Edmond Dantès

Nightmare; or, the Call of Love and Hate

Narration: ...I can't see anything.

Narration: Black. Dark. Lightless. There was only a sinking sensation, like I'd fallen into somewhere very, very deep.

Narration: Or is there nothing there to see? I don't know. I can't even tell whether my eyes are open.

Narration: Where am I? I don't know. Am I standing or sitting?

Narration: I try to speak. My lips don't move. My tongue doesn't move. No sound comes from my throat.

Narration: Ah. Am I in a bad situation?

Narration: My body does feel heavy...

???: Looks like you have fallen deep.

???: But yes. It's probably why it was you of all people.

???: Welcome, Fujimaru. Welcome to the deep place where all sorts of carcasses fall, sink, and remain.

???: ...Hmph. What's with that look? Those lost puppy eyes are a waste of time with me.

???: Of course, time is meaningless. At least in a place like this.


Fujimaru 1: ...Are you by chance...?


???: Do you know me? No. It can't be. You know nothing.

???: Don't you get it, Master? Fujimaru.

???: I have come from a place far beyond love and hatred. And so, I am somewhat...different from the version of me you know.

???: ...All right. They'll be here soon.

???: You must leave this place. I am the one who shall burn away the remnants of darkness festering here.

???: My flames shall scorch your self and soul, and I cannot guarantee your safety.

???: Forgive me. You do not belong in a place like this.


Fujimaru 1: I don't want to.


Fujimaru 2: I don't know what's going on, but I can't leave you alone.


???: ...I see. Then keep up, and mind the flames.

--BATTLE--:

Edmond Dantès: ...What are you doing here, Berserker?

Nightingale: I'll ask you the same question: what are you doing in Master's room? It is the middle of the night.

Nightingale: Sleep is necessary to maintain the health of a human body. I advise you to return to your own room to rest, Mister Edmond Dantès.

Edmond Dantès: I am a Servant. You are as well.

Nightingale: Yes.

Edmond Dantès: ...

Nightingale: I'm speaking of Master. Our conversation will interrupt [♂ his /♀️ her} sleep cycle. Though [♂ he /♀️ she} may be sleeping peacefully right now...

Edmond Dantès: Peacefully, is that right?

Nightingale: ...Something the matter, sir?

Edmond Dantès: No. As long as [♂ he /♀️ she} is sleeping, that's fine.

Edmond Dantès: I was worried some residual effect might remain in [♂ his /♀️ her} consciousness... No, it's nothing. Forget about it.

Nightingale: Mister Dantès. May I ask a question?

Edmond Dantès: If you must.

Nightingale: It's been bothering me for a while, but it seems an emergency operation will be necessary.

Nightingale: I must take action before it is too late. Leave it to me. I shall pursue the most effective treatment for the injured area.

Edmond Dantès: ...Master is not injured. As you pointed out, I hear peaceful breathing.

Nightingale: No. Wrong, Sir.

Edmond Dantès: ...

Nightingale: I am talking about you. Your mental state is injured. If it's the surgical removal of the affected area you require, leave it to me.

Edmond Dantès: ...What?

Edmond Dantès: Mercédès. I know of your wicked ways, but to go that far seems excessive, even to you?

Nightingale: Just like that. That statement. You may not realize it, but your outbursts suggest that you're mistaking me for someone else.

Nightingale: Swift, decisive action must be taken. Yes. You have uttered troubling nonsense about the sleeping Master.

Edmond Dantès: ...Wait.

Nightingale: No. Measures will be taken.

Edmond Dantès: Don't you dare come at me with a scalpel in one hand and a gun in the other. At least hold the scalpel in your dominant hand. No, that's not what I meant to say!

Edmond Dantès: Why are you watching Master sleep, anyway? You must have sensed some sort of abnormality.

Edmond Dantès: I don't know if it's instinct, or if you sensed something in [♂ his /♀️ her} magical energy, but you are correct. You've read the situation right.

Edmond Dantès: Master is in contact with many Servants, so how did this happen to [♂ his /♀️ her} mental state?

Nightingale: Stop talking nonsense.

Edmond Dantès: ...Mercédès.

Nightingale: Like I said, my name is not Mercédès. You are suffering from an affliction of the mind.

Nightingale: It appears that you do not see me as a Servant. You call me Berserker, yet still call me Mercédès.

Nightingale: I am not her. I am not the woman whom you call by that name.

Edmond Dantès: Of course not. Your Spirit Origin doesn't have the memories of those seven days.

Nightingale: Yet...whenever I hear that name, strangely...

Nightingale: It makes me long for something far away... Something that I no longer possess.

Nightingale: However, as I am still not this Mercédès, there is nothing for it but to take the appropriate measures. Thus...

Nightingale: ...I shall disinfect that mental state of yours.

Edmond Dantès: ...

Nightingale: Oh. He has fled.

Nightingale: ...Unbelievable. Next time I see him, I must be sure to tend to him.

--ARROW--:

Mash: ...A dream where Nightingale was arguing with someone?


Fujimaru 1: Something like that...


Fujimaru 2: I don't remember it all that clearly...



Mash: What a strange dream. I am no expert in interpreting dreams...

Mash: But if you would like, shall I try accessing Chaldea's database?

Mash: Even I can do that much. It's not like we're booting up Sheba or Trismegistus.

Helena: Oh? Are you trying to perform oneiromancy? Leave it to me!

Helena: Since ancient times, as far back as the Age of Gods, humanity has tried to interpret the meaning of their dreams.

Helena: The most famous of dream interpreter of your modern time would be Sigmund Freud...

Helena: But my dream interpretation is one of a kind! Hee hee. I call it–

Edison: Thrilling DC dream interpretation!

Nikola Tesla: Exciting AC dream interpretation!

Edison: Huh...!? If you shoot AC through your brain, it'll be a “Scanners” kind of head explosion catastrophe!

Nikola Tesla: Haha, you know nothing, furball! AC is harmless to the body! It's even healthy if used in the right amount!

Nikola Tesla: It can do anything! For example, it can observe how neurons communicate in detail!

Nikola Tesla: Let us decipher what is inside Fujimaru's head once and for all!

Nikola Tesla: For example, what is Master's favorite dish? And of course, what is [♂ his /♀️ her} favorite AC!

Edison: Argh! You mean things like what kind of clothes Master likes! And of course, what is [♂ his /♀️ her} favorite DC!

Nikola Tesla: ...What kind of DC...? You misspoke, Edison. You're making no sense.

Edison:

Look who's talking!!!!!!

Mash: Th-they're fighting again... Those two are really going at it. It's such a childish fight! And they've already come to blows!

Mash: But to be honest, observing the brain is a bit much...


Fujimaru 1: Sounds interesting.

Mash: S-Senpai! I know it sounds interesting...

Mash: But those two may really lay bare everything in your mind. If that happens...

Mash: I have a feeling it would do more harm than good...

Mash: Things like your favorite food wouldn't be an issue... But certain other types of information that might be revealed...

Mash: ...They would definitely cause problems!


Fujimaru 2: No, I'm not down for invasion of my privacy.

Mash: That's right! It's no good! It's not right to look into other people's heads!


Helena: Well said, Mash. You're quite right.

Helena: Things like this must be done in secret. It was my fault for bringing it up in a public place like this.

Helena: Let's put both Lemurian oneiromancy and the dream reading I learned directly from the Mahatmas on hold for today. Yep.

Helena: I'm sorry. And... You two bratty geniuses!

Gentleman & Lion:

Y-yes, ma'am!

Helena: Don't start fighting as soon as you see each other! If you have that much energy to spare, go to the simulator!

Helena: Twenty consecutive Soul Eaters and Spriggans! Work out your extra energy that way!

Gentleman & Lion: Wh-whaaaaat!?

Helena: What did you say!? Be polite!

Gentleman & Lion:

Yes, ma'am!

Mash: ...I can't believe what I just saw. That...they really went through twenty consecutive battles!

Mash: Those two looked really determined. It was quite an inspiring sight to see.


Fujimaru 1: Electric Lion's Proud Infinite Battle.


Fujimaru 2: Electric Gentleman's Brave Infinite Battle.


Mash: Infinite... It really was intense.

Mash: Senpai, did you just stumble a bit?


Fujimaru 1: Oh, did I?


Fujimaru 2: I might've gotten dizzy watching the infinite battle.


Amakusa Shirou: Oh, Master. Mash. What a wonderful morning.

Mash: Good morning, Amakusa. Oh! And Jeanne d'Arc Alter Santa Lily.

Jeanne Alter Santa Lily: Good morning! Um, if my name's too hard to say, you can call me Lily, or Alter. Even Jeanne!

Mash: Well, then I will call you Jeanne Alter. Good morning once again.

Jeanne Alter Santa Lily: Yes... Good morning!

Amakusa Shirou: ...

Jeanne Alter Santa Lily: Mentor, is something wrong?

Amakusa Shirou: The smiles on your faces were simply dazzling. As warm as the sun itself rising into the sky.

Amakusa Shirou: It is truly wonderful, and fills my heart.

Jeanne Alter Santa Lily: Y-you think so? Um, did I just get praised?

Amakusa Shirou: Yes. Of course.

Amakusa Shirou: ...By the way, Master. Has anything new happened?


Fujimaru 1: Nothing really...

Amakusa Shirou: Is that so? Well, then, never mind.

Amakusa Shirou: As I'd expect of the avenging demon who advanced his own mentality to that state. I'm relieved to see that he is doing his job properly.


Fujimaru 2: I think I had a dream about Nightingale.

Amakusa Shirou: ...A dream about someone arguing with Nightingale? I see, so that's what's going on.

Amakusa Shirou: She, too, is perceptive, in a way... No. Never mind. Apologies, I have said too much.


Mash: ...Amakusa?

Amakusa Shirou: No, nothing. I was only talking to myself.

Jeanne Alter Santa Lily: ...?

Jeanne Alter Santa Lily: Mentor, what are you talking about? I am so confused.

Amakusa Shirou: This is rather a complicated matter. Well, if I had to cut it down to a single phrase...

Amakusa Shirou: ...It's just a dream. The sort that someone like you, who's been through so much this past year, would have.

???: ...You've sunk down here again.

???: Unbelievable. You really are a curious Master.

???: You could have had a peaceful dream, or lain in a dreamless slumber.

???: But instead you come here, to this awful place. I suggest you stop.

???: Do you understand? This place is too dangerous.

???: This darkness is indeed a part of your dream, but one normally would not see this. It is not a place where you should linger.

???: The me here is quite different than the me you know. I may not always be so hospitable.

???: Begone. And forget this place.


Fujimaru 1: You don't look any different to me.

???: ...Ha. You make me laugh! You don't change a bit, no matter where you are, Master!

???: No different, huh?

???: Right. That's correct. I may be different from me, but we are in many ways the same person.

???: I am the Avenger who existed during those seven days, and I am also the Servant who fights along with you.

???: Both of them are essentially me.

???: But, to be precise... The me here, in this place, is slightly different.

???: I show my true ability in these darkest depths. I am one who looks into your soul, that shines brightly like the flames of hell.


Fujimaru 2: You're not going to smoke?

???: ...Ah, yes.

???: I am afraid I lack a light. Or, have I handed you one before?

???: Then, please. My dark flame of vengeance would simply char my precious cigar.

???: (Puff) ...You're impertinent. Even in the black depths of a dream, you try to amuse me.


???: ...Tonight is the night to finish this.

???: This is the cacophony of noise that has accumulated inside of you in consequence of your connection with so many heroic Spirits.

???: They are remnants of dreams, shadows, and illusions. Dark things piled up deep within your soul. In a way, this is your... trash heap.

???: The regrets, resentments, and shattered wishes of the myriad enemies you've defeated. Yes, that's right... everything from love to hatred.

???: There is only one thing I can say to you now: begone.

???: This is my job. It is not something you should see.

???: Through your dreams, you have connected with the memories of many Heroic Spirits, and accomplished much, have you not? That is enough.

???: There's no need for you to take responsibility for even the leftover emotions of corpses.


Fujimaru 1: ...


???: ...But, just in case. Fujimaru.

???: If you wish from the bottom of your heart...


Fujimaru 1: I don't want you to fight alone!


Fujimaru 2: I can't leave you alone!


???: Ha...

???: Hahahahahahahahahaha! Fine! Then do not fall behind!

???: Mere droplets, discarded and decayed! Ones that could not even reach anger, but merely sunk and festered.

???: I shall consume them with my flames!

???: My prey is the very carcasses of the phantoms you fought within the memories of the Heroic Spirits that your soul watches over!

???: Hahaha. Yes, let their form be made clear this time!

???: And mine as well!

Edmond Dantès: ...Come, let us eradicate those that wander!

Edmond Dantès: Let's go, Master. We're going to take that thing beyond love and hatred!

--BATTLE--:

Nightingale: ...We meet again, sir.

Edmond Dantès: Indeed.

Nightingale: Master's room is up ahead. Do you have business there? It is already late, and interrupting one's slumber is bad for their health.

Edmond Dantès: No. I... Well... I suppose I'm just enjoying a midnight stroll.

Edmond Dantès: What about you, Berserker? The Mage King's threat is no more. Why are you so on edge?

Nightingale: I am not on edge. I am simply looking for a chance to disinfect your brain.

Nightingale: Your mental state is injured. Your mental state is polluted, abnormal.

Nightingale: ...It's twisted. Injured. Wounded.

Edmond Dantès: ...Heh heh heh.

Nightingale: You are...laughing?

Edmond Dantès: Of course I'm laughing! My mental state is far, far removed from any normal person's!

Edmond Dantès: I am the vengeful demon! I am one who ceased to be human ages ago! I am the Count of Monte Cristo!

Edmond Dantès: ...But I have no need of treatment from you. I am what I am, and I have incarnated as myself in this 21st century.

Edmond Dantès: As long as Master desires it, the Count of Monte Cristo shall exist. As long as [♂ he /♀️ she} continues to fight, I shall lend my assistance.

Edmond Dantès: To put it in your terms, the “injury” to my mental state is one that cannot be cured.

Edmond Dantès: It is precisely the fact that my mind is beyond love and hatred, beyond madness, that certain things become possible for me... It may not happen often, but it does happen.

Nightingale: You are not making sense. Please speak clearly and concisely.

Edmond Dantès: Treatment is unnecessary. Just leave me be, Mercédès.

Edmond Dantès: And do not come near me. Your straightforward ways are similar to Fujimaru's.

Edmond Dantès: And it is quite blinding...to me.

Nightingale: ...?

Edmond Dantès: Go check on Master in the morning. [♂ His /♀️ Her} mind and body may be somewhat exhausted.

Edmond Dantès: ...After all, [♂ he /♀️ she} will have had a nightmare.