Steel Diaries (Second Half)

Mmm, that was great! Thanks for goin' to the trouble to make us dinner so late at night!

Don't be ridiculous. You're all Lady Kaoruko's honored guests. It's no trouble at all.

Now, if you're all done, I'll clear your dishes. Oh, and will you be heading out early tomorrow morning as well?

No, we're not plannin' on anythin' like that tomorrow.

Then I'll prepare your breakfasts as well. Good night, everyone.

I'm glad to hear you liked it.

Not at all. Good night.

？！

All right, everyone. Please allow me to review what we have learned and what we face.

I hope you will permit me to speculate where we still lack information.

Sounds great. Go for it, Danzo.

First, in regards to the Imperial Holy Grail War, we know that two Masters have already been defeated.

Namely Lord Usui and Lord Urabe, two of Raikou's Four Heavenly Kings.

We can count them as Masters One and Two, Lord Watanabe-no-Tsuna as Master Three, and Lord Kintoki as Master Four.

As such, we can also assume that Lord Charles Babbage, the Heroic Spirit we believe positioned his Helter Skelters clones at Inari Shrine...

...is the Servant of the fifth, still unknown Master.

I trust you are both with me thus far?

So does that make Fujimaru the fourth Heroic Spirit?

？！

Indeed. Remember, Lord Fujimaru is himself a Master.

...Haha.

Right. Of course. I didn't forget, exactly. It just doesn't make sense to me.

If I'm the fourth Master, then where's my Heroic Spirit? It's not you either, right, Danzo?

Sorry, no, I am very much Master's Servant.

Besides, Lord Kintoki, I am an Assassin, not a Caster.

If it is true that a condition of the Imperial Holy Grail War dictates all Servants manifesting for it must be Casters...

...then it is just not possible for me to be your Servant.

Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry.

It's just, ever since I got these Command Spells, I can't help but wonder where my Heroic Spirit could be.

Anyway, gettin' back on track. Assumin' this Babbage guy's the fifth Heroic Spirit...

...then where's his Master? Uh, the fifth one?

And more importantly...

...who do we talk to about the Imperial Holy Grail War bein' evil, so we can ask 'em to refrain from fightin'?

What about the conditions for becoming a Master in the Imperial Holy Grail War? Do you know what those are, Lord Kintoki?

For example, there are a number of conditions to become one in a typical Holy Grail War.

Such as, the Master must be a mage or someone with equivalent capabilities, they must have something they wish for deeply, and so on.

Huh. Sounds similar to this one, but also really different.

Yes?

It's almost like this one's goin' about everythin' completely backwards, you know?

Indeed, everything does seem to be turned on its head here. That is just the sort of twisted game Limbo loves to play...

... ...

Oh, pardon me. I was just thinking to myself, and also considering how Limbo must pay for what he's done.

Specifically, I was putting my analytical circuits to work while contemplating how Limbo must pay with my conscious mind.

？！

Now, I just had a thought. Lord Kintoki, you told us before that Imperial Holy Grail War Masters are officially known as Imperial Warriors.

So then, does that mean to be a Master in the Imperial Holy Grail War, one must be a warrior, too?

No, it doesn't.

!

Not at all.

？！

I-I-it's all right, Master. I am a puppet, so... I am all right...

I am...perfectly fine... Yes...

But I think, um...

I'm just going to stand over here in the corner by myself for a while...

Ah.

Danzo, wait! You didn't do anythin' wrong! I shoulda told you guys about this sooner!

See, back when the Imperial Holy Grail War was just gettin' started...

...the Minister of the Left actually told us what the criteria for bein' selected were!

The seven people who will take part in the Imperial Holy Grail War...

...shall be those who possess power known to every man, woman, and child in Heian-kyo.

These people shall be known as Imperial Warriors, or Masters.

In total, there shall be seven Casters summoned from foreign worlds, and seven Imperial Warriors Mastersto command them!

Now go forth, Masters, and fight with all your might to collect these Casters' heads!

That is all. The heavens have spoken, and my word is theirs!

...And that's the long and short of it.

I see.

So, you were told to collect the heads of the Casters summoned for this Holy Grail War.

Heroic Spirits possess strength and powers beyond what is normally possible for humans. It is unusual to speak of them as prey.

A single Servant can easily defeat an entire army. In Master's world, they are seen as powerful weapons.

They are Mystics capable of even bringing myths or legends to life.

And these Heian Imperial Warriors have been tasked with killing such powerful beings. That is...truly frightening.

You think?

The way I see it, it doesn't matter how strong someone is; they die like anyone else, long as you cut their head off.

Then again, I guess that just goes to show why it's better to be safe than sorry!

Gotta make sure I keep my guard up.

That merely being on your guard against beings as powerful as Servants only proves my point!

Huh?

Er, but never mind. As we were saying...

I cannot think of any who possess the sort of power Lord Michinaga spoke of besides other Heian warriors.

Are you certain that is not the right answer? Did I sulk in the corner for nothing?

What do you think, Master?

？！

I don't know.

Hey, here's a question for you two: Does "power" only ever mean mastery of martial arts?

That is...a good question.

There is certainly more than one kind of power...

Masters of sumo are strong in very different ways from masters of the sword, the spear, or the bow.

And there are no doubt many other, similar examples as well. Hmm...

Haha, right?

Far as I'm concerned, anyone who can cook's incredibly strong in their own right! Like that maidservant!

Oh, people who can read poetry are somethin' else, too. I've never been able to wrap my head around poetry.

Power... What IS power...? Nnn...

Oh, Lady Kaoruko is here.

Welcome back. I'm glad to see you all safe and sound.

So, um...

I couldn't help but notice you didn't return straight after we left the palace...

May I ask where you went?

We, um...

We just hung around Suzaku Avenue a bit before headin' out to take care of some monsters.

Monsters? Oh my.

You heard all those rumors goin' around about the steel monster?

We heard it'd been seen at Inari Shrine, so we went to pay it a little visit.

'Course, it ended up just bein' some clones or illusions or somethin' like that, so we'll have to go back later to look for the real thing.

I... I-I see...

T-to think there was a...monster, hiding out there...

But hey, you don't gotta worry, Kaoruko.

We might've missed it last time, but we'll definitely get it next time. Then no one'll hafta be scared of it.

So you just sleep tight and don't worry 'bout a thing, all right?

... ...

A-all right...

... ...

I-I, um...

I'm sorry... I'm feeling a little under the weather, so...

I hope you won't mind if I, um, take my leave and retire for the night...

Oh? Okay, I guess it is pretty late. Yeah, why don't you turn in.

You can sleep easy tonight, knowin' we've got this steel monster thing well in hand.

...Good night.

？！

...Oh yes, it's nothing.

Thank you for your concern. Good night...

Hmm...

Anyone else kinda worried about her?

... ...

...Master.

I'm sorry to disturb you so soon after you've gone to bed.

Are you asleep?

？！

I see.

Lady Kaoruko just went out on her own. What shall we do?

？！

Indeed. It seemed as though something was weighing on her mind.

Nnn... (Zzz...)

I swear, how many times you gonna keep showin' up like this...?

If Raikou catches you...it'll be your head on the...floor...

... ...

I'm up! I'm up!

What is it? There a monster around? Where?

Lady Kaoruko just went out on her own. I was asking Master what we should do.

...I see.

She wasn't walkin', was she?

No, she took a carriage.

Gotcha. What time's it now? Early morning?

...No, it's still way too dark for that.

It is still nighttime. Just before midnight, actually.

Yeah. That makes sense...

Then I will scout ahead and find out where she is headed.

Understood.

I will scout ahead and find out where she is headed.

？！

Damn, she's already gone, huh? Man, Danzo sure doesn't waste any time once she makes up her mind, does she!?

All right then!

Right, now that we're on the main road, which way do we go!? She could've gone in any direction!

I have a report to make. Lady Kaoruko's carriage appears to be headed straight for Inari Shrine!

Whoa, she's gone again! That's impressive.

Well, guess we'd better get goin' too, then.

Here, why don't I carry ya, Fujimaru!? That'll let us move way faster!

Hold on tight! And whatever you do, don't bite your tongue!

That's weird. We haven't run into a single creature yet. And we're almost to the shrine, too

...!

Shut up!

？！

So you things got bored of hangin' around underground, huh!? ...Oh, right. No point in yellin' at shikigami, is there!?

Well, it doesn't matter! Get outta our way! Otherwise, we're goin' right through ya!

C'mon, Fujimaru!

Kaoruko! Where are you!?

Looks like she left the carriage behind here. And her servants don't know where she is, either. They're just waitin' for her to get back!

This must mean she

You are correct. Lady Kaoruko went into the cave we found earlier.

Right!

Understood!

？！

...The magical energy in here is just as dense now as it was earlier.

Thus far, there do not seem to be any hostile magical energy signals.

I cannot be certain as my scans do not reach the innermost chambers, but I believe it is safe to say there are no familiars positioned ahead.

？！

Yes, Master.

Right on.

It's hard to imagine Kaoruko attackin' us...but this would definitely be the perfect place for an ambush.

Not much room to move around in here, so lemme lead the way.

Danzo, would you bring up the rear?

Leave it to me.

Fujimaru, you stay behind me, and ahead of Danzo.

If anythin' happens, I'll be countin' on your help!

Huh, that's a new one. Haha, I don't know what it means, but I like it!

Roger that! C'mon, let's go!

Awesome. Thanks, Fujimaru.

？！

...Whoa there.

Lord Kintoki.

Yeah, I can tell someone's here. But it doesn't feel like an ambush!

Hey in there! Unless you wanna learn the hard way how accurately I can throw my axe, you better show yourself right the hell now!

(Lord Kintoki!?)

(I know, don't worry. I'm not really gonna throw it.)

(We might be dealin' with Kaoruko, after all, and I'd never do that to anyone who put me up and fed me.)

(I'm just bluffin'!)

Ahahahaha. Well, I definitely don't wanna have to dodge your axe.

Hey, cut that out! I told you not to call me that!

Heh, that's right. It's me, Kiyoko, everyone's favorite big sister!

？！

I'm sorry, but I'd really rather you not go any further.

Can't let you pass. You three are just going to have to turn around and go back the way you came.

Well damn, this is a surprise.

I hate to sound like an officer or somethin', but what in the world are you doin' here, Kiyoko?

Don't tell me you're actually the Master?

Hmm. What to do...?

Telling you I'm the, uh, Master to throw you off would probably work...

...but, unfortunately, I don't like lying like that.

So nope! I'm afraid it's just plain old me here.

Besides, I don't even know what you even mean by Master.

(So, she doesn't have anything to do with the Imperial Holy Grail War?)

...Then why are you here?

... ...

Please step aside, Kiyoko.

We have to meet with as many Masters as we can.

We're not lookin' to start any trouble here. We just wanna talk. Please understand.

Nnn...

Normally, I'd be happy to do anything you asked, Blondy.

I mean, you've never asked me for anything before, and now you've asked me for two favors in almost as many days.

And since I'm such a dependable big sister to all...

...there's definitely a part of me that wishes I could do what you want.

...Yeah.

But, I'm sorry. I just can't this time.

Don't get me wrong, it's got nothing to do with you. I just can't let anyone go any further than this.

？！

You got it.

R-really? How's that work?

I thought you said you didn't even know each other!

And it's true. We don't. The only thing we have in common is that we're both writers.

She doesn't even know I'm out here trying to stop you guys.

I'm just out here doing this on my own, for my own selfish reasons!

Huh!?

I have rarely seen such sheer brazenness!

Maybe I said this before, maybe I didn't, but...

I really love the stories she writes. I mean really, really love them.

That's why I'm not letting anyone past here. I don't care who they are.

Of course, that might be easier said than done, since I'm really not a fighter. The most I can do is play a mean game of kemari. So...

Maybe you can give me a pass 'cause I'm just so pretty!?

Wha

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, come on! You gotta know that ain't happenin'!

I didn't wanna bring this up, but you're not exactly a spring chicken anymore, Kiyoko!

Besides, there's three of us and only one of you.

Even if you were as skilled an onmyouji as Lord Seimei, I still don't think you could beat us by yourself!

Did you think you could just slip in that HORRIBLE AND UNCALLED FOR dig at my age and I'd miss it, Blondy!?

Now that you've poked this proverbial bear, I'm just going to lead off with my trump card! Or talisman, in this case!

...!

Hang on. Is that one of Lord Seimei's talismans!? But I thought you hated onmyouji!

Well, yeah, I do. I especially can't stand their loud chanting.

And while Lord Seimei's easy on the eyes and all, I'm not super interested in being his friend.

But he did give me this talisman before he disappeared...and I think it's because he knew I was gonna do this.

Honestly, that kinda pisses me off too, but right now, I can deal with it! All right, guys, you're up!

Multiple hostiles confirmed! Master, she seems to have used some kind of summoning spell!

You've gotta be kiddin' me!

Wahahahahaha! Let's freakin' goooooo!

Hyaaah!

All hostiles eliminated. The battle is over!

Man...

Ooh, that smarts...

？！

Oh, thanks.

... ...

Aw man, so much for that. Guess that's what I get for stepping so far out of my wheelhouse.

And now that the talisman is all used up, I'm pretty much done.

？！

...Have you ever read that story of hers? It's great stuff, you know. I really love it.

Well, except for Hikaru. He's the one character I just can't stand.

But him aside, it's got several amazing romances, comedic scenes, dramatic scenes, feel-good scenes, quiet scenes...

Really, there's just...something special about it.

It doesn't matter how many times I read it. I always get so caught up that I can't put it down till I've finished.

So you'd better believe I want to see how a story this special ultimately ends.

That's why I... Well...

？！

？！

Hm?

I'm supposedta protect women and children. I'd never just go around fightin' them!

Even now, we haven't actually laid so much as a finger on you, right, Kiyoko? So don't worry.

Like I said right at the beginning...

I came here to talk, not to throw my axe around!

I know what you're worried about, and I'm tellin' ya, it's not gonna happen. I won't let it happen!

I...

I, too, would like to dream the way you do.

If I were to go beyond your thick steel armor...

...do you think I could see your world for myself?

Ridiculous. If that is meant to be a joke, Master, it is not funny.

You need only be concerned with your own dreams. What remains of mine is my business alone.

Besides, the act of telling stories...

...is not so different from following one's dreams, finding inspiration in great poetry, and creating your own world.

Indeed, you already have a dream of your own, Master Kaoruko.

How can you be so certain, Lord Babbage?

After all, you were

True, my own attempts at poetry were far from inspirational.

But I did count a number of great poets among my friends, and I am quite familiar with their words.

So I do know the many joys and sorrows of those who tell stories.

And I know what it is you wish for more than anything.

... ...

All right.

...Now then.

How long are you going to spy on us? It is past time you revealed yourselves, brave youths.

So, you knew we were here, huh?

We apologize for interrupting your discussion. You must be Lord Charles Babbage.

Ah! It's you three...

Did you follow me here!? I'm so sorry, Lord Babbage! I didn't

？！

So, you know my True Name.

Then I will not bother with questions, as you are clearly here as part of the Imperial Holy Grail War.

Yeah, we are. But don't go jumpin' to conclusions too quickly. I just wanna talk.

The Imperial Holy Grail War's an evil plot! Or at least, we suspect it is!

And I, for one, sure don't feel like playin' right into some jerk of a villain's hands! So what do you say? Will you

Hehe!

That thing's got some heft! Must be one helluva heavy hammer ya got there!

Looks like you must be the original steel monster, then!

This is a staff!

？！

Why are you being so hasty, Lord Babbage!?

...There is nothing to discuss.

Looks like we got a hardheaded old man on our hands.

You CAN hear us, right, Steel Guy!? Kaoruko!?

We think the Imperial Holy Grail War's an evil scheme! The whole thing might be a trap laid by a seriously wicked bastard!

We don't want either of you gettin' caught up in somethin' like that!

I-I...

Don't listen to them, Kaoruko.

I was called here by a true Holy Grail's power! I will therefore do all that is within my power to see my Master's wish granted!

Ugh, you just don't get it, do you!? There's no tellin' for sure that anybody's wish is gonna be granted!

Don't go riskin' your life for somethin' you don't even know you can trust!

We have nothing to discuss!!!

Humans are fragile creatures. Life is fleeting.

So if there is even the slightest chance of realizing one's heart's desire, one must put everything they have towards making it a reality.

Do you understand? Stand down!

Not happening!

？！

I know! I'm just gonna get him to cool down!

Here he comes!

Steam pressure rising. Steam pressure rising.

Engaging stage two combat mode!!!

Man, he hits hard! It's like fighting one of the giant bears from the mountain!

But you should've known better than to challenge me to a sumo match!

Taaake THIS!

...!!!

You're strong enough to hurl even my armor. Impressive, hero of the East!

Restarting engines. Restarting engines.

Urk... Grk... A malfunction? In my armor...?

Impossible... I never dreamed... you would be this strong...!

Lord Babbage!

...Kaoruko.

？！

...

Lady Fujiwara-no-Kaoruko, daughter of Lord Fujiwara-no-Tametoki. Are you a Masterone of the Imperial Warriors taking part in the Imperial Holy Grail War, or not?

I... I am no warrior.

However

That's right. You're not a warrior.

You have no experience with martial arts, and from what I hear, you're not much good with shikigami, either.

But you do have power.

Of course you do. But it ain't the power to fight or use shikigami.

You have the power to weave words and bring stories to lifea kind of power I could never hope to achieve!

Woulda been nice if Lord Michinaga could've just come out and said it, but oh well. The point is, you're the fifth Master of the Imperial Holy Grail War. Aren't you, Lady Murasaki Shikibu?

... ...

... ...

...Lord Michinaga doesn't know I'm a Master. Nor does Lord Ashiya Douman.

They couldn't possibly know. Only the heavens could know about the marks that appeared on my left hand.

I... I refuse to engage in battle with anyone.

I won't fight. I can't fight.

My only gift is for writing. What wish could I possibly hope to have granted in the Imperial Holy Grail War?

I don't...of course...

？！

... ...

In normal Holy Grail Wars, it is precisely those with strongly held wishes that the Grail chooses.

I expect it is no different for the Imperial Holy Grail War, Lady Kaoruko.

...It seems I can't put anything past you.

You're right. I do have a wish.

Kaoruko...

It's all right, Lord Babbage. These people aren't here for your head.

I believe they're telling us the truth. I can no longer continue to lie to them in good conscience.

I do hope you all can forgive me.

The truth is...

...I want to give my story the greatest ending possible.

That is my wish. No more, no less.

？！

Yes. I am.

Well hey, you're still in the middle of writin' it, right?

So why can't you just keep goin' until you're done?

This is your story we're talkin' about here. You can decide exactly when and how it ends.

You don't need a Holy Grail for that, yeah?

... ...I wish it were that simple.

Choosing the right words, putting together sentences, weaving it all together into a story... Truth be told, the whole process feels very much like going through summer without anything to drink.

At times, it can be very difficult to keep going.

And just as a traveler's legs can grow heavy over time, so too can the fingers that hold a brush.

And this is not something that has happened but once or twice. I can't tell you how many times I've nearly collapsed under the weight of it all.

...

This was one of those times... It was so bad that I was very close to giving up entirely.

How should I end my story? What sort of ending should I give Hikaru?

I agonized long and hard over what I should do.

Even when I slept, my fingers would continue to paint words in the air with my brush.

Then, after several fruitless days and sleepless nights, the Imperial Holy Grail War was announced...

...and I acquired the mark of a Master.

These glowing red lines appeared on my hand...

...followed by Lord Babbage's appearance at my house.

My wish?

Indeed. Your wish.

It was the strength of your wish that called to me. Now I will do everything in my power to see it granted.

So wish, for you have earned the right. Be proud, for I will lend you my strength.

Wh-what do you mean?

The Imperial Holy Grail War is a ritualistic fight to the death. That is, the deaths of the Heroic Spirits involved.

Th-that's terrible...

I-I mean, I do have a wish. I'm wishing for it right now, in fact!

But, fighting? With a blade? I couldn't possibly do that...

Also, um... What do you mean by "the deaths lives of the Heroic Spirits involved"...?

I refer to my own death. Should I die, you will have lost the Imperial Holy Grail War.

What!? I can't do that!

Not after you came all this way from another world!

I may still not quite understand who you even are, but...I can't possibly wager your life in pursuit of my own wishes!

I...!

...

I don't want to see anyone hurt...

...over a mere wish...

No longing of mine could possibly be worth that...

...

Very well. I understand how you feel, Kaoruko.

So instead of fighting for you, I shall be your shield.

You will not need to fight. I will keep you safe until the Holy Grail War is concluded.

I am not the Heroic Spirit of a warrior, and so can tell that you are no warrior either.

The Holy Grail tells me that the Imperial Holy Grail War is meant to be fought by Masters protecting their Servants.

But you are in luck. You may not possess strength comparable to a Servant, but you are a Master worthy of your Servant's protection.

Indeed, that is how a proper Holy Grail War is meant to be fought.

So rest assured. When it comes to defense, I can fight every bit as well as any warrior.

So I will see you safe to the end of this Imperial Holy Grail War. On that, you have my word.

I see. So you are here to protect Lady Kaoruko. That strategy does seem sound.

During the day, you could hide out here in this cavern.

And at night, you would return to Lady Kaoruko's house to keep her safe from the other Masters...

I assume that has been your strategy?

After all, even if Lady Kaoruko's Master status were to be revealed during the day, it would most likely be at the palace, where fighting is strictly forbidden.

That is why you only needed to concern yourself with protecting her during the night.

Ohh, got it. Sounds kinda like a couple who don't live together, where the husband only sees his wife at night, except this guy's job is to keep her safe.

？！

Indeed. I cannot let Kaoruko come to harm.

Great poets are one of humanity's greatest treasures. They must be protected at all costs.

Lord Babbage...

Hm? Hang on.

Then, does that mean you weren't usin' shikigami around the shrine and road!?

You were actually out there yourself!?

Indeed.

W-well I'll be damned. That takes bein' bold and darin' to a whole new level!

And here I thought you were just sendin' out shikigami to patrol.

What about that spirit form trick Danzo does sometimes? Why didn't you just use that?

That way, nobody would've ever suspected anythin' was up, nighttime or not.

I know I wouldn't've found this place if you'd done that.

You are correct.

And of course, I did employ my spirit form a great deal early on in the proceedings.

However, for a Heroic Spirit who refuses to take part in a Holy Grail War, the spirit form is too effective for its own good.

The passive act of sitting back and remaining in spirit form for a long period threatens to upend the entire ritual.

And the Minister of the Left in charge of the Imperial Holy Grail War, Michinaga Fujiwara, refused to accept that.

...Michinaga, huh.

Yes.

Three days after the Imperial Holy Grail War began, Lord Michinaga had every onmyouji in the Onmyou Bureau work together to place a Bounded Field on the city's leylines...

...which prevented Lord Babbage from using his spirit form anywhere in the city grounds.

A penalty, in so many words.

After spending most of the first few days entirely in my spirit form...

...I was cursed to remain in my physical form for the remainder of the Imperial Holy Grail War.

A spirit form restriction curse.

I do have to give these Eastern mages credit for their cleverness with curses. I never imagined they would target me through the leylines.

？！

Now I gotcha. No wonder you had no choice but to walk down the road!

Guess that also explains why you were in such a rush to settle things when we showed up...

But...wait a sec. If you were watchin' over Kaoruko's house at night, where were you the night we showed up?

I am still able to use my spirit form for extremely short periods in case of emergency, so that is what I did.

So then, these last couple of days

At night, I remained hidden away at a distance and used my thermal sensors to monitor Kaoruko's well-being.

All right, that connects a lotta dots.

Still, I'm amazed you two managed to keep this secret this long.

You do know there've been rumors of you goin' around town, right? That's why

Indeed. And of course, I've heard the same rumors.

!

Master, get behind me!

This cave is one of Kyo's spirit caverns. Not that I would expect anyone who isn't an officer to know about it.

A poor showing on your part, Kintoki.

So, you continue to throw your lot in with Kintoki.

As you have nothing to do with the Imperial Holy Grail War, I will spare your life.

But your interference may cost you at least one of your limbs.

I'm not used to fighting people, and I'm especially unaccustomed to holding back.

？！

(These Heian Genji warriors are truly terrifying foes!)

(Even with all of my sensors tuned for maximum sensitivity to help make our way through this cave, I still didn't notice him!)

Afraid it's been more of a poor showing from you, Tsuna. Hate to tell ya, but we got here first!

You don't get anything for second place here! Not on my watch!

...Heh.

I've known what was happening here for quite a while now. I simply chose not to do anything about it for the time being.

I figured there might be at least one idiot who would jump on the rumors of a Heroic Spirit walking around the main road at night.

I never expected that idiot would be you, though...

I suppose you and I are just fated to run into each other like this, Kintoki.

Who cares if you already knew about this place or not!?

Everyone knows you don't go snatching other people's quarry out from under their feet!

Lord Babbage there isn't just any old steel monster! He's also my guest!

So I'm not lettin' you, or anyone else, take him away!

Khh...!

Haha...

Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Hahahahahahahahaha! You fell for it!

Tsuna Watanabe! One of the strongest warriors of this age! You've even claimed the heads of two Servants already!

Yet you somehow never suspected that my nighttime walks...

...might be part of a plan!

Now let me show you what I can do so close to a leyline!

Steam pressure rising. Steam pressure rising. Unlocking combat maneuvers. Connecting steam engine.

Steam pressure at maximum. Emergency. Releasing my Noble Phantasm's True Name...

Dimension of Steam!

Yeowch, that's hot! Hey, what's with all the white smoke!?

The entire cave has filled with steam, and there are dozens of Helter Skelters within it!

He must have released his Noble Phantasm's True Name!

These numbers... You have an army at your command!?

It is my dreams, my obsessions, my ceaseless regrets that give my Noble Phantasm its power!

Now, the remains of my dreams will crush you where you stand!

Hahahaha, I told you, you fell for my trap, Tsuna Watanabe!

Holy hell! One, two, three... Just how many shikigami ARE there!?

Damn, nice work, Steel Guy!

My dreams and obsessions should keep him busy for a while, as they will manifest without end.

Come, brave youths. Now is our chance.

Hell yeah. Let's get outta here!

？！

No.

...?

No, that is not the chance I mean.

We may never get a better opportunity to settle matters between us.

...Fight me, brave youths.

？！

Lord Babbage!?

No, you mustn't! I can't be of any help to you in battle!

Even with Lord Seimei's tutelage, I still know next to nothing of onmyoudou! Certainly nothing that could be of aid!

So please, reconsider! There is no possible way for you to win!

Lord Kintoki and Lord Fujimaru are right! Now is your chance to escape!

There is no need for you to stay here. There are any number of places you could flee to.

You could leave the city, and go on to the far west of Japan... Or the east...

Or even further, if necessary.

Anywhere is better than here, if staying here means you end up hurt because of me!

Kaoruko. No... Murasaki Shikibu.

Princess of storytelling.

The Difference Engine I dreamed of could calculate anything and everything.

While it may never have become a reality, or become the all-powerful device of which I dreamed...it is still enough for me to know that this is where my path ends.

Tsuna Watanabe is an excellent hunting doga wolf, even. There is no telling how long my trap will hold him off.

Which is why I am choosing to pass my current hopes and dreams on to another.

Forgive me for breaking my promise, storytelling princess.

Lord Babbage, you mustn't!

Your divinations may be shockingly accurate...but that doesn't mean you need to let them decide your own fate!

I'm sorry, Kaoruko. This is how it must be.

...You're serious about this, aren't ya?

You remember I already beat you once before, right? And you still want to do this?

I do.

You saw Kaoruko cryin' about this, right? And you still want to do this?

I do.

You remember everything we told you?

I do!

...That so.

？！

When someone's made up their mind like this, there's nothin' anyone can do to change it. Am I wrong?

...No, I suppose not...

？！

I shall entrust my soul, my life, my dreams, to you. Now, prove you can shatter this steel that armors my heart.

If you cannot...your lives are forfeit.

!

Master, over here!

You who possess power. You who thirst, yearn, and struggle to make your wishes reality.

If your desires are true, then join battle and kill as you must.

For the only way forward to realizing your wishes is to use the power you possess to make your way through me!

All right, Charles Babbage, I hear ya!

There's no goin' back here, is there!?

Of course not!

...!

What the...

A Reality Marble! Master!

？！

？！

This is the bloodstained battlefield of Limbo, where the losing Heroic Spirit's soul shall be consumed upon defeat! The Imperial Deathmatch Stage!

My True Name is Charles Babbage! This is where my dreams and obsessions shall halt you in your tracks!

Hear me, O frightful gods, and laugh! Hear me, O glittering sun, and shine!

Now come, and show me the extent of your power! Show me what you will do to make your wish reality!

If there's no talkin' our way outta this, Steel Guy, then you're on!

I see your strength, and the depths of your resolve, and I'm ready to meet them in battle!

Let's do this!!!

Hraaah!

...It seems...this contest of strength...

...has ended with your victory, Kintoki.

A-ah... Ahhh...

Lord Babbage! Lord Babbage...!

Charles...!

What happened?

Allow me to explain, Lord Tsuna. The enemy Servant's Spirit Core has been shattered.

It won't be long now before he departs from this world.

Hmm.

So he chose death rather than flight. Then this was suicide...

No, that's not quite right.

He threw his lot in with Kintoki, my inferior, in order to protect his Master.

I can see his logic. Restraint has never been my forte.

My Higekiri even left Lord Urabe and Lord Usui, two of the Four Heavenly Kings, seriously wounded.

Lady Murasaki, who knows nothing of martial arts, may not have been fortunate enough to escape merely missing an arm.

Come, Caster. We have no more business here.

Kintoki has won this deathmatch.

Yes, Lord Tsuna.

Lord Babbage...

...

？！

Heh... Hehe...

There is nothing strange about this. I could not be happier with this outcome.

Even as I followed my Difference Engine's instructions, I bet everything on a flash of inspiration from my soul!

You there, the boy with the black hair. There is something familiar about you.

It almost feels as though we are old friends. Friends who once walked side by side somewhere far, far away...

Am I merely imagining things...?

No. No, I am certainly not.

？！

I am not sure that entrusting you with my undertaking is the right thing to do.

I may not have been able to keep my promise to Kaoruko, but even so...

...I would ask that you protect her in my place.

Please...

...I know.

You don't gotta say it. I'm not gonna let anyone hurt her.

That said, once you die, your Master'll lose her Master status...

...and Brother Tsuna won't have any more reason to go after her.

But you knew that when you challenged us...didn't you?

Young warrior who reminds me of nothing so much as a crimson dragon.

Beautiful Eastern automaton.

Young man with the black hair.

Kaoruko.

A-ah...

Lord Babbage...

Do not throw away your dreams. None of you need throw anything at all away.

Not even if that something is a dream... the most fragile, fleeting thing in the world...

You must not throw it away.

？！

No fair, old man.

I am but a Heroic Spirit recorded by humanity after my dreams were crushed.

Which is exactly why I implore you now not to forget your own dreams, young ones. Never lose hope.

It will not always be easy. At times, it will be sheer agony.

You may pause. You may rest.

But you must never, ever abandon your dreams!

As long as you hold onto your dreams, you may always pick yourself up and keep moving.

Encase your dreams in steel armor forged from your own ideals. Do that, and nothing will stop you.

？！

Now go!

It matters not if you lose your way or suffer injury, young ones...

...as long as you keep forging ahead!

Lord Babbage...!

All right, I shall be back later!

My duties at the palace keep me quite busy even when I'm not writing, you see.

Oh, no need to worry about my protection.

My family's carriage is embedded with special talismans, so I'll be all right with just my servants.

You are still free to stay here as long as you like. I won't breathe a word to the main Genji house.

All right, I shall see you later. Please, enjoy your breakfast!

...W-will do! Thanks!

Not at all. All right, I had best be going.

...Yes. I shall see you later.

？！

？！

...Yes. I believe so.

Lady Kaoruko has been hiding her tears, but I noticed some signs of redness around her eyes.

I doubt she was able to get much sleep last night...

... ...

...Nah, she's all right.

Or at least, if she says she's all right, that's good enough for me.

I think...the way I see it...

Sometimes, puttin' up a brave front's a way to help yourself to feel better.

It's kinda like armor for your heart. Least, that's what I think.

So I'd rather see this as Kaoruko findin' herself a damn fine set of armor!

Yeah... That's how I'm choosin' to see it!

...I see. That is a lovely way to look at it, Lord Kintoki.

Whoa, check it out.

Pretty awesome weather we're havin' today.

...Encase our dreams in steel armor forged from our own ideals, huh.

Man, that's good. That's real good.

I wish I could say somethin' that good and mean it one day...

...but I don't think I can.

What is my dream? What is it I wanna do?

It's no use. No matter how much I think about it, I keep comin' up short.

I may be grown up on the outside, but I'm an empty vessel inside, where it counts!

Things were a lot simpler back on the mountain. If I didn't like somethin', I'd just grab it and toss it!

I laughed, I wrestled, I ate, I slept. That's all there was to it.

What's wrong with me? What is it I'm missin'?

It's been a few years since I was named one of Raikou's Four Heavenly Kings and charged with defendin' the city...

And I still have no idea!

I dunno if I'll ever be cut out to be a Master.

I'm empty. I got no reason to fight anywhere.

I want somethin' else. Somethin' right.

A dream? Sure, I'll take that. Gimme one of those.

...What'd you call it before, Fujimaru? A morphing hero?

Hell, I'll take that, too. The point is I ain't got any real substance to me.

And Babbage? He had it in spades. I really envy that.

Dreams... Fantasies... And all covered in steel!

I don't quite get what he meant by all that, but I could tell he shined bright. Damn bright.

Yeah... I think he really embodied that word you introduced me to. What was it again? ...Oh, yeah.

He was golden!

Don't you think, Fujimaru?

？！

Yeah.

That's right. That old steel guy was real golden.