Round 2: Icy Flowers Rampantly Blooming

...And there you have it. It seems our enemy this time is none other than Vritra.

I see. Thank you for telling me.

You're right. As heroes of India, it's our responsibility to handle her.

I expect that's even more true for you, Arjuna...

...seeing as you're the son of Indra, the Vritrahanthe deity who famously slew Vritra.

...Yes, it is.

That said... Nnn. So Vritra's been going after Christmas presents, huh?

Obviously, we can't let her get away with that, but for some reason...

Is there something you're worried about, Lady Pārvatī?

If you plan on going after her, I'll gladly accompany you to the depths of hell if necessary.

I don't know if I'd say I'm worried per se. It's more like... Nnn...

...

Yes, the more I think about it, the more I think I should stay out of this one.

Huh? But, this is Vritra we're talking about.

The same evil dragon who stole water from the human world and brought a plague of drought upon the land.

The king of the Asuras who will always return to wreak havoc on humankind, no matter how many times the gods may defeat her.

Yes, I do understand that... But, well, this is about Christmas.

So, this time, I think I need to stay out of it.

...?

Oh, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop you from going after her.

In fact, I'm hoping you'll do everything you can to resolve this situation in my stead.

But of course, that means you'll need to work WITH people, not try to handle it all on your own. Understand?

S-so then, you mean

That's right. If Vritra is attacking Santa, then the most effective way to defeat her is to support Santa directly, don't you think?

So I'm counting on you to help Karna in my stead. Okay, Arjuna?

Good. No problems with the Rayshift.

All right, so I know we discussed this in the briefing, but let's recap the situation just to be sure.

Right now, you're in an occluded Singularity located in Japan. On the inside, it's...well...

？！

Right. Suffice to say, the environment here is much different from a typical Singularity.

Every one of our estimates of this place, from natural things like temperature all the way to magical energy in the environment has been way off.

There's no telling what might happen out there, so stay...uh...frosty.

？！

Not a problem. Santa has always been at home in wintry environments. If anything, this scenery is even more evocative of a white Christmas.

It's also the perfect environment for roadwork. The harder the routine, the stronger my mind will become.

I'm...glad you're looking on the bright side?

Just try not to be too hard on Fujimaru, okay?

Of course. As Santa, roadwork is my duty alone. I have no intention of imposing it upon others.

Next, let's go over the team.

We can only Rayshift so many Servants there, since it's a lot more difficult to manage resources in an occluded Singularity.

So we decided to go with a small team of four Servants who we think will be the key to victory.

My skills weren't a good fit for this team...

...so I'll be staying behind and helping out as much as I can from the Command Room!

？！

Gosh, Senpai, you're so relaxed. You really are a seasoned C-Pro*, aren't you?

We've already got a read on this Singularity's core, but unlike the Himalayas...

...there's some kind of interference affecting the whole Singularity, so we had to Rayshift you a good bit farther away.

Now then, your goal for this mission is to endure this occluded Singularity's harsh environment...

...and make your way to the core, then destroy it.

So in addition to being strong fighters, your team also needs to be able to handle various environmental obstacles.

And since you're a seasoned traveler, skilled at keeping Master safe, and an accomplished dragon-slayer, you were the obvious choice.

Good luck out there, party leader! We're all counting on you!

Good. No problems with the Rayshift.

All right, so I know we discussed this in the briefing, but let's recap the situation just to be sure.

Right now, you're in an occluded Singularity located in Japan. On the inside, it's...well...

？！

Right. Suffice to say, the environment here is much different from a typical Singularity.

Every one of our estimates of this place, from natural things like temperature all the way to magical energy in the environment has been way off.

There's no telling what might happen out there, so stay...uh...frosty.

？！

Not a problem. Santa has always been at home in wintry environments. If anything, this scenery is even more evocative of a white Christmas.

It's also the perfect environment for roadwork. The harder the routine, the stronger my mind will become.

I'm...glad you're looking on the bright side?

Just try not to be too hard on Fujimaru, okay?

Of course. As Santa, roadwork is my duty alone. I have no intention of imposing it upon others.

Next, let's go over the team.

We can only Rayshift so many Servants there, since it's a lot more difficult to manage resources in an occluded Singularity.

So we decided to go with a small team of four Servants who we think will be the key to victory.

My skills weren't a good fit for this team...

...so I'll be staying behind and helping out as much as I can from the Command Room!

？！

Gosh, Senpai, you're so relaxed. You really are a seasoned C-Pro*, aren't you?

We've already got a read on this Singularity's core, but unlike the Himalayas...

...there's some kind of interference affecting the whole Singularity, so we had to Rayshift you a good bit farther away.

Now then, your goal for this mission is to endure this occluded Singularity's harsh environment...

...and make your way to the core, then destroy it.

So in addition to being strong fighters, your team also needs to be able to handle various environmental obstacles.

And since you're a seasoned traveler, skilled at keeping Master safe, and an accomplished dragon-slayer, you were the obvious choice.

Good luck out there, party leader! We're all counting on you!

Of course I will do everything in my power to keep Master safe.

And yes, I do think I am more accustomed to traveling than most Servants.

Back when I was alive, I used to ride Bayard far and wide, spreading God's teachings.

Apparently, in the modern world, I've even become the patron saint of youth-focused scouting groups.

I did a lot of traveling during our mission to restore humanity, but that's really it.

I don't have a lot of experience with normal travel, so we were concerned I might have difficulty responding to unexpected threats.

So I'm relieved to know you'll be there looking out for Master, Mr. Georgios!

It's a little embarrassing to be put on a pedestal like that, but I will do my best to live up to your expectations.

Indeed, if we are up against a dragon here, then we must be especially vigilant.

I always take my work seriously, of course, but today, I will be all the more serious.

I'll even do my best to refrain from indulging in my photography hobby, much as I'd love to take pictures of this frozen hellscape.

？！

Our second team member is Santa Karna. No surprise there, since he's at the center of all this.

As for the third member

Our second team member is Santa Karna. No surprise there, since he's at the center of all this.

As for the third member

...Yes. Me.

As the son of Indra, it is my duty to stop Vritra's evil deeds wherever she should rear her head.

I'm also here on behalf of Lady Pārvatī, who asked me to fight in her stead.

That is all to say that I am not in any way, shape, or form here to help...him.

Besides, protecting their Master, even at the cost of life or limb, is a Servant's greatest duty.

So, as the greatest Servant of all time, it simply makes sense that I am here to do so.

？！

You're welcome. (Obviously proud)

I never thought the day would come when you and I would be fighting side by side, Arjuna.

Go on. Raise your fist.

Huh? ...I see. Then you really are focused on boxing right now.

Very well then. Is that all right with you, Master?

If Karna wishes to fight me, I'm happy to accept his challenge.

As fun as that sounds, I'm Santa right now. This is just how boxers say hello.

D-did you see that, Master!? This cannot stand! It cannot!

？！

Then I'm not sure you understand the severity of the problem.

Don't you see? Karna is doing things he normally would not!

Can you imagine him just...just...lightly bumping my fist like that under normal circumstances? I certainly can't!

This can only mean that him becoming Santa has radically elevated his spirits!

How am I supposed to respond to this!?

？！

According to Aśvatthāman, Karna is acting younger than usual...

...because he's now in the same state of mind he was during his training days.

...I see. So he's back to the way he was when we were both studying under Droṇa. I think I understand... I think.

Khh. At any rate, the fact remains that there's no telling what he might do next while he's like this.

I'll need to pay even closer attention to him than usual!

If you want to spar with me, little boy, I'll take you on anytime.

Of course I don't! And don't call me "little boy"! You're creeping me out!

Uh, last, but certainly not least, we needed a Servant who would be a good match for a large evil dragonkin like Vritra.

Luckily, Chaldea has several famed dragon-slayers to choose from, so we plan on assigning each of them to a different Singularity.

This way, each one can give everything they've got for their given Singularity without worrying about exhausting themselves for the others.

We call it "Operation Daily Dragon-Slayer"!

And for the first day, he was the obvious choice.

Uh, last, but certainly not least, we needed a Servant who would be a good match for a large evil dragonkin like Vritra.

Luckily, Chaldea has several famed dragon-slayers to choose from, so we plan on assigning each of them to a different Singularity.

This way, each one can give everything they've got for their given Singularity without worrying about exhausting themselves for the others.

We call it "Operation Daily Dragon-Slayer"!

And for the first day, he was the obvious choice.

I am Sigurd. I was told you require my aid, and I have come to provide it.

This dragon may be a different breed from Fafnir...

...but if my help is needed just the same, I will do all I can to bring this beast to justice.

Bearer of the demonic sword, guardian saint, I am glad to have you on this mission.

Let us all serve Master faithfully, and fulfill our duties honorably.

Agreed. I expect we should be able to work together nicely, since this won't be our first time traveling together.

We may not have numbers on our side, but we do have skill and strength. I am certain we will do fine.

？！

All right then, everyone take care, and let's get this mission started!

All right then, everyone take care, and let's get this mission started!

...I see. Understood. Then that is what I shall do.

Perfect. Saves me the trouble of taming you.

You are both a demon of a familiar sort to me and an empty shadow these morsels know well.

So I wasn't entirely sure you'd be willing to obey commands, even if you are fundamentally incapable of disobedience.

A shinobi is obligated to obey their master.

However... I understand I am no more than a copy of my true self, but even so, there is something I must say:

This is a foolish idea.

Oh?

If you think Master and his companions will hesitate to attack someone they know, you are gravely mistaken.

They are true warriors who have survived innumerable life-and-death battles.

So I can say with absolute certainty...

...that they would never hold back against an opponent simply because that opponent bears a familiar face!

Oh? Well, I look forward to seeing that for myself.

That being said, I am well aware that you are my master now, and I have no intention of betraying you.

I invite you to watch the battle and witness for yourself where my loyalties lie!

(Ugh, I swear. Why did she have to copy my mind as well as my body?)

(All that's doing is making it harder for me to serve her...)

Oh, by the way.

Yes?

You are dressed in your shrine maiden outfit right now, are you not? Well, it's my understanding that shrine maidens frequently dance.

I'm actually quite fond of the performing arts. You may dance for me, if you like.

With all due respect, my lady, I never dance except at festivals and Shinto rites.

Hmph. Well you're no fun.

？！

Are you all right, Master?

When traversing slippery terrain, it's best to grip the ground with the entire sole of your foot.

Remember, there's no need to hurry. Just take it one careful step at a time.

Oh, and also

Here, Master, I'll carry your bag for you.

No problem. I was just thinking some weight would help make this training more intense. It has been lacking so far.

Even so, there's no harm in lightening your load when you're coming up on a match.

？！

A fair point.

This route may be treacherous, but so far, there appear to be no hostileHm?

Master, get behind me!

Hmm. Those were frozen cherry blossom petals. They must have been carried here on the wind.

Well, that could only happen in this frozen Singularity.

Unfortunately, at that speed and sharpness, even flower petals can cut as keenly as knives.

We'll have to watch out for more of these ice blossom blizzards as we make our way towards our target.

And we must especially ensure that no harm comes to Master.

Understood. Then these ice blossom blizzards are the first major threat we face. Hmm... Is "ice blizzard" redundant?

This world can throw as many Blizzard Blossom Punches at us as it likes. I'll counter every last one of them.

...Can we at least agree on the name first?

You're all doing wonderfully, everyone.

Even with the increased frequency of these blizzards, you've been fending off the petals with aplomb!

I suppose I should have expected no less from such capable Heroic Spirits. Clearly, there is no need for me to issue specific orders.

Heh. That is kind of you to say, Lord Georgios, but your travel experience still puts mine to shame.

I will have to pass your teachings on to my beloved as well, so that we may one day put them to use on a trip where it is just the two of us.

Great work, guys! You should be arriving at the Singularity core pretty soon now.

...Huh? What's this signal?

Great work, guys! You should be arriving at the Singularity core pretty soon now.

...Huh? What's this signal?

So, you've come.

It's Vritra! Be on your guard, everyone!

I see. So that's her...

Hm? (Sniff, sniff...)

Keeheehee! I'd recognize the scent of that blood anywhere!

You're descended from Indra, aren't you, child?

Don't you call me a child, serpent.

I am Arjuna. I am one of the five Pandava brothers, and the son of Indra!

I am also an Archer Servant under Master Fujimaru!

Ahh, so you're Indra's own child then. That just makes this all the more interesting.

Hold it, Vritra. I'm your opponent here, remember?

Not so fast, Karna. Remember, Indra has defeated Vritra a great many times.

I am his son, and so it should fall to me.

What are you talking about? I'm the one she's been targeting.

Oh, I see you two are good friends. I'm glad you're both so eager to face me.

However, I still have a lot of fun I'm looking forward to, and I'm not about to cut it short here.

No, I'm only here to spectate today. Let me introduce you to your opponent.

...

Is that...Mochizuki Chiyome?

It definitely looks like her, but she doesn't seem to be the one from Chaldea.

It looks to be an expertly made copy, with similar qualities to a Shadow Servant.

It definitely looks like her, but she doesn't seem to be the one from Chaldea.

It looks to be an expertly made copy, with similar qualities to a Shadow Servant.

That Santa person and I have been bound together by fate.

Thanks to that bond, I was able to take information pertaining to an empty shadow sharing my serpentine qualities and make them into a demon of my own kin.

That is who you see before you. She is the core of this dammed off space.

What do you think? Much more interesting than making it a simple keystone, no?

Anyway, it's time I was on my way. I look forward to hearing you and your companions screaming in agony, child of Indra.

There you have it. I am Chiyome, yet I am not Chiyome.

In essence, I am merely one of Vritra's familiars who has been given her appearance and personality.

You need not hold back against me.

She looks and sounds just like our Chiyome. This could be a difficult fight, for multiple reasons...

？！

(Oh yes, that's the Master I know. It's too bad I can't outwardly express how glad I am to hear him say that!)

Agreed. As much as it pains me to do battle with a familiar face, it does not affect our mission.

You are exactly the sort of opponent I was brought here to fight as a daily dragon-slayer.

And so I shall do my part to carry out our mission here...

...by unleashing all my strength against you without any concern for conserving energy for tomorrow!

Huh? Lord Sigurd, the dragon-slayer...?

...

Um... I promise I'm only asking this out of curiosity, and not because I'm scared, but...

...are you sure you're not taking this a little TOO seriously?

Vritra only chose me because my body harbors the curse of a serpent.

I'm not actually a dragon...

As something of a professional dragon-slayer myself, I must say distinguishing between serpents and dragons is actually quite difficult.

That is why they are generally treated as the same unless there is some urgent need to make a distinction.

Trust me, I know of what I speak. My apologies, but as a serpent, the dragon's sins are still yours to bear.

I don't care what you are as long as I can punch you.

Do you not realize how terrible that sounds!?

I'm sorry, Lady Chiyome. I'm just not capable of holding back in battle.

Gnn... W-well, neither am I!

I'm a merciless, cold-blooded ninja, after all!

I couldn't hold back against a familiar face even if I wanted to!

？！

I don't need your pity!

I am an empty shadow bound to serve Vritra, so that's just what I'm going to do! I don't have a choice!

Now come, and let us have a good, clean fight!

Nnn... I've always hated the cold. It makes me so sleepy. I wonder if there's a kotatsu around here...

It's really too bad we had to do that to her...

？！

There's the core. I'll take care of it.

Great job, guys! With the core gone, that occluded Singularity shouldn't stick around much longer.

Great job, guys! With the core gone, that occluded Singularity shouldn't stick around much longer.

Mission accomplished.

Things here seem to have returned to normal now that the ice has melted.

Returned to normal, huh?

Oh gods. Don't tell me you're unhappy because it looks less Christmassy now, are you?

No, I'm not.

It's a shame my roadwork will be easier without the ice, but there's still plenty of training opportunities here.

That embankment over there looks perfect for lower body training. It reminds me of how Droṇa used to make us run wind sprints over and over.

...No comment.

？！

That's right. We're in Japan now, aren't we? I've heard of the cherry blossom viewing parties called "hanami" they hold here.

I'd love to attend one with Brynhild someday. Though of course, my attention would be squarely focused on her rather than the blossoms.

Oh my, this landscape. It's so...so... (Shutter button finger twitching)

？！

Yes... You make a good point, Master. All right then, just one photo...

Oh yes, that is a good one.

I'm afraid Vritra's signal has vanished. She must have gone somewhere else.

Well, nothing we can do about that now. If we keep this up, she'll run out of Singularities to hide out in eventually.

Anyway, great job all around! That takes care of today's mission nicely.

All that's left for you guys to do now is come back and get some well-earned rest!

Well, nothing we can do about that now. If we keep this up, she'll run out of Singularities to hide out in eventually.

Anyway, great job all around! That takes care of today's mission nicely.

All that's left for you guys to do now is come back and get some well-earned rest!

My, my, this is turning out to be even more interesting than I expected. I never imagined I would run into one of Indra's bloodline here.

Keeheehee. I can already tell I'm going to have so much fun with this...