(The scene opens in Mysidia Town. It is raining. Rain stands alone in the middle of town.)
Rain: Seeing the rain... always makes me remember.
(He bows his head, and a flashback starts: Child Rain stands in a house. Only he is in color--the rest of the scene is black and white.)
Rain: Mom... sure is taking a long time...
(He walks a bit in the house, as if pacing.)
Rain: Where is she? It shouldn't take this long to do some shopping...
(He turns and gets a ! over his head as Raegen enters, carrying Sophia, limp, in his arms.)
Rain: Mom! Dad!? You're back? And what's wrong with Mom? Is she sick or something?
Raegen: ... ... ...
Rain: What is it? Say something!
Raegen: ...She's dead.
Rain: Huh?
Raegen: Sophia is... Your mother is dead.
(Rain backs up.)
Raegen: And I killed her.
(The scene returns to present day. Rain still stands with his head bowed, rain coming down on him.)
Rain(...): (Even I don't really think that he was the one who killed my mother...) (There's no doubt that he did have something to do with her death)
(He picks up his head.)
Rain: (But I never saw him again after that. After that rainy afternoon.) (He never even tried to explain why she had died...) (Lasswell doesn't know about what happened that day, though. How could I tell him?) (He was Lasswell's hero... That useless old man of mine...)
(The rain stops. Rain turns with a (...).)
Rain: The rain has stopped?
(The party, minus the Finas and Sakura, walks up.)
Lasswell: Rain? What are you doing? You'll catch a cold if you let yourself get soaked to the bone.
Rain: Don't you worry about my bone. I was just thinking about some things.
Lid: Thinking, huh? There sure is a lot to mull over lately.
(The others turn to look at Lid as she continues speaking.)
Lid: We still don't even know the real reason why Fina or the Sworn Six are here in our world, for instance.
Rain: Mmm. Though I think I've got some idea about that, actually.
(Lid gets a !)
Lid: What? You do!?
Nichol: Yes. It seems quite obvious, after a little thought.
Lasswell: I have to agree.
Rain: Right? From everything we saw in Fina's memories, it's the only possibility.
(Lid turns repeatedly to look at everyone.)
Lid: What! Wait, seriously? A-am I the only one here who hasn't figured it out!?
Jake: Don't you worry, my lovely Lid. I have no more idea what is going than you do.
Lid: Ughhh... So I'm on the same level as Jake? That's just depressing.
Jake: Ha ha ha! What's wrong with that? Like attracts like, isn't that what they say? Surrender to your destiny, my fated one!
Lid: The thought of settling for you is even more depressing.
(Sakura and the Finas walks up.)
Sakura: Rain. So you've found your way to the truth, have you?
Rain: This world that we live in now... It's Paladia, isn't it?
Lid: What!? What does that even mean? How can this be Paladia?
Nichol: To be more precise, we should probably say that it is a part of Paladia.
Sakura: Mmm-hmmm. You could say that. The final crystal... The Dark Crystal is in Gronoa. It is a long road, so I will explain things to you along the way.
(Sakura walks a few steps.)
Sakura: Come. We will first need to find a ship.
Lid: Another ship? We should have just borrowed an airship from my brother in Zoldaad...
Sakura: No. An airship would not be suitable in this instance.
Nichol: Why not? It does seem that traveling by airship would reduce the likelihood of being attacked by the Veritas enroute.
Sakura: You will understand... once we get to Gronoa.
(Fina stands alone, the rest of the party approaching.)
Fina: What is it? This awful feeling...
Dark Fina: It's miasma. If you breathe too much of it, it can be dangerous. Dangerous enough to kill.
Fina: What!? R-really? Are we sure about this?
Sakura: Gronoa is a dangerous land. It is covered with such miasma. And turn your eyes up to the heavens. The miasma fills the sky as well.
Nichol: The wind currents are pushing it up into the atmosphere? So that is why you told us that an airship would be little help.
Lid(...): Hey, Sakura... About what you said before... This world really used to be a part of Paladia?
(Sakura turns her back on Lid and walks a few steps.)
Sakura: Yes. The leaders of Aldore banished the warriors of Hess, the Veritas, and even the very land they stood upon to this world.
(Lid gets a ! over her head.)
Lid: "The very land"? Is that kind of thing even possible?
Sakura: Aldore had the technology to create "gates" using dimensional rifts. You have seen the Veritas appear and disappear instantaneously, haven't you? They are still using that same power now.
Lid: So a piece of Paladia came through one of those gates to end up here?
Sakura: Exactly. But the gates' power is limited. It is not a permanent solution.
Lid: What does that mean? If it's not permanent, do you mean everything will go back to Paladia someday?
Sakura: Aldore put a seal upon the land to try to keep that from happening. You saw it in Fina's memories, didn't you? Those eight huge crystals coming down from the sky. They formed the seal fixing the land of Paladia here in this world, and they remain buried deep within the ground. They are the key to this seal and to imprisoning the people of Hess.
Nichol(...): So the Veritas are destroying the crystals in order to remove this seal from the land?
Sakura: That's right. Everything will return to Paladia, and they can get their revenge on Aldore for betraying them.
Lid: Hm? Hold on a sec...Even if they did remove the seal, where is the gate that'll take them back to Paladia?
Sakura: Ah, that? Yes, about that. That will have to wait. It will be easier to explain once night falls.
Lid: When night falls?
Jake: Okay, then I'll ask a different question. Why did the leaders of Aldore betray you all?
Sakura: We had too much power. The Sworn Eight became heroes for our actions during that civil war. The people loved us. It seemed obvious that the Sworn Eight could play a major part in shaping Aldore's future after the war. And those already in charge must have felt threatened.
Jake: I guess I get that.
Sakura: For the leaders of Aldore, the Sworn Eight may have been just as much a threat as Hess's Eight Sages.
Lid: So they just left you marooned here? After having you fight on the front lines for them? How could they just use you like that? It's terrible!
Sakura(...): Yes... It was terrible. But now we must focus on the future, not the past. And if we spend too long in this miasma, we will have no future at all. There are many fearsome monsters around here due to the miasma. It will be a very difficult path.
Sakura: The upper echelon prepared the crystal that sealed away Hess. And if that was the key to materializing the seal... That means they've been planning to betray us this entire time.
Lid: Really.... Yeesh, what a horrible thought.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Lid: Can people walk through places where there's miasma?
Sakura: It depends on how dense it is, but as long as you are careful... Well, let's just say it wouldn't kill you.
Lid: What was that pause for? You had to think about it, didn't you?
(Wave 2 commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(The party is walking along, Lid in the lead. She comes to a stop.)
Lid: Um... hey, guys? After hearing Sakura's story, I think I realized something really, really bad.
Fina: Something bad?
Lid: Hess's Eight Sages were sealed inside the crystals, right?
Lasswell: Indeed.... The Earth Crystal held Fina. The Wind Crystal sealed Babel. The Fire Crystal held Bahamut, and...
(Lid rushes forward, towards the rest of the party.)
Lid: Exactly! You see? You do see, right? The number of crystals that have been destroyed doesn't match up with the number of sages from Hess! Even if we ignore the Ice Crystal and the Lighting Crystal, which were apparently destroyed long ago... Where did the sages go that should've been in the Water Crystal and the Light Crystal!?
Nichol: Lid, you have indeed noticed something crucial.
Lid: Right!?
Nichol: I have also been concerned about the discrepancy, so I asked Sakura about it...
Sakura: Ho ho! And I brushed you off, didn't I? Telling you that it was still too early to talk of such things.
Lasswell: I received much the same treatment.
Rain: Me, too.
Lid(...): W-wait a sec! Does that mean that you all noticed ages ago!?
Jake: Don't feel bad, my lovely Lid. I didn't realize until now either.
(Lid backs up, away from Jake.)
Lid: *sniffle* I... I really hate this.. I can't believe that I'm seriously on the same level as Jake!
Jake: Ha ha ha! And what should be wrong with that? Like attracts like, after all.
Lid: I will never be attracted to you!
Nichol: So, Sakura, what do you think happened to them? The remaining sages, I mean.
Sakura: Well.. To be perfectly frank, I do not know. I imagine that the Eight Sages of Hess might want revenge against Aldore, just as the Veritas do. In which case, I would think they might make some move, but... the fact that we have not seen any sign of them...
Lid: Maybe they're waiting for the Veritas to break all the crystals first?
Nichol: That is certainly possible. Either way, there is only one crystal left in existence. We should be on alert for the Eight Sages as well as we move forward.
(The party continues walking, except Sakura.)
Sakura(...): (I've heard that being sealed away in crystal for so long can have a variety of effects on the living...) (There was nothing left of Babel but its heart. And Bahamut, as fearsome as he was, had not regained his full power...) (I can only assume that Fina being divided was also due to the crystal.) (In which case... it seems unlikely that any of the remaining sages walked away from being imprisoned with no side effects.) (But whether those effects will be good for our cause or bad... remains to be seen.)
(Sakura follows after the others.)
Sakura: This world... So much has happened in the 700 years I have spent in Lapis.
Rain: Lapis?
Sakura: That is what we called this world. In Paladia.
Lid: Really? Lapis? Sounds funny, but... I guess it's not a bad name.
Nichol: We've never needed to give a name to our own world, after all.
Sakura: You know, an entire landmass was transported by Aldore. Many were brought here to Lapis. Not just us.
Lasswell: So the soldiers of Aldore and Hess were dragged into this disaster as well?
Sakura: Yes. They were. There were many battles that broke out between those soldiers and the people who were already living here in Lapis. But in the end, most of the soldiers chose instead to live together with the people of this world. The proof can be found in the visions.
(The party gets ! at this.)
Rain: Huh?
Sakura: Visions are... a power which the people of Paladia hold from the time they are born.
Lasswell: The people of this world mixed their blood with that of the people from Paladia... ...and so we, their descendants, can now also use the power of visions. Is that it?
Sakura: Yes, that is it precisely. I would say that most of the people now living in Lapis have some of Paladia in their blood. If they simply woke to the power sleeping within them, I expect most anyone would be able to use the power of visions.
Lid(...): So basically... we've all got a bit of Paladia in us?
(Lid gets a grumble symbol over her head, then backs up a few steps, falling to her knees.)
Lid: This is kind of a lot to take in. My head is spinning.
(The rest of the party get single sweatdrops at this.)
Sakura: Night has fallen. Now. Look to the sky.
(The camera pans up to the sky, showing streaks of light.)
Lid: Oh! Shooting stars!
Jake: Now that you mention it, there have been an awful lot of shooting stars lately.
Sakura(...): The Sworn Eight of Paladia obtained something close to immortality, thanks to Paladia's technology.
Lasswell: Immortality...? So that is why you have lived 700 years?
Sakura: No matter how much we might hate Aldore, though, there is nothing we could do here from Lapis. Over the long years, the flames of anger within us began to burn out. But then, 100 years ago, my sister and I discovered something in the Magic Library.
Jake: The Magic Library? The one in Mysidia?
Sakura: The Magic Library was originally from Paladia. It was dropped here in Lapis along with the land it stood upon.
Nichol: I see. Which explains why you knew the stacks there so well.
Sakura: Yes. And what we found there was a book about the gates. That book... said that a gate which has been summoned into existence never really disappears. But if the gate is left closed, the magic builds up and it can run amok. At least, according to the book we read. To prevent it from running wild, the magic power must be released at least once every 100 years. The gate must open. And when the gate slowly begins to open, the magic that seeps from it... will streak across the skies like shooting stars.
(The party gets ! at this.)
Lid: So then, what we see in the night sky...
Lasswell: And the shooting stars I saw with Rain just before Grandshelt Castle was attacked....
Sakura: Yes. That was magic leaking from the gate. Shooting stars are a sign that the gate is opening.
Nichol: In other words, if the final crystal is destroyed, then the seal on this land will be undone and it will return to Paladia.
Sakura: That's right. but the force generated by its passing through the gate will be tremendous. When the land first came here to Lapis, nearly half of this world was destroyed.
Nichol: Nearly half... Then when the land returns to Paladia...
Sakura: Everything may shatter to pieces in the process. Which is why one would need a powerful airship to ensure that they reached Paladia safely in the end. And that is why the Veritas unearthed the Invincible.
(The party begins to walk on, leaving Rain behind.)
Rain(...): (This world will end.... That's what Darklord said. So he was talking about passing through the gate?) (Damn it... Like we'd just let that happen!) (I will stop them. Darklord and the rest of them. Even if it takes my life.)
Jake: Sakura? Can I ask something?
Sakura: Certainly. I don't mind. There's little point in hiding anything after all we've been through. However! But I'm warning you, if you ask any asinine questions, I'll blast you back to Zoldaad in an instant.
Jake: Why are you looking at me? Why do you all assume that I'll do something inappropriate?
Lid: We don't assume. We know.
Jake: Urk... M-my lovely Lid... I understand. You are so harsh because you love me and want to see me be the best I can be. Mm-hmm.
Lid: What!?
(Lid makes a shrugging motion, while Sakura grumbles.)
Sakura: So, Jake. What was it that you wanted to ask me?
Jake: Sakura... Why did you and the other Veritas go your separate ways? I can't imagine that it was a simple falling out that did it. You all seemed to get along just fine in Fina's memories.
Sakura(...): Yes. We were very close. Things were different back then.
(The scene flashes white, and a flashback begins. Lightlord and Boltlord approach Darklord, who's standing at the cliff overlooking Aldore Tower.)
Veritas of the Light: Finally comes the final showdown against Hess's Eight Sages.
Veritas of the Bolt: Yes. We must seal them in crystal so the peace negotiations can begin.
Veritas of the Dark(...): Lightlord, Boltlord... What do you want to do when this war is over?
Veritas of the Bolt: What? Where did that question come from all of a sudden?
Veritas of the Dark: I just wanted to ask while I still had the chance. Who knows if we'll all be working together after this?
(Lightlord gets a ! and steps closer to Darklord.)
Veritas of the Light: Wh-why not? Why wouldn't we be working together? The Sworn Eight will always have more work to do! We could meet every single day, if you want to!
Veritas of the Dark: When this war ends, I plan to set aside my armor and travel the world.
Veritas of the Light: What..?
Veritas of the Dark: Once Hess has its independence, this entire world could change. And I want to see how it does.
(He turns around to look out over the cliff again.)
Veritas of the Dark: This war has taught me... that there is still much I don't know. What is right, and what is wrong... I want to find the truth to that for myself. And until I do, I have no plans to return to this place.
Veritas of the Light(...): I understand... I know you, and I know that you won't change your mind once you've made it up. Fine. Take your little journey then.
(Darklord turns around again to look at her.)
Veritas of the Light: However! You won't take it alone. You're only going if I go with you.
Veritas of the Dark: You...
Veritas of the Bolt: Heh.... You know me, as well, Darklord. And you know that I also don't change my mind once I've made it up.
(Darklord moves to stand in front of Lightlord, and Boltlord turns too look at them both.)
Veritas of the Dark: Yes. I do. There is no point fighting you over this. Come with me then, Lightlord.
Veritas of the Light: What!? R-Really?
(She turns from him.)
Veritas of the Light: I-I hope you appreciate this! You'll have the journey of your life with me along, after all.
(The flashback ends.)
Lid: So that's what happened...
Sakura: As you all must know, there was no way we were ever going to be able to complete that journey anyway. We will walk and I will tell of what split the Veritas apart.
Sakura: After we were sent to Lapis, we had nothing to live for but our dreams of revenge on Aldore. But... 700 years is just too long. Eventually our hearts started longing for different things... So when we learned about the gates at the Magic Library...
(The scene flashes white to another flashback, this time in the Magic Library. Lightlord walks in, alone.)
Veritas of the Light: Darklord! Boltlord! Where are you!? I told them about the gate! Flamelord and Heavenlord and Waterlord! They all agree that we should destroy the crystals! We can finally go back to Paladia! We'll finally be able to get our revenge on Aldore!
(She gets a ! and walks forward. Sakura and Raegen are standing there without their armor.)
Veritas of the Light: Hey... You... Why aren't you two wearing your armor? This is no time to be relaxing! The battle is about to begin! The battle to take back what we deserve!
Sakura(...): Sister.. Hasn't it been enough?
Veritas of the Light: ...Enough? What are you talking about?
Raegen: We will not battle. We have no desire to take part in such meaningless bloodshed.
Veritas of the Light: Meaningless!? Darklord... What happened to you!? You cannot have forgotten! You can't have forgotten what those bastards in Aldore did to us!
Raegen: No. Of course not. I could never forget that. But... if we destroy the crystals, the blood of innocents will flow once more.
Veritas of the Light: Who cares!? Who cares if it lets us get our revenge at last!?
Sakura(...): Sister. People change. They have to change. Either for the better or the worse...
Veritas of the Light: Sakura. Stop talking such nonsense. You sound like one of these Lapis idiots. You're fooling yourself if you think you can ever be one of them! People do not change! The strong-willed do not change. They uphold their sworn oaths through to the bitter end!
Raegen(...): You're right, Lightlord. I agree completely. Which is why I am doing what I swore to do. I told you once. Long ago. I told you I would remove my armor and embark on a journey. That wish has never changed.
(He turns around so his back is to her.)
Raegen: That's why, Light... This is good-bye.
(He and Sakura begin to walk off, but stop as Lightlord calls out.)
Veritas of the Light: Wait! Raegen, wait! You're betraying us? Even though you must know I... I... If you still insist on going, then...
(Raegen speaks, his back still to her.)
Raegen: If you want to attack me, then attack me. You can strike me from behind as I walk away.
Veritas of the Light: Ngh!
(Raegen and Sakura leave.)
Veritas of the Light(...): Like I could... Like I could ever attack you...
(She kneels.)
Veritas of the Light: I... Waaaaaaaaaah!
(The scene returns to present day.)
Fina(...): Veritas of the Light always loved Darklord, didn't she?
Lid: Yes... I believe she did. She must have.
Sakura(...): My sister is pure at heart. Much purer than I ever was... And that's why I....
(Sakura gets a ! over her head.)
Sakura: Wait! This feeling...
(Rain steps closer to Sakura, who has turned away from the party.)
Rain: Sakura, what is it?
Sakura: My sister!
(The scene pans right. Veritas of the Light rushes up.)
Veritas of the Light: Sakura! So we finally caught up to you!
(She walks up to Sakura, pointing her weapon at her sister.)
Veritas of the Light: Visions! Lend me strength! The strength to punish this traitor!
(A boss battle starts with Veritas of the Light and two Aldore Soldiers, but doesn't commence yet.)
Lid: I can't do it... I can't go on to fight with the Lightlord...
Fina: Yes... I feel the same.
Dark Fina: Don't be so weak. You have to do it, so you will.
Sakura: Regardless of what I've told you all of the past.. Even if you know everything... I still foresee us fighting with the various Veritas.
Rain: Yeah, we got it. I've already made peace with it.
Veritas of the Light: What are you all murmuring about!?
(Battle finally commences! There is no dialogue after winning.)
(The party stands before the defeated Lightlord, who takes a few steps back, near a cliff edge.)
Veritas of the Light: Why... My blood is pure Aldore... How could I be defeated by the visions of these mongrels?
(She backs up some more.)
Veritas of the Light: You.. Rain. You're the reason. So this is the power of Raegen's son. (...) Raegen... Won't you ever stop making me suffer...?
(She's at the very edge of the cliff now, and falls. Sakura takes a step forward towards the cliff edge, and gets a (...).)
Sakura: I told you before that we are immortal. My sister will not die from wounds like these. I expect... she will go on hating me until the end.
(Sakurqa begins to walk away.)
Sakura: My sister won't be able to move until she recovers. We should use this chance to hurry to the shrine.
Fina: I can't help feeling sorry for them. Both Sakura and her sister...
Dark Fina: It would be nice if she would just accept the superiority of our power and give up already. I doubt it, though.
Lasswell: As do I.
(The scene shifts. Bodies lay on the ground, fires around. One person stands in the midst, their back to the camera.)
???: I'm free... I'm free! So this... is freedom!
(The person paces.)
???: It's not enough... I'm still not free enough. More... I must be more free... I must be completely free to do as I want...
Nichol: Sakura, there's just one thing that doesn't make sense after what you told us. If the Darklord truly was Sir Raegen, why did he change back into a Veritas?
Sakura: ...Not even I know that. It isn't as though we were always together after I separated from my sister.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Lid: Ruins on a continent covered by miasma... who in the world could've put them there?
Sakura: This place was built by the people of Paladia, which fell to Lapis. Protecting the crystal, they lived together with the people of Lapis... The temple here is an expression of that determination.
(Wave 2 commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(The scene opens on Lightlord, laying in a heap at the bottom of the cliff where she fell. It begins to rain, and she gets a ! over her head.)
Veritas of the Light: So I'm.... still alive... (...) Is it raining? I hate the rain...
(The scene flashes white, and a flashback begins. Lightlord stands before Raegen in the midst of a thunderstorm.)
Raegen: It's been a long time. Hasn't it, Lightlord?
Veritas of the Light: Just five more years, and the shooting stars will be back for the first time in a century. The Invincible's construction continues without issue. Everything is going according to plan...
(She steps closer to Raegen.)
Veritas of the Light: So, Raegen.... Come back to us.. We will need your strength.
Raegen: I can't do that. My journey has not ended yet.
Veritas of the Light: Your journey? What journey? Since you set aside your armor, what have you done? Found a woman, had a child, lived like some simple human... What part of that is a journey?
(Raegen walks a few paces away from her, his back to her.)
Raegen: I don't know if you would understand even if I tried to explain it to you... but... I'm trying as hard as I can to live as humans do. To me, that might just be the greatest journey and adventure.
(Raegen turns to face Lightlord again.)
Raegen: Lightlord. It is a good thing to live a free life. Things never go the way you think they will.
(He steps closer to her.)
Raegen: But... but that is exactly why it is so enjoyable. That is what I think.
(Lightlord gets (...) over her head.)
Veritas of the Light: I cannot understand that. I cannot understand such thinking. And I do not intend to discuss it any further with you. If you resist, then I will take you with me by force. Do you really think you can stand against me without your armor?
???: Please stop this!
(Raegen turns as his wife comes rushing up.)
Raegen: Sophia...
(Sophia moves to stand between Raegen and Lightlord.)
Sophia: We live a quiet life. We don't bother anyone. Please, just leave us in peace.
Veritas of the Light(...): Raegen. If you won't return to us, I will kill this woman.
(Raegen gets ! and Sophia (...) at this. Sophia turns to Raegen and steps closer to him.)
Sophia: Raegen... Don't hesitate on my behalf. I knew when I married you that this day might come. If it is going to fill you with such pain and hatred again... then I would rather...
Raegen: Sophia... (...) Lightlord... I will not help your cause. Not even if you kill my wife.
Sophia: Yes. That's right, Raegen. That is the only answer for you.
(Lightlord gets a (...) over her head again.)
Veritas of the Light: What... what is it with you two... Do not trifle with me!
(Veritas of the Light knocks Sophia aside!)
Veritas of the Light: Raegen! Fight me! If you really want to keep living the way that you have been, then defeat me in battle!
(Raegen draws his weapon. Lightlord casts balls of light at him, but he deflects them, until one forces him to his knees.)
Raegen: Grgh...
Veritas of the Light: You're weak now. Too weak. if you won't return to my side...
(Lightlord glows with energy. She prepares to unleash it at Raegen, but Sophia gets up and puts herself in front of him. Sophia takes the full force of Lightlord's energy.)
Raegen: Sophia!
Sophia: R-Raegen...
Raegen: Sophia...
(Lightlord slowly backs up.)
Veritas of the Light: Raegen... I-I didn't...
(Raegen kneels and picks up Sophia, with a (...) above his head.)
Raegen: Let's go home, Sophia. Rain and Lasswell are waiting for us.
(Raegen walks slowly past Lightlord, who moves to let them pass. There is a flash of white light as the flashback ends.)
Veritas of the Light: Sophia. That woman won't ever disappear from Raegen's heart, will she? I have been beaten. I'd thought I was the only woman who could be worthy of Raegen, and still she.... My sister... The man I loved... They've all left me behind... Why did things have to end up this way? Where did I go wrong?
(She gets a (...) over her head, then stands up.)
Veritas of the Light: This is no time for rest. If I don't destroy the crystal... My revenge is the only thing I have left now...
(The party is walking along when Dark Fina stops with a ! over her head. The rest turn to look at her.)
Dark Fina: No... I know this feeling...
Rain: Fina? What is it?
Dark Fina: I felt the presence of one of the Eight Sages of Hess. Heading this way.
(Lid gets a !)
Lid: The Eight Sages!?
Dark Fina: I recognized it... it felt like Dark Elf. I'm sure of it.
Sakura: Dark Elf.... The creature sealed away in the Water Crystal.
Lid: Hold up. Why would one of the Eight Sages be heading here?
Jake: Maybe it's coming after the crystal?
Dark Fina: I don't know... Dark Elf isn't exactly... predictable. And the vibe it's giving off now... It's dangerous. Tense and aggressive and... unsettling.
Sakura: I don't know what Dark Elf is after, but it seems that we should hurry to shrine at once.
Rain: You're right.
(They walk on.)
(The party is walking in a swamp. They come to a stop as Sakura falls to her knees. One by one, the rest follow except for Dark Fina.)
Dark Fina: Hey... What is wrong with you all?
Sakura: This would appear to be the effects of the miasma. It may have seemed thin, but of course such a long exposure...
Lid: You don't feel any ill effects?
Dark Fina: No... I'm perfectly fine... (...) (But that's odd... Why am I the only one unaffected?) (Because I'm from Hess? But then Sakura should also be unaffected. She's from Paladia, too.)
Jake: But what should we do? If we stay here, we'll just keep being exposed to the miasma.
Lid: I know... But my body just won't listen to me...
Rain: Damn it... I've got to do something...
???: Are you all right?
(The whole party get ! over their heads as a man on chocobo rides up, accompanied by another person with a large chest strapped to his back.)
Lasswell: You're...
Illias: I'm Illias. A salve-maker.
Fohlen: I'm the chocobo knight Fohlen. At Miss Amelia's behest, we have come to rescue you.
Rain: Amelia.. Wasn't there an Amelia in Zoldaad who...?
Jake: Yes. A maid serving the imperial family.
(Illias steps forward.)
Illias: This is our way for thanking you for saving Zoldaad. Now then, take these leaves and hold them in your mouth. No chewing. They should help with the miasma.
Rain: Thanks. I hope you're right.
Jake: Hey, Illias. Did Amelia say anything about me?
Illias: No... Nothing in particular.
Jake: That's impossible. She must have mentioned how she could never forget me. Or how she counts down the hours till my return. That is what she said, right?
(Lid hits him with her hammer.)
Lid: Why would anyone say something that stupid!?
Jake: Augh!?
Lid: Illias. No need to waste your medicine on this one.
Jake: What!? My lovely Lid! Y-you're planning to just let me die?
Lid: Nothing seems to get through your thick skin, you idiot. I'm sure the miasma won't either.
(Illias turns to Fohlen.)
Illias: ...Are these really the heroes who saved Zoldaad?
Fohlen: Yes. As difficult as it may be to believe by looking at them now...
(The party, including Fohlen and Illias, are walking in the underground ruins. They come to a stop as Dark Fina gets a ! over her head. There is a figure standing nearby.)
Dark Fina: That...
Rain: Fina? What is it?
Dark Fina: That is one of Hess's Eight Sages. Dark Elf.
(The camera centers on Dark Elf, who walks further into the ruins.)
Dark Elf: Freedom.... Destruction...
(Dark Elf appears to cast some magic, perhaps Ultima, as a large circle of light appears around him.)
Dark Fina: So it's true... they are all damaged.
Illias: Wh-what extraordinary power.
Fohlen: I've never seen anything like it....
(The camera centers on Dark Elf again.)
Dark Elf: Death... Death is freedom...
Sakura: (It's as I suspected.... Being trapped in crystal for so long has left its mark upon them.)
Dark Elf: Destruction... is freedom.... Crystal... Destroy the Crystal...
(Dark Elf glows, then disappears. The camera pans back down to the party. Lid gets ! over her head.)
Lid: Hey... Did he... just say something about destroying a crystal?
Nichol: This might become rather inconvenient. We should follow Dark Elf at once.
(The party walks on, but Jake stops Fohlen and Illias.)
Jake: Fohlen. Illias. I want the two of you to return to Zoldaad.
Fohlen: What are you talking about? We've come this far. We'll fight, too.
Illias: We won't get in your way or hold you back. I swear that we can be of help.
(Jake grumbles.)
Jake: I'm not saying that you wouldn't be. I know you'd be a help to us. But.. that's why I... ...You're not going to listen no matter what I say, are you?
Fohlen: Pretty much. I will not retreat.
Jake: Then... fine. Don't fall behind. We've got no time to waste.
Fohlen: Jake is just as I imagined, given all the rumors. To believe that womanizer is the brother of Emperor Shera...
Illias: Still, his skill is undeniable.
Fohlen: True, and the former emperor was a bit of a ladies' man himself, too, wasn't he?
Illias: Great men have a taste for the sensual pleasures in life. So they say!
Fohlen: ...Well, promise me they won't say it again. Once is enough.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, leading to wave 2.)
Jake: ...It's a bit awkward, isn't it.
Illias: What is, exactly?
Jake: Until not long ago I was part of the rebel army, and your enemy, more to the point.
Fohlen: The actions you have taken thus far speak volumes of your feelings for Zoldaad. That is why we have come here. There is nothing to be concerned about.
Illias: You are a lot more delicate than I had imagined, Jake.
Jake: More than you imagined...? That's a beautifully phrased insult, Illias. But right back at you.
Illias: Insult!? No, no, I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that!
(Wave 2 commences, and leads to wave 3.)
Lasswell: Fohlen and Illias are quite the pair of veterans, it seems.
Nichol: Yes, they make a dependable attack and recoup combo.
Jake: That's for sure. And that's why...
Lid: What is it, Jake? What's with the serious face all of a sudden?
Jake: Sorry everyone. I have something to say. But allow me to tell you after we deal with these guys.
(Wave 3 commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(Fohlen and Illias are walking along, alone. They come to a stop. Illias looks around and gets a !, while Fohlen looks at him with a ?)
Illias: Fohlen! We have a serious problem! Jake and the others are gone!
(Fohlen gets a !)
Fohlen: What!?
(Fohlen turns and looks in the direction they came.)
Fohlen: They couldn't have.. meant to give us the slip?
Illias: We've got to go after them at once! If we go back to the path we took here...
Fohlen(...): No... we're done here. Jake felt he had to do this. That is plain enough to see. We will go back to Zoldaad. And pray that they are successful.
(The scene shifts to the main party, which comes to a halt.)
Lid: Jake... Are you sure we did the right thing?
Jake: They really are the good sort. Which is why Zoldaad will need them, even more than we do.
Sakura: They are both true warriors, as well. I imagine they will understand why you insisted on this, Jake.
Rain: If it hadn't been for those two, we would have been done in by that miasma. They've already done enough for us.
Fina: There are so many people who have supported us along the way.
Rain: That's right. We'd better not let them down. Come on. We should get a move on. We've got to protect that crystal from Dark Elf.
(They hurry off.)
(Dark Elf is shambling along. He looks around, and walks some more. The party hurries up behind him.)
Sakura: There he is! Dark Elf!
Dark Elf: Freedom... Destruction... Crys... tal...
(The party hurries to Dark Elf, who turns as they approach.)
Dark Fina: I'm not eager to fight a former comrade, but... it doesn't look like I've got much choice.
Fina: Yes. We have to protect the last crystal, no matter what!
(Rain readies for battle.)
Rain: Let's go, everybody!
(Dark Elf backs a few steps away from the party.)
Lid: Did we do it!?
(Dark Elf glows!)
Lid: Um... Does he seem... a little weird to anyone else?
Dark Fina(!): No, no, no! Everyone, get down!
(There is a sound, and the screen fills with light emanating from Dark Elf. When the light retreats, the party is laying on the ground.)
Dark Elf: Crystal.. Destruction... Freedom...
(He walks a few steps forward as he speaks, then walks off screen. Lasswell gets up on his knees.)
Lasswell: How... How can he be so powerful?
Jake: I know, right? I can't even move my body...
(Nichol gets up on his knees.)
Nichol: How careless of us... Dark Elf was storing up magic the entire time we were battling.
Sakura(!): No! Not now... Not when we're nearly--!
Lid: Sakura! What's wrong?
(Fina and Rain get up on their knees. The only one still laying prone is Dark Fina.)
Sakura: My sister... She's close.
Lid: What!?
(Lightlord enters.)
Veritas of the Light: Hmph. I saw everything. You truly are naive. Dark Elf won't be defeated by moves like that.
Lid: This... this is bad. Why did she have to show up now?
(Lightlord steps closer to Sakura.)
Veritas of the Light: ...I can't believe how lucky I've been to get this chance.
Sakura: Sister...
(A halo of crystals surrounds Lightlord, and she disappears.)
Sakura: What!?
(Lightlord reappears behind the party, next to Rain.)
Veritas of the Light: You. Raegen's son. Rain. You should be the first to die.
Rain: Ugh!
Sakura: Sister. Wait. If you want to kill someone, then kill me.
(Lasswell stands.)
Lasswell: Stop! You will not lay a finger on Rain!
(Fina stands.)
Fina: We will protect him!
(Lightlord gets (...) at this.)
Sakura: Sister?
Veritas of the Light: There is no thrill in killing those who can't even fight back.
(She turns and begins to walk off.)
Veritas of the Light: You all can just keep lazing about here. I will defeat Dark Elf. I won't let anyone else destroy the Dark Crystal. I will destroy it with my own two hands.
(She walks a few more steps, but stops as Sakura speaks.)
Sakura: You think you can take Dark Elf on your own, sister? It's impossible. Even for you. You'll die.
Veritas of the Light: I'll die? Don't make me laugh. I've already died twice. First when Aldore betrayed me. Then when you did.
(She walks away.)
Sakura: Sister....
(The party is hurrying along. They all come to a stop with a ! as they hear something.)
Fina: What's that noise?
Jake: Is that the sound of Lightlord and Dark Elf fighting?
Dark Fina: Probably.
Lasswell: She's a fool... Trying to take on Dark Elf alone? She could have all the visions in the world, and it would still be suicidal.
Fina: Why do you think it is... that Lightlord wants to destroy the crystal herself?
Sakura: Because she has nothing else. No other reason left to live for.
Rain: She really is hopeless, isn't she... The Veritas of the Light.
Sakura: ...Yes. She is.
Lasswell: Let's hurry. It doesn't matter to us which wins. It will not change what we have to do.
Nichol: Yes. We must protect the last crystal.
(They hurry on. The scene shifts to Lightlord and Dark Elf.)
Veritas of the Light: Hah...hah...hah...
(She slowly walks towards Dark Elf.)
Veritas of the Light: You... beast...
(Dark Elf moves towards her.)
Veritas of the Light: Don't... Don't stand in my way!!!
(Lightlord rushes Dark Elf, who casts his devastating magic spell again. The scene ends as the light fills the screen.)
(The party rushes into the shrine.)
Sakura: Sister!
(They rush forward to Lightlord, who is crumbled into a heap on the ground.)
Veritas of the Light: Hah... Looks like our roles have reversed...
Sakura: I told you.. that you wouldn't be able to defeat him alone.
Veritas of the Light(...): Sakura... Kill me. If I can't destroy the crystal myself, then there is no point in living. So go ahead. Do it. If you stab me through the heart, even our "immortality" won't be enough to save me.
Sakura: I will not...
(Sakura has turned her back on her sister and taken a few steps away.)
Sakura: I cannot kill you, sister.
Veritas of the Light: Then you, Rain.... You kill me.
Rain: Why would I?
Veritas of the Light: Because I was the one... who killed your mother. Sophia.
(Rain gets a ! at this.)
Veritas of the Light: ...You look surprised. So Raegen never did tell you the truth of that day...
Rain: You.... killed my...
Veritas of the Light: You hate me, don't you? Then kill me. Kill me, and get your mother's revenge.
Sakura: Sister....
Veritas of the Light: Revenge has been my entire life. It seems fair enough that it should also be revenge that ends it. So do it. Rain. Kill me.
Rain(..): I see.... So it reallly wasn't him... who killed her. Lightlord. Thank you. For telling me. Now I can finally fight Darklord man to man. I'm really grateful to you for that.
Veritas of the Light: You're... grateful? What the hell is that!? I'm telling you that I killed your mother! How can you say that you're grateful!?
(Rain walks around Lightlord, as if to go further into the shrine. He's got his back to her as he speaks.)
Rain: My mother is dead. Getting angry or crying over that fact isn't going to bring her back now.
Veritas of the Light: And that's why you take revenge! Is that really all the anger you feel for your mother's death!?
(Rain gets a (...) and turns back to face her.)
Rain: ...I've decided that I'm not going to fight you all out of anger.
Veritas of the Light: What?
Rain: You Veritas... I first met the Sworn Six at Grandshelt Castle. ...Back then, I had no idea what any of you were thinking. You were just a bunch of murderers. But... the more I've learned about you all, the more that has changed. You're all so... human. You get angry. You feel pain. You're not really any different from us, are you?
Veritas of the Light: ......
Rain: I can't accept what it is you are trying to do. But I can understand why you would want to. If we're going to fight then let's fight properly. Not like this.
(Rain turns and walks a few steps into the shrine, before turning back one last time.)
Rain: Come on, everyone. Let's go. Dark Elf can't have gotten that far.
(The others follow, Sakura last. Sakura comes to a stop as Lightlord gets up on her knees and calls out.)
Veritas of the Light: Wait! Rain!
(Lightlord stands.)
Veriras of the Light: Maybe that's good enough for you, but.... But I.... I....
(Lightlord draws her weapon. Rain gets a (...). He's still got his back to her.)
Rain: Lightlord..... If you hate me that much, then you can strike me from behind as I walk away.
(Lightlord gets a !, and Rain a (...). Rain and Sakura leave.)
Veritas of the Light: Hah... You really are Raegen's son. I never thought I'd have to hear a line like that again. Like I could ever do that.... To you or to him.
(Dark Elf shambles along.)
Dark Elf: It's here... The crystal... Freedom... Destruction...
(The party rushes up behind him.)
Lid: There he is! We caught up!
Sakura: The crystal is right before us. If we lose here, everything will be over.
Lasswell: We should be on the lookout in case it seems he will release his magic fully once more.
Nichol: Yes. But we will not be so careless again.
Jake: That's right. This time we've gotta win.
(Dark Fina turns to Fina.)
Dark Fina: Hey! Weak Fina! You'd better be ready for this, too!
Fina: I am! Don't worry!
Rain: All right! Everybody, this is it!
(They rush to Dark Elf, and battle commences.)
Rain: Did... did we do it?
(Dark Elf starts to glow.)
Dark Fina: Not yet! Watch out! He's planning to use the same attack as last time!
Nichol: Everyone! Use your magic to cancel out Dark Elf's attack!
Lid: Got it!
(The party glows. The glow around Dark Elf gets stronger.)
Dark Fina: Huh!?
Sakura: Blast! It's even greater than the last time!
Dark Fina: This is more than just his magic... He's expending his very life energy to attack us!?
(The screen goes white as Dark Elf releases his magic. It's powerful. When the scene reappears, the party lies on the ground. There is no sign of Dark Elf.)
Rain: Ugh..
Lid: Oooh... I feel like I've been blown to bits....
(Lasswell gets up on his knees.)
Lasswell: If we hadn't been prepared this time, you probably would have been...
Nichol: ...And what about Dark Elf?
(The camera pans up. Dark Elf slowly approaches the party.)
Dark Fina: No way... I was so sure he was using up his own life energy... He had to have been... so how is he still standing?
Jake: Th-that is one tough mother...
Dark Elf: Guh.... uuuuuuuurgh... Cry.... stal... Must... dest...roy....crys.... Free...dom...
Lid: He... He's targeting... Rain...
(Fina stands and takes a few steps towards Rain, who hasn't stirred.)
Fina: R-Rain.... run...
Lasswell: Rain... I have to... get to him...
Rain: Damn it... I can't.. move...
(Dark Elf is slowly approaching. He summons a ball of darkness, but as he throws it, Lightlord appears before him, blocking it.)
Sakura: Sister!?
Veritas of the Light: Aaaaaaaauuuuuugh!!!
(Lightlord has fired at Dark Elf, who flickers and disappears.)
Lid: She did it!
Dark Fina: Now it finally ends....
Rain: Lightlord.... Thank you.... But why save me...?
Veritas of the Light: You said it yourself... That if we're to fight, we might as well fight properly. And if that is the case, then I can hardly let you die here before we've settled things between us. The next time we meet will be the last.
(She walks through the party to leave, but stops.)
Veritas of the Light: Rain... I did love your father. Long before your mother ever did... But Raegen chose her instead. It's taken me this long to understand what that meant. Rain.... Life really doesn't always work out the way you want it to, does it? But... that's what makes it worth living. I finally understand what he meant now.
Rain: Yeah. I think I do, too. Lightlord? Can you just tell me one last thing? My old man left the Sworn Eight once, right? So why is Darklord back with the Sworn Six now?
Veritas of the Light(...): You'll understand soon. When the final battle comes...
(She leaves.)
Rain: The final battle...?
(The scene shifts to the Veritas' airship. Darklord is standing on deck, as Flamelord approaches.)
Veritas of the Flame: Only one crystal remains. It is time that we settle things with Rain and his little friends.
Veritas of the Dark: ....Indeed.
Veritas of the Flame: Thought it's a shame Boltlord did go over to his side. It almost seemed like we'd finally have all Sworn Eight back together again. If Frostlord hadn't had to go and die on us, he could've joined in, too. It's going to be the greatest battle ever seen.
Veritas of the Dark: Frostlord...
(Darklord moves to the railing.)
Veritas of the Dark: Do you really think a man like that would die so easily?
Veritas of the Flame: What do you mean by that?
Veritas of the Dark: No one ever found his armor after that battle ended. My gut tells me that he is still alive out there.... somewhere.
(The scene shifts again. A suit of Veritas armor stands on a platform. Its eyes glow red.)
(Nichol walks alone. There is a rhythmic sound.)
Nichol: That sound... Is Lasswell training again? No matter how hard we might fight on a given day, he still never neglects his training. He is a true knight.
(There is a different sound, and Nichol gets a !)
Nichol: What was that!?
(Nichol rushes forward. Lasswell is enveloped in a purple glow.)
Nichol: Th-this... Did Lasswell do this?
(The party is in the shrine.)
Rain: So this is where the last crystal is? We're here at last, Lassell.
(Lasswell has his back turned to the party. He gets a (...) over his head.)
Lasswell: (What was that yesterday...? What happened during that training session?)
(He bows his head.)
Lasswell: That feeling... as though a great door had opened within me.) (Ever since that moment, I've felt my body flooded with power.)
Rain: Hey. Lasswell, what is it? What's wrong?
(Lasswell gets a ! and turns to face Rain.)
Lasswell: What? Ah... Yes. As you said. The final battle at last.
Fina: Do you think we'll be able to protect the crystal from the Veritas?
Rain: Of course we will. We've gotten so strong during our journey.
(Dark Fina gets a ! over her head.)
Dark Fina: This feeling.... Looks like there are monsters gathering in the shrine. They were probably drawn by the negative aura that Dark Elf projected.
Lid: So... I guess we'll warm up for our final battle with a bit of good old-fashioned monster clean up!
Jake: Yeah? I guess I could get behind that. My future wife should be good at cleaning up messes. My lovely Lid. You're going to take such good care of me, aren't you?
Lid: Sure. You can count on me.
Jake: Wha... Y-you mean you'll....
Lid: Of course. I'm gonna take re-e-eal good care of you. And those insane fantasies of yours!!!
Jake: What!?
Nichol(...): Come. If you're done with your usual act, I believe there are some monsters that still need cleaning up.
Lid: Our usual "act?" What do you mean by that, Nichol?
Jake: That's right. There's no acting here. Our love is real.
Lid: Whose love!?
(She hits Jake with her hammer.)
Jake: Gurk! Uuuunh. Just as real as this pain is...
(The party moves on.)
(There is the sound of a katana being wielded, and a purple streak lights the screen. When the scene appears, Rain and Lasswell have just dispatched a monster. Lasswell turns to Rain.)
Lasswell: What's wrong, Rain? It's not like you to move so slowly in battle.
Rain: Huh?
Lasswell: Don't let your guard down simply because we've defeated Dark Elf. You always let your guard down too soon. It's a dangerous habit.
Rain: Y-yeah... You're right.
(Lasswell turns his back to Rain.)
Lasswell: Of course I am. Not that you ever seem to learn.
(Lasswell walks off. Rain gets a (...) over his head.)
Rain: (I never let my guard down, though. I was fighting with everything I had that whole time.)
(Rain bows his head.)
Rain: (But Lasswell thought I was moving slow? What is going on...?)
(Nichol and Sakura approach Rain.)
Sakura: All right. It looks as though we're done cleaning up the monsters.
(Nichol turns to Sakura.)
Nichol: So... shall we ready an ambush here for the Veritas?
Sakura: Yes, we probably should...
(Sakura gets a ! and walks a few steps in the direction Lasswell went.)
Sakura: No... This feeling is... But it can't be. How could he...
Rain: Sakura? What is it?
Sakura: There's something I need to check. There is a small village up ahead. Rain. I need to go there.
Rain: But... but we don't know when the Veritas will strike...
Sakura: This has to do with them. I will hurry.
(Sakura rushes off.)
Rain: Hey! Wait! Sakura!
(Rain and Nichol rush after her. The scene shifts to the Invincible. Flamelord stands at the railing on deck. Darklord approaches him.)
Veritas of the Dark: Flamelord. I'd been looking for you. What are you doing in a place like this?
Veritas of the Flame: Oh... Darklord... I was just thinking about Frostlord, that's all.
(Darklord joins him at the railing.)
Veritas of the Dark: Frostlord...
(A flashback begins. Frostlord stands before Flamelord and Darklord.)
Veritas of the Frost: The Eight Sages of Hess are near. Why don't you move?
Veritas of the Flame: Just working out the final details of my plan. So wait for Darklord's sign.
(Darklord gets a (...) over his head.)
Veritas of the Frost: What's there to decide? If you're having that much trouble with it, why don't I go take care of all eight on my own? You won't need any plan that way.
(Frostlord begins to leave, but stops and turns back as Darklord speaks.)
Veritas of the Dark: Frostlord. Taking such actions alone will not be forgiven. You will wait for your orders.
Veritas of the Frost: Forgiven? Who do you think you're talking to?
(Frostlord glows.)
Veritas of the Frost: I do not fight meaningless battles. I do not fight the unworthy. I'm not interested in fighting anyone who is not equal to myself in strength. So what about you, Darklord? Are you strong enough to be able to stop me?
Veritas of the Dark: ......... Do as you will then. I will not stop you.
(Frostlord stops glowing.)
Veritas of the Frost: Coward.
(Frostlord leaves. The scene returns to present day.)
Veritas of the Flame: Was it because you knew what kind of battle was waiting for us? Was that why you didn't take part?
Veritas of the Dark: Yes. That's right.
Veritas of the Flame: I wonder what would have happened... if you'd taken part...
Veritas of the Dark: I don't know. But it seems impossible to think that we would have both walked away unharmed.
Veritas of the Flame: Too bad that we'll never get the chance to fight again. It's been 700 years though. There's no way Frostlord could still be alive, right?
Veritas of the Dark: ......
(Darklord moves as if to leave but stops as Flamelord speaks.)
Veritas of the Flame: Nevermind all that. What did you need from me? You said you were looking for me, right?
Veritas of the Dark: The preparations are complete. We're heading for Lazarov's lab now.
Veritas of the Flame: Right... So the time's finally come to use that thing, huh?
(They walk on, and the scene ends.)
(The scene pans over the town of Duggle Village. Villagers are gathered in small groups. Two townsfolk near the entrance of the village were standing with an older man, but they quickly leave. Four members of our party enter town: Jake, Lid, Lasswell and Fina.)
Lid: What could have happened? The people seem pretty unsettled around here...
Lasswell: Why don't we ask some of the villagers?
(Lasswell approaches the old man. As he does, the rest of the party enters town.)
Lasswell: What is going on? Did something happen here?
Old Man: I never... How could this have... The god... The wrath of our god...
(The man walks away.)
Lasswell: God?
Fina: What does that mean? Maybe we should try someone else?
???: It's no good. It won't change, no matter who you ask.
(A pink-haired woman has approached the party.)
Lid: Who're you?
???: I'm Camille. This town's bodyguard.
Jake: Hey, hey... Are you okay? You're bleeding. Here. Use my handkerchief.
Camille: Thanks. And sorry.
Jake: Not at all. I should be thanking you. For giving me the chance to gaze upon such a strong, beautiful woman.
(Jake gets a ♥ above his head.)
Jake: What do you say? If you're not busy this evening, maybe you and I...
Lid(irritated): "Maybe you and I..." will do what now?
(Jake gets a ! over his head as Lid swings her hammer menacingly. Jake backs away.)
Jake: Nothing. We'll do nothing. Not a blessed thing.
Rain: Camille, right? What happened? How did you get hurt like that?
Camille: Someone hit me from behind. And when I woke up, things were like this. Apparently the village's god disappeared.
Nichol: Their god? What does that mean? Did they worship some sort of idol here?
Camille: I guess? It was some weird suit of armor or something...
Rain: Armor?
Sakura: It must be...
Lid: What!? S-snow!?
(Indeed, a flurry of snow fills the screen.)
Camille: No... no way... What the heck is this...?
(Camille has been partially encased in ice.)
Camille: How can this be...?
(The ice now covers her completely!)
Jake: Camille!
(The snow has stopped, but the camera pans to show the rest of the villagers encased in ice as well.)
Fina: Everyone... everyone is frozen...
Sakura: This power... There is no mistaking it. Frost. This is the work of the Veritas of the Frost.
Rain: What!?
Lid: But... Frostlord died 700 years ago!
Sakura: Over there! I can feel him!
(Sakura rushes off, the rest of the party following.)
Sakura: I thought the Frostlord was dead, too. That is to say, I haven't felt his presence over these past 700 years. However, no one ever saw his remains. That means the Frostlord... He could have just been asleep for these past 700 years, for some reason.
(Wave 1 of battle commences and leads to wave 2.)
Jake: So if the Frostlord's been asleep this whole time, it means you don't know everything that's happened up until now?
Sakura: That's fair to say.
Jake: If so, then just like the villainous Veritas you so eloquently explained about to us... We could just recruit him into our group and have him fight alongside us!?
Lid: Yeeeah, I dunno if that'd go over so smoothly.
(Wave 2 of battle commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(The party approaches the armor of a Veritas.)
Rain: So this is the Veritas of the Frost.
Sakura: ...Frostlord. It really was you.
Veritas of the Frost: ...Sakura? ...It's been a while. 700 years, I suppose.
Rain: It was you, wasn't it? The one who covered all the villagers with ice.
Veritas of the Frost: Yeah. That was me. I was asleep for 700 years, after all. I needed a bit of a warm up before the real show could begin.
Rain: A... warm up? You've got to be kidding! Turn those people back to normal!
Veritas of the Frost: Certainly. If you can defeat me, I would be happy to release them from the ice.
Rain: Oh, I'd be more than happy to beat you. I'll take you on this instant.
Veritas of the Frost: Are you the strongest?
Rain: What?
Veritas of the Frost: I am asking if you are the strongest among your ragtag group.
Rain: What does that have to do with anything?
Veritas of the Frost: I do not bother with meaningless battles without any value. In other words, I have no interest in battling anyone who cannot face me on even footing.
Rain: Then what do you expect us to do!?
Veritas of the Frost: What to do at a time like this... I'm sure Sakura knows.
(Sakura moves forward.)
Sakura: Frostlord... You can't mean...
Veritas of the Frost: I will wait for you in the valley that lies ahead. Come find me there. But come ready.
(He teleports away.)
Rain: Sakura? What does he have in mind?
Sakura: That man... loves battle. Both taking part in battle and watching it. He loved battle so much he had his own private arena back in the old days.
Rain: You said he likes watching battle.... You don't mean...?
Sakura: Yes. He wants us to fight. To decide who among us is the strongest. So that he can battle against the one who makes it through till the end...
Lid: I hate it! I just hate having to fight everyone!
Nichol: I feel the same. Having worn ourselves this thin already will have an affect on our fight against the Sworn Six.
Rain: But if we follow that logic, we'll be abandoning the villagers!
Lasswell: I worry whether or not the Frostlord will keep his promise.
(Wave 2 of battle commences against fodder, and leads to wave 2.)
Sakura: The Frostlord is a military man. Good or bad, whatever he decides, he sticks to it.
Nichol: On the other hand, if we don't fight, it means the villagers will absolutely not be returned.
Lasswell: ...He's forcing our hand.
Sakura: This is how the Frostlord has always evaluated his opponents.
(Wave 2 commences against fodder, and leads to wave 3.)
Lid: What if we ignored his orders and just... everyone attacked at once?
Lasswell: That's reckless when you consider the risk it poses to the villagers.
Lid: ...I guess you're right.
Sakura: As absurd a request as it may be, it must be fulfilled. That is the Frostlord for you. By selecting the strongest among us, we might be able to set the villagers free.
(Wave 3 commences against fodder. There is no further dialogue.)
(The party stands before the Frostlord.)
Veritas of the Frost: All here? Then why don't we decide the matchups?
(He casts a spell, and each member of the party is encased in columns of colored light. Jake and Lid are yellow, Lasswell and Nichol are blue, Rain and Sakura are red, and the two Finas are white.)
Rain: ...What, are we supposed to pair up by color?
(The party members all turn to look at their opponents.)
Rain: So I guess that means... I'll be fighting with you, Sakura?
Sakura: It would seem so...
Fina: I will fight...
Dark Fina: With my other self.
Lasswell: What nonsense. We should be focusing on the crystal. This is no time for such pointless...
Veritas of the Frost: You are in no position to refuse. As I think you already know.
Nichol: Lasswell. We may not want to, but we have little choice.
Jake: So... I'm up against Lid, huh?
Lid: I don't want to fight my own allies, but.... if it's Jake, I think I can make an exception. In fact, I'm feeling pretty darn okay with this.
Jake: ...Gee, thanks, Lid.
Veritas of the Frost: And whichever one of you still stands at the end will have won the right to fight me. So then... Why don't we start with Sakura and Rain?
(The scene shifts. Sakura and Rain stand on what looks like a sheet of broken ice, or maybe crystal. Frostlord stands nearby, watching.)
Sakura: ...Oh, fine. Let's do this, shall we, Rain?
Rain: Sakura...
Sakura: If you hold back, Frostlord will notice. And you will have doomed those villagers.
Rain: .......
Sakura: And besides... Aren't you even a bit interested, Rain? Do you wonder how strong I truly am?
Rain: What are you talking about?
(Sakura steps closer to Rain.)
Sakura: I'm interested. I'd like to see how strong you truly are. I was once one of the Veritas, you know. I love a good fight against a strong opponent just as much as Frostlord.
(Salkura turns her back on Rain and walks a few steps away.)
Sakura: If not for this chance, I might never have gotten to cross blades with you in earnest.
Rain: Seriously, Sakura...? Fine then. I won't hold back! But! No complaints from you afterwards if I beat you good and fair!
Sakura: Heh. Only if you promise me the same courtesy!
(Battle begins! Sakura is flanked by visions of Marie and Roselia.)
Rain: Sakura... Have you called on some visions?
Sakura: This is to become an all-out war, is it not?
Rain: It looks that way. But for this battle, I will be the one who brings us victory!
(You defeat Sakura and her visions. There is no dialogue after winning.)
(Rain is standing, Sakura kneeling. Frostlord looks on.)
Rain: Sakura... Looks like I win this one.
Sakura: Yeah. You thoroughly trounced me.
Rain: Heh. It was a tough fight, though. I'll take a moment to catch my breath, if you don't mind.
(Rain leaves, and Lasswell enters and approaches Sakura.)
Lasswell: Sakura... Did you perhaps let Rain win?
Sakura: Purposefully? Never. I fought to the best of my ability. Meaning that Rain was simply stronger in the end.
Lasswell: ...Oh, yes?
(Lasswell turns and begins to leave, but stops after a few steps with a (...) over his head.)
Lasswell: (That was the best of her ability? It certainly didn't look that way to me. They were both moving so sluggishly....) (It can't be... that I.... woke to my true power when I was training?) (Have I come to gain some frightful power?)
(Fina has entered as Lasswell thinks this last.)
Fina: Lasswell? What is it?
Lasswell: Ah... no. It's nothing.
(Frostlord steps forward.)
Veritas of the Frost: That was a rather good fight. But now it is time we move on to our next battle.
(The scene opens on the Sworn Six. They're in a laboratory.)
Veritas of the Waters: A device that can amplify life? So this is what Lazarov's experimentation has led to?
Veritas of the Flame: Yes. That's the only reason we allowed that repulsive man to remain at our side.
Veritas of the Dark: If you put a living body into this thing, you'll be able to draw even more power from it. It is rather like the next evolution of this armor, which affects our bodies in a similar way.
Veritas of the Heavens: Though it was made for the final battle against Aldore... I didn't think we would be using it to battle against Rain and the others...
Veritas of the Flame: Those kids sure have grown. More than I ever expected.
Veritas of the Light: Yes. Their strength is undeniable.
Veritas of the Earth: And they even have Fina on their side. The true Fina from the days of Hess.
Veritas of the Flame: Heh heh. Sounds like it should be a pretty good fight.
(Darklord moves closer to the device.)
Veritas of the Dark: Our goal remains our revenge upon Aldore. We cannot lose until we achieve that goal. No matter what.
(He enters the device.)
Veritas of the Dark: Even if Rain or Lasswell stand in our way, we will simply cut them down.
(The door on the device closes, showing Darklord's eyes shining red through the glass.)
(The scene shifts to outdoors. Rain and Lasswell stand on a cliff overlooking a mountain.)
Rain: So in the next battle, you'll be fighting Nichol?
Lasswell: ...
(Lasswell looks as if his head is bowed.)
Rain: What's wrong, Lasswell? You look a million miles away.
Lasswell: What?
Rain: Hey. Seriously. If your're that out of it, Nichol is going to beat you from here to Sunday.
Lasswell: Yes. You're right. I will focus properly.
Rain: I don't like just giving into Frostlord's demands, but... I do have to admit that there is one part of this whole set up that I'm actually on board with.
Lasswell: What do you mean?
Rain: If you win this next battle of yours, then we'll get to fight.
(Lasswell gets a ! as Rain speaks. Rain turns to look out at the mountain range.)
Rain: You did promise me in Zoldaad, you remember? You promised me a serious battle. I didn't think this was the way it would happen, but if we do have the chance to fight one another, then I'm not going to hold back.
Lasswell: Y-yes. I'm sure you will not. I suppose I must focus on my battle against Nichol then. (A serious battle?) (If I fight against Rain the way that I am now...)
(Lasswell leaves. Rain gets a (...) over his head.)
Rain: That was kind of weird... I wonder what's on Lasswell's mind.
(Lasswell and Nichol walk past Frostlord onto the battlefield -- another patch of crystal or ice. Lasswell gets (...) over his head.)
Nichol: Your body stands before me, but I'm not sure that I can say the same for your mind, friend.
Lasswell: Rain said much the same thing to me. He wants to face me in single combat if we both win our way through our fights...
Nichol: Indeed? And are you so distracted by anticipation that you cannot focus on defeating me first?
(Lasswell gets another (...) before answering.)
Lasswell: No. That's not it... That is not it at all.... I... (...) Nichol, I would rather that you would do me the favor of defeating me...
Nichol: Obviously I cannot ignore such a request. Since it makes it sound as though you believe I could not defeat you in an honest fight otherwise.
Lasswell: I'm sorry.... That is not what I meant to imply.
(Now it's Nichol's turn to get a (...).)
Nichol: If so, then let us battle. It will shortly become apparent who is stronger.
(Battle begins!)
Nichol: Lasswell. I know the true power you hide within yourself.
Lasswell: ...What?
Nichol: However, I wonder if you can wield it to its full extent despite the doubts that cloud your mind.
Lasswell: ...
(Battle begins in earnest. You defeat Nichol's party. There is no dialogue after winning.)
(Nichol is kneeling, Lasswell standing. Frostlord stands watching, with Jake some distance behind him, watching as well.)
Nichol: ...I have lost.
(Frostlord turns and teleports away in a flash of light without saying a word.)
Lasswell: Thank you, Nichol. It was a good fight.
(Lasswell turns and leaves.)
Nichol: A good fight? I hardly think so. Even I could tell, Lasswell. That you weren't trying in earnest.
(Jake has approached Nichol as he was speaking.)
Jake: Nichol... That was some bad luck, huh?
(Jake helps Nichol stand.)
Nichol: Jake... You watched our battle?
Jake: Yeah. Didn't look away once. Was Lasswell always that strong?
Nichol: And that wasn't even him using his full strength.
Jake: Wh-what? You're serious?
Nichol: Lasswell never once neglected his training, even when we were traveling on our journey. It would seem that his efforts have paid off.
Jake: I guess you could say that.
Nichol: Given what I experienced on my own fight against him, I would say that Lasswell might even be able to defeat Rain...
Jake: Well, Lasswell did want to surpass Rain, right? I guess dreams do come true if you work hard enough for them.
(Jake gets a (...) over his head.)
Jake: Not that you'd know it looking at him. What's he looking so miserable about?
(The two have turned to look in the direction Lasswell walked off to. Nichol gets a (...).)
Nichol: I think I have some idea why...
(The scene shifts to the cliff overlooking the mountain. Lasswell walks alone.)
Lasswell: I... have gotten stronger. Even Nichol's movements were completely transparent to me. I feel as though no one could defeat me now. Yes... I've become stronger. I've finally become stronger. So why.... Why... does it bring me no joy now? Why....
Fina: Lasswell. Wait.
(Fina hurries up behind him. Lasswell turns to her.)
Lasswell: Fina...
Fina: I saw your battle against Nichol. It was amazing. You really have become strong.
Lasswell: ...
Fina: I'm sure that Rain will win his battle, as well. Then you will be able to finally take him on to see who is the stronger. I'm kind of jealous. You're finally going to get to have that battle that you've been dreaming of for so long.
(Lasswell gets a (...) and bows his head.)
Lasswell: This is not the battle that I've dreamt of so long...
Fina: What?
Lasswell: I'm sorry, Fina. I'm just a little tired. Please, just give me a little time to myself.
(Lasswell turns and walks away.)
Fina: Lasswell...? What happened to him?
(Lid, Jake, and Sakura are walking in an underground pass. They come to a stop next to a ladder leading down.)
Jake: So our battle will take place in an underground tunnel, huh?
Sakura: There was once a very skillful dwarf, known by the name Ruggles. He is the one who dug out this tunnel.
Lid: I've heard that name before. He's a legend even among the dwarves. And to think that I'm getting to see a tunnel made by THE Ruggles...
Jake: My lovely Lid. I hate to interrupt you during your special moment, but I'd rather just get this over with.
Lid: Oh? I didn't think you'd be the on in a rush. You want to get beat up by me that bad?
Jake(...): That's right, I do. Don't hold back. Just come at me.
(Jake and Sakura walk off screen as Lid speaks.)
Lid: huh? You don't seem quite as obnoxious as usual. What's the matter with Jake?
(She gets a (...) over her head.)
Lid: ...Well. Not that it matters. We've just got to do this, and do it seriously, or we can't save the people of that village, right?
(Lid follows them off screen.)
(Lid and Jake walk onto a field of crystal, like the others. They turn to face one another.)
Jake: ...So then. Shall we get started?
Lid: Wow, would you look at you? That's the first time I've ever seen you look so serious.
Jake: ...
Lid: Hmph. You really are being weird today. Normally I'd expect you to say something like... "I'm always serious... when it comes to girls." Or some stupid thing like that.
Jake(...): Ha ha... You're probably right.
Lid: So what is it? Why are you acting so different now?
(Jake bows his head.)
Jake: I guess... Maybe it's just because... I know I have to win this battle.
(Battle begins! You face Lid with two mechabos.)
Lid: This is my true power! Go, Mechabo, go!
(The mechabo warks.)
Lid: How was that? Bet you won't forget that in a hurry!
Jake: Now's not the time, Lid. We have a job to do. It's not playtime.
Lid: H-hey now! Who said I was playing! Jeez, I don't get no respect!
(Battle begins in earnest now. You defeat Lid's party. There is no dialogue afterward.)
Lid: I lost... Even with Mechabo at full power....
Jake: My lovely Lid... I'm sorry. I just had to win this one.
Lid: Why? What's that supposed to mean?
Jake(...): I really owe you all for what you did in Zoldaad. That's why... I really want to do whatever I can. Like if I see two of my friends are getting all bothered over something stupid, then I might want to knock some sense into them.
Lid: Wh-what's that supposed to mean? I don't get it at all.
(Jake walks to the right. He is joined by Lasswell, Rain, and Dark Fina. Frostlord stands before them.)
Veritas of the Frost: We are down to four contenders now, are we?
(Frostlord glows, and the four are enveloped in light: Jake and Lasswell in blue, and Rain and Dark Fina in red.)
Dark Fina: I have to battle Rain, huh? Though I've gotta say, I wish I was battling last instead. The final showdown is where the real drama is.
Rain: I've got no complaints. Let's do this.
Lasswell: And I get Jake, do I?
Jake: Well, don't I feel lucky. Interesting pairs we've ended up with.
(The scene shifts. Jake approaches Lasswell near a run-down house.)
Jake: Right about now, Rain must be battling with the naughty Fina...
Lasswell: (...)
Jake: Which one of them would you rather have win?
Lasswell: It doesn't matter.
Jake: That's a bit surprising, coming from you. Didn't you always want a chance to fight Rain? Even if it because of Frostlord's twisted ideas, you've got to admit that this is a pretty rare chance that's landed in your lap.
Lasswell: Rain said something similar himself.
Jake: Isn't that good then? Sounds like Rain is looking forward to the chance to battle you, too. So don't let him down. Give him what he wants. Isn't that what you've always wanted, too? Lasswell. Are you afraid of beating Rain?
Lasswell(!): How dare you! I'd like to see you say that again!
Jake: Sheesh.... Looks like I hit that nail right on the head. You really are making this difficult, aren't you?
Lasswell: What do you know about it!? You don't know how I feel!
Jake: Good. Get angry. Then come at me with all that anger!
Lasswell: Jake....
Jake: Oh? You're back?
(Jake and Lasswell turn as Rain and Dark Fina enter.)
Jake: That was pretty quick. So who won?
Dark Fina: Rain did. He really is strong. As I'd expect.
Rain: What are you talking about? I barely won by the hair of my teeth. That battle could've gone either way.
Jake: So that means that whichever one of us wins this fight will have to battle Rain.
Dark Fina: That's what it means.
Rain: Lasswell. I'm waiting. You'd better win your way through this.
Lasswell: ....Of course.
(Lasswell walks off.)
Dark Fina: What's the matter with Lasswell? He seems a bit off.
Rain: I know. He's been like that this whole time.
Jake(...): Don't you worry about Lasswell. I've got him. You just leave this all up to me.
(Jake leaves.)
Dark Fina: What is that supposed to mean?
Rain: ...
(Nichol, Lid, and Fina stand together., Nichol turns to the other two.)
Nichol: It seems that Lasswell and Jake's battle hasn't yet ended.
Lid(...): Hey. Nichol. Why do you think Jake is trying so hard to provoke Lasswell?
Nichol: I believe that he is doing it out of concern for Lasswell.
(Lid gets a ? over her head.)
Lid: He's making Lasswell mad.. because he cares?
Fina: I... think I understand. When he fought Nichol, it felt as though he was holding himself back somehow. Like he was trying to hide his strength.
Lid: What, really? So he was going easy on Nichol?
Fina: Yeah. So I think Jake tried to make Lasswell angry, so that he'd fight seriously.
Lid: ....So then why wouldn't Lasswell want to fight seriously?
Nichol: Lasswell has long hidden himself in Rain's shadow, but he is a genius swordsman himself. Though perhaps a late bloomer. His tireless efforts have paid off such that he has obtained great power... Outstripping even his precious friend. I believe that Lasswell is feeling conflicted now about becoming stronger than Rain.... No, not just conflicted. Quite likely he is feeling guilty.
Lid: B-but that's not...
(The three get a ! as Lasswell and Jake enter.)
Lid: Wh-who won?
(Jake turns to Lasswell, gets a (...) over his head, and punches Lasswell in the face.)
Jake: ... This idiot!
Lid: What!? Wh-what's that supposed to mean?
Jake: Lasswell! Even after everything I said, he still wouldn't go all out!
Lasswell: I still beat you. I don't think you are in any position to criticize now I choose to fight.
Jake: Screw that. I'll criticize you all I want.
Lasswell: ...What?
(Jake bows his head and gets a (...)).
Jake: I'm jealous of you, you dolt! I wish I had what you and Rain have! You laugh at each other, get mad at each other, cheer each other on... You guys quibble over every little thing just like real brothers.
Lasswell: ...
Jake: I've never got to have that sort of relationship with my own brother. And I'm not ever going to know. Emperors don't associate with the likes of me. But you and Rain are different. You grew up under the same roof. You became knights together. You've experienced this terrible, wonderful journey together. No matter what happens, you would always be there for one another. You would always accept one another. Always.
Lasswell: ...
Jake: So, Lasswell. Don't hold yourself back. For your sake. And for Rain's sake.
Lasswell: ...
(Lasswell, who was still crouched from Jake's punch, stands and walks past Jake and off screen, giving Jake a push as he passes him.)
Jake: Hey! Lasswell, wait!
Fina: Jake. It's okay. That's enough.
Jake: But... he...
Fina: Thank you. For saying all that. I think that Lasswell will understand how you feel.
(Jake takes a few steps in the direction Lasswell went, gets a (...), and turns back to Fina.)
Jake: I know. Sweet Fina. I said my part. Now it's up to Lasswell to figure out his own feelings.
Lid: ...Jake...
(The scene shifts to a clearing on what looks like a mountain. Lasswell stands alone.)
Lasswell: So this is where I will battle Rain...
(Fina enters, coming up behind Lasswell.)
Fina: Lasswell...
Lasswell: I had realized it when we were children. When Rain managed to unleash Tranquility with no effort at all. I knew that Rain would always be better than me. I didn't want to accept that.... So I kept training and training...
(Lasswell draws his sword, gets a (...) over his head, and goes through a series of moves,. ending in a purple flash of light.)
Lasswell: But when I finally did become strong, I understood...
(He puts his sword away.)
Lasswell: I... I never meant to surpass Rain. That wasn't what I wanted. Rain could always be one step ahead of me. I didn't want to beat him. All I wanted was to be strong enough to keep up with him and not be left behind...
(Lasswell turns to Fina.)
Lasswell: I was satisfied with that much. If I beat Rain now, I don't think things will ever be the same between us again...
(He bows his head.)
Lasswell: And that thought fills me with fear....
Rain: Where's all this nonsense coming from?
(Fina turns to see Rain approaching, and steps aside so he can confront Lasswell.)
Lasswell: Rain...
Rain: Weren't you the one who told me? That you were going to surpass me and my old man? Then you'd better keep your word. Or aren't you a knight of Grandshelt? Lasswell.
Lasswell: ...
Rain: And besides. I'm not going to just sit back and watch you underestimate me. You may have gotten a lot stronger, but thinking that you're guaranteed to beat me, without a doubt? You've gotten ahead of yourself. Who do you think I am?
Lasswell: ...
(Lasswell picks up his head.)
Lasswell: Indeed. You're quite right.
(Lasswell walks south off screen.)
Fina: Rain...
Rain: I'd felt it. That you'd gotten stronger than me, Lasswell. I knew maybe you were worrying about me because of that. I think there's a good chance I can't beat you, Lasswell. But that's exactly why I won't hold back. I will give this fight everything I've got. I won't give up until I'm down. After all, you worked hard to get this strong. Real hard. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't try just as hard in return?
Fina: Rain...
Rain: Aw, geez. Fina. What're you crying for now? You'd better cheer for me. Me and Lasswell are about to have our first ever serious battle.
Fina: I will.
(Rain walks south off screen.)
Fina: ...Do your best. Rain.
(The scene opens on a large patch of crystal. Rain is already standing there, his back to camera. Lasswell enters and turns to face Rain.)
Rain: It's a curious feeling. We must've sparred against each other a thousand times in Grandshelt.
Lasswell: Yes. A thousand and one.
(Rain turns to Lasswell.)
Rain: Hey, you remember? That mock battle we all held during training, when you...
Lasswell: ....
(Rain steps closer to Lasswell.)
Rain: Right. I guess we don't need to waste any time talking.
(There is a flash of light as Frostlord teleports in. Lasswell and Rain turn to him.)
Veritas of the Frost: So in the end, it was the two of you. In this final battle, I will expect you to hold nothing back of yourselves. I will be strictly judging.... whether you are fit to stand opposite me.
Rain: Who cares about any of that? We're only in this for those villagers. You'd better turn them all back to normal after this.
Veritas of the Frost: Of course. I always keep my word.
(Frostlord moves off screen, and the two turn to each other.)
Rain: Well then, Lasswell. I guess it's time my do this.
Lasswell: Yes...
(Battle begins! You face Lasswell and a vision of Wilhelm.)
Rain: Let's give it everything we've got, Lasswell!
Lasswell: Everything.... But fighting Rain like this.... In my current state, I...
(Battle starts in earnest. You defeat Lasswell's party.)
(Lasswell is crouched. Rain lowers his weapon.)
Rain: Lasswell... What...
Lasswell: (...)
(Rain steps closer to him.)
Rain: Did you think I'd be fooled by that kind of act!? You're seriously going to hold yourself back against me!? Lasswell! Weren't you the one who said it yourself!? That you'd become the greatest knight!? Then do your best to beat me!
Lasswell: You're wrong! And so was I!
Rain: Wrong about what!?
Lasswell: All I ever wanted was to be able to watch over you from at your side! I never meant to surpass you! I never meant to leave you behind!
Rain: Give me a little credit! You think I'm just gonna let you surpass me and leave!? If I lose to you today, then I'll catch up to you and blow past you again someday!
Lasswell: ....Rain. You don't understand. I've become too strong.
(Frostlord walks up to them. Rain turns to Frostlord, Lasswell still crouched.)
Veritas of the Frost: I believe I told you not to hold back. If you do not show me what you are capable of, then those villagers will remain in ice forever.
(Rain turns back to Lasswell, sword readied.)
Rain: Lasswell! those villagers will be lost because of us! Even knowing that, you're not going to fight will all you've got!
Lasswell: Ugh... Damn it!
(The scene shifts to battle. With two strikes, Lasswell cuts Rain down.)
Lasswell: ....
Veritas of the Frost: Oh...
Rain(...): So this is what it's like when Lasswell is serious? No way... No matter how much he might've improved, I didn't think there would be this much of a gap...
Veritas of the Frost: Hmm. You gave me a good show. I will keep my word, and release the villagers.
(He glows.)
Veritas of Frost: The ice is gone from that village now.
Lasswell(...): This... This isn't what I wanted. I didn't want to beat Rain. Not like this.
Rain: Lasswell... Are you crying? Damn it... It's all because I was too weak... It's because I was too weak that you ended up hurting, Lasswell... If I'd just been stronger... If I'd had more power...
(Rain gets up on his knees.)
Rain: Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!
(Rain begins to glow.)
Rain: Wha... What is this...?
(The scene shifts to child Rain, and Fina in her crystal.)
Child 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.
(The scene shifts to present day. Lasswell finally turns to look at Rain.)
Rain: ...This light is what caused all this trouble, isn't it..... I couldn't accept it, even when I was told it was a part of me.... But... If this light really is my power....
(He glows stronger.)
Rain: Then I will accept it all this time! So give me power! Give me my power! Right now.... I need that power!
(The glow explodes. Lasswell backs up.)
Rain: Uwaaaaaagh!!
(Frostlord gets a !. Rain stands, encased in a glow.)
Veritas of the Frost: This light...
Lasswell: This is... Rain's true power.... Heh... Heh heh hehe... Ridiculous. So you were hiding just as I was.
(The glow gets brighter, then dissipates.)
Rain: Maybe so.
(The two knights ready their weapons.)
Rain: Frostlord. You're not going to object, are you? If we continue our fight.
Veritas of the Frost: Of course not. I'm only interested in the strongest. So, let's see who will be the one left standing.
(Frostlord leaves the battleground.)
Rain: You heard what he said. So, you ready to do this? Lasswell.
Lasswell: I am!
(The two exchange a few blows.)
Rain: Pretty good, Lasswell!
Lasswell: Rain... I was about to say the same to you!
Rain: I wish we could keep battling like this forever.
Lasswell: Yes. I do as well.
(They fight some more. Sparks and fires emit from their blows.)
Lasswell: I wish we could remain just like this. But we cannot.
Rain: No. I guess it's about time we settle this.
Lasswell: You know, of course, what move I will use against you.
Rain: What coincidence. I was just thinking of using the same move.
Lasswell: I see... we both planned to use it...
Rain: Seems so.
Lasswell: Then let's go! Rain!
Rain: Yes! Lasswell!
Rain & Lasswell: Tranquility!
(They clash together. Lasswell falls.)
Lasswell: Even after catching up to you.... Even after surpassing you... still you manage to leave me behind.... That's... just like you... That's my.... Rain...
(Rain walks around to Lasswell's head, and Lasswell gets up in a crouch.)
Rain: Come at me again anytime, Lasswell. I will take whatever you throw at me.
(Lasswell stands, and the two shake hands. Frostlord comes up to them.)
veritas of the Frost: Thank you for showing me. That battle of yours.
Rain: Frostlord... Now I just have to battle you, is that it?
Veritas of the Frost: That's right. Well then. The final battle will take place in the crystal chamber.
(Rain gets a ! over his head and exclaims as Frostlord walks away.)
Rain: What!?
Lasswell: Why should he have to battle you in front of the crystal?
Veritas of the Frost: I will go ahead and await you there.
(He teleports away.)
Rain: I thought... he wasn't interested in the crystal...
Lasswell: Could he have... contacted the other Veritas, perhaps?
Rain: Seems possible. Let's find everyone and hurry to the shrine!
(They rush off.)
Rain: Everyone, follow me.
Lasswell: The Frostlord's headed for the crystal. We have to stop him at all costs!
Jake: What was that!?
Lid: Come on, lickety-split! If the crystal is broken, it's all over!
(Wave 1 of battle commences and leads to wave 2.)
Jake: Yes, yes. Lickety-split indeed. Who won the fight between Rain and Lasswell?
Lasswell: Rain come out victorious. I still have a lot of training to do.
Fina: Lasswell, how happily you speak even in spite of losing.
Lasswell: R-really?
(Wave 2 commences, and leads to wave 3.)
Lasswell: Jake, I am sorry. I'm aware I troubled you greatly.
Jake: It's okay. I just went with my gut on that one.
Lasswell: I am grateful for your kind words.
Jake: C-come now. Don't get all meek like that; it makes me feel weird.
(Wave 3 commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(Frostlord stands in front of the crystal. The party hurries up behind him.)
Veritas of Frost: You've taken your time, haven't you?
(Rain steps forward.)
Rain: Frostlord! Get away from the crystal!
(Rain draws his weapon. Frostlord still has his back to the party as he speaks.)
Veritas of Frost: Do you all know what this is?
Rain: We do. We've journeyed all this time to protect the crystals.
Veritas of Frost: ...I see.
(Frostlord casts a spell, sending a ball of darkness into the crystal. The party all get ! over their heads.)
Rain: Frostlord! What have you done to the crystal!?
Veritas of Frost: I will only tell you one thing, and that is how much time you have left: five minutes.
Lid: How much time we...? Did you set a bomb on the crystal!?
Veritas of Frost: Did I? If you want to know, perhaps you'd better beat me.
(He turns and steps towards the party.)
Veritas of Frost: Rain. Thank you for giving me the chance to see how you fought. You may have defeated the others to face me, but now I know that you are not powerful enough to defeat me in single combat.
Lasswell: What did you say?
Rain: So what?
Veritas of Frost: Why don't all of you come at me at once? That should do nicely.
Lid: What? Are you making fun of us!?
Nichol: No. But if he can say that even after seeing Rain and Lasswell fight, then he must have quite a bit of confidence in his own strength.
Sakura: ........
Rain: Hmph. I hope you don't end up regretting this.
Veritas of Frost: Hah. I'd like to see you try to make me.
(Battle begins!)
Jake: Tch, five minutes isn't much, but I can handle it!
Rain: Yeah. That's right.
Veritas of Frost: What an expression. Exactly what I was hoping for.
(Battle begins in earnest now. You defeat Frostlord. There is no dialogue afterward.)
(Frostlord is on a knee in front of the party.)
Fina: We did it!
Lid: But now we're almost out of time!
Jake: No, we're already out of time! It's already been over five minutes! But nothing seems to have happened to the crystal...
Nichol: What... What is the meaning of this?
Veritas of Frost: Of course nothing has happened to the crystal. It was simply a lie to help you draw out your full power. I was able to enjoy the results well enough. You all are strong. I am satisfied.
Sakura: Frostlord....
(Sakura gets a !)
Sakura: What's this? This overwhelming power...
(She turns. One by one the Sworn Six teleport in. They're glowing.)
Rain: Veritas!
Lid: What!? All six of them!?
Veritas of the Dark: Rain. Lasswell. We have come to battle you for the last crystal.
(Flamelord gets a !)
Veritas of the Flame: Hey! Ain't that Frostlord right there!?
Veritas of the Heavens: What!? Did you say Frostlord!?
Veritas of the Flame: You were alive!? Color me surprised!
Nichol: Rain, did you notice? The Veritas seem to have changed their armor.
Rain: Yeah. Looks like they've had a little upgrade.
Veritas of the Dark: So now we have all Sworn Eight of Paladia together in one place.
Veritas of the Flame: First time in 700 years. How moving.
Lid: Wait a sec. Are we really sure about this? There's no way we can beat seven Veritas at once!
Sakura: ..That's true. I don't feel very good about our odds, to be honest. But that doesn't mean we can give up. I really hate this stifling tin can, but... Hah! I guess needs must!
(Sakura casts a spell, glows brightly, and dons her armor.)
Lid: Boltlord's armor!
Sakura: Come, my friends! The time is now! We are going to do what we must to protect this world, even if it kills us!
Rain: Damn right!
Veritas of the Earth: Frostlord. Come join us. There will be time for explanations later, but you can trust that these people are our enemies.
(The scene pans up to Frostlord, still on one knee in front of the crystal.)
Veritas of Frost: I see.
(He stands, glows, and teleports himself in between the two parties. He turns his back on the Veritas and walks towards Rain's party. Flamelord get a !)
Veritas of the Flame: Hey! Frostlord! Where are you going!?
Veritas of the Frost: .......
(Frostlord takes his place at the head of Rain's party.)
Veritas of Flame: The hell, Frostlord!?
Vertias of the Dark: Frostlord. What is the meaning of this? You belong on our side.
Veritas of the Frost: No, I belong right where I am.
(Frostlord removes his helm. Everyone gets a ! over their heads.)
Rain: D-dad!?
Raegen: It's been a long time. Rain. Lasswell.
Veritas of the Light: Raegen... Why...?
Veritas of the Flame: Oh, come on! Seriously, what the hell! Who the hell is our Darklord then!?
(The other Veritas have turned to look at Darklord.)
Veritas of the Dark: ........
Rain: That's all you've got to say for yourself!? Where the hell have been till now!?
Raegen: Searching for Frostlord's armor. I finally found it here, where the people had been worshiping it as a sacred object.
Veritas of the Light: Why... Would you want Frostlord's armor?
Raegen: Isn't it obvious? It would be a bit difficult to stop your plot for revenge in just my own fragile skin.
(Raegen turns to Rain's party.)
Raegen: Oh yeah. And I had to make sure that you all would be strong enough to fight alongside me, too.
Lasswell: Sir Raegen... You cannot mean that you forced us to fight amongst ourselves for our own growth?
Raegen: I think those little details can wait. Till after we've beaten these guys, that is.
(Raegen puts Frostlord's helmet back on.)
Raegen: Now let's do this! It all ends here!
(The party is walking in a castle. They stop and look around.)
Jake: So, seriously... there used to be some real hot elf living here, right?
Lasswell: I'd heard that this place was the home to a collection of great art, but it certainly doesn't look that way to me.
Lid: I thought this place would be an even greater treasure trove than Dilmagia's Junkyard...
Nichol: I sense the presence of many, many monsters.... and an even greater presence lurks further within.
Sakura: So either a fearsome monster, or... something else entirely. I have a bad feeling about this.
Rain: Yeah, but... this presence... It feels sort of sad, somehow?
Fina: I thought so, too.
Rain: Let's check it out.
Lid: Elves are different from dwarves, and are much rarer.
Nichol: Long ago they used to live in the same village as us...
Sakura: Different ways of thinking. The dwarves, craftsmen all, chose to live alongside the humans, honing their skills. Elves, on the other hand, preferred peace and quiet. They did not want to do anything to upset the humans... And began slowly disappearing. That was a long time ago.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Rain: If an elf had been living here, surely folks around here would know that...
Jake: If there were hermit elves, then surely there must have been some sociable ones, too.
Sakura: Surely that was the case.
Nichol: If they were interested in art, then they must have had some dealing with people.
Lasswell: It's been a while, but it'd be nice if that couple were still around...
Jake: This sucks. What could have happened to them?
(Wave 2 commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(The party approaches a figure. Sakura gets an ! over her head.)
Sakura: ...An esper! I know this creature.... Lakshmi!
Jake: ...Is she alive? Why isn't she saying anything?
Fina: Hey, Rain... She seems sad.
Rain: You're... an esper, right? What are you doing in a ruin like this?
Lakshmi: I don't need... people...
Rain: What?
(There is a flash of white light.)
Lasswell: Rain! Watch out!
Lakshmi: I will avenge my dear friend! You can pay with your blood!
Nichol: She's going to attack!
(Rain draws his weapon. Battle begins! Afterward...)
Rain: Lakshmi, right? What did we ever do to you?
Lakshmi: ...Do not try to act innocent. Children of men always bring war... Unsatisfied with razing the land... You brought destruction upon us over and over.... all out of desire for my dear friend's treasures.
Nichol: I think I'm beginning to understand. This castle... has been plundered before.
Sakura: The esper Lakshmi was always known even back in Paladia as an esper with no love for war. ...After that great war ended, she was full of hatred for humans. She turned her back on them and befriended the elves and lived long alongside them.
Lakshmi: Humans die so soon. But the elves.... The elves would not abandon me so quickly... And still... I could not keep them safe at my side...
Nichol: You're a support-type esper, aren't you? It is not all that surprising that you could not protect such fragile beings as the elves.
Lasswell: Still, it does seem that she is tormented by the fact that she could not protect her friends.
Fina: We are not the people who attacked your friends.
Lasswell: Indeed. Nor have we started any wars.
Rain: Lakshmi. Why don't you fight together with us?
Lakshmi: ....You will not live long, so it hardly matters.
Jake: Even if the time you have together is short, does that mean it's worth any less? You're too lovely to be so lonely.
Lakshmi: ...What nonsense you speak. But an esper has little choice but to obey when overpowered. I am now yours to command.
(There is a flash of light, and Lakshmi turns to stone. The esper Lakshmi has joined the party!)
Rain: So that's the loneliness that comes with living so long... I hope traveling with us might help her feel a little less alone.
(The party approaches Lakshmi's statue.)
Fina: Lakshmi's sorrow... Do you think we've been able to relieve it even a little?
Rain: What do you think now, Lakshmi? About our ideals?
(There is a flash of light as Lakshmi turns flesh.)
Lakshmi: You do seem to have noble ideas... for humans. Yet still... your lives are so fragile. You cannot relieve my loneliness.
Jake: But you want to lend us greater power, right? Isn't that why you called us here?
Lakshmi: I will lend you my strength, in accordance with our covenant. That is all.
(Battle begins! Afterwards...)
Lakshmi: I wonder... if I can become strong enough to protect you?
(There is a flash of light as Lakshmi turns stone again. The esper Lakshmi evolved!)
Nichol: She just can't admit how she feels, can she?
Sakura: She has been lonely for a very long time... Espers live even longer than elves do. To bring her any comfort, she needs a friend who can live as long as she will.
Jake: Sometimes memories are all that you have to keep you going. They can be a comfort to you even if they are memories of a time that passed too quickly.
Rain: I hope that we can be something like that for Lakshmi.
(The party approaches Lakshmi's statue.)
Rain: I'm sensing a strong emotion from Lakshmi.
(Lasswell turns to Rain.)
Lasswell: Is it her loneliness?
Fina: No.... I think this is something else.
(There is a flash of light as Lakshmi turns flesh once more.)
Lakshmi: Your lives are so fleeting.... And yet, you fight to protect what little future you have. Should you accomplish your task, I can hold on to your memories and keep them alive for all eternity.
Sakura: Is this why you wish to make a stronger pact with us?
Lakshmi: If you should wish this of me, you will have to defeat me once again.
(Battle begins! Afterward....)
Lakshmi: Good... Your memories shall be the nourishment that keeps me alive.... My power that had once been sealed has now been released.
(There is a flash of light as Lakshmi turns to stone. The esper Lakshmi awakened!)
Nichol: The nourishment that keeps her alive. I guess even supernatural beings like espers have feelings.
Lid: Now that you mention it, it seems obvious.... but I guess I just never thought about it.
Rain: We'll have to make some great memories for Lakshmi to hold on to. Let's make this journey an unforgettable one.