(The scene opens by panning down the deck of the Invincible. Veritas of the Dark and Evan are there. Veritas of the Heavens appears in a whirlwind, helm missing. Evan goes to him.)
Evan: Forgive me, my lord. If I had stopped the guardian, this never would have...
Veritas of the Heavens: Do not blame yourself. The failure was mine. Though, I do appreciate the groveling in any circumstance.
(Veritas of the Heavens turns to Veritas of the Dark.)
Veritas of the Heavens: I allowed those lowly creatures to see my true face. I was careless; all too careless.
Veritas of the Dark: Nonetheless, do not concern yourself. It is beyond belief that such fools will ever realize the truth.
(A third Veritas enters.)
???: What was that? Heavenlord, you let someone see your face? Good heavens, Heavenlord, they must have really had your back against the wall. Heh heh. Leave this up to me. I'll clean your mess up for you, Heavenlord; I'll wipe you down and bring you fresh bedsheets. In fact, I've already gotten started. It is, like all the best plans, deliciously and unnecessarily cruel.
(The third Veritas turns to Veritas of the Dark.)
???: Darklord. This is what you found in the Lanzelt Ruins, isn't it?
(The object glows red.)
???: I'll be sure to make good use of it. I can't wait to see the look on that boy knight's sweet little baby face... Oh, speaking of little boys. You there. The greasy one.
(Evan gets a ! over his head at being addressed.)
???: You said you have a little sister, didn't you?? But she's on the other side?
Evan: ....
???: That's a frightful shame. I don't tend to hold back, you see. I might kill that little sister of yours, just in the course of events. But since she's our enemy, you're all right with that, aren't you? You did fail to bring her down yourself last time, so I do have to wonder...
Evan: It's not a problem. Do as you please.
???: Do as I please!? Well, what a good sport you are, Greasy! Now I can really go wild!
(The Veritas speaking disappears in a funnel of water.)
Evan: (Lid...)
(Rain and Lid are standing on the ground next to an airship.)
Rain: We were lucky, weren't we, getting to borrow an airship in Dilmagia. The army's not so bad after all. They weren't that tough to convince.
Lid: Only because you're Knights of Grandshelt. Those soldiers were gawping at all those medals hanging off your chest like pasties; don't you doubt that for an instant.
Rain(?): You think so? I rather had the impression it was you they were gawping at, Lid.Lid: Me? (Now that I think about it, though, that was kinda weird... Why would they lend us a valuable airship so easily?) (I may have told Rain it was only 'cause they're Grandshelt Knights, but I feel like there's something else going on here...)
Rain: But are you sure you're all right to come with us, Lid? You've got your workshop to worry about, don't you?
Lid: It's fine; don't worry about it. I wanna find out more about the first Cid, see? And I can't just forget about the Invincible either, now can I? And besides... If we catch up to the Invincible, probably we'll find him too.
Rain: Him? You mean your brother?
Lid: Yeah. That guy. Me and him, we're like two airships made in the same workshop. Maybe they've got the same basic design; same kinda parts and all... but no two airships are exactly alike, you know what I mean? The hum of their engines and the quirks in their steering... And over time, those little things have a big effect, and those two shops become more and more different.... Even so... I never expected the differences would end up this big...
Rain: Yes... The two of you don't seem much alike. I think I understand what you mean. After all... I've been stuck with Lasswell since I was a kid, too.
Lid: Yeah. You guys do seem more like brothers than just old friends. Lasswell is definitely the older brother type, huh. Always worrying and looking out for you.
Rain: It's just as you said: things change with time. Lasswell hasn't always been like that.
Lid: What, seriously? He wasn't?
(Lasswell passes by on the deck of the airship as Rain speaks. He gets a ! over his head as Rain talks about him.)
Rain: Lasswell says I'm destined to be the greatest knight in Grandshelt. I don't know... Maybe he really believes that hearing that would make me happy. He's a serious fellow, but sometimes he hasn't a clue.
(Lasswell gets (...) over his head at this.)
(Fina approaches Rain and Lid on the ground outside the airship.)
Fina: Look! There's a bunch of people over there!
(The scene pans way down to show an army fighting monsters. One of the soldiers has fallen.)
Lid: Those are Olderion soldiers.
Rain: They look like they're having a hard time, too. Let's go and give them a hand!
(Rain, Fina, and Lid rush off. Lasswell, who has come down from the airship's deck, gets a (...) and shakes his head, then rushes off after the others.)
Lid: Olderion soldiers! It is I, Lid, the hero who saved you all!
Rain: Do you really have to introduce yourself like that?
Lid: If you save people, they usually give you a reward, right? Like money, or gold, or... or money.
Rain: ....
(Wave 1 of battle commences. Afterwards, the scene drops out of battle. A man approaches with two soldiers, and speaks to the party.)
???: You two are Grandshelt knights, or at least you appear to be. Your strength is impressive; quite formidable. Unfortunately, strength without subtlety is totally in vain, like an apatosaurus trying to do embroidery. If I may say so, you fight like fools.
Lid: Hey, what!? You guys were getting beaten into a fine paste until we showed up. And we're the fools?
???: A fine paste...? Perhaps it seemed that way to an interloper with a headless turkey's sense of strategy. We were luring all of our enemies to a single location, to eliminate them in one blow.
Lid: Excuse me? headless turkey!? And, just exactly who are you supposed to be, huh?
???: Of course; how remiss of me. My name is Nichol. I am one of Olderion's tacticians... and a Warden of the Waters.
Lasswell(!): A Warden of the Waters?
Lid: Lasswell? You actually know who this jerk is?
Lasswell: I have heard that Olderion's Water Shrine has a protective barrier upon it, maintained by a priestess who is chosen from among the elite Wardens of the Waters.
Lid: Why would one of those wardens be here fighting, then?
Nichol(...): The waters that flow through the Aquapolis Olderion are so beautiful and clean that they also serve as the holy water in our rituals.
Lasswell: It is said that the sacred purity of those waters is also the reason that Olderion is never beset by monsters.
Nichol(...): This is true. Yet recently we have found that are waters are being defiled, from somewhere outside the city..
Lasswell: Defiled? What was happened?
Nichol: I fear that something may have befallen the Water Priestess as she offered up her prayers at the headwater.
Rain: Oh.... So you all are on your way to check on the Water Priestess, then?
Nichol: That is correct. So I trust you will forgive us for continuing on our way at once.
(Nichol and the soldiers walk off.)
Nichol: ...Hold on a second.
Rain: What is it, Nichol?
Nichol: It's nothing about me. Why are you all following us?
Rain: Don't fret. Good company makes the road shorter, I heard.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Nichol: Please do not joke. You're just going to get in our way.
Lasswell: As long as you're with us, we're stronger. Surely the same goes for you all, as well.
Nichol: ...Then by all means, do as you please.
(Wave 2 of battle commences, and leads to wave 3.)
Nichol: It's thanks to the waters of Olderion that we've been able to prosper as we have.
Lasswell: People can prosper anywhere, so long as they don't have to worry about monsters attacking.
Nichol: That's why if our water is even the slightest bit impure, it sends everyone into a panic.
Fina: There don't seem to be many places like that, though.
(Wave 3 of battle commences. There is no further dialogue afterwards.)
-----------------(Nichol looks around in all directions.)
Nichol(...): Has the front line moved on so far already? I do not see any sign of the main force....
(He shakes his head.)
Nichol: This is doubtless because of your ham-handed interference ruining our strategy.
(Lid shakes her head at this.)
Lid: Well, excuse us! IF it makes you feel better, I'm genuinely sorry that we ever tried to help you.
Nichol: The power you used during that battle, though... In my position as a tactician, I often study the methods used in wars and battles of the past. There are records of warriors using the power of such visions. Though they are rare.
Lasswell: And your records... what do they tell of this power?
Nichol: Those who bring warriors forth from crystals... are servants of the darkness. Pawns used by demons. That's how they are described in our records.
Rain: Darkness? Demons? Wh-what kind of strange books were you reading?
Nichol: You must tell me... How did you come to obtain this power?
(Rain and Lasswell look at each other. Both get (...) over their heads.)
Lasswell: How? That is not a simple question to answer.
Rain: Yes, it mightn't go over well if we tell him that a magical naked girl in a crystal appeared out of nowhere and told us to save the world. He seems like a real hard-ass.
Nichol(...): I can hear you, you know. And you are absolutely correct that I will not be taken in by such an under-cooked mishmash of worn out storybook clichés....
(Nichol gets ! over his head and runs off.)
Rain: Hey! What is it? What's wrong!?
Lasswell: Rain. There is a ship there. Or did you not notice? Nichol appeared to be heading in its direction.
(The four rush after Nichol.)
(Nichol stands in a shipwreck. Rain enters.)
Rain: Hey! Nichol! What was that all about? Why'd you run off?
Nichol: This ship.. There is no mistaking it. This is the ship that the Water Priestess departed on. But it should not be in a place like this. Luka... please be unharmed.
Rain: Let's take a look around, then. Perhaps the crew is still below deck.
Nichol: Take a look around? I would advise you all to leave at once. The ship looks ready to capsize at any moment.
Rain: Exactly. That's why we've got to help you find that Water Priestess as soon as possible, right?
(The four run off into the ship. Nichol gets (...) over his head, then runs after them.)
Lasswell: Blast, these cursed monsters are everywhere!
Rain: It seems monsters are to blame for the ship going down.
Nichol: Surely that's impossible. This ship should be under the protection of the Water Shrine.
Rain: What's this about a water god?
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Lid: Yeah, Nichol, what kind of god is the water god?
Nichol: Why would you care? It is of no consequence to you.
Lid: What are you talking about? How could you be so could when we've come so far together?
Nichol: Come now. No need to get yourself so upset. We will talk to the water priestess once we meet her. That is what you want, right?
(Wave 2 of battle commences, and leads to wave 3.)
Nichol: This ship is sinking a lot faster than I thought it would.
Fina: I-I'm sorry! It seems I ate too much for breakfast this morning...
Lid: I had seconds, too. I feel a bit heavier than I usually do...
Nichol: Hmph, how humorous...
Lasswell: Do you know, I really think they're telling the truth. Just look at those two.
(Wave 3 of battle commences, and leads to a boss battle against two mermaids.)
Rain: That couldn't be a mermaid, could it? It's so beautiful...
Lid: Hold it, Rain! Don't get so close to that monster!
Nichol: Mermaids are dangerous creatures which charm human men then lure them deep underwater. They drown countless men just like Rain every year.
Lasswell: Rain, you're going to follow your lascivious eyeballs all the way to the bottom of the sea!
(Battle commences. There is no dialogue afterward.)
(Rain rushes towards a maiden laying on the floor. The astute will recognize the music playing as being "The Water Maiden" from Final Fantasy III.)
Rain: Miss... Are you all right?
Luka: Who... are you?
(She stands. Nichol comes up behind Rain as Rain speaks.)
Rain: Me? Oh, no one; no one at all. Just the man... who came to save you.
Nichol: Thank the crystals that you are unharmed... Luka.
Luka: Brother! Oh, brother, I knew you would come to find me!
(Rain gets (...) over his head. Lid turns to Lasswell, and also gets (...) over her head.)
Lid: Wait.... Did she just say "brother"?
Lasswell: He did introduce himself as one of the Wardens of the Waters. I suppose it is not surprising that they should be related.
Lid: The confusing point ain't that they're related, exactly. It's how she stayed so sweet growing up around a dagger-eyed, condescending prig like that guy.
Nichol: And I can still hear you.
Luka: Dear brother, who are your companions?
Nichol: Grandshelt knights. So they have led me to believe.
Luka: Please allow me to thank you on my brother's behalf. I'm sure you have all been a great help to him. Brother, if you have come seeking me out, then have the waters of the aquapolis been affected?
Nichol: They have. We should return there at once. We must purify the defiled water before it spreads any further.
Lid: Hey, uh... We're definitely sitting lower in the water than we were when we got on board. Ain't we?
Nichol: That is not all. The tide has also driven us out further out to sea.
Luka: Please do not fear. I can at least do this much....
(She clasps her hands and begins to glow. Bubbles of water envelop the party.)
Lid: What the heck!? How are we able to breathe underwater? Could this be...?
Luka: Yes. It is my power.
Lasswell: Who would've thought the water priestess could hold such power?
(Wave 1 of battle commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(The party emerges from the water.)
Lasswell: Well, we at least managed to make it to the coast unharmed.
???: Brother! Luka!
(The party turns and the scene shifts to show a man standing with two soldiers.)
???: Luka... What a relief to see that you're all right!
Nichol: Elle? What are you doing here? You are supposed to be guarding the aquapolis.
Elle: The monsters breached the walls, brother! The soldiers left in the city can't hold them off much longer. That's why I came to call you back!
Rain: Sounds like trouble. We should hurry back to the city.
Elle: What? And just who are you?
Lasswell: Custom decrees that one introduces oneself before demanding the name of another, young man.
Elle: ...I'm Elle. A Warden of the Waters, and younger brother to Nichol and Luka.
Rain: I'm Rain; this is Lasswell. If it's monsters you need ridding of, we'd be happy to lend a hand. That's sort of our thing.
Elle(...): We do not need your help. This is Olderion's concern, not yours! Nichol and Luka are all that we need! Or do you think our city so weak that we rely on passing strangers to protect us?
Nichol: Elle, what have I told you. Do not let your emotions take the reins. Let reason guide you. This is the prime rule of strategizing. Time is of the essence, is it not? In such a situation, would rejecting an offer of help be a wise tactic?
Elle: Y-yes, brother. I mean, no, brother. I mean... I understand. I will guide you to the city. Please... follow me.
(Nichol and Luka enter the Aquapolis and look around. Soldiers are crouched down in exhaustion.)
Luka: I would not have believed that our city could ever be vulnerable to such attacks. This must be because our waters have been defiled...
(A man approaches and gets a ! over his head.)
Man: Oh! Master Nichol! You've brought Lady Luka back with you!
(City inhabitants gather around.)
Nichol: Luka, I must ask you to begin the purification rights at once.
Luka: Of course. It will be my honor.
(They head further into the city. The scene pans down to show the rest of the party at the city's entrance. Fina is crouched next to a young woman sitting on the ground. Fina casts a cure spell on the woman.)
Fina: Phew... That ought to do the trick. But do try to take it easy for a while, okay?
(The young woman stands.)
Elle: How do you feel? Can you make it back home on your own?
???: Of course! It was only a scrape, really.
(She turns to Fina.)
???: THank you very much, though. You were a great help.
Elle(irritated): Arsha! You don't need to thank these louts!
Arsha: ...Louts? Elle, is that really how you talk about the people who came to our aid?
Elle: We will protect Olderion on our own! We don't need the help of... of foreigners!
Arsha: What does that have to do with anything? This girl healed my injuries! Who else should I thank?
Lid: Listen, uh.... We didn't mean to cause any fights or anything. You two are friends, huh?
Arsha: Rather more than that, I'd say. I am Elle's fiancee. My name is Arsha.
Lid(!): Fiancee!? Holy moley. Guess I shoulda given you more credit, Elle. You must have hidden charms! Mercy, I'm all aflutter, sir; pray catch me if I swoon!
Elle: Sh-shut your inferior-water-drinking full red lips, foreigner! Arsha, you get back home. You have to keep yourself safe!
Arsha: I know, I know... I'm going.
(Arsha leaves. Elle turns to speak to Rain and Lasswell.)
Elle: I don't care what you do with yourselves now, foreigners. Just don't do anything to further befoul our waters or you will answer to me.
(Nichol and Luka are gathered with the party of four in the Aquapolis.)
Nichol: The reason this place is called the aquapolis....is the pure water that flows into the city from Lake Dorr in the south. If the waters were only slightly dirtied, the Water Priestess would be able to purify them quite easily. But this... Something must have happened to the water god.
Lid: The Water Priestess we know. But who's this water god, now?
(Nichol steps forward towards Lid.)
Nichol: The water god... I suppose you would know that great being by the name Leviathan.
(Rain and Lasswell get ! over their heads at this. They turn to look at each other, then turn back to Nichol.)
Lasswell: That legendary esper... is the lord of your lake?
Rain: Then why did it attack us in Kolobos?
Nichol: Kolobos? The water god would enver wander so far from the lake. Nor would be ever attack travelers like yourselves. The water god is revered as gentle and beneficient....
Luka: I fear, brother... that may no longer be a truth we can depend on.
(Luka walks through the party and descends the stairs.)
Luka: The one who destroyed my ship... was our great water god.
Nichol: How.. could that be...?
Olderion Soldier: Master Nichol! The monsters are making another attempt at the city!
(Rain and Lasswell get ! over their heads as Nichol goes to speak to the soldier.)
Nichol: We must form a defensive perimeter at once. No matter what happens, we will not allow them into the city.
Rain: And we'll help make sure that doesn't happen.
Rain: They just keep coming... We'll never stop battling at this rate!
Olderion Soldier: News from the scouts, sir! More invaders have been spotted in the north!
Elle: In the north!? Arsha!
(Elle runs off.)
Nichol: Elle! Wait!
Rain: Hey! Are you really going to let him go out there alone?
Nichol: If I leave now, the line will not hold for long. If it is breached, many civilians will die.
Rain: I know that... but... he's your little brother!
Nichol: Yes. He is. Faced with a choice between saving one life or one hundred lives... you must choose the hundred. That is creed of the tactician. Elle knows that as well as anybody. (That, and... he should be able to survive long enough for me to reach him...)
Rain: That's ridiculous. If the choice is to save one person or a hundred people... then save both! That is the creed of a Grandshelt knight!
(Rain rushes off after Elle.)
Nichol: Rain, wait! We cannot afford to lose you as well.
Lasswell: Fear not. I will make up for his loss. He can save that one life. I will save the hundred.
(Lasswell draws his weapon.)
Lasswell: We are knights of Grandshelt, after all!
(Elle stands before Arsha. Monsters are advancing on them.)
Elle: Are you okay, Arsha!? I'll keep you safe!
(Rain rushes in and draws his sword!)
Elle: Rain!? What are you doing here?
Rain: I don't doubt that you can protect Arsha on your own, Elle. But the sooner we sort out this little mess, the sooner we can go back and help Nichol.
Elle: "This little mess"? Do you realize what we're up against?
Rain: What are you worried about? Pray disentangle your undergarments, brave Elle, for with both of us fighting together, we'll have this taken care of in two shakes of a trained lamb's hoof.
Elle: ...You're trying to make it sound trivial so I don't lose my nerve, is that it?
Rain: I don't think so. I'm just being my usual self, I promise!
Elle: Hm... fine then. Seems like I owe you an apology. I was pretty rude to you when we first met. You're a knight. And you can use the power of visions. I guess I was jealous. But now it's time I was honest. So thank you, Rain. I'm really glad you came after me.
Rain: Thank me if you like... but not until we're both out of this place in one piece. Well, two pieces. One piece each, I mean.
Elle: All right, I get it. Arsha! Watch this! I will protect you!
Arsha: Are you all right, Elle? Your sword hand is shaking...
Elle: N-never fear, my love! I am merely trembling with excitement for the coming battle!
(The party is all back together by Nichol.)
Nichol: It seems we managed to keep the city safe.... somehow. But... it is only a matter of time until the next attack occurs.
Elle: Damn it... Why is this all happening now...
Luka: It is the water. The defilement of our holy waters must be causing this. We should hurry to the lake and see for ourselves what has befallen the water god...
Nichol: Luka is right. But if we bring any soldiers with us at this critical time, we may imperil the city by thinning its defenses....
Rain: Then why don't we escort you there?
Nichol(...): You still have not told us what it is that brought you here to Olderion.
Rain: We want to go to the Water Shrine.
Nichol(?): The Water Shrine?
Rain: This may sound hard to believe, but right now, there is a mysterious group of people out there who are traveling the world, destroying the crystals.
Luka: But the Water Crystal... I have placed a barrier upon the shrine. It will repel any intruders.
Rain: Well, that... is just another reason that we need to keep you safe.
Nichol: I see... So these villains will also come to attack my sister.
Lid: But in that case... if Luka goes to the lake, wouldn't that be playing right into their hands? Like, this could all be a big setup, you know? So they can ambush you!
Luka: Nonetheless, I must go. I am the Water Priestess. Such is my duty.
Nichol: (Strawberry-brain is right, though... This could indeed be a trap. If these villains of Rain speaks think to entrap us... we shall have our surprise ready for them.)
Elle: Brother, you should go with Luka, too. We will keep the aquapolis safe. And... You can trust Rain. Arsha and I will both vouch for him.
Nichol: Elle... I understand, Elle. The city is in your hands, then.
Rain: Lasswell! We need to attack first!
Lasswell: While I admire your bravado, Rain, we mustn't lose focus. If something were to happen to you down here...
Rain: I know, I know. Lasswell, you worry too much.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Lasswell: Rain, if you're really fighting in order to protect Luka... Then I shall fight not only to protect her, but you as well. You are no ordinary knight, after all. You are not dispensable.
Rain: i told you, don't worry about me. You're going to give yourself an ulcer, man.
Lasswell: I would wear that ulcer like a medal. It would prove that I had done my best to protect you.
(Wave 2 of battle commences, and leads to wave 3.)
Lasswell: That's odd... Those monsters weren't nearly as strong as I expected them to be.
Nichol: I used a distraction explosive to knock them off our trail. It seems some of them were drawn away by the explosion, which weakened their forces overall.
Lasswell: Hmph, you're quite the tactician after all.
(Wave 2 of battle commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(Fina is walking alone in the Aquatic Cove. She overheard Nichol and Luka talking.)
Nichol: Luka... So you truly intend to...
Luka: Please do not look at me that way, brother. It isn't like you. As the Water Priestess, all I can do is my duty. As for what that duty entails... I have no intention to do anything unless it is completely necessary.
Nichol(!): Eavesdropping, are you? Not a very admirable habit.
Fina: I... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to eavesdrop...
(Nichol turns his back to Fina, nods, and walks away.)
Luka: It's all right, Fina. What is it you came for?
Fina: Oh, um... Lasswell sent me. He wanted me to tell you that we are stopping for the night here.
Luka: Thank you for letting us know. I'll be sure to pass the message along to my brother.
Fina: Um... And I won't tell anyone what I heard, either! Not that I heard anything!
Luka(...): Fina, may I ask you a question?
Fina: What?
Luka: This is a favorite of my brother's. If you could save only one life, or one hundred lives... which would you choose? As for me.. I admire the kind of people who would choose a single life over all others. Those who live here among the waters all feel duty bound to protect our family... which is perhaps the reason I feel so strongly about it. If I had to give up all that I had for the sake of another... I would rather do so for a single special person than for the all the other people in the world. Do you have anyone like that? A special someone?
Fina: A special someone?
Luka: Yes. Someone you love that much.
Fina(!): L-love!? I, um.... I don't really know anything about that. I mean. H-how do you know for sure if you love someone?
Luka: Hee hee.. Don't worry. When it happens, you will know. And it will surely happen, Fina. Someday...
Fina: D-do you really think so? (Someone.... I love...)
Lid: Arrrrgh! I feel horrible! Are we there yet?
Luka: It isn't much longer after we get past this. Do you think you can hold on just a little longer, Lid?
Lid: I can't handle much more of this. How about you, Luka?
Luka: I'm not good with this either, but more than anything I want to get to the lake...
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Lid: Must be a tough gig, being the water priestess, huh? Having to bear all that responsibility? And having to come to disgusting places like this...
Luka: There is sure to be a lot of hard times ahead. However, I have all of you to support me.
Lid: ...My brother, too....
(wave 2 commences and leads to wave 3.)
Lid: But it can't be easy for you, Luka. You and my brother both have such strong personalities. My brother ain't exactly been the nicest person, though. It's tough being his younger sister.
Luka: Hehe, I like my brothers, though? Don't you like yours?
Lid: Well...
(Wave 3 commences, and leads to wave 4.)
Luka: I respect my brothers though. Do you wish you would have had another sister?
Lid: Well, it's a hard knock life, you know? Even Nichol is pretty strict, right?
Luka: My brother is dedicated to his duties as a warden of the waters.
Lid: You're doing a great job as water priestess yourself, Luka.
Luka: It's not a job that I'm doing, this is the life which I've been bestowed.
(Wave 4 commences, and leads to a boss battle against a Blue Roper.)
Lid: Huh?! Wh-what's that! It's so gross! But worry not! I'll make sure you get safely to the lake, Luka! Us put-upon sisters gotta look out for each other, right?
(Battle commences! There is no further dialogue.)
Luka: The waters are too unclean... I no longer have any choice...
???: Heh heh heh. Is it really going to be this easy? My goodness. Well...not goodness I suppose. Cunning? Let's go with cunning.
(A Veritas appears in the lake, emerging from a whirlpool of water!)
Luka: What!?
???: I mean, of course I thought there was a small chance you'd turn up if I dirtied the waters a bit, or I wouldn't have done it. But I didn't really expect you'd be so gullible, Water Priestess.
(The Veritas summons two monsters. They begin to approach Luka.)
???: Listen: apologies in advance... I mean, after the fact would be pointless, wouldn't it? But I am going to have to kill you. I've got to breal the seal on the Water Shrine, you see.
(The monsters approach ever closer.)
???: I am Veritas of the Waters. But fear not, child. I will not harm your face. Die in peacce, knowing that your corpse will be - ah! - heartbreakingly beautiful.
(Nichol walks up behind Luka.)
Nichol: My, my. What a pathetically obvious plan.
(Veritas of the Waters gvets a ! over her head.)
(Rain and Lasswell approach from either side of the lake.)
Rain: Seriously! What a bumpkin. And if she was planning too ambush her, why not strike while she had the element of surprise?
(Veritas of the Waters looks back and forth between Rain and Lasswell.)
Veritas of the Waters: You... you ambushed my ambush? Hqave you no decency!?
Lasswell: Well, if that isn't the pot asting aspersions on the kettle.
Veritas of the Waters: Oh, fine, fine. I had planned to utterly destroy you all sooner or later anyway. Please excuse me while I take care of these children first.
(Veritas of the Waters rushes off screen. The scene ends.)
(Rain and Lasswell have their weapons drawn, the others behind them. They face Veritas of the Waters who hovers in the lake.)
Veritas of the Waters: Urgh... Well, I'm glad I didn't wear my best coat today....
Rain: Surrender, fiend, for there is no h0ope of escape. We have you cornered.
Veritas of the Waters: Ha ha ha, cornered? Cornered like the pointy corners of a helmet... worn by a genius of strategy! By which I mean my helmet!
(Veritas of the Waters floats to the side. A shadow is seen swimming under the surface of the lake.)
Nichol: This... this cannot be....
Veritas of the Waters: Ah, how good of you to notice at last. Yes, it's all too true. This is the one who has been defiling your precious waters!
(A splash, and something surfaces in the lake!)
Rain: Leviathan!?
Lasswell: Impossible! Leviathan is being controlled by this blackguard Veritas!?
Fina: Wait! Look there! Something black is oozing from its neck... is that... blood?
Rain: So it was Leviathan's blood that was polluting the water?
Fina: The poor creature... isn't there something we can do for it?
Veritas of the Waters: What a sweet child you are. But I'm afraid not, dear. It is not a wound that will easily heal.
(Veritas of the Waters holds something up, which begins to glow red.)
Nichol: That... is the sacred vessel of Paladia! You cannpt mean that you harmed it using such a thing?
Veritas of the Waters: How well-informed you are about holy relics! I'll bet you're popular with the ladies. But I'm afraid that the time for questions has passed.
(Rain and Lasswell draw their weapons again.)
Veritas of the Waters: Come... Leviathan! Let us bring this to an end!
(Battle begins against Leviathan!)
Nichol: Impossible, how could this happen. The water god... As a warden of the water, I did not want to fight you.
(You defeat Leviathan! There is no dialogue afterwards.)
(The party lies on the ground, Veritas of the Waters stands in front of Leviathn, her sword drawn. Luka rushes up.)
Luka: We beg thy forbearance, O god of the waters. Hear our words, we beseech thee!
Veritas of the Waters: Heh heh, your pleas are useless. This ebast can hear no voice but mine now.
Luka:(...)
(Luka begins to glow, bubbles of water surrounding her.)
Veritas of the Waters: What is the meaning of this? What.. what nonsense!
(Veritas of the WAters summons a ball of water and hurls it at Luka! Fina stands and rushes forward. Fina puts up a protective barrier over her and Luka.)
Nichol: Luka... she is trying to directly reach the water god's heart with her prayers...
Fina: Ngh...
Rain: Fina...Can you really keep that up?
Fina: I-I an! I'm always getting protected by you, Rain... This time, I'm going to protect Luka!
(Leviathan begins to back up.)
Lid: Hey, look! Lookslike the sea beast is clocking off for the day!
Lasswell: Perhaps Luka's prayers did reach it after all...
Veritas of the Waters: Ridiculous! You shall die!
(Veritas of the Waters summons a second ball of water! She hurls it at Fina. The protective barrier is broken. Fina and Luka collapse on the ground with the others.)
Veritas of the Waters: Your devout prattle is no more than farts in the wind, next to the power of the sacred vessel!
(Veritas of the Waters flaots to the side again, giving Leviathan a clear path to the party.)
Veritas of the Waters: Now finish them off! Leviathan!
(Leviathan attacks Veritas of the Waters with a splash of water!)
Veritas of the Waters: What is the meaning of this! Attack THEM, not me, you tentacle-headed lummox!
(Another flash, another water attack on Veritas of the Waters from Leviathan!)
Veritas of the Waters: Oh, for the love of...!
(Veritas of the Waters disappears. Leviathn is no longer tinged black, but returns to its healthy blue color. The party stands.)
Rain: Luka, your voice reached Leviathan after all...
Luka: But my work is not finished. I must heal the water god's wounds and purify the waters.
Fina: Luka... Do we have to say good-bye already?
(Rqain gets a ! over his head as Luka nods.)
Rain: Good-bye? Why wpuld this be goodbye?
Luka: I must commend myself to the eaters. I will let myself sink to the bottom of the lake, and there I shall remain until my work is complete and the waters are fully pure once more.
Lid: You're gonna purify the water? how long is that supposed to take?
Luka: I cannot say. But I suppose it will take many years.
Lid: Y-years...
Luka: Be not troubled, Lid. I ahve long been prepared to do my duty.
Lid: Nichol! Did you know about this?
Nichol: Of course. The only one who can purify the defiled water is Luka.
Lid: Wh...what do you mean, "of course"? I can't believe you! Don't you even care? She's your sister, for crying out loud! Is this where you trot out that garbage about choosing a hundred lives over a single life, and use that as an excuse to sacrifice your own sister!?
Fina: Lid! I'm sure this is painful for Nichol as well. At least try to understand him.
Lid: Fina...
Lid(!): Nichol... Are you... crying?
Nichol: Crying? What a fanciful idea. We were all splashed with water during the battle with LEviathan. Of course there is some moisture on my face.
Fina: Luka, you told me... that you would give up all that you were... for one special person. Back then, I couldn't understand what you meant.... it was completely unimaginable to me. But now... I think I understand a bit better. Wanting to use your power for the sake of someone important... Wanting to help that person... and keep that person safe.... I know how that feels.
Luka: Fina...
(Luka clasps her hands and glows. Water bubbles surround her, then transfer to Fina.)
Fina: This light...?
Luka: I have imparted to you a measure of my own power. It should be enough to allow you to undo the barrier surrounding the Water Shrine.
(Luka floats out onto the lake.)
Luka: Pray do not look so sad. I shall not die in the lake. Once the water has been made pure, I will come back. When I reach the bottom of the lake, I will begin my work. You should be abole to see the purifying light even form here on the surface. When you see that light... think of me, aned know that i am alive. If I know that you all are thinking of me... If I know that you still remember me... Then I will not be alone.
Rain(...): In that case, then... you can count on us. When we see your light... we will always remember you, Luka. I swear to you on my knighthood.
Luka: Thank you....
(Child Rain stands in front of the crystal.)
Rain: It's... it's beautiful. I've never seen one so big...
(He steps closer to the crystal. Fina appears inside it.)
Rain: Huh?
???: Augggggh!
Raegen: Rain!
(The scene flashes white. Rain and Raegen stand in front of the crystal. Fina is gone. Rain's arm is glowing.)
Rain: What... What is this!? My aarm... !?
Raegen: So... you reacted to the crystal's power. You... really are...
Rain: Dad! Dad, help me! I'm scared!
(Raegen slowly walks off.)
Rain: Where are you going!? Dad! Dad, wait! Daddy! Don't leave me here alone!
(The dream ends. Rain wakes up in a bed, alone.)
Rain: That same dream... again...
(Lasswell bursts into the the room.)
Lasswell: Rain! Come at once! The city is....!
(The scene shifts outside to show the city flooded. Fina stands on the steps above the water, with Lid, Elle, and Nichol nearby.)
Rain: What.... is this?
Lasswell: Your guess is as good as ours. When we woke this morning, this is how we found it.
Lid: It doesn't look like any kinda natural phenomenon. Maybe a water pipe burst somewhere?
Elle: This is the aquapolis! The aquapolis does not have problems with its plumbing!
Rain: Which means...
Nichol: ...That this must be an attack. There is no other credible explanation...
(A soldier rushes in from the west.)
Olderion Soldier: Monsters! There are monsters in the new market!
Elle(!): In the new market!? How can they be there when the gates haven't even been breached?
Rain: Who cares! Let's just get there at once!
(Veritas of the Waters stands in Olderion, holding the glowing artifact. The party runs up to her.)
Rain: So it was you! I suppose this flood is your work as well?
(The glow stops as Veritas of the Waters turns to the party.)
Veritas of the Waters:: Heh heh... Doesn't the name "aquapolis" seem so much more fitting this way?
Nichol: The ring he is wearing... That is the sacred vessel of Paladia that was used to injure Leviathan.
Rain: What? What is this sacred vessel thing?
Nichol: The sacred vessel of Paladia. It is a legendary artifact said to multiply magical power many times over.
Lid: And that's how he flooded this whole city? What a jerk!
Fina: Then we just need to do something about that ring!
(Fina rushed Veritas of the Waters, only to be bounced back by a force field.)
Rain: Fina!
Fina: Ugh...
Veritas of the Waters:: Foolish child. Did you not think at all? The power of the sacred vessel itself protects me!
Fina: The sacred vessel of Paladia... This is its power?
Rain: Fina! Are you okay? Don't be so reckless; you'll get yourself killed!
(Fina stands.)
Fina: I'm fine... I'm fact, I think I can do something about that thing. I just remembered something.
(She turns to Veritas of the Waters.)
Fina: I know about that sacred vessel!
(Fina rushes Veritas again!)
Veritas of the Waters:: Honestly.. Did you not listen the first time? I am protected by the power of the sacred vessel...
(This time Fina isn't thrown back. The force field blows where she has contact with it.)
Veritas of the Waters:: Wha... Y-you... What are you doing?
Fina: The sacred vessel of Paladia! Let it go!
Veritas of the Waters:: No! I will not! Don't touch me with your filthy hands!
(Fina is thrown back once more!)
Rain: Fina!
(He rushes to her side.)
(Fina kneels, then stands and begins to glow. Her appearance changes. She is now wearing a black veil on her head.)
Fina: How unexpected... I never thought I would return to myself like this...
(She looks around.)
Fina: Olderion has also changed quite a bit since my last visit. How many centuries have passed since then?
Veritas of the Waters:: Y-you... You can't be...I
(Fina steps towards Veritas of the Waters.)
Fina: It has been a long time, servant of Aldore. How lucky for me that you're here. Attack me, won't you? Playing with you should be a good warm-up.
(The scene flashes white. Veritas of the Waters in full form stands before Fina, ready to battle.)
Veritas of the Waters:: D-do not mock me, girl!
(Veritas launches water attacks at Fina. They're ineffective.)
Fina: What? You're finished already? Then I guess it's my turn.
(Her did glows as energy is gathered to it. She unleashed an attack that engulfs Veritas of the Waters in a dark bubble of energy.)
Veritas of the Waters:: (I never dreamed she would regain Hess's power. I shall have to retreat and regroup.)
(Veritas of the Waters stands, backs up a few steps, and disappears in a funnel of water.)
Fina: Hmmmm. It seems I'm not fully recovered just yet. I used to be able to eliminate someone like you in a single bliw.
Rain: Fina... Y-you are... Fina... Aren't you?
Fina: Oh, Rain. Really, now. You'll make a girl feel like fish food, gawping like that.
Rain: Huh? Oh...uh...sorry?
Fina: My, my... Go on and stare, then. I understand the temptation; it must be quite irresistible for you, poor boy.
Lid: Wh...what the neck is going on? Fina's suddenly acting kinda... Uh... Grown-up, don't you think?
Lasswell: Something like this happened once before... But yes, this time her behavior is even more...unaccountable.
Fina: Lasswell, first of all, just say "strange" if you mean "strange". And secondly, how dare you call me strange! On the contrary: I'm finally being my true self. Now, I believe we have some business to attend to. Or don't you plan to catch that Veritas? As long as he holds the sacred ring of Paladia, he can wreak the same sort of havoc on any city in the world as he did upon Olderion.
Lid: Sure, but how are we supposed to catch him? We don't even know where he ran to.
Fina: Oh, is that all? I can always sense the presence of the sacred vessel. How could I forget it's power? It hurt me badly, a long time ago...
(She focusses for a second.)
Fina(...): North, is it? Yes. That watery louse is somewhere North of here.
Nichol: Somewhere North of here? The only thing North of here is the sea.
Fina: Oh, and once we beat that Veritas and take the sacred vessel from her, we're heading for the Water Shrine.
Nichol: The Water Shrine?
Fina: Yes, dear echo, the Water Shrine. If we borrow a bit of power from the Water Crystal, I can have Olderion back to normal in no time at all.
Rain: Borrow the power of the crystal? Why? How?
Fina: Do you really think I can explain it to you? That's just what crystals are, you know. They're power.
Rain: They're power...? B-but what does that actually mean?
Fina: Rain, look, I know I've gasted your flabber right off, and I know there's a lot you want me to explain to you, and I'm sorry, but... (💗) I simply can't right now. So you're just going to have to suck it up, dear. You're a big boy, aren't you? Look at your big boy armor. You can handle it.
Rain: Wha... I... Yeah, but...
Lasswell(...): (Fina was--is--a warrior of Hess, sealed away within a crystal....) (How much could she tell us about all this madness?)
Elle: Nevermind all that. We know where we need to go, don't we? So let's set out North at once.
Fina: That's the spirit! The quicker the better.
(Lasswell, Rain, and Lid are walking in the Aquapolis. Lasswell's stops, looks around, and shakes his head.)
Lasswell: With the city in this state...it seems we won't be setting sail any time soon.
???: You all...You hoping to go to the north sea?
Rain: Huh? Well, yes, we are, as a matter of fact. How'd you know that, miss?
???: Heh heh... I guess today must just be your lucky day. My ship is about to set sail that way. Want to hitch a ride? I won't even ask you to pay.
Lid: Hey, wh... Am I the only one who thinks this is kinda suspicious?
Rain: Relax, Lid. You know the old saying: "You can always trust a free lunch." Miss! We'd love a ride !
Mercedes: The band's Mercedes. Pleasure's all mine. We'll wait for you at the north quay, so come find us.
(THE scene shifts to the north quay.)
Mercedes: Hop right on!
(Rain boards the ship. Mercedes brings the gangplank in and boards after Rain.)
Mercedes: We're off!
(As the ship sets sail, the scene pans down to show a pirate skull on the aft of the ship. An evil laugh sounds.)
(Elle is standing at the railing of the ship. Nichol joins him.)
Nichol: Are you worried about Arsha?
Elle: Worried...? Of course I am. But... look at what Luka has given up to purify the waters. She's putting her life on the line. It's time I did my duty as a Warden of the Waters, too. I can't just stay in the city with Arsha and wait for you to come back.
Nichol: I suppose not...
(The scene pans down. Lid is walking on the deck with Fina. As Rain and Lasswell approach, Lid kneels down and gets a grumble symbol over her head.)
Rain: Are you all right? You couldn't possibly be sea sick... could you?
Mercedes: What's up?
Rain: Oh, good timing. Do you have anything for seasickness on this ship? We've only just set out, after all. A long voyage is going to be tough for her...
Mercedes: Oh. Well, you don't need to worry about that. It won't be a long voyage.
(Lid stands.)
Lid: What? For real?
Mercedes: Oh yeah. You guys are getting off real soon.
(The crew surrounds them. The party gets ! over their heads.)
Mercedes: Hand over everything you've got on you, and I'll maroon you instead of throwing you off the side. What can I tell you, I've got a big heart.
Lasswell: Alas. Now we have pirates to deal with.
(Rain and Lasswell draw their weapons.)
Mercedes: Ha ha ha! Seriously? You want to rumble with us? Wow, what bunch of morons! Get 'em, boys!
(A boss battle starts against Mercedes and two of the pirates.)
Mercedes: These men deemed rogues by society, they're very important to me. I have to do all I can to keep them fed and healthy.
Rain: I see. So that's why you became a pirate, then?
Mercedes: Come at me! I'll gladly be your opponent!
(Battle begins! You defeat them. There is no further dialogue.)
Mercedes: Rrrgh... Well, you beat us. So what are you waiting for! You have us at your mercy, hurry up and do it!
Rain: All right then. Take us to the north sea, like we agreed on.
Mercedes: ....You seriously want to go there? The north sea!?
Rain: That's right. There's someone there we've got to teach a lesson to.
Mercedes: Look... Take it from me, all right? Whatever you think needs doing out there, forget about it and turn back now.
(She turns her back on them.)
Mercedes: The north sea is cursed. Even pirates like us don't dare sail there.
Rain: Cursed?
Mercedes: That's what I said, cursed. Ghost ships appear in those waters. Everybody who sails these seas has heard the tales.
Lid: Gh-ghost ships? You're kidding... right? There can't be real ghost ships!
(the scene pans up to show mountains and the sea, then pans back down. The sea is choppy.)
Lid: Hey... Ain't the wind gotten rough all of a sudden?
Rain: Looks like a storm is brewing.
Lid: Don't say that! Aw jeez, just thinking about the waves... is gonna make me... Hurrrrrrrkh....
(The party is laying on the deck of the ship. Rain gets up on his knees.)
Rain: Hey! Is everyone all right?
Lasswell: It looks like the storm has passed us by.
(Rain stands and looks around.)
Rain: What about Fina? Where'd she go?
(He looks around some more, gets ! over his head and runs up some stairs to the prow of the ship.)
Rain: There you are, Fina. You're not hurt, I see.
(He turns to look out to sea, gets another ! over his head. The scene pans up to show a ghost ship sailing on the horizon.)
Fina: Huh. Clever... So he's using a ghost ship to hide out in.
Rain: Who is whatting a what?
Fina: I felt the power of the Sacred Ring. The Veritas is aboard that ghost ship.
Rain: Wh... But... Wouldn't he just fall through...?
Fina: Stop babbling and start moving. We're taking over that ghost ship.
(The scene immediately enters into battle with Veritas of the Waters.)
Veritas of the Waters: Wh-what's going on here?
Fina: What a novice, not being able to hide your own presence.
Nichol: Let's just assume that's all for the sake of appearance.
Veritas of the Waters: Nngh! I'm warning you! This won't go down like before!
(You defeat Veritas of the Waters! There is no further dialogue.)
Veritas of the Waters: No.. the sacred vessel....
(The vessel glows on the deck of the ship,in front of Rain.)
Rain: So this is it... the sacred vessel of Paladia...
(Fina gets a ! over her head as Rain approaches the vessel.)
Fina: Rain, stop! Don't tough the sacred vessel!
(Rain bends down and gets a ! over his head.)
Rain: Wh-what the-!?
Lasswell: Rain!?
Rain: Uwaaaggggggh!
(The scene flashes white. Rain is laying on the deck, the glow from the vessel missing.)
Fina: Rain! Let it go! Drop the sacred vessel!
Rain: Guh....
(He kneels up and drop the vessel, which glows again on the deck. But now Rain's arm glows in white light.)
Nichol: Rain... Your arm... It's flowing!
Veritas of the Waters(!): That light.... So this child... truly is... I must tell Darklord at once...
(Veritas of the Waters collapses.)
(Fina approaches Rain.)
Fina(...): Well, at least it's not foul. That power pouring out of you, I mean.
Rain: Power? This is... my power? But then... Why is it so...
Fina: Painful? Because you're not ready for it. You still can't control your own power. But you need to make it your own, Rain, and quickly.
Rain(!): Make it my....? Where... have I heard those words before...?
Fina: I wonder if you can even manage it. You being you, I mean.
Rain: I'll.... I'll try....
(He stands.)
Lasswell: Fina! What is happening to Rain? Explain this at once!
Fina: I'm not bound to explain anything to you, Lasswell. This is a special something between me and Rain, not you.
Lasswell: A special... What!?
Fina: Oh, Lasswell... Jealousy is unbecoming in a man.
(Lasswell backs up a few steps.)
Lasswell: What was that!? J-jealousy...! Why would I--
Lid: Would you two give it a rest? Jeez! Rain, are you okay? Do you need to rest a while?
Rain: I'm fine. We don't have time to stop now. We have to get to the Water Shrine.
Fina(...): Good, Rain. That's the spirit.
Mercedes: Well, I've bandaged it for now, at least. You don't want people to see that arm and start asking questions.
Rain: Thanks. You've been a big help.
Mercedes: Don't mention it. I'll help you out anytime you need it. I'm done with the, uh, piracy and all that.
Rain: You don't say. I'll bet you could do well for yourself, ferrying people around. Return trips, I mean; not marooning them.
(Rain descends the stairs of the ship. Elle is standing off to the side.)
Rain: Come on, Elle. We should be going.
Elle: Yeah...
(Elle walks over to where Rain is. Rain gets a quizzical look on his face, then walks over a bit and picks something up from the ground.)
Rain: What's that, an amulet?
Elle: Arsha gave it to me. Even though I told her I'd be fine. I suppose she just doesn't have much faith in me.
Rain: If you must brood, why not do it over a problem instead of a blessing? I can't imagine sulking about having a beautiful fiancee who worries about me.
(Rain begins to walk off. Elle follows him, and Rain stops and turns back to look at Elle as Elle speaks).
Elle: Rain... Do you think I've really been any help, in the end?
Rain: What's eating you, Elle? Asking something like that out of the blue...
Elle: Be honest. Please.
Rain(...): How things turn out in the end is not what matters. What matters is doing everything you can, for as long as you can. If you do that, then... well, yoiu did all you could.
Elle: Everything I can... for as long as I can...
Rain: Oh, and besides all that... You've got good instincts in battle, Elle. So long as you keep training, you'll become a great warrior someday. Take my word for it.
(Rain gives a thumbs-up.)
Rain: The word of a Grandshelt knight.
Elle: Ha ha ha! Thank you. Rain.
Elle: You're no match for my brother and Luka! You know this!
Elle: Even if that were to happen, there's no need to worry. Everyone has their part.
Elle: A part, eh...
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Rain: Even for Lasswell and myself, there are things we are good at, and others we aren't.
Elle: Supplementing each other is what friends are for.
Rain: There are surely things that even Nichol and Luka are incapable of. You just need to do what you can, Elle.
(Wave 2 of battle commences, and leads to a boss battle against 5 grenades. After defeating them...)
Elle: ....Lasswell, how exactly do you see Rain?
Lasswell: Huh? How do I see him? What are you getting at?
Elle: It's just that, there's a lot to think about when in the presence of such an amazing person.
Lasswell: If that's how it's gonna be, the answer's simple. Rain truly is incredible. However, only I am capable of protecting him.
Elle: I see. So I guess that's all in your hands.
Lasswell: How might you see your brother differently if you were standing in his shoes?
Nichol: Elle, too, is of the Wardens of the Water. He could surpass even Luka and myself if the powers he was born with were to awaken. It seems Elle simply hasn't awoken yet.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Nichol: Each man has his own part in life. If not a tactician or a water priestess, then there's surely some other fitting role. And once Elle finds it, he will surely grow into his own.
Lid: If you think so, why don't you tell him yourself?
Nichol: Well, you're right, but... I guess I feel it's better for him to realize it for himself.
(Wave 2 of battle commences, and leads to wave 3.)
Rain: ....Nngh!
Lasswell: Rain, don't push yourself too hard. Stand back if your arm is still hurting you.
Rain: What are you talking about? You don't think you could do this without me, do you?
Lasswell: ....I guess you're right. I won't stop you then. I will insead do all I can to back you up!
(Wave 3 commences, and leads to a boss battle against a Hartmannellidae. After the battle....)
Rain: N-nnngh....!
Lasswell: Rain! What's wrong?!
Rain: ...M-my arm...
Elle: Rain, leave it to me!
(Rain is kneeling on the ground. Elle casts a spell on him.)
Elle: This should do the trick. It's a restorative medicine passed down among the Wardens of the Waters. I don't know if it'll heal that arm, but... it should at least take the edge off the pain.
Rain: Thanks, Elle. I think it's helping a bit.
Lid: Wow... So you Wardens of the Waters can do that kind of thing too, huh? I gotta admit, you guys are pretty amazeberries.
Nichol: The guys who are truly amazeberries are our women, who serve as Water Priestesses. We menfolk... We're rather useless by comparison.
Elle: You're a genius tactician, though, Nichol. The only useless one here is me.
Nichol: Elle... I do not want to hear such things from you.
Elle: But it's true. I'm not actually needed. I'm not special like you or Luka. I'm like... an item that's not selling, so the shopkeeper throws it in as a freebie. When we were kids, it used to really get to me. But I've accepted it, and honestly, it's fine. There's no reason to deny it. I'm me. I'll do everything I can with what I've got. I'll make Arsha proud to have me as her husband.
Nichol: Elle... You have grown, haven't you.
Elle: We're nearly to Amore. Rain, let's find a place to rest there a little while.
(The party enters the village of Amore, Nichol leading the way.)
Village Chief: Master Nichol. We have been expecting you. The aquapolis is in quite a state.
Nichol: Yes. That is why I intend to travel to the Water Shrine.
Village Chief: The Water Shrine, Master Nichol?
Fina: We're going to release the Water Crystal's power. It's the only way to save Olderion.
Rain: Ngh...
(He collapses on his knees.)
Fina(...): You still can't handle that light, can you? Why are you fighting it? It's a part of you.
Rain: I don't know what you mean. I'm not fighting anything. I mean... I don't think I am.
Fina: Look, I don't know what's going on inside your head. But I need to be straight with you about something. Rain. If you don't get this under control, it will kill you.
(The party gets alarmed at this, ! over their heads.)
Fina: Haven't you already felt it? The way the pain in your arm seems it's spreading throughout your whole body?
Rain: It's.... Killing me?
Fina: If I used the power of the crystal... I could save you. But... if I do that, we won't be able to save Olderion. The power held within the crystal has its limits. That's just the way it is. So what do you want to do?
Rain: What do I... Are you serious? We've got to use the crystal's power to save Olderion.
(Nichol gets a ! at this.)
Fina: ...Even if you're the one destined to save the world?
Rain: Ha ha ha! Come on, that's codswallop. Stop walloping all those cods, Fina. It's inhumane.
Fina: ...I do not lie.
Rain: Well... say it were true, then. It would be all the more reason to choose Olderion.
(Rain stands.)
Rain: If I'm supposed to save the whole world, I'd better at least be able to save myself, wouldn't you say?
Fina: Hmmm.... Fine.
(She walks off.)
Village Chief: It seems things are even more complicated than I'd thought. Well, at the very least, please get a good rest here tonight and restore your strength. It seems you have much ahead of you.
(Rain is in bed, Lasswell watching over him. Lid enters the room.)
Lid: Sorry for the hold up! I managed to piece something together using spare parts and ordinary household items. One partable fan, sir.
Lasswell: Thank you for this... Lid.
Lid: How's Rain doing? He's sweating buckets...
Lasswell: yes, but he's finally getting some sleep, at least.
Lid: Hey, Lasswell... What's happening to him? Does creepy-Fina really know something?
Lasswell(...): Let me tell you about something that happened to Rain when we were children.
(The scene shifts to show child Rain, his arm glowing.)
Lasswell: He touched a powerful crystal, and a strange light too root in his arm, just as it has done now. Like an infection.
Lid: Just because he touched it? I've never heard of anything like that happening...
Lasswell: His arm pained him terribly, and nothing would relieve it. And the looks from people around town... It was horrible. Our misfortune was only just beginning, though. Soon after that, Rain's father, Sir Raegen, went missing...
Lid: So... so how did his arm get better that time, then?
Lasswell: I wish I had even a flicker of an idea. That time, it simply got better on its own, somehow.
Lid(...): I don't wanna be the one to have to say this, Lasswell, but... If we don't do something, Rain really might die. At least according to Fina.
Lasswell: I... I don't know what will happen to him. How pathetic. I say that I will protect Rain, but now that he's in real danger, there is nothing I can do. (Sir Raegen... if only you were here....)
(The scene shifts to Elle walking alone in the hallway.)
Elle: (Do we save Rain? Or protect Olderion? Do we really have to choose just one?) (No... My brother will think of something. Nichol always does.)
(Elle gets a ! over his head. He's stopped outside a room with Nichol and Fina in it.)
Nichol: What are you doing here at this hour? I do not recall inviting you in.
Fina: You're not sure what to do, are you? With the crystal.
Nichol(...): All lives have equal value. Therefore we must decide a course of action based on minimizing the number of deaths. That is the creed of the tactician.
Fina: So a hundred lives are worth more than a single life... is that it?
Nichol: For years, I have put my life on the line to keep Olderion safe. It is my home. A great number of people live in the city. Elle's fiancee, Arsha, is still there. I cannot simply abandon them all.... (...) And yet... I find myself wavering. If Rain is truly fated to save the world, then the lives of the multitude he could save must outweigh the lives of Olderion's people.
Fina: Well put, tactician. Without Rain, we can't beat the Veritas.
Nichol: Fina... There must be another way. That is why you came to me tonight, I am sure.
Fina: (...)
Nichol: I don't care hwat it takes! I am prepared to do anything, if there is a way to save them both.
Fina: ... Anything? Are you sure?
Nichol: Certain. Whatever is required, I will do it. I will lay down my life, if need be.
Fina: Well... if you're sure... There is a way. But it's something only a Warden of the Waters can do.
(The scene pans up to Elle in the hallway.)
Elle(...): So it is possible... for someone... like me...
Lasswell: So this is the Water Shrine.
Fina: I've already removed the barrier around the shrine, using the power that Luka lent me.
Lid: All right! Then let's get in there!
Veritas of the Waters: At last... the seal is gone.
(The party gets ! over their heads.)
Lasswell: That voice! Veritas of the Waters! How are you even alive?
(The party looks around, but cannot spot Veritas of the Waters.)
Rain: Argh! Where is the swine? Show yourself, coward!
Lid: You're a pain in the neck, you know that? Just leave us alone already!
Veritas of the Waters: That I cannot do. Even if you do not understand why. There is no need for you to understand... Because, after all, you will die here.
(Monsters surround the party! Rain and Lasswell draw their weapons.)
Elle: (This is it... Now is my chance!)
(Elle runs into the shrine.)
Nichol: Elle!?
Lasswell: Nichol, don't look away! The enemy comes!
Elle: I... I have to do it.... Right now there's no one else who can. I have to do this.
Rain: Veritas of the Waters... so you're sending monsters in your place again, I see!
Lid: Huh? Where's Elle? Where could he be at a time like this?
Lasswell: I saw him enter the shrine ahead of us.
Nichol: What the--?!
(Wave 1 of battle commences. Afterward, the scene drops out of battle. Elle stands before the crystal, deep in the shrine.)
Elle: I found a way... to save them both... Rain and Olderion... If I just... use my power as a Warden of the Waters... to magnify the crystal's power...
(He approaches the crystal and uses his power. There is a flash of light.)
Veritas of the Waters: Ahhh, interesting! But if you are not careful with such power, you are the one who will die.
(Elle looks around. Veritas of the Waters appears in a funnel of water behind him.)
Elle: Veritas!? But how?
Veritas of the Waters: Heh heh heh... When you struck me down on that ghost ship, I attached myself to your shadow. If I had tried it on Rain or Lasswell, they might have noticed me, but you... A simpleton like you was the perfect choice. And now you have served your life's purpose.
(Elle backs up and draws his weapon. Veritas of the Waters attacks, and Elle parries, but falls kneeling to the ground.)
Elle: B-but I....
Veritas of the Waters: Yes, it is a shame, isn't it? Yet your time in this world is over now. Just like... That crystal....
Elle: S... stop....
(Veritas of the Waters approaches the crystal, and slices it in two. The crystal shatters into pieces.)
Elle: This... can't... be...
(Fina emerges from the shrine.)
Fina: I can feel it. The Water Crystal has shattered... The boy Elle.. He failed. I suppose that'll be the end of Rain as well. (...) There's no point staying here, then.
(She begins to leave.)
???: Wait! Don't go!
(She gets a ! over her head at this voice.)
Fina: Oh? This is surprising. I thought you were sound asleep. but here you are calling out to me.
(The other Fina appears as a vision.)
???: Please! Please save Rain!
Fina: You're not serious? Look, I'm sorry, but he's finished.
???: You're wrong! There's still time; I know it! So... please!
Fina: Ugh, how annoying. Just go back to sleep, and also bury yourself in a deep hole and never come out.
???: You care about Rain just as I do, don't you?
Fina: Just as "you" do? What a joke!
???: I know that you do! I'm you, after all. We must share the same feelings.
Fina: (...)
???: But right now, I can't do anything... So, please...
Fina: *sigh* It is unbelievable that you managed to develop feelings like that. Just... ughhhh. Fine then. Fine! I suppose, if there's a tiny chance he's alive... And since we do share a body and all.. I suppose I can do this much for you. Well then. Apparently I'm going back.
(Elle lies on the ground amidst the shattered crystal, Veritas of the Waters standing nearby.)
Veritas of the Waters: Ah, I simply never tire of my own beauty. Truly, it must be a sin to be this lovely! Yes... one of the wickeder sins, I should think.
Elle: (I can't even... more a single finger... Is this really the end for me?) (I acted on my own, without even thinking... and got the crystal destroyed...) (Brother... Luka... Was I ever... anything but trouble for you...)
Veritas of the Waters: Heh heh, excellent... Sounds like you're just about finished dying, hm? Marvelous. When Rain and his band of merry morons find your body like this, they'll come dashing right over, don't you think? Without stopping to wonder if some gorgeous adversary mightn't be waiting to ambush them.
Elle: (What have I done!? Everyone struggled so hard to get this far, and I've ruined everything...) (Damnit.. I don't want to die like this... Arsha, I... I...!)
(There is a glow around his body.)
Elle: (What is this warm feeling...? Is this... the amulet Arsha gave me?)
Veritas of the Waters: Ho ho ho ho ho! This time, I will finish off Rain and his meddling friends once and for all!
Elle: Keep... dreaming...
(Veritas of the Waters gets a ! over her head. Elle stands, a glow enveloping him.)
Elle: As if I'd let you... do that...!
(Elle takes a step, falls to his knees, gets up again and takes another step.)
Veritas of the Waters: B-but you... Whence such power? Whence!?
Elle: Thank you.. Arsha.. I won't give up until the end.
Veritas of the Waters: Well then. This is... touching. I'm touched. To think that you would drag around that mangled carcass, barely hanging together, just to try and stop little old me! I am deeply moved! Allow me to express the profound affection I feel!
(Veritas of the Waters strikes Elle, who falls to his knees, but then stands again.)
Veritas of the Waters: How can this be!? How can you still be standing!
Elle: I... I'm going to do... what I can do... what only I can do...
Veritas of the Waters: What...ARE you? You're like... the living dead! The living cremated! How can you still be moving!?
(Elle's amulet glows.)
Elle: (Arsha's amulet... It must be protecting me...)
Veritas of the Waters: Aaargh! The only thing you can do now is die! Just give up and die already!
Elle: Veritas of the Waters.... I have no intentions of beating you.
Veritas of the Waters: If you've no intentions of defeating me, then why are you even fighting?! Either way, it's time for you to die!
(Veritas of the Waters uses a water attack on Elle. He falls.)
Veritas of the Waters: Hah... hah... I should not allow myself to become so discomposed. Not over some ordinary fool boy. It's unseemly.
(Nichol and Rain rush in.)
Nichol: Elle!
Rain: Elle!
(Veritas of the Waters gets a ! over her head.)
Veritas of the Waters: D-damn it all! My plan to ambush them unawares--!
(She turns back to Elle, who gets up on his knees.)
Veritas of the Waters: You brat! You imp! This whole time, your plan was nothing more than to buy time until your playmates arrived!?
Elle: Brother... Rain... it's up... to you now...
(Elle falls.)
Nichol: Elle!
(The rest of the party has arrived, including Fina.)
Nichol: Veritas! You will not see another sunrise!
Rain: You'll pay for what you did to Elle!
Lasswell: We will defeat you here, without fail.
Lid: How could you...How could you!?
Fina: Why don't we settle things, once and for all? It's seven hundred years overdue, Warrior of Aldore!
(Battle begins! You defeat Veritas of the Waters.)
Veritas of the Waters: What is this.. this power... It can't be... How could I be defeated... Very well. I shall take my leave, for now...
Nichol: Elle... Thank you. Veritas of the Waters was defeated thanks to you.
Elle: I didn't... do a thing.. But you... Nichol... Rain... you're all so... strong... but me... i failed... I wanted to save the city... and Rain... but...
Fina: You didn't fail. The crystal might be in pieces, but it's still brimming with your power. See? Even these broken shards are shining brilliantly.
Elle: They... they are...
Fina: And if that power isn't enough, I can amplify it with the power of the sacred vessel. So... you don't need to worry about a thing.
Elle: Yeah...? That's... wonderful... They'll all be... safe... Rain... Olderion...
(Rain rushes to Elle's side and kneels.)
Rain: Elle! You can't die on us! What'll happen to Arsha if you die?
Elle: Arsha... I'm... so sorry... Arsha... that it had.. to end... like this... but I did my best.. to be the man... you deserve...
Rain: You were the man she deserved, Elle. You two were great together.
Elle: Thank you.. Rain... Keep this world.. safe...
Nichol: You did well... Elle. I am proud to call you my brother.
Elle: Nichol.. That's all... I ever... Thank you.... I'm glad... I was born.. as... your broth... er...
Rain: Elle...? Come on, Elle... Elle! ELLE!
Nichol: Rain... let him rest in peace now.
(Fina has been standing among the crystal shards. She begins to glow.)
Rain: Elle! ELLE!
(The scene shifts to show the world map, water rising up from the Aquapolis.)
(The scene shifts to child Rain with his glowing arm. Fina appears in her crystal before him.)
Fina: Don't worry. Your arm will be fine. Just touch the crystal I hold.
Rain: Huh?
Fina: Trust me, Rain.
Rain(...): ...I will.
(He touches the crystal.)
Rain: Ah... the light... It's disappearing....
Fina: It hasn't actually disappeared. It's just stored away for now. It may be too much for you to handle right now, but... Just try not to fear the unknown. After all, that light is a part of you.
Rain: Who.. are you?
(The scene returns to present. Fina and Rain stand among the crystal shards, whose light has faded. So does the light in Rain's arm.)
Rain: The light... it's fading... That's right. I remember now. What happened with Fina that time.
Fina: Looks like the sacred vessel did the trick. So, I'd better say good-bye for now.
(Rain gets a ! over his head.)
Fina: It seems like the other me...is waiting for her turn to see you. Please be gentle, Rain, with the other Fina.
(There is a flash of light.)
Rain: Wait! Fina!
(Rain rushes forward, but Fina has turned back to her light self.)
Fina: ...Huh? Where am I? Rain, what happened?
(Fina looks around.)
Fina(...): Did I do something to make you all worry about me again?
Rain: Fina... You're back...
Fina: Yes... I'm back.
(The scene pans down to the others.)
Nichol: Elle... It is time we return home. Back to the city that you saved.
(The scene opens on confetti falling in the Aquapolis. Kids are running around in celebration. We see Arsha off to one side. She gets a ! over her head as the party approaches.)
Arsha: Nichol! Thank goodness you're all right. You're the toast of the town, Nichol. Everyone is calling you the hero who saved the aquapolis!
Nichol: Arsha. Please... listen...
Arsha: And where is Elle? Wasn't he with you?
Nichol(...): Elle fought with honor and courage. For Olderion and for you, Arsha.
Arsha(...): What... You... you can't mean that...
Nichol: I'm sorry, Arsha.... It was my fault. I was the one who should have...
(Arsha backs up.)
Arsha: It's a lie! Tell me that you're lying... Please!
(She runs away.)
Nichol: Arsha!
Rain: Follow her!
(The scene shows Arsha running away, but stops on two citizens in the middle of town.)
Olderion Citizen A: Our water is pure once again, and the floodwaters have receded! The city is saved!
Olderion Citizen B: Our prayers were heeded! Master Nichol has saved us!
(Rain and Nichol rush ahead, Lid and Lasswell following behind at a more leisurely pace.)
Lid: We managed to get rid of the water... but after all that..
Lasswell: Yes... I do not believe the ground here will be dry again for sometime.
(The party is walking near the docks of the Aquapolis.)
Nichol: Arsha....
Rain: Nichol, leave this one up to me.
(Rain approaches Arsha.)
Rain: Arsha?
Arsha: I... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to go to pieces like that... Elle was a soldier, so I always knew this day might come. But... but I still... wish I could see him... one last time...
Rain: Elle left this crystal behind... hoping that its power might help us. And I... have the ability to bring forth memories held within crystals. Take the crystal in your hands. You man only have a few moments, but...
(Rain backs up. Elle's vision appears.)
Arsha: Elle! Welcome home... Elle.
Nichol: I never imagined that someone would use the power of visions... to such an end.
Lasswell: Rain is not the type to feel bound by precedent.
Nichol: I must admit to feeling chastened. For calling the visions evil tricks. The power itself is not evil. Clearly, its virtue depends on the one who wields it.
Arsha: Elle... The baby is doing fine... growing day by day. I will ensure that the bloodline of the Wardens of thre Waters is carried on. I will keep our child safe. For the sake of Olderion. And for you, Elle.
Rain: Arsha, you... You're pregnant?
Arsha: I am. And if it is a girl, then she will be a fine priestess someday.
Rain: That sounds wonderful. Elle would love that.
(Rain walks back to the others.)
Fina: Hey, Rain... What are we going to do now?
Rain: We're going to stop them. We won't let them get what they want. There are still three crystals left. The Lightning Crystal in Falm. The Fire Crystal in the Zoldaad Empire. And the Ice Crystal in the Mage Nation. The question is which the Sworn Six will target next...
Nichol: The Zoldaad Empire seems most likely. I have some knowledge of the place. We should depart without delay.
Rain: "We" should? Nichol, do you mean that you...
Nichol: From what I have observed, this party seems to be in need of a good tactician. Rain is impulsive, and tends to get carried away. His personality is simply ill-suited to making important decisions.
Rain: Huh?
Nichol: And while Lasswell may appear at first to be calm and logical, he capitulates to Rain too easily, his objectivity like an origami sculpture in the hands of a bored toddler.
Lasswell: Th-that is... perhaps not entirely inaccurate...
Nichol: Lid is too emotional by far, and Fina's past is still shrouded in mystery.
Lid: Too emotional!? Maybe I just burn with a passion for justice, you ever think of that? Pretty admirable, I'd say. Jerk.
Fina: Shrouded in mystery? I am?
Nichol: That such a team intends to thwart the Sworn Six is frankly laughable.
Lasswell: Well, Nichol, while I'm certain we all appreciate your candor... are your keen insights not needed in Olderion?
Nichol: As long as the waters are kept pure by Luka's prayers, this city will have nothing to fear. And now is perhaps the time to worry about the needs of the world, not only Olderion. For the sake of the world, this Veritas group must be stopped.
Rain: You're not wrong about that. All right then. Let's do this together, Nichol!
Nichol: For Luka and Arsha... and for Elle's child, who will someday live in this world.... I will join this fight with you.
(Nichol has joined the party!)
(A "To be continued?" message appears. Cherry blossoms float across the screen. A scene is revealed: Veritas of the Dark walking amidst cherry blossom trees.)
Veritas of the Dark: This is...?
???: There are no paths left for you to take from here. If you wish to turn back, this is your last chance.
(A pink-haired girl enters the scene.)
Veritas of the Dark: You...
???: Have you finally realized the truth? There is no point in seeking revenge against Paladia, Raegen.
Veritas of the Dark: "Raegen"... You dare call me by that name?
???: What, Raegen? Why have you donned that armor once more? What happened to your resolve? Weren't you and Sophia going to live among the humans as one of them?
Veritas of the Dark: Sophia?
???(!): You... are not Raegen. Then who are you?
Veritas of the Dark: Why should you need to know that? You shameless slattern! I do not know where you have been hiding yourself away. But if you dare appear before me now, then you must be ready to die.
???: Fool... You think you can defeat me?
Veritas of the Dark: Do you think I can't? Not even with this?
(A red glow appears.)
???: That... is the sacred vessel of Paladia! But... but it lost its power long ago...
(Veritas of the Dark summons a ball of darkness!)
Veritas of the Dark: Do you understand now? Your schemes and struggles will all be in vain. Our revenge will not be thwarted! Now die!
(Cherry blossoms float across the screen as he hurls the ball of darkness, obscuring the view. When we can see the scene once more, the pink-haired girl is gone.)
Veritas of the Dark: She got away? It matters little. The next time we meet, I will end her.
(Rain, Lasswell, and Fina are standing in front of a cave in the village of Almore.)
Rain: The monsters... aren't interested in us?
Lasswell: They seem to be attracted to something up ahead.
Fina: Food?
Lasswell: If it were simply food, they would have devoured it all by now.
Rain: Then... what could it be?
(Battle begins against two iguions!)
???: Hmph... *sob* *sob* Skip it... Give me back my power...
Rain: Who was that?
Lasswell: It sounded like it came from behind these mosnters. Let's defeat them and check it out.
(Battle commences! Afterward...)
???: Who's there...? H-humans? Are the monsters all gone?
Fina: It's all right now...
???(!): D-do not touch me! You impertinate... impernitent... imperpinet... you rude lady!
(There is a flash as the creature disappears.)
Rain: Was that.. Do you think... Was that an esper?
Lasswell: I've never heard of an esper that would wander so far from its own domain. Outside of their protective barriers, espers are generally not able to draw on their full power... unless they have formed a pact with a human.
Rain(lightbulb): Maybe it had just gone for a stroll, when it got attacked by monsters.. and then it got stuck or something?
Fina: It did sound rather young. And what kid likes to stay cooped up at home all the time?
Lasswell: It is hard to believe an esper exists so lacking in dignity and wisdom... But, eh, it's a big old world.
(Rain, Lasswell, and Fina are walking in Carbuncle Grove. There is a flash of light.)
???: Who do you think you are? Do not wander brazenly into my forest without permission!
Rain: That voice... I feel like I've heard it somewhere before.
Lasswell: Ah... Yes, you're right. It would appear that this is that creature's natural domain.
Fina(🎵): Then we should get it to join our team!
Rain: Should we, thought? Didn't it seem kind of weak?
Lasswell: If the creature had its magic drained by that many monsters, and still survived? It may have hidden strengths.... Though perhaps that is wishful thinking. Let's stick with "weak" as a working theory.
(Another flash of light!)
???: Whaaat! You jerks! Look, if you do't have any business here, just get lost!
Rain: Hmm. When you say "get lost", do you mean literally get lost in the this forest, and never leave? Because if so, thanks for the hospitality!
Fina: Yay! Let's build tree houses and live here forever!
(The three approach the creature.)
Rain: I knew it! You were the one in the food stores!
???: Show some respect! I am the mighty esper Carbuncle! And I will not put up with such... im-per-tin-ence. Impertinence! Ha!
Fina(🎵): Hehe hee.. he's so cute!
Carbuncle: Do not call me cute! I will bounce back every spell you use on me in your own dumb face!
Lasswell(...):L Ah-ha... So it is a defensive esper. In more ways than one. Still, it would be a fine ally to have.
Rain: Hey, Carbuncle. Want to come on a journey with us? You must be bored of the forest by now. That's why you ventured outside, isn't it?
Carbuncle: I know you guys may be strong and all, but... I''m an esper, you know? There's a principle at stake! I can give you my power, but first you gotta beat m--I mean, you must first defeat me in battle, mortals! Cravat you!
(Rain and Lasswell draw their weapons. Battle occurs! Afterward...)
Rain: Satisfied?
Carbuncle: I-indeed! I will grant you a treasure of my power, lowly humans.
Rain: You don't have to act like that, you know. Just be yourself.
Carbuncle: B-But... espers are... you know... We're not like humans. We're supposed to be, uh... well, y'know... above you all.
Rain: Then what was one of those mighty espers doing, straying from his hallowed domain? could it be that you... were curious about humans?
Carbuncle: I...I... I guess... I did want to know more about humans. That's why I left... But there are way more monsters around now than there used to be!
Lasswell: We journey in pursuit of those who made the scary monsters run wild. With the help of a fearsome espers like you, O Carbuncle of the Forest of Carbuncle, we could restore order to this world all the sooner.
Carbuncle: For real!?
Rain: For real. Totes, in fact. So come with us!
Carbuncle: All right! I'll do my best!
(Carbuncle turns to stone. The esper Carbuncle has joined the party!)
(Rain approaches Carbuncle's statue.)
Rain: Hey, Carbuncle. You've really gotten stronger, haven't you?
(Carbuncle turns flesh once more!)
Carbuncle: Yeah. 'Cause you worked so hard to give me power, Rain. And now.. I think I could become even way more stronger!
Rain: You mean... evolving? You'll have to fight against us, you know.
Carbuncle: Don't worry, I'm sure you can beat me.. Which is why I'm not gonna hold anything back! Cravat you!
(Rain draws his weapon! Battle occurs. Afterward...)
Rain: How do you feel?
Carbuncle: That was awesome! I should be able to release way more power for you now! Though it would've been better for you if I'd been able to tap all this power right from the start, I bet...
Rain: Don't worry about it. You wouldn't even have known what to do with it, back then. Trying to grow up too fast isn't healthy for anyone. Not for human kids, at any rate.
Carbuncle: You think so? Yeah... I guess you're right! Let's keep growing up together, Rain!
(Carbuncle turns to stone again. The esper Carbuncle evolved!)
(Rain approaches Carbuncle's statue.)
Rain: Hey... Carbuncle.. You're not looking too hot...
(Carbuncle turns to flesh once more!)
Carnbuncle: It's...my power.. It's too much... Rain... It hurts.. Can you.. do... something...?
Rain: It must be an awakening. If we battle, we might be able to release the limit on your power.
Carbuncle: Do it.. Please... Hurry and defeat me!
(Rain draws his weapon! Battle occurs. Afterward...)
Carbuncle: Thank you... I feel much better now.
Rain: That's good. It hurts to see a friend who's suffering.
Carbuncle: You see me as a friend? Thank you. All those people long ago.. Not once did any of them call me a friend.
Rain(...): People long ago? there were people who fought with espers in the past? Why did they--
Carbuncle: Hey, Rain! I think... yes! I can control my own power now! Now I should really be able to give you guys a boost in battle!
(Carbuncle turns to stone once more. The esper Carbuncle awakened!)
Rain: Do all espers... have hidden powers that even they're not aware of? I've never really thought about it before, but... how long have the espers been around? And why were they created?