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!