Fate/Grand Order story · Events, Ephemeral Waxing Moon
Act 11: Dreaming as One Ponders Destiny
Ephemeral Waxing Moon. Asakusa
3 scenes, 500 lines
1. Before the battle
53 linesI'm staring up at the moon.
The light of dawn that warmed my heart so fully is long gone. The moon's raysrays so cold they feel like daggers biting into my fleshare all that remains.
Yes. The moon has always been the purest, clearest shade of white.
...Where am I?
When I came to, I found myself standing alone, gazing up at the moon as though I was in love with it.
This is...Sensoji. But, what am I doing here?
I... I had lost. The idealthe dream I had been pursuing, had been crushed. Only a pale vestige remained.
Yes... That's right. I failed, completely and utterly...
I had misjudged everything.
I tried to do what I believed was right, but using evil means. I let the dazzling light blind me to the truth.
I sought warmth, yet I bathed myself in the moon's cold rays.
How foolish. I am merely a robot made of flesh rather than metal. I could never hope to gain true warmththe warmth found in human life.
I lost sight of my dream. I forgot my ideals. My wishes, my prayers, my true feelings... All gone.
Yes. I lost everything. Everything...
"Then you need only take it all back."
...What was that?
Yui Shousetsu. You are here for the sole purpose of remaking this world.
...Who are you?
I am your ideal. I am your dream.
...A monster.
You haven't given up yet. You haven't truly stopped.
Yes, that's right.
Huh!?
Your ideals are correct, Yui Shousetsu.
...Lord Iori.
I can't adequately explain your ideal of a truly equitable world, but...
...I find it beautiful beyond words.
All the more reason.
Now...reach out your hand.
This is my Waxing Moonmy own ideal.
This is the Waxing Moon's Vessel.
The Waxing Moon Ritual will never end.
So keep going until you have corrected every mistake. Press on until you have reached your lofty ideal.
Make as many attempts as it takes. Kill as many as you must.
Repeat the process over and over, until the Waxing Moon is finally full...
I... This time...I will use the Waxing Moon...to create a truly equitable society...
Yes... Yes! Now use the Waxing Moon, and this time...
...use it to make flowers bloom all across this hell.
I am, my liege.
Come with me, Rider. The Waxing Moon Ritual is about to begin.
As you wish, my liege.
I swear to you now. I will devote my soul...my sword...every fiber of my Spirit Origin and Spirit Core...
...to ensuring your wish comes true.
...Good.
...O moon, melting into the darkness.
I will never let your dazzling light lead me astray again...
...
...How bright.
2. Before the battle
115 linesSo, you defeated Chiemon. Well, good work there.
However, the situation remains decidedly...less than ideal.
That's true. If there really aren't any other Masters around, that just leaves Yui Shousetsu.
That should in turn mean the Waxing Moon Ritual is nearly over...
...yet we still know almost no more about the Singularity than we did when you first arrived.
I am doing my best to analyze our findings, but so far, the results are not promising. This is probably a result of the enemy's interference.
I also wonder what Lancer Jeanne meant.
Yeah... It seemed like Chiemon and Jeanne had figured something out about this Singularity.
Though of course, we have no way to ask them what it is now.
What's done is done. There's no sense worrying about it now.
More importantly, we need to prepare for tonight.
Ah, yes. Your showdown with Yui Shousetsu.
However it turns out, at least this should bring an end to the Waxing Moon Ritual...
...
Hey. Does this seem like a trap to anyone else?
That, I can't say.
Yui Shousetsu is a strategist. Plots and schemes are absolutely up her alley.
But, she's also a woman of fierce integrity.
I can certainly see her making long-term plans and far-reaching schemes, but I can't imagine she would ever resort to cowardly, underhanded tactics.
I can't remember much right now, so I can't speak to what kind of person she is.
Having said that, I agree with Gramps. I think she meant what she said.
...Still, something about Yui seems off to me. I get the feeling she's really stewing on something.
Not to mention, there had to be something wrong with her for her to team up with Rider again in the first place.
Rider's not the kind of Heroic Spirit that can be controlled, even with a Command Spell. Yui should know that better than anyone.
Maybe there's something messing with her perception? If this really is a trap, that would absolutely be possible.
Iori...
That's possible, too. But we shouldn't be too quick to jump to conclusions.
She's right. Shousetsu's intentions may not be evil, but Rider's certainly are.
Mark my words, it's only a matter of time until she attacks us here.
Fine by me. Rider can use her Noble Phantasm's giant monster all she wants. It won't be a problem for me.
Still, we should come up with a strategy of our own before nightfa
Huh!?
Hold it! Someone's coming!
Is it Ushi Gozen!?
Are they making a move on us already!?
？！
Then we'll just have to fight them now.
Huh!?
...What's going on here?
I hope you can forgive the sudden intrusion...
...Lord Miyamoto Iori.
Yui Shousetsu!? Does this mean she really was planning a surprise attack!?
Come now, don't be silly. If that was her plan, she would never knock on our front door.
Aren't you the one who asked we have our duel tonight, Yui?
I did. And I'm not about to go back on my word now.
I did not bring Rider with me. I am here on a personal matter.
...A personal matter?
Once night falls, we will fight each other to the death for control of the Waxing Moon.
Regardless of who wins, everything will end tonight. So before that happens, I...
...
What? What are you trying to say?
... ...Huh?
Say what?
You mean, with Iori?
...Yes, that's right.
I believe you also know that Lord Iori and I fought once before over control of the Waxing Moon.
So now, Lord Iori, I wish to ask you once again: Why are you fighting in this Ritual?
Um... I'm afraid Iori's suffering from amne
No, it's fine. Let me hear what you have to say, Shousetsu.
Huh!? You can't be serious, Iori. You'd be leaving yourself completely defenseless.
It's like I said before. Shousetsu herself only has good intentions.
I can't just blow her off now that she's come here to see me.
But... But
Don't worry about me, Saber. Just listen. I have something important to tell you.
Hmph... Fine, what is it?
It's not me you need to worry about. It's Fujimaru.
Rider might take this opportunity to try and kill him. So you need to keep him safe.
...(Sigh)
All right, I will. But make sure you watch your back.
Something really doesn't seem right with Yui!
I hear you. I'll be careful.
...You don't mean with me, do you?
...Yes. I do.
H-huh?
...Yes, of course. If we're going to try to kill each other, I should know what sort of person you are first.
Rider has told me much about you, Master of Chaldea...
...but I still have not gotten to know you for myself.
And the idea of killing someone I know nothing about does...not sit right with me.
So, um...I wish to have a conversation. Truly.
... ...
I understand how ridiculous this may seem...but this is just how I am.
So what do you say, Master of Chaldea? Will you converse with me?
Do you mean privately? Without any of us present?
I...suppose I do, yes.
If possible, I was hoping to keep our conversation to just the two of us.
Hold on, Shousetsu. I can't agree to that.
Y-yeah. That's just too much to ask.
Oh no. I don't like where this is going...
？！
All right, Shousetsu, give me a minute to prepare.
Prepare?
All right. Let's do it.
That's fine with me.
Fujimaru!?
Aaah! I knew iiittt!
Are you crazy!?
I knew Iori had a loose screw, but I thought you had more sense than this!
Why are you bringing me into this?
I know this was my idea, but...are you truly sure?
They were just saying how you're not a bad person.
Everyone just got done saying you don't mean any harm.
Well, yes, that's true, but...
Oh, Senpai. This is just like you...
...Welp, can't say I'm surprised.
Just be careful out there, okay? Seriously. Don't let your guard down for a moment.
...Thank you, Lord Fujimaru.
So, where shall we go?
3. Before the battle
332 linesI've been in this Singularity for a while now, but I still can't get used to this.
An Edo without any people just isn't right.
...Lord Iori.
What is it, Shousetsu?
Why are we walking around the city?
As far as you're concerned, Asakusa is enemy territory.
It can't be easy to speak your mind when you know you're surrounded by enemies.
So I thought doing something like this to relax would make it easier for you to talk.
Don't feel like you need to rush. We've still got time before night falls.
I-I see. So that's why...
Grr... What's Yui doing so close to him?
Why are we tailing them again?
You and Iori are both too soft on Yui.
She's not a bad person. I understand that.
But bad person or not, she's our enemy. So I'm keeping an eye on her!
But to hear you and Iori talk about her... Ugh, it's infuriating!
Are you worried about Iori?
It's not like that.
...
Well... Okay.
I guess...maybe I am.
The last time I fought in the Waxing Moon Ritual with Iori, it was...fierce.
Everyone was desperate to win...which only made them shine brighter.
I'm a little sad that Iori doesn't remember it anymore. But, I also think...
...maybe it's better this way.
If it hadn't been for the Ritual, I think Iori would have gone on to have a perfectly peaceful life.
Even if that meant living with...unrequited feelings.
？！
A-anyway, my point is...
...I'm just keeping an eye on Yui to make sure she doesn't try anything!
...That's all there is to it. Got that?
Whatever you say. But yes, let's keep an eye on them a little longer.
Well then, let's just keep an eye on them a little longer.
...Hm? Hold on, Shousetsu.
What is it?
I'm curious about that shop.
The general store?
Yeah. I bet that comb they've got would look good on my sister.
...Your sister. Lady Kaya, was it?
If it's still there, I'll have to buy this for her after I return to the real Edo.
...Hmm. Or is it a little too flashy?
Maybe something a little more plain... But then, she wouldn't like it if it was TOO plain.
I bet Saber would know which one I should get her.
What? Is there something weird about me picking out combs?
I mean, yeah, I'm just an uncultured ronin. I have no idea what kids these days are into.
No...it's not that. I can tell you care for your sister a great deal.
Lady Kaya once helped me as well.
I'm glad she's not here. I would hate for her to be caught up in all this.
(Munch, munch...) Dammit, they're too far away to make out what they're saying.
Where'd you get that food?
？！
I found it in the shop there.
The young master said it's called "hard candy." I like how it comes in so many different shapes.
You know, the real Edo has lots of delicious food.
Smooth, soft udon. Crisp, crunchy tempura...
Sushi... Dumplings...
Hmph. If only this weren't a Singularity, there would be so many more fun things to do.
Hey, Iori and Shousetsu are on the move again.
Look, they left. We should go after them.
Yeah?
Have you...changed somehow?
...What do you mean?
You usedYour heart used to be so clear and pure it was almost too bright to look at.
But now...
...
...Am I misjudging you again?
...So, I seem like a different person to you.
I'm impressed. You really do have an eye for character.
...What are you trying to say?
Let's just get down to it, Shousetsu. There's something you want to ask me about, right?
Well...I'm afraid I don't think I can give you the answer you're looking for.
Why is that?
Because I don't remember anything from the last Waxing Moon Ritual.
It's the truth.
Not only do I not remember fighting you, I don't even remember Saber.
So, I'm sorry. Whatever your question is, I don't think I can answer it.
...
This... This can't be... But... Then again... I see...
...Is that it?
Is that why I...I don't sense the same aura about you I used to...?
That incredibly pure...
Shousetsu?
...Very well then, let me ask you this instead.
Miyamoto Iori. What is it you want from the Waxing Moon now?
Even if you don't remember what happened before, you should still have some sort of wish!
So what is it!? Tell me, Miyamoto Iori!
...Nothing. There's nothing I want from the Waxing Moon.
Don't lie to me! Or are you pretending to be something you're not again!?
Maybe you don't remember what you asked the Waxing Moon for, but I do!
And since you've appeared in this Singularity as a Master, I'm sure that wish hasn't changed!
...I'm not a Master.
More lies!?
See for yourself. I have no Command Spells on my hand.
Huh? What is it? Are you okay?
...You...you really don't have Command Spells...?
You saw my hand. Even Saber's just another Rogue Servant.
Then...you aren't participating in the Ritual at all... You really don't have a wish for the Waxing Moon...
You...don't have any wish at all...
...I see. So you weren't lying.
Right now, Fujimaru and I are only fighting to try and stop the Ritual.
Shousetsu, is there no way we can resolve this peacefully?
The Waxing Moon Ritual was already evil, but the one being held in this Singularity is obviously a trap as well.
And just look at what Rider's been doing. There's no way she deserves your trust.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if she had ulterior motives.
Rider? Ulterior motives? That can't...
...No. Even if she does, I have no intention of giving up on the Waxing Moon.
...Shousetsu.
You once said it yourself. My wish is not one I can realize as an ordinary human.
I lost the last Ritual. My dream should have ended there.
But now, by some miracle, I have another chance. I cannot pass it up.
So...I am going to defeat the Master of Chaldea and obtain the Waxing Moon for myself.
...And there's nothing I can say to stop you?
There is not.
If anything, I would hope to convince you to stop instead.
Now that I know you aren't a Master, I have no desire to fight you.
I'm not going to stop, either. It would go against everything I believe in.
...Everything you believe in, huh?
Do you truly mean that? Or is this just...
...There is nothing more left to say. From now on...we will let our swords do the talking.
...Got it.
...I will see you at Sensoji.
Ulp...
...I should have known you would notice.
Um... I'm sorry.
We were just so worried about you that... Well...
I swear...
Anyway, you heard her, Fujimaru.
Shousetsu's not going to stop unless we stop her.
...Then I guess that's just what we'll have to do.
Then we will. Though we'll also have to watch out for Ushi Gozen.
Hm? Is something wrong, Saber?
...No, it's nothing. You're right. Let's go settle this.
Yeah. It's time to put an end to this Ritual.
I figured it'd be easier to talk this way.
I know this was my idea, but, to leave Lord Iori and Saber behind...
So private a conversation with one's enemy is a lot to ask, but to do so in such isolation?
Are you truly an experienced Master?
...Or perhaps that vast experience has simply made you this confident?
Want some candy?
Where did that come from? That store?
...No thank you. Even if the whole of this version of Edo is deserted, I still cannot condone theft.
What's that? Lord Iori...gave you an allowance?
And you left the money on the shop's counter?
I see... It seems both you and Lord Iori are quite the upstanding citizens.
And what's more...you're both incredibly confident.
？！
Do you think so little of me as an opponent? Is that it?
No, no. I just thought this would be easier without Iori.
It's not like that. I just thought you wouldn't want Iori to hear this.
？！
...!
I-I-I...uh...
N-n-not at all. Don't be ridiculou
...No, I suppose you have a point. I will admit, my feelings here are...complicated.
So, thank you. I'm sorry to put you in such an uncomfortable position.
...Very well then. Since you accepted my invitation, let us go for a walk.
Hmm. I wonder what they're talking about?
Stop eavesdropping. It's a bad look.
Then what are you doing here with me?
I don't like violating Fujimaru's privacy like this, but I can't just let him go off with an enemy on his own.
Still, that doesn't change the fact that Fujimaru decided to speak with Shousetsu alone.
I'm not here to disrespect that. Our only job here is to make sure he stays safe.
So no eavesdropping. Got that, Saber?
What did I just say? ...Fine. But later.
...They're on the move. Keep with them, but stay out of sight.
...Now it all makes sense.
I can tell from the way you conduct yourself that you come from a peaceful world.
You are not a warrior by nature.
So then, how can you fight so fiercely? What is it that drives you so powerfully?
Well...someone had to do something, and I was, well, there.
I just want to do what I can to help. That's all.
？！
...I see. That sounds familiar indeed.
You and I are not so different. When I first saw the world for what it really is, I knew I had to do something.
I had to find a way to help people defend themselves from this bloodsoaked hell of a world that preys so unfairly on the weak.
Now, I can stand idly by no longer. This world is twisted, and it must be put right.
That is the wish that drives me. I cannot simply shut my eyes to the state of the world.
But the Waxing Moon's not the answer. It's dangerous.
So, even though you are a Master, you have no wish to make of the Waxing Moon.
I was told Chaldea's objective is to retrieve the Waxing Moon, and repair this world's distortion.
A just path. From your perspective, I must seem a demon, hellbent on chaos and mayhem.
After all, I say I also wish to right this twisted world. Yet, to do so, I would use something as twisted as the Waxing Moon.
...I suppose, since I am no longer human, I have no right to pursue humane methods.
...Even though Ushi Gozen's plotting something?
Ushi Gozen? What does the demon Minamoto-no-Raikou defeated have to do with any of this?
...That's who Rider really is? What are you say
Ghh!
I...I lost the last Ritual...
And then...
...Apologies. I'm fine. Just a dizzy spell.
Rider is certainly no ordinary Heroic Spirit. In that, you're right.
I have sensed the immense demonic aura within her as well.
But she and I are in this together. Her wish to right this twisted world is as strong as mine.
If you say an oni lies within her, then we will exorcise it as well.
？！
... ...Does she seem different to you now?
Yes, though she doesn't seem like she's about to attack... Still, maybe we should step in anyway? What do you think?
No... It's probably fine. We'll let Fujimaru handle this.
Huh? When did you even get that candy?
Since neither of us are prepared to relinquish the Waxing Moon, we will have to settle our differences in battle. Which is why I now wish to ask you this:
What do you think of Lord Iori?
...What do you mean?
I thought you'd never ask.
？！
I know you are fighting alongside him to retrieve the Waxing Moon.
Let us say you defeat me. What then? You and Lord Iori will need to settle things between yourselves.
...What? Why do you seem surprised?
Don't tell me.
"Stopping the Waxing Moon Ritual is the right thing to do."
Are you telling me he said something like that?
...
...So he did.
What could Lord Iori be thinking? I doubt he's trying to trick you, but still...
...Lord Fujimaru, there is a side to Miyamoto about which you know nothing.
...Iori's not a Master anymore.
...Huh? That can't be right.
The fact that he's here in this Singularity means he must also be seeking the Waxing Moon.
？！
He has a wish. A strongly held wish.
A dream that he's devoted his life to...and he's willing to risk that life to make it a reality.
So I am certain that Miyamoto Iori wants the Waxing Moon for himself. The two of you will never agree on that.
...And of course, the same is true for me as well.
If I am to make my wish for a truly equitable world a reality...I will have to kill Miyamoto Iori first.
Consider yourself warned, Master of Chaldea.
The battle for the Waxing Moon is a battle between incompatible wishes. So do not leave your safety in another's hands.
For only one Master and Servant team can be present for the Ritual's end.
...Thanks for the warning, but I'll stick with him.
...Thanks, but I'm going to fight alongside him to the end.
I feel like I should see Iori's wish through.
If Iori has a wish, then I should see it through.
？！
...!
...I see. So this is what you meant back then, Saber...
Hehe. So my words weren't enough to lead you astray.
Then I suppose I've failed to drive a wedge between you two.
You're quite the formidable foe, Lord Fujimaru.
Then from now on...we will let our swords do the talking.
Farewell, Lord Fujimaru. I will see you tonight, at Sensoji.
...So it's over.
I'm glad Rider didn't show up.
Let's go back, Saber. We need to prepare for the battle tonight.
Hm? What is it, Saber?
Want to take a little walk? ...Just the two of us?
Where'd that come from? What's gotten into you?
What? Is there a problem?
...Look. The Waxing Moon Ritual's almost over, right? And when it ends, you and I will go our separate ways again.
You might not remember anymore, but I still used to be your Servant.
We fought in the Ritual together, parted ways...and now, by some miracle, here we are, together again.
So, uh... You know...
I-I have my own feelings about this situation!
But you wouldn't know anything about that, would you!?
Hmph!
Okay, okay, I hear you. ...I'm sorry.
...All right. We can walk for a little while.
Hey, look at the combs in that shop. I wonder if Kaya would like one?
Hmm, I don't know. Don't you think that one's a little flashy?
...This is tough.
Kaya is absolutely adorable, so I think something more...cute would suit her better.
Hmm. If anything, I think this one would look better on me.
Oh? Want me to buy it for you then?
How? There's no one here to sell it to you.
...You know, Iori, I actually gave Kaya a comb myself once.
Whoa, really?
It was handmade. Hehe, I actually had you help me make it.
...I'm sorry. I don't remember.
I know. It's okay. I was just reminiscing a little.
You know...it's weird, just how little I remember.
I think I'm only just starting to get what Gramps was talking about.
What do you mean?
When he said I'm not the same Miyamoto Iori you guys knew.
Oh, that. He did say that, didn't he?
Chaldea's saying one of their enemies created this fake Edo Singularity as a trap.
...Maybe I'm one of their traps too.
No... I'm positive you're not.
How can you be?
Because I used to be your Servant, of course.
So I know that even if you're missing something...
...you'll never be anything more or less than yourself.
...I see. I'll take your word for it.
Sorry, saying that wasn't really like me, was it?
You really do trust me, don't you, Saber?
And it sounds like you were really good to Kaya, too.
I may not have any memory of that...but I'll do my best to be worthy of your trust.
...
...Good! That's what I like to hear!
You really put me through the wringer before, so you can make it up to me now.
...Haha. Okay, I will. I'll do my best not to get on your bad side.
...The sun will set soon.
Let's head back, Saber. We need to get ready for our duel.
What? Is there something else?
Kaya's a wonderful sister.
Yeah, she is. I'm not sure I deserve her.
...So whatever you do, don't give her any reason to be sad.
...Yeah. Let's go put an end to this, Iori.