Sailing Anew

...Good. Everything looks intact.

Hey! You're back!

Thanks for the warm welcome. I take it everything's been smooth sailing here, no pun intended?

Yeah, everything's fine. Most eventful thing that happened here was getting sick and tired of rations.

In fact, we got so tired of it that we ended up raiding the food marked "Director Only." Now those were some damn fine eats.

You what!?

I had my heart set on that food! They're half the reason I wanted to come back here!

Sorry, Boss. It was the price you had to pay to keep everyone's spirits high.

Ouch! That was TOO blunt! Dammit, all that juicy bacon, gone forever...

I'm checking the ship's condition now.

...It's still holding together, but just barely. The damage to the hull plating is especially bad.

There's no way we can dive in this state. The best we can hope for now is to sail on the surface.

I see. Then it sounds like towing is the only way to go after all.

I hate to say it, but yeah, it is.

Very well then, Bartholomew, go ahead and get ready to tow us, if you'd be so kind.

In the meantime, Master, I'd like you and Ms. Kyrielight to get some much-needed rest.

？！

I'll go do the same.

I say, Captain, I don't suppose you have any Nemo Marines who specialize in foot massages?

I do, actually.

...! (Gleam in his eye and his glasses)

But I can't create any extra marines right now. I just don't have the strength.

...! (Completely crestfallen)

I see. Well, that's too bad. (Sigh) My poor, aching tootsies...

All right, I'm gonna go analyze these nanomachines. Come give me a hand, Holmes.

Of course.

Bartholomew, how long will it take to rig both ships for towing?

If I start right now and hurry, I'd say it'll be about two hours.

Meaning we would set sail before twilight, hmm. That's certainly cutting it close.

I suppose we could wait another day if we had to... But no, the sooner we leave, the better.

We can't be too cautious, given that we're up against Odysseus.

True. You might be pretty smart, Holmes, but there's still a big difference between a detective and a general.

Duly noted.

At any rate, the situation is disadvantageous as it is, so if nothing else, we must be sure to avoid doing anything that might result in giving the enemy a chance to finish us for good.

Makes sense to me. Okay then, let's set sail in two hours.

Fou, fou.

I think Fou's feeling cross about all the director's bacon having been eaten.

？！

Anyway, I'm so glad you're all right, Master.

Servants may be able to sense whether or not their Master is okay...

...but that still doesn't compare to being there next to him.

Honestly, I was going out of my mind with worry, not knowing what had happened to you.

？！

...I'm so relieved you weren't hurt.

I know we're in the middle of an operation right now... but I just can't seem to settle my mind.

I think that's because, even now that we've eliminated four Lostbelts...

...we still don't know what the best solution for us is.

This has been an incredibly difficult journey, for so many reasons.

...And I just can't take it all in stride, like Holmes can.

Yet despite that, as selfish as it is, I also can't help but want to hold on to the people I'm close to...

？！

Fou...

？！

...Okay. Thank you, Master.

... ...Huh?

Did you hear something strange just now?

... ...

Mandricardo, did you hear anything unusual?

O-oh, that was me. I just banged my wooden sword against the wall. Sorry 'bout that.

I see. That would explain it.

I'm afraid the halls aren't very wide, so if you could please try not to swing your sword around in here too much, I would appreciate it...

Yeah, of course. I'll be careful. ...Sorry again.

The last thing I wanted was to bother you.

？！

R-right, I guess not.

Hey, how about orders? Got anything you want me to do?

？！

Gotcha.

...Sorry again for bothering you.

I know it's important that you guys rest up when you can.

Go on, you guys take it nice and easy. I'll go out and keep an eye on things.

It looked like something was bothering him. I wonder what's wrong?

？！

Anyway, he's right; it is important that we rest up when we can.

So how about I brew some tea, and we have a nice, relaxing sit-down, Senpai?

Hm? Oh, hey, Mandricardo.

What's up? You're welcome to hang out here, but you might find it pretty boring. There's not really much for you to

Please...please, if there's anything I can do to help, anything at all, I'm happy to do it. Really.

Hmm. I appreciate the offer, but there really isn't anything to do except carry some heavy things...

No problem! I'm on it!

Hmm. Kind of a weird Servant, isn't he?

But hey, I'm not gonna say no to another set of hands.

Besides, it's best to delegate what you can!

There you are. Right on time.

Just so you know, Fujimaru, in the grown-up world, anything less than five minutes early is considered late.

That aside, are you sure this is going to work?

I took a quick peek at the engine room earlier, and it looks to still be flooded with all manner of detritus.

We can't use any of the main engines right now, but we should be able to scrape by on auxiliary power.

After that, it all comes down to how strong the ship that'll be towing us is. Personally, I'm hoping we'll be able to glide with all the elegance of a manta ray.

Don't you worry, Captain Nemo. I didn't name this ship the Royal Fortune for nothing.

Set sail!!!

... ...

Phew.

I heard that when Blackbeard had a Holy Grail, he was able to use his Noble Phantasm to not only recreate his ship, but his entire crew as well.

Whereas the best I can do right now is order around a silent assistant.

Anyway, this just leaves Artemis. Given the time of day and favorable wind, we should just be able to get past her.

Good, we're moving. Full speed ahead!

A-are you sure we'll be all right? Because that sound I'm hearing is not encouraging in the slightest!

We'll be fine! The Border's a good ship. I know it can handle the strain!

All right, we're moving!

Just barely, though.

Any rough maneuvering and the whole thing'll fall apart. And of course, diving's out of the question.

As long as it moves on water, it's still a ship.

I'm going to shift the ballast so the ship slants to one side a bit.

It might feel unstable, but you'll just have to bear with it for a while.

Yeowch! My herbal tea!

Why are you even drinking tea right now!? Especially when it's still hot!

If you must know, I was counting on it to help me relax!

Lest you forget, as the commander, I need to be ready to issue coolheaded orders at a moment's notice!

Hahaha. If you're feeling well enough to mount such a vigorous argument on the merits of herbal tea, Goredolf, then I can rest assured knowing the Border is in good hands.

Now then. Mr. Fujimaru. Ms. Kyrielight. Mandricardo.

I would like the three of you to move to Bartholomew's ship so as to ensure its safe passage.

Under the circumstances, having it come to an unexpected halt could be very dangerous indeed.

Understood, Holmes.

Come on, Master, let's go!

... ...Right.

I mean, I'll do my best out there.

Right. Oh, and please be careful when climbing out of the hatch.

But if you do slip, don't worry. I'll be right there to catch you!

？！

U-um, excuse me? I was just wondering what it is I should be doing?

Hm? Oh, right. You're such a wallflower I'd nearly forgotten we'd added another Servant to our ranks.

The technical and administrative advisors, bacon thieves, and Captain should have the Border's defense covered...

So feel free to entertain yourself however you like.

Um, I'm afraid that doesn't really answer my question...

？！

...! Right! Yes! Of course!

I'd be honored to accompany you!

Hmm.

Ms. Corday seems to have taken a great liking to our Mr. Fujimaru.

Of course, most Servants we've met have been quite willing to help him, given the existential threat humanity faces.

Is there an issue here? That all seems like a good thing to me.

And indeed, it is.

Welcome! I'm so glad to have you on board my Royal Fortune!

How's it looking out here?

Not bad, but not great, either.

It doesn't seem like Artemis has noticed us, but I am sensing some Demonic Beasts up ahead.

And unfortunately, we can't go around them, since time is of the essence right now.

So we'll just have to blast them the moment they board the deck.

All right, all hands to battle stations! I'd join you, but I've got my hands full steering the ship.

Roger that. We'll take care of it.

From here on, we're racing against the clock.

I'd suggest we pray to the gods for help...but I guess this is the worst possible place to do that, hm?

Well, good luck!

All right. Don't worry, Master. I'm more pumped now than I've been in a long time.

(It doesn't matter if I stand out or not. I've just gotta make sure I'm helping Master out.)

Just point me at the beast you want dead, and I'll finish 'em off in no time!

(He really is pumped... I've got to make sure I don't fall behind!)

R-right! I'll, um...be sure to kill someone! Yeah!

(Why's she talking about murdering people?)

？！

You got them? Great. All we have to do now is pray that Artemis doesn't come after us.

Here we go! Full speed ahead! I'm going to sail this ship so fast you'll think it's running on rocket fuel!

？！

Haha! Now that's what I like to hear, Master!

Let's see... Oh hey, you might be pretty familiar with this next island's name, Master.

Oh? Why, what's it called?

Heracles Island.

It makes sense when you think about it, since Heracles did end up ascending to godhood in the end.

It's no surprise he might have an island named after him.

Huh? Heracles Island?

...Y-yeah, that's right. (Talking directly to her always makes me nervous.)

...I remember now.

I actually started out on Heracles Island when I was first summoned here.

I was only on Hestia Island because I had Bartholomew take me there.

Why did you do that?

Oh, I went to fetch Jason some medicinal herbs for his hangov

... ...

Ah... Oops...

？！

So much has happened that I completely forgot about him!

Oh gosh, he's going to be so angry with me...

We'll leave the Border in its camouflaged mode, just like we did before.

We're also going to keep transmissions to an absolute minimum to make it harder for Odysseus to find us.

I am sorry about this.

And even with circumstances as they are, we will absolutely continue to keep watch and let you know immediately in the event of an emergency.

Well, for what it's worth, I remember this island still being pretty peaceful.

？！

So, Bartholomew's gonna stay behind and hold down the fort, huh...

Is there an issue with that?

(...That means Corday and I are gonna be taking point on talking to this island's villagers, doesn't it?)

(Are they kidding? There's no way I can handle that. Just thinking about it's freaking me out.)

(Maybe I could just let Corday deal with all that? ...But then, that'd be pretty pathetic, wouldn't it?)

...Nah, it's fine. Let's keep moving.

First things first, we oughta head for the village and start asking around about the temple.

Once we know where it is, we can head there and get Nemo some more nanomachines.

(Sigh)... I hate to leave my ship behind, but I guess there isn't any other way.

？！

I'm fine. I've recovered enough that I can walk on my own again. And I've served in the army before, so I'm used to forced marches, too.

Great. All right then, let's get going.

Sounds good! Thank you for leading the way, Mandricardo!

... ...

(Aw man, now there's more pressure than ever...)

Hm? Is something wrong?

Me? Nah, I'm fine.

？！

...?

There's something strange about the ground. It feels oddly...rigid in places...

That'll be metal from the remains of fallen gods you see everywhere. There's a bunch buried here.

We might find something good if we dug 'em up, but it'd take long enough that we're better off leaving well enough alone.

...Hm? I can sense Demonic Beasts nearby.

And they're being weirdly aggressive.

Are they hunting us?

No, it's not that. It feels like...they're already fighting something.

Could be some Atlantis Border Guards. Wanna try scoping things out from a distance?

？！

You got it. Hang on to me, Nemo. I'm gonna pick up the pace for a bit.

I usually can't stand being treated like a child, but as we have no choice, I will endure.

Let's go!

That's it! Cut off their escape!

...Oh. It's just people hunting.

Hm? You guys not from this island?

No, we're not.

Hi guys! Good to see you again!

Corday!? Is that you!?

Where've you been all this time? Jason's been missing you something fierce.

Ahahaha, good one! As if Jason would ever miss anybody.

Hahaha, yeah, that's fair.

Anyway, now that you guys are here, would you mind helping us out with our hunt?

Uh...

？！

Got it. Okay, guess I'd better go lend a helping hand.

All right!

No sweat.

I'm just glad I could help.

Man, you guys don't fight like anyone else I've ever seen.

Uh, y-yeah, I guess not.

Well hey, whatever gets the job done. The important thing is, we've got food now.

Besides, it's good to get out and hunt like this now and then. Helps break up the monotony of day-to-day life.

I don't know...

I think I prefer the easy life over working too hard, like that kid.

What are you, nuts? Who wouldn't want the glory of being chosen by Olympus?

Well yeah, I guess...

Chosen by Olympus? What do you mean by that?

Oh, that?

It's when a number of the youngsters compete to see which of them'll be chosen as soldiers sworn to defend Olympus.

!

O-oh, I see.

Master...

？！

...

And Filia's son has been working his rear off saying he's gonna be the one chosen this time.

I still don't know. I mean, doesn't becoming a soldier basically mean signing up to be a disposable pawn?

He says that's okay with him.

After all, being an Olympian guard's the only way outcasts like us'll ever get to serve the gods.

I guess that's true... There's no way we old-timers would make the cut, though.

I'm sorry, old-timers...?

Um, if you don't mind my asking, could you tell us how old you are?

We're both coming up on five hundred years old soon. Though I'm still hoping to be granted an audience with the gods at least once before I die.

!!!

Five hun

That's the Theos Klironomia at work.

Those things can give Servants enough magical energy to use their Noble Phantasms.

So letting normal people live for five hundred years is nothing.

All right, we'd better head back to the village. You'll come with us, right, Corday?

Jason's still waiting there for you. Though I have to say, I don't get him at all.

You'd never know he's got a pretty little number like you lovingly taking care of him from the way he scowls all the time.

Ahahaha. That's because we don't actually care for each other...at all.

？！

Not even a little!

He's going to be scowling more than ever when he sees me! Just you wait and see!

So make sure you don't get the wrong idea about us, d'accord!?

？！

Phew...

Okay then, let's get going to the village, shall we? Off we go!

Hahaha. I can see you miss Jason just as much as he misses you.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

I can't deal with this crap anymore!

Another!

Another mug of beer, huh? Okay, here you go.

Though I gotta say, Servant or not, don't you think you've had enough by now?

I'm fine. Everything's fine.

Servants can still get drunk, AND we don't have to worry about addiction. It's all good news, really!

Well, I'm not gonna complain about you racking up a big tab. Though I will come collecting one of these days, you hear?

I know, I know. Don't worry. If worse comes to worst, I can always sell my sword.

You sure? Don't you kind of need that? I mean, you are technically a Saber, right?

Yeah, I am!

But you know...

At this point, it doesn't even matter what class I am.

I'm just gonna spend my time drinking the nights away, counting the moments until I vanish.

Assuming the world doesn't end first, of course.

'Cause when that happens, me, you, and everyone else here are ALL gonna vanish without a trace!

So this is what it looks like when somebody truly doesn't give a shit anymore, huh?

Well, either way, there's not a whole lot left that I can do about any of it at this point.

... ...?

Hey, barkeep, where's that nag Corday got off to?

It feels like it's been a few days or so since I last saw her.

You sure she didn't leave your sorry ass to fend for yourself?

She'd never do that.

She can't even bear the idea of turning her back on someone, let alone actually do it.

So even though you know that about her, you're still not shy about running her ragged, huh. You're a real piece of work, aren't you?

Believe me, it's not like I asked for her help. I'd just as soon she leave me alone.

Well anyway, Corday said she was going to look for medicinal herbs on another island about three days ago.

Medicinal herbs? So she left the village? All on her own?

...Ugh, I swear. Didn't she ever stop to think about what could happen if she ran into some border guards?

So what, you're not gonna go save her?

She left three days ago, right? Then it's already too late.

And it's not like Servants leave a body behind when they die.

The best I can do is properly mourn her if she never comes back.

Oh? Looks like you're not gonna get the chance this time.

Well, well. So she actually managed to survive, did she? Will wonders never cease.

She probably just managed to escape by the skin of her teeth, or somehow managed to sneak up on a Demonic Beast without getting caught.

Either that, or one of the villagers bailed her out.

Well, Corday?

If you took this long to get some medicinal herbs, you'd better have some real good ones to show for

？！

Ah.

Hi Jason! I have some good news and some bad news!

The bad news is, I forgot all about the herbs! The good news is, we have more companions now!

... ...

In the meantime, I'm going to make a plate of Demonic Beast stir-fry from today's hunt.

Hi Drake! Is it okay if I use the kitchen?

？！

Did she say Drake!?

Drake? Isn't that

Well now, it's not every day I get so many customers.

Welcome to the Golden Hind. I'm the owner, Francis Drake.

...But then, if you lot are from Proper Human History, maybe you already know who I am.

Y-yes! Of course we do!

Oh. Although, um...

？！

Sorry, can't say I do.

But you know, weirdly enough, I've got a good feeling about you lot for some reason.

Who knows? Maybe we had a good brawl together in a dream or something like that.

I see...

Well even so, it's been a wonderful surprise to see you here, Drake.

And you, Jason!

Oh for... Don't tell me you brought the Chaldeans here, Corday!?

Argh, I swear! This is exactly why I hate airheads!

How many times did I tell you!?

If you're that determined to get into trouble, then go right ahead. Just keep it the hell away from me!

Yet here you are, bringing back people reeking of trouble like a lamb drenched in gasoline!

Well, I was just so fortunate in meeting Fujimaru that I couldn't help it.

You're acquaintances of Jason too, right, Fujimaru?

？！

I guess the best thing to say here is "Long time no see," Master?

We're not acquaintances! We're sworn enemies! Eh! Neh! Mees!!!

Um... That almost sounds like you still have memories of Okeanos, Jason...

You bet I do! I remember everything like it was yesterday!

I might not have experienced it in this manifestation, but with memories this disturbingly detailed, I don't have to!

I can still see Medea's face just when I'd been tricked into feeling like I was on top of the world...

Ugh, I swear, I'm going to have nightmares about that...

Well, I'm sure you guys have lots of catching up to do, so I'm going to get to cooking.

Huh? You're really throwing me to the wolves like this!? These people actually killed me, you know!

Yes, I do! That's why I'm sure you'll be great friends!

Uh...

？！

Damn. Airheads are really something else, aren't they?

Right!?

I swear, why do I keep running into all these damn airheads who keep literally blowing up my life!?

I see. I guess they really don't care for each other at all...

Ugh, fine!

Go on, have a seat. The food ought to be ready shortly.

We can each share a little about what we know until it gets here. Those are my terms. Take them or piss off.

So, how much do you know about what's going on here?

...Yeah, that's more or less right.

Half the Servants here disappeared, and the other half made it to Olympus.

That's where we're hoping to go too: Olympus.

Hah!

Yep, that's the can-do attitude of a Servant who's already saved the world. But unfortunately, it's just not possible.

Listen. When I say those Servants made it to Olympus, that's all I mean; that they made it there.

And THEY didn't have these three layers of defense to worry about!

There was no Odysseus commanding an army, no Artemis watching from up in the heavens...

...and no broken Poseidon murder machine slaughtering anything that gets too close!

Do you understand? Honestly, it's a damn miracle you lot are even alive right now!

？！

But isn't that what Servants do? Make miracles happen?

I know what you're going to say.

You want my help, right?

Forget it!

I'm not going on another so-called hero's journey for the privilege of getting myself killed!

Just because I'm a Servant now doesn't mean I don't still feel pain and fear.

And I'm definitely not so stupid as to throw my life away on a fool's errand!

I don't mind helping out.

Really, Drake!?

？！

That said, I don't know if I can be much help with this busted-up Spirit Origin.

She's basically got an incurable wound.

She might look like herself, but her insides are a mess.

The whole reason she's here running a bar is because she's got nothing better to do.

And if that wasn't bad enough, Poseidon's cursed her to die if she ever sets out to sea.

Serves her right, if you ask me!

Hahahaha, at least I can still use my culverin cannons on land.

Maybe I should give it a shot right now.

I'm sorry! Forgive me! I shouldn't have said that!

？！

That's awful...

Sorry I can't be of much help. I really am.

But the fact is, I'm just not the Francis Drake you know. I can't make the impossible possible anymore.

That's for sure! The best she can manage now is running a tavern and drinking herself silly!

Here we go! A nice plate of hors d'oeuvres!

Oh, and while I didn't find any medicinal herbs, I did try soaking them in this edible wild grass.

Oh man, they taste like cold compresses... Boy, do I love me some hors d'oeuvres...

Would you all like some, too?

Teehee, please, help yourself. I made plenty to go around.

Thank you, Corday.

...Of course! La ta taaa♪

Why's she in such a good mood? She get another screw knocked loose or something?

B-beats me...

She's pretty much always in a good mood around us.

That so? Oh well, whatever.

You really are callous about her, aren't you?

Believe me, I could say the same for her!

？！

(Sigh) I'm stuffed... So ends another pointless day.

？！

What else? Fall asleep on the second floor.

Is that all you've been doing every day?

Yup. That pretty much describes Jason's entire last month here.

How can you be so cavalier about this? Weren't you the captain of the Argo?

Me? Sure, I was a captain.

Then why

A miserable excuse of a captain who got his own crewman killed.

？！

...Heracles.

Heracles is...dead?

Yeah, that's right!

He shielded me and a number of other Servants from Artemis's arrow!

And even with the Casters buffing him to kingdom come...

...he could still only take two shots before he used up his God Hand and kicked the bucket!

Dammit, why did he shield us? If anyone should've survived, it was him!

...Right. I remember now.

You dropped out right around when Heracles died.

Hah. Took you fricking long enough to remember.

I guess Medea or one of the other Casters must have messed with your memories.

Medea's here too? Is she okay?

Don't ask me. She was alive when I bailed, but I've no idea if that's still the case.

... ...

Uh... Hey, so...

What is it, gloomy!? You got something to say to me!?

Shut it, sunshine! Ugh, you're so damn bright I can't even look at you!

Look, you've still got enough strength to fight back, right!?

Well, if you don't use it now, when the hell are you going to!?

I'll tell you when! Right the hell now!

Let's take this outside! Come on, Corday, give me a hand!

H-huh!?

You want me to fight against everyone from Chaldea!?

If you side with them, I'm not gonna bother lifting a damn finger!

Ugh, you can be so unreasonable sometimes.

But, okay.

If that's what it takes to convince you, I'll be glad to help!

I'm surprised that convinced YOU. You really are a natural-born Assassin.

Ooh, you lot gonna fight? In that case, keep it inside!

I wanna see what you've all got for myself!

...Isn't the barkeep supposed to say "Take it outside"?

Forget that! I want to see a good old-fashioned barroom brawl!

Ahaha, that's our Drake for you. Okay, Jason, let's both give it our best!

"Let's both give it our best"? Is this really the time forHey! Stop! I still need to get my sword!

I-it looks like there's no getting out of this peacefully now, Master!

You're a real easygoing guy, aren't you!?

You got it. You're a real easygoing sort, aren't you?

？！

Ahaha, maybe so, but that's one thing I like about him! Anyway, here goes nothing!

There, it's done! I lost, you won! Now go on, scram!

Wait. Whaaat!?

You mean you're not gonna join us even though we beat you?

I never said I'd do anything of the sooort!

No, I guess you didn't... I'd forgotten what you were like.

Go ahead and take the airhead with you if you want. Not that she's good for anything besides blowing up in your face.

But leave me out of it!

Hey. (Waving over)

？！

You really want Jason to come along with you?

？！

Good point.

Given everything that's going on now, you probably would be better off with him in your crew.

Okay then, I've got an idea.

There's a temple up north of here where a bunch of border guards like to hang out.

Go up there and get yourselves some Theos Klironomia.

？！

Jason's a smart guy.

He'll figure out what it means that you've got some real quick.

Oh, no need to overdo it. Just enough for one Servant oughta do.

Here, this is the release codes for the Theos Kilronomia, and a storage container to bring back what you can get.

Oho, that's what I like to hear. Now go on out there and loot that temple like a true pirate!

No problem. It's the least I can do, since I can't fight alongside you.

？！

What were you talking about with Drake, Master?

Border guards at the temple, huh?

I mean, I guess that's fine, since we needed to go there anyway.

Right. That suggestion of hers is just what we were looking for anyway.

But I still don't understand how defeating those guards will change Jason's mind.

Me neither.

Still, this is Captain Drake we're talking about. It can't hurt to give her idea a shot.

？！

Right/Got it!

I'm going too, of course!

That's okay with you, right, Fujimaru? Right? Right?

Wonderful!

O-oh, really?

Thank goodness. I'm so glad to hear you feel that way.

？！

I mean, you have Mandricardo to help with combat now, so I was worried you might not need me anymore!

(Really? I figured if anyone here was a fifth wheel, it'd be me!)

But anyway, if you do need me, I'll gladly do anything and everything I can to help.

I promise, I won't let you down!