Section 6: For New Things Encountered

What in the world is going on!?

I was so certain that last Theobroma tree would be the main one, but there's no Holy Grail to be found!

And the most galling thing of all is that it dared to make copies of me, a goddess!

They may have only been superficial copies, but still!

I won't rest until I've found and destroyed the main tree!

Please calm down, Astraea. Putting the copy thing aside for now...

...we still have no idea where the main tree with the Holy Grail could be.

It's been several days now since that last tree appeared in the city, and we haven't seen any sign of the others.

I don't know whether it's because someone is holding them back, or they're just building up their strength for the next attack.

... ...

Um, Manannan?

Have you heard anything from the chocolate fairy?

No, as far as I can tell, he still hasn't learned anything new.

That said...

...I'm sure we'll notice if the Theobroma trees start to multiply and go on the offensive again.

So I think we should continue to stay put and wait for our next opportunity.

Well, it's not as though we've merely been sitting around twiddling our thumbs.

Medusa and I have been conducting rigorous investigations, but we still haven't found so much as a single suspicious leaf!

I can't even imagine where the tree might be growing and still completely eluding us like this.

I've been keeping an eye on things from the sky as much as I can, but at this point, I'm ready to throw in the towel.

... ...

？！

My name is Amor.

？！

Well, while waiting for your report, I've been mulling things over.

Idle hands are the devil's playground...

Usually, cacao trees can only grow in tropical environments.

But this one has been growing at an absurd rate anyway thanks to the Holy Grail, right?

The more I hear, the more ridiculous it sounds, but yes, that's about right.

So it's probably not affected by climate or soil quality.

In which case...are we sure it even needs sunlight?

？！

Well, the Holy Grail is so powerful that it probably doesn't need anything else to grow.

And if its ultimate goal is to seize control of this place, there's no reason for it to put its main body in unnecessary danger.

I see... You do have a point.

So far, we've been searching the surface, because we know trees can't survive without sunlight, and so can't grow underground.

But, if this tree is actually hiding away somewhere...

...then that somewhere may well be in a separate plane of existence, created using the Holy Grail's power.

？！

I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about.

B-but, even if your theory is right...

...we have no way of looking for an entrance to another plane of existence!

Our only hope is to find some way to contact Chaldea and have them analyze

Not necessarily. There are only so many places where one could open a path to another plane.

It would need to be somewhere the locals don't go. Somewhere with good spiritual affinity...

So knowing all that, I would guess that right now, the chocolate fairy is probably

!!!

H-heeelp! Save me! I've been wounded!

I was walking around outside, and out of nowhere I took a suction cup arrow to the head!

？！

Indeed. Well, at least this must mean he's found something.

He's certainly a good hunting dog, I'll give him that.

I think this is the cave that was marked on the map he sent.

According to the tavern owner, there's a strange, ancient mural inside.

The locals apparently stay away because they find it too creepy.

？！

It would seem this is indeed the place. I can sense strange magical energy inside.

Besides, we don't have any other leads. We may as well go in and see what we can find.

I'll lead the way then. We should draw up a formation to make sure Master stays safe.

So after me, it'll be Bazett, then Astraea, then

...Right. Of course Amor isn't here. Manannan, would you mind bringing up the rear then?

... ...

Manannan?

I'm sorry, everyone. I just remembered an errand I have to run.

Would you mind going on ahead? I promise I'll catch up soon.

An errand...? What is it? If you like, we could help you take care of it first.

...Thank you, Medusa.

But that's all right. It's nothing you need to worry about, and it won't take long at all.

So please, go on without me. I'm sure the Theobroma is just up ahead.

Ugh, I swear, you can be so forgetful. We need to be able to rely on you.

Fine, fine. Do what you want. But you'd better catch up soon.

If nothing else, we could really use your firepower.

... ...

Teehee.

What's so funny!? Fine, don't catch up then! I'll just take care of everything myself!

I guess it's still going to take Bazett some time before she really feels comfortable around Manannan...

All right, never mind Bazett. Let's just go inside.

Are you ready, Master?

？！

？！

Yes. From the outside, it just looked like an ordinary cave. Now that we're inside, it's a completely different story.

It's no wonder we missed it.

Seems like there's plenty of air for now. How are you feeling, Master?

？！

Let us know if you start to feel ill. It could mean there is some sort of poisonous gas down here.

I guess that makes you the canary in the cave, Master.

Master, a canary?

What a cute mental image, but why a canary?

Canaries have been used to detect poisonous gases in mines and tunnels.

They're said to be very sensitive to toxins...

...so if you bring a caged canary down into a mine, and it dies, that means you'll need a gas mask to breathe safely in there.

Um... Wouldn't that be bad if we have Master do something like that?

？！

Yes, I know poison doesn't work on you. I would never actually dream of endangering you.

That was just a little...goddess humor, I suppose.

Ahem. At any rate...

This place seems like a terrible environment for a tree, but then again, we're not talking about an ordinary tree.

In fact, those things stretching across the ground look like roots.

You're right. That clinches it. The main Theobroma tree must be up ahead.

It must have been extending its roots out from here to form its weird tree network.

If it went to the trouble of making this place, it's probably using it to prepare another attack on the surface.

And once it's prepared...it'll be a full-blown plant revolution...

Hm?

Nyahahahaha! Congratulations for making it this far, chosen ones!

...Not that I ever invited you.

Caca, cacacaca!

I don't suppaws you'd be willing to just turn around and head back the way you came, would mew!?

It's you...! Theo Roman!

The P-POed Norman...?

The Neo Omen!? What are you doing here!?

Caaa! Can't you people even get my name right!?

I don't understand... We killed you. I saw you turn into dust right before my eyes.

So how can you still be alive?

Caaacacaca! What do you think I am, a Servant!?

We Theobroma terminals are mainly made of cacao!

As long as there's cacao to be had, we'll come back as many times as we have to!

That's your big secret? How utterly preposterous...

... ...

No, on second thought, maybe a Holy Grail really could do that...

Stop that, Astraea. We can't just explain away every nonsensical thing with, "The Holy Grail did it."

I don't know what kind of ridiculous stuff you've dealt with in the past...

...but no amount of cacao would be enough to rival a Servant's power.

For that matter... How can a mere plant understand the Holy Grail system?

It would need

The recipe is supposed to be a secret, but I suppose I can tell you.

We start with cacao, add the Holy Grail's magical energy, mix in its information on Heroic Spirits...

...and finally, sprinkle on the motivation and desires we stole from humans!

And all those ingredients mix together to make...us!

Human desires!?

Now I see... That explains it!

These plants compiled information about humans' strong feelings...

...then analyzed and imitated them to learn how to use the Holy Grail!

And now...

...these cacao Servants are the end result!

Ghh!

？！

I-I'm okay.

For a moment, I just...felt like I was on the verge of remembering something...

Heh. Energy, motivation, merriness...

We've got so much stocked up that not only can we make a new me...

...we can even do...this.

Hi there! Nice to meet mew!

They multiplied!?

Well, fine. It doesn't matter how many of them there are. We'll mow them down all the same!

I've heard stories of cats saving homes in modern-day Greece...

...but I seriously doubt these cats will be saving anything, no matter how many there are!

Nyahahaha! How do mew like them Jaguar-clone apples!?

？！

Wh-who, me? N-nuh-uh.

Anyway, of course there's more where that came from!

No way!

You copied my sisters, too!?

And that lazy, good-for-nothing goddess (read: Ishtar)!? What on earth!?

If Bazett is right, then it must have taken information from us in combat...

...and combined it with the Holy Grail to make copies of people we're close to.

I...can't think of any other explanation.

Khh... So this tree even peeped into our minds?

Of all the things it could have learned from humans, it had to choose one of the most infuriating!

I got plenty of rest too, so I'm all good to go! Ain't gonna be any repeats of what happened last time!

Today's the day I finally get you annoying Servants out of my way for good.

Then, I'll go on to cover the whole world in fresh, beautiful greenery!

Not on my watch!

We're not here for you. We've got business with that tree behind you!

？！

... ...

Oh good, you're here. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up.

Though you certainly took your time...

...didn't you, Amor?

... ...

The others have gone on ahead. Whatever you have to say, please make it quick.

They're probably fighting by now.

Don't worry, I won't be dragging this out.

!!!

Wait. Could it be...? Are you Caren?

Caren Hortensia? Bazett's friend!?

Amor, god of love, is my public persona...

Well, uh, technically, I suppose it's my real one now, as well.

My name is Caren C. Hortensia. I'm a Pseudo-Servant using Caren as my vessel.

Huh? Really? Are you sure about the pseudo part? Because you really seem like you're all Caren.

No, more importantly... So you've been Caren this whole time? Even when we first met at Chaldea?

Why did you hide your identity up until now?

Just on a lark, at first.

Yes... You were the first Bazett I met.

Not the Bazett calling herself Boxer-class, but you, Manannan, the sensitive god who understands and sympathizes with humans.

You became a Pseudo-Servant in a way that preserves and protects the soul of your vessel, Bazett.

And you've used this same form ever since I met you in Chaldea.

It was no accident that separated you and your vessel.

But, even so, there's another Bazett here, apart from you...

The same human one I knew as Caren.

I have no idea what she really is...but you do, don't you?

... ...

I knew that, ever since we met again in this place...

...you'd been keeping a close eye on me.

You probably suspect it was me who used the Holy Grail to make this minute Singularity...

Don't you?

More or less.

Besides, I'm the one who tricker, I mean, sent you here in the first place.

I...

I didn't lie about anything. The Holy Grail really was taken from me...

...and that other Bazett really was born along with this Singularity. There must be a reason.

Soon, Fujimaru and his team will reach the Holy Grail and repair this Singularity.

It won't be long now.

So please...all I ask is that you wait until then. After that, I'll tell them everything myself.

... ...

Okay.

Huh? Just like that? Are you sure you're really Caren?

I was sure you were going to keep pestering me for at least a while longer.

If you say you have a plan, I'm willing to trust you.

The person you are right nowyour vessel, I mean...

...Bazett Fraga McRemitz was nothing if not trustworthy.

That said...I still need to confirm I can trust you.

So on that note, Manannan mac Lir...I want you to fight me.

Why?

The memories I have of my life are fragmented, too...

But for some reason, I get the feeling I didn't have many friends. Honestly, I can't imagine why.

Still, whatever that reason might have been...I remember that Bazett called me her friend.

Or at least, I'm pretty-mostly-fairly-sure she did. Probably.

So if you're doing anything that will hurt her...

...I'm not about to let you get away with it.

I'm going to see for myself, here and now, whether you really do deserve our trust.

If you want to resist, go right ahead. Assuming, of course...

...you can defeat me, Super Baby Cawen!

What in the everloving hell are you doing!?

Right when I thought you were finally being reasonable, you go and pull a stunt like this!

Well, at least that clears up one thing! Now I know for certain that you really are Caren Hortensia!

I'm putting an end to this nonsense!

Fragarach...

...Aonbharr!!!

C-cuwse yooou! How dawe you tweat a poor widdle baby wike diiis!?

Goo goo gaaaaaah!!!

(Huff)... (Huff)...

What in the world was that? I ended up Fraga-ing it with all my might before I realized it...

...Oh no. Caren! Are you okay, Caren!?

Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?

... ...

Um, d-didn't I hit you with my full-strength Noble Phantasm?

Hehe... Now that was every bit as powerful as I would have expected from Fragarach of the Age of Gods.

I knew this was going to happen, which is why I

Oh. You protected yourself with more of that chocolate armor?

No, not that.

I swapped in a body double ahead of time!

How could youuu?

That's right! I remember now! You were just like that when you were alive, too!

Good work, Eros. Now go back to town and man the confessional.

Yes, ma'am.

All right, I'm convinced. Your fists were true and unwavering.

It's a skosh embarrassing to say this out loud, but I can trust fists like that.

Or something like that, anyway.

All that remains now...is to see how things play out. You'll tell me everything later, right?

... ...

Yes, Caren Hortensia. I will. You have my word that I will never betray your trust.

I wish I could swap my Spirit Origin over to Bazett to let you two catch up, but I'm afraid there's no time.

Come on. We need to hurry to the others!

Fingers of iron...hair like a cage...and whispers that become poison!

Caress of the Medusa!!!

A judgment shall be made!

This is the weight of your goodness... And this, the weight of your sin!

Custos Morum!

You're kidding me! You wiped them all out!? Seriously, what the hell are you people!?

Dammit! Guess my only hope now is to beg the gods for help!

O ancient Aztec gods, give me streeength!

Whoooa! It's working! All right, take this killer mo

Answerer...

Fragarach!!!

Nyaaaaaah!!!

D-dammit! You're not getting past me!

We still have a pawadise to build! A lost sacrificial culture to restore! Revenge to take on humanity!

Go to sleep, stranger.

In time, your brethren will make their way across the sea as you did, and they'll find a warm welcome in this land.

You'll all be adored far and wide for generations to come.

Humans and nature...coexisting peacefully.

You say that, but we're still the ones getting eaten, either way!

Well...I suppose you could put it like that.

？！

Bazett!

We finally found it... The primary Theobroma tree!

Yes!!!

？！

It's so huge... I can't believe such an enormous growing down here...

Look! There, in its trunk! There's no mistaking it!

The Holy Grail!

？！

No, no need. All we need to do is get rid of this tree.

I might be out of magical energy, but I only need my fists!

...Huh?

Um, Bazett?

Your legs...!

Wh-what's going on?

The moment you set foot in that black liquid around the tree, you...

？！

H-huh? But...why...?

Bazett, stop! Get away from there!

Ah... Aah...

My body... It's...

...melting...?

That can't be... It's almost as if Bazett's body is...

...made up of the same material as the Theobroma monsters.

Bazett!?

Already!? But why!? They haven't even recovered the Holy Grail yet!

？！

Ca...caca...

The cat woman...!

Just give up and leave us alone already!

This isn't...over yet...

I'm going to gather all our resentment...and all your human desires...

...and collect them here, in the Holy Grail...

As for you...Manannan mac Lir.

Huh!?

You gave us hope, only to snatch it away...

Even this failure, born of your ill feelings...

...will become that which you fear most...

Caca...ca...

That...which I fear most?

Ah...

Look! The black liquid is all pooling together! It looks like it's...

...forming some kind of shape?

？！

What I... What Bazett fears most...?

That is...

Cú...Chulainn...?

... ...

Wait...

Please, wait. I...

...I see. That's pretty damn awful.

？！

Ah...

Ahh...

Ba

Bazeeett!!!

Why you...!!!

"Born of Manannan's ill feelings"... That's what that shadow said.

Now I see. So neither you nor Bazett were truly complete.

That Bazett was a copy made from the Holy Grail's power...

...by carving out the distortions that remained in you as a Pseudo-Servant.

But since she was considered a failure, she was able to escape the Theobroma tree's control...

...and that's when she met us.

Is that what happened?

... ...

Yes, Caren. That is Bazett's secret.

However...

This isn't over yet. The final goal is in reach.

？！

It's all right, Fujimaru. Please, let me take it from here.

I'd been planning to do this from the start.

Don't worry. I won't let us die. I'll protect Bazett and myself. I promise.

What are you going to do?

... ...

... ...

Thank you for everything, Avenger, you nosy chocolate fairy. I wish I could have known your name.

I'm going to keep moving forward, just like she did.

It's the least I can do...

...for this new world I've chanced upon...