(Fina runs into town with Rain and Lasswell following behind. They stop and look around shortly into town.)
Rain: We've made it to Lydira at last.
Lasswell: We'll be on foot from here to Grandport. We should prepare well while we're here. A desert lies between us and our goal.
Rain(grumble): Crossing a desert on foot, huh? I could do without that. I vote we find another route.
Lasswell: I wouldn't be so hasty. That desert is home to the precious heathaze bloom.
Fina(?): Heathaze bloom? What's that? Can we eat it?
Lasswell(grumble): Many would probably try to. It is a very rare bloom with layers of petals of every color. The nectar of these blooms is said to be the best of restoratives. If we can obtain some for ourselves, we will have one less thing to worry about on our journey.
(Fina spots something, gets a ! over her head, and runs off. The other two don't notice.)
Rain: You may be right. I suppose we should at least fill our food and water stores before we go, though.
(Rain turns towards where Fina was standing.)
Rain: ...Wait. Where did Fina go?
(Lasswell turns in the same direction as an older lady approaches.)
Lady: Are the two of you friends with that pretty little thing? That young lass who came with you two? I saw her follow a chocobo straight out of town. Even though we've had a spat of monster attacks on the roads of late! You boys should go after her smartish.
Rain: Come on, Lasswell!
(The two run off.)
(Rain and Lasswell are walking in the deserted highroad. Lasswell stops and gets (...) over his head. Rain stops walking as Lasswell speaks.)
Lasswell: We barely step off the boat and already she is causing trouble.
Rain: Come on now. Give her a break. She's lost all her memories, hasn't she?
Lasswell(grumble): ...Rain. Don't you think you're being a bit too easy on Fina?
Rain: Huh? Am I really?
Lasswell: Yes. I suppose like attracts like. Not that it's any surprise....
Rain: What is that supposed to mean?
Lasswell: Just that you are rather like Fina in some ways. It's no surprise to me that you react to her emotionally.
Rain(?): I'm like Fina? How do you figure?
Lasswell: Fina has lost her past and is now trying to discover who she is... Didn't you also become a knight to learn what had happened to Sir Raegen and better understand your own past? Basically you two are both searching for something great in your lives.
Rain: You know... I wouldn't give up the sword if I were you. I don't know that you've got what it takes to be a psychic. (He turns his back on Lasswell.) The only reason I'm helping Fina is because I feel like helping her.
Lasswell(...): As you like. Then shall we go and help her? (Rain turns back to face Lasswell as Lasswell continues.) At least I can say that currently, you are in search of one thing, and that is Fina. I don't think I'm wrong there.
(The two head off.)
Lasswell: Still, whyever did Fina go dashing off after that chocobo?
Rain: Cut her some slack. Everything in this world is still new to her, you know? Don't you remember the first time you saw a chocobo? I bet you were just as excited.
Lasswell: Preposterous! Imagine me, losing my senses over a bird!
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and proceeds to wave 2 without dialogue. After wave 2 is vanquished....)
Rain: Even so, when it comes to chocobo... Don't you remember, Lasswell?
Lasswell: Ah, yes... We used to chase them around when we were growing up. You'd get carried away with it, and end up lost in the forest.
(Battle progresses to wave 3, but doesn't commence.)
Lasswell: Of course... now I remember. One time, when we stopped and looked around, we had absolutely no idea where we were. We were scared...frightened....reduced to tears.
Rain: Did you have to bring that up?
(Wave 3 commences, and proceeds to wave 4.)
Lasswell: There we stood, lost in despair...Until Sir Raegen came to our rescue. I was so happy...
Rain: You don't say? I remember wishing the old man would mind his own business. But that's me. I guess for some people, there's nothing like seeing a friendly face. That's why we have to go and find Fina.
Lasswell: ....Right, let's do it.
(Wave 4 commences and proceeds to wave 5 without dialogue. After wave 5 is done...)
Lasswell: This isn't good....
Rain: What's wrong?
Lasswell: They say that chocobo eaters lurk in these parts... And despite the name, they're actually not so particular about their diet.
Rain: Curse it all! We have to find Fina, and soon!
(Battle progresses to wave 6 but doesn't commence.)
Rain: Did you hear that!? That was a chocobo's cry!
Lasswell: It came from up ahead...and it sounded scared.
Rain: Fina's in danger! We have to hurry!
(Wave 6 commences, and progresses to wave 7.)
Rain: Then again, if Fina can still wield the power she used at Grandshelt Castle...
Lasswell: ...she should be able to handle a chocobo eater or two. However, she has shown no sign of that power since. Which might mean...
Rain: ....That she's lost it...along with her memories.
(Wave 7 commences, and proceeds to the boss battle.)
Lasswell: Gah! I knew it! A chocobo eater!
Rain: Fina!? Fina, are you safe!?
Fina: Rain! Lasswell!
Rain: Thank the crystals! She's safe!
Lasswell: All right! Let's make short work of this one.
(The boss battle commences. There is no dialogue after it ends.)
(Rain and Lasswell look at each other.)
Rain: That "odd bird" was a chocobo. They are cute, aren't they?
Fina(💗): They are! And they have such a funny sort of smell, too!
Lasswell(irritated): This is not a laughing matter! We left in such a hurry to follow you that we haven't brought enough food and water to make the journey safely!
Fina: Th-then I don't need to eat!
(Her stomach growls.)
Fina: Oh...! That's not... It wasn't...
Rain: Heh... Ha ha haha ha!
Lasswell(grumble): ...We'll have to hope that one of the villages we pass through has enough food to spare a bit for us as well.
(Lasswell walks off.)
Fina: ....Sorry.
(Fina and Rain follow Lasswell.)
(The three walk into the Phantom Forest and look around.)
Fina: Wow! There are so many trees! Can I climb one?
Lasswell: No...that would not be wise. This is no ordinary forest. I sense monsters lurking in the trees.
Fina(!): Monsters?
Rain: Don't go wandering off alone again. I don't care how rare of a bird or beast you do spot. If you get lost here, you may be gone forever.
Fina(🎵): I understand. And I'll keep an eye out for you, too, Lasswell, so you don't get lost.
Lasswell(grumble): ...My thanks.
Lasswell: Stand back, Fina. It's too dangerous for you.
Fina: I'll do no such thing! I can hold my own in a fight! I'll give this nasty ratbag a SLAM, a BAM, and a KA-POW!
Lasswell: Let us handle this one, Fina....please?
Fina: Bah! You guys are no fun.
(Wave 1 commences. After it is done...)
Fina: We're pretty strong, aren't we? All the monsters in this forest combined are no match for us! No mercy! No quarter! I'll send you all to your graves!
Rain: You're, uh...pretty intense, aren't you?
(Battle progresses to wave 2, but doesn't commence yet.)
Rain: Say, Fina... Your memories still aren't back?
Fina: So what if they aren't? I'm doing just fine without them.
Lasswell: We, however, might be doing better with them.
(Wave 2 commences, and progresses to wave 3 but doesn't start yet.)
Lasswell: There are many things we'd ask you, if we could.
Fina: So ask away! I'll tell you everything I know!
Rain: But without your memories, that would be..nothing, right?
Fina: ...oh yeah. I guess you have a point.
(Wave 3 commences, and progresses to wave 4.)
Fina: We're not there yet, are we?
Lasswell: Not even close, I'm afraid. First, we must navigate this forest. And beyond that... a vast desert. Why do you ask? Is the journey taking its toll...?
Fina: On the contrary! I'm having so much fun... I hope not never ends!
Lasswell: Is that so...? In that case, carry on.
(Wave 4 commences, and proceeds to wave 5.)
Fina: So tell me... What is a desert, anyway?
Rain: It's like... a great wasteland. Nothing but sand as far as you can see.
Fina: Whaaa!? So we can play in the sand? And build sandcastles?
Lasswell: Well, that's...not technically impossible.
(Wave 5 commences, and leads to a boss fight against a chimera. After it is dead....)
Lasswell: We're almost out of the forest. The Lanzelt River lies ahead.
Fina: A river? And here's me without a bathing suit!
Rain: Alas, it seems your only choice is to go skinny dipping.
Fina: Ooh, good idea! Will you join me, Rain?
Lasswell: If you even consider it, I'm turning around and going back to Grandshelt.
Lasswell: I thought there was a village along this river somewhere...
(Fina stops walking and gets (...) over her head.)
Lasswell: Once we find it, we'll lay by enough stock to see us through the desert.
Fina: Lasswell...Have you and Rain always been together like this?
Rain: Well, yeah...we've been friends since we were boys. We were raised together.
Fina(?): Since you were boys?
Rain: Oh yes. We got into all kinds of trouble together.
Lasswell(grumble): Though Rain was to blame for most of it.
Fina(...): Friends...for so long... I can't imagine.
Rain: Well...what are we standing around here talking for? Let's hurry to that village and find a nice inn with feather beds!
(Rain and Fina walk off. Lasswell stands still and gets (...) over his head.)
Lasswell: So...Friendship is alien to her.... What a sad life.
Fina: Hey, what does it mean to be companions? Or....friends?
Fina: Rain...? Lasswell...? You guys!
Rain: Wh-what? Well...I've never really thought about it.
(Wave 1 commences, and progresses to wave 2.)
Lasswell: There are times when we act not for ourselves, but for the good of another. Those who move us to act so... These are our companions...our friends.
Fina: Hmmm...Can you give me an example?
Lasswell: An example...?
(Wave 2 commences, and progresses to wave 3.)
Fina: So, Rain. Could you act for Lasswell's good over your own?
Rain: You bet I could! Isn't that right, Lasswell?
Lasswell: That is....heartening to hear.
(Wave 3 commences, and progresses to wave 4.)
Fina: And Lasswell,... You're always looking out for Rain.
Lasswell: Say what you will about him, he is destined for greatness. I can only hope that one day his maturity may match his skill with a blade. He has the trust of our king, and our people. He must acquire the wisdom and grace...
Rain: ...to be worthy of their esteem, right? You can't turn it off, can you Lasswell?
Lasswell: Worry not, friend. I will continue to train you.
(Wave 4 commences, and progresses to wave 5 without dialogue. After wave 5....)
Fina: To act.. Not for yourself but for another.. If you can do that... that means you have a friend?
Lasswell: That's the long and short of it, yes. Unless the other person is a real ingrate, I suppose. But I can only imagine.
Fina: I understand... I think.
(Battle progresses to the boss fight. Afterward...)
Rain: The village is in sight. We should stop and rest.
Lasswell: Let us do just that. But we must take care not to tarry... Understand, Fina?
(The three enter Kol Village.)
Lasswell: Come. Let's order whatever supplies we will need to cross the desert.
(Lasswell and Rain head further into town. Fina gets a ! over her head and goes in the opposite direction. Rain stops after a few steps and gets ? over his head.)
Rain(looking around): ....You can't be serious.
Lasswell: What is it, Rain?
Rain: Fina...she's gone.
(Lasswell gets ! over his head at this news.)
Lasswell(looking around): Even after I specifically told her! And she wanders off again!
Rain: Well, getting angry won't find her. Let's start looking.
Lasswell(grumble): Maybe we should just start keeping that girl on a leash...
Lasswell: So it would seem that Fina headed off into the desert on her own.
Rain: Maybe she found an odd cat to follow this time?
Lasswell(..): Rain. This is a serious problem. Maybe it's time we gave up this charade. We shouldn't have brought Fina with us. That much is clear now. We will never find the Sworn Six if we keep being held up by these diversions.
Rain(...): ...Lasswell, I think you're wrong about that. All of this started when she appeared before us on that airship. She's a part of this. We need her.
Lasswell(...): I know what you want to say, but...
Rain: And that's not all. We said we would take her with us. It doesn't matter how difficult it may masks things for us. It's right to do it. We can't just go back on our word the moment it seems like too much trouble to keep it. Not if we're true knights of Grandshelt.
(Rain runs off as Lasswell gets ! over his head.)
Lasswell(...):: Hmph. So it seems. You know, Rain... You sound rather like Sir Raegen.
Lasswell: Let there be no illusions. I am not convinced we should be journeying together like this. And yet, as a knight of Grandshelt... I cannot very well leave a lost child alone...
Rain: I understand: Thank you, Lasswell.
(Wave 1 of battle commences. It progresses to wave 2.)
Lasswell: The air grows warmer. We must be nearing the sands.
Rain: Curses! We don't have any extra water for Fina.
Lasswell: Rain. Before you worry for the girl, take care of yourself. Remember that, or you'll never make it across the sands.
(Wave 2 commences, and leads to wave 3.)
Rain: Lasswell, your water flask... It's almost full. Why, you haven't had a drop to drink yet! But why?
Lasswell: There's no reason. I just haven't been thirsty.
Rain: And here you are always lecturing me about--
Lasswell: Enough, Rain. I can take care of myself.
(Wave 3 commences. There is no dialogue after it ends.)
(Rain and Lasswell are walking along. Lasswell stops and gets (...) over his head.)
Lasswell: Ugh....
(He crouches down. Rain stops walking and gets ! over his head. He runs back to Lasswell.)
Rain: Hey! Lasswell! Are you all right? You're... You're dehydrated! Hurry... Have some water.
Lasswell: No.
Rain: Excuse me? Why the hell not?
Lasswell(...):: ...You never know what will happen in the desert. That water... is yours. You keep it.
(Rain gets a ! at this.)
Rain: What kind of nonsense is that!? You're delusional with fever! Just drink the damn water! Now!
Lasswell: I am not delusional!
(Rain gets another ! over his head.)
Lasswell: You are worth more than me. You're the one who needs to survive. It's goddamn logical.
(Rain gets irritated as Lasswell says this.)
Rain: Screw you and your logic. Drink it! Drink the water!
(Rain begins pouring water over Lasswell.)
Lasswell: S-stop it! You'll drown me!
Rain: (...)
.(Rain backs up a step.)
Lasswell: What....have you done... Our precious water....
Rain: Well look at it this way. At least you've got some of your energy back, don't you?
Lasswell(...):: So I do. But what I don't have...is enough water left for a long stretch in the desert.
(Lasswell stands up as he says this.)
Rain: Then let's hope we won't be long in the desert. If we are... well, we'll deal with that then.
Lasswell(...):: ...I guess we shall.... Fine.
(Rain and Lasswell enter the Estersand.)
Rain: Ho! A bazaar!
Lasswell: Perfect! I'll get us some water. You wanted me to think ahead, didn't you?
(Rain heads further in as Lasswell approaches the bazaar. Rain comes to a stop in a few steps and gets a ! over his head.)
Rain: Look at that getup...That fellow's a thief or I'm no knight.
(Rain approaches the men.)
Rain: Mind if I ask you something, friend? Have you seen a girl pass through here?
Thief(...): Can't say as I have. Your lover run off on you or something?
Rain: I'll be the one to ask questions. Did you see her or not?
Thief(...): I don't have time for this. Let's go and find some fresh pickings. These girls we got before didn't cut it.
(The men walk off as the thief says this.)
Rain: Those girls you got before...?
(Rain gets (...) over his head, then turns as Lasswell approaches.)
Rain: Lasswell!
Lasswell: I got the water. We're going after them, aren't we?
Rain: Damn right!
(The two run off after the thief and his men.)
Rain: Drat... Fina's nowhere to be found. The bandits must have gotten her...
Lasswell: And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse...
Rain: I wouldn't say that. Now instead of combing the desert, we can just go to their hideout! But still... We need to move fast.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and progresses to wave 2.)
Rain: It hasn't been long since she went missing. We still have time to save her!
Lasswell: An excellent plan...except we don't know where this hideout is.
Rain: We should find one of their stooges and rough him up a bit... You know, interrogate him.
(Wave 2 commences. It ends without further dialogue.)
Lasswell: Urgh....
Rain: Lasswell? I knew it... you've made yourself ill.
Lasswell: I'm just a bit fatigued. That is all. You needn't worry about me. Fina, on the other hand....
Rain: Right.
(Wave 1 commences. It progresses to wave 2 without dialogue. After wave 2 is vanquished...)
Rain: A bandit! Lasswell! This is the chance we've been waiting for!
Lasswell: Indeed! Whatever it takes, we can't let him escape!
(Rain and Lasswell have a bandit cornered.)
Rain: Well then. You ready to tell us where your hideout is? Or do you really want to suffer even more pain?
Lasswell: It would be wisest to confess now. We will have the truth from you one way or another. You won't like the other.
(The thief gets ! over his head as Lasswell says this.)
Thief: F-fine! I'll talk! I'll talk so back off!
Lasswell: ...As you will.
(Lasswell gets (...) over his head.)
Lasswell: Ugh.
(He kneels. Rain turns to look at Lasswell.)
Rain: Hey! Lasswell? You look terrible. Are you all right?
(Lasswell stands again.)
Lasswell: ...I said I was, didn't I?
(He turns and walks off.)
Lasswell: If you're worrying about me...shouldn't you worry about Fina?
Rain: Right... Right!
(Rain and Lasswell are at an oasis. Lasswell looks positively ill. He is crouched down and his face is flushed.)
Rain(...): Lasswell. You rest here. I'll go after Fina alone.
(Lasswell gets ! over his head as Rain says this.)
Lasswell: Impossible. Are you mad? There's no way I'm letting you go alone.
(Lasswell stands.)
Rain(!): Lasswell!
Lasswell: ...I already told you. Didn't I? Your survival is more important. (...) Not just that. You're the only one of us that matters.
(He turns his back on Rain.)
Lasswell: Your life is more valuable.
Rain: Uh... I have no idea what you mean.
Lasswell(...): ...I'm not surprised. The blessed cannot possibly understand the feelings of the wretched...
Rain: Lasswell?
(Lasswell turns to face Rain again.)
Lasswell: You're better than me in every way. Everyone knows it.
Rain: Lasswell... That's not...
Lasswell(...):: I don't need your words of pity. You can't understand how I feel.
(He turns away from Rain and looks down.)
Lasswell: Not just you... No one in the world can.
(Lasswell begins to walk off.)
Lasswell: Now. Let's go. We know where to find the thieves. Assuming that fool didn't lie to us.
Rain: Lasswell...
(Rain follows after him.)
Rain: They say that antlions build their nests in these parts. Slip and fall, bump your head, and you'll wake up completely eaten. They suck the fluids right out of you. Schlrrp! Schlrrrrp! Like that.
Lasswell: Here lies Lasswell, Knight of Grandshelt.... Lived with honor. Died of schlrrrrrp!
Rain: That was a terrible impression. You've got to put some saliva into it. Schlrrrrrrrrp!
(Battle commences. There is no further dialogue afterwards.)
Lasswell: Sometimes I wonder if Fina's memories will ever return....
Rain: They have to! If they didn't, why... that'd just be too sad!
Lasswell: I'm not so sure of that.... Sometimes I wonder if the girl isn't happier without her memories...
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and proceeds to wave 2.)
Rain: Whew! If I ever see another grain of sand, I'll turn it into the world's tiniest pane of glass and throw a brick through it.
Lasswell: Stay focused, Rain. We still need to find Fina.
Rain: Lasswell... So you've finally come around.
Lasswell: Don't misapprehend me. I simply don't like to see good effort go to waste.
Rain: You're a real piece of work, aren't you?
(Wave 2 commences, and proceeds to the boss battle.)
Rain: An antlion! On your guard, Lasswell! Otherwise: schlrrrrrp!
Lasswell: How many times do I have to say it!? Worry about yourself!
(After the fight...)
Rain: Oh, he's angry with me. Don't suck my fluids out, Lasswell!
Lasswell: Finally, the desert's edge. It seems we shall make it out without ending up as jerky.
Rain: Lasswell... Are you sure you're feeling okay? All right! Let's storm the bandits' den!
(Rain and Lasswell are walking in Lechios Hills.)
Lasswell: The thieves must be hiding out somewhere among these dunes. (Grumbling) But how do we find them? Among all these hills...
Rain: Look for wagon tracks, I guess.
(Rain walks further on. Lasswell questions him as he follows.)
Lasswell: What makes you think that they would be using a wagon?
Rain: The thief we saw in the desert said that they had nabbed some girls, didn't he? If you wanted to sneak several girls away against their will and don't want to arouse suspicion, you'd need a wagon.
Lasswell (?): But...there must be tracks from dozens of wagons covering these hills.
Rain: Look for tracks with many hoof prints surrounding them. Then follow them. Those girls would have been valuable. They would have had guards around the wagon to keep them safe.
Lasswell: ....I see.
(The two walk further on and head in different directions as they search the area.)
Rain(...): Here!
(Lasswell turns and heads to Rain.)
Rain: See? Just like I said it would be.
Lasswell(...):: It's...amazing. Your instincts are as infallible as ever. They always have been. Not only gifted with the sword, but even gifted in mind...
Rain: Ha ha ha! Just lucky, my friend. You give me too much credit.
Lasswell(...):: No... You don't give yourself enough. There is a difference between you and I, and it is gaping and vast. No amount of effort on my part will overcome it. And... it is all because...
(Lasswell gets as ! over his head and turns away. Rain looks at him quizzically.)
Lasswell: Nothing... Never mind me. Come on. Let's follow these tracks.
(Lasswell walks off.)
Rain: What the heck? If you've got something to say, spit it all out, would you?
(Rain follows after Lasswell.)
Rain: Lasswell. I just don't get it. Why do you always talk like that? I've never tried to be better than you...
Lasswell: ... And yet you are. That's what makes it so unbearable.
Rain: Huh? What do you mean by that?
Lasswell: Enough idle chatter. We have to find Fina.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and progresses to wave 2.)
Rain: Fina's close by... I can feel it.
Lasswell: What makes you so sure?
Rain: Just call it a hunch.
Lasswell: ...
(Wave 2 commences, and progresses to wave 3.)
Rain: There's more and more of them.... If these are the lookouts...
Lasswell: Yes. Their hideout must be close by.
(Wave 3 commences, and progresses to a boss fight.)
Rain: If you value your lives, you'll release those children... All of them.
Bandit: Hah! That's tough talk for a pair of dandies.
Lasswell: Despicable knaves... You'll pay for your crimes in blood!
(The fight commences. There is no dialogue after winning.)
(The two walk towards the hideout. Girls are escaping it as they approach. One of them is Fina.)
Rain: Fina! Thank the gods! Finally!
Fina: Rain! Lasswell!
Fina(🎵): Oh! You have to hear this!
(Lasswell gets irritated as Fina says this.)
Lasswell: Foolish girl! Must you continue to act without thought to those around you?
(Fina gets as ! over her head as Lasswell speaks.)
Lasswell: Do you have any idea how much you made Rain worry about you?
Fina(...): I'm sorry... But....but... They were just....so pretty....
(She steps forward and gives something to Rain and Lasswell, who get ! over their heads and turn to look at each other.)
Rain: These are...heathaze blooms...
Fina: Oh, good! I was afraid I might be wrong! Lasswell, you said these would make our journey easier, no? I want to be your friend... So I wanted to do something not for myself, but for you....
Rain(...): So that's why you wandered into the desert alone...
Lasswell: Fina. I'm sorry. I spoke unfairly. And I swear to you... From this point hence, my actions will be for you as well. We are companions....and friends.
Fina: Thank you, Lasswell. That makes me...so happy.
Rain: Hey, Lasswell. Why don't you have a little sip? Of the nectar from this bloom.
Lasswell: What?
Rain: You've been pushing yourself awfully hard. You look like you're ready to keel over.
Fina(🎵): Is that so!? Then you must have some, Lasswell! Here! Drink up!
Rain: Don't hold back, Lasswell.
(Lasswell turns to look at the two of them.)
Lasswell(...)::...If you insist.
(He's enveloped in a regenerative haze as he sips the nectar.)
Lasswell: ...Hmm. It would seem to be as effective as the rumors say.
Fina(💗): Wonderful! I'm so glad I could finally do something to help!
Lasswell: Thank you, Fina. You have my gratitude.
Fina(🎵): Anytime! I'm part of the team now, right? Rain? Lasswell!
(Fina has joined the party!)
(The three enter Grandport.)
Rain: Ho... So this is Grandport, huh?
Fina: It's beautiful!
Lasswell(...):: You two...do recall that we're not here as tourists, don't you?
Rain: Yeah... But it seems like the ship to Dirnado won't be leaving for a while. And here we are in a lovely port city. Why not have some fresh fish and enjoy ourselves while we wait? You could probably use the rest, too, Lasswell. You may have had the nectar of that bloom, but you need rest, too.
(Lasswell grumbles but doesn't say anything. Rain approaches a sailor and a man.)
Rain: Hey, friends. Any recommendations for great fish around these parts?
Man: ...You travelers? You'd do better to keep moving. There've been some strange men hanging around town of late. A man clad in strange armor from head to toe, and that's not all, either. He travels together with a monster.
(The three get ! over their heads as the man speaks.)
Rain: A man in armor who travels together with a monster? Sounds like our man. Veritas of the Six Sworn of Paladia.
Lasswell: But that's ridiculous...why would he be in a place like this? There is no crystal near here...
(Lasswell steps up to the man.)
Lasswell: Where did you see this armored man?
Man: Near the Lanzelt ruins. Why? Are you actually thinking to go there?
Rain(...): The Lanzelt ruins? What could he want there?
Fina: We'll find out when we catch him!
Rain: What huge mountains... Just to be sure I've got this clear... We're going to WALK up these mountains?
Lasswell: Unless you're hiding an airship in your pocket. What other choice do you see?
Rain: What a joke...
Lasswell: If we make it over these peaks and then through the snowfields... We'll find the Lanzelt ruins.
Rain(...): Someone please tell me this is a joke...
Fina: Just joking!
Rain: Right! You were just pulling my leg!
Fina: Just joking!
Lasswell(grumbling): I'm not taking part in this nonsense. I'm going ahead. Consider it training, if it makes it any easier to accept.
Fina: Hm?
Rain: What's the matter, Fina?
Fina: This feeling... Maybe it's just my imagination...?
Lasswell: We're in battle, Fina! Eyes forward!
(Wave 1 progresses to wave 2.)
Fina: No, I'm not imagining things. We're definitely being watched.
Rain: W-watched? Come on, you're creeping me out!
Lasswell: Creepy or not, these monsters are staring right at us.
(Wave 2 commences and leads to wave 3.)
Fina: No. That's not what I'm talking about.
Rain: Then what is it, Fina? You think there's someone else watching us?
Fina: Yes, watching us....or following us.
Rain: We're being stalked...?
Lasswell: Then we must be on our guard.
(Wave 3 commences and leads to a boss fight against three Purusas.)
Fina: Look, a big bear! It's so fluffy and cuddly!
Lasswell: I would advise against any...cuddling.
Rain: Unless you want to cuddle your way right into its stomach.
(Battle commences. Afterward...)
Fina: That sensation I had... It's gone.
Rain: So it was the bear's presence that you felt...
Lasswell: Your intuition saved us, Fina.
Rain: Feeling danger in the shadows... It's almost like you have a sixth sense.
Fina: All right! I've always wanted six senses! Hear that, fiends? If you think you can hide from me, think again!
Rain: Phew... How much further do we have to climb?
Lasswell: Who knows... I'd say we're halfway up.
(Rain gets irritated as Lasswell says this.)
Fina(🎵): It's so clear up here... I bet the air will be even clearer the higher we go.
Lasswell: There, Rain. Why not be more like Fina? She's quite happy to be here.
Rain: Yeah. I guess I should be more like Fina.
Fina: Let's push on! Only halfway left to go!
Rain: Right you are!
Fina(🎵): Right, left! Right, left!
Rain(🎵): Right, left! Right, left!
Lasswell(grumble): Never mind. Don't be like her. One Fina is more than plenty.
Rain: Wh-whoa, watch it! We're going to fall!
Lasswell: Good grief. An airship captain who's afraid of heights?
Rain: Flying an airship and...this...are completely different.
(Battle commences. There is no further dialogue afterwards.)
Rain: Curse it all! Where are these fiends all coming from!?
Lasswell: Perhaps we're getting closer.
Rain: Closer to what?
Lasswell: Closer to.... Look, why do you expect me to have all the answers?
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and goes directly to wave 2 without dialogue. After wave 2 is vanquished...)
Rain: Brrr! It's cold enough to freeze fire up here!
Lasswell: Look, Rain. A monster's egg.
Rain: Wait! That's a wyvern's egg!
Fina: What's a why-verne? Can we eat it?
Rain: No, but it can eat us if we're not careful.
(Battle progresses to a boss fight against a wyvern.)
Rain: Here it comes!
Fina: So this is a wyvern. It looks awfully fierce.
Lasswell: And it's twice as fierce as it looks. One misstep and it's over for us.
(After the battle...)
Lasswell: Phew! Now there was a fight to test the mettle.
Fina: But we did it, didn't we!
Rain: Finally, we've reached the summit. This would have been so much easier if we had an airship...
Rain(grumble): I don't ever want to climb another peak.
Lasswell: Well, then. Aren't you lucky, Rain? This tundra is flat and goes on forever.
Rain: Forever, huh? I hope not. I don't do so well with the cold.
Fina(🎵): I love cold weather! And hot weather, too, in fact. And cool weather... And warm weather!
Rain: So, basically... You're saying you love everything?
Fina: Yup! I guess I am!
Lasswell: Come on. Let's get moving if we ever want to get out of this snow.
Fina: The snow! It's so white! Brrr... and cold!
Lasswell: This is no place for frolicking, Fina.
Fina: Rain! Lasswell! We should have a snowball fight!
Lasswell: Maybe on the other side of this real fight.
(Battle commences. There is no further dialogue afterwards.)
Fina: Look! Snow is falling! It's so beautiful...
Lasswell: A snowstorm is the last thing we need. We should hurry onward.
Fina: Whatever can be wrong with snow? It's so delicate and pretty!
Rain: Monsters are bad enough, but at least you can fight your way past them... But there's no fighting the forces of nature.
Lasswell: Heed what Rain says, Fina. He has the right of it.
Fina: Got it! I'll stay on nature's good side!
(Battle commences. There is no further dialogue.)
Fina: So this is the force of nature... It's amazing!
Rain: Lasswell! I see a light!
Lasswell: There's someone else up here? But are they friend...or foe?
Rain: Either way, if we stay here, we'll freeze to death. Let's go!
(Wave 1 commences, and leads to a boss battle against Flamesblade. Afterwards...)
Lasswell: What was that thing?
Rain: Whatever it was, we won, didn't we? Whew! I could use a good nap!
Lasswell: It was nice knowing you. Fina and I shall each snap a finger off your frozen corpse, as a keepsake.
Fina: Ew, no! I don't want anyone's frozen finger!
Lasswell: Then, Fina, every time his eyes start to close, you must give him a good, hard slap.
Fina: Leave it to me! KA-POW!
Rain: Ow! I'm awake! I'm awake, already!
Rain: We've been walking a pretty long time. How much further is it to these ruins then, Lasswell?
(Lasswell stops and gets (...) over his head. Rain and Fina turn to look at him. Rain gets (...) and steps closer to Lasswell.)
Rain: We're not lost, are we?
Lasswell: We just got a bit turned around in that last snowstorm.
Fina(💡): Meaning...that we're lost, right?
Lasswell(grumble): ...Yes, you could say that.
(Rain looks around.)
Rain: There's a snow rat nest over there. That's the way we should go.
Lasswell: And why is that?
Rain: Snow rats' prey don't live on the tundra. They make their nests near its edge so they can venture out to find food. If we keep an eye our for nests, we should make it off the tundra. And hopefully to the ruins. It doesn't seem like there are many places to for prey to hide around here, other than those ruins.
Fina: Wow, amazing! You never let us down, Rain!
Lasswell(...):: Indeed. Thank you, Rain. Next time I'll be sure to tell you right away if I lose my way.
Rain: What do you think the Sworn Six of Paladia want in these ruins? More importantly, what do they even hope to achieve by destroying the crystals? You don't have any idea, Fina?
Fina(...): No... I'm sorry. But I don't.
Rain(...): They don't seem to be after riches, and they don't seem to be revolutionaries... Without any of the usual motives, I can only think that they are...dangerous.
Lasswell: ...Yes, I agree. They are definitely dangerous.
Fina(🎵): Well, then... Let's just capture that armored man and get the truth out of him!
Lasswell: Did the Sworn Six pass this way...?
Rain: At least we know that this will take us to the ruins. We're following the snow rats' burrows, after all.
Fina: But we'll never catch up to the man in armor this way!
Lasswell: This is true. If only there were a shortcut....
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and progresses to wave 2.)
Fina: Good idea! We should search for one!
Rain: No. If we get lost, we'll only fall further behind. It's like they say: slow and steady...catches the worm.
Fina: I've never heard that before! You're so wise, Rain!
Lasswell: Hmph. He didn't even get it right....
(Wave 2 commences. There is no further dialogue.)
Rain: I've got a bad feeling...
Fina: Yes, I feel it too...
Lasswell: What? Both of you now!?
Rain: There's as monster ahead...and a deadly one, I'm sure of it.
(Wave 1 commences, and leads to a boss fight against a Frost Dragon.)
Lasswell: Look out! A dragon!
Rain: A dragon? Here? You have got to be kidding me....
Fina: Well! Now we know what that bad feeling was.
Rain: Gah! We'll just have to fight!
(There is no dialogue after battle.)
Fina: We somehow managed to win!
Rain: That was tough... Even for us.
Lasswell(...): Yes, that last monster was strong... But if we are so challenged by a mere monster, then how can we ever hope to defeat those armored bastards?
Rain: Lasswell... What good will it do us to go into battle thinking that we'll lose?
Lasswell(...):: I suppose there's some truth to that.
Fina(!): I can see light there! An exit!
Rain: Then it's time we see the Lanzelt ruins!
Fina: Finally! We will face the Sworn Six of Paladia!
Lasswell: So it would seem...
Rain: You still think we can't win, Lasswell?
Lasswell(...):: More or less. There is certainly more chance of us losing than there is of us winning.
Rain: Then why come so far with us?
Lasswell: The greatest chance of defeat...would be if I fought these enemies alone. But with you, Rain... With you, I don't mind giving it a shot.
Fina(🎵): Exactly! And you've got me, too, you know!
Lasswell: That I do. I'll be counting on you, Fina.
Rain: Right... Then here we go!
(There is the sound of mining, or of something ticking, in the Lanzelt Ruins. The sound stops as Veritas of the Dark approaches a statue.)
Veritas of the Dark: It lies somewhere in this cursed place.
(The screen goes dark. VoD summons a light, and there is the sense of swords cutting through the statue. A red light is all that remains of the statue as the light returns to the chamber.)
Veritas of the Dark: The sacred vessel of Paladia... This is what I have so long sought. With this, the barrier surrounding the crystals will tear like paper before me. This world will come to an end. The time has come for their return...
(The fires in the chamber begin to pulsate.)
Veritas of the Dark: Just you wait... My foolish brethren...
(He holds up the vessel, which glows with red light.
Rain: They say this shrine was built ages ago... That modern scholars cannot explain its many secrets....
Fina: The people who built this place.. Where did they go?
Lasswell: The ancients? Nobody knows. Only that their civilization perished long, long ago...
Fina: A long-lost civilization? Hmmm....
(Wave 1 of battle commences and progresses to wave 2.)
Rain: These machines.. I've never seen anything like them.
Fina: And yet...
Lasswell: What is it, Fina? Are they familiar to you?
Fina: N...no. I've never seen them either. But it's strange... I feel somehow... drawn to them.
(Wave 2 commences and progresses to wave 3.)
Fina: Say, do you think machines have minds of their own?
Lasswell: A sentient machine....? I've never heard of one.
Fina: Then it doesn't make sense. Why do they keep attacking us?
Lasswell: Maybe they were designed that way. By the ancients.
Fina: ....I see. That seems sad, somehow.. Don't you think?
(Wave 3 comments, and leads to wave 4.)
Rain: We're almost to the core.
Fina: I feel it again... his presence. I'm frightened.
Lasswell: Stay strong, Fina. Fear leads to carelessness... and carelessness to death.
Rain: There's nothing to fear, Fina. We'll protect you... from anything.
Fina: Thank you....my friends!
(It starts immediately with a boss battle against Veritas of the Dark.)
Veritas of the Dark: You riff-raff again. Weren't you supposed to be... dead?
Rain: Surprised to see us? Don't be. Tracking you here to the ruins was a piece of cake.
Veritas of the Dark: Hmph. Spare me your pitiful boasting, worm.
Lasswell: There... in your hand. That's what you''ve been searching for.
Veritas of the Dark: What insight. One so clever must also have realized...that this is where you die.
Fina: Hah! If anyone's going to die here, it's you!
Veritas of the Dark: It's past your bedtime, little girl. Sleep, now, a dreamless sleep, blanketed in darkness... For all eternity!
Rain: Lasswell, Fina! Here he comes!
(Battle progresses. You get him down to 1%, and he collapses on his knees.)
Lasswell: He is defeated!
Rain: Not yet....look!
Veritas of the Dark: Insolent fools. It is too late. The deal is already done. None of you are worthy to die by my hand. Yet you persist in irritating me.... So be it. I shall exterminate you like the pests you are.
(He stands. There is a flash of light, and he is surrounded by blue flames.)
Lasswell: Can it be....!? That wasn't his full strength?
Rain: Apparently not. Come on, Lasswell. This nut's gonna take some cracking.
(Veritas of the Dark uses Seal of Conviction, which does massive damage to the party. The scene drops out of battle. Rain and Lasswell lie on the floor, with Fina crouched near them.)
Fina: Rain! Lasswell!
Veritas of the Dark(...):: Ridiculous. So you forgot all that you were.... and embraced this life of ignorance? It matters not. You will remember. And when that finally happens... and your eyes open... you will look down at where you stand and find that it is opposite them...
(Fina stands and faces Veritas of the Dark.)
Fina: ....What are you talking about?
Veritas of the Dark: ...Nothing. Nothing that matters.
(His flames go out as he leaves.)
Veritas of the Dark: All that matters now.... is destroying the crystals.
Fina: He's gone... Are we safe now?
(Rain and Lasswell stand.)
Lasswell: I can't believe it... I didn't think he was this much stronger than us...
(Lasswell walks forward a bit and bows his head.)
Lasswell: But.... why did Veritas let us live? Did he think us not even worth ending?
Rain: ....You may be right. Though I don't like admitting it... We were beaten utterly and beyond hope. But who cares why it happened... We survived. That is what matters. As long as we're alive, we can still fight back. So enough moping!
Fina: That's right! Let's do it! I'm sure you two can beat him!
Lasswell: You two are as optimistic as ever. But that light in you...might save us. All right. Then we return to Grandport, and we make for Dirnado, as we have long intended. If we seek out the crystals, we will meet Veritas again. Of that I'm sure.
Rain: Yeah. And when we do... We'll pay him back for today.
(Rain gets a thumbs-up sign over his heads.)
Rain: As true knights of Grandshelt!
Lasswell: There is where the esper Golem is sealed.
Rain: Really? How'd you know that?
Lasswell(grumbling): We may be far from the capital, but this area is still part of Grandshelt! Any Grandshelt knight should know that much!
Rain: ....Really? I guess nothing really sinks in but the battle training for me.
Lasswell(sweating): ...I worry about you sometimes. The legends say it should be this way.
Rain: Why are you always so serious, Lasswell?
Lasswell: Perhaps I only seem serious to a ne'er-do-well like you. But who can say? Why, perhaps... I simply inherited Sir Raegen's single-minded earnestness in your stead.
Rain: Again with my old man! Fine, then. Just watch! I'll be more earnest than you or the old man could ever be!
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Rain: Golem..... An esper, created and brought to life by the ancients. Is that right?
Lasswell: You remembered your lessons again. The ne'er-do-well has become... a sometimes-do-well.
Rain: Heh. You don't have to be so smug about it. Let's see now... It was created to protect something.... wasn't it?
Lasswell: Correct. Though what it protects...none can say.
Rain: Do you think it could be some sort of ancient treasure?
(Wave 2 commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(Rain and Lasswell approach Golem.)
Golem: LIFE FORMS DETECTED. IDENTIFICATION: INTRUDERS...
Rain: That statue thing is moving!
Golem: MAGIC LOCK: RELEASED
BATTLE PROGRAM: RUNNING
TARGET: DESTROY INTRUDERS
Lasswell: I don't think you'll be talking your way out of this one.
Rain: Then let's fight our way out!
(The two rush Golem. Afterwards....)
Golem: BATTLE PROGRAM: SHUTTING DOWN
UPDATING DATA....
GIVING FULL PERMISSIONS TO INTRUDERS....
(Golem turns to stone. You obtained the esper Golem!)
Rain: I think... that means that Golem is now on our side. I don't see any treasure, though.
Lasswell: Wait. This statue here... "Brave warriors of the future..." "I am the one who built Golem." "This esper that I made is powerful, but this power made it so sought after that wars were waged to claim it." "To put an end to the wars, I programmed Golem into a self-protective mode and sealed it away." "If you, brave warriors of the future, have defeated Golem, then I hope that you will use its power for good." So the only thing that Golem was protecting.... was itself? I wouldn't have minded some treasure.
Rain: Maybe every new ally IS a treasure?
(Rain approaches Golem's statue.)
Rain: Golem was sealed away in this desert, wasn't he?
REQUESTING LIMITER REMOVAL....
Rain: Hm? Isn't that.. Golem's voice!?
(Golem turns to flesh once more!)
Golem: POWER LV. HAS POTENTIAL TO REACH LV. 2. REQUESTING LIMITER REMOVAL...
Rain: Limiter...removal? What!? I don't know what that means, but I do not get a good feeling from it!
Golem: MAGIC LOCK: RELEASED
BATTLE PROGRAM: RUNNING
Rain: No way....
Golem: BATTLE: START
Rain: Ungh...! I knew this was going to happen!
(After the battle...)
Golem: BATTLE PROGRAM: SHUTTING DOWN
Rain: That power.... I thought I was going to be crushed!
Golem: LIMITER REMOVAL SUCCESSFUL.
POWER LV. SHIFTED TO LV. 2.
(The esper Golem evolved!)
Rain: ...I'm not sure what just happened, but Golem is stronger now, right? A new power level, huh... We can definitely use that!
Fina: I feel it... A power... so great....
Rain(🎵): It seems like the local people think the esper Shiva is sealed here.
Lasswell: You actually bothered to gather information for once?
(Lasswell gets a ? over his head as Rain speaks.)
Rain: Of course! Shiva is supposed to be every bit as luscious-looking as Siren! They say she normally keeps her icy composure at all times, but.... If she really likes you, though, they say she'll be real sweet to you!
(Rain gets a ♥ over his head.)
Fina: Luscious...looking...?
Lasswell(grumbling): Fina... Just ignore him. The power that you felt is real. There is a powerful being here, called an esper.
Rain: Yeah, there is! So let's go get real close to Shiva!!
Lasswell: To battle her, you mean? Are you all right with this, Fina?
Fina: O-oh! Yes... This esper creature will help us? That sounds good to me.
Rain: Of course it does! So let's get going!
Fina: Tell me, Rain. What does it mean to be... sexy?
Rain: Sexy? Sexy is.. well, you know... sexy! Like.... a buxom lass! Just buxom all over. So many curves it makes you dizzy.
Fina: So you like women with.... curves?
Rain: You bet I do! Ah, to conquer such peaks! 'Tis the dream of any man whose heart pumps blood.
Lasswell: Pardon me while I check my pulse. Not all of us have tastes so... obvious.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and goes to wave 2.)
Fina: Huh? So you don't like curves, Lasswell?
Lasswell: Can I remind you both that we're talking about an esper? We need her strength, not her.... curves.
Rain: Oh, come off it, Lasswell. Deep down, you too long to picnic on those soft, lush hills.
Lasswell: Come, sweet death.... Deliver me from this imbecile.
(Wave 2 commences. There is no further dialogue afterward.)
Shiva: Insolent humans... You know that this land belongs to me and yet you dare tread upon it?
Rain: Of course. We heard of your beauty... I mean. Your power. We heard of your power and were drawn to it. Wouldn't you rather come with us than stay in here all alone? I promise you'd have a good time.
Lasswell: Are you seriously trying to hit on an esper right in front of us?
Shiva: Begone from my sight! If you do not leave, I will freeze that burning libido of yours for eternity!
Rain: Well, at least I tried... But it seems like the tales are true. Normal methods won't work on this one.
Lasswell: Could you focus, Rain! She is coming!
(After the battle....)
Shiva: Krh! My ice was overcome? But it doesn't matter! I have my pride! I will not bow to a human's whims!
Fina: Please... share your power with us. I promise that we will treat it like the gift that it is.
Shiva: ...Hmph. Well, if you need it that much...
Rain: Huh? Wait. Does she seem way nicer to Fina?
Fina: Um... Miss Shiva? After our battle is done, we'll bring your back here. I promise. Pretty please?
Shiva: S-spare me your earnest tears! ....F-fine! My power is yours, girl.
Fina: Wow, really? Thank you!
(Shiva turns to stone. You obtained the esper Shiva!)
Lasswell: Well done, Fina. So Shiva's weakness is women...
Rain: Wh-what just happened.... What a rookie mistake...
Fina: Well, all that matters is that we now have Shiva on our side. Isn't that wonderful?
Lasswell: It is. Thank you. If you hadn't been here, Fina, I doubt Shiva would have joined our cause.
Fina: Hee hee... Any time!
Rain: This is... where we met Shiva, right?
....So you've come.
Rain: I know that voice....
(Shiva's statue turns flesh once more!)
Shiva: The time has come for my true awakening, as it has been promised. If you humans still seek greater power, then prepare to be astounded.
Rain: Just as harsh as ever... Don't you like me? A little kindness wouldn't kill you.
Shiva: I have no need to be kind to humans! However. A promise is a promise. If you would seek greater power, then defeat me once more!
Rain: If I win, will you be nicer to me?
Shiva: Be silent! Lest I freeze that tongue in your mouth!
(Battle commences! Afterwards...)
Rain: You are one tough lady, all right.... Have you gotten stronger?
Shiva: By battling alongside those with power, we espers can grow beyond our current limitations.
Rain: Oh? So you mean you got stronger because you decided to come with us, huh?
Shiva: Hmph. It will be up to you humans how you use this power. Be sure that you are equal to it, and that you don't get me destroyed.
(The esper Shiva evolved!)
Rain: Just as harsh as ever... huh? Not that I don't like that part of her.
(The two walk off.)
Fina: Y-yes.