Rama
Vishnu's Test
Rama: U-ungh...
???: Rama...Rama...
Rama: Uh...ungh... Who calls me?
Vishnu: It is I, Vishnu. Rama, awaken...
Rama: Oh, crap, Vishnu!?
Vishnu: “Crap”?
Rama: M-my sincerest apologies...!
Vishnu: Rama. How has everything been going since Fujimaru summoned you?
Vishnu: Is there anything you feel is missing, or do you have any immediate concerns?
Rama: No, Master is always kind to me.
Rama: Master treats me not as a king, not as [♂ his /♀️ her] retainer, but as a friend.
Rama: I have not had any complaints since I have been summoned.
Vishnu: ...I see. That was a quick response. How about during battle?
Rama: Hahaha. I'm all good on the fighting front! I would love to show you my power, Vishnu!
Vishnu: Oh, really? Is that so? That's some big talk. I never took you for the type to talk that way.
Rama: Eh? V-Vishnu...?
Vishnu: Rama... Oh, Rama...
Vishnu: Think back, Rama. Back to when you manifested as a Servant, to when you were given your Noble Phantasm...
Rama: Eh? Are you talking about another, different Noble Phantasm than my Brahmastra...?
Rama: Vishnu Baazoo, the Arm of the Great One...oh!
Vishnu: Rama... Oh, Rama...
Vishnu: You! Have! Forgotten! The Noble Phantasm! With! My! Name! You! Forgot! You can't use it!!!
Rama: Gyaaaaaahhh!!! I-I-I-I'm terribly sorry, great Vishnu!
Vishnu: Well, that won't do, will it? What's the deal, Rama?
Vishnu: Did you really not realize until I just reminded you that your Noble Phantasm was sealed!? What have you got between your ears!? Marshmallows!?
Rama: A-absolutely not! I d-didn't forget It's just... W-well, um, I've never encountered any enemies strong enough to require using your power...
Vishnu: Oh-ho. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, knowing your power. But then, I suppose you must not have any use for this Noble Phantasm, either.
Vishnu: Even without your Brahmastra, you'll be fine.
Rama: But...! P-please do not go, great Vishnu!
Rama: I...I was mistaken! Please, at least leave me my Brahmastra!
Vishnu: ...Very well. If you're that desperate, I shall give you a chance.
Vishnu: However, understand that to succeed, you must repeatedly shout my favorite word.
Rama: Y-yes! Certainly and swiftly!
Vishnu: Very well. That is the lifestyle that you must always be mindful of. They say that swiftness and decisiveness are most important to a soldier.
Vishnu: Now, then. I have somewhere for you to travel with your Master. There, you will find the trial I have set for you.
Vishnu: Know this: should you fail in this trial...you will no longer receive my blessing.
Rama: You can count on me!
Vishnu: You must always mind me, and never again forget me... Use your Noble Phantasm properly (...erly...erly...)
Rama: ...And that was my dream. Please, Master, you gotta help me! Mash, you too!!!
Mash: ...Well, in that case...
Fujimaru 1: Do gods really act like that?
Fujimaru 2: Th-that sounds suspicious...
Rama: Hm. Well, actually... The being I spoke to was both the great Vishnu, and not Vishnu at the same time.
Rama: It's the Vishnu that I envision, since I've never really MET them personally!
Rama: Besides, the great Vishnu who appears in my dreams doesn't seem to have a fully formed personality and is maybe a bit wacky.
Rama: But this much I'm certain of: I receive a message from the great Vishnu whenever I lose my way or forget something.
Rama: It could be my subconscious trying to make me realize that I had unknowingly blinded myself to something...
Rama: Or perhaps the real great Vishnu is truly sending me a message... I'm honestly not sure.
Mash: So, you have no clue.
Rama: Pretty much!
Rama: Regardless, I'm sure there is some truth to the notion that something is about to happen to me!
Dr. Roman: True...there may be some truth in Rama's dream.
Mash: Doctor, what do you mean?
Dr. Roman: A few hours ago, a minute Singularity formed, and we detected it in America, on the island of Alcatraz.
Rama: Alcatraz, huh?
Rama: That's where Sita was... That place must have something to do with my dream.
Dr. Roman: With the Sixth and Seventh Singularities remaining, leaving it alone could endanger humanity.
Dr. Roman: Let's take care of it. Swiftly.
Mash: Roger that, Doctor.
Rama: Obviously, you'll take me with you, right?
Fujimaru 1: Of course!
Rama: Ah, my friend!
Fou: Fou.
Mash: What is it, Fou? You're saying it's a friendship of self-interest?
Mash: That can't be true, Fou. Right, Master?
Fujimaru 1: I hope not.
Fujimaru 2: Friendship must be true.
Rama: A-anyway, let's get a move on, quickly! Our trial awaits...probably!
Rama: A trial, huh? Now that I reflect back, it seems like my life was full of them.
Dr. Roman: According to the Ramayana, Rama was first exiled from his homeland when he was a prince.
Rama: Indeed.
Rama: My stepmother Kaikeyi suspected that I would treat her unfairly if I became king.
Rama: Most conspiracies have their genesis in tiny doubts. I count myself lucky that I wasn't killed, at least.
Rama: Luckily, my younger brother Lakshmana also came with me. It felt like I was heading out on a long journey rather than getting exiled.
Rama: And above all, since I had Sita with me, my exile wasn't so bad.
Mash: And if I remember correctly, Bharata, who was supposed to be king, refused to ascend the throne, and waited for you.
Rama: Yes. I was fortunate in all respects. I must admit that the fun was confined to the beginning of my journey, though.
Rama: Everything went downhill after Sita was taken. Hey, Master...
Rama: You fight all your battles to restore humanity. I have no hesitation offering my life for that purpose.
Rama: However, had I been summoned for a proper Holy Grail War, I may have wished for the following:
Rama: To change the past. To undo the past where Sita was taken from me.
Mash: Rama...
Dr. Roman: It's true that a normal Holy Grail War might be able to grant that wish.
Dr. Roman: But it could create various distortions. For example, Sita may not have been taken, but the curse may still be there...
Dr. Roman: Or perhaps, in consequence of your group being saved, your homeland may have met a different fate.
Rama: ...Distortion, huh? I suppose that's what happens when things are changed.
Rama: In any case, that's all hypothetical. Let's concentrate on the matter at hand.
Mash: We've arrived at the coast. This was where we headed to Alcatraz by boat.
Mash: It feels so long ago. I wonder if the old man we met back then is well.
F：???: I hear he is in good health. But I had him evacuate, because this place is about to become a battlefield.
Mash: !
Rama: A hero sent to test me!
F：???: Indeed.
Rama: I am King Rama of Kosala! Hero that I must overcome, please show yourself!
F：???: Understood. I did have every intention of doing so eventually...
Rama: ...!
Mash: It can't be... Karna?!
Karna: I am your first trial. I shall demonstrate a piercing stare... I mean, the proper bearing of a hero.
Karna: A real hero kills with his eyes. King of Kosala, receive my Brahmastra!
Rama: Got it. If you're my first opponent, then I have no complaints!
Rama: I will push my power to its limit! Let's do this, Master!!!
--BATTLE--:
Karna: ...Splendid. This is the end. I have seen enough of your indestructible blade.
Karna: I wish I could emulate the valiant, and yet disarmingly honest moves that you retain as a result of being summoned as an inexperienced hero.
Karna: Move on to the second trial, but proceed with caution. It may not be as easy as this one.
Rama: Thank you, Lord Karna. It was an honor to cross blades with a famed hero like you.
Karna: Compared to the hero awaiting you at the second trial, I was but a trifling opponent. Go, board the boat.
Rama: A hero that Karna thinks makes him seem insignificant...
Mash: Do you think he's being humble? Karna is quite modest...
Rama: I hope that's all it is. These are, after all, heroes gathered specifically for this trial...
Rama: Which means the next hero is...
Mash: Master, watch out!
Rama: An arrow! So, we're looking for an Archer!
D：???: You are correct. I am the gatekeeper for this second trial...
D：???: Rest assured, I will not allow my personal feelings to interfere with this trial.
D：???: No matter what happened in the past, even if I was on your side...please do not think too much of it.
Rama: Now we're up against Arjuna...!
Arjuna: Now, show me this indestructible blade of yours. I will judge whether you are worthy of wielding it!
--BATTLE--:
Arjuna: ...Well, it seems you pass. Something is still missing, but that's hardly a surprise.
Arjuna: Of course, any Heroic Spirit would find himself lacking when standing in comparison to me.
Arjuna: Don't you agree?
Fujimaru 1: Well you're not...not entirely...not incorrect...?
Arjuna: Puzzling...which is it!? Do you believe it's true, or not?
Fujimaru 2: Nope.
Arjuna: ...Really. Then shall we battle once more?
Rama: Waitwaitwait! I'll have you declare that I've overcome my trial!
Arjuna: Ah. That may have been somewhat childish of me.
Arjuna: Rama. You are quite perplexing. You overcame so many trials in your lifetime.
Arjuna: And, in doing so, you became a full and complete hero.
Arjuna: Had you not been summoned as your youthful self, these trials now would be unnecessary.
Rama: You may be right.
Rama: It's possible that I could be summoned as an older king, one who would remember Sita, but had also come to terms with what happened to her.
Rama: Had that version of me been more compatible with Master, it might have been summoned...
Rama: But it appears that this form was best suited to my Master.
Rama: And knowing that makes me happy.
Arjuna: Hm. How heartwarming. I mean...ahem.
Arjuna: That is precisely why one must grow stronger. Even Servants.
Arjuna: That is the purpose of this trial. Grow stronger, Lord Rama.
Rama: ...Okay.
Arjuna: I shall bid you farewell. The final hero awaits you.
Arjuna: ...He will be your greatest challenge of all. He is not one to hold back.
Rama: A hero who doesn't hold back... I wonder who could that be?
Mash: It should be all right. Karna and Arjuna were both great and famous heroes.
Mash: And you defeated both of them, Rama. You should have more confidence as you go forward.
Rama: ...Yeah, you're right. Okay, I'm ready for anyone!
Rama: No matter who the opponent, I'll squash them!
D：???: ...Oh? What's this? It seems a yammering mongrel approaches.
Rama: Wha...!?
Gilgamesh: Nothing to be surprised about. You summoned me here.
Gilgamesh: I am Gilgamesh, King of Heroes, and I crush you underfoot.
Gilgamesh: Battle with Sabers–any Saber–never fails to excite me.
Rama: Ugh...Gilgamesh!!! They always save the greatest challenge for last...
Gilgamesh: Fuhahaha! Do you think this trial is just about going up against a tough opponent!? Wrong!
Gilgamesh: The true trial isn't just a matter of defeating me. As if a mongrel like you could ever defeat the likes of me!
Dr. Roman: (Nice to see he's still completely full of himself...)
Gilgamesh: One who still needs to prove his strength through battle will be of no use in the Restoration of Humanity.
Gilgamesh: So show yourself!
Sita: Rama... Lord Rama, is that you?
Rama: ...
Rama: That voice... It can't be. Sita!?
Sita: Yes, it is I.
Sita: It seems the great Vishnu arranged for me to be summoned on this land once again.
Rama: I'm so glad...!
Gilgamesh: Hahahaha. Excited, are you not, King of Kosala? Why do you think your wife is on my side?
Fujimaru 1: She's a hostage...?
Gilgamesh: Fool! What use would I, who is sure to be the victor here, have for a hostage!?
Fujimaru 2: She's our enemy...?
Gilgamesh: Exactly. Your final trial is a trial of love.
Sita: Lord Rama... The great Vishnu has lifted our curse.
Sita: We can be together now...forever.
Rama: What...!?
Rama: Th-that is most generous of Vishnu... I'm grateful, sincerely...
Rama: But Sita, why are you on his side?
Sita: The great Vishnu was kind enough not only to lift our curse, but also to grant my wish...
Sita: I wished that my Lord Rama would never be hurt...would be spared these endless battles.
Sita: Please, join us, Lord Rama. Leave the Restoration of Humanity to the others.
Sita: If there are as many heroes as stars in the sky, what is one fewer? We should be able to have our peace, to have our happiness...
Rama: ...
Rama: Are you saying, that I can be with you as long as I break my contract with Master?
Sita: Yes, it is I.
Rama: ...
Rama: Then I know that you are a fake.
Rama: I could never deserve such a reward without overcoming my trials.
Gilgamesh: Oh?
Sita: If you're calling me a fake, then the same must be true of you...
Rama: This is not about being a Servant or Heroic Spirit.
Rama: First of all, you're not even a Servant.
Rama: ...Yeah, I know... I understand, and I know this is an offer I must refuse.
Rama: But...well...you know...Master...
Fujimaru 1: I get it.
Fujimaru 2: Are you all right?
Rama: Rejecting loved ones is so hard.
Rama: How, in my past life...even if it was to avoid unnecessary bloodshed...
Rama: How did I manage to go through with this?
Sita: ...I see. So you mean to reject me.
Gilgamesh: (Even though his rank as a Heroic Spirit is far beneath mine, he does not waver in his beliefs. Impertinent mongrel.)
Rama: I can't do it, Sita. That is the one thing I cannot do.
Rama: To break my contract with Master would mean doing the same thing I did to you, Sita.
Rama: I know I'm not supposed to let go this time.
Gilgamesh: Heh. What will you do, queen? You heard what your husband said.
Sita: If he rejects my love, then the only thing left to do is to devour him...! That's my only option!
Gilgamesh: ...What?
Mash: ...Um, does it look like Gilgamesh is also surprised?
Gilgamesh: Fuhahahaha! Why, humanity's on the brink of collapse. This sort of strangeness is to be expected.
Gilgamesh: Now, small king of a smaller nation. It is time for you to face your final trial: this monster...and me!
Rama: Yeah, let's do this!
Rama: Brahmastra! Shine...like you did back then!
--BATTLE--:
Gilgamesh: ...Hmph. Battle's over.
Gilgamesh: You may be bleeding from a hundred wounds, but your trial is over.
Rama: (Pant...pant...pant...)
Sita: Rama... My dear Rama...
Rama: ...Next time...we meet...I'll go...see you...I'll be sure to walk tall and proud...
Sita: ...Okay...
Sita: If you tell the real Sita...she'll likely...
Gilgamesh: Sheesh. I heard somewhere that even Lancers (better known as dogs) prefer to stay out of lovers' spats.
Mash: Lancers...?
Gilgamesh: You had to be there. Anyway, this is the end of your trial.
Gilgamesh: Young king of a small nation, it's all right to agonize over this kind of thing, but not in public. Understand?
Rama: Trials...
Rama: This might have been for the best. This body and psyche of mine are both still immature.
Rama: A fake Sita agitating me so much proves that.
Rama: But hear me out, Master: I will show you my strength in overcoming adversity.
Rama: And if that helps me grow stronger to protect you and Sita...that just means I'm going in the right direction.
Rama: Now, Master, our journey to restore humanity continues.
Rama: Let's go!