Round 3: The Star Near the Shore and the Dragon's Bond

So this is the next Singularity.

It seems we'll need to proceed along the shoreline.

Our target is just off the coast, so I don't think we'll be able to stay on the beach the whole time.

At some point, we'll need to brave our way across the frozen ocean.

I've been to waterfront cities before...and there's something unsettling about one entirely frozen over like this.

It's just not natural, being this near the water and not hearing a single wave.

What's that look for? You got a problem with me? ...Ahem. Let's just pretend that didn't happen, shall we?

？！

I heard all about what's going on, and I'm here to help.

For my part, I will simply do what I've always done: conduct myself in a manner befitting a saint.

I have no doubt your help will be invaluable, Lady Martha.

Not only are you and I both saints, we have also both vanquished dragons with the Lord's guidance.

Together, I am certain we can overcome any obstacle in our path.

Um, I'm not sure terms like "vanquish" are really in keeping with my saintly ways.

I prefer to put it as "gently helping my adversary to see the light of reason."

Wouldn't you agree that's more accurate, Tarasque?

Grrr... (I-if you say so, Mistress. Personally, I still remember the moment our eyes met, and my only thought was, "I am so dead.")

A collaborative battle between Martha and Mr. Georgios... Two of the greatest saints in history, each famous for defeating a dragon.

This is so exciting, and I'm not even there with you!

A dream match that goes beyond group affiliations to decide the reigning champion... This will be something to see.

What are you talking about? We're not going to fight each other!

Hehe. Be that as it may, Martha, I can't wait to spar with you myself.

Since we both practice pious pugilism, I would love to find out which of our styles is stronger and faster.

I told you, that's not what I'm here for today! I'm a saint, remember!? A saint!

I mean, that's not to say I'm not interested... I'd just rather discuss that sort of thing when Master isn't around.

Apparently, people have become more used to seeing me in my swimsuit than with my staff...

...so I can't pass up this chance to reestablish my saintly image.

At any rate, today, I am here strictly as Martha, the patron saint of housewives, to spread His teachings with a smile.

Oh, but that does remind me. Do you know those twins who came to Chaldea recently, Castor and Pollux?

Well, I've heard that Pollux is a master of fisticuffs. Why not ask her to spar with you sometime?

I did. Several times, in fact.

Unfortunately, we were never able to finish even a single round because her brother kept getting in our way.

Oh... Right. I suppose he would, wouldn't he...

I wouldn't take anything that half-baked Santa says too seriously, Lady Martha.

Besides, we should be focused on the mission now.

Yes, good point. We should save the chitchat for another time.

Okay then, why don't you guys get going?

By the way, we scanned the ice on the ocean there, and we can assure you it's not gonna break easily.

That said, we can't anticipate what might happen as you go further out, so watch your step.

Okay then, why don't you guys get going?

By the way, we scanned the ice on the ocean there, and we can assure you it's not gonna break easily.

That said, we can't anticipate what might happen as you go further out, so watch your step.

？！

By the way, what kind of dragon is this Vritra? Is she a large one?

Thus far, we have only seen her in a humanoid form with a tail. I am not even sure if she can transform into a full dragon in her current state.

Does it matter how big a dragon is?

Of course it does! You need weight to land heavy blows, after all.

That said, there's no reason to fear dragons, no matter their size.

You see, even flying dragons need all four of their legs to support their great frames.

Exactly. So the typical strategy for fighting them is to get down low and rob them of their mobility, then

You can't strike below the belt in boxing, so I'll have to stick to body blows. I wonder if those work on dragons...

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...

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No, that's all right, Master. As Da Vinci said, there's no telling what might happen out here, so I have to keep my guard up.

We haven't let our guards down. We're just as alert as you are.

But that doesn't mean we can't also deepen our combat knowledge at the same time. In fact, it's important we do so.

Don't you remember what our mentor told us about not neglecting our studies?

The more we broaden our horizons, the better Santas (read: warriors) we stand to become.

... ...Yes, you're right.

I'm sorry, Karna. Like you said, I'll try to broaden my horizons so I can become a great San

Hold on! I don't even want to be Santa! What? Why do you look so surprised!?

Could I speak to you for a minute?

I'm sorry you had to see that.

It's okay. I can't say I understand how you feel...but I do sympathize.

If you need to get something off your chest, I'm happy to listen, you know.

Thank you, but no, I don't. I'm just a little, well, confused.

Can I ask what you think of Karna now that he's become Santa, Lady Martha?

I wouldn't say I find it confusing, but he is definitely a little different than usual.

It kind of feels like...he's excited about seeing a childhood friend for the first time in years.

...I think that's what has me confused.

However much our paths may have differed, we did grow up together.

Even if I cared to, I cannot deny that.

But...we have a great deal of history besides that as well.

So maybe seeing him forget all about it and act like none of it ever happened is bothering me.

I know that's narrow-minded of me, but even so...

Hmm. I don't know if I'd agree with that.

This is only my opinion, mind you...

But I don't think he's forgotten anything, nor is he pretending like none of it ever happened.

No, I think he's just genuinely enjoying feeling like his younger self again.

...

...Hehe, I'm sorry. Please don't mind me. I never have been good about keeping my nose out of other people's business.

Besides, I'm a saint. I have to do my part to help lost souls, don't I?

...I...

!!!

What's going on!? Why is everything shaking!?

Look out! Something's heading toward us from out in the bay!

？！

I'm seeing what looks like a tidal wave made out of ice!

It's enormous...and it's moving extremely quickly! You won't have time to get to shore before it reaches you!

If we can't get away from it, we'll just have to go over it! Tarasque!

GrrrRRRrrr! (Get on, everyone!)

Don't worry about me. I can manage the jump myself.

You sure? All right Uh-oh, it's here! Now!

？！

Thank goodness Tarasque was able to help you evade it.

Well, that's not good. I can see what looks to be a second wave off in the distance!

Not a problem. I'll just think of it as an alternative to jump rope training.

Again, Tarasque! Show us what you've got!

Hmm. Those ice waves are definitely coming in regular intervals. What could be causing them?

Hmm. Those ice waves are definitely coming in regular intervals. What could be causing them?

I wish we could just fly straight to our target, but I'm afraid Tarasque won't last that long.

We'll just have to keep evading the waves as they come.

Grrr... (I'm sorry. I wish I could be of more help...)

So is this a unique natural phenomenon, like the frozen cherry blossoms we saw yesterday?

It seems so. And I have a hunch this is intended as a form of attack.

I don't sense any of the dragon's malice about them.

Hmm, you think so? Well, if you're sure, I'll take your word for it.

But personally, I feel like they're too regular to be a natural phenomenon.

Hmm, you think so? Well, if you're sure, I'll take your word for it.

But personally, I feel like they're too regular to be a natural phenomenon.

Ah, another one! Well, either way, we'll just have to keep leaping over them as we make our way forward!

Come on, Tarasque, get up there!

GRRrrr... (I'm sorry, Big Sis, but I need a break...)

A break!? What do you need a break for!? I was sure I trained you better than that!

There! I can see where the waves are coming from!

There! I can see where the waves are coming from!

？！

And Vritra's there with her!

That's Vritra!? ...Hmm. She doesn't look all that big.

Oho, nice. Very nice. I wasn't expecting much from this little ice dance...

...but these "triple Axels" of yours are quite a sight to behold!

I'm still just seeing what the ice here is like. I haven't even started skating for real yet.

I've never seen a spectator get so worked up over a simple rehearsal before, let alone a patron.

Evade!

Now I see. So her figure skating is what was causing these waves.

I don't know exactly what kind of skating techniques she's using...

...but yeah, it looks like the ice shavings created by her flashier jumps and spins are making the waves.

I don't know exactly what kind of skating techniques she's using...

...but yeah, it looks like the ice shavings created by her flashier jumps and spins are making the waves.

Oh?

Ah, there you are. Good timing. Lambda here should be just about warmed up by now.

I'm not going to lift a finger myself, of course. I'm only here to watch you all dance. Good luck.

I was wondering what this was all about when Vritra said she had frozen an entire ocean for me to skate on...

...but now I understand.

It looks like she lined up some premium spectators after all. Now this is an audience worth skating for.

I still don't like how she copied me so she could put me to work for her...

...but now that I've got a special stage, and...well, slightly special guests, I suppose I can dance for at least one song.

？！

Right, Master. That isn't the actual Lambdaryllis.

She's most likely a copy Vritra made.

Don't talk about me like that. Copy or not, a star is still a star.

Even if I'm the understudy, my dancing is the epitome of beauty.

When you've reached the acme of perfection like I have, it doesn't matter if you're real or not.

Now then, before we get this special performance underway...

...there's something I think I need to ask you about. What is that?

What's what?

That! That thing you're parking your ass on right now! Is it related to Leviathan?

Yes, if you must know, Tarasque is Leviathan's child.

Well, that explains it. You see, I'm a High Servant and Leviathan is my base.

No wonder I sensed something special about it then.

Do you sense anything, Tarasque?

Grrr... (Huh? Uh, let me see...)

(No, I'm pretty sure I don't. I mean, I guess we might have some kind of connection, but it's pretty iffy.)

There, you see!? Look at that befuddled face! Tarasque obviously has no idea what you're talking about!

Also, since no one else seems willing to say it, I will:

That thing you're wearing doesn't even look like Leviathan. It's obviously penguin themed.

？！

Wh-what are you talking about!? This is obviously Leviathan! Any idiot can see that!

(I mean, I don't actually know what Leviathan looks like, but I know Leviathan's my base, that this parka looks great on me, and that my magical energy generated it in the first place.)

(So it HAS to be Leviathan, right!? I mean, what else could it possibly be!?)

Leviathan is certainly a type of dragonkin in its own right.

And while I do sense its presence here, I can't tell if it's from her, or from those adorable animals.

I think this calls for a closer inspection...

Quiet, you! And don't touch my backup dancers! I swear, I shouldn't even have to say that!

At any rate, I'm Leviathan, which makes me Tarasque's mother, and I object to how you're treating the poor thing.

Come here, Tarasque. It's all right.

I'm sure I can come up with a new routine that takes advantage of that big bulk of yours.

Grr? (Huh?)

Now what are you talking about!? Tarasque is my...um...serf?

Serf? Heh. Come now, surely there's a more modern term than that.

I know I'm from the first century, but that doesn't give you the right to criticize my word choice!

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Martha and Lambda are both trying to send Tarasque flying into each other!

Neither one is giving a centimeter, since Lambda's kicks and Martha's punches keep landing at the same time!

As far as I can tell, they seem to be perfectly evenly matched.

Why you... This is MY child! I have a right to protect him as I see fit!

You uppity little... Who do you think made him turn over a new leaf in the first place!?

(H-hang on, Big Sis! If you both keep smooshing me like that, I... I...)

(I'm gonna pop clean out of my shell!)

I've seen this sort of thing before.

It didn't have anything to do with Santa or boxing, though. I just saw it in one of the library's files.

It was another case involving two mothers and a child.

Oh yes, I think I know the one you mean. It's where they both claim to be the child's parent, and each try to pull the child in different directions.

Pretty sure they're pushing, not pulling here, but I guess it's still pretty similar.

Pretty sure they're pushing, not pulling here, but I guess it's still pretty similar.

So if that story's logic applies here too, then whoever lets go of Tarasque first is actually the one with the stronger claim!

Saint!

(Uh-oh. That punch just ruined my balance... Gaaah! I'm gonna go flying!)

Khh!

Heh... Hehehe... So, you've shown your true colors.

I could see Tarasque was in pain, which is why I couldn't bring myself to use my full strength.

(Okay, she straight-up overpowered me, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna admit that.)

(I'm the sadistic queen of the rink, after all. Seeing someone in pain only makes me more excited.)

(Besides, a star like me is elegant, not brutish, so the fact that I lost this contest of pure strength just proves how graceful I really am!)

Now do you and your overgrown muscles understand? You never noticed he was in pain, which means you

Don't make me laugh! You're the one who's shown her true colors!

Huh?

Me, hold back? Don't be ridiculous.

I trusted that Tarasque was tough enough to take it, and you didn't!

That proves I know him better than you ever will!

What!? (She has a lovely voice, but that is some grade A crazy talk!)

No matter how you look at it, this is clearly my victory!

Trust, huh? That's...one way you could interpret this. One, uh, very generous way...

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Grrr... (Big Sis definitely knows how tough I am better than anyone else... Ow ow ow ow...)

...Fine. Competitions of brute strength aren't my style anyway.

A star on the ice is a star on the ice, even if that ice is an entire frozen ocean.

So once I've used my natural star beauty to wipe the floorer, rink, with you...

...I'll claim Tarasque for myself, just like I would any gift bouquet tossed onto my stage!

Gifts, huh. You do know how to hit where it hurts, don't you? Impressive.

As Santa Claus, maybe I should find a way to make your wish come true as well.

Do you even listen to yourself!?

Yeah, don't forget, she's a copy, not a real Servant. If you start granting wishes to every imitation-thing like that, you'll never have enough to go around!

Yeah, don't forget, she's a copy, not a real Servant. If you start granting wishes to every imitation-thing like that, you'll never have enough to go around!

I see... Good point.

For a moment, I was a little worried you might actually side with her, but I'm glad you're seeing reason now.

Now, come on! I don't know if you really are Leviathan or not...

...but since you claim to be Tarasque's mother, I'll beat some sense into you just like I did him!

Damn... Oh well, it's okay. It doesn't matter if I was never real.

The star should always be a phantom, forever out of arm's reach anyway.

Besides... As long as my performance moves my audience, I don't mind if it's my last.

That's what it is to be a professional.

？！

Grrr... (I'm sorry. I appreciate the offer, but I'll always be a fighter, not a dancer.)

Well, well, that was a lovely dance.

I was planning to leave earlier, but I ended up staying to watch the whole show.

I know this is exactly the sort of thing Indra used to use against me, but I just can't help it.

Ah well. I've had my fun today, so I think it's time I take my lea

Not so fast. That battle made me realize something important.

Just answer one question before you leave.

Hm?

It's about your reasons for interfering with my workwith Christmas.

You could have just come and tried to kill me, but you didn't.

Instead, you chose to interfere with my gift giving remotely by creating those unopenable presents. There must be a reason for that.

Maybe there's a present you want for yourself, like the lightweight skating boxer we just fought.

And maybe you're doing all this because you're unhappy you can't get it.

...

Yes, I suppose it's something like that.

I see. In that case...

I may have a lot of training left to go, but even so, I'm still Santa Claus.

So answer me this: What do you want for Christmas?

Tell me what you want, and I'll search my entire bag of presents for something to make sure your holiday is a happy one.

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...

Keeheehee! What a delightful surprise from you, Santa!

Any other Santa would do the same. ...I think.

Well, worry not. You don't need to search your bag, because you'll never find what I want inside.

All I want for Christmas is your agonized wails as I steal your Christmas from you!

That's the greatestthe only gift you can give me!

...

Hmm. Maybe this means she's just another natural-born sadist, like Lambdaryllis.

Hmm. Maybe this means she's just another natural-born sadist, like Lambdaryllis.

So her goal is to watch us all suffer, hm?

Exactly what I'd expect from an irredeemably evil dragon. My sword and I will see that she pays for her sins.

Now that it looks like my work here is done, would you mind a bit of advice?

What is it?

Well, it's something I noticed while we were fighting, but...

Are you having more trouble fighting as part of a team than usual?

...I didn't think I was, but now that you mention it, maybe I am.

Boxers are meant to fight by themselves, and of course, there's only one Santa Claus.

That said, I don't feel as though it's working against me. That's why I've been focusing on improving my skills as a solo fighter.

I see. Well, if you're that sure of yourself, then I have nothing more to say.

I guess now's probably not the time to be thinking about that sort of thing. This is just how you need to fight now.

I know I'd certainly be taken aback if someone told me I didn't need to wield my staff anymore.

Anyway, it looks like we've found this Singularity's core.

Let's destroy it once we're back on solid ground.

？！

Indeed. Christmas or not, this is still a beautiful summer. Even more beautiful now.

I'm especially fond of this beach. It should be excellent for roadwork.

This certainly does seem like paradise on earth. Maybe one more photo...

Well now, today has been just full of surprises. You really wish to work with me of your own accord?

All right, I suppose I can at least hear you out. Besides, you do smell like one of my kind.

... ...

Hmm. Very well.

I was just thinking that having only my demons serve as the anchors was starting to get a bit old, anyway.

All right, you can handle the next one. And I think it'll be more fun if I don't even show up at all this time.

It should be a nice change of pace, watching things unfold from a greater distance than usual...