Fate/Grand Order story · Interludes, Interlude
Neither a Mother Nor Woman. Yet I Am...
Interlude. Interlude
3 scenes, 411 lines
1. Before the battle
264 lines
...Could it be?
Are you... Yes, you must be. I'd recognize you anywhere.
As the leader of the Seiwa Genji and founder of the Settsu Genji, your authority is equal to the Fujiwara clan of regents...
Lady Minamoto-no-Raikou!
Yes, I am Minamoto-no-Raikou.
I remember you as well, Lady Fujiwara-no-Kaoruko.
It's wonderful to see you again...
As I recall, you were a lady-in-waiting at Lord Fujiwara-no-Michinaga's
(Gasp!)
I, um, I'm sorry, but I really must refrain from commenting on Lord Michinaga! Forgive me!
Ah... I-I'm so sorry!
I-I only meant to make a little joke. I didn't realize it was such a painful subject for you... (Sniff)...
Please forgive me, Lady Kaoruko!
Huh? N-not at all! If anything, I should apologize for overreacting to a mere joke... I'm so sorry!
No, I'm the one who should be sorry...!
N-no, I'm the one who should be sorry...!
No, no, I'm the one who should be...!
No, no, no, I'm the one who should be...!
... ...
... ...
...Haha. I guess this means we're hitting it off?
...Yes, um, I think so.
For the time being, would you like some tea, Lady Raikou? I have some lovely sweets to go with it.
Oh my, that sounds delightful. Very well then, I'd love to!
Good, good. They're gettin' along peachy golden! This is great, Boss!
I'm so glad to see them enjoying themselves.
You said it, Boss.
Shikibu and Raikou are from the same era, right?
Sure are. The good old Heian period.
？！
Boss Raikou never did have any female friends her own age. 'Course, back in those days
Of course not. Who'd want to be friends with a suuuper scary warrior like her?
Honestly, I can hardly believe my eyes. I had no idea Raikou even knew how to smile.
Why, she looks downright human now. Fufu. Do you remember that night, brat?
Huh? What're you talkin' about?
Oh, you know. THAT night.
The night when flowers of oni blood blossomed aaall over Mt. Ooe...
...alongside a red, red river of guts and intestines
Stop it.
The general gave you an order, and like a good little brat, you followed it to the letter...
I said stop it.
You took me and my thin, slender...
...STOP IT!
Fufu.
Fufufu. Fufufufufufufufufufufufufufu.
Aww, what's the matter? Hmm?
And now she's all amicable and peaceful. Really? Hey, what is it humans call this sort of thing again?
Come on, brat, help me out here.
... ...
Well, then I guess just pout. It's okay, though. I remembered what it was. You and Raikou called it...
...paradise.
...Isn't that right?
I mean, we are all already dead, so maybe THIS is that paradise place you talked about.
Fufu, I have to wonder how much of a paradise it can be for humans with me around, but that's not my concern.
Shuten!
Knock it off, before Boss Raikou finds out! Besides, can't ya see you're botherin' Master?
You two get along really well...don't you?
You two get along well, huh?
Well sure. Gouging each other's guts out has a way of bringing people together, after all. Fufu... Oh my, are you jealous, Master?
Why didn't you just say so then? We could positively cooover Chaldea in flowers of blood
Gaaah! Just shut up already!
...Damn, that wasn't golden at all. There's no way the Boss's not gonna notice me yellin'.
Ahh, this is wonderful. I never thought I'd get to see you again...
What do you mean?
I think the last time we spoke was that night, on my way back from Lord Michinaga's manor.
I still remember it like it was yesterday.
How could I forget!
You brandished a sword larger than any man's, and shone more beautifully than any woman I'd ever seen...
I could scarcely believe I was seeing the great General Raikou, leader of the Genji, for myself.
... ...
Lady Raikou?
I'm sorry. I suppose I'm just a little...embarrassed...
What are you saying? Don't be ridiculous!
After I lost my husband, and Lord Michinaga forced me to attend to Lady Shoushi...
...your valiant figure gave me the courage I needed to face my challenges head-on!
Seeing a fellow woman wielding a great sword so gallantly...
It was a sight I will never forget.
No. You're mistaken.
...?
Minamoto-no-Raikou was a man.
...Yes, I know that was the unspoken agreement the Fujiwara clan of regents and the imperial court shared.
I also know that is what the historical records say. But, you are still you.
You are the very same Lady Raikou as I saw back then.
...Thank you.
But, I'm truly not worthy of admiration.
All I can do is swing a sword and pull a bowstring.
Lady Raikou...
I can say without exaggeration that, back then, you and Lord Yasumasa were THE guardians of Kyoto.
You shielded us with your body and wielded your sheer strength as a spear. All of us in Kyoto slept better at night knowing you were there keeping us safe.
I was never able to express my thanks at the time...but I truly am grateful to you.
Even now that I am but a shadow of my living self, those feelings haven't changed, and that memory continues to inspire me.
...!
Ahh, Lady Kaoruko...
...Thank you. (Sniff) I'm so ashamed. Those kind words are much more than I deserve...
I'm deeply touched!
Lady Raikou!
Lady Kaoruko!
Lady Raikou!!!
Lady Kaoruko!!!
(Sniff)
Heh. I'm startin' to get a little choked up myself. There's somethin' real golden about female friendships!
I'm so happy it went well...
(Sniff, sniffle) You said it, Boss...
It's as golden as anything I've ever seen!
Ugh, this is so stupid.
What do you say, Fujimaru? Wanna get out of here and join me for a drink?
How many times do I gotta tell ya!? Master's still not drinking age!
Yeah, yeah. (Sigh) Boooriiing.
Oh, I almost forgot, Lady Raikou!
Yes, what is it?
It was just the one time, but I also saw your son from a distance once!
His stance was just as gallant and beautiful as yours, so I recognized him right away. He was so handsome, and looked so intell
Lord Kintoki, one of Raikou's Four Heavenly Kings! But, uh, no, I don't mean him.
Let's see... I think it was Lord Yorikuni? Or maybe Lord Yoriie?
Yorikuni...
Yes, that's right.
Lady Raikou...?
Aw crap!!!
Ah...ah...
Raikou!!!
O-oh no. D-did I say something...I shouldn't have...?
Nah, don't feel bad. This ain't your fault.
This was bound to come up sooner or later.
First off, we gotta find her a place to rest. If ya got a bed or somethin' where she could lie down, Ms. Librarian, it'd be a huge help.
Y-yes, of course! There's a place right over there, in the back! Follow me...
Raikou. Are you there, Raikou?
Yes? What is it, Father?
Now that you're older, it's time we started giving serious thought to the matter of your children.
My children? But, I already have Kintoki...
He is a monster, a half-hearted excuse for an oni. From now on, you will be taking care of two of my youngest, Yoriaki and Yorisada, as your adopted sons.
You are forbidden from ever having any children of your own.
...As you wish, Father.
As long as I can be a mother...I don't care how it happens...
No. You are to lead the Genji, and so must be a man. Therefore, you will only ever be a father.
...Yes, Father. I understand.
I'm...a father? I'm...a man?
No. No, I'm a mother. I'm sure of it...
Raikou. Are you there, Raikou?
Yes? What is it, Father?
I was just thinking we need to start giving serious thought to the matter of your children... Lord Michinaga and Lord Seimei have both told me it is time.
My children? But, I already have Kintoki...
Hmm, I see. I hadn't considered that option... It could be very interesting to see what happens when a demon reproduces with another demon.
...Father?
Ah, never mind. Pay it no heed. At any rate, that...thing has already been named as a Sakata.
Once I have chosen a man to be a proper mate for you, you are to set about having children as soon as possible. You will bear children who will carry on the Genji name after we are gone.
Huh?
But Father, then...does that mean I'll get to be a mother...?
Don't be ridiculous. As I told you, you are the Genji's leader, and so are a man. You are, therefore, a father.
B-but, I can't possibly have a child on my own. What will I do about my partner...?
He is nothing more than a tool for giving you a child, of course. Once the child is conceived, you are to cut off the father's head.
As the leader of the Genji, you will need a minimum of ten heirs, so you will need to cut off ten heads all together; one for each child.
I can't imagine you would have sympathy for these men...but if you wish to avert your eyes, you may also use the Four Heavenly Kings to kill them if you like.
Be grateful that I am so lenient in this. Now go. Hurry.
...Yes, Father. As you wish.
Why?
Why is this happening? I'm a mother. I know I am...
Raikou. Are you there, Raikou?
Yes? What is it, Father?
I was just thinking we need to start giving serious thought to the matter of your children... I was talking about this with someone, and he came up with a fascinating idea.
My children? But, I already have Kintoki...
Hehe, exactly. That strange boy from Mt. Ashigara has grown up strong, but look at his eyes. His hair color. They are wrong.
He is a monster, just as you are. A match made in heaven, as they say.
You will mix his inhuman blood with our powerful Genji blood.
The resulting child will ensure Genji's dominance over the other clans. Even if we should lose the Settsu armor one day...
...the descendant of man, the Sekiryu, and the oni god will be sure to emerge victorious in any battle. Therefore, Raikou, you are to bear Kintoki's child as soon as possible.
Huh?
But Father, then...does that mean I'll get to be a mother...?
Don't be ridiculous. As I told you, you are the Genji's leader, and so are a man. You are, therefore, a father.
...Yes, Father.
To secure the Genji clan's future, you will need at least ten heirs.
Once you have conceived the tenth, you are to cut off Kintoki's head.
His monstrous bloodline must be the sole property of our Genji clan.
I... But...
...Yes, Father. As you wish.
This isn't right.
It's not right. It's not. It's not, it's not, it's not. Does this mean...I'm not...a mother...?
Raikou. Are you there, Raikou?
Yes? What is it, Father?
Now that you're older, it's time we started giving serious thought to the matter of your children.
My children? But, I already have Kintoki...
...Ahh, yes, you do, don't you. Hmm.
Father?
Never mind. There is no need for you to concern yourself with any of this. All you need to do is keep wielding your sword as the leader of the Genji.
Yorichika and I will handle everything else. You need not dwell on these matters.
...Yes, Father. As you wish.
...I...
...I...
...I...
.........I.........
What am I?
Did I have children? Was I unable to have children? I don't know. I just don't know.
What am I? I am a warrior.
What am I? I am a killer.
Yes... Yes, that's right. That's what I am. That's all I need to be. I don't need anything else.
Isn't that right, Father?
I will never forget. I, Raikou, exist solely to slay the Genji clan's enemies.
That is what I am. I must never be anything else.
Wh-what's going on!? Where is all this magical energy coming from!?
The special area I created with talismans is groaning at the seams...! Oh no! This is terrible!
That's the room where Lady Raikou is resting!
It's going to fall apart!!!
Ooh, now that's more like it! Do you know what's going on here, brat?
Is this whooole library gonna go up in flames? Or are we gonna get another bloodred river flowing through here?
Shut up. If she's who I think she might be now, we won't be any match for her.
Oh crap. You don't mean...Ushi Gozen?
Sounds about right.
Do ya feel that, Master!? This magical energy... The way it burns your skin and shakes the goddamn air...!
I got a golden bad feelin' about this! I think we're gonna see you-know-who for the first time in...
Hm? No, wait. Wait, wait, wait! This is somethin' different...!
It ain't Ushi at all! This is...
Lone warrior mode!?
Kintoki.
There is an insect in our midst.
Right over there.
...Kintoki?
Wait! She's not the oni from Mt. Ooe now! She's one of Master's Heroic Spirits! C'mon, Raikou, don'tcha remember!?
Fool.
Well, well, now this is something new. Okay, I can lend you a han
Shuten-Douji!?
Raikou, why did you!?
？！
Oooh, not good enough, I'm afraid. That was a copy of me I made out of wine. Nice trick, right? I copied it off of Mochizuki Chiyome of the Kouga clan.
Mmm...looks like I don't need to hold back.
You don't mind if I end up killing her, do you, sweetie?
Insects.
I can smell them.
And not just them.
There are evil things here. Insects. Demons.
Far too many creatures who thrive on the murder of men in one place.
I must exterminate them all.
Lord Fujimaru! Get behind me!
Murasaki, we need your help. Can you get rid of the thing that's possessin' Boss Raikou now!?
You mean by using what Lord Seimei taught me!? I, um, I'm still not very good at that, so...
PLEASE!
A-all right! Besides, this is all my fault for speaking so carelessly!
Now that things have gotten so out of hand, I'll devote my entire Spirit Origin and Spirit Core to resolving the situation!
I'm countin' on ya! Got that, Shuten!?
I still haven't the foggiest wha
!!!
Ugh, I really don't have time to talk! Can you get this done quickly? I don't think I can keep this up for long.
All right! I'm coming to help!
Let's go, Boss!
Go where!?
The same kinda place as last time, of course!
We can't leave Raikou like this!
...!
Let's do this, partner!
2. Before the battle
109 lines...Just what I was waitin' for.
Looks like you're holdin' on to your sense of self just fine. I knew I didn't have to worry about you, Master.
So, we're inside Raikou's head...?
？！
Yup. This is her mindscape.
If you're wonderin' why it's so freakin' dark in here, that'll be 'cause she's lost sight of everythin' else.
Sorry for bringin' ya along for the ride on such short notice.
Why would you be sorry about that?
Don't be silly. Of course I'd come.
？！
Thanks, Master.
Your body's prolly deep asleep by now. Y'know, like that REM REM thing you do...
You mean that thing where I sometimes end up in someone else's dream?
REM REM...
？！
They might seem similar, but they ain't the same by half.
Strictly speakin', this is Murasaki's spell at work. Though I guess she's really just copyin' one of Seimei's tricks.
We're pretty much here to do a sorta exorcism type thing.
They say there's a buncha different ways ta do that, and one of those feels exactly like what we got here.
What ya do is, you go inside whoever's been possessed and try to suspend your conscious mind to be able to see more clearly. I think it's been called somethin' or other Meditation.
These days, I think I'd call it the Golden Mind Dive. Got it?
More or less.
All too well.
？！
...Yeah.
Usually, this sorta spell wouldn't work on a Servant at all. Unless the Caster usin' it really knew their stuff, it'd just bounce right offa them.
The fact that this one's workin' on Raikou just proves that, even with all the magical energy she's givin' off...
...her Spirit Origin's still pretty damn unstable right now. Hell, forget her Spirit Origin.
If she's givin' off this much magical energy, she's prolly burnin' her Spirit Core for fuel.
That can't be good.
We've got to stop her, fast!
？！
Damn straight!
Well, whaddaya say we head on down? With these kinds of things, you've usually gotta work your way deep into the mindscape...
Ya know, the Raikou we saw earlier...
There was somethin' different about her than when Ushi Gozen showed up. It was like... How can I put this...
Back in the Heian period, we'd call it the "inverted dragon scale."
What's that?
？！
Basically, it's a weak point you really, really don't want anyone else touching. Like a dragon's Achilles' heel.
Oh, like a sore spot?
？！
Sorta. It's a real sore spot.
I figured I was gonna hafta tell ya about this at some point, so I might as well do it now.
First off, Raikou...isn't actually our mom.
Uh-huh...
Yeah.
Yeah, I...uh... That had occurred to me...
...Right. 'Course it would. 'Sides, you've already got a mom.
I had a different mom, too...though she was already dead by the time I met Raikou.
？！
But, Raikou can't help but be motherly, especially as a Berserker.
Best I can tell, I'd say the Raikou we know is on the younger side, long before she became the great Genji leader.
She'd always refer to herself as a mother, and she took real good care of me, even though she couldn't've been even ten years older than me.
...She was as kind as they come.
You don't have to do this, Kintoki.
If you don't want to talk about this, you don't have to.
？！
It's all right, Master. I want ya to understand. And not just because you're her Master.
I want ya to really understand who Raikou is because you're one of the most important people in her life.
See, Raikou's mother saved her life, but at the cost of her own. So Raikou grew up never knowin' a mother's love.
That's why she's so fixated on her ideal of what it means to be a mother.
...I think that's why she wants ta be one herself.
But her old man, representing the previous generation, wouldn't have it.
He said that Raikou is the leader of the Genji, an' so, had ta be a man, not a woman.
...Never mind that he ended up strippin' the title from her right at the end.
...
？！
...Pretty awful, right?
Even today, the history books say Minamoto-no-Raikou was a man who had lotsa kids with lotsa wives.
She still hasn't really come to terms with that.
...Deep down, she's still an innocent maiden who never had anyone explain that sorta thing to her.
That's why it's such a sore spot with herkinda taboo, reallyfor anyone to mention her historical kids around her.
So that's what caused this...
So when Shikibu brought up Yorikuni and Yoriie...
？！
There ya have it.
She never really understood or accepted it, but she still had to live her life as the leader of the Genji.
And well...that was her way of handling it.
That ain't Ushi Gozen. It's somethin' completely different.
I guess ya could call it her ultra-golden-dangerous work mode. When she gets like this, she's completely focused on protectin' Kyoto from evil, to the exclusion of anythin' else.
She ain't too chatty in this mode. Just goes about killin' her enemies with overwhelmin' power.
I call that version of Raikou...the lone warrior.
In this mode, she's one of the most powerful warriors to ever live, a lone wolf who just goes around mercilessly killing any enemies of the state, be they human or inhuman.
She doesn't think like a person. Hell, she doesn't even eat.
All she does is fight. That's it.
She just fights, and fights, and keeps on fighting.
It's her ultimate un-golden way of escapin' from reality... She pretty much just throws herself into her job so she doesn't hafta think about anythin' else!
S-so she's a real work fiend...or a work oni, in this case...
Oh, yeah, I guess she is, isn't she.
So she's a workaholic!?
That's it. I knew there was a word for it.
？！
We all need to forget about bad stuff now and then, but the way she's goin' about it now, it won't be long 'fore she works herself to death.
That almost happened back when she was still alive. Now that she's a Heroic Spirit...
...she'll prob'ly keep fightin' until she disappears 'cause she burned through all her magical energy.
Then we'll just have to stop her before that happens.
？！
Didn't hesitate for a second, huh. I knew I could count on ya, Boss!
All right, here we are.
So, we finally got some scenery here...
There it is! That's the big beastie we're lookin' for, Boss!
Damn, it's pretty huge. She musta been under a lotta stress. Let's make sure it never weighs on her again!
Hell yeah!
We're getting rid of this thing for good!
？！
Just what I like to hear! All right, then, come on!
We're gonna exorcise the hell outta this thing at golden lightning speed!
Let's do this!
3. After the battle
38 lines...(Huff) This is...wearing me out! What the hell's her deal!?
Even an ox ought to be at least a little tired by now. Maybe this is why you weren't able to fully become one, hmm?
Insect.
...!
Give up.
I know even insects are living creatures.
But I was told they have no place in Kyoto. Therefore...
!?
Eesh. Took them long enough!
I-I think the spell is working!
Or perhaps Lord Kintoki and Lord Fujimaru were successful!
I'm back too!
All good!
Oh... If it isn't...
...Kintoki and...Fujimaru...
I... I...
Did I... Does this mean...
I forgot myself...and tried to hurt m-my own children!?
Oh, this is just terrible! I... I... I'm a failure as a mother...
I'm glad to have you back, Raikou.
(Sniff)...
It's okay, Raikou. You're great just the way you are.
？！
Ahh... Master...
Fujimaru...
...Do you really mean that? Even after your mother has been so foolish?
(Nod)
Gallant Lady Minamoto-no-Raikou.
I don't know exactly how it came to pass...
...but I can see you've been blessed with two wonderful children.
Yes. I really, truly have.
I couldn't possibly have asked for a better pair of sons!