dealing with some PTSD from that unfortunate incident.
Goredolf:
Fortunately, I oversaw every step of making this cake personally, so I have complete confidence in its safety.
Boudica:
Ahahahaha. I don't think I've ever baked with such an...attentive audience before.
Boudica:
But I'm still happy to do it. Especially if it can help you overcome your cake PTSD.
Goredolf:
...(Munch)...
Goredolf:
Ordinarily, it would be a tremendous
waste of magical energy... (Munch)
Goredolf:
...to employ a Servant, who is basically like a
familiar, for anything besides combat...(Nom nom)
Goredolf:
But considering how few hands we have to spare,
as well as the need to let our staff get the rest
they deserve...(Gulp)
Goredolf:
...I'm afraid I simply had no choice but to have you attend to more menial matters.
Boudica:
Really, it's okay. Like I said, I'm happy to do it.
Boudica:
Although, speaking of things one's happy to do...
There's something I wanted to ask you about, Master.
Fujimaru 1:
What's up?
Fujimaru 2:
(Stare at cake)
Goredolf:
...Did I not just get done telling
you this cake is mine!?
Fujimaru 1:
No fair!
Goredolf:
All's fair in food and war!
Goredolf:
Besides, you don't look like you've ever been stressed out a day in your life!
Boudica:
Now, now, don't worry about that.
I'll bring you some cake of your own later.
Boudica:
What I wanted to say was, it's getting to be that time of year, isn't it? What was it again...? Oh, right! Christmas!
Mash:
Yes, it is.
Mash:
It's been wonderful seeing all the
Servants in such high spirits.
Goredolf:
Is that what you call it? It all seems like a bunch of idle frivolity to me. Hmph, some heroes this lot turned out to be...
Fujimaru 1:
It's a little hard to take you seriouslywhile you're holding that cake, Director.
Goredolf:
Don't be ridiculous. Everyone knows a commander's penchant for tea or coffee has nothing to do with their ability to lead. Why should cake be any different?
Fujimaru 2:
(Nom nom) All that aside, Director
Goredolf:
Boudica, my apologies for interrupting, but would you mind not being so quick to dole out excess calories to our resident Master!?
Boudica:
Oh, sorry. [♂ He /♀️ She] just looked like [♂ he /♀️ she] wanted
it so badly. I couldn't help myself.
Boudica:
Anyway, I think it's great that everyone's excited about the holidays, but there is something I found odd.
Mash:
Odd, you say?
Boudica:
We don't have a Santa.
Mash:
I see...
Mash:
And by Santa, I assume you mean one of the numerous Santa Servants we've had over the years?
Goredolf:
(Numerous Santas? Oh dammit.
My mustache just lost all its luster.)
Goredolf:
(That's a sign of A-rank danger if ever I saw one. I'd best live up to that Phoenix nickname and fly the coop while I can.)
Boudica:
That's right.
Boudica:
Usually, by this point, we'd have a new Santa saving up magical energy for presents...
Boudica:
...or the Santa from last year would already be on the lookout for a new one.
Mash:
That's true...
Fujimaru 1:
Come to think of it, I haven't seen the kid Servants anywhere either.
Fujimaru 2:
Now that you mention it, I don't think I'veseen Nursery Rhyme or her friends either.
G：Da Vinci:
Hey guys! Oh? I don't see Gordy anywhere...
Guess he made a break for it, huh?
G：Da Vinci:
Oh well, never mind him. Would you guys mind coming to the Command Room? Like, right now?
G：Da Vinci:
We've got a minute Singularity on our hands that needs to be taken care of posthaste.
Fujimaru 1:
Right on schedule, huh?
G：Da Vinci:
You know it!
Boudica:
So we've got an emergency?
Then I guess I'd better get ready for comba–
???:
Ooh, there you are!
Hiya, Boudica!
Boudica:
Hm? That voice...Huh?
???:
Here I go! Kapween!
Boudica:
Wha? Huh!? What's this light–Aaah!
Da Vinci:
Okay, so this latest Singularity is right here.
Mash:
Um... Here where, exactly?
Da Vinci:
Well, that's the thing.
We haven't been able to pin it down.
Da Vinci:
I think it's around the year...2017? And it also looks to have weather pretty close to your average winter.
Da Vinci:
I was hoping you could put on your snowsuit and go check it out pronto...
Da Vinci:
...but the problem is,
there's something strange about it.
Mash:
How so?
Da Vinci:
All the Servants who were stationed here at the Wandering Sea are already there, or on their way.
Da Vinci:
...
Da Vinci:
Don't worry about how they all
managed to Rayshift for now!
Da Vinci:
The point is, after they Rayshifted there...they all started fighting.
Mash:
Really?
Mash:
Th-that sounds horrible!
Fujimaru 1:
Wh-what're we gonna do!?
Da Vinci:
Easy there. It's not as bad as it sounds.
Da Vinci:
They might all be fighting,
but they're not trying to kill each other.
Da Vinci:
They've all been stopping before anyone's Spirit Origin disappears, so at least at this point, we're still at zero casualties.
Da Vinci:
That said, having Servants fight among themselves is still really, really bad.
Da Vinci:
Throw in all the Rogue Servants who've been summoned there too, and we've got a recipe for serious potential disaster.
Da Vinci:
I was going to call on a Santa Servant to help out, since they're naturally a good fit for winter, but–
Mash:
They've all Rayshifted there too, haven't they?
Da Vinci:
Yep.
Da Vinci:
For the moment, I guess we can put out a call to all the Servants who are still here, then–
???:
One moment.
???:
If I understand you correctly...
???:
...a large number of patients is awaiting aid at this Rayshift destination.
Fujimaru 1:
That voice...
Mash:
Nightingale!
Nightingale:
It is my duty to help the injured,
wherever they may be.
Nightingale:
Very well then...
Nightingale Santa:
Let us be on our way, Master.
Mash:
...
Da Vinci:
Uhh...
Fujimaru 1:
Nightingale?
Nightingale Santa:
Yes, I am Florence Nightingale.
Mash:
W-well, we already knew that!
Mash:
But I'm pretty sure that isn't your usual outfit!
Nightingale Santa:
Oh, this?
Nightingale Santa:
No, I suppose not.
I am uncertain when my wardrobe change occurred.
Nightingale Santa:
But no matter. My combat style may be different now,
but I am still me.
Nightingale Santa:
Please, pay it no mind.
Fujimaru 1:
Easier said than done.
Fujimaru 2:
See, I'm pretty sure that's a Santa Claus outfit...
Nightingale Santa:
Hm?
Nightingale Santa:
I don't understand.
Isn't Santa Claus supposed to be a jolly old man?
Da Vinci:
Yes! Yes, he is! Finally, someone addressed the elephant in the sleigh! Uh, room!
Da Vinci:
Never mind that now, though.
That's just how things work around here.
Da Vinci:
Anyway, now that we've got a new Santa Servant,
that makes things nice and simple.
Da Vinci:
You're just the Servant we need to help out on
this mission. Everyone! Get ready to Rayshift!
Da Vinci:
Unfortunately, Sion and the rest of the staff have their hands full with the Lostbelt situation...
Da Vinci:
...so I'd like you to back Master up from here.
Can you do that, Mash?
Mash:
Yes, of course.
That was my job back in Chaldea too, after all.
Mash:
Master, it looks like I'll be handling your existence verification this time.
Mash:
I wish I could accompany you myself, but I guess that's just not in the cards this time...
Fujimaru 1:
Don't worry! I'll bring you back the best Christmas present ever!
Mash:
Thank you, Senpai. I can't wait!
Section 1: Santa Claus Noir
Nightingale Santa:
A snowy field like this is no place for people to spend long periods of time.
Nightingale Santa:
How is your snowsuit working, Master?
Fujimaru 1:
All good here.
Nightingale Santa:
I'm afraid that's not good enough. Here, I want you to wear this ski mask, goggles, and hat as well.
Nightingale Santa:
You have your pocket warmers, yes?
You'll also need some warm food...
Nightingale Santa:
And here's a scarf to keep your neck safe from the elements too.
Fujimaru 1:
Uh, thanks...
Mash:
I can barely see you underneath
all that snow gear now...
Goredolf:
(I see this Servant is something of a worrywart...)
Goredolf:
(But, that should make her a good fit for
Fujimaru under these circumstances.)
Mash:
Ahem.
Mash:
Master, I'm picking up some Servant readings just ahead of your position.
Mash:
They don't seem to be fighting right now.
Why don't you see if they're willing to talk?
Fujimaru 1:
Sounds good!
Fujimaru 1:
Man, this blizzard's really picking up...
Nightingale Santa:
Hold it, Master. I can see a faint light over there.
Nightingale Santa:
It could be one of the Servants Mash picked up.
Let's go investigate.
Fujimaru 1:
Right on!
Jeanne Alter:
...
Santa Alter:
...
Jeanne Alter:
Hey, Santa, do a trick or something.
I'm getting bored outta my skull here.
Santa Alter:
Santa does not do tricks. Her job is to fly around with a jet engine throwing presents at good little boys and girls.
Santa Alter:
If a trick is what you desire, then amuse yourself.
Jeanne Alter:
What do you think he is?
Can't you see how brilliant those flames are?
Darius III:
...
Santa Alter:
I hardly think lighting a candle qualifies as a brilliant flame.
Jeanne Alter:
Okay, I know this is filthy rich coming from me,
but you treat him like shit. You know that, right?
Fujimaru 1:
So that's who was casting that light.
Fujimaru 2:
Looks like it was Darius III who lit our way.
Jeanne Alter:
What do you want, Master?
In fact, what're you even doing he–
Nightingale Santa:
Well now, aren't you two an unhealthy looking couple.
Both:
...!
Nightingale Santa:
You should stop burning the lamp oil–or the candle wicks, as the case may be–and return to Chaldea at once.
Jeanne Alter:
...Yeah, I guess you're right.
Jeanne Alter:
Much as I'd love to do just that,
I'm afraid there's just ooone little problem.
Santa Alter:
In that, we agree. I never expected you would also be a Santa, Nightingale.
Nightingale Santa:
What do you mean?
I'm Florence Nightingale, not Santa Claus.
Jeanne Alter:
Yeah, don't care.
Jeanne Alter:
Now hand over those Santa Resources
if you know what's good for you!
Jeanne Alter:
I need them to get even more Santa Power!
Darius III:
Santa!!!
Nightingale Santa:
Now I see.
Nightingale Santa:
First you call me Santa, and now you're spouting delusions about Santa Power... You're clearly suffering from derangement.
Nightingale Santa:
Fortunately, I have ampoules full of sedative right here with me.
Nightingale Santa:
But I will need your orders to
help administer them, Master.
Nightingale Santa:
Seeing as they are all soldiers, I doubt I will be able to treat them without first subduing them in combat.
Fujimaru 1:
I-I guess we're doing this then!
Nightingale Santa:
Indeed, we are! Now, to battle!
--BATTLE--
Jeanne Alter:
Yeow! Ow ow ow ow! No more needles!
They sting like crazy!
Nightingale Santa:
No, they don't. You only think they do.
Jeanne Alter:
You think I don't know my own pain receptors!?
Nightingale Santa:
Those sedatives are meant for soldiers.
You felt nothing.
Jeanne Alter:
What do you think those soldiers are gonna feel when you pump them full of those things? A world of pain, that's what!
Nightingale Santa:
Hmm. I hadn't thought of it like that before.
Santa Alter:
...Well now.
Santa Alter:
It would seem the fog clouding your mind has cleared up considerably, Jeanne Claus.
Santa Alter:
Perhaps those ampoules contained just
the medicine you needed after all.
Nightingale Santa:
I told you, you were sick.
Fujimaru 1:
What in the world is going on?
Santa Alter:
A fair question.
Santa Alter:
Very well then, allow me to explain while Little Miss Dragon Maiden continues crying over her shots.
Jeanne Alter:
Hey! I'm not crying! You're crying!
Don't look at me, dumbass!
Santa Alter:
First, let me tell you where we are.
This place is known as...
Santa Alter:
Santa Island.
Santa Alter:
Yes. Santa Island.
Mash:
Santa Island...!?
Fujimaru 1:
Now where have I heard that name before?
Santa Island Mask:
Hehehe... Don't look at me.
I had nothing to do with this!
Fujimaru 2:
Santa Island, huh?
Santa Alter:
Correct. Santa Island.
Da Vinci:
Hmm. Santa Island, Santa Island...
Da Vinci:
I've heard of an island called Santa Cruz, but I'm not seeing anything in the database about a Santa Island...
Da Vinci:
So what IS Santa Island?
Santa Alter:
All you need to understand is that it is an island of Santas, by Santas, and for Santas.
Santa Alter:
To be perfectly blunt, the weeping dragon maiden there was brainwashed.
Santa Alter:
I was only here because I found her amusing to watch.
Fujimaru 1:
Did you say brainwashed!?
Nightingale Santa:
Then, are all these fights to the death taking place here a result of this brainwashing?
Santa Alter:
No.
Santa Alter:
The term “brainwashing” may sound alarming,
but its effects are minimal.
Santa Alter:
All it does...
Santa Alter:
...is make the brainwashee fervently believe that they must become Santa, or that they already are Santa.
Santa Alter:
Nothing more.
Mash:
...
Mash:
That, uh, sounds pretty bad to me...
Jeanne Alter:
I'll say.
Jeanne Alter:
Hell, I've already got a sis–I mean,
a Lily version of me running around as a Santa.
Jeanne Alter:
So why do I gotta get wrapped
up in this Santa bullshit too!?
Fujimaru 1:
Be patient! We only just got here!
Nightingale Santa:
How did things come to this in the first place?
Santa Alter:
I am afraid I do not know that either. I have
forgotten everything I knew about that crucial aspect.
Jeanne Alter:
I don't remember a damn thing either.
Actually, there might be one thing.
Jeanne Alter:
I think I remember meeting
someone before this went down.
Fujimaru 1:
Someone like...?
Jeanne Alter:
How can I put this...?
Jeanne Alter:
Some insufferably bright, cheery sort.
Kinda my opposite, really.
Jeanne Alter:
They also seemed like someone my whole bloodline has some really bad history with.
Jeanne Alter:
There was something about their very existence that made me want to just pinch their cheeks and keep twisting them farther than they should go...
Jeanne Alter:
So yeah, someone like that.
Fujimaru 1:
I have no clue who you could be talking about.
Fujimaru 2:
I think I might have an idea of who you're talking about...
Jeanne Alter:
Well, that's all the hints you're getting from me.
Ugh, this sucks.
Jeanne Alter:
I'm freaking exhausted.
Darius III:
(Nodding wordlessly)
Jeanne Alter:
Well? Aren't you gonna offer to
let me rest my head in your lap?
Fujimaru 1:
With all your spiky armor from head to toe!?
Jeanne Alter:
...
Jeanne Alter:
And I should care what happens to your legs because...?
Fujimaru 2:
(That seems like it'd be really painful...)
Jeanne Alter:
Why're you looking at me like that?
Just hurry up and let me lie down already!
Jeanne Alter:
Really???
Those are the only hints I've got, you know?
Jeanne Alter:
Anyway, whoever the bastard is that brainwashed me, just point me in their direction, so I can roast their ass.
Mash:
Um, Jeanne Alter?
Mash:
There are no hostile entities nearby, so I don't think you need to be that close to Master...
Jeanne Alter:
What was that?
Jeanne Alter:
Who cares? It's not like I'm gonna
eat [♂ him /♀️ her] alive or something.
Santa Alter:
You aren't?
Jeanne Alter:
Of course not!
The hell do you think I am!?
Santa Alter:
A man-eater.
Jeanne Alter:
Ugh, do you ever freakin' shut up!?
Jeanne Alter:
This is exactly what I hate about Santas!
They all suck!
Nightingale Santa:
Absolutely.
Santa Alter:
Oh?
Jeanne Alter:
Wait, what?
Nightingale Santa:
Indeed, I couldn't agree more.
Nightingale Santa:
Sneaking into houses in the dead of night and giving children so-called candy in the form of sugary lumps?
Nightingale Santa:
By increasing tooth decay,
he's doing the devil's own work.
Jeanne Alter:
Uh, yeah, that's not what I'm talking about.
Jeanne Alter:
I mean, come on, you're technically a Santa yourself now, right?
Nightingale Santa:
Huh?
Nightingale Santa:
You think I'm Santa Claus?
Nightingale Santa:
You know, Master told me something similar, but I just don't see it. What makes you think I'm Santa?
Nightingale Santa:
I'm just a nurse making house calls in a slightly reddish outfit.
Jeanne Alter:
Oh yeah? Then what about those Christmasy bells on your nursing kit?
Nightingale Santa:
Oh... When did those get there?
I didn't even notice.
Jeanne Alter:
My point is, if they're there now,
there's gotta be a reason for it.
Santa Alter:
Regardless, whether you accept the truth about your Santa status or not...
Santa Alter:
...Santa Island is still overrun with Servants who all claim to be the one true Santa.
Santa Alter:
So as long as you have those Santaesque bells,
you are going to end up a target.
Nightingale Santa:
Oh? Well, if Santa Claus wants to stop giving children cavities in order to come after me...
Nightingale Santa:
...I would be more than happy to face him and bring him to account for his crimes.
Fujimaru 1:
Hoo boy...
Mash:
What are we going to do about this, Master?
Mash:
I'm not sure how we can get on the same page about Santa Claus when her conception of him is so different from ours...
Da Vinci:
For now, I don't want to do anything that might demotivate her if we don't have to, so let's see how this plays out.
Da Vinci:
Okay, I've figured out where
the next group of Servants is.
Da Vinci:
It looks like they're already fighting, so you'd better hurry if you want to stop them.
Fujimaru 1:
Come on, Nightingale!
Nightingale Santa:
Very well.
Nightingale Santa:
I'm glad to see we both wish to see a swift end
to meaningless conflict. Nightingale, away!
Jeanne Alter:
Waugh!
Santa Alter:
Hmph, she nearly bowled us over.
Although, there is something off about her...
Santa Alter:
I have no doubt that she's got Santa Claus traits...
but it feels like she is still missing something.
Jeanne Alter:
Like what?
Santa Alter:
If I knew what it was, I would have already said so.
Hmm... This bears further observation.
Santa Alter:
Come, Llamrei Mark II! After them!
Jeanne Alter:
...
Jeanne Alter:
Hey, what about me!? Don't leave me behind, dammit!
Darius III:
...
Jeanne Alter:
Huh? What's with the thumb?
Jeanne Alter:
...You want me to get on your elephant!?
Jeanne Alter:
...
Jeanne Alter:
Hell yeah! That sounds awesome!
C'mon, let's go already!
Jeanne Alter:
Yeow! Ow ow ow ow! No more needles!
They sting like crazy!
Nightingale Santa:
No, they don't. You only think they do.
Jeanne Alter:
You think I don't know my own pain receptors!?
Nightingale Santa:
Those sedatives are meant for soldiers.
You felt nothing.
Jeanne Alter:
What do you think those soldiers are gonna feel when you pump them full of those things? A world of pain, that's what!
Nightingale Santa:
Hmm. I hadn't thought of it like that before.
Santa Alter:
...Well now.
Santa Alter:
It would seem the fog clouding your mind has cleared up considerably, Jeanne Claus.
Santa Alter:
Perhaps those ampoules contained just
the medicine you needed after all.
Nightingale Santa:
I told you, you were sick.
Fujimaru 1:
What in the world is going on?
Santa Alter:
A fair question.
Santa Alter:
Very well then, allow me to explain while Little Miss Dragon Maiden continues crying over her shots.
Jeanne Alter:
Hey! I'm not crying! You're crying!
Don't look at me, dumbass!
Santa Alter:
First, let me tell you where we are.
This place is known as...
Santa Alter:
Santa Island.
Santa Alter:
Yes. Santa Island.
Mash:
Santa Island...!?
Fujimaru 1:
Now where have I heard that name before?
Santa Island Mask:
Hehehe... Don't look at me.
I had nothing to do with this!
Fujimaru 2:
Santa Island, huh?
Santa Alter:
Correct. Santa Island.
Goredolf:
Welp, looks like it's time for
my headache and ulcer medicine.
Goredolf:
Hello, Paracelsus? This is the Command Room.
Could you bring me the usual? Much obliged.
Da Vinci:
You've really gotten used to life
around here, haven't you, Gordy?
Goredolf:
Of course I haven't. Why do you think I need the medicine!?
Goredolf:
Dammit, I didn't want to have to ask this, but will someone tell me what in the world Santa Island is already!?
Santa Alter:
All you need to understand is that it is an island of Santas, by Santas, and for Santas.
Santa Alter:
To be perfectly blunt, the weeping dragon maiden there was brainwashed.
Santa Alter:
I was only here because I found her amusing to watch.
Fujimaru 1:
Did you say brainwashed!?
Nightingale Santa:
Then, are all these fights to the death taking place here a result of this brainwashing?
Santa Alter:
No.
Santa Alter:
The term “brainwashing” may sound alarming,
but its effects are minimal.
Santa Alter:
All it does...
Santa Alter:
...is make the brainwashee fervently believe that they must become Santa, or that they already are Santa.
Santa Alter:
Nothing more.
Mash:
...
Mash:
That, uh, sounds pretty bad to me...
Jeanne Alter:
I'll say.
Jeanne Alter:
Hell, I've already got a sis–I mean,
a Lily version of me running around as a Santa.
Jeanne Alter:
So why do I gotta get wrapped
up in this Santa bullshit too!?
Fujimaru 1:
Be patient! We only just got here!
Nightingale Santa:
How did things come to this in the first place?
Santa Alter:
I am afraid I do not know that either. I have
forgotten everything I knew about that crucial aspect.
Jeanne Alter:
I don't remember a damn thing either.
Actually, there might be one thing.
Jeanne Alter:
I think I remember meeting
someone before this went down.
Fujimaru 1:
Someone like...?
Jeanne Alter:
How can I put this...?
Jeanne Alter:
Some insufferably bright, cheery sort.
Kinda my opposite, really.
Jeanne Alter:
They also seemed like someone my whole bloodline has some really bad history with.
Jeanne Alter:
There was something about their very existence that made me want to just pinch their cheeks and keep twisting them farther than they should go...
Jeanne Alter:
So yeah, someone like that.
Fujimaru 1:
I have no clue who you could be talking about.
Fujimaru 2:
I think I might have an idea of who you're talking about...
Jeanne Alter:
Well, that's all the hints you're getting from me.
Ugh, this sucks.
Jeanne Alter:
I'm freaking exhausted.
Darius III:
(Nodding wordlessly)
Jeanne Alter:
Well? Aren't you gonna offer to
let me rest my head in your lap?
Fujimaru 1:
With all your spiky armor from head to toe!?
Jeanne Alter:
...
Jeanne Alter:
And I should care what happens to your legs because...?
Fujimaru 2:
(That seems like it'd be really painful...)
Jeanne Alter:
Why're you looking at me like that?
Just hurry up and let me lie down already!
Jeanne Alter:
Really???
Those are the only hints I've got, you know?
Jeanne Alter:
Anyway, whoever the bastard is that brainwashed me, just point me in their direction, so I can roast their ass.
Mash:
Um, Jeanne Alter?
Mash:
There are no hostile entities nearby, so I don't think you need to be that close to Master...
Jeanne Alter:
What was that?
Jeanne Alter:
Who cares? It's not like I'm gonna
eat [♂ him /♀️ her] alive or something.
Santa Alter:
You aren't?
Jeanne Alter:
Of course not!
The hell do you think I am!?
Santa Alter:
A man-eater.
Jeanne Alter:
Ugh, do you ever freakin' shut up!?
Jeanne Alter:
This is exactly what I hate about Santas!
They all suck!
Nightingale Santa:
Absolutely.
Santa Alter:
Oh?
Jeanne Alter:
Wait, what?
Nightingale Santa:
Indeed, I couldn't agree more.
Nightingale Santa:
Sneaking into houses in the dead of night and giving children so-called candy in the form of sugary lumps?
Nightingale Santa:
By increasing tooth decay,
he's doing the devil's own work.
Jeanne Alter:
Uh, yeah, that's not what I'm talking about.
Jeanne Alter:
I mean, come on, you're technically a Santa yourself now, right?
Nightingale Santa:
Huh?
Nightingale Santa:
You think I'm Santa Claus?
Nightingale Santa:
You know, Master told me something similar, but I just don't see it. What makes you think I'm Santa?
Nightingale Santa:
I'm just a nurse making house calls in a slightly reddish outfit.
Jeanne Alter:
Oh yeah? Then what about those Christmasy bells on your nursing kit?
Nightingale Santa:
Oh... When did those get there?
I didn't even notice.
Jeanne Alter:
My point is, if they're there now,
there's gotta be a reason for it.
Santa Alter:
Regardless, whether you accept the truth about your Santa status or not...
Santa Alter:
...Santa Island is still overrun with Servants who all claim to be the one true Santa.
Santa Alter:
So as long as you have those Santaesque bells,
you are going to end up a target.
Nightingale Santa:
Oh? Well, if Santa Claus wants to stop giving children cavities in order to come after me...
Nightingale Santa:
...I would be more than happy to face him and bring him to account for his crimes.
Fujimaru 1:
Hoo boy...
Mash:
What are we going to do about this, Master?
Mash:
I'm not sure how we can get on the same page about Santa Claus when her conception of him is so different from ours...
Goredolf:
And if we play our cards poorly, we could end up dramatically demotivating her.
Goredolf:
Why don't we wait and see how this plays out for the time being? (Besides, I'd hate to lose one of the few Servants who takes their duties seriously.)
Da Vinci:
Good point. If we messed this up, Gordy'd be the first in line to be the next Santa.
Fujimaru 1:
What're you gonna bring me for Christmas, Gordy Claus?
Goredolf:
Nothing!
Goredolf:
The only thing I could even give out for the holidays is handmade stollen fruit bread!
Mash:
Oh wow, I didn't know you made stollen.
Goredolf:
Well of course. It's a German Christmas tradition, after all.
Fujimaru 2:
Director Goredolf Claus!
Goredolf:
What!? No! Forget it! If you want a gift from Santa that badly, you can go to Helsinki International Airport and buy one yourself!
Goredolf:
Personally, I don't believe you can go wrong with anything from the Mooomiiin shop.
Goredolf:
Once those delightful trolls grab hold of your heart, they'll never let it go.
Da Vinci:
Okay, I've figured out where
the next group of Servants is.
Da Vinci:
It looks like they're already fighting, so you'd better hurry if you want to stop them.
Fujimaru 1:
Come on, Nightingale!
Nightingale Santa:
Very well.
Nightingale Santa:
I'm glad to see we both wish to see a swift end
to meaningless conflict. Nightingale, away!
Jeanne Alter:
Waugh!
Santa Alter:
Hmph, she nearly bowled us over.
Although, there is something off about her...
Santa Alter:
I have no doubt that she's got Santa Claus traits...
but it feels like she is still missing something.
Jeanne Alter:
Like what?
Santa Alter:
If I knew what it was, I would have already said so.
Hmm... This bears further observation.
Santa Alter:
Come, Llamrei Mark II! After them!
Jeanne Alter:
...
Jeanne Alter:
Hey, what about me!? Don't leave me behind, dammit!
Darius III:
...
Jeanne Alter:
Huh? What's with the thumb?
Jeanne Alter:
...You want me to get on your elephant!?
Jeanne Alter:
...
Jeanne Alter:
Hell yeah! That sounds awesome!
C'mon, let's go already!
Section 2: Showdown! Guardians VS Children
Nightingale Santa:
I can see the battle has already begun. We'll need to
head there straight away if we're going to stop it.
Nightingale Santa:
Oh, maybe I could ring these bells to let them know we're coming. I only hope they notice.
Nursery Rhyme:
Take this!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
And this!
Jack:
And some of this!
Emiya:
Hrn!
Boudica:
Yah!
Atalante Alter:
F-forgive me!
Nursery Rhyme:
Oh for goodness' sake!
Why can't you just leave us be!?
Jack:
Yeah! What's the big deal about a few snacks!?
Emiya:
That's true. There's nothing wrong with having snacks.
Emiya:
As long as you don't have them right before dinner!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Ulp. I-I guess you have a point, but...
Nursery Rhyme:
Hey! No going goody-goody on us, Jeanne!
Nursery Rhyme:
We're all in this together, remember?
There's no turning back now!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
B-but I AM a good girl!
Jack:
But you also like having snacks before dinner, right?
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Yes. I can't give those up...
Atalante Alter:
I truly am sorry about this, but I cannot let you snack before dinner. It will stunt your growth!
Nursery Rhyme:
Even though we're Servants?
Emiya:
As long as you all present yourselves as children, we have a duty as grown-ups to provide you with structure.
Emiya:
After all, we're–
Boudica:
Santa Claus!
Atalante Alter:
There you have it.
Nursery Rhyme:
Stop it, stop it, stop it!
Nursery Rhyme:
Santa can't be a parental guardian!
You'll break the heart of every child in the world!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Yeah!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
I actually AM a Santa! So I won't tolemerate any fake Santa who tries to destroy the Santa dream like that!
Jack:
Come on, let's get 'em!
Atalante Alter:
Curses! I did not want to have to do this, but it seems we have no choice but to ply them with presents!
???:
Hold it right there!
Nightingale Santa:
There is nothing more tragic than parental
guardians waging war with their children.
Nightingale Santa:
Now, let's all calm down and see if we can't resolve this peacefully.
Nursery Rhyme:
...
Emiya:
...
All:
It's Santa Claus!!!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
The way you floated down on your umbrella was just beautiful!
Nursery Rhyme:
How romantic! How fantastic! How artistic!
Jack:
You're like that Poppins lady!
Emiya:
Hmm. It looks like her Santa
Resources are in those bells.
Boudica:
I could swear I've seen those bells somewhere before, but I can't put my finger on where...
Atalante Alter:
Never mind that! Let us take them for ourselves and supercharge our Santa Power!
Atalante Alter:
Then we can deliver presents
to every child in the world!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Nnn. That outfit... That color scheme...
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
She's definitely this year's Santa Claus...
Nursery Rhyme:
Wait! Don't be fooled!
Take a closer look at her umbrella!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Huh? Her umbrella?
Jack:
...
All Three:
It's a needle!!!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Sh-she almost fooled me!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
There's nothing worse in the whole world than giving children shots!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
So anyone who would carry around a giant needle like that could never be Santa Claus!
Nightingale Santa:
...First, I never claimed to be Santa Claus. Second, shots are essential for staying in good health.
Nightingale Santa:
I am willing to administer as many
as it takes to keep you all healthy.
Jack:
Nooo!
Jack:
We don't wanna get a shot! We'll be fine without it!
Nightingale Santa:
Hmm. It seems resolving this peacefully may be more difficult than I thought.
Nightingale Santa:
Master, would it be all right with you if I neutralize them first?
Fujimaru 1:
And by neutralize, you mean...?
Nightingale Santa:
Fight them.
Children:
Bring it!
Guardians:
You're on!
Fujimaru 1:
Why're they all ganging up on us!?
Nightingale Santa:
This is all part and parcel of administering vaccines. First, we start by properly disinfecting the patient!
Fujimaru 2:
I never knew Santa had so many enemies!
Nightingale Santa:
How many times must I say it?
I'm an ordinary nurse, not Santa Claus.
Mash:
I think we have very different definitions of “ordinary,” but never mind that now! Prepare for battle, Master!
--BATTLE--
Emiya:
Hey, so, now that that's all over with...
Emiya:
...do you think you could chalk this up to a bad dream and just forget it ever happened?
Fujimaru 1:
I don't know. It was pretty unforgettable...
Emiya:
Well do your best! I'm begging you here!
Fujimaru 2:
Forget what ever happened?
Emiya:
Exactly! Thanks for understanding, Master!
Boudica:
Phew. Thanks for snapping us out of that.
Atalante Alter:
Why in the world was I set on becoming Santa Claus?
Nightingale Santa:
You were sick. Confused. Not in your right minds.
Nightingale Santa:
You were all suffering from...let's call it
“Santa Claus Syndrome” for the time being.
Fujimaru 1:
Okay, but how did that happen?
Emiya:
I don't know. I'm pretty sure I was cooking before this all went down, but that's all I know.
Boudica:
Me too. Though I also get the feeling that someone
told me I was going to become Santa Claus.
Atalante Alter:
Same.
Atalante Alter:
Oh, I just remembered something else. I also heard a jingling sound, just like the one coming from those.
Fujimaru 1:
You mean these bells?
Emiya:
That's right. I remember someone said something like:
Emiya:
“You can be Santa too!”
Emiya:
Once the bells started ringing,
I gradually lost consciousness...
Emiya:
...and the next thing I knew, I was Santa.
Well, trying to become Santa, anyway.
Fujimaru 1:
That sounds like something out of a horror movie.
Nightingale Santa:
Indeed, what a horrifying scenario.
I didn't know Santa was contagious...
Fujimaru 2:
Just to be sure, you didn't do this, right, Nightingale?
Nightingale Santa:
I did not.
Nightingale Santa:
That said...I also don't remember when or how I acquired this new outfit.
Nightingale Santa:
I think I may have been talking to someone right beforehand, but I don't know who it could have been.
Nightingale Santa:
What about you? What are you three doing here?
Nursery Rhyme:
We came to tour Santa Island!
Jack:
Yeah! There were some posters on the wall that said, “You can be Santa too!”
Mash:
Master.
Mash:
I found the posters in question. It wasn't hard; whoever put them up wasn't shy about using any available surface.
Emiya:
Now I remember.
Emiya:
I saw that same Santa slogan, got a bad feeling about it, and promptly chose to ignore it.
Emiya:
That's when it happened.
Somebody came up to me and said...
Emiya:
“How could you just ignore it? That's so mean!”
Emiya:
And you know the rest.
Boudica:
Right. I remember they sounded kind of...girlish and not girlish at the same time?
Boudica:
They had a cute voice.
At least, I think they did...
Atalante Alter:
I can say this much for sure:
whoever did this was not a child.
Atalante Alter:
I also take issue with Boudica's use of “cute.”
Atalante Alter:
This person's voice was cute, yes, but I feel like there was also something distinctly...uncute about it.
Boudica:
Aww, come on! It was totally cute!
Emiya:
I'm...not sure what to make of it.
Emiya:
I think it did sound cute, but it also sounded like the voice of a born troublemaker.
Goredolf:
(What is this? Ethereal profiling?)
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
What about you, um, Nightingale?
Do you still insist you're not Santa Claus?
Nightingale Santa:
Obviously.
Nightingale Santa:
Santa is a demon who goes around giving out candy in the dead of night. He is the enemy of children and dentists everywhere.
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
That's so far off the mark I don't
even know where to begin!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Santa Claus isn't a demon at all! He's...um...
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Reindeer! How would you describe Santa?
Fujimaru 1:
It's hard to put into words...
Fujimaru 2:
I guess I'd say Santa gives people hopes and dreams?
Nightingale Santa:
...!
Nursery Rhyme:
It IS hard to put into words, isn't it?
In the end, it all comes down to feeling!
Jack:
Yeah. It's like how we just know when we have the perfect chance to kill somebody.
Jack:
We'd guess any Assassin probably
knows what that's like.
Emiya:
Hmm.
Emiya:
That sounds like the unconscious feeling I get when I can just tell my next arrow is going to hit its target.
Nursery Rhyme:
That's how I know you must be Santa Claus!
Nursery Rhyme:
But you still can't accept who you are.
That's so sad!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Yes, it is. If you ask me, being Santa Claus is the greatest job in the world.
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Trust me! Getting to be Santa is a biiig honor and you should be proud!
Jack:
Yay, presents♪
We wonder what we're gonna get this year♪
Nightingale Santa:
...What is it you three want for Christmas?
Is it sweets?
Nursery Rhyme:
Sweets would be great, of course, but really,
we'd be happy with anything.
Nursery Rhyme:
After all, presents are the stuff of love,
hopes, and dreams!
Nightingale Santa:
Love, hopes, and dreams, huh?
Nightingale Santa:
Those are all very important. But presents are supposed to be strictly material things, correct?
Emiya:
You're not wrong. Kids do love getting practical gifts.
Emiya:
It's a conundrum every parental
figure has to deal with.
Boudica:
You think? I've always believed it's the thought that counts when it comes to gifts.
Boudica:
That holds true whether those thoughts are affectionate or spiteful.
Atalante Alter:
I do not think I want to imagine
a present given out of spite.
Nightingale Santa:
...I see.
Nightingale Santa:
So what you're saying is, there's more to the Santa Claus class than going around giving candy to children.
Emiya:
That's right. A lot more.
Emiya:
...Wait a second. Are you uncomfortable around kids?
Nightingale Santa:
...
Nursery Rhyme:
Are you?
Nightingale Santa:
...A moment, please.
Nightingale Santa:
I assure you, I do not dislike or otherwise shun children. I have no negative feelings whatsoever toward them.
Nightingale Santa:
However... Um...
Emiya:
I get it. Some feelings, you just can't put into words.
Nightingale Santa:
...
Boudica:
Anyway, now that we've snapped out of it, we should really get back and start getting ready for Christmas.
Emiya:
Sounds good to me.
Emiya:
How about you three? You can stay and continue your tour if you want, but it could get a little dangerous.
Jack:
We wanna go home too!
Nursery Rhyme:
I agree. Every child has the right to wait patiently for presents, whether they're naughty or nice.
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
I don't know.
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
I was hoping to find Santa Island Mask here, since this place is called Santa Island and all...
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
But I guess going back home works too!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Hey, if you two run into a man with a mask, please tell him I'm doing well!
Nightingale Santa:
I still don't believe I'm the next Santa Claus–or at least, I don't think so–but all right, I will.
Nightingale Santa:
Okay Master, now that we've successfully eradicated the disease here, let's go look for the next group of patients.
Fujimaru 1:
Uh... You mean with that umbrella?
Nightingale Santa:
...
Nightingale Santa:
Yes, why not? If you like, I would be glad to transport you on my umbrella.
Nightingale Santa:
Just make sure you hold on to me tight.
Nursery Rhyme:
Oh! Wait, Florence.
There's one last thing I want to ask you.
Nightingale Santa:
“Florence”?
Very well. What is it?
Nursery Rhyme:
Would you be so kind as to tell me how you feel about children some time?
Nursery Rhyme:
I am a hero of children everywhere, after all!
Boudica:
Hey, Jeanne? Are you sure she's this year's Santa?
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Absolutely!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
As the last-last-last Santa Claus myself, I can spot another Santa with one-hundred-percent certainty!
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
So I can tell you for sure that Nightingale is this year's Santa!
Emiya:
Looks like she still hasn't come to terms with it, though.
Atalante Alter:
Maybe not, but it also seems that your words had an effect on her.
Emiya:
Well, I don't know about that.
Emiya:
She's a smart lady. I'm sure she would've figured it out on her own at some point.
Emiya:
...Hm?
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily:
Ooh! That's the Santa who came before me!
Boudica:
Followed closely by a war elephant...
Atalante Alter:
If I did not know better,
I would have thought I was at a zoo.
Emiya:
(No kidding. Especially with that Demon Boar on your shoulder...)
Nursery Rhyme:
Okay, everyone, let's go back to Chaldea!
Nursery Rhyme:
We have to get ready to welcome our new Santa Claus!
Section 3: Christmas Present
Bad Guy:
Mwahahaha!
Bad Guy:
We're gonna mess this Christmas party up real bad!
Orion:
Specifically, we're gonna turn the Christmas cake into a kagami mochi rice cake and the Christmas tree into a New Year's kadomatsu decoration!
Orion:
We're also gonna turn the hot Santa cosplayers into hot kimono babes!
Orion:
...On second thought, I guess it doesn't matter as long as they're hot!
???:
Hold it right there, dammit!
Bad Guy:
Who're you!?
???:
You wanna know who I am? Fair enough.
My name is Aśvatthāman!
Aśvatthāman:
As for what I'm doing here...
Aśvatthāman:
...I'm like a Santa Claus whose job is keeping Christmas safe.
Aśvatthāman:
And you, bad guy, are about to bad DIE!
Aśvatthāman:
Lessee, what was my next line? Oh, right.
Aśvatthāman:
Suit on!!!
Aśvatthāman:
I'm the ultimate warrior!
An avatar of rage!
Aśvatthāman:
And I'm gonna kill you dead!
Aśvatthāman:
Haaa!
Bad Guy:
Gaah!
Orion:
Curse you, Aśvatthāman!
Orion:
Gaah!
Aśvatthāman:
Huh? But I haven't even done anything yet.
Orion:
I'm sure...
But that doesn't make it any less painful...
Aśvatthāman:
...Ah well, who cares!
The important thing is, I won!
Caesar:
All right everyone, come and get your Aśvatthāman Transformation Kits for a whopping twenty percent off as part of our Christmas Sale Extravaganza! Offer good while supplies last!
Sakata Kintoki:
Man, what'm I gonna do?
Fuuma Kotarou:
My pocket QP just isn't quite enough to cover it...
They really know how to hit us where it hurts.
Paris:
(Sniff) I just know Hektor's not gonna be happy about me spending money on this sort of thing...
Paris:
But then again, it might be worth it if that transformation belt makes me stronger!
Caesar:
Of course it can make you stronger. As long as you never lose sight of your dreams, that is!
Sakata Kintoki:
Hey, Kotarou. How's about you and me team up?
Sakata Kintoki:
Long as we do that, we'll be golden, baby!
(Translation: Let's pool our allowance to buy one.)
Fuuma Kotarou:
Sounds good to me. All right then, let's play rock-paper-scissors to see who gets to wear it fir–
Aśvatthāman:
(Yawwwn) Glad that's over with.
Aśvatthāman:
I gotta say though, this isn't how I pictured Santa Claus. Something about it just seems wrong.
Caesar:
Don't be silly. What could possibly be wrong?
Caesar:
Christmas and capitalism go together like peanut butter and mint juleps.
Caesar:
And by scamming–I mean, taking that opportunity to earn QP, we do our part to keep the economy turning.
Aśvatthāman:
I know, you're right, but...I dunno.
Aśvatthāman:
I still feel like I'm a far cry from what Santa's supposed to be.
Caesar:
Preposterous.
Caesar:
You're red, and you can transform.
That more than qualifies you to be Santa Claus.
???:
Enough.
Aśvatthāman:
Hm?
Caesar:
Who goes there?
Nightingale Santa:
Good day, everyone. I'm–
Aśvatthāman:
Santa Claus!!!
Aśvatthāman:
Hot damn, check out all that
Santa Power you got going for you!
Nightingale Santa:
No, I'm–
Sakata Kintoki:
Bad. Ass.
That's the goldenest red Santa I've ever seen.
Fuuma Kotarou:
(Wait, which is it? Red or golden?)
Sakata Kintoki:
All right, I've made up my mind!
I'm gonna root for Aśvatthāman!
Fuuma Kotarou:
Then I'll root for this new Santa!
Not for any particular reason, mind you.
Paris:
Aw man, which one should I root for?
They're both really awesome...
Paris:
...but I think I've got to go with Aśvatthāman!
Paris:
(Especially since her umbrella's actually a big syringe!
No way would I want her sticking me with that!)
Caesar:
Hmm. Unexpected intruders though you may be, it seems we are obligated to welcome you as a fellow Santa Claus.
Nightingale Santa:
Then you all claim to be Santa Claus as well?
Caesar:
Absolutely! We are all Santa Claus here!
Caesar:
We will grow the economy by delivering hopes and dreams, thereby helping people around the world to lead full and happy lives!
Mash:
That sounds great in theory, but...
Fujimaru 1:
Then what's that giant pile of QP behind you for?
Caesar:
It's all part of our stimulus plan.
Aśvatthāman:
What was it he called this again?
...Oh, right.
Aśvatthāman:
I think I heard him talking to himself about this gig being his ticket to easy money?
Caesar:
I'll thank you to keep that bit to yourself!
Nightingale Santa:
It's too soon for me to tell whether your actions are right or wrong...
Nightingale Santa:
...but I do get the sense that your interpretation of Santa Claus is overly focused on the economic aspects.
Caesar:
I see.
Caesar:
Then it would seem we each walk very different paths, despite both of us being Santa Claus.
Caesar:
Speaking of which, am I right to assume that you are indeed Santa Claus yourself?
Nightingale Santa:
...
Nightingale Santa:
Well...
You might be.
Nightingale Santa:
Perhaps I am the sort of Santa Claus you describe.
Nightingale Santa:
My job is also to deliver hopes and dreams–things that we need to ensure tomorrow will be better than today.
Fuuma Kotarou:
What are you talking about?
Nightingale Santa:
Perhaps you know what I mean, Master? Surely you've heard me say the word dozens of times by now.
Fujimaru 1:
Are you talking about health?
Fujimaru 2:
Do you mean health?
Nightingale Santa:
That's right.
Nightingale Santa:
Health.
Nightingale Santa:
If I am truly Santa Claus,
then health is the only gift I will give.
Sakata Kintoki:
Damn, that's a good motive...
Now I feel bad about mine.
Paris:
Me too.
Paris:
Santa Claus as the protector of health!
What a wonderful idea!
Nightingale Santa:
I agree.
Nightingale Santa:
Specifically, I'm planning to give out medicine instead of candy.
J：All:
Wait, what?
Nightingale Santa:
That's right. Medicine.
Nightingale Santa:
But don't worry.
This medicine will still taste perfectly sweet!
Sakata Kintoki:
Who cares!?
Paris:
I-I take it all back! That's a terrible idea! Nobody would ever dream about getting medicine for a present!
Paris:
It doesn't matter how sweet it tastes!
Medicine and candy are completely different things!
Nightingale Santa:
...
...Really?
Nightingale Santa:
Is that true?
Fuuma Kotarou:
Unfortunately...
I'm afraid I have to agree with them.
Nightingale Santa:
Do you think so too, Master?
Fujimaru 1:
It's a real conundrum for sure, but...
Fujimaru 2:
Well, probably most kids would rather get candy, so...
Caesar:
Ah yes, the classic Santa quandary. Should a present be what the recipient wants, or something the recipient needs?
Caesar:
Truly a dilemma for the ages.
Caesar:
And you mean to tackle it head-on, do you? Hmm.
Caesar:
I applaud your bravery, Nightingale. The way of the Santa Claus you have chosen may be the most difficult there is.
Nightingale Santa:
Does that mean you think my notions
about gift-giving are mistaken?
Caesar:
It doesn't matter what I think.
Our battle will decide who's right and wrong.
Caesar:
Go on, Aśvatthāman!
Take up your arms!
Aśvatthāman:
Hm?
Aśvatthāman:
Uh, okay. I guess Santa Clause can't
back down from a fight, huh?
Mash:
(Something tells me he doesn't really know what Santa Claus is about, either...)
Nightingale Santa:
Very well, Mr. Caesar.
Nightingale Santa:
It seems you know what lies
beyond the way of the Santa.
Nightingale Santa:
So if fighting this battle will allow me to learn that as well...
Nightingale Santa:
...then I am happy to accept, one Santa Claus to another!
Sakata Kintoki:
...So, which one do we root for now?
Fuuma Kotarou:
G-good luck, you two! May the best Santa win!
Paris:
Medicine or candy... Medicine or candy... She did say the medicine would be sweet... Oh, which one's the right choice?
Paris:
Argh, I can't make up my mind!
Why do I always get stuck with the hard decisions!?
--BATTLE--
Aśvatthāman:
Aw crap! I ran outta Santa Power!
Aśvatthāman:
...Wait. Why'd I wanna be Santa again?
Fuuma Kotarou:
I think that takes us more into existential questions than we really have time for...
Caesar:
Hahaha.
Caesar:
Well, that's easy enough, Aśvatthāman.
Caesar:
It's because I was using my own Santa Power to...encourage you towards that end.
Aśvatthāman:
So you were using me? Huh!?
Is that what you're saying?
Caesar:
Well, yes, I suppose you could put it that way.
Caesar:
But think back on your experiences, and be honest:
Didn't you enjoy being Santa Claus?
Aśvatthāman:
Hell no I...
Aśvatthāman:
...
Aśvatthāman:
You know what? I did!
Aśvatthāman:
Being Santa was a ton of fun!
Aśvatthāman:
I especially liked how the audience got all excited whenever I transformed, though I still don't know why!
Sakata Kintoki:
Hey, there ain't a red-blooded male around who hasn't dreamed about bein' a transformin' superhero at least once.
Sakata Kintoki:
...Huh? What about my Golden Huge Bear armor?
Sakata Kintoki:
That is a thing, but everyone knows the big mecha is second place compared to bein' able to TRANSFORM!
Fuuma Kotarou:
I can technically transform, but it's not anywhere near as cool as when you do it.
Aśvatthāman:
Don't be so hard on yourself, Fuuma Kotarou.
We're still us, no matter what we look like.
Aśvatthāman:
So be proud of what you got, dammit!
Fuuma Kotarou:
O-okay!
Aśvatthāman:
So what do you transform into, anyway?
Fuuma Kotarou:
A grotesque, red-skinned monster about two-hundred and sixteen centimeters tall.
Fuuma Kotarou:
I can still think when I'm in that form, but I can't pull my punches anymore since I'm basically half-mad.
Aśvatthāman:
Ah, that's no problem. There were guys with transformations like that back in my day, too!
Fuuma Kotarou:
You don't say!
Sakata Kintoki:
(“No problem” my ass. If Raikou ever catches Kotarou like that, his head'll be on the floor faster than you can say “golden”...)
Caesar:
Well, Nightingale? Did you learn anything from our little tête-à-tête?
Nightingale Santa:
...No. If anything, I feel like I now
understand Santa Claus less than ever.
Nightingale Santa:
Other Santas provide children with hopes,
dreams, candy, and gifts.
Nightingale Santa:
But if I were Santa Claus,
the only thing I would offer is medicine.
Nightingale Santa:
I have no idea what the right answer is. I can't even see a way for me to figure out what it could be.
Caesar:
Ah, my dear Nightingale. It seems there is one thing you still have yet to realize.
Nightingale Santa:
Huh?
Caesar:
Let's say you come across two patients. One is suffering from external injuries, the other from pneumonia.
Caesar:
What would you do?
Nightingale Santa:
Well, first I'd determine which patient is in greater need of medical assistance...
Nightingale Santa:
Then I would stitch up the trauma victim's wounds or administer medicine as needed...
Nightingale Santa:
......
Nightingale Santa:
!
Caesar:
There you go.
Caesar:
Just as no two patients have the same needs,
no two children have the same wants.
Caesar:
As long as you understand that, I have no doubt you will go on to be an excellent Santa Claus!
Aśvatthāman:
Huh?
Aśvatthāman:
Does that mean the person who made us all Santas isn't this year's Santa?
Caesar:
No, they are not. Though they do excel at enticing others towards Santadom.
Fujimaru 1:
Hold up. There's a person turning people into Santas?
Caesar:
Indeed there is.
Caesar:
I was under the impression that Ms. Nightingale had met with the same misfortune as us, but perhaps I was mistaken?
Nightingale Santa:
...Yes, you were.
I don't recall ever meeting anyone like that.
Nightingale Santa:
I don't even remember when or how I became Santa Claus.
Mash:
So who is this person you're talking about, Caesar?
Caesar:
Hahaha, surely you can think of any number of individuals at Chaldea who could be responsible for a mishap like this.
Caesar:
...A great number, come to think of it.
Fujimaru 1:
I wouldn't even know where to begin making up a list of suspects...
Caesar:
That being said...
Caesar:
...I suspect you may already have a firm image of this latest caper's culprit in your head, Master.
Caesar:
Picture someone who loves festivals and parties... Someone who has yet to show their face in all this commotion.
Caesar:
Add a few more conditions to narrow it down further, and I'm confident you'll soon see what's really going on here.
Fujimaru 1:
I see...
Caesar:
All right, everyone, if you're still looking for the perfect present, the Caesar Company will be happy to assist.
Caesar:
And if that perfect present should be for the lad(ies) in your life, Cleopatra will get you fixed up in no time!
Aśvatthāman:
By the way, there's something I've been meaning to tell you guys for a while now.
Sakata Kintoki:
Yeah?
Fuuma Kotarou:
What is it?
Aśvatthāman:
You know my name? Aśvatthāman?
Aśvatthāman:
It's not Aśvatthā Man. It's Aśvatthāman, one word.
Both:
IT IS!?!?!?
Fuuma Kotarou:
I can't believe it... All this time, we thought
Aśvatthā stood for something really cool!
Sakata Kintoki:
Yeah... Somethin' awesome,
special, and golden...!
Aśvatthāman:
Well, sorry to disappoint. “Aśvatthāman” just means something along the lines of “horse neighing.”
Both:
AWESOME!
Aśvatthāman:
Ah, don't give me that. 'Sides, your names mean “evil wind” and “golden time,” right? That sounds pretty awesome to me!
Paris:
Okay! I've made my decision!
Paris:
I was taught long ago never to
disobey older girls or nurses...
Paris:
...so since Nightingale is both,
I have to go with her!
Paris:
...Huh? It's already over?
Paris:
Nightingale's not even here anymore?
Apollo:
...
Apollo:
You need to learn to be more decisive.
Paris:
...(Sniff)
Nightingale Santa:
Is something wrong, [♂ Mr. /♀️ Ms.] Fujimaru?
Fujimaru 1:
Just enjoying flying by umbrella.
Nightingale Santa:
...I see. I'm glad to hear that.
Nightingale Santa:
Still, we have been up here for quite a while now.
Let's take a little break.
Fujimaru 2:
It's a little scary, being up here for so long.
Nightingale Santa:
I see. I am sorry about that.
Nightingale Santa:
Since changing into this dress, whenever that happened, I have found there is something about flying by umbrella that is oddly appealing to me...
Nightingale Santa:
Even so, I will take us down to land.
Nightingale Santa:
......
Nightingale Santa:
Master, could I talk to you about something?
Section 4: To the Distant Rainbow, Raising the Fluffy Umbrella Up
Narration:
I have to keep running. I have to keep running.
Narration:
I can feel my emotions welling up, pulling me forward like a restless child who can't wait another second.
Narration:
I'm going to die. I'm going to die.
Narration:
But it's not the physical aspect of death that scares me. It's the idea of myself, of who I am, ceasing to be...
Narration:
Is there anything I can do? Anything at all?
Narration:
What I want is to eradicate illness and injury from the world. No...I NEED to eradicate it.
Narration:
I'm sure that that's the whole reason I was born.
B：Girl:
You never look back at where you've been, do you?
Narration:
The voice makes me stop in my tracks.
Narration:
I push down my urge to turn
around and shake my head “no.”
A：Nightingale:
I have neither the time nor the desire to look back.
There is no point.
A：Nightingale:
Helping the sick and injured is all the happiness I need.
B：Girl:
If that's how you want to live your life,
I won't try to change your mind...
B：Girl:
But just remember that you're going to make some people sad that way.
Narration:
Sad? Who? My close friends? My family?
Narration:
I can shrug off their sadness easily enough.
Narration:
That's just how I was born.
B：Girl:
No, no, not them. I'm talking about the child.
A：Nightingale:
The child!?
Narration:
I turn around...
Narration:
...and see an innocent little girl holding my hand, looking up at me with wide, sad eyes.
Narration:
Oh, right. Her.
Narration:
I sigh softly and shake off
the child clinging to my hand.
Narration:
But it doesn't stop the two girls from continuing to stare at me, eyes welling with sadness.
Nightingale Santa:
...
...?
Nightingale Santa:
I'm sorry. I must have dozed off for a minute.
Fujimaru 1:
Is everything okay?
Nightingale Santa:
Don't worry, I'm fine.
Now, what was I saying? Oh, yes.
Nightingale Santa:
Most people believe that Santa Claus's origins can be traced back to Saint Nicholas.
Nightingale Santa:
But some believe that Christmas was not really popularized as a holiday in England...
Nightingale Santa:
...until the year 1843.
Nightingale Santa:
Have you ever heard of Charles Dickens's novella,
“A Christmas Carol”?
Fujimaru 1:
That's where Ebenezer Scrooge comes from, right?
Fujimaru 2:
I've heard of it, but I've never read it.
Nightingale Santa:
I see. Then shall I skip over its summary?
Fujimaru 1:
I'd appreciate that, thanks.
Fujimaru 2:
Why don't we go over it just to be sure?
Nightingale Santa:
Very well.
Nightingale Santa:
Then as you'll recall, Scrooge has three fateful encounters that inspire him to turn over a new leaf and reconcile with his nephew and clerk...
Nightingale Santa:
Of course. It is a fairly old story, after all.
Nightingale Santa:
Very well then, here's the short and simple version.
Nightingale Santa:
Ebenezer Scrooge, a rich and notoriously miserly old merchant, is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve:
Nightingale Santa:
The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Nightingale Santa:
They show him how he became so coldhearted in his past, the effects his cruel policies are having on his clerk's family in the present...
Nightingale Santa:
...and how the path he is on now will lead to him dying alone and unloved in the future.
Past:
You remember this parrot, don't you?
This is where you were born.
Past:
That lonesome boy reading a book by
the low fire over there is you.
Past:
Of course, at this point in your life,
you still had hopes and dreams.
Past:
But over time...
Past:
...you changed. Oh, how you changed.
Past:
You made a big show about how you were no longer a child, and parted ways with the woman you loved.
Past:
That choice, Scrooge, has made you who you are now.
Present:
Your greed and cunning made you rich, but at the expense of everyone around you.
Present:
Your clerk is just barely scraping by thanks to your refusal to pay him a living wage.
Present:
He can't even afford treatment for his third son,
Tiny Tim. But that is of little matter to you, hm?
Present:
If they're going to die, they had better do it,
and ease the burden of surplus population.
Present:
Isn't that what you told those guys who came asking you for donations to help feed poor, hungry children?
Present:
Well, Uncle Scrooge?
Future:
(This ghost remains silent, yet its intent is clear.
Behold your future, Scrooge.)
Future:
(It sneers as if to say you have no one to love,
and no one who loves you.)
Future:
(Its stare causes you pain and suffering, just as you have spent your life causing pain and suffering.)
Future:
(It merely watches, idly, as your body is stripped of its clothing, leaving you in nothing more than threadbare underwear.)
Future:
(Beneath its gaze, you realize you leave nothing behind but a cold, rotting corpse.)
Nightingale Santa:
And so, Scrooge's three fateful encounters inspire him to turn over a new leaf and reconcile with his nephew and clerk.
Nightingale Santa:
Today, it's believed that the publication
of “A Christmas Carol” in 1843...
Nightingale Santa:
...directly led to the popularization of Christmas celebrations in England as we know them today.
Nightingale Santa:
The day of the Nativity is a very important one,
both for soldiers and for myself.
Nightingale Santa:
I might have even celebrated it traditionally when I was still a child.
Nightingale Santa:
But that all went away once
I began living my adult life.
Nightingale Santa:
Truthfully, my childhood memories are so hazy that I just can't be sure if I celebrated it or not.
Nightingale Santa:
The idea of an old man who embodies the holiday, whether you know him as Santa Claus or Father Christmas, hadn't yet been established in my time.
Nightingale Santa:
So even though I have lived in two very different times that share Christmas as a major event...
Nightingale Santa:
...I still understand neither
Christmas nor Santa Claus.
Nightingale Santa:
At least, that's how it seems to me.
Fujimaru 1:
That doesn't change the fact that you ARE Santa Claus now.
Nightingale Santa:
If you say so.
Fujimaru 2:
It's okay. I'm sure you've figured it out.
Nightingale Santa:
...Thank you, Master.
Nightingale Santa:
Hm? Hold on. Did you say “figured it out”?
Nightingale Santa:
Don't you mean to say that I
will figure it out one day?
Nightingale Santa:
Hmm...
Nightingale Santa:
All right, Master, let's be on our way.
Nightingale Santa:
I'm sure there are still other Servants out there suffering from the delusion that they should be Santa Claus...
Nightingale Santa:
...so we cannot rest until they have all been treated and this disturbance's mastermind is brought to light.
Nightingale Santa:
Oh, by the way, Master–
Nightingale Santa:
I believe you have an idea of
who the mastermind may be, yes?
Nightingale Santa:
Then please, tell me. Who in the world is it?
Mash:
I was wondering about that myself, Senpai. If we rule out Caesar, which seems like a safe bet at this point...
Mash:
...that leaves schemers like Professor Moriarty and troublemakers like Ishtar.
Mash:
But since all the usual suspects are
confirmed to be in Chaldea right now...
Mash:
...then who could possibly be left?
Fujimaru 1:
This is only a guess on my part, but–
???:
Hmm. Now what am I going to do?
Narration:
Man, this is a real pickle.
Narration:
I always make it a point to help
out people who need assistance.
Narration:
All the more so when they're Servants who don't usually realize they have any problems whatsoever!
Narration:
So I decided to try talking to her.
???:
Hey, come on! What's got you so down?
???:
Just say the word, and I'll do whatever I can to help!
Narration:
From there, I think it managed to work out.
Narration:
And not only that, I think my valiant efforts even caused my Spirit Origin to evolve!
Narration:
It's too bad I didn't get a swimsuit, but in some ways, this is way, way better!
???:
Ta-daaa! It's meee!
Saber Astolfo!
Astolfo:
What's that? The greatest Saber ever? Little old me?
Astolfo:
Aw stop, you're embarrassing me!
(So excited he can't stand still)
Astolfo:
And not only that, check out my awesome sword!
Erm, was my net always this pointy?
Astolfo:
Aw, who cares!
Astolfo:
Well, well. So we've got Demonic Beasts here, do we?
Heheheh.
Astolfo:
My Master might be unavailable at the moment, but
I don't need [♂ him /♀️ her] to take care of creatures
like this anymore!
Astolfo:
Here I gooo!
--BATTLE--
Astolfo:
Annnd done!
Astolfo:
Now all I've gotta do is make her wish come true!
Astolfo:
Who's gonna be the next Santa Claus!?
I'm gonna find out even if it kills me!
Astolfo:
Not that I plan on dying anytime soon, of course!
Oh, wait. That kinda ruins what I said, huh?
Astolfo:
......
Astolfo:
Aw, it'll be fine!
Astolfo:
I'll just interview the new Santa once they're chosen, and if they don't cut the mustard, I'll kick 'em out and start all over again!
Astolfo:
Santa's supposed to help make kids' dreams come true, so it had better be a Servant who's up to the task!
Astolfo:
Oh gosh, I wonder what Master'll say.
What if [♂ he's /♀️ she's] really proud of me?
Fujimaru 1:
“I knew I could count on you!”
Astolfo:
Aww, stop, it was nothing.
I can't help how awesome I am.
Astolfo:
Ahahahaha, just kidding!
Fujimaru 2:
“Who's a good Servant? You are. Yes, you are!”
Astolfo:
Teeheehee!
Astolfo:
Well, I am your sword, after all! Oh man, I can't believe I finally get to say that for real!
Astolfo:
Eee!
Astolfo:
Man, Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne,
if only you could see me now!
Astolfo:
I've never been cooler or more
perfect in my entire life!
Astolfo:
Wheee♪
Bradamante:
I don't like this...
Bradamante:
It does look like Stolfo's a lot stronger now...
Bradamante:
But!
Bradamante:
Stolfo getting carried away...
Bradamante:
No good can come of that!
Bradamante:
So I'd better keep an eye on things just to make sure!
Section 5: Heading for the Girl Left Behind
Narration:
No sooner had my life as a nurse begun to bloom than it wilted away just as quickly.
Narration:
But the battle that followed it lasted for far longer.
Narration:
Once I was no longer able to practice medicine on the front lines, I had to keep running as fast as I could.
Narration:
I had no regrets about my life.
No lingering desires for paths I did not take.
Narration:
No concerns or worries about the direction I was going.
Narration:
All I had...
Narration:
...was a bit of longing for the one I'd left behind.
Narration:
Yes... I'm afraid there's no help for her now.
Narration:
I abandoned the girl inside of me long ago.
Narration:
...I don't regret my choices. Not a one.
Narration:
But some did leave me with pangs in my heart...
Pangs that feel strangely like guilt.
Fujimaru 1:
What is this place?
???:
¡Buenos días! I see you've managed to store up a great deal of Santa Power, yes!
???:
Indeed you have. I'm glad to see my legacy is in such good hands.
Nightingale Santa:
Santa Power? I still don't know what that is...
Fujimaru 1:
It's the two last Santa Clauses!
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Sí, Master! I'm glad to see you're in good health.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
I also see this year's Santa
Claus is quite the character.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Not that I'm one to talk, no!
Altera Santa:
Ho ho ho.
Yes, it is I, Santa.
Altera Santa:
I must say, Chaldea's Santa Clauses certainly keep multiplying. Let's see, one...two...three...
Altera Santa:
If I'm not mistaken, you're the fifth one.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Hmm?
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
I take it by the look on your face that you don't remember who I am?
Nightingale Santa:
No, I'm afraid I don't.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Hmm, I see.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Well, I suppose that's not too surprising, since I am partly responsible for this state of affairs, yes.
Mash:
Does that mean you know what's going on here, Quetzalcoatl? Because I'm still kind of lost.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
I do! Let me start at the beginning, yes!
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
You know by now that every winter, a different Chaldean Servant changes their Spirit Origin into Santa Claus, yes?
Goredolf:
(Santa Clauses? Plural?
And they keep multiplying? Why? How???)
Da Vinci:
Easy there, Gordy. Deep breaths.
Goredolf:
Yes, good idea.
(Inhale...) (Exhale...) (Inhale...) (Exhale...)
Goredolf:
Right then! Off to bed I go.
Da Vinci:
Oh no, you don't!
Goredolf:
Hey! Get off of me! The only thing I want to do now is hang up a stocking by my pillow and go straight to bed!
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Hmm?
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
I take it by the look on your face that you don't remember who I am?
Nightingale Santa:
No, I'm afraid I don't.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Hmm, I see.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Well, I suppose that's not too surprising, since I am partly responsible for this state of affairs, yes.
Mash:
Does that mean you know what's going on here, Quetzalcoatl? Because I'm still kind of lost.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
I do! Let me start at the beginning, yes!
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
You know by now that every winter, a different Chaldean Servant changes their Spirit Origin into Santa Claus, yes?
Goredolf:
You say that as if it were no more remarkable than a dog growing out its winter coat...
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
It can happen in a number of ways. Sometimes the previous Santa will pick someone, sometimes someone will just up and realize that they're meant to be the new Santa...
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
And in this case, Nightingale, you became Santa because I chose you, yes!
Nightingale Santa:
Why me?
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Hmm... Intuition, I suppose!
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Pero desafortunadamente, you ended up turning me down.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
You said that if you became Santa Claus, you would no longer be able to treat the sick and injured.
Nightingale Santa:
I see... That does sound like something I'd say.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
So even though you were in the middle of becoming Santa Claus, I tried to take back your Santa Power so I could give it to somebody else.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
But I didn't count on anyone else showing up.
Altera Santa:
Santa Power is the stuff of pure
childhood wishes and dreams.
Altera Santa:
It contains all the hopes and desires that grown-ups want for children.
Altera Santa:
Toy companies' desire that this year's flagship will be a smash hit... Parents' hopes that their kids will be satisfied settling for a cheap substitute...
Fujimaru 1:
Was that last part really necessary?
Altera Santa:
......
Altera Santa:
Ho ho ho.
Fujimaru 2:
That's a lot more crass than what I'd been picturing...
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
It just goes to show that not even Santa can escape the pull of capitalism, no!
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Anyway, this other person quickly figured out what was going on, and made off with the bells that were supposed to collect the Santa Power.
Nightingale Santa:
Bells?
Altera Santa:
That's right. The bells you have now are only replicas. The real ones...
Altera Santa:
...are in Astolfo's hands.
Fujimaru 1:
Astolfo, huh...
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Please don't be too hard on him.
I'm cierta he was only trying to help.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Even if it did end up doing the exact opposite.
Fujimaru 2:
Ah... I knew it.
Altera Santa:
As usual, you don't miss a thing, Master.
Altera Santa:
I'm sure Astolfo had only the best of intentions, but it's still his fault that things turned out this way.
Altera Santa:
So on behalf of Santa Clauses everywhere,
I apologize for this disturbance.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Astolfo then used the bells to draw out candidates, so he could decide which one would be the next Santa Claus.
Altera Santa:
After all, any Servant has the potential to become Santa Claus.
Altera Santa:
Anyway, Astolfo decided to have the Santa candidates fight each other to collect Santa Power, and whoever ended up with the most would become the next Santa Claus.
Altera Santa:
That could have worked out okay...if it weren't for you still having a good deal of Santa Power yourself, Nightingale.
Nightingale Santa:
I do?
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
¡Sí! It means you started to become
aware of your Santa self!
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Unfortunately, it also means that unless something is done, none of the candidates can fully assume the Santa mantle.
Altera Santa:
Which is why we want you to make
a choice here and now, Nightingale.
Altera Santa:
Are you going to be Santa Claus, or aren't you?
Nightingale Santa:
...!
Altera Santa:
Are you going to ring the bells or leave them silent?
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Whatever you decide, we'll respect your choice.
It's up to you.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Of course, if you do decide not to be Santa, you'll have to give back all the Santa Power you collected, yes!
Nightingale Santa:
I...
Fujimaru 1:
(Stay silent)
Nightingale Santa:
...Yes, you're right. This is something I need to decide for myself.
Nightingale Santa:
I...
Narration:
Whether I'm Santa Claus or not,
my work will remain the same.
Narration:
I will try to heal, amputate,
and save as many people as I can.
Narration:
My path will never change, no matter if I live or die.
Narration:
...No, that's not right.
It's okay if my path changes.
Narration:
No matter how much it may veer off in unexpected ways...it will still end up at the same destination.
Narration:
And in that case, I know full well what my answer is.
Nightingale Santa:
My answer is...yes.
Nightingale Santa:
I've made up my mind.
I'm going to be Santa Claus.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Brilliant, yes! But of course, that also means we need to make sure you're up to it.
Altera Santa:
Agreed.
Altera Santa:
After all, you can't have a Santa
Claus without a Santa Claus arbiter.
Mash:
I-is that–
Fujimaru 1:
A rose Black Key!!!
Santa Island Mask:
Good to see you again, everyone. It's been
quite a while since last we met, hasn't it?
Santa Island Mask:
What's that? You remember seeing me in the summer? Hahaha, I see your flights of fancy are as elaborate as ever.
Santa Island Mask:
Who clauses the Santa Claus?
I do, says the cuckoo.
Nightingale Santa:
???
Santa Island Mask:
In other words, I'm here to judge
whether you're fit to be Santa.
Fujimaru 1:
Jeanne Lily said to tell you she's doing well.
Santa Island Mask:
Hahaha, I'm fully aware.
But I'm glad to hear it all the same.
Altera Santa:
We'll be taking part in your judgment too.
Besides, I want to make sure I haven't lost my touch.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
I was hoping Astraea and swimsuit-Martha
would join us too...
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
...but they said that would be overkill, yes.
Fujimaru 1:
I'd rather face an army from the Demon Realm than all five of you at once.
Altera Santa:
I agree. A lineup like that
would be much too dangerous.
Altera Santa:
That's why I thought we should keep those two in a separate block.
Fujimaru 2:
What would that be? Some kind of fistfighting world championship?
Santa Island Mask:
Hahaha, a championship like that is the last place I'd ever want to fight. Between punches, takedowns, submission holds, and flying kicks, they'd have every approach covered perfectly.
Santa Island Mask:
At any rate, we are the ones to whom you'll need to prove your dedication.
Santa Island Mask:
Now...show us how much you're willing
to fight for your Santa Clausdom!
Nightingale Santa:
Absolutely.
Nightingale Santa:
I still don't know why you're wearing that mask, Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, but I'll be glad to face you all the same!
Santa Island Mask:
Please stick to Santa Island Mask here,
if you don't mind!
--BATTLE--
Santa Island Mask:
...!
Santa Island Mask:
This is quite a surprise.
Santa Island Mask:
I see you're still as strong as ever,
even with a new Archer Spirit Origin.
Santa Island Mask:
And above all...
Santa Island Mask:
...I hear your dedication to being
Santa Claus loud and clear.
Nightingale Santa:
To be honest...I still don't feel confident that I can be a Santa Claus beloved by all, but–
???:
I see. So that is what has been plaguing you.
Santa Alter:
Then hear me, the first Santa Claus of Chaldea.
Santa Alter:
Pay it no mind.
Santa Alter:
Dreams, hope, love... We all think we know what they look like, but no two people share the same definitions for these things.
Santa Alter:
So if you truly believe that medicine is love,
then that is the gift you should give.
Altera Santa:
(I don't know... Medicine feels like a real stretch. Then again, sweet cough syrup does sound pretty yummy...)
Nightingale Santa:
...I see.
Fujimaru 1:
She's totally right, Nightingale.
Nightingale Santa:
...Right. I'd almost forgotten.
Nightingale Santa:
You believed in me right from
the start, didn't you, Master?
Nightingale Santa:
You never had any doubt that I could be Santa Claus.
Nightingale Santa:
Oh, yes. Now that I've won this battle,
does that mean I'm officially Santa Claus?
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Not just yet, I'm afraid.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Astolfo still has the last key.
Er, the last bell, I mean.
Altera Santa:
Once you obtain that bell for yourself...
Altera Santa:
...then you can proudly declare that you are this year's Santa Claus.
Altera Santa:
Make sure you do your best. I know I certainly did.
Santa Island Mask:
I'll be rooting for you on
Jeanne Alter Santa Lily's behalf.
Nightingale Santa:
I see.
Nightingale Santa:
I still don't know what connection you have
to Santa Claus, Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, but–
Santa Island Mask:
My name is Santa Island Mask.
Nightingale Santa:
...At any rate, I appreciate your support.
Mash:
Nightingale?
Mash:
I'm sorry to interrupt, but would
you mind ringing those bells for me?
Nightingale Santa:
Hm?
Nightingale Santa:
You mean like this?
Mash:
Perfect. Thank you.
Mash:
Now that I've calibrated the sensors, I can see there's an almost identical ringing sound not too far from there.
Mash:
Which means–
Nightingale Santa:
Now I see.
Nightingale Santa:
So that's where we'll find Astolfo.
Nightingale Santa:
Come then, Master, let's be on our way!
Fujimaru 1:
All right! Time for the last flight of the event!
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
Well, now that that's over with...
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
What say we all go watch the finale, yes?
Altera Santa:
You're still planning to go after all, huh?
But yes, that sounds good to me too.
Altera Santa:
Huh?
Jeanne Alter:
Hup!
Jeanne Alter:
Well? What happened with Santa Claus, dammit!?
Santa Alter:
Oh, just what we need. Another loudmouth.
Jeanne Alter:
Hey, why don't you go–
Santa Island Mask:
Now, now, no need for that.
Santa Island Mask:
We can all go see whether Nightingale
ends up as the next Santa or not.
Altera Santa:
Isn't it already a foregone conclusion?
Santa Island Mask:
I'm not so sure.
Santa Island Mask:
From where I stand, it looks to me like she's still wrestling with something.
Santa Island Mask:
Whether she's able to get past it or not,
well, that's up to her.
Jeanne Alter:
Ah c'mon, Amakusa, I'm sure it'll be fi–
Santa Island Mask:
...
Jeanne Alter:
Ugh, fine, Something-Something Mask. Whatever.
Let's just freaking go already!
Santa Alter:
In that, we agree. I too would like to witness the birth of the next Santa Claus myself.
Darius III:
AMAKUSANTAAA!!! (Translation: I'm so glad you're here. I was starting to feel awkward around all the ladies.)
Section 6: Becoming Santa Clause for Whose Sake?
Astolfo:
Hey, Mante?
Bradamante:
Yes, Stolfo?
Astolfo:
You know I'm a Saber now, right?
Bradamante:
Right... Though I still can't quite believe it.
Astolfo:
Hey, none of that!
Astolfo:
Anyway, I was thinking, and you know what?
Astolfo:
Maybe I could just be Santa myself!
Bradamante:
Wat.
Bradamante:
H-hold on. Just back up a minute.
Bradamante:
Didn't you bring all these Santas here to fight to determine which of them was the true Santa?
Astolfo:
I sure did!
Astolfo:
But while I was hanging around waiting for them to hash it out, I started thinking, “Wait. Maybe I'm already Santa!”
Bradamante:
Gah! I forgot how quickly things
go off the rails with you!
Bradamante:
No way! Absolutely not!
Bradamante:
You only just became a Saber!
You can't be Santa Claus too!
Astolfo:
Sure I can!
Astolfo:
First I was a Rider, now I'm a Saber and Santa Claus too! It's all part of the Astolfo brand, baby!
Bradamante:
Now you're just being greedy!
Bradamante:
Come on, Stolfo, be reasonable. Remember what they say about people who chase after two hares at once?
Bradamante:
There's no possible way this can end well.
You know that, right?
Astolfo:
Why not!?
Astolfo:
I became a Saber no problem.
What's the harm in being Santa too!?
Bradamante:
But your outfit's not even red! It's black!
Astolfo:
Yeah... Well, my hair's pink! Close enough!
Astolfo:
Besides, the very first Santa Servant basically wore all black too, right!?
Bradamante:
Okay, yes, that's technically true, but still!
Astolfo:
Come on, what's the big deal?
I just wanna be Santa!
Astolfo:
And now I am!!!
Bradamante:
No, you're not!!!
Bradamante:
Arghhh, this is so frustrating! Somebody! Anybody!
Please, stop Stolfo before this gets out of hand!
Fujimaru 1:
On it!
Bradamante:
Master? Is that you!?
Astolfo:
Master!? Where is [♂ he /♀️ she]?
What page is [♂ he /♀️ she] on?
Bradamante:
Oh Stolfo. I see your language
function is still pretty glitchy...
Fujimaru 1:
Hey hey.
Astolfo:
Master!
Astolfo:
And...Huh? Nightingale?
Astolfo:
Didn't you say you didn't wanna be Santa?
Nightingale Santa:
Yes, I did.
Nightingale Santa:
However...I see now that I was
unknowingly being selfish.
Astolfo:
Hmm. I see.
Astolfo:
But, um, didn't you also say that if you did become Santa Claus, you'd be handing out–
Nightingale Santa:
Medicine? That's right.
Nightingale Santa:
It will taste sweet and delicious, just like candy...
but it will still be medicine through and through.
Astolfo:
Aw come on, you can't give away medicine as a present!
That's just so...boring!
Nightingale Santa:
Yes, I agree.
Nightingale Santa:
That's why I originally declined
the offer to be Santa Claus.
Nightingale Santa:
But I realized something thanks to my experiences here on Santa Island.
Nightingale Santa:
There's nothing wrong with being boring.
Astolfo:
Huh? Come on, you can't be serious.
Nightingale Santa:
But I am. For the medicine I give away will be an expression of my love.
Nightingale Santa:
I will of course be sad if anyone chooses to refuse it, but I will not force it upon them if they don't want it.
Nightingale Santa:
Whatever the children do with
my gifts is entirely up to them.
Astolfo:
But I thought you didn't even like children.
Nightingale Santa:
I...
Fujimaru 1:
Nightingale doesn't have anything against kids.
Astolfo:
Huh? I don't get it.
Nightingale Santa:
How can I put this...?
Nightingale Santa:
I admit that I don't always know how to behave around children, but that isn't because I dislike them.
Nightingale Santa:
I was just...afraid of them. You see, in my time,
children frequently died much too young.
Bradamante:
That's true in pretty much any time.
Bradamante:
It's why those who are strong enough to fight will always have a duty to keep children safe.
Nightingale Santa:
I'm scared of children.
They're so small, and weak, and fragile.
Nightingale Santa:
That's why I want to give them medicine. I want them to be hale and hearty, so that they no longer have to fear the specter of death.
Nightingale Santa:
That way...
Narration:
I might one day be able to give a gift...
to the girl I never got to be.
Astolfo:
Hmm... I don't get what you're talking about at all, but I can still tell you're really passionate about it!
Astolfo:
But I dunno, I still feel like something's missing!
Bradamante:
Oh, give it up already, Stolfo.
Or if you can't do that, why not just fight her now?
Astolfo:
Yeah, good idea!
Okay, let's do this!
Astolfo:
...Hm?
Nightingale Santa (Archer):
...
Astolfo (Saber):
But I'm gonna lose!
Bradamante:
Ughhh.
Astolfo:
Waaah! Okay, fine!
I'm just gonna pull out ALL the stops then!
Mash:
...!
Mash:
Astolfo is gathering up magical energy!
It looks like–
Astolfo:
All I gotta do is ring this bell, and I'll get both stronger AND more Santa...um...Santay! Maybe!
Nightingale Santa:
So this is the power of the true Santa bell. Impressive. All my bell does is make a little jingling sound.
Astolfo:
I don't know how this works either, but I do know that this bell is amaaazing!
Fujimaru 1:
You know, there's something about that bell...
Fujimaru 2:
Is it just me, or does that bell look kind of familiar?
Nightingale Santa:
No matter. I cannot afford to lose this fight!
Nightingale Santa:
Now that I have decided to be Santa Claus,
I refuse to turn away from my chosen path!
Astolfo:
That's the spirit!
Bradamante:
Um... I guess I don't need to be here anymore, so...
Astolfo:
Aw come on, Mante, I was counting on you to join me!
Bradamante:
Ughhh! Okay, okay!
Bradamante:
It's my duty to help my fellow paladins,
and I can't go back on that now!
Bradamante:
Sorry about this, Master!
Nightingale Santa:
Then this is it. The final battle to determine who will be the true Santa!
Astolfo:
You or me, Santa baby! Let's do this!
--BATTLE--
Astolfo:
Noooooo! I loooooost!
Bradamante:
(Sigh) What a surprise.
Astolfo:
Hey! What do you mean, “what a surprise”!?
Astolfo:
...Huh? I feel like...I'm getting weaker...?
Astolfo:
......
Bradamante:
......
Nightingale Santa:
?
Astolfo:
I'm back to normal again!?
Why? How? WHYYY!? HOOOOOOW!?
Bradamante:
Hmm. I wonder...
Bradamante:
Maybe it was that bell that turned you from a Rider into a Saber, Stolfo?
Astolfo:
Really? Then, it wasn't because the heavens saw how hard I've been working and decided to grant my wish?
Fujimaru 1:
Pretty sure that wasn't it.
Astolfo:
Master?
Fujimaru 1:
Take a closer look.
Nightingale Santa:
Ah.
Bradamante:
Ah.
Astolfo:
Aaaaaah!
Fujimaru 1:
Yup. It's a Holy Grail.
Mash:
Now it all makes sense!
Mash:
So that bell gathering magical energy was actually a just Holy Grail disguised as a bell!
Goredolf:
Then, we were spending precious magical energy resources just so someone could pretend to be Santa Claus!?
Goredolf:
Okay, I'm not recording anything in our archives about this mess. If word got out, Chaldea's reputation would be ruined!
Astolfo:
So that's what was going on. I turned into a Saber 'cause I'm always going around wishing I could be one!
Astolfo:
(Man, I'm so glad I didn't wish for something crass, like being a billionaire!)
Bradamante:
Now I see.
Bradamante:
So Stolfo lost his Saber powers when Nightingale officially became the bell's new owner!
Astolfo:
Aw man. I guess life just never goes how you want!
Nightingale Santa:
...
Nightingale Santa:
Are you sure, Astolfo?
Astolfo:
Hm?
Astolfo:
Bwa!?
Astolfo:
Wh-what's going on!?
Astolfo:
No way. I'm a Saber again!?
Bradamante:
H-hold on a minute!
Did you just use the Holy Grail's power!?
Nightingale Santa:
Yes, I did. Though only enough to
change Astolfo's Spirit Origin.
Both:
Huh!?
Nightingale Santa:
Any Holy Grails we find are supposed to be turned over to Chaldea anyway.
Nightingale Santa:
And above all, I didn't gather this Santa Power myself.
Nightingale Santa:
I may have decided to be Santa Claus...
Nightingale Santa:
...but I have no intention of using this power to jump straight to the conclusion.
Nightingale Santa:
Now that I have made my decision, I'm going to see it through to the end fair and square.
Astolfo:
Wow, so mature...
Bradamante:
No wonder she was the world's greatest nurse...
I've never seen anyone else with so much willpower.
Nightingale Santa:
I'm perfectly happy to continue using this replica.
Besides, I've grown rather fond of its timbre.
Astolfo:
(Sniff) Thanks, Nightingale! You're the best!
Astolfo:
(Sigh) I guess all I did was
mess everything up again...
Fujimaru 1:
I wouldn't say that.
Astolfo:
Huh?
Nightingale Santa:
Astolfo.
Nightingale Santa:
If it weren't for you, I don't think I would have ever decided to be Santa Claus.
Nightingale Santa:
If not for you, I would never have come to Santa Island or ever looked back on who I used to be.
Nightingale Santa:
So...thank you.
Astolfo:
Whoooa! I can't believe you just blushed!
Astolfo:
You're so cute!!!
Nightingale Santa:
Cute!?
Bradamante:
Wow... That blush could stop a
thousand ships in their tracks...
Fujimaru 1:
She really is cute when she blushes, isn't she?
Nightingale Santa:
...
Nightingale Santa:
Ahem!
Nightingale Santa:
So, Master. I apologize for asking
this on such short notice...
Nightingale Santa:
...but would it be okay if I continued my Santa Claus training for a while longer?
Fujimaru 1:
Of course!
Nightingale Santa:
Thank you, Master.
Astolfo:
Don't forget about me! If there's anything I can do to help with your training, just say the word!
Astolfo:
After all, I'm the greatest Saber who ever lived,
so I'm sure I can be of service!
Bradamante:
Just don't get carried away this time, Stolfo.
Remember, you're only a Saber now thanks to her.
Bradamante:
In the meantime, I'd be glad to help out too!
Jeanne Alter:
I'm not gonna do shit, but I did bring along a bunch of goody-goodies who wanna help.
Jeanne Alter:
Seriously, though. Don't expect me to help.
'Cause I won't. No freakin' way.
Fujimaru 1:
(She's totally going to help out...)
Santa Alter:
As Chaldea's original Santa,
I am honor bound to aid my successor.
Santa Island Mask:
I trust my answer goes without saying?
Welcome, new Santa Claus. I'm glad to have you.
Altera Santa:
We'll help too, of course.
Quetzalcoatl Samba Santa:
¡Sí!
Darius III:
SANTA...
Altera Santa:
And so will Darius III.
At least, I think that's what he's saying.
Mash:
I'll be glad to help from
Chaldea in any way I can, too!
Nightingale Santa:
Thank you, everyone. In that case, there's one favor I'd like to ask of all of you.
J：All:
?
Nightingale Santa:
I'm told it's traditional to have a party for Christmas, so I was hoping you could all help me hold one.
Nightingale Santa:
Would...that be okay?
J：All:
Absolutely!
Epilogue: To You, Who Was Left Behind
Narration:
...I don't remember when I lost my sight.
Narration:
I told myself it wouldn't be a problem, but it turned out to be just as limiting as you'd expect.
Narration:
But even with my sight gone,
my body continued to breathe.
Narration:
Spring turned to summer, summer turned to autumn, and before I knew it, winter had arrived.
Narration:
I can hear children buzzing with excitement,
“Christmas” constantly on the tips of their tongues. I sigh.
Narration:
Christmas used to be just another holiday. Now it's a great event, with every family holding huge celebrations.
Narration:
I wonder if the people I saved got to celebrate Christmas. Did they thank Santa Claus for their new lease on life?
Narration:
Thoughts like that flit in and out of my mind, never staying long enough for me to dwell on them.
Narration:
I can tell that my own life
will soon be coming to an end.
Narration:
I probably won't die today, or tomorrow, but I can tell I won't live to see the next winter.
Narration:
What about regrets?
Is there anything I wish I'd done, but didn't?
Narration:
I feel like I have many such things...and, simultaneously, that I did everything I could ever have wanted to do.
Narration:
Regret and contentment seem like two sides of the same coin. I can't tell which of them I ought to feel.
Narration:
As I close my eyes and think about it further, I feel my body as it's gradually wrapped by something warm and cozy.
Narration:
...Is this a dream? Am I dreaming?
Girl:
It's Christmas, Florence.
Today is Christmas.
Girl:
You might not care about it anymore
now that you're a grown-up...
Girl:
...but you'd still be doing her a terrible disservice if you didn't celebrate it.
Narration:
Who are you, little girl?
Narration:
And who exactly would I be doing a disservice?
Girl:
You, of course.
Girl:
You're a wonderful person, Florence.
And you accomplished some amazing things.
Girl:
I doubt there's a person anywhere in the world who doesn't hold your name in the highest regard.
Girl:
But I also doubt that means anything to you.
Girl:
This is exactly why nobody has
noticed that poor little child!
Girl:
Do you know how painful it is to be forgotten?
Girl:
I bet you have no idea what it's li–
Narration:
No, Nursery Rhyme. I do know what it's like.
Nursery Rhyme:
Oh?
Nightingale Santa:
...
Nightingale Santa:
I finally found the courage to face you. You've been admonishing me for a long time now, haven't you?
Nursery Rhyme:
Yes, I have.
Nursery Rhyme:
I'm a hero of children everywhere.
Nursery Rhyme:
So I have no mercy for anyone who mistreats children.
Nursery Rhyme:
Not even if that child–
Nightingale Santa:
Is myself.
Nursery Rhyme:
Exactly!
Nightingale Santa:
Then I suppose that makes me
Scrooge from “A Christmas Carol.”
Nightingale Santa:
He was miserly, while I had other
goals I cared about more.
Nightingale Santa:
But whatever our excuses, the result was the same. He mistreated others' children, while I mistreated myself.
Nursery Rhyme:
That's right. But as long as you understand that now, that's enough for me.
Nightingale Santa:
Although, in that case...
Nightingale Santa:
Does this mean you, Astolfo, and Master were my three Christmas spirits?
Nursery Rhyme:
Oh my. I hadn't thought of it that way, but I love it! What a wonderful interpretation!
Nursery Rhyme:
Though of course, I doubt Astolfo and Master had any idea of the roles they were playing.
Nursery Rhyme:
I'm the only one who was consciously testing you.
Nightingale Santa:
I see...
Nursery Rhyme:
I would never dream of saying
anything to you as your usual self.
Nursery Rhyme:
I can't even count how many lives
you must have saved, after all.
Nursery Rhyme:
But once I knew you were going to be Santa Claus...
Nursery Rhyme:
...I thought it was time you finally
faced who you were as a child.
Nursery Rhyme:
That's why I tormented you by showing you this dream over and over.
Nursery Rhyme:
I'm sorry, Florence.
Nightingale Santa:
That's quite all right.
In fact, I'm grateful to you.
Nightingale Santa:
I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for you.
Nightingale Santa:
So thank you, White Knight,
hero of children everywhere.
Nursery Rhyme:
You're welcome, Ms. Nightingale! You know, you really are as pretty as the bird you're named for!
Nursery Rhyme:
Anyway, that's all I had to say,
so now it's time to say goodbye.
Nursery Rhyme:
Besides, I have to wake up early to see what you brought me, Santa!
Nightingale Santa:
...
C：???:
Um...
Narration:
I pick my former self up and hold her tight,
marveling at how tiny I used to be...
Narration:
...and say something I may or may not
have once said long, long ago.
Narration:
Happy words–Something
every child deserves to hear.
Nightingale Santa:
Merry Christmas, Florence Nightingale.
C：???:
(Gasp)...!
Nightingale Santa:
Merry Christmas, Florence Nightingale.
Narration:
Merry... Merry Christmas, Florence Nightingale!