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.