Trial Quest - Scatatch
Master of the Ghost Cave
Mash:
...Sen...pai?
Mash:
This... Looks like Fuyuki city... But I don't remember Rayshifting...
Mash:
I'm having trouble remembering much of anything. I took some medicine and laid down...
Mash:
But now I'm in this form... I'm armed as a Demi-Servant.
Fou:
Fou, fofooou!
Mash:
Fou!? When did you get into the carrying space in my shield?
Fou:
Fou, kyaau?
Mash:
...I can't contact Chaldea's control room. So the doctor can't analyze our situation or bring us back.
Mash:
One possibility is... That this is a type of shared memory between the Servant and the Master... A type of dream.
Fujimaru 1:
...Those flames are awfully hot for a dream.
Mash:
Yes, Senpai. I can feel the heat as if it's real.
Mash:
This is the same Fuyuki city we traveled to with the director. But whether it's the same era, or if we're dreaming...
Fujimaru 2:
There's so much fire but I don't feel the heat.
Mash:
...? You don't feel the heat? Maybe it's because I'm a Demi-Servant...
Mash:
I may be different than you. ...That makes me a little sad.
???:
—I see. So this is how you "perceive" this place.
???:
I know your names already. Fujimaru, and the girl is Mash Kyrielight.
???:
You are inside a dream, sharing a memory of an intense experience you both had.
???:
Perhaps I should say this is how the "system" works. Still, this is quite an interesting phenomenon.
Mash:
...Who are you?
Mash:
Your magical energy... It does feel like a Servant's, but...
Mash:
...Something seems very different somehow...
Mash:
You're not one of the Servants we saw in Fuyuki... Not only that, but I don't think
Mash:
we've ever met you before. I don't...think so, anyway. My memory's hazy...
Fujimaru 1:
I don't remember you.
???:
Hmm. Of course not.
???:
It's been 2,000 years since I've shown myself to anyone. We couldn't have met.
???:
...If you said you had seen me, then we'd have a bit of a problem.
???:
You're not an escapee from my realm, are you? You're not a ghost either, correct?
Mash:
...We're not ghost-type monsters, no. But, you said 2,000 years, right?
Mash:
That would be around the birth of Christ... Do you mean that's when you were alive?
???:
...Hmm. So drawing a clear line to explain my existence, huh?
Fujimaru 2:
I've seen that spear...
???:
Hmm, I feel a passionate gaze upon me.
???:
Oh, it's not me, but my spear you're looking at? It's good that you can assess weapons at your age.
???:
But this isn't what you are expecting. It's not a Divine Construct, forged by The Sea God, Manannan.
???:
Sadly, it's just a spear. A stick, made from the skeleton of a sea creature.
???:
...Or perhaps you were pretending to look at the spear, but were actually looking at me?
???:
Heheh. You've never met an Ulster woman, have you?
Mash:
Senpai, I know how you feel, but please restrain yourself for now.
Mash:
It's true that her proportions are... just about perfect, but...
Fou:
Foou!
???:
Hmm. How should I put this? Thinking back, I haven't given many people my name.
???:
The warriors knew my name when they visited my home. The beasts and fallen gods challenged me out of fear.
???:
They all feared me because they knew who I was.
???:
It's been a long time since you—no, people like you have asked me what my name is without prejudice.
???:
And so I have no choice but to answer honestly.
???:
I am a being which exists outside the world.
???:
Something which was to exist forever, without getting old or dying.
???:
My name is Scáthach, the ruler of Dún Scáith, the Land of Shadows. Although it does make me a little uncomfortable announcing it like that.
Mash:
!!!
Fou:
Kya—u!?
Mash:
Scáthach! The god-killing superhuman who's said to practically be a divinity herself?
Fujimaru 1:
Is she amazing?
Fujimaru 2:
I see. Scáthach, huh...
Mash:
Yes, Senpai! She's mentioned in the Celtic myths of the first century, particularly the Ulster Cycle!
Mash:
An invincible warrior, the ruler of a supernatural realm similar to the underworld. She even trained the great hero Cú Chulainn!
Mash:
And she's also a "great magus," one of the best ever... But she shouldn't "exist in the Throne of Heroes," so why!?
Fujimaru 1:
Doesn't exist in the Throne of Heroes?
Fujimaru 2:
You mean she can't be a Servant?
Scáthach:
Oh, so the girl knew? You're correct, points for you. Hmm...
Scáthach:
You did talk a little too fast, three stars!
Mash:
Huh? Oh, right. Thank you very much.
Scáthach:
It's all right. In your case, it's more effective to speak quietly. Keep it all within you, and be like a silent burning flame.
Scáthach:
...Sorry, that's an old habit of mine. We don't have time for long chats.
Scáthach:
As Mash said, I was never meant to be here. Since I retired from the battlefields.
Scáthach:
I won't get into too much of why I've been summoned, but–
Scáthach:
I've shown myself for a good reason. To solve the problem occurring within this dream.
Scáthach:
Master of Chaldea and you, new Servant, calm yourselves and open your eyes.
Scáthach:
Witness what was brought forth by all the abnormality. Something is out of the ordinary here.
???:
AAAAAA...
???:
AAAAAAAA!
Mash:
I saw them as soon as I sensed their magical energy! Enemy approaching, Senpai!
Fujimaru 1:
If they're attacking we have to fight them.
Fujimaru 2:
Stay calm and be careful.
Mash:
Right! Beginning combat!
Scáthach:
Now this is worth traveling through the eras. An impressive response, and pleasantly high morale.
Scáthach:
Hmm... I had decided myself to an easy retirement, but seeing you has made me change my mind.
Scáthach:
Here we go...
Mash:
Wah!? Scáthach!?
Scáthach:
Yes, I'll be playing too, Mash. Fujimaru! Save me a seat!
Scáthach:
It's time for battle! First, fight. Fight before you think. Worrying comes after, as a privilege of the living.
Scáthach:
So fight, fight, fight, and win! That's the Celtic way!
Fujimaru 1:
Celts are crazy...
Mash:
R-Right... It's like violence is a necessity for them...
Fujimaru 2:
YEAH!
Mash:
Senpai!?
--BATTLE--
Scáthach:
Now that was an easy fight, I couldn't even remember what they looked like. I guess they weren't that tough, huh?
Scáthach:
Now, tell me, Fujimaru. What did those enemies look like to you?
Mash:
We've fought them several times before... Did they look different to you, Scáthach?
Scáthach:
They looked like a smoky haze. To me, they seemed to barely exist.
Scáthach:
And that's because, not once have I perceived the idea of death.
Fou:
Fo-fou, fou?
Mash:
Death?
Scáthach:
Indeed. What you're seeing isn't memories of your past...
Scáthach:
...Nor some kind of symbolism from your dreams.
Scáthach:
Those are remnants left behind of a miserable death. They should not exist within you at all.
Scáthach:
To be more precise, they are the "remnants left behind even by death."
Scáthach:
These flames you see. The ones you fought.
Scáthach:
They are the remnants left behind by the death you witnessed as you fought to protect humanity.
Scáthach:
There were many others around. Ten thousand or so moving corpses and skeletons.
Scáthach:
But I took care of all of them. They weren't worth teaching anything. They were far too weak.
Mash:
T-Ten thousand?
Scáthach:
Hahaha, I'm pleased that you're surprised, but you could've just laughed it off, Mash.
Scáthach:
To a Celtic warrior, numbers mean nothing.
Scáthach:
We're all idiots who fight until we're dead, or there's no one left to fight!
Fujimaru 1:
...You mean death is attacking us?
Scáthach:
No, no, that's not it. That's not it at all.
Fujimaru 2:
I don't understand.
Scáthach:
That's fine. That's how you should be. You probably haven't grasp the concept of death yet.
Scáthach:
"This place" is overflowing with remnants "abandoned" by death.
Mash:
This is a dream I'm sharing with Senpai, right? So why would it be filled with something like that?
Mash:
I don't think the Heroic Spirit I got my power from had the attribute to interfere with death...
Scáthach:
I'm sure. A Heroic Spirit who brings death wouldn't suit you at all. This phenomenon is taking place inside you...
Scáthach:
...But the causal factor is outside. It's a touch unfair, but, it can't be helped.
Scáthach:
That's what it means for all of human history to be incinerated.
Scáthach:
A normal extinction would cause death to overflow. Purgatory, underworld, anywhere souls can go would be overflowing.
Scáthach:
But this is different. Incineration of Humanity is a "great deed" that doesn't just burn away life, but death itself.
Fou:
Fou... Fooooouuu...
Mash:
A great deed...that burns away death?
Scáthach:
Yes. Miracles that humans use are things like magecraft, rituals, sacraments, and curses.
Scáthach:
And then there are the "Authorities" the gods are said to possess. But the Incineration of Humanity doesn't belong to any of those.
Scáthach:
Thus, it is a great deed. A human "feat" which surpasses even the "gods."
Scáthach:
...Though not even I am certain what that truly is.
Scáthach:
And so what you're seeing here are the remnants abandoned by death, the direct result after many eras being incinerated.
Scáthach:
Then, some of them leaked into this place.
Mash:
You don't... You don't mean inside Chaldea?
Scáthach:
That's correct, in a sense, but also not. Those remnants exist even closer than you imagined.
Mash:
What do you mean?
Scáthach:
Here. Put your hands up here.
Mash:
...My chest?
Scáthach:
Indeed. But not those marshmallows. It's the warm "heart" that's pulsing inside of you with life.
Mash:
!!!
Mash:
D-Do you mean... Those remnants have already been corrupting us!?
Mash:
That's... What you mean, right? That's why I'm suddenly with Senpai in these flames...
Fujimaru 1:
It's okay. I don't think you have to worry.
Fujimaru 2:
It'll be fine. Let's go back to Chaldea together.
Mash:
...Yes, Senpai. You're right.
Scáthach:
Hehe. I thought you'd get scared, but you're holding on to hope. I can't believe how pure you are, but those purest are often the strongest.
Scáthach:
Fujimaru's optimism and Mash's pessimism. I find both equally worthy.
Scáthach:
Even after two thousand years, you humans haven't changed a bit. So fragile and ephemeral, but noble and beautiful.
Scáthach:
—It's time to go. Follow me.
Mash:
R-Right. ...No, wait. Where are we going?
Scáthach:
To destroy all the remnants that threatens to overwhelm you.
Scáthach:
As my Land of Shadows no longer exists, normally I wouldn't waste time on ghosts abandoned even by the wheel of reincarnation.
Scáthach:
But I do not think I can just let these things overflow.
Scáthach:
...I know how frustrating it is to want to die, and not be able to.
Scáthach:
If the gods will not save them, I will. If they want a fight, I have no reason to refuse.
Fujimaru 1:
So this is the Celtic way!
Mash:
Y-Yes, Senpai... This violent but dependable power is the Celtic way...
Fujimaru 2:
YEAH!
Mash:
Senpai! Is the Celtic way getting to you?
Spiral Rainbow
Scáthach:
...That sure is an awful lot of fire, huh?
Scáthach:
I already know your names, Fujimaru, Mash. However...
Scáthach:
...That doesn't mean I know everything about you. Nor the reason this city is on flames.
Scáthach:
What happened here? This is a place where you once walked, yes?
Mash:
Yes. Fuyuki City, in the far east. That first place we shifted to where a Holy Grail War was taking place.
Mash:
The year was AD 2004. 13 years ago. It's very close to the present, but it's still part of the past.
Mash:
This is where we...
Fujimaru 1:
Got caught up in a Holy Grail War that shouldn't exist.
Mash:
Yes, Senpai. We fought many Heroic Spirit for the fragment of the Grail.
Fujimaru 2:
Got saved by that Caster guy.
Mash:
...That's right, Senpai. Without him, we would've died.
Fou:
Fou, kyau!
Mash:
That's right, Fou. He's the one who taught me how to pseudo-deploy the Noble Phantasm that was too much for me.
Mash:
Caster Cú Chulainn. I couldn't possibly thank him enough.
Scáthach:
...Oh?
Scáthach:
Oh. I see, I see. "That's why" it's me, huh? You knew him.
Scáthach:
Mash, Fujimaru. I'm sorry, can I ask a question?
Scáthach:
Was he doing well "at this place?"
Mash:
Oh... Yes! He was doing very well. That's right! You're...
Mash:
Scáthach, a warrior, a mentor to many heroes. You're the woman who trained Cú Chulainn!
Mash:
I-I'm sorry. I knew that in my head, but it's so hard for me to remember that the Caster who saved us...
Mash:
...is the same Cú Chulainn who's part of the Ulster Cycle, and s-so...
Fujimaru 1:
Mash, calm down!
Mash:
R-R-R-R-Right, Senpai!
Fou:
Foufou.
Fujimaru 2:
YEAH!
Mash:
YEAH! ...Huh?
Mash:
I-I'm sorry. I should've realized sooner... He saved our lives.
Mash:
I don't know what to say... Um... Y-Your student really helped us out.
Mash:
We're alive today thanks to the spell he wielded when he materialized as a Druid.
Scáthach:
I see. No, there's no need to thank me.
Scáthach:
But nonetheless, as someone deeply related to him, I shall remember that. And someday, I will tell him.
Scáthach:
If I ever get the chance, that is. For now, you must first survive this place.
Scáthach:
Otherwise, I'll have to tell him that I saw the children he saved...
Scáthach:
...as they died. Now, survive! You must be strong!
???:
GAAAAAA!
Mash:
That roar!?
Fujimaru 1:
Sounds pretty big.
Fujimaru 2:
A... Dragon?
Scáthach:
That is another remnant of death you witnessed... Or perhaps, will witness in the future.
Scáthach:
Time means very little in this place. Just like the Throne of Heroes.
Scáthach:
Either way, it's something that's been left behind. Now, overcome this trial, young ones!
Fou:
Fou, foou! Kyau!
Mash:
R-Right... You're right, Fou. I think that might be...
Mash:
That might be a little too big! S-Senpai!
Fujimaru 1:
Scáthach!
Fujimaru 2:
Can you do something about that?
Scáthach:
...I guess it would be cruel to make you do everything on your own. Come forth from my "Gate," ye Spiral Rainbow.
Scáthach:
With the divine lightning in your hand, come forth, come forth and fight! Oh Guardian of Ulster.
Fujimaru 1:
My body feels numb.
Fujimaru 2:
My head feels numb.
Mash:
S-Senpai's magical circuits are being activated in a strange way! Scáthach, what are you doing?
Scáthach:
Hmm... So that's how young kids are inside these days... Mages' bodies certainly have changed...
Scáthach:
This innocent response is truly— Oh, no. Never mind. It's a temporary contract.
Scáthach:
I'll lend you a new power. Come forth, come forth and fight, Spiral Rainbow Sword!
Fergus:
Hahahaha! Finally it's time, huh? I'm so glad it happened before I got bored and went to sleep!
Fergus:
The young leader of the Ulster Red Branch Knights! Fergus mac Róich, at your service!
Fergus:
I've been waiting for this for a while now, Ms. Scáthach! Hahahahahaha! Damn, it sure is hot in here!
Scáthach:
...Stop calling me that. When you say it, it makes me feel like a real elder.
Fergus:
Oh, yes. Right, right. Sorry. You're always young, Lady Scáthach.
Fergus:
Your heart is young, as are your skills! As sharp as when you were in your teens! But that's a different matter!
Fergus:
I can't call the mentor I respect a little girl! That's not the Red Branch way! Sorry, Ms. Scáthach!
Mash:
A very boisterous looking man has appeared! Senpai, the Celtic-ness of this place is going up quickly!
Fujimaru 1:
You're... Uncle Fergus!
Fujimaru 2:
YEAH!
Fergus:
Indeed! Heh, we've got some spirited new kids, huh?
Fergus:
I guess you're Ms. Scáthach's latest students. Let's see. A pretty looking girl and a [♂ boy /♀ girl]... She put her hands on you yet?
Scáthach:
I don't go after everything that moves, like you. I invite only the finest warriors to my bedchamber.
Scáthach:
They are the source of this dream. And hopefully, the ones who can someday lead us.
Fergus:
I see! Oh dear, I'm sorry. Hahaha! Then let's start with a drink! Have a drink with me!
Fergus:
Or let's do something else! If you need a drinking buddy though, I'm your guy!
Mash:
Oh, uh. Huh! N-no, I'm sorry, I—
Mash:
Huh? Senpai too?
Fujimaru 1:
So that's it, huh?
Fujimaru 2:
???:
GAAAA!
Fergus:
Hey, it was hot a moment ago, but now it's even hotter! Also I see something big, and worth punching! Even better!
Fergus:
So that's what I'm here for, eh? You need the greatest swordsman the Ulster has!
Fergus:
Time for me to show off my blade! Ms. Scáthach, let me handle this!
Fujimaru 1:
Sword... What sword?
Fergus:
Hahaha! What, you don't know my Noble Phantasm?
Fujimaru 2:
That drill can't be... It can't be...
Fergus:
Hahaha! So you know my Noble Phantasm, huh?
Fergus:
Then behold my Rainbow Sword! Caladbolg, the sword that's both rainbows and lightning!
Fergus:
If Cú Chulainn of the Red Branch Knights stabs his foes, then I, Fergus, tear them to shreds!
Mash:
The mystic sword Caladbolg! A legendary sword, said to be the model of many other mystic and holy swords!
Fergus:
Heaven and Earth, spin, spin, spin! Watch in awe as I wield my immense strength!
--BATTLE--
Fergus:
Hmm... It looked like a famous dragon, but it didn't feel that strong.
Fergus:
Next time, I hope to fight one with the proper mind, body and skill!
Scáthach:
That's right, but do not let your guard down. Always face an enemy, even a weak one, with your full strength.
Fergus:
Hmm... Of course, I did not hold back. But are you telling me to fight until my flesh tears and bone breaks?
Fergus:
Hahaha! As expected of Ms. Scáthach! Just how strict can you get?
Mash:
One of the heroes depicted in the Ulster Cycle, a great warrior of the Red Branch Knights, Fergus mac Róich...
Mash:
Um, Fergus. You're another one of Cú Chulainn's teachers, right?
Fou:
Foufou.
Fergus:
Hmm? You mean Sétanta? I did teach him to use a sword, but...
Fergus:
Unfortunately, he wasn't much of a swordsman. He quickly switched to the spear.
Fergus:
I trained with him and also looked after him. You can say he's almost like my own child.
Fergus:
So, do you know him?
Scáthach:
Right, it seems they fought together. In this ruined city ravaged by flames called Fuyuki.
Fergus:
Sounds like the Norse Ragnarok. That must be so much fun. I'm jealous.
Fergus:
One of his natural talents is having the luck to be blessed with the most terrifying battles.
Fergus:
If I was there, I could've challenged him to see who was the better warrior. What a shame.
Fujimaru 1:
He was a druid.
Fujimaru 2:
He was an amazing mage.
Scáthach:
Oh right, now I remember. They say he was dressed as a druid.
Fergus:
...WHAT!? Was he being bullied?
Scáthach:
Hahaha! Yes, that's the reaction I was looking for. Nothing really gets funnier than this.
Fou:
Fou, foufoou, kyuu?
Mash:
Um, thank you, Fergus. You helped us even though we summoned you without warning...
Fergus:
Don't worry about it. This was just a temporary contract. Plus, I couldn't refuse Ms. Scáthach's summon.
Fergus:
By the way, what kind of sorcery did you use, Ms. Scáthach? How was I summoned during my mealtime?
Fujimaru 1:
It is strange, yeah.
Fujimaru 2:
I don't think a Holy Grail or its fragment is here, right?
Scáthach:
You're right, a Holy Grail is not present. I tampered around with my Primordial Runes.
Scáthach:
I used myself as a catalyst, and stocked Heroic Spirits that I have relations to in this place.
Mash:
Primordial... Runes?
Fou:
Foou! Kyaau!
Scáthach:
Yes. A true "Primordial Rune." A type of Magical Crest lost in your modern era.
Scáthach:
Modern mages have no way of knowing this, but the runes carved by the Great God of the Norse still exist in this world.
Scáthach:
The old runes made after that, and their modern recreations are not even close in comparison.
Fergus:
I see, but I don't get it at all. Ms. Scáthach sure knows a lot! I wish one of us in Red Branch has even a fraction of that intellect.
Fujimaru 1:
Ancient magecraft can do that?
Mash:
It's more than ancient, you can say it's from the Age of Gods.
Mash:
That's amazing... Actually, it's really, really, amazing!
Fujimaru 2:
I guess that's Scáthach for you.
Mash:
Yeah... She's using a rune from the Age of Gods, made by an actual god!
Mash:
It's unimaginable to us. If the Doctor was here he'd be going crazy.
Mash:
But this explains something I'd been wondering about, Scáthach.
Scáthach:
Hmm. And what's that?
Mash:
I finally understand why Cú Chulainn was using runes. He learned how to use them from you.
Mash:
A Primordial Rune. An ultimate spell brought forth by the Great God of the Norse.
Scáthach:
Oh, I know that look on your face, Mash Kyrielight. You were wondering why he didn't use Ulster spells, right?
Scáthach:
Ogham letters don't work well. Runes take effect as soon as they're drawn, which makes them better for a warrior. That's all.
Mash:
I-I see... I understand that the letters of the Celtic God Ogham...
Mash:
...are hard to use unless you're a true druid. Your power isn't affected by its origin, is it?
Scáthach:
It's a matter of effectiveness. The Great God of the Norse is very kind to warriors.
Scáthach:
Now, on to the next location. Are you ready to face the next remnant?
Fujimaru 1:
I am ready anytime.
Mash:
Yes, Senpai. I don't know how this happened, but I think I have an idea what we should do.
Fujimaru 2:
YEAH!
Mash:
...Senpai, that was a very powerful response.
Mash:
Are you trying to be a Celt? Are you?
Fou:
Fou, foufoou! Kyaau!
Coming from Ashes
Fergus:
Sigh... Talk about a disappointment.
Fergus:
If this isn't a letdown, then what is? Yes, this is the prime place for a battle, yet still!
Fergus:
I'd also love to go find a nice lady, but with things in this state there aren't any around! No men, either.
Scáthach:
Hah, lust is what makes a hero but you, you are on a completely different level.
Scáthach:
Those bestial urges of yours might be the source of the power that makes you a hero.
Scáthach:
Mash, did you know? This guy...
Mash:
H-Huh? What? Why are you involving me in this conversation, Scáthach?
Scáthach:
His lust is so strong that no human woman can be his wife.
Scáthach:
They all gave up after a few days, and in the end he married a forest goddess.
Scáthach:
That's right, a Divine Spirit. Gods' appearances were rare to begin with in the Ulster Cycle...
Scáthach:
...and one of those very rare appearances was made by his wife. He was too much to handle a goddess had to show up.
Mash:
Y-Yeah... Um...
Mash:
I don't...know...what to say... Um... S-Senpai...
Fujimaru 1:
That's amazing, Fergus.
Fergus:
Hahaha! You've got that right, if I do say so myself!
Fujimaru 2:
I don't know what to do either!
Fou:
Foufou. Fou.
Fergus:
Whew... At this point I'll just have to risk my life and ask Ms. Scáthach.
Mash:
Huh?
Fergus:
To tell you the truth, Mash, Fujimaru, I thought about asking you two...
Fergus:
...but you're being guided by the Ms. Scáthach right now. You're basically kids, in a sense.
Fergus:
I can't be going after kids. Which means, well, I've got just one option. No, it's not one I was avoiding.
Fergus:
As an Ulster man, it's my destiny to someday make the Lady of Shadows my own...
Scáthach:
I'm ready whenever.
Fergus:
Oooh! How lucky am I!?
Fou:
Foufoufou!
Scáthach:
If you want to receive a blow from my spear that can kill a god, then feel free. Come closer. Don't worry, I will treat you well.
Fergus:
Oh... Um... So... Well...
Fergus:
I-I guess there's no hurry on that one. First, we've gotta get these kids to safety!
Fergus:
And when that's done! I'll take you up on your offer!
Fergus:
First, we fight! If I win, of course, you keep your promise. But if I lose, we'll talk then!
Fujimaru 1:
You're so bold, Fergus!
Fujimaru 2:
YEAH!
Mash:
R-Right, Senpai. I think he's 100% serious. I don't know whether to be amazed or frightened...
Scáthach:
Hehe. Dauntlessness, desire, vigor and lack of avarice. A hero must have all these things.
Scáthach:
They are what makes a hero an object of admiration. They are a symbol of glory and victory.
Mash:
That's what makes a hero?
Scáthach:
Mash Kyrielight, don't look so confused. There's no need to force yourselves to mimic him.
Scáthach:
It is a virtue to reflect on oneself in the presence of the strong. There, there.
Mash:
Oh... You're patting my head... R-Right...
Scáthach:
Yes. Now it's your turn, Fujimaru.
Fujimaru 1:
(Get your head patted.)
Scáthach:
...Yes, good child. There, there.
Fujimaru 2:
(Dodge her head pats.)
Scáthach:
...What? Why are you so embarrassed?
Scáthach:
Men can only become what they become. You cannot be anyone but yourself. Ever.
Scáthach:
...Now, that's enough talking.
???:
[[File:berserkervoice1.png50px]]!! [[File:berserkervoice1.png50px]]!!
Mash:
T-This is an incredible amount of magical energy! It's absorbing all the mana in the surrounding area automatically?
Mash:
It's clearly viewing us as enemies! It's looking at us...
???:
[[File:berserkervoice1.png50px]]!! [[File:berserkervoice1.png50px]]!!
Mash:
This... This can't be...
Fujimaru 1:
Calm down, Mash.
Fujimaru 2:
It's not that different from the others.
Mash:
...Right, Senpai. I was panicking for a second. Now I'm okay. I can fight!
Scáthach:
Oh, I see. So that's your response? Do you fear it so much, Mash?
Mash:
...Yes. It scares me a lot.
Mash:
I'm sure I'm scared of any fighting... But I'll fight anyway. Because I need to.
Scáthach:
Humph. Even if someday, the fight may take your life?
Mash:
Of course. My fear and my life are two different things.
Mash:
And... I know something even scarier.
Mash:
I already know how sad it is to do nothing, —the desolation of leaving nothing behind.
Scáthach:
...I see. So you've already reached the deepest truth of life.
Scáthach:
Then I've nothing more to say.
Scáthach:
If you die here, you'll be ripped apart from the inside, and Chaldea will be filled with the remnants of death.
Scáthach:
Humanity, civilization, everything you've done, everything that exists will lose their last hope forever.
Fujimaru 1:
I know.
Fujimaru 2:
I figured that was the case.
Mash:
Right, Senpai. I feel the same way!
Fou:
Fou, faau! Kyau!
Fergus:
Excellent! Glad to see you're ready to fight! Let's tear this thing apart then!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
We defeated it! Good work, Senpai.
Fou:
Fou, fou! Kyau, kyauu!
Fergus:
It wasn't a dragon, or a boar, or a giant snake... Humph. I've never seen a monster pillar like that.
Scáthach:
Hmm...
Scáthach:
It was beautiful in its own otherworldly way. It would serve as a support pillar for my castle in the Land of Shadows.
Scáthach:
But it's not something that should be praised too much. Besides, that's a really twisted way of naming something.
Mash:
Scáthach, perhaps you already knew what that thing really was?
Scáthach:
Once you become part of the shadow and abyss you can see the future to a certain degree, But no, I didn't know about it beforehand...
Scáthach:
I simply saw a fragment of the future related to it. The Incineration of Humanity.
Scáthach:
I'm not that different than you. Though...
Scáthach:
I can see things like...this!
Scáthach:
...You dodged it, huh? I see why they call you the Great King of Destruction.
Altera:
...That was what I was going to say. What is that spear made of that my blade cannot destroy?
Altera:
I am a destroyer. Of both old and new civilization.
Altera:
I will remove all traces of sentient beings from this planet. I will destroy all that stand in my way.
Mash:
...You're!?
Fou:
Fou! Kyuu, kyaau!
Scáthach:
Is this another remnant of death?
Scáthach:
This is quite the creature we've run into. Is the incineration of humanity capable of twisting things this far?
Mash:
You know who she is, don't you? This Heroic spirit, whose magical energy rivals a dragon...
Scáthach:
More than you do. As the slayer of many gods, and bearer of the knowledge of the Land of Shadows...
Scáthach:
...and as a being who's achieved eternity on the outside of the world, I know one thing...
Scáthach:
This would-be war machine is a little too dangerous to appear as a remnant of death!
Fergus:
That's right. Indeed, Ms. Scáthach is just right! But, I do like slender bodies, though...
Fergus:
I can feel the core of my groin tighten when I look at her! She might be even a better woman than Ms. Scáthach!
Fergus:
Hahaha, but my intuition says what's inside her ain't quite what it looks like!
Fergus:
Go on ahead, Fujimaru, Mash!
Fergus:
My Caladbolg is enough to delay the incarnated form of the King of Destruction!
Fujimaru 1:
Fergus!
Fujimaru 2:
YEAH!
Fergus:
Don't worry. It's a question of compatibility.
Fergus:
My guess is that if I break her first, she won't be able to use her full power!
Fergus:
Ms. Scáthach has the job of guiding you! So go!
Scáthach:
Sorry, Fergus. I'll leave the rest to you.
Fergus:
It's an honor! Until we meet again, friends! Now that fate's brought us together, I'm sure we will!
Mash:
...Right!
Fou:
Fou, foouuu!
Fergus:
Good, they're gone. ...Well, next time we meet, they might be enemies.
Fergus:
I'm always on the side with the best girls, so I can't guarantee anything there.
Altera:
...
Fergus:
Now, let's do this. Let's fight fair, square, and hard, so we've got no regrets.
Fergus:
For as stubborn as you are, though, you're awfully polite. I can't believe you let Fujimaru go.
Altera:
It's all the same. After I crush you, I'll destroy them too.
Altera:
I destroy all that I see. That's what I was made for.
Fergus:
You know, it'll be a hassle to break your body in that state.
Fergus:
But you know! I'm ready for it!
Fergus:
Whether it's coincidence, or inevitability I have no idea. It's probably a curse of the ancient gods...
Fergus:
But the true identity of my spiral sword, being a fragment of the distant, ancient gods is more than enough reason to kill you!
Altera:
...Target, one. Initiate destruction.
Final Guidance
Mash:
...Is Fergus okay, you think?
Mash:
I can't detect his magical energy, maybe because of the fire. His temporary contract with Senpai appears to be broken.
Fou:
Fou, foouu... Fouu...
Fujimaru 1:
Uncle...
Fujimaru 2:
Fergus...
Scáthach:
Don't make that face, Fujimaru. Celtic warriors live to challenge the powerful.
Scáthach:
And you're still alive. Whether he died or not, he achieved his goal.
Scáthach:
The most you can do is laugh. He'd say he didn't need anything, but if you want to give him something, that's enough.
Mash:
...Right.
Scáthach:
Did you not hear me? ...Hmm. Maybe you didn't.
Scáthach:
Still, this town's flame sure is burning bright. Also, it seems we've been running around in circles.
Fujimaru 1:
Why are we back here?
Fujimaru 2:
...I think I understand.
Scáthach:
A town about to burn to the ground, huh? This place must have left strong impressions of death on you.
Scáthach:
That's why there are so many remnants here that were abandoned even by death.
???:
Exactly what you just said...
???:
This place will be overflowing with those remnants, and much sorrow and pain as well.
Scáthach:
So you're here. The last Heroic Spirit I prepared. The first spear of the glorious knights from the Fenian Cycle.
Fou:
Fou!?
Diarmuid:
My true name is Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. I've been summoned as a Lancer for this temporary contract.
Diarmuid:
I will fight with you for the last trial. Scáthach, shield maiden, and my temporary Master.
Mash:
Diarmuid Ua Duibhne! A hero from the second age of Celtic myths, the Fenian Cycle.
Mash:
He brought glory to the Knights of Fianna along with the god-slaying hero, Fionn mac Cumhaill. Then...
Diarmuid:
...
Mash:
Uh...
Mash:
Sorry. I should have kept my mouth shut.
Fujimaru 1:
What do you mean?
Fujimaru 2:
Did you say something bad?
Diarmuid:
No. Fret not, shield maiden. The incidents in the legend were a result of my own disloyalty and lack of virtue.
Scáthach:
The hero's end was betrayal and death. A man of glory isn't guaranteed a happy ending.
Scáthach:
That goes for more than just Diarmuid. The greater the admiration for a hero...
Scáthach:
...the more likely they are to meet a tragic end. "I have no end," so it's not a concern for me.
Scáthach:
Thinking back, yes... Not even Sétanta's end was a happy one.
Mash:
Scáthach...
Scáthach:
No, this is where you laugh, Mash. Celtic men leave behind nothing but tears and rage for their women.
Scáthach:
If you don't laugh, you'll end up hating them. Of course, that's not an absolute rule.
Diarmuid:
It's true that I regret my end. That's why my lance can be of aid to you.
Diarmuid:
Even if this is a temporary contract, a Master is no different than a liege lord.
Fujimaru 1:
Thank you, Diarmuid.
Fujimaru 2:
Let's fight together.
Diarmuid:
...What a pleasant response... There are no lies in your heart, are there?
Diarmuid:
Then I, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, shall become your spear with all my spirit!
Scáthach:
Yes, yes. I figured you'd get along. Diarmuid prefers Masters who are exactly what they seem to be.
Scáthach:
I've raised so many warriors that I think I've got a good eye for when people will get along.
Fujimaru 1:
You're like a goddess of relationships.
Scáthach:
Well, I'm nothing of the sort, but... I don't mind being told that.
Scáthach:
Heh. That's an interesting idea, Fujimaru. Goddess of Relationships... I might think about that...
Fujimaru 2:
You're like an old matchmaking aunt.
Mash:
S-Senpai! N-N-No! That's so rude...
Mash:
N-No, I don't mean there's anything wrong with being an old matchmaking lady, but...
Scáthach:
Hmm, I see, I see. You want to die. You want to die here, huh Fujimaru?
Scáthach:
Mash's phrasing isn't too bad, though. Lady. That sounds elegant. I like it.
Scáthach:
Well, the fact is, in human years I'm over 2000 years old. It doesn't bother me that much, and I haven't had the chance anyway.
Mash:
The chance?
Scáthach:
Hehehe. Don't worry about it. Perhaps I'll tell you someday, but not now.
Scáthach:
Now then. Enough fun. The last remnant approaches.
Fou:
Fou, fooou! Kyuu!
???:
Mash:
I sense a Heroic Spirit, or no...
Scáthach:
The Heroic Spirit Orion. Or no, your true name is— one of the old gods of Mt. Olympus. Artemis, the moon goddess.
Scáthach:
But what gave you that form? Oh, I see. The tales of you falling in love with a human are true.
Scáthach:
That explains your human form, but...
Fou:
Fou, foouuu! Kyuu!
Fujimaru 1:
What's wrong, Fou?
Fujimaru 2:
F-Fou is really excited!
Scáthach:
Perhaps that beast understands. Yes. This avatar of the moon goddess is another remnant abandoned by death.
Scáthach:
Its ferocity and savagery... Oh, it rivals that cursed boar!
Diarmuid:
Yes, the ancient moon goddess had another side, a cruel one that would spread plagues, bring death, and drive men mad.
Diarmuid:
The gods are not always a blessing to humanity. Sometimes, like this, they will bare their fangs just like mother nature.
Diarmuid:
That's why we, the Knights of Fianna, were once needed in ancient Erin.
Diarmuid:
To protect the people from demons. To protect them from the gods.
???:
Mash:
The ferocity...of a god... I feel an incredible animosity and urge to kill!
Scáthach:
I wonder if this remnant is from your past, or from your future.
Scáthach:
Whichever it is, an avatar of a god is still a god!
Scáthach:
Hahahaha! It's been so long since I've killed a god! I'm excited!
Scáthach:
I'll kill you, Artemis! It's disgusting that you would take a "human form."
Fujimaru 1:
Scáthach, you're really excited!
Scáthach:
It's been so, so long since I've fought a Mediterranean god! I can't wait!
Fujimaru 2:
YEAH!
Scáthach:
A splendid answer from the heart, Fujimaru!
Mash:
... ...
Mash:
...We're going to fight a god. A Divine Spirit. No, but it's an avatar.
Fujimaru 1:
It's okay. Just calm down and do it like always.
Mash:
...Yes, I'm fine.
Mash:
Whether this is a dream, or reality, if I'm with you I can fight!
Scáthach:
Here it comes! Are you guys ready?
--BATTLE--
Artemis:
...Oh?
Artemis:
Oh dear, oh dear... I feel like I've been very mean to you.
Artemis:
I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. Even though Darling didn't tell me to, I...
Diarmuid:
...It was only for one battle, but if I was of use to you, there is no greater joy.
Diarmuid:
Shield maiden, temporary Master. Someday, beyond the end of time, we may meet.
Diarmuid:
Farewell. Scáthach... A million thanks for your compassion.
Fujimaru 1:
Thank you, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne.
Fujimaru 2:
Is this...the end?
Mash:
Yes, Senpai...
Mash:
Scáthach said this was the last remnant. Which means we should be done?
Scáthach:
Correct. You get a perfect score. Now, since that's done...
Scáthach:
This is as far as I go. The overflowing remnants have been removed from your hearts.
Scáthach:
So there's no need for me to force myself to stay in this realm.
Fou:
Foou, fou...
Mash:
Scáthach...
Scáthach:
Even if you die, you will never become remnants. So there's nothing to fear... Though I suppose it's cruel to say that.
Scáthach:
Fear, tremble, and yet stand against a pride that would incinerate even death.
Scáthach:
If nothing else, you've done it once.
Scáthach:
So it should be just as easy to do it again, or three times, or a hundred. Do your jobs, and become the heroes who restored humanity.
Fujimaru 1:
I can't do it a hundred times, Scáthach!
Fujimaru 2:
YEAH!
Mash:
...Yes. We'll do our best until the end.
Fou:
Foou!
Mash:
Oh, yes. And with Fou's help, too!