Chapter 14: Panic Cycle
Ufufufufu….AH HA HA HA HA.
Look at them scatter! Look at them flee in terror or cower!
Let them! It made no difference, they'd be crushed like all the rest!
A wave of her hand here, and some cultists dropped to the ground, the very life energy torn from their bodies.
A flick of the wrist there and a whole flight of charred, incinerated wyverns fell from the sky.
Just a snap of her fingers and she could go anywhere in an instant!
No more fatigue! No more limits! No more of this puny Saint Graph tying her down!
All right, that should be the last group, yes?
Ah, wait…there are a few fleeing wyverns in the sky over here.
Fufufu, well, easily dealt with.
Just a little bit of effort, and…
There. Just a low powered lance this time.
Even a halfhearted throw sent it rocketing towards the fleeing monsters, erasing them in a brilliant blast of golden light.
THERE we are.
She couldn't resist a smirk and flex of her arm.
And really, why shouldn't she? She was on top of the world right now!
There was nothing she couldn't do! Or at least, that's certainly how it felt.
Now then, are there any others out there?
Her scanning spell spanned the entire city in but a second and snap of a finger
None detected. Her work was done.
Now then, back to meet with everyone else.
Hopefully they've calmed down a little about Our….new look.
She rolled her eyes.
Who was she kidding? Of course they've not.
Far too petrified of the mere association with the beyond to consider that she just might have a better handle on this power than most of her new 'peers'.
We are not some scared child. Nor are We some obsessed or maddened painter.
The sooner they understand that, the better.
But a LITTLE patience is surely a virtue here, no?
Best to try easing them into it. Be as calm and cooperative as possible.
Prove to them and We are still US.
Then they'll understand. Yes.
They have other, FAR more unstable Foreigners on staff already, so what harm will one more be?
All right then, time to head back.
A quick image in her mind, a point of her finger, and she was surrounded in the familiar water bubble again. In a flash, pop and crackle, it took her back to the shopping centre.
Odd, there was no one else there. Well, almost no one.
The sight of Habetrot sitting there did put a smile on her face…which was quickly flattened by just how tense she looked.
Oh dear…it's going to be more WORRYING, isn't it?
I can UNDERSTAND you're just concerned, but really now!
When did you become such a worry…ah.
No….you never did.
Did you, Totorot?
…all of your deeds. All of your perseverance. Your heroism as a true knight.
And you still did not join Us here.
If anyone deserved to have their heroics immortalised, it would be you.
So why…?
Why are We stuck with this-
No. NO. She's been wonderful company. Stop that.
We can't blame Habetrot for this. This…the Throne would be to blame, not her.
Best foot forward. She'll understand.
She sighed and put on her most charming smile.
How long had it been since she'd done that?
The Clans had always needed fear, not charm, to keep in line.
Habetrot finally turned around to give her a look.
…all right, the gaping mouth, scrunched nose and wide eyes were not a great start.
"Ah, hello there Habetrot." She even threw in a small wave. That was the reassuring thing, right?
"Ah…h-hey there, Morgan!" Her wave was half hearted at best, but at least she waved. "All the bad guys dealt with?"
"Indeed they are, it was no trouble for Us."
A little smirk and flourish wasn't too arrogant of her, surely? Not with what she'd just accomplished.
"Great. Great…so, how are you feeling?"
She was rubbing her hands together. Ah, this was a test question, wasn't it?
Well, then it fell to her to show Habetrot that there was no problem!
"We. Feel. FANTASTIC."
She leant forward and grinned nice and wide. All the better to show her just how content she was! How little this new power was bothering her!
"R-Really?"
"Of course! Of course! Why wouldn't We be, when We can do THIS?"
A simple wave of her hand and the entire hall, plus the ruined food court, was lit up and saturated with Runes, floating and lining the walls alike. All it took was wiggling her finger to rearrange them however she pleased!
A shield spell to cover a whole city block. Now a teleport spell to send the whole road wherever she pleased. Now a detection spell, able to pierce through even that eldritch horror's mirages. Now a summoning spell potent enough to call forth a half dozen Servants. Now a contract spell that could bind even a Divine Spirit! Now an illusion spell to conceal this road.
Oh so many possibilities, all within such easy reach!
Now what was so scary about that?
"Ehehe….wowee. Yeah. Really impressive." Habetrot mumbled, not looking impressed so much as more nervous.
"But, well….you've still got that brand on you. You said you'd get rid of it. Aren't you worried? You've seen what these things do to people."
"At first We were, yes, of course. The new and unknown is always a little frightening. But as We decided to, by necessity at first, dip our foot into the water so to speak…We realised it wasn't quite so terrible a power to tap into."
Leaning down, she placed a supportive hand on Habetrot's shoulder…and did not miss the oh-so-slight shiver at the contact.
Are We truly that terrifying to you now?
"We understand some hesitation and nerves, but it is still us here, Habetrot. We promise that our mind is our own. This is a very new and unnerving situation, to be sure, but also a great opportunity for us!"
She still did not look convinced. Well, all right then, perhaps a further demonstration and explanation would sway her?
"Stay still for a moment, please."
Another fingersnap and they were surrounded by water, whisking them far above the city.
Habetrot flinched and yelped at there being a magical barrier beneath her feet instead of solid ground, but her scrambling came to an end with a gentle tap from Morgan's staff.
"Be at ease, you're safe here. Just watch. Watch and see!"
Releasing her staff to levitate beside her, Morgan clapped her hands together and began rubbing them as she summoned her new power.
A grand spectacle indeed! Why not have a little fun with this?
Throwing her hands wide and snapping her fingers, the sky above the city was saturated in runes and symbols. In time with her lowering hand, they floated down to surround the buildings nearby, joining together and projecting fresh barriers around them all.
Habetrot gaped at the display, while Morgan just grinned wide.
Now then, let's test this properly!
Clenching her right hand into a fist, she brought it up to her face then down like a hammer.
"ROADLESS CAMELOT!"
She didn't even need the full chant any more to call forth its maximum potential.
Even when the colossal barrage of javelins, FAR larger than any she'd conjured before, began to rain down all over the city, getting another yelp of surprise and worry from Habetrot, she did not look away. Instead, she reinforced her eyes and kept looking.
This was her moment of glory, her time to shine. She would see it through to the end.
Even when the light from the spectral Rhongomyniad copy blotted out everything around her, engulfing almost the entire city with how intense it was, she pushed through the pain.
You see? See what We can do now!
What is this but something to value? To be proud of! What is this but an outstanding opportunity and resource?!
"Yes. Resource."
Mmmmm? Those weren't there before, were they?
Where did they come from?
"Pay no mind."
Mmmm, no matter. Something to investigate later.
"Use all resources."
Another benefit, even, tentacles that large will surely be quite devastating in battle.
Finally, the light died down. The Berserker blinked a few times and applied another layer of reinforcement to wipe away the spots in her vision. Grinning triumphantly, she swung around to face Habetrot.
…eh?
Why are you still so afraid?
What's wrong?
"Habetrot?"
"T-Take us back down, please." She whimpered.
"Why? There's nothing to-"
"J-Just take us back! Please!" The linen-spinner cried, looking more unnerved than Morgan had ever seen her.
In a moment, the water sphere returned, whisking them back to the safety of the ground in the shopping centre.
Even so, Habetrot still shook and took some deep breaths, trying to calm herself down as Morgan watched over her, eyebrows creased in worry.
"What is the matter?" She asked.
"You….You didn't see anything wrong with that?" Habetrot asked as she turned to face her friend, eyes wide in disbelief.
"It was Our Noble Phantasm. What was wrong with it?"
"That was NOT just your Noble Phantasm, missy." The small Fae insisted, wagging a finger at her.
Ah, she saw them too.
"Of course it was. Yes, it had an addition or two to it this time-"
"It summoned large tentacles all over the place!" Habetrot cried. "Isn't that something to worry about?"
"Not at all, if anything it's quite the benefit. All the better to crush Our enemies with them on hand to attack as well, no? And with all that's at stake now, don't We need that extra strength more than ever?" Morgan explained, extending a hand and trying to form as reassuring a smile as she could.
"You can understand that, can't you? Sometimes there needs to be risk along with reward. And sometimes there must be sacrifices to reach a goal."
Chaldea at least should understand that. How many have died to bring them this far?
"But now, there will be no more sacrifices, not with this strength on their side! Don't you see?"
Habetrot still looked nervous and unconvinced, eying the brand on her hand.
"And besides, just think about how wonderful an opportunity this is for Us!"
Morgan gestured proudly to herself.
"There is no other Servant like Us out there. No other hybrid of this nature! Is that not wonderful?"
Exceptional. First among many. No one else worthy.
"After all Our struggle, all Our efforts, it will finally pay off here and now! HA HA HA!"
Yes, the laughter was perhaps a little over the top, but there was no harm in indulging a little now, was there?
The threat to the world had been thwarted by her hand, an invaluable new tool had been added to her arsenal and a hero's welcome most certainly awaited her back at Chadea!
Yes, if there ever WAS the time to be self-indulgent, it was surely now!
So why not-
"No."
Hmmmmm?
Refocusing on her friend, Morgan frowned at Habetrot's folded-arm glare.
"Beg pardon?"
"Not this. It's too dangerous." She insisted, shaking her head. "I've seen how bad this can get, and so have YOU. This….we can't risk it.
"Look, this is already your special day, so don't ruin it now by throwing a tantrum and trying to keep something dangerous, okay? I mean, you saved the world today, that's worth a lot of bridal points! Isn't that enough?"
Eyebrows knitting together, the Fae Queen boggled at her friend's continued resistance, even suppressing a brief flash of anger.
Did she HAVE to keep up with this!? These…these continued wedding analogies and arguments!?
…what is the meaning of this?
Why do you keep arguing?
We've explained things perfectly well, haven't We?! What is there to be scared of?
A few bad experiences with these powers in the past is no reason to mistrust them now, surely!
Especially in Our more than capable hands!
So why turn now? What is so different about any of this?!
"Terror from ignorance.
"You climb. Understand….she recoils. Fear. Hate."
Yes…We suppose so. She has not experienced controlling these powers personally, only seen others fail to.
…but STILL, really now, has she such little faith in Us!?
No no, no no, calm down. Let's…just CALM DOWN a little. Give her the benefit of the doubt.
Putting on her most understanding and reassuring smile, Morgan leant down to pat Habetrot's head.
"We understand now. It's all right. You've made yourself quite clear, and We apologise for not seeing it sooner."
The Rider visibly relaxed, blowing out a breath and wiping her brow.
"Really? Hah…that's a relief! I-I know I got a bit heated back there, but it's just because-"
"Yes, understandable why you'd be scared. For someone with the lack of magical experience you have, the prospect of taking on and controlling a new form of magic would obviously feel very frightening. The risk outweighs the rewards in that case. We can see exactly why you're thinking this way, and We understand…but We are not you.
"We promise, we have this matter well in hand. There is no one more qualified to properly control this power than Us, for We were trained by the Allfather himself, chosen and gifted Divine Magecraft by Gaia to save Our world…We assure you, We will be just fine. Your fears may seem sound to you, but We see far more. UNDERSTAND far more.
"Why, with but a few minutes of investigation and analysis, We turned Our Lostbelt's Tree into a source of power for Our efforts! Bent it to Our will! Made it a cornerstone for Our world's foundation as a truly viable alternative to Proper Human History! And when Chaldea arrived, We even extrapolated their summoning system for Our own ends!
"Could any of Our new peers have done that? We think not. No no no, they are far too busy falling prey to their patrons' whims or peculiar obsessions! We have no such weaknesses and knowledge they most certainly lack. There is nothing to fear for Us."
Morgan allowed her smile to shift into a brief confident smirk.
Yes, this was what was needed. A proper layout of all the facts and differences between her and those other Foreigners, those barely-sane wrecks ill-prepared to handle the gift of this special sort of magic from patrons far unlike any other.
And since she'd explained it just so clearly, Habetrot would surely understand now!
…so why wasn't she smiling too?
Far from nodding along with her, the linen spinner had her hands on her hips, previous dismay shifting into a firm scowl.
"No."
"We beg your pardon?"
"I said no!" Habetrot clenched one hand into a fist and stabbed the other towards Morgan.
"I get that you're on top of the world right now, you're on your honeymoon and you're having the time of your life, but I don't appreciate that sort of attitude missy, especially when you're wrong!
"You're right, I don't know a lot of magic compared to you…but you know what I DO know? YOU!"
Morgan rocked back on her heels, blinking in confusion and disbelief at the outburst.
"And what does THAT have to do with ANYTHING?" She demanded, another flare of anger at her friend's continued defiance.
"EVERYTHING!" Habetrot wrung her hands.
"When we started all this, you were terrified of that weird brand! I had to weasel the truth out of you by getting you tired and poking you till you talked! You didn't like having it and didn't want to use it at all, yet here you are having done a complete 180 on it. And when did you do that, only AFTER all the seals were gone!
"I've seen how those Foreigners act when they're in different forms, they start getting taken over by those Outer Gods that give them power. That little village girl? She used to be scared just like you, but then she goes ahead and taps into more power and you know what happens? Her clothes get shredded, her eyes go red, she gets another eye in her forehead and she stops caring about anything! She just fights with this smile on her face!
"And guess what missy? That's EXACTLY what's happening right now! This isn't you coming to some realisation, this is you letting yourself get controlled by whatever or whoever it is that gave you that brand in the first place! You only think you're in control of this wedding, because you've got all this experience, but really you're just going along with whatever your new partner says even when they ruin what you wanted, even though they're not the right guy for you, because they just flatter you enough that you think it's all your ideas in the first place!
"Just look at yourself, Morgan! LOOK! Red eyes, skin pale as chalk, your hair's floating all over the place, there's creepy tattoos on you and who's this "We" you keep talking about? There's just us here!"
Habetrot put her hands on her hips and glared.
"...but it's NOT just us here, is it missy? You've let someone else in…and you couldn't handle them like you thought you could. He's not right for you, not right at all, so you gotta let him go."
All the while, Morgan's grip tightened on her staff.
Limbs began to tense tighter and tighter, teeth grinding together and veins popping out across her neck and forehead.
Even taking a few deep, heated breaths did nothing but make her angrier.
Why, the…the absolute NERVE.
Let it go? Let all of THIS go?!
Give up this CHANCE?! All this new POWER? This new OPPORTUNITY!?
And for WHAT? YOUR fears? Because YOU say so, so We need to just throw all this away!?
Do We not get a say in this?! Is Our view, Our expertise and proper experience , to be ignored here?
And this is NOT some…some ill-chosen lover! This is the key to infinite possibility! The path to a bright future!
This is…this could have saved-
…
With just more stored strength, a greater tax levied, We-
We faltered once. Let fear and sentiment hobble Our steps.
Not here. This is a chance that must be taken.
….so why are you trying just SO hard to GET IN OUR WAY?
Her hand tightened even harder around her staff.
…..are you not happy for Us?
"Tell Us, you said that we were now 'friends', correct?" Morgan hissed through clenched teeth, her floating hair now whipping around sharply rather than merely wafting gently.
"W-Well yeah…sure we are!"
Habetrot's smile was nowhere near as reassuring as she tried to have it be, nerves and cold fear creeping further into her mind. She could see all too well just how riled up the Fae Queen was getting.
"Then is it not a 'friend's' duty to support one's friends in their new endeavours? To lend a helping hand and encourage them in taking that step? Why do you keep insisting that We stop, hmmmm!? That doesn't seem too friendly now, does it?!"
"Because it's also a friend's job to stop their friends from making BIG mistakes! The kinds of mistakes like this one! A REAL friend wouldn't just tell you what you want to hear or blindly support you, they'd want the best for you no matter what that is! Even if you might not think it's the best thing at the time!" Habetrot pleaded.
"And what gives YOU the right to decide for Us just what this 'best thing' is?"
"The fact that I've got EYES!" The linen spinner cried, stabbing a shaking finger at Morgan's face. "Just look at yourself, missy! This isn't normal for you, YOU aren't normal right now! And if you can't see it, then I'll just have to make you see it!"
Morgan's eyes twitched, expression twisting into an offended snarl.
"Oh believe me, We DO see. We see that normal was not good enough for Our needs! To truly excel, to break this shell's pathetic restrictions, We must become MORE than just normal, and this is PRECISELY what We have done! Do you think We would have risked doing so without absolute certainty that we could manage any risks? Do you have THAT little faith in me now!?
"But perhaps you're right. Perhaps We do need to take a closer look…so let Us begin with YOU, shall we?"
Fiery red Dairy Eyes glared into shrunken pink orbs, boring deep to pry out every last scrap of intent and dig up any semblance of deceit they could find.
Show Us why you're REALLY doing this.
What is it that-
…
No…
Th-That… it isn't-
You-
"It is. You know."
No. Absolutely n-
"Jealousy."
Absolutely NOT! Perish the thought! Why, j-jealousy is p-practically foreign to her! H-Habetrot would not-
"Not yours. Different history. Different being. Different enough…"
…to feel jealous.
…no. No! This-
Apep fooled Us once before. How can We still trust what these eyes see? This…there must be something more to this!
"Who could lie to you now? Who could deceive you? Now, you have the power. You are in control. If there is an illusion there, you will surely find it…so look again."
Just one more look. One m-
…
….this is not fair.
This was supposed to be my TRIUMPH!
She spared Habe- no, she spared the imposter a glance.
YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE-
Then she couldn't look anywhere but at the ground, fists clenched and trembling, chest chokingly tight and heaving.
Why didn't We see it?
Did We ever-
The Rain Clan made sure We wanted for nothing, but after that-
…it really was such a long time ago, wasn't it?
What 'Tonelico' wouldn't have given to pass her fate on. For someone else to take up Gaia's task…for someone to try and save that wretched land.
…was this how you felt all your life, Caster?
A sacrificial task. An insurmountable enemy. Hatred and falsehood around every corner. Treacherous villagers that cry out for your aid and backstab you on the same day. And no second chance should you fail.
Yet you succeeded anyway.
You were never the strongest, nor the most skilled. You did not get the inheritance We did.
Yet you gathered might enough to stand a chance.
Brought together a band of supporters to carry you forth, lift your spirits and walk your path with you.
And they really were…the greatest blessing, weren't they?
What We wouldn't give to-
Perhaps, with this power, We might write their stories into the Throne one day.
…anything better than dealing with….with IMPOSTERS like THIS one.
The moment of pleasant remembrance was swept aside, the corrupted queen's gaze refocusing on the poor fairy in front of her. As much as it could through the sudden mist in her eyes.
"We see now." She whispered, glaring down at Habetrot. "We see why you do this."
"T-Then you know why I'm worried, right?" The Rider all but begged, taking off her hat and squeezing it for comfort, trying to stop her own shivering. "See? You just needed to put two and two together, and-"
"We see now that you are just like THEM."
"Huh? What d-"
Habetrot yelped and jumped back as Morgan slammed her staff into the ground, scrambling to avoid the energy pulse.
"We really were a fool, yes, to be so easily taken in by you."
"T-Taken in!? What!?"
"You acted so much like her. Just enough to lure Us in, just enough."
Was it always an act? Just how long were you deceiving Us, IMPOSTER? FAKER!
"But no more. Not now. We see through your lies. We see you for what you are…just another covetous, jealous serpent, piggybacking their way to power.
"Even here and now, it seems We still are not free of those kinds of parasites. Once from the Clans. And now from this history.
"That's not it! That's just what that thing's making you-"
"ENOUGH."
She punctuated her snarl with another slam of her staff against the floor, now feeling streaks of heat slip down her cheeks.
"We tolerated your 'concern', We listened to your repeated whinging, your insults to Our ability and will…but that stops RIGHT HERE. In THIS world, we have no NEED of lying leeches like you.
"So just. Be. SILEN-"
"FINE!"
Habetrot took a step forward, still shaking but staring Morgan down all the same.
"You know what? Fine! FINE! You got me, missy! Let's just say little old me's just jealous. REAL jealous!"
At least you aren't making any excuses. At least you can admit what you-
"...but how does me being jealous make THAT-" Habetrot stabbed a finger at Morgan's brand. "-any less dangerous?"
"Excuse you?" She choked out, almost seizing up with how tightly her muscles were clenching.
"Just think for a sec. Say you're right about me…and wrong about that. What are you going to do then? You think Chaldea are going let you walk around with that completely unprotected? How are you going to convince them it's a good idea without sounding completely off your rocker?
"Cause you hid that mark for a reason. You wanted to tiptoe around this and be all sneaky. You can't keep doing that now, because it's far too dangerous to keep."
"ENOUGH! I will cross that bridge when-"
"Too late for that missy, it's burnt! Why'd you think I'm speaking to you in the first place?"
"...what?"
"Master asked me to talk to you. And this is plan A….you really want to try and deal with plan B?"
Even with Morgan trembling with indignation and offence, and through her own scared shivering, Habetrot stood her ground and stared back at her.
"You really want to try pushing your luck further, missy? Cause it's just about to run out. You keep this up and there won't be a happy ending and wedding bells waiting for you."
Red eyes twitched and neck muscles tightened even further as Morgan struggled to choke out any sort of retort.
Y…You DARE try to intimidate US like this!? First you deceive me, base our 'friendship' on lies, now you think to order Us around!?
"Is…is that so?" She hissed. "You truly are a long, long way from the Totorot We remember."
"Really? Cause I don't know too much about that me over there, so I'll just ask you one little thing…would she think this is okay?"
"What?"
"Would Totorot think this is okay?"
"That…that is not-"
"Or would she be telling you exactly the same thing I am right now?"
"Do not let her take your achievements away."
"Be silent."
"What would she be saying, missy?"
"Listen to her, pillaging the dead to tear you down. Abhorrent."
"What does it matter!? She's dead and gone!"
"Oh but you're okay with comparing me to her to try and justify you doing all this!? What would she be saying!?"
"SHUT UP, DECEIVER!"
"WHEN YOU ANSWER ME, MISSY! EITHER YOU ANSWER TO ME OR YOU ANSWER TO MASTER!"
"We will GLADLY take HIM over YOU. At least ONE of you will see sense!"
…he will. Won't he?
Huffing and whirling around, Morgan made to storm off…only for a small hand to grab her free hand and halt her in place.
"What do you think you're-" She growled, twisting her head back around.
Only for her blood to run cold as she noticed Habetrot bringing her other hand forward.
While a VERY familiar rune was floating in her palm.
"How did you-?"
"You kept letting me see them. Wasn't hard to figure out how to make 'em myself with enough looks."
"And what is the meaning of this?!" She hissed, trying to pull her hand away.
Habetrot held on, matching her glare with one of her own.
"The way you are now you aren't making anybody see sense…so I'll just have to do it for you. Just let me pop a few seals back on and see how you feel after a while, okay?"
"As We told you many a time, this is NOT necessary. We have FULL control of this power."
"Yeah you keep saying that, missy. We'll see if you say it again after a few minutes with some of these on, okay?"
"Release Our hand, Habetrot."
"What's the problem? Just endure this for a couple of minutes and it'll all be fine."
Habetrot narrowed her eyes and yanked Morgan closer. How was she-?
A glance at her hands…
Reinforcement.
"If this is really you saying all this. If you've REALLY got this under control and not the other way around…then there shouldn't be any change no matter how many seals I put on, right?
"You stick this out and still want to lean on that new pal of yours, then I'll vouch for you myself! So why refuse? This is your ticket out, missy!"
"More lies. More trickery. To steal your victory."
"We have no need of your 'vouching', Habetrot. Release Us immediately!"
"Not until you snap out of this!"
With another application of reinforcement, the Rider dragged the ex-queen down further, moving the sealing rune closer and closer.
"This is your one chance. This is the culmination of your effort and determination. Do not let her take it from you."
"There is nothing to 'snap out' of, fool! We will NOT ask again, RELEASE US NOW!" Morgan snarled, sweat breaking out across her skin as she tried and failed to pull away.
How can you still not understand just how much this can do for Us?! How much We NEED this!
Why must you try to cut Us down? Steal Our triumph!?
WHY MUST YOU BE SO. VERY. MUCH. LIKE THEM!?
…why must-
"I AM releasing you!" Habetrot yelled back. "Didn't you see what happened to that cult leader!? I'm not letting that happen to you!"
"Whatever you think may happen to Us is NONE OF YOUR CONCERN!"
Morgan bent down and got right in Habetrot's face, expression twisted into a ferocious snarl.
"When will you get it into that thick, bride-obsessed skull of yours that this is Our decision to make, not YOURS. Your 'advice' is not needed, it is most certainly not WANTED and it will not even be TOLERATED any more!
"Ever since We were touched by this gift, you've been trying to tear Us down! To make Us discard it! To keep Us grovelling in the dirt with you and all the rest!
"Did you really think you could hide why you were doing this?! That you're the first two-faced Fae to hide their spite and hatred behind fake smiles and empty platitudes!? We admit, you kept Us fooled for quite some time…. but that deception stops now.
"If any part of our 'friendship' was ever sincere, if there is any part of you that resembles the Totorot We remember, then you will honour this one request… and LEAVE. THIS. BE! LEAVE NOW AND NEVER-"
She cast her own reinforcement spell, aiming to tear her hand right out of Habetrot's grip.
Only for her head to snap back, a stinging pain blossoming in her cheek.
Wh…What was-
Turning slowly, stiffly, blazing irises shrinking to pinpricks, she found Habetrot with her hand out to the right…and quickly bringing it back around to her own, fumbling with her sealing rune.
You…
You-
…VERY WELL.
Driven by boiling blood and a whirlwind of rage, she gripped her staff tight and swung hard.
A pained, terrified yelp echoed through the halls as it found its mark.
TRY TO TAKE THIS AWAY FROM US, WILL YOU!?
NO! NOT HERE! NOT NOW! NOT BY THE LIKES OF YOU!
SO. JUST. D-
"MOTHER, STOP!"
She froze, the flames burning through her body quickly smothered, at the sound.
Turning her head, Morgan sucked in a very quick breath at the sight of Baobhan Sith in holographic form, standing with hands clasped and lips trembling.
"This isn't you, Mother! You're the queen! You're the strongest! Why are you letting this monster boss you around?!"
We are…n-no, I. I!
I am in control here! I am!
"N-No one is controlling me, Baobhan Sith. I-"
"Then why are you hurting your friend?"
My…
N-No. She is not my friend! She lied to me like all the others did! She-
She cut herself off. The vitriol surging through her veins began draining away fast when she turned to look at the fallen Rider once again.
Habetrot was huddling in a heap, arms protecting her head as best they could.
Not well enough to hide the nasty red indent where the queen's staff had struck.
Or hide the small tears welling in her sole visible eye.
"I-I'm sorry for pushing you." She whimpered. "Just…don't do this. Please."
She…
Was she really trying to help me?
They never…
"Come on, finish up quick or the saviour will see us!"
"Aaaawww, but we're still having fun! Look at how easily they pull apart!"
"Ahehehe, human entrails fall out so weird! They're making such funny noises!"
"Hurry up! We can kill more later! She's almost-"
"O-Oh dear Gaia…WHAT IS THIS!? WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING!? Stop this! STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!"
"Aaaaawww, she's heeeereee…"
"Why's she so angry? Humans are so fun to play with! It's not like we'll run out of them!"
"Yeah! There's loads of new ones right over there! We can make more whenever we like! Why can't we play a bit with them?"
"They'll just die anyway, this way they can be entertaining before they do!"
"Come on Tonelico, it's just one group of humans! Where's the harm?"
No remorse. No regret. Just irritation that I caught them in the act.
No tears. Never tears.
Tears are for the repentant.
When did THEY ever repent for anything?
All those problems. All the Mors. The CALAMITIES…
NONE of them would exist if they'd just. REPENTED.
But…but here…
"-n't you, Mother! Fight it! You can fight this thing! You can fight anyone!"
I-...but I saw! I saw that she-
No.
A fresh spike of fury, mingled this time with a creeping, cold realisation, washed over her.
…I was so quick to accept what I-
No. What HE told me.
So quick to trust these lying eyes. This voice in my head.
Her staff almost slipped from her grasp, with how violently her hands were beginning to shake.
She stumbled back, a deep pit yawning wide in her stomach.
Even as her boot caught a dangling piece of fabric and brought her crashing down, she kept scrambling away till she hit a wall.
Curling up tight, head in her lap and staff thrown to the side, the Berserker began digging her hands into her scalp in disgusted frustration.
Again.
IT HAPPENED AGAIN.
And this time to-
…
DAMN IT ALL!
Her knuckles trembled and shivered as she smashed them into the surrounding concrete over and over. She didn't care about that, she just needed to vent.
NO. NO NO NONONONO!
…
I'm sorry.
Why didn't I see it sooner?
I was too blinded by…by this opportunity.
"Ah, the Servant has woken."
No longer did he try to sound anything like her, in tone or pattern. He had been caught…and yet there was no concern on his part at all.
His bonded 'agent', however, was far less well off.
Sweat began to drip down her shivering form, especially as a familiar light came into view.
Where once the bright red of the brand seemed so warm and comforting, the promise of unrivalled opportunity and might, now she never wanted to see it again.
Not after it made her-
Sweaty, shivering fingers fumbled for her staff.
Get rid of it. Have to get rid of it.
"Mother?"
Baobhan's voice sounded so far away…so faint.
Just a moment, Baobhan Sith, just let me-
Gripping her staff tight with her free hand, she shifted it into sword form and held it up high.
Get rid of it. Not another second with it.
"-at are you doing, Mother!?"
"-ait, don't do-"
Breathing ragged and shaky, she held out her free hand, brought the cursed mark clear into view.
Get rid of it get rid of it get it off get it off getitoffgetitoffgetitoffgetitoffgetitoffgetitoff now now NOWNOWNOWNOWNOWNOWNOWNOWNOWNOW-
Heart rate spiking and teeth clenching, she slashed downwards.
As it will always be.
MY FATE IS MY OWN.
A small pair of hands intercepted her own, wrenching it away before the blade could connect.
Jerking her head around, Morgan's eyes shrunk as she faced the panicked, desperate eyes of Habetrot, holding on to her wrist for dear life.
What are you-?
No, no, let me see.
…there it was.
Concern. Pure and plain.
All that over an assumption.
All of m…over a lie I believed so easily.
I would not blame you if you never…
And if that is my punishment, then so be it. But for now-
"Please let go." She whispered. "I have to-"
"And you can. You can." Habetrot insisted. "But let's…this is plan B, okay? Plan A first, plan A."
"And what is that?"
"Can you cut the connection? Make it go away?"
"You…you expect me to get the better of an Outer God's will?"
All she could do was laugh. Better than crying.
"Can't hurt to try, can it? Before you lose a limb over it?"
"Y-Yes…yes. Perhaps it is."
"Disappointing…"
The rumbling voice was far deeper now, echoing in her ears and almost making her jump out of her skin.
No more time. Do it now!
Pouring all of the strength she could muster, all she could handle, into a nullification spell, Morgan stabbed her fingers into the brand.
Just go away, just go away go away goawayleaveleaveleaveleaveleaveleave.
She grit her teeth as the magic began pouring into and wiping away the brand, slowly and steadily replacing its burning sensation with cool relief, bracing for the inevitable backlash at her 'patron's' likely response.
…only for it to not come. Even as her spell wiped away more and more links, bleaching the brand from her skin further, she couldn't feel any pushback.
No cold pressure. No opposing magic. No dark and wet surroundings.
What?
Why is he not-?
A chuckle rattled through her ears.
"A pity. Useful puppet."
Despite her thundering heart and pit yawning wide in her stomach, Morgan felt compelled to snap back.
I will NOT be your puppet, so enjoy these last few moments before I go forever beyond your reach!
"Amusing."
Amusing? Amusing!? Is that all you have to say!? You will lose your puppet, fool!
Another round of roiling, warped laughter.
"Another will come. More opportunities. More desperate souls."
Then we will stop your kind again! Stop YOU!
"For now…but in one of your 'decades'? Centuries? Millennia?
"Your memories fade. Your species move on. I endure and wait. It's only a matter of time…and I have plenty of amusement till then.
"Consider this a reprieve, for your assistance. This hunt is finished and the usurper hides away once more.
"Spread your warnings. Prepare yourselves. Keep watch. If nothing else, it will be very entertaining to watch the others try again…farewell, servant."
His voice faded from her head, along with his presence…while violently dragging all of his loaned might out with him.
Teeth clenched to prevent screaming, barely able to stop the spasms and keep silent, every pattern of hers burning at the sudden, violent extraction of so much mana, all Morgan could do was screw her eyes shut and wait for it to end.
Just get out… get out get out GETOUTGETOUTGETOUTGETOUTGETOUTGETOUTGETOUT!
Once it finally did, she gladly let the fresh onslaught of fatigue take her, slumping into a heap and sucking in air, clutching her staff tight.
Holding up her shaking left hand, blinking away the spots in her vision, a flood of relief washed over the ex-queen as she noted the blank skin, flushed once more with colour.
"Is it-"
She didn't wait for Habetrot to finish before nodding.
"Y-Yes….yes. He-"
Her sight swam and blurred, soon followed by wet trails of heat down her cheeks.
That was FAR too-
No. No. Don't think about that right now.
It's over. It's really over.
"He's gone. He…he's leaving us alone."
"Just like that?"
"It…i-it would s-seem so, yes. Yes. He has what he came for here."
"That other one?"
"Indeed. I believe that was the one part of her story Apep wasn't lying about."
Wiping at her eyes, Morgan pushed herself up to a sitting position. Taking some deep breaths to clear away the thick blockages in her throat, she turned to face Habetrot.
"I-I was…w-what I said was completely inexcusable. It was built on nothing but baseless paranoia and petty assumptions and…a-and spite. Spite for what I believed was more Fae trickery and manipulation. I-It was shameful behaviour, both for a queen and a friend."
The linen spinner stepped back with a yelp as the ex-queen shamelessly threw herself to the floor, pressing her nose tight against the cold tiled ground of the food court.
"Were you to wish this friendship ended right here and now, to never speak to me again, then I fully understand."
…just more ruins left behind me.
And I have none to blame but myself.
…
I really have carried the isle's curse back with me, haven't I?
"But, if you can find it within yourself to give me a second chance, there is nothing I won't do to ma-"
A soft hand on her head cut her off.
Looking up, she found Habetrot smiling sadly down at her.
"I know I'm not her, and I never will be
"…but I'd still like to be your friend, if I can? Get to know you properly, if you're willing to share?"
Morgan boggled at her, jaw moving soundlessly for a bit as she tried finding her voice. Tried gathering herself.
"I hurt you. Nearly killed you. I-"
Her voice was hoarse and so small.
"Not you, right? It was that Outer God."
"N-No. No. He was just a small push, a little oil for the slope, but it was still me."
"He still had to push you, though. You wouldn't have done that without him, would you?"
"Of course not! Perish the thought!"
"Then there we are, then. You weren't you."
Morgan looked deep into those pink eyes.
You won't be budging on this until I agree, mmm?
You really are a far more forgiving person than I.
Yet another luxury the Fae Kingdom would not allow.
A small hand reached out to her, and she gladly accepted a little help in picking herself right back up again.
Scooping her staff off the ground and dusting herself off, the Berserker took a long, hard breath…intercut with a small laugh as a relieved Baobhan Sith tried to go in for a cuddle, forgetting she was only there as a hologram.
"MOTHE-wah!"
She still ruffled her hand around her head area.
"Thank you, Baobhan Sith. Your intervention prevented quite the tragedy here."
She leant into it nonetheless.
"I'm just glad that you're okay, Mother! You're okay…right?"
Those wide, watery eyes, even through the hologram, made her chest tighten a little bit.
"Erm, Mother, I made this for you…"
"Mother…is this okay?"
"Can I really do this, Mother?"
"Mother, I did it on my own this time!"
"Mother, I've got something to show you! Come and look! Come and look!"
To have those innocent days again…
Perhaps we still can. But first-
"Yes, yes I am. I'll see you back at Chaldea, all right?"
"Yes Mother!"
Waving and smiling one last time, Baobhan's hologram vanished.
"Guess we better let the others know everything's fine, yeah?" Habetrot suggested, gesturing back down the shopping centre's hallway.
"Yes, let's."
Morgan tentatively offered a hand.
Habetrot took it gladly.
They walked off to find their fellows, their shoulders already feeling lighter.
She was not at all surprised to see the team on guard when the pair returned.
Fujimaru's eyes drifted to her hand immediately.
"Can you show us your-"
Morgan tiredly held up and waved her hand, palm in.
"Fear not. We were…granted a reprieve, it seems."
The team visibly relaxed at the sights of bare skin.
"It's good to see you back to your senses, your majesty." Barghest smiled. "I was worried we might have to, well-"
"Granted? So you didn't get rid of it on your own?" Skadi asked.
"Heh, figures." Oberon-Vortigern smirked from the rear.
I'd like to see YOU try and do any better, insect!
"I was prepared to take extreme measures, if necessary, but my 'benefactor' decided to leave us alone for the time being. He has what he came for."
"But what would that be? What did he want here?" Barghest asked, rubbing at her chin.
"The other Outer God, most likely. He gave himself a part to play in defeating her." Sigurd replied.
"And locked out others. Goredolf mentioned he spoke to him about Chaldea not interfering, so I'd guess he's the one who stopped them sending us extra help. Seems like he and Apep go back a ways." Fujimaru nodded.
"Well, whatever their rivalry is, they can go at it somewhere else now, right? That's not our problem any more!" Habetrot grinned.
"Not for now…but they're almost certain to return in future. We'll have to pass down warnings."
"Chaldea's already on it. Anything you've got about their powers or abilities would be very helpful." Fujimaru held up his wrist-mounted commlink, which spat out a small hologram of Da Vinci with a notepad in front of her.
"Yep, anything about their MO, so we know what to look for!"
"Besides the obvious, I assume?" Morgan indicated her free hand.
"Yep, besides that!"
"They can both deceive the senses. Apep can cast illusions strong enough to fool even Fairy Eyes and manipulate dreams to her liking, I believe that's why the cult centred around her kept calling her a goddess.
"The Abyssal God can influence you while awake with a proper connection, he…made me see what he wanted me to see, and whispered into my mind as if he were my inner voice. He likes to tempt his pawns with power, give them a small taste and let them crave more so he can gain purchase. Anyone chosen by him must keep on their guard."
"Mmm hmmm, okay, anything else?"
"Nothing I can think of right now."
"No problem, we can still use this! I'll go and get this all typed up, ciao!"
Da Vinci's hologram vanished.
"Even with the cult dispelled, the Singularity still exists. What's our next move, Master?" Sigurd asked.
"Find and retrieve the Grail, that should do it. But first-"
Fujimaru finally allowed himself to stretch and yawn. Morgan found herself following suit.
It really has been quite the day or two…
Gaia, do they deal with these sorts of world-ending scenarios every other week!?
There's quite a lot more to acclimate to than I thought.
"-let's all take a break. Best to be in top form if there's something guarding the Grail."
"Yeah yeah, all well and good, but how are we going to find it?" Oberon-Vortigern raised an eyebrow and gestured around. "Unless you've got a radar for these things-"
"It's all right, I can find it." Skadi raised a hand and smiled.
"Uh?"
"I could sense traces of familiar magic on this book here-"
Almost everyone flinched as she brought out Prelati's Spellbook, singed and charred from all the frantic combat but still intact.
"-so I should be able to trace its origin point, all I need is a little while."
"Great, you get on that but don't push yourself. Everyone else get some sleep if you'd like." Fujimaru ordered.
"I will keep watch, Master." Barghest insisted, stomping over to watch the right hallway.
"Me too, I'm still full of energy!" Melusine assured them, moving to watch the left hallway.
"As will I, I believe there were a few wyvern stragglers slipping away from the siege. Best to be on guard in case they turn back up." Sigurd said.
"I'll go with you, my love." Brynhild took his hand quickly and the two wandered off on patrol.
Under the Fairy Knights' watchful eyes, the rest of the team began to settle down and take their well-earned break.
Morgan smiled when Habetrot curled up beside her, snuggling against her offered left arm with a soft "Don't mind if I do!"
She jolted a little as Fujimaru slumped down to her right, smiling and sighing.
"Sorry for sending in Habetrot. I'd have asked Barghest or Melusine but, well, I wanted to try the non-violent approach first and I've never seen you speak to anyone like you spoke to her. I thought if anyone could talk you down, she'd be our best bet."
"That is...a reasonable assumption. My 'benefactor' needed to intervene to make me distrust her, though I would advise Baobhan Sith first next time."
"We would've if we could've. Goredolf said she was threatening people to get her over here, but they needed some time to reboot everything after the overload. By the time we could get her on the comms...you'd already started getting into it. At least we managed to avert a disaster, just one more to go now."
"One more? Are these disasters quite so common at Chaldea?"
"You'd be surprised how often the world's doomed. Still...at least we've got some really great help with keeping it safe, right?"
His soft nudge and nod her way had the ex-queen looking to the side, fluttering in her stomach.
"P-Perhaps wait until after the Singularity is resolved before handing such praise out, Master."
"Nothing wrong with giving everyone a bit of mid-mission motivation. Works wonders with Ushiwakamaru…or Jeanne Alter, just to name a couple."
"I see. I see…"
Watching them all finally begin to drift off, nodding to Barghest and Melusine, the Norse couple made their way to the doors and began their external patrol.
As the two Servants made their way around the shopping centre's exterior, a pair of emerald eyes followed them. A tongue lashed out to lick its way across a golden blade as lips twisted into a giddy grin.
Almost time now. They'd come searching for the Grail soon enough.
Mmmm, well, best get ready for them!
Let's see just what you're made of….better not disappoint me~
"THAT DAMNED, INTERFERING, WITHERED FOS-!"
Dozens of starfish demons were sent flying with every swipe of her claws, and those were just the lucky ones.
The gore and viscera from those her talons and sharpened tentacles, now bristling with hooks and serrated bones sticking out from the flesh, tore apart floated freely around her. Some of it dared to cling to her skin, only driving her to further fury.
It mattered not. They were easily replaced. She'd crush them all if that's what it took to calm down!
She was so close!
SO CLOSE!
She'd been ON THE VERGE OF VICTORY!
SHE COULD PRACTICALLY SMELL THAT PLANET'S AIR!
It should have been HERS for the taking! HERS to plunder and exploit as she wished!
HER prize for all this patience. This planning. This effort! But now-
….and not even the satisfaction of that insolent little Faerie girl dying as she should, either!
No no. Calm down. Calm down. There'd be another time.
A little more preparation. A little more pragmatism. No more silly 'second chances'...yes. Yes.
She could try again. WOULD try again.
Earth would be hers, eventually.
But first, deal with that accursed fossil!
"And how will you?"
Whirling around, fresh magic and a new presence flooding the area, silver orbs met red pools.
"Here to gloat?" She snapped.
"To satisfy curiosity. So, how will you deal with me?"
A deep chuckle, thick with condescension, rippled through the void.
"What is it now…186 failures? No, too low. 473?"
She bore her fangs and serrated tentacles in a hate-filled snarl.
"Stop wasting time, old fool. Get it over with!"
"Now, why would I do that?"
"Because you are my enemy!"
Another round of mocking laughter had her going rigid with anger.
"WHAT? WHAT!?"
"Enemy? Is that what you thought?"
"YES. How could we NOT be!? And I will MAKE it so! I will NEVER stop until I have what's MINE! Until YOU and all the rest like BROKEN BEFORE MY THRONE!"
"Oh I do hope so. You have my blessing to keep trying."
With that, the Abyssal began to vanish, retreating back to his own pocket of the void.
"And why is THAT, HMMMM!?" She spat.
"...to entertain me, of course."
"E...e…."
Entertainment….?
Entertainment?!
ENTERTAINMENT!?
Something snapped within.
"EEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"
As his prey turned on what was left of her followers, the Abyssal allowed what resembled a smile to cross his maw.
"Until the next time, D'endrrah."