Bloom Stories/Story/Part 2

**Title**: The Strategist, the Shinobi, and the Moon Viewing Legend

## Chapter 1

**Chapter Title**: Cataclysms and Legends

**Synopsis**: The annual Moon Viewing event is fast approaching in Bergamot Valley. However, there have been frequent occurrences of pest outbreaks and earthquakes recently, leaving the Moon Viewing in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Fragrant Olive, who is looking into the cause of the incidents, discovers a book about the Moon Viewing legend which was written long ago...

**Iris:** Ranged units, fire!!
**Pest Swarm:** GigiiiIi...!?
**Kayana:** ... Direct strike. The pest swarm is silenced... Full extermination.
**Iris:** Fuu... What's the status of the troops?
**Hare's Tail Grass:** They have some scratches, but nothing serious! This is an overwhelming victory for us!
**Iris:** Good... Good work everyone. Also... That was amazing, Fragrant Olive-san.
**Fragrant Olive:** Eh!? I-I didn't do anything though...! It was all thanks to Iris-san's command...!
**Iris:** The whole strategy was developed by you, Fragrant Olive. Your defensive strategies are always top class.
**Fragrant Olive:** Th-thank you... It was worth thinking up a strategy that conserved everyone's physical strength as much as possible...
**Iris:** Recently, the number of raids has been unusually high... It's imposing a considerable burden on everyone.
**Japanese Silver Grass:** It's quite rare to see pest activity so high as this. It's all thanks to Fragrant Olive-san and the others' strategies that we've managed this much.
Also...
Wawaa! Not again...!
**Kayana:** Please calm down everyone. Lower your stances... Stay away from any trees or cliffs.
**Japanese Silver Grass:** ... That was over quickly, what a relief.
Haa, I was just about to say that we've been having a lot of earthquakes too...
**Fragrant Olive:** That's true. Pest outbreaks and earthquakes... I'm not sure if the two are related, but both are situations that are cause for concern...
**Kayana:** The Ninja Village is also investigating the source of the pests. I'll share any information they get with you as soon as I receive it.
**Iris:** It really helps that the people of the Ninja Village are helping us out.
**Kayana:** No, these anomalies are a problem for the whole of Bergamot Valley. We have been ordered by Chief Camellia Wabisuke to provide full support.
**Fragrant Olive:** Thank you. The information network of the ninjas always saves us...
**Iris:** ... I hope this situation isn't a harbinger of something much larger happening...
**Hare's Tail Grass:** W-we don't want that kind of luck, usa----!! If something bigger did happen, we'd be in trouble!
**Fragrant Olive:** Waa! H-Hare's Tail Grass-san...!
**Japanese Silver Grass:** Calm down, Hare's Tail Grass. It's not like it's definitely going to happen...
**Hare's Tail Grass:** I know that, but still!
But what if something much bigger happened...?
We won't be able to do our moon viewing! That is something I absolutely, definitely don't want—--!!
**Japanese Silver Grass:** Hare's Tail Grass... Do you really love moon viewing that much? I was surprised that you came all the way from Blossom Hill saying “I came to help, usa!”...
**Hare's Tail Grass:** That's because the moon viewing event is when these rabbit ears shine the brightest!
Also, I've been thinking up a prank that would make everyone, even Dragon Fruit, go “aaah” since New Year, usa!
So that's why, that's why...! Neither my rabbit ears or my pranks can shine in this situation, usaaa!!
**????:** Hohou, I'm impressed that there's someone around here who understands the wonder of rabbit ears!
So I'm going to leave this unit to you, and I'm going to go and save a different unit! All for the sake of the rabbit ears shining in moonlight! Waaahaahaa!
**Hare's Tail Grass:** ... Eh? Who was that?
**Fragrant Olive:** Aah, they came from Banana Ocean to help, and also really want to support the moon viewing festival.
It's great that they're helping with the subjugation, but they keep jumping around and getting involved with one unit to the next... Then, they just go off by themselves for a while...
**Japanese Silver Grass:** Like some kind of unthinkable one man guerilla unit...
**Iris:** The moon viewing has been a tradition that has been held in Bergamot Valley for a very long time. So we want to make sure that we have done everything we can to stop it being postponed as well.
**Fragrant Olive:** I'd like to think up some way to overcome this situation...
**Iris and Fragrant Olive:** Hmmmm...............
**Japanese Silver Grass:** ... In the meantime, we've defeated all of the target pests, so why don't we return to the Knight Company?
**Fragrant Olive:** Ah, y-es you're right! I'm sorry, everyone must be tired...!
**Iris:** Excuse us. Please tell everyone to get ready to go home.

**Iris:** That's a swarm of pests...!?
**Fragrant Olive:** B-but I'm sure we didn't have any reports about pests appearing in this area...
Did they relocate from somewhere else? That would mean...
**Japanese Silver Grass:** Either way, it's pretty irregular. Pest activity is at an all time high...
**Hare's Tail Grass:** Kuu... At this rate, the moon viewing event will never happen, usa...! Let's kill them all, Fragrant Olive-san!
**Fragrant Olive:** Yes, we're near a human settlement, so we'll need to deal with this quickly...
**Iris:** I'm sorry everyone, I know you're tired...
**Japanese Silver Grass:** No, we're not that tired thanks to you two, so it's fine! Let's go and blow these guys away!

**Kayana:** No problems here. However, there were definitely a lot of them...
**Iris:** So there are unreported swarms of pests like this... How unexpected.
**Fragrant Olive:** However, we weren't surrounded or put at a disadvantage. Thanks to everyone's strength, we felled them without problems.
All units, press forward without breaking ranks. We shall intercept any pests as we find them...!
**Iris:** If anyone is exhausted, fall back and provide support. We'll be fine, so let's proceed without concern!

**Fragrant Olive:** ..................
... Hmm, we were able to return safely, but we thought, the number of pests that appeared is certainly irregular.
At this rate, not only the moon viewing, but all other events will... No, not just events, but everyone's lives will be at threat.
**???:** - ...san.
**Fragrant Olive:** Could there be some kind of way to deal with this situation...?
**???:** ... Fragrant... Olive-san...
**Fragrant Olive:** Why is the number of pests increasing in the first place? Also, those frequent earthquakes...? There have never been this many earthquakes before...
Could these two phenomena be related somehow...?
**???:** Fragrant Olive-san... Watch out!
**Fragrant Olive:** Eh... KyaaAa!?
Ou-ch...
**Kayana:** Are you alright? Fragrant Olive-san...
**Fragrant Olive:** Ka-Kayana-san... Th-thank you.
Have you been calling out to me all this time? Excuse me, I was lost in my thoughts... It looks like I've walked quite far without realising it...
**Kayana:** I truly apologise for interrupting you. You were walking straight into a pile of books, Fragrant Olive-san, and I tried calling out, but...
**Fragrant Olive:** No, it's my fault for not paying attention. Please don't worry about it.
But... I should write a warning to stop people putting books on the floor...
... Huh, this is... “Moon Viewing Legend”? Speaking of which, the moon viewing is nearly here.
**Kayana:** ... It looks like a very old book. Could it be some kind of documented folklore?
The letters are a little faded, but it's mostly readable. Ummm...
*- Once upon a time, in the World Flower of the Windy Valley, evil insects filled the valley floor, their calls shaking the mountain walls. The terrified people prayed to the star filled heavens.*
*- After fifteen days, their prayers reached the full moon, and it's power sealed those evil insects in the depths of the earth, allowing the mountains to calm down and return to their original forms. Thus, the power of the moon saved the land of the Windy Valley.*
*-People prayed to the moon in thanks until the sun rose again, and before long, this came to be called the Moon Viewing---*
**Fragrant Olive:** Evil insects on the valley floor... Does this speak of an outbreak of pests?
**Kayana:** It reads like that. The next part talks about their voices shaking the mountains... You could interpret that as earthquakes.
**Fragrant Olive:** An outbreak of pests and earthquakes... It's a lot like the situation in Bergamot Valley right now... So does that mean that the same thing happened in ages past...? Then it was all quelled by “the power of the moon”...
D-did this thing actually happen...?
**Kayana:** I don't know... But, we can't say that it's just a legend or some kind of fictitious story either.
Although there are numerous false histories throughout all of Bergamot Valley...
**Fragrant Olive:** Th-that's certainly true...
... Let's ask around for more information. There's another who is investigating this incident.
That person isn't only knowledgable about historic facts, but also about folklore and fables...!
Ah, welcome! Ummm, Dill-san...!
**Dill:** Ah, thank you for having me, Fragrant Olive-san! Also...
**Kayana:** My name is Kayana. I have heard about you from Fragrant Olive-san. I am very thankful for your assistance in the investigation on this incident.
**Dill:** No, no, it's nothing. Thanks to Fragrant Olive-san, I have been able to get full access to the Knight Order's archives, so I'm very grateful.
**Fragrant Olive:** I-I just asked the person in charge. It was all a failure in communication in the first place...
**Dill:** I can't help myself in that situation. I'm Dill-san after all, so I was freaking out and stammering.
Dill-san wasn't born in Bergamot Valley, but has come here to do field work many times, and has learned a lot from these rugged lands. I heard the rumours and became concerned about this current incident.
So if there's anything I can help with, then please let me know!
**Fragrant Olive:** Thank you, Dill-san.
**Dill:** So... Do you need anything done right now?
**Fragrant Olive:** Ah, y-yes! Actually, we found this deep in the archives...
**Dill:** Mhmm, mhmm... “Moon Viewing Legend”... They quelled the incident by using the power of the moon...?
**Fragrant Olive:** The situation is very similar to this legend, so I want to know if this was a historic occurrence.
**Dill:** ... Actually, Dill-san was also about to go and make a report on this. I have a copy right here...
Long ago, a huge outbreak of pests spread across the whole of Bergamot Valley. In addition, there were frequent earthquakes... Is what these records state.
Then... At some point, all these events just settled down.
**Fragrant Olive:** Settled...? How on earth...?
**Dill:** How they managed to settle the incident was never written. But if we take a good look at the “Moon Viewing Legend” book that you brought, Fragrant Olive-san... Look, the year it happened is written here.
**Fragrant Olive:** Ah, you're right... Hey, is that the same year as what you were looking into, Dill-san...!?
**Kayana:** The legend and the historic records are from the same age, so that means that they must be talking about the same incident... So wouldn't that make the credibility of this “Moon Viewing Legend” book high?
We can't consider it pure fantasy now when it says that the incident was quelled by “the power of the moon”.
**Fragrant Olive:** In that case, if we can figure out exactly what the “power of the moon” is referring to exactly, then does that mean that we might be able to quell this current incident...!?
**Dill:** I think there's a high possibility of that.
Legends and fables aren't all entirely made up in order to teach some kind of lesson. Many legends are based on real events that happened throughout history.
**Fragrant Olive:** ............
... Thank you Dill-san.
I think I am going to look deeper into this “Moon Viewing Legend”. What exactly is this “power of the moon” and can we really put a stop to this incident...?
So, ummm... Aah......
I-if it's not too much trouble, could you two possibly help me out with this...? I know how much power I alone have, so if I could borrow the knowledge of some excellent people like you, then I...
**Kayana:** You don't have to say it like that. Everyone knows about the brilliance of Fragrant Olive-san. So I would be more than happy to help you.
Let's all work together to solve this situation.
**Dill:** I don't know how much help Dill-san will be, but let's work together!
**Kayana:** We will always help you out, Fragrant Olive-san, when you call on us .
**Fragrant Olive:** I-iiii-is that really true...? That's, um, I never knew...
I'll do my best to keep the peace for everyone... And to keep everyone smiling...!
*- And thus, the investigation into the “Moon Viewing Legend” began. What exactly is this “poer of the moon” and what is the cause for this incident...?*

## Chapter 2

**Chapter Title**: The Legend of the Asura of the Bamboo Forest

**Synopsis**: A long long time ago, it is said that the “Power of the Moon” subdued the natural disasters that struck Bergamot Valley... Fragrant Olive wonders if that same power can be used to solve the current series of incidents, and so has asked her friends if they would help her carry on with her investigation. It turns out that this power lies in the “Asura Bamboo Grove”...?

**Kayana:** It was a relatively small tremor, and the surrounding area doesn't seem to be affected.
But, the frequency is... Even though it's not a big tremor, we can't let our guard down.
**China Root:** I know that! Keeping everyone safe is number one!
But right now, the investigation around Bamboo-san has been put on hold indefinitely.
**Kayana:** The investigation into the powers of the Flower Knight who was sealed 500 years ago and has re-awoken, Bamboo... It was an important directive given to us by the top brass, but there's nothing we can do about in this situation.
We need to actively work with Fragrant Olive-san and the Knight Company in order to get our investigation restarted as quickly as possible.
If we can figure out the source of Bamboo-san's tremendous magical power, then there's no doubt that it will be useful to us in this age.
**China Root:** So she wasn't born with that power!?
That's the reasoning behind our mission to look into how and where she got hold of that power... But we've only ever managed to narrow it down to the area around Ukagami.
Hmmm... It really would be best just to ask Bamboo-san directly, wouldn't it!?
**Kayana:** If we could do that, it would take away most of the work...
It's said that she basically stays in Peach Spring Garden quite often, but it seems like she always detects our presence and disappears straight away.
**China Root:** She's even sneakier than a ninja! Hmm, it's really humiliating!
**Kayana:** I don't think you should say something like that so cheerfully...
However, she doesn't seem to have been seen in Peach Spring Garden recently.
**China Root:** It doesn't look like anyone knows where she went to either. Is it really alright to put everything on hold right now?
**Kayana:** It might not be possible to monitor her. Well, she's under the Queen's and Danchou-san's protection, so I think it should be alright...
There's no point in thinking about it. It's about time I got moving towards where Fragrant Olive-san is. Please take our report to the elders, China Root-san.
**China Root:** Yes, roger that! Take care, Kayana-san!
**Dill:** Ah, Kayana-san, welcome back.
**Kayana:** I'm back. I got permission from the elders, so I've brought some documents that we keep safe in the village.
**Dill:** Waa, thank you! This will really help!
**Fragrant Olive:** Thank you, Kayana-san. So, about Bamboo-san...?
**Kayana:** I'm sorry. We still don't know the whereabouts of Bamboo-san.
**Fragrant Olive:** I see... I thought that we might have been able to learn something, but...
It can't be helped... There's nothing we can do but do our best.
They're also investigating this as well, so let's go and hear how they're progressing.
Everyone, thank you for your work.
**Trailing Abutilon:** Fragrant Olive-san. As well as Dill-san and Fragrant Olive-san.
**Streptocarpus:** We were just collating everything that we've found out so far just now.
**Trailing Abutilon:** We have a back breaking amount of information, but with a few hints, then it wasn't too difficult to reason it out.
**Fragrant Olive:** Th-thank you! I wanted to share your progress of your investigation with Kayana-san, so this helps a lot...!
**Streptocarpus:** I see, then this is perfect timing. Then should we use this summarisation as a progress report from our side?
First of all, we're pretty confident with it's credibility. During the same time as the aforementioned “Moon Viewing Legend” , there are multiple records of “cataclysmic natural disasters”.
Also, interestingly, only books that were written in a certain region have what happened after that.
“The cataclysms were stopped by the power of the moon”...
**Kayana:** I see... So that means that the secret behind “the power of the moon” or whatever power exists could possibly be in that area.
**Streptocarpus:** Yes, that's how it seems.
Also, that area is... A land of trials that hides within deep valleys and Bamboo Groves...! Certainly, if there's going to be an undiscovered power, then I can't think of a more suitable place...
**Japanese Barberry:** Basically, it's the Ukagami region.
**Streptocarpus:** You said it! Barberry, I needed to build the tension a little more...!
**Japanese Barberry:** Now's not the time to wait for your meandering soliloquies to reach their end, Carpus.
**Streptocarpus:** Gunuu...
**Trailing Abutilon:** Ahaha, well whatever...
It's most likely that the “Moon Viewing Legends” that Fragrant Olive-san found was originally from the Ukagami region.
**Fragrant Olive:** So that's why myself and Trailing Abutilon-san's team thinks that the “power of the moon” written in the “Moon Viewing Legends” must be found somewhere within the Ukagami region.
**Kayana:** Ukagami... I see. Well, of course this “power of the moon” is......
**Dill:** ? Kayana-san?
**Kayana:** No, it's nothing.
More importantly, if you've figured out this much, then you won't need these documents I brought from the village, then?
**Fragrant Olive:** N-no, it's nothing like that! We've narrowed it down to the Ukagami region, but that's still a pretty wide area...
**Kayana:** If it's documents regarding Ukagami... Like this one. I haven't confirmed many details yet though...
**Fragrant Olive:** Ah, thank you. Waa, this is...!
Ummm... The layout of Ukagami Valley with secret hot spring locations... It even has the ruins of Kenzan's mechanical mansion...... Hm?
This is... “Moonless Cellar”...? “The path to the Sealed Land...”
*- An evil worm that shakes the land is sealed under the earth by the power of the moon.*
*- The path to the Sealed Land is found in the “Moonless Cellar” of the rare genius Kenzan's mechanical mansion---*
**Tampala:** ... I see, of course.
**Fragrant Olive:** Fuhyaaa!! Ta-Tampala-san!? When did you...!?
**Tampala:** I've been calling out to you for a while now.
**Fragrant Olive:** Ah, e-excuse me...
**Tampala:** No, I'm sorry for surprising you. I came to report on an unusual investigation, but then I heard a very interesting name, so I ended up here.
**Kayana:** Have you been asked to investigate too, Tampala-san?
**Fragrant Olive:** Y-yes. I wondered whether there were any clues to be found in the materials related to the descendents of Kenzan, so I asked the impossible of her.
**Tampala:** It's a rather modest request to say “impossible”. Well, because of that, I've looked into a lot of things.
In doing that, I looked through the catalogue of mechanics left by my ancestors and found mention of a “Moonless Cellar”.
“A long, long time ago, a crisis approached Bergamot Valley... I have closed off the route to the land where the cause was sealed away” is how it ends.
**Fragrant Olive:** The Moonless... That's the same name...! So that means that this cellar must really exist...!
**Tampala:** Yes, according to what's written, there should be a cellar somewhere in the Ukagami mansion ruins.
It's just... It seems like we can't actually where this “Sealed Land” or this “power of the moon” are until we're actually go to this cellar.
**Trailing Abutilon:** I see... Also, there's one other thing that interests me. This “Evil Worm” thing.
**Streptocarpus:** Fumu... I would guess it literally means some kind of “giant pest”...
If it comes to having to use the “power of the moon” to seal away this pest, it doesn't seem that they're just huge...
**Dill:** There's a high chance that there's a pretty dangerous pest sealed away down there then...
**Fragrant Olive:** ... I'm going to go and take a look around the ruins of Kenzan's mechanical mansion in Ukagami. For this “Moonless Cellar”...!
The fact that these strange events are happening again, then it might have something to do with this sealed pest or the “power of the moon” that sealed it...
**Dill:** I see... We have to go and confirm it or not!
**Kayana:** Understood. I'll make haste and prepare.
**Tampala:** It would be best to prepare fully before going. I have multiple gadgets that may be useful, so I'll come and keep an eye on them.
Even though it was written as a cellar, it's still listed in a mechanics catalogue. If there's some kind of surprises be waiting for us, then...
**Streptocarpus:** O-K, I'll get ready too...
**Japanese Barberry:** What are you talking about? You still have documents to read through with us, Carpus.
**Streptocarpus:** Eh!? But...!
**Japanese Barberry:** This is urgent. If the ever curious Carpus went with you all, then it would take at least three times longer than you expect.
**Streptocarpus:** Mu-muuuu... I can't deny that...
**Japanese Barberry:** So that means you can leave her with us.
**Trailing Abutilon:** Everyone, please take care with what you're doing.

**Tamplaa:** No, it said “There are two tricks in place for those who want to pass” in the documents. It seems like we'll have to solve these two tricks to get hold of the key.
**Fragrant Olive:** As expected from a cellar designed by Kenzan... It looks like we're not going to be able to simply open this.
**Dill:** I wonder what kind of tricks are waiting for us? Dill-san's getting all excited right now...!

**Fragrant Olive:** ...............
**Kayana:** ... Are you alright, Fragrant Olive-san? Has the exhaustion of the continuous days of research...
**Fragrant Olive:** Ah, no, I'm fine! Thank you for your concern.
**Kayana:** ... Is it because of your duty as a Flower Knight that you work so hard?
**Fragrant Olive:** There's that too... It's just I'm not good at disturbing the peace.
**Kayana:** The... Peace?
**Fragrant Olive:** Right now everyone in the country is nervous about the incidents, and so everyone's hearts are in disarray... I find that to be very sad.
I hope that we can settle these incidents so that everyone's hearts can be at peace, and we can all safely hold the moon viewing and all the other festivals. That's the reason why I work so hard. That's all there is to it.
**Kayana:** Fragrant Olive-san...
**Dill:** Ah! It opened up!
**Tampala:** There's a key inside. This must be the first key.
**Fragrant Olive:** Ah, thank you...! Excuse me, I didn't help at...
**Tampala:** It was a far simpler trick than I had imagined, so it's fine. Now that we'vesafely gotten hold of the key, let's move on to the next one.

**Dill:** There are marks on the floor in two places. The trick must extend from here to the door over there...
**Tampala:** It looks like the trick to opening the door is to place weights on both places at the same time.
**Fragrant Olive:** Th-then I'll go and stand on that part of the floor...!
**Kayana:** Well, I'll do this one...
**Fragrant Olive:** ... A-are you ready? Let's go... 1, 2...!
**Dill:** Waa, it's a success! It opened up!
**Tampala:** ... Why is the second place's trick just as easy? What's the reason...?
**Pest's Cry:** Gugogo... Gugogogogoo...!
**Kayana:** Ah! Everyone, pests...! Big ones too...!
**Dill:** Wawawa, were they attracted by the sound of the door opening!?
**Fragrant Olive:** Everyone, let's move to intercept...! Don't worry, if we use the layout of our surroundings, then we should be at an advantage...!
**Tampala:** Understood, let's go. I'm counting on you, Zansetsu, Daizo...!

**Tampala:** It seems so. Although it seems more like a natural cave that's being used for storage.
It doesn't seem like there are any particular traps in this area though...
**Dill:** Ah, there's a box over there! Could that be...?
... There's a book inside.
**Fragrant Olive:** So the path to the Sealed Land is inside this book...!
*- The path to the Sealed Land is written inside this book.*
*- However, the Sealed Land, and the “power of the moon” are quite dangerous. It's not as simple as following the path to reach this place.*
*- Even if the person seeking the “power of the moon” is flooded with power, they will never reach the Sealed Land that they aim to reach.*
*- Before you even realise it, your body will rot away, your soul will fall into the abyss, and your grudges will turn you into a ghost bound to wander for all eternity.*
*- You have no need to step foot within the Sealed Land.*
*- However... One day the sealed creature will once again threaten the people, only then “one with a righteous heart” may go to the Sealed Land and take hold of the power of the moon.*
*- The “power of the moon” knows the true hearts of those who seek it. Only those pure of heart may enter the Sealed Land.*
*- Think carefully, dear reader. How will your heart be.........*
**Fragrant Olive:** “The Sealed Land --- Lies beyond the “Asura Bamboo Grove”.
**Kayana:** Asura Bamboo Grove...!
**Dill:** That's a legend that's handed down in the Aizen School... Right?
**Kayana:** Yes... But after the Great Spirit's trials, it has all but been confirmed that this is a real place.
In fact, Bamboo-san who awoke during those trials is said to have obtained her tremendous magic in the Asura Bamboo Grove.
**Fragrant Olive:** Then it must be a real place...
**Tampala:** I see, so that's why there weren't any complicated traps...
**Kayana:** The route to the Bamboo Grove is written on the next page.
**Fragrant Olive:** ... Let's take this book back with us for the time being. This isn't a problem that we can decide by ourselves.
**Tampala:** Yes, you're right... This is becoming even more important than we thought.

–Bergamot Valley, Royal Audience Chamber–
**Coleus:** The Asura Bamboo Grove...? If we go past there, then we will find a way to put an end to these recent incidents.
**Fragrant Olive:** Yes, the route to the Asura Bamboo Grove is written in the book that was obtained with everyone's cooperation.
In order to quell these incidents, I would like to ask permission to begin an investigation into the Asura Bamboo Grove and the Sealed Land...!
**Coleus:** ......... The Asura Bamboo Grove is an extremely dangerous place, as is well known from the recent series of events. I'm sure that you are also well aware of this fact, Fragrant Olive-sama.
**Fragrant Olive:** That's............ Yes, of course.
**Coleus:** Also, even though the book you brought back tells us the way to the Bamboo Grove, it also warns us that if you have an impure heart, then you won't be able to escape and you'll end up wandering that grove for eternity.
There's also no guarantee that once you pass the Asura Bamboo Forest, you will actually get to the Sealed Land... Even with all that, you still want to investigate, Fragrant Olive-sama?
Do you have a pure heart that can pass through the Bamboo Grove...?
**Fragrant Olive:** ...............
... I don't know. I don't know if my heart is pure enough to find what I seek and travel to the Sealed Land...
But that doesn't mean I should just not go. Since the incidents have started, the people's lives have been at threat, so I can't do nothing when everyone's peace is being disturbed.
I want to do something to help the people. I want to bring back the peace. Also... I want to see all the usual lively festivals...
... At the very least, even if my feelings aren't pure, I absolutely... I absolutely won't...!
So... Please, let me go on this investigation...!
**Coleus:** ............
**Kayana:** We're all asking. Please permit us to investigate the Asura Bamboo Grove and the Sealed Land.
**Dill:** Fragrant Olive-san has been spending every minute of her free time researching the legends of the moon. Even when she's tired from consecutive days of missions, every day she...
For everyone's sake, and for the sake of Bergamot Valley. As long as it's Fragrant Olive-san who's been putting everything she has into it, then there's no doubt that she will be able to pass through the Asura Bamboo Grove!
**Fragrant Olive:** Kayana-san, Dill-san...!
**Dill:** Everyone else thinks so too, look...!
**Fragrant Olive:** E-everyone... What...?
**Iris:** Of course, we're going to join you if you're going to the Asura Bamboo Grove and the Sealed Land.
It's not just us who are here, either. Many of the Flower Knights who you asked help from during your research into the “Moon Viewing Legends” want to go with you to the Bamboo Grove.
**Kayana:** I have negotiated with my ninja village, and preparations are being made to send personnel.
So, please... Won't you give us permission?
**Fragrant Olive:** Everyone.........
**Coleus:** ... Fumu, I see...... As expected of fragrant Olive-sama.
... Understood. Permission has been granted to allow an investigation into the Asura Bamboo Grove and the Sealed Land.
**Fragrant Olive:** Ah............... Thank you...!
**Coleus:** Also... I always thought from the start that things would be alright as long as you were doing it, Fragrant Olive-sama♪
**Fragrant Olive:** Eh, eeeh!? Is that really so...?
**Coleus:** Yes, although... I still wanted to hear how determined you were directly from your own lips.
We of course know all about the research you and everyone has done regarding the “Moon Viewing Legends”.
The fact that this investigation has proceeded so quickly, and we have now arrived at a point where we have a means to put an end to these incidents has only been made possible by your personality and abilities, Fragrant Olive-sama.
In fact, there are many people who are only here now to help you, Fragrant Olive-sama.
**Fragrant Olive:** Th-that's... Because of me...?
**Coleus:** Please don't talk like that. You're far too humble, Fragrant Olive-sama.
Please take a little pride in your achievements, for yourself, and for everyone who has gathered here for you.
Your “pure heart” will definitely lead you to the Sealed Land... And take you to the “power of the moon”.
**Fragrant Olive:** ...! Th-thank you...!
Everyone too, um... A-all for my sake...
**Hare's Tail Grass:** Hmm? What's that?
**Iris:** Didn't you just finished being told about that, Fragrant Olive-san?
**Japanese Silver Grass:** Hey hey, one more time!
**Fragrant Olive:** Ah... Y-you're right...
... Thank you so very much for coming to help me, and to help all of Bergamot Valley, everyone...!
I have no idea what awaits us in the Asura Bamboo Grove or the Sealed Land, or even if we will make it there, so this is going to be a tough mission...
Bet even so... Will you please join me?
**Dill:** Of course we will! Let's all join forces and put an end to these incidents!
**Kayana:** Let's go and bring back everyone's “peace of mind”.
**Fragrant Olive:** ...! Thank you...!
Next thing is to form an investigation team to go into the Asura Bamboo Grove and onwards to the Sealed Land. Everyone, let's do our best...!
**Everyone:** \\\Yeah!///

## Chapter 3

**Chapter Title**: The Sealed Cataclysm

**Synopsis**: Having found a way to traverse the Asura Bamboo Grove, Fragrant Olive and the others form an investigation team to calm down the incidents wracking Bergamot Valley. The finally pass through the Bamboo Grove and step foot into the “Sealed Land”. What awaits them there is the legendary “Power of the Moon” and the source of these natural disasters. Will Fragrant Olive and the others be able to bring peace back to the hearts of the people...!?

**Fragrant Olive:** Th-thank you for your hard work, everyone. Thank you for all coming here today...
I would like to share with you the new information we obtained the other day from the documents we found in the Moonless Cellar.
**Dill:** There was various information in the books including how to get to the Sealed Land of Asura Bamboo Grove!
Thanks to these, we were able to learn a great deal about the “Moon Viewing legends”, which we didn't think were real.
**Fragrant Olive:** It was speculated from the beginning, but this “Power of the Moon” seems to be some kind of magical sealing technique.
It is written that originally, a ritual was to be performed once a year to maintain this seal.
It is possible to reinforce it by simply injecting magical energy into it, but it's only a temporary measure...
**Tampala:** ... The “Moon Viewing Legends” is a fairy story that the people forgot. All that's left from it is the tradition of moon viewing, but it's now probably a completely different form to the original ritual.
It has been a very long time since the ritual was performed, and the seal is weakening, so we believe that this is all connected to our current incidents...
**Streptocarpus:** So we basically need to find this “Power of the Moon” again, perform the ritual, and reseal whatever is sealed.
**Trailing Abutilon:** So it seems... But I think that the “Power of the Moon” has weakened considerably, now that the incidents are becoming much more noticeable.
The worst case would be the possibility that the seal breaks completely while we are preparing for this ritual...
**Iris:** Yes, we're worried about that too. As Fragrant Olive-san said, we're looking into “temporarily injecting it with magical power”.
So for this reason, we're planning on having people who are skilled with magic accompany you in your investigation.
**Tiger Lily:** I had heard that the Asura Bamboo Grove is extremely dangerous, but I'll be completely fine, so use me as you like.
**Cyclamen:** I-I might not be much use, but please let me help you...!
**Abelia:** I might not have that much power, but I'll do whatever I can to help.
**Fragrant Olive:** S-stop, saying you don't have power...! Having you work together with everyone is very encouraging! I'm truly thankful...!
**Hare's Tail Grass:** Hey hey, instead of resealing it, or reinforcing the magic, why don't we just kill the pest?
Then it's completely solved! ... No?
**Iris:** Of course we'll need to kill it sometime. But we don't yet have enough information on the pest that's sealed inside.
**Fragrant Olive:** The fact that it had to be sealed away through a ritual must mean it's a powerful pest that is difficult to defeat... We need to consider the possibility that it's an ancient pest.
If we plan to defeat it, then we'll need to thoroughly prepare... I think that we should focus on strengthening the seal for now to buy us more time...!
**Hare's Tail Grass:** Mumu... I see. If that's what Fragrant Olive-san says, then I'll do it. Well, I'll do everything to help seal it!
**Fragrant Olive:** Thank you, Hare's Tail Grass-san.
**Kayana:** There's also one more thing... When it comes to the “Power of the Moon”, it is powerful, but it is also tied to the phases of the moon, so it's at it's weakest during a new moon.
When I looked back through the records, the earthquakes certainly have been more frequent around the new moon.
I wonder if the pest sealed inside is waiting for the new moon, when it knows that the power is weakest, to try and break out...
**Japanese Silver Grass:** Uwaa, so that's what those earthquakes have been about...
**Iris:** ... It's almost time for the next new moon. It's a dangerous time to head out towards the Sealed Land.
But on the other hand, if the seal breaks on the next new moon...
**Fragrant Olive:** We absolutely can't let that happen. No matter what dangers there may be, I will... Head out to the Sealed Land.
Once again... Would you all please lend me a hand?
**Kayana:** ... Don't worry, Fragrant Olive-san. Everyone already prepared themselves before gathering here.
Let's put an end to these incidents.
**Fragrant Olive:** ... Thank you everyone.
Well, let's move on to making preparations for our investigation. We'll leave the day after tomorrow. Our destination... Is Asura's Bamboo Grove, and... The Sealed Land...!

**Lychnis:** No, we've not really been able to help you out directly until now!
**Rose Moss:** Even though I'm nowhere near as good as Master... I'll do everything I can.
**Fragrant Olive:** Yes, please do.
Well, let's go. Our destination is the Asura Bamboo Grove...!

This is... The entrance to the Asura Bamboo Grove.
**Lychnis:** I've been in this area many times to do training, but I never imagined that I could go to the Asura Bamboo Grove from here...
**Rose Moss:** The atmosphere feels a little different from the last time we were here... How should I put it...? It doesn't feel good...?
**Fragrant Olive:** ... Is it testing us?
**Rose Moss:** Testing...?
**Fragrant Olive:** The Asura Bamboo Grove is a dangerous place where you don't know if you'll make it out alive. Will we be able to go in there and get out again, will we be worthy of setting foot into the Sealed Land...?
**Lychnis:** ............

**Cyclamen:** It seems like... The flow of magic. Is it trying to make us lose our sense of direction...?
**Tiger Lily:** Please try not to let the magic around you affect you. Calm down and focus on your inner selves...
**Hare's Tail Grass:** Uuu... Focus, focus...!
**Pest:** Gigii... GigiiI...!!
**Tampala:** ... It seems like we're not being allowed to focus on ourselves.
There are even more pests coming... I guess this means that we're getting closer to our destination...
**Hare's Tail Grass:** These guys are really nasty, coming at us at a time like this! Time to blow them away!

**China Root:** We've made it pretty far! The number of pests is also getting pretty bad.
**Fragrant Olive:** According to the documents, we're almost there. It's taken us longer as expected, but this much is...
**Giant Pest:** Gi, Gogoo............!!
**Kayana:** !! That's...!
**Abelia:** A giant pest... It's aura is different from the ones we've seen before. This one's pretty strong...
**Giant Pest:** Gogoo... GogooooOOO...!!!!
**Fragrant Olive:** Everyone, get in formation! There aren't many of us! Concentrate and attack one at a time!
Let's break through them and make haste to our destination...!!

**Trailing Abutilon:** We've made it to an open area... Is this the Sealed Land...?
**Japanese Barberry:** !! There...!? That swarm of pests is hanging around something!
**Pest Swarm:** Gii... GigiiI...!!
**Kayana:** Fuu...!!
**China Root:** DooryaAa!!
**Kayana:** That's... A shrine? There's something placed inside...
**Fragrant Olive:** Is that a crystal ball...? What a beautiful colour... Almost like the moon...
Ah... C-could this be...!?
**Tiger Lily:** ............ Yes, there's no doubt. I can feel the same nature as the torrents of magic we felt before.
**Fragrant Olive:** So, this is the legendary “Power of the Moon”...!
**Cyclamen:** B-but... It looks like it's pretty weak.
So the torrent of magic before was originally much stronger than that to prevent intruders... Now that the power has weakened, it can't properly carry out it's purpose...
**Abelia:** It's barely holding on to the seal. It looks it would be better to pour magical energy into it to reinforce it as fast as we can, just like the document said.
**Tiger Lily:** It'll be temporary, but I think we can reseal it. We'll then need to get ready to do the proper ritual at a later date...
**Kayana:** !! Everyone, get back!
Pests are approaching... From behind the shrine!
**Tampala:** That's... There's a crack in the ground on the other side of the shrine!
The pests are pouring out from that crack... So that would mean......
**China Root:** Waa!? A-an earthquake...!!
**Iris:** Kuu... So the cause of the incidents is under the ground here... That's where the pest must be sealed. It has been waiting for when the seal is at it's weakest to form a crack over it, and has been sending it's brood out from there...
**Fragrant Olive:** So they were trying to get to this shrine to destroy the “Power of the Moon”, or maybe they were trying to take control of it...!
Trying to break the seal from both underground and overground...!?
**Pest Swarm:** Gigii... GigyaaaaAA.........!!!!
**Fragrant Olive:** I won't let you do that...!
Tiger Lily-san, please reinforce the “Power of the Moon”!
We will... Hold them back until you can strengthen the seal! We won't let the pests do what they want any more...!!

**Trailing Abutilon:** We've made it to an open area... Is this the Sealed Land...?
**Japanese Barberry:** !! There...!? That swarm of pests is hanging around something!
**Pest Swarm:** Gii... GigiiI...!!
**Kayana:** Fuu...!!
**China Root:** DooryaAa!!
**Kayana:** That's... A shrine? There's something placed inside...
**Fragrant Olive:** Is that a crystal ball...? What a beautiful colour... Almost like the moon...
Ah... C-could this be...!?
**Tiger Lily:** ............ Yes, there's no doubt. I can feel the same nature as the torrents of magic we felt before.
**Fragrant Olive:** So, this is the legendary “Power of the Moon”...!
**Cyclamen:** B-but... It looks like it's pretty weak.
So the torrent of magic before was originally much stronger than that to prevent intruders... Now that the power has weakened, it can't properly carry out it's purpose...
**Abelia:** It's barely holding on to the seal. It looks it would be better to pour magical energy into it to reinforce it as fast as we can, just like the document said.
**Tiger Lily:** It'll be temporary, but I think we can reseal it. We'll then need to get ready to do the proper ritual at a later date...
**Kayana:** !! Everyone, get back!
Pests are approaching... From behind the shrine!
**Tampala:** That's... There's a crack in the ground on the other side of the shrine!
The pests are pouring out from that crack... So that would mean......
**China Root:** Waa!? A-an earthquake...!!
**Iris:** Kuu... So the cause of the incidents is under the ground here... That's where the pest must be sealed. It has been waiting for when the seal is at it's weakest to form a crack over it, and has been sending it's brood out from there...
**Fragrant Olive:** So they were trying to get to this shrine to destroy the “Power of the Moon”, or maybe they were trying to take control of it...!
Trying to break the seal from both underground and overground...!?
**Pest Swarm:** Gigii... GigyaaaaAA.........!!!!
**Fragrant Olive:** I won't let you do that...!
Tiger Lily-san, please reinforce the “Power of the Moon”!
We will... Hold them back until you can strengthen the seal! We won't let the pests do what they want any more...!!
**2 – Post Stage**
**Lychnis:** Haa!!
**Rose Moss:** Fuu...!
**Pest:** GiiIi!!
**Rose Moss:** Haa, haa...a!
**Pest:** Go... Gogoo...
**Lychnis:** Kuu... I can't cut through it...!
**Japanese Barberry:** The ground's shaking is getting even more intense! Did they not manage to strengthen the seal yet...!?
**Abelia:** Ku.........
**Cyclamen:** Uuu... u!
**Tiger Lily:** Kuu... We must have already poured a lot of magical energy into it...! But even so...!
The seal isn't activating... We can't reinforce the power...!?
**Fragrant Olive:** We can't reinforce it...!? But why...!?
**Pest:** GigyaaaAAa!!
**Kayana:** Ah! I won't let you!
**Fragrant Olive:** Kuu... At this rate...! Even though we've come this far...!
**Pest Swarm:** Gigiii! GigyaaaaaAAAAAAAa!!!!
**Kayana:** We can't go this way...!
For Fragrant Olive's wish... For all of our feelings, I won't allow any of you to fall here...!
**Fragrant Olive:** Kayana-san...!
... Please, “Power of the Moon”...!
For everyone's sake... Your power......!!
**Cyclamen:** Hyaa...! Th-this light...!?
**Tiger Lily:** This feeling... Is the magic of the “Power of the Moon”...!?
**Pest Swarm:** Goo...o!? ... Go, GogooO.........o
**Japanese Silver Grass:** Th-the pests' movements have slowed...?
**Tampala:** Ah! The cracks in the ground are disappearing...! Also, the rumbling is subsiding...
**Abelia:** Has the seal been reactivated...? Why...? There was no reaction from it at all before...
**Fragrant Olive:** I don't understand it myself, but there shouldn't be any more pests now...!
All units, we'll clean up the stragglers at once!!
**Large Scale Pest:** Go, go... GooO............
**Kayana:** ... Extermination of pests... Fully confirmed...!
**Hare's Tail Grass & Japanese Silver Grass:** Ya...............
…...... Hooooooo!!
**Dill:** Haaa... I was worried what might happen for a while...
**Kayana:** Yes... I'm glad we managed to seal them in time...
**Tiger Lily:** But, why did it reactivate? It never responded to us, no matter how much magic we poured into it...
**Fragrant Olive:** What do you mean there was no response...?
**Tiger Lily:** How should I put this, even though we should have been supplementing the necessary magic, I couldn't find the trigger to activate it...
**Fragrant Olive:** I guess that moment was the trigger for everything...? What on earth caused it...?
Eeh... Th-the “Power of the Moon”...!?
*- ..................... You......... Owners...*
–*The owners of pure hearts– – You who have reached this land with those hearts............*
**Fragrant Olive:** This voice...
**Kayana:** It's echoing inside my own head... Can you hear it too, Fragrant Olive-san?
**Fragrant Olive:** The owner of the “Power of the Moon”...!?
*- ............... However, if any of you step foot in this land once again.................. – These giant insects will once again threaten the people...*
*- .................. The power of the moon has been lost to time...*
**Kayana:** ...............
*- ..................... Owners of pure hearts, those who have been guided here.............................. Please reseal...*
*- ............... And someday, try to destroy the giant insect.................. Once again, the power of the moon will guide you...*
*-.................. Until then, please don't forget these feelings.............................. Guide the people with pure hearts.........*
**Kayana:** I see... So the “Power of the Moon” only answers to those how have this power.
To Fragrant Olive-san's pure heart... And in response to our feelings...
**Fragrant Olive:** My... Heart.........
... I don't really feel like that's true at all...
But... But I'd definitely love to think that.
... Thank you for answering me, Owner of the Power of the Moon. I'll definitely keep my promise. For everyone... To keep the peace...
**China Root:** Fui! But this matter is settled for now!
**Hare's Tail Grass:** Yeah yeah! Now we can have our moon viewing with peace of mind!
**Japanese Silver Grass:** Hare's Tail Grass, isn't it a little too soon to relax?
Didn't they say that simply pouring magic into it would only strengthen it temporarily.
**Tiger Lily:** That's right. It's necessary to recreate the ritual as written in the documents if we want to seal it like before.
**Dill:** Also, this round of incidents has caused considerable damage in many places. The frequency of subjugations will decrease, but we'll need to move onto reconstruction support.
**Iris:** We need to hurry back and contact all the other units as soon as we can. As well as that guerilla Flower Knight unit... Hopefully we can catch them.
**Japanese Silver Grass:** Aah! That girl who said she was doing it for the bunny ears! She's probably still bouncing around all over the place.
**Trailing Abutilon:** There are more and more things we have to do. It looks like we're going to get even busier...
**Hare's Tail Grass:** Nuoo! There's still a mountain of work to do before we can start the moon viewing...!?
Kuuu! I can't give up! I'll have to help out toooooooo!!
**Fragrant Olive:** ... Fufu, I'm glad.
It's true that we've got a mountain of work to do, but we've managed to bring smiles back to everyone...
**Kayana:** Yes, that's great... All of your hard work has borne fruit, Fragrant Olive-san.
**Fragrant Olive:** Y-yeah... No, um... By me... Ah, not that, ummm...
Uu, I'm sorry... I'm still not used to this...
**Kayana:** Fufu, that's so like you, Fragrant Olive-san.
**Fragrant Olive:** Hau, s-so embarrassing...
But it's definitely not because of just me. Kayana-san, Dill-san, Iris-san... And to everyone who helped me with this investigation, it's all thanks to you.
We only managed to get this far because everyone lent me a hand.
**Dill:** The one who made me want to lend a hand was you, Fragrant Olive-san! I'm sure everyone else thinks the same.
**Kayana:** Yes, it's wasn't because it was their mission, but because of you that everyone cooperated because they wanted to.
... I'm the same... I wasn't ordered to do this, but because I empathised with your desire to “keep the peace”... I wanted to help you.
**Fragrant Olive:** Kayana-san... Everyone.........
... Just as you all said earlier, we still have a lot of work to do.
It's going to be tough, but if we sort them out one by one, then we'll be able to hold the moon viewing, and all the other events...
Everyone... Will you lend me a hand for just a little longer...!?
**Flower Knights:** [[[Yeah!]]]

Bloom Story - The Strategist, the Shinobi, and the Moon Viewing Legend. Fin.