(The scene opens on a ship at sea, a sailor standing near its prow. He reacts with a ! as a rumbling sound occurs and the scene shakes. He scurries away from the prow, passing other passengers who are also reacting with ! one by one.
The camera then shows the open sea, and a crystal tower erupts from the sea floor, thrusting into the sky.
The scene shifts to Sol and Behemoth, outside on the ground near some ruins.)
Sol: The destruction of the seals and the opening of the gate have had a great effect on the land of the crystals. Everything has gone according to plan. Let's go, Behemoth. Let us bestow the honor of death upon the ugly life of this world.
(The scene shifts to the party, laying prone on the ground amidst the ruins. Only Raegen is on his knees.)
Rain: Ngh...
(Rain stirs and gets up on his knees.)
Rain: Everybody...okay?
(One by one, the rest of the party revives.)
Jake: I-I think so, yeah...
(Nichol gets a !, followed by the others as he speaks.)
Nichol: Wha...what is that?
Lid: Seriously, what is that? It's like the crystal grew into an entire tower...
Sakura: It may be an effect of the gate's pull on this world.
Lid: Wait. Wait. Does that mean... the world is still going to get pulled apart?
Sakura: Yes... it is only a question of time.
Lid: B-but we...
Raegen: No. This could be our chance. We have to get as close as we can to the gate, after all, to try to close it.
Nichol: I see. So we climb that crystal and try to reach the gate?
(Lasswell gets a (...) over his head as he ponders this.)
Lasswell: But, Sir Raegen... Do you know a way to close the gate?
Raegen: It would take a long time to explain and that's time we don't have right now. But trust me. I know what we have to do.
Lasswell: Yes, sir...
Raegen: No need to worry. You'll understand once you're standing in front of that gate.
Rain: Sorry, Lasswell. but you know he's always been like this. You can't expect any straight answer from my old man.
Lasswell: That's true enough.
Raegen: Hahaha! It seems I can't pull anything over the two of you any longer.
(Dark Fina, alarmed, reacts with a ! as she senses something.)
Dark Fina: Th-this is...
Fina: What's wrong?
Dark Fina: I sensed Sol and Behemoth... I'd say they're already climbing that crystal tower.
Jake: They're climbing it? What for?
Dark Fina: I don't know... I may have known them once, but... they're different people after being in the crystal for so long. They hardly resemble the wise sages they were back then.
Lid(...): No way! Do you think maybe they're trying to close the gate, too!?
Jake: No...my lovely Lid. Unfortunately, I don't think reality will be that convenient.
(Lid sweats.)
Lid: I-I know that! I was just thinking it might be nice if it were true!
Dark Fina: That's fine. No one knows what's really going to happen now. Let's go defeat Sol and Behemoth. Then we close the gate once and for all. That's all we have to do.
Jake: Agreed. Let's keep it simple and get this over with.
(The party slowly walks off, leaving Sakura, Raegen and Rain behind.)
Rain: What's wrong? Dad?
Raegen: No.... It's just that I don't see Lightlord and Darklord anywhere....
Sakura: My sister is alive. I can feel her still. But... Darklord...
Raegen: Even he couldn't withstand Sol's attack. I see...
Rain(...): I...I really thought Darklord was you for a long time. He's...
Raegen: It's been a tough journey. Doubtless everyone has a lot to sort out after all that's happened. But I'm afraid... that talking about it will have to wait until after we've saved this world.
Rain: Yeah... I know.
(They walk off. The scene shifts again, to Lightlord, alone.)
Veritas of the Light: My Raegen... ...Now I really have lost everything. What... am I supposed to live for now?
???: You know what. There is still something we have to live for.
Veritas of the Light: Th-that voice....
(She stands and looks north, but the scene ends.)
Jake: That Sol fellow... He said that the destruction of the seal and the gate opening would have a great effect on the world of the crystals. I guess he what he really meant is..... this world is pretty much made up of crystals?
Sakura: Yes. That's right. Much of the land in Paladia contains crystals.
Jake: My, my... The surprises just never stop, do they?
Nichol: So that is why you can find a great number of crystals in some areas, and none at all in others....
Rain(...): You know, when you stop and look at them... the crystals really are beautiful.
Lid: Yeah. They really are.
Fina: the fact that the memories trapped within the crystals can glitter so brilliantly... I suppose that is proof that, deep down, people's hearts are also beautiful.
Rain: Yeah. You might be right.
Lid: Jake. You can't ever become a vision, okay? The crystals will never shine again if you do.
Jake: What!? Nichol! Help me out here! Can you believe what she just said to me? As if I'm so dirty I'd profane even a crystal!
Nichol: Hrm. Well, Jake... I'm inclined to agree.
Jake: What!?
Nichol: Perverted, lecherous, licentious. You're corrupt to your very core.
Jake(...): Y-you... you really don't hold back, do you? Well, fine! So what? Call it dark or dirty if you want, I never tried to hide my passions!
Nichol: You know actually, I envy you that simplicity. I find there is too much coldness and uncertainty in my own heart.
(Nichol and Jake walk to each other and clasp each other's shoulder.)
Jake: Is that so? Then let the power of passion drive away your uncertainty! I can teach you abilities that some would consider to be... unnatural.
Nichol: Truly? I am inclined, but... Is it possible to learn this power?
(They walk off together, arms around each other's shoulder.)
Jake: Not from a Grandshelt knight. But just leave it up to me! First, let's start with the ultimate pick-up lines...
(The party walks on, but Lid remains behind with a (...) over her head.)
Lid: Wh-what the heck? Since when are Jake and Nichol are on the same wavelength?
(She grumbles.)
Lid: Ugh! This is just--ugh! It makes my skin crawl!
(The scene shifts to Lightlord, kneeling in a desert. A voice off screen speaks.)
???: You know what. There is still something we have to live for.
Veritas of the Light: Th-that voice...
(Waterlord enters the scene.)
Veritas of the Waters: I am going to go after Nichol and the others. I want to help them. I want to believe that will make up in some small part for what I've done. Lightlord. Please. Help me.
Veritas of the Light: You're asking me to fight alongside Raegen and Sakura and the others? You're asking that now? Impossible. It's ridiculous...
Veritas of the Waters: ...Is that right?
Veritas of the Light(...): But...
(Lightlord glows, and she is in her armor once more.)
Veritas of the Light: I may be able to help you with Sol and Behemoth. To avenge Darklord.
(Lightlord walks east off screen.)
Veritas of the Waters: Yes... That's reason enough.
Raegen: Rain, Lasswell. My, how you two have grown. You've truly become strong.
Rain: Of course we have. You know how hard it was getting here?
Raegen: I see... I apologize for troubling you so.
Rain: W-what's with you? Don't apologize. You're acting all crazy!
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Rain: Nngh.... So many monsters.
Jake: And worst of all, they're more powerful than any we've ever faced.
Rain: Dammit... if we get ourselves stuck here, we won't make it to the gate before it closes.
(Wave 2 commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(The party is walking along. Rain stops with a (...) over his head. Only he and Dark Fina are on screen.)
Rain: (This is bad....) (I didn't think the monsters would be so bad. We're not making any progress...) (Damn it... Are we going to make it in time...?)
(He's bowed his head. Dark Fina gets a (...) over hers, then comes up alongside him, bumping his shoulder. Rain reacts with a ! and turns to Dark Fina. The other Fina has entered the scene from the east.)
Rain: Wh-what is it?
Dark Fina: Heh heh. What's wrong? Can't we at least spend the end together?
Rain: The end?
Dark Fina: That's right. This world is finished.
(Dark Fina has moved so that Rain turns his back on Fina. Neither Dark Fina or Rain acknowledge Fina's presence. Rain likely hasn't seen her, but Dark Fina faces Fina's direction and likely knows her light counterpart is there.)
Dark Fina: After all... at this rate it doesn't look like we're gonna close that gate in time.
Fina: Why would you say that? Rain is trying as hard as he can, you know.
(Rain gets a (...) over his head, and the rest of the party has come up behind Fina.)
Rain: No. The world isn't finished.
Dark Fina: Oh really? And what makes you so sure? Look around you!
Rain: I am. And all I see is proof that I shouldn't give up. I am going to close that gate. And that's why this world isn't finished. I won't let it be.
Dark Fina: Heh... You seem less confident than you sound. Are you sure you can really do anything?
(Rain bows his head briefly.)
Rain: I can. I will.
(Dark Fina gives a thumbs-up.)
Dark Fina: As a knight of Grandshelt... Isn't that right?
Rain: What?
Dark Fina: Come on, Rain. You're just not you if you're not bursting with confidence. That's how you've pulled off so many miracles. Beating enemies far stronger than you... finding allies you can count on.... All of those are miracles you've made happen. So don't stop believing. Not in your own strength.
Rain: Sheesh... I must have looked desperate if even you're cheering me on. Still, thank you for the encouragement.
Dark Fina: Heh heh. For you, any time.
(The camera pans to focus on Fina, who gets a (...) and bows her head.)
Fina: (She's amazing... she's even given Rain strength. All I do is get strength from Rain...)
(The party all reacts with a ! as the ground shakes with a rumbling sound.)
Lid: Wha-what was that!?
Jake: That shaking is getting intense!
Sakura: The land is being drawn close to the gate! We have to hurry. There might not be much time left.
Rain: You're right. Let's hurry to the top!
(Rain and Lasswell fight side by side. They dispatch a pair of elementals, then both turn as Raegen walks up behind them.)
Raegen: You both are doing wonderfully.
Rain: Yeah, well... It's not like we can just sit around doing nothing.
Raegen(...): That's true enough. As Sakura said, there is probably not much time left before this land is destroyed. But even if we do not have much time, I hope you can spare a little.
Lasswell: Time?
Raegen: Not for me. But for Sophia...
(Raegen walks closer to them. A vision of Sophia appears, and Rain reacts with a !.)
Rain: My mother's vision... (editor's note: he actually says "Your", not "my", but that doesn't make sense.)
Raegen: (...)
(The scene flashes back to that rainy day when Sophia was killed. Raegen is carrying her. He stops as she groans.)
Sophia: ...Ugh...
Raegen: Why... Why would you... Rain and Lasswell still need a mother...
Sophia: No... It isn't me... that those two need now... It's you... So... Make sure.. they're ready... My life... is nothing... compared to that...
Raegen: I understand... Don't try to talk....
Sophia: My love... Just do me... one last thing.... Put your memories of me... into a crystal... And... when they're grown... Show my vision... to those two...
Raegen: I will. I promise I will.
Sophia: Thank... you... My... love...
Raegen: No... Thank you. Sophia. You were the best woman I ever knew... You have been a wonderful mother to Rain and Lasswell... Thank you. Thank you so much...
(The scene returns to present day.)
Raegen: Lasswell, you were away on training at that time, so you didn't even get to say good-bye one last time.
Lasswell: Yes. That is true.
Raegen: And that's why Sophia asked me to do this. She wanted to be preserved as a vision. Now, why don't we let her get a look at how you've grown?
Rain: Mother....
Lasswell: Miss Sophia...
(The two walk closer to the vision. Raegen walks away. The camera pans up with him. He stops in front of Sakura.)
Raegen: You only have until the vision disappears. Do you think we can spare that much time?
Sakura: Of course. Who would be so boorish as to refuse? (...) After all, this might be the end of everything. You ought to do everything you want to do now, while you still have the chance.
Raegen: The end... Yes, I guess you're right. The situation isn't looking very good.
Sakura: No. I did not expect Sol to interfere.
Raegen: My, my. My life alone might not be enough for this...
Sakura: Not "alone". I'm putting my life on the line as well.
Raegen: Is that so? I shouldn't find that comforting, but somehow I do.
Sakura: It's only natural. Our fates have been linked since the day we set aside our arms and armor.
Raegen: Linked, huh? Yeah, I suppose they have been.
(The camera pans back down to Rain, Lasswell, and Sophia's vision. The vision dissipates and the scene ends.)
Raegen: I'm so sorry, Lasswell.
Lasswell: What's wrong, Sir Raegen?
Raegen: I hid so much from you. But as knights, you and Rain were both still so young. That is why I was unable to speak of the Veritas.
Lasswell: I understand. You've no need to apologize. You did everything out of concern for Rain and I.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Lasswell: I heard from Rain that Sophia was lost in an accident.
Raegen: So I see...
Lasswell: Rain has trouble keeping the truth hidden. There are some strange circumstances surrounding Sophia's death... Or so I always thought.
Raegen: Did you not try to get the truth out of Rain?
Lasswell: Rain would just lie for my sake. So I thought I would simply wait until the day he told the whole truth himself.
Raegen: ...You're quite capable, aren't you.
(Wave 2 of battle commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(Rain and Lasswell stand together. Fina enters.)
Fina: Here, you two. Have some water.
(She gives then both some water.)
Rain: Thanks. Fina.
Fina: I thought you might be feeling parched after fighting so long.
Lasswell: Heh... ha ha ha!
Fina: Lasswell? What's so funny?
Lasswell: I'm sorry. I just couldn't help remembering when we first met you, Fina. You knew so little back then, and were always asking us why this and why that...
Rain: Yeah. I remember that. I also remember when you wandered off on your own and got lost. Man, that was a disaster.
Fina: Oh, you two! Please don't remind me of those days. It's just too embarrassing!
Lasswell: Yet look at you now, not only able to take care of yourself but even taking care of our needs...
Rain: Yeah. You've really grown, Fina. You've grown a lot.
Fina(...): If I've learned anything, it's because I had the two of you. I'm so glad that you were the first people I met when I came to this world.
Lasswell: It is curious, isn't it? It feels like it has been so long since we first met.
Rain: Yeah. I feel like the three of us have been together forever.
Fina: Hey... We'll always be together, won't we?
Rain: Of course we will. That's why we've got to save this world.
Lasswell: Indeed. Everything begins from there.
Fina: Yeah. I... I'm going to do my best. I'm going to do everything I can.
(They begin to walk off. Rain and Lasswell are off screen when Fina comes to a faltering halt.)
Fina: H-huh? What's going? My body felt strange for a second there. What was that?? Maybe I'm just tired....
(She walks on. Dark Fina enters from the other side of the screen.)
Dark Fina: That girl... Could it be?
(The party is walking in a cave with a crystal floor. The camera pans up to show Sol and Behemoth some distance before the party.)
Raegen: They're here. Sol and Behemoth.
Nichol: They don't seem to have noticed our presence. We should attack while they're unaware.
Rain: I'll second that.
(Fina collapses, and the party, minus Raegen and Dark Fina, all react with ! over their heads.)
Rain: Fina!? What's wrong!?
Fina: I-I don't... What's wrong with me? At a time like this...
Jake: Bad news, guys! Looks like we've been spotted!
(Indeed, Sol and Behemoth have entered the scene.)
Sol: So you came after us? How ugly it is, the way that beings like you cling to life. I hardly have to do a thing any longer. I can just watch life snuff itself out. It's a beautiful sight.
(There is a glow of white light obliterating the scene. When the light disappears, the party is surrounded by elementals.)
Raegen: What!?
Jake: How did he do that!? He just summoned monsters outta nowhere!?
Sakura: What is this?
Fina: Guh...
Rain: Keep it together, Fina!
Raegen: Don't break formation, ladies and gentlemen! Keep Fina safe as you fight!
Lid: Got it!
(The party readies for battle, but there is another glow -- a column of white light as Waterlord and Lightlord teleport in.)
Nichol: Waterlord! What are you doing here?
Veritas of the Waters: Nichol! This is my penance!
Sakura: Sister... You as well?
Raegen: Lightlord...
Veritas of the Light: The time for talk will come later! First we've got to cut our way out of this mess!
Rain: For once, I agree with you!
(The battle has ended. Raegen and Sakura approach Lightlord, who's standing alone.)
Sakura: Thank you, sister. I am glad that we had your help.
Veritas of the Light: It's... it's not that I was trying to help you, particularly. I don't know what Sol is really after, but having the gate opened is just plain convenient for me. I want to go back to Paladia, no matter what. Even if I'm the only one left, I won't give up on the dream of the Sworn Six... I will get our revenge on Aldore.
Sakura: Sister... Must you still persist in such folly?
(Raegen takes a step closer to Lightlord.)
Raegen: Lightlord. I am sorry for what happened to Darklord.
Veritas of the Light(...): Don't talk to me like you know me. The only Raegen I knew was the Darklord who died. Not you.
Raegen: Right...
(Lightlord turns her back to them.)
Veritas of the Light: I will never walk the same path as you all. No matter what. However.... I will defeat Sol and Behemoth to avenge the Darklord's death. And until I accomplish that, I will fight at your side. But once I've gotten my revenge... I will view every last one of you as my enemy if I see you still trying to close the gate. Don't forget that.
(She walks off. The camera pans to show Nichol has entered the scene behind Raegen and Sakura.)
Nichol: ...
(The scene shifts. Rain is crouched next to Fina, who's on her knees. They're alone.)
Rain: Fina? How are you feeling now?
Fina: Um... A little better, I think.
Rain: Yeah? That's good then... Don't push yourself too hard.
Fina: I know. But this is our final battle. There might be no choice but to push myself too hard...
(She stands.)
Fina: After all, I'm fighting for everyone in this world. I'm fighting for you, Rain.
Rain: Wha...? For me?
(Fina reacts with a !.)
Fina: What!? Did I just say that out loud!?
(She backs away from Rain.)
Fina: It was nothing! Nothing at all. It was just a slip of the tongue, that's all!
(She runs off.)
Rain: That's all? Sheesh, you had my heart pounding and everything!
(Rain follows after her slowly, and Dark Fina enters the scene from the north once he's off screen.)
Dark Fina: Looks like that's the end of that. Too bad for them...
Nichol: Waterlord... why are you here?
Veritas of the Waters: If the gate closes, this world will be destroyed. I thought that if I could prevent that I could atone for my misdeeds. And on top of that... I want to be of help to you.
Nichol: What?
Veritas of the Waters: I still do not understand why, myself... I simply can't push back this feeling.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Sakura: Stop with the stubborn attitude, sister. Revenge changes nothing.
Veritas of the Light: I am the Sworn Six of Paladia. Even if I am alone, stepping back is not an option. I am different from that weakling of the Waters.
Sakura: ...Should you have your revenge on Aldore, what then, sister?
Veritas of the Light: ...I will know that after I have accomplished the task at hand.
(Wave 2 of battle commences, and leads to wave 3.)
Veritas of the Light: Nichol. I have one thing to ask. Why did you not kill the Waterlord when you had the chance? How were you able to give up on revenge?
Nichol: ...Why would you ask me such a thing?
Veritas of the Light: ......Forget it... Forget I said anything.
Nichol: ...Lightlord.
(Wave 3 of battle commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(Lightlord stands alone. Nichol walks up behind her.)
Nichol: Might I speak with you?
Veritas of the Light: What about?
Nichol: I'm wondering if you might attempt a little game of chance with me.
Veritas of the Light: Chance?
Nichol: I have a coin here. If it lands on heads, how about we say that you give up on your revenge and join us instead? And if it lands on tails... Then I will do whatever you tell me to do. Does that sound agreeable?
Veritas of the Light: I don't understand what you're after. What are you trying to prove with such a wager?
Nichol: Nothing. I just want you to give up on this desire of revenge.
(Veritas of the Light steps closer to Nichol.)
Veritas of the Light: Are you mocking me?
Nichol: I am not.
(Nichol turns his back on her and walks a few paces away.)
Nichol: Let me ask you then. What do you battle for?
Veritas of the Light: What?
Nichol: I have served long as a military strategist. In my experience, people fight for one of two reasons: to take something, or to protect something. That is all it boils down to.
(Her turns back to look at Lightlord again.)
Nichol: So what is your revenge to you? Are you trying to take something away, or are you trying to protect something?
(Veritas of the Light gets a (...) over her head.)
Veritas of the Light: ...Neither, really.
Nichol: So in other words... revenge is a battle you fight for no clear purpose.
Veritas of the Light: ...
Nichol: Abandon such a meaningless pursuit. If your actions have so little purpose behind them, then you may as well let a coin toss decide your path for you.
Veritas of the Light: Heh... heh heh heh... Ha ha ha ha ha! You really do have a way of talking people into your way of thinking, don't you? Fine then. Let the coin decide our fates.
(She steps closer to him again.)
Veritas of the Light: But be prepared for what it may mean for you if you get tails. I'll have you tying yourself in knots to please me.
Nichol: My, my, that does sound like a frightening prospect... But that is what it means to wager. I'm prepared for any outcome.
Veritas of the Light: Then let's do it.
Nichol: As you say.
(Nichol flips the coin. It shines brightly in the air before landing.)
Veritas of the Light: What is it?
Nichol(...): Heads.
(Veritas of the Light reacts with a !.)
Nichol: You will abandon your revenge and join us. Welcome to the group. Let's battle together to save this world.
Veritas of the Light: ...Right. Why not? You have to honor a bet. Even if the coin was rigged.
(Nichol reacts with a ! at this.)
Nichol: What?
Veritas of the Light: Hmph! Don't go thinking I'm that big of a fool.
(She begins to walk off, but stops.)
Veritas of the Light: But maybe... Maybe this is the excuse I needed to start moving on.
(She turns back to look at him.)
Veritas of the Light: Nichol, huh? You're an interesting one. I might not mind having you as an ally.
(She walks off, and Jake approaches.)
Jake: Hey, hey, hey... I taught you that trick with the coin! Thought I taught it to you to try to win over women.
Nichol: I have no interest in using that trick to seduce women. But I suppose I was trying to win Lightlord over so, in a sense, you might be right.
Jake: Sheesh. Even if I'd tried to pull a move like that, it would not have ended up going my way. Things really do go differently if you're a good guy, huh?
Nichol: Not at all. If you were true to yourself, Jake, I'm sure you could have pulled it off even smoother than I could.
Jake: Ha ha! What are you talking about? You're crazy.
(They clasp each others' shoulders.)
Nichol: I hope you will keep teaching me your tricks. I find your skillset quite fascinating.
Jake: You can count on me for that. I'll teach you every play in my lady-killing playbook. There are 31 so far.
(They walk off as Lid enters, grumbling to herself.)
Lid: Geez, Jake... I feel like Nichol's the only one he ever talks to lately. What about the rest of us, huh?
(Rain enters.)
Rain: What is the matter, Lid? Feeling neglected?
(Lid reacts with a ! over her head.)
Lid: What! No, that's not what... Never mind! Forget I said anything! I just miss getting to make fun of him when he says something stupid, that's all... I-I-I'm not jealous or anything!
(She runs off.)
Rain: Wh-what was that all about? I really don't get her sometimes.
(The camera pans over a town with a large crystal in its center. The party enters.)
Jake: Hey, hold up. What is this place?
Rain: There's a town... inside the crystal tower?
Lid: And there are people living here!? How can that even be possible!?
Dark Fina: The people here... all seem to be visions.
Sakura(...): Not just the people. I think the very town itself is a vision.
Lid: What!? You can make a vision of a town!?
Sakura: The power of the crystals is increasing now that the gate has been opened. It is probably due to that.
Jake: So you mean... This town really does exist somewhere else in our world?
Nichol: Well, not necessarily.. Since it is a Vision, it is quite possible this town ceased to exist long ago.
Sakura: I'd say it's quite likely, in fact. It's probable that someone's great love for this town created this vision, after the town itself was gone.
(Jake gives a thumbs-up.)
Jake: Well, even if it is a vision, I guess a town is a town. We should check it out and see if there's anything that can help us out.
(The party is in battle against some elementals.)
Jake: What's this? Something's different about these enemies.
Raegen: These monsters have been around since ancient times.
Jake: Ancient times? That means...
Raegen: That's right. These are visions.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Lid: Monsters as visions... Who called on them, then?
Dark Fina: Only Sol could be capable of this.
Jake: I see. What a trick, calling monsters on us like that.
(Wave 2 commences, and leads to wave 3.)
Lid: But wait... This place is just one big mass of crystals. Which means there's no end ot how many visions Sol can call on!
Sakura: My, that is true...
Lid: T-... That's a huge problem for us, right?
(Wave 3 commences, and leads to wave 4.)
Fina: ...*Huff* *huff*
Rain: Fina, don't push yourself! Stand back if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Fina: I-I'm okay... I can still fight. I will let you know when I've had too much. But until then... I want to fight as long as I can alongside you all.
Rain: ...Got it. But please, tell us when you've had enough.
(Wave 4 commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(Fina and Dark Fina are walking along. Fina slows down, comes to a halt, and bows her head.)
Fina: Ugh...
(Fina begins to flicker.)
Fina: What? M-my body...
(The flickering stops.)
Fina: What is happening now?
Dark Fina: It's a symptom. A sign that you're going to disappear.
Fina: I'm going to disappear?
Dark Fina: It's not that weird, really, when you think about it. We were originally one person, after all. It's only because of the crystal that we ended up like this. That's all we really know about what happened.
(They turn towards one another.)
Dark Fina: Both of us can't exist in this world at the same time. That at least seems pretty certain.
Fina: Hm... I guess you're probably right. It's weird to have two versions of the same person exist at the same time, huh?
Dark Fina: But why should I be the one to remain, while you disappear? It's probably because... Well. I guess it doesn't matter now anyway.
Fina: ...
Dark Fina: Are you sad?
Fina: ...Yeah. It does make me sad, too. But... that's not all. Even more than sad, I mostly feel...
Dark Fina: What?
Fina: It's hard to say. I feel somehow fulfilled. I feel... satisfied.
Dark Fina: Satisfied? With disappearing?
Fina: I really didn't know anything at first. But then I met Rain and Lasswell... and everybody else. I learned a lot during this journey.
(The camera pans left, and Fina walks a bit.)
Fina: I learned that chocobos are soft and fluffy. I learned how delicious water can be in the desert. I met all kinds of people in so many towns. I saw forests and lakes and the ocean and so many amazing sights. I felt pain and I felt sad sometimes. But.. I was happy, too. There were so many happy days.
(She takes a few more steps.)
Fina: So that's why... It's enough. I... I'm okay with this. I regret that I can't stay together with everyone up until the very end, but... I'm really not sad. So... don't feel bad about this. I'll need you... to look after everyone once I'm gone.
(Dark Fina walks to her, and they turn to look at each other once more.)
Dark Fina: I... understand. Hearing you say that makes this easier.
(Dark Fina walks off.)
Fina: Yes. It's enough. I... I've been happy, and that's enough.
(She flickers again.)
Fina: Huh!? Ah--! Ahh...
(She collapses on her knees. The flickering stops.)
Fina: Hah... hah... Phew... I didn't disappear this time... I'm... I'm still alive... H-huh? What's wrong with me? Why can't I... stop crying? I was wrong... It's not enough... I... I'm not okay with this.. Not at all... *sniff* *sniffle* Waaaaaaaaah! I'm scared. I'm scared... I... I don't want to disappear... I still want to stay together with everyone... Rain... Rain... Save me... Rain...
(The camera pans left. Dark Fina enters the scene again, but Fina has her head buried in her arms and doesn't see her.)
Dark Fina: ...You stupid girl. Look at you, bawling your eyes out now. All because you were trying to act so tough.
(Dark Fina stands with the two Veritas, who have (...) over their heads.)
Dark Fina: ...And that's about the sum of it.
Veritas of the Waters: And there is no other way?
Dark Fina: Nope. Not if we really want to save this world.
Veritas of the Light: To save this world... I never thought the day would come when I would hear the Demon of Hess say such a thing.
Dark Fina(♥): Of course I want to save this world! The guy I love lives in this world. There's no way I'm letting it be destroyed.
Veritas of the Light(...): ...I understand. Leave it up to me.
Dark Fina: I'll be counting on you then.
(Dark Fina walks off, passing Lasswell, who gets a ! over his head as he spots her.)
Lasswell: Hey. Wait up...
Dark Fina: What?
Lasswell(...): Ah. Sorry. It's nothing. I thought you looked somehow unhappy, so I called out, but...
Dark Fina: Heh heh. Me? Looking unhappy?
Lasswell: Yes. It was just a feeling. But I suppose I was being foolish.
Dark Fina(...): Lasswell...
Lasswell(?): Hm? Yes?
Dark Fina: You'll take care of Rain, right? Till the end.
Lasswell: Of course. You don't even need to ask.
Dark Fina: Heh heh. That's true.
(She walks off.)
Lasswell: But I wasn't wrong... There is definitely something odd about her today...
(The party is fighting fodder.)
Fina: ......
Rain: Fina, what's wrong?
Fina: Rain... I.... um... No... Never mind. It's nothing.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)
Jake: Hey now! Wait, wait! I can't find that cutesy Fina anywhere!
Fina: There's only one of me, you know?
Lid: Oh no... Could he have been confused by some monster?
Sakura: No, I don't think that's the case.
Lid: Then what exactly's going on?
Rain: We can figure it out later! For now we've got these guys to deal with!
(Wave 2 commences. There is no further dialogue.)
(The party is walking along. Rain comes to a stop, and the others stop around him.)
Rain: Where did the other Fina get off to?
Raegen: She's not the type of woman to turn her back on a fight.
Sakura: She must have some reason for disappearing. (...) Wait... that Fina was the one carrying the sacred vessel of Paladia, wasn't she?
Nichol: Yes, she was. What of it?
Sakura: Hmm... The only thing she could do with the sacred vessel is...
Lid: What are we gonna do? Are we just going to leave her behind?
Veritas of the Light: We have to move forward. We don't have time to waste looking for her. You all are trying to save this world, aren't you? Isn't that your true goal?
Veritas of the Waters: I agree with the Lightlord. We must get moving. And besides, she is the Demon of Hess. There is not really any need to worry about her being on her own, is there? She was the strongest warrior Hess ever knew. No matter where she has gone, she should be able to take care of herself.
Nichol: ...I suppose you're right. Rain. It's fine. Let's continue onward.
Rain: ...Got it. Let's go.
(The party turns and walks off, leaving Fina behind.)
Fina: My other self... Where did you go? I asked you to take care of everyone for me.... What do you think you're doing?
(Fina flickers.)
Fina: Ugh... Please... Just a little longer... I just want to help everyone until the very end...
(She walks slowly on.)
(The party is rushing along a red crystal path. Raegen stops with a ! and readies his sword.)
Raegen: Everyone! Be ready for battle! We're close now!
Lid: There they are! We finally caught up with them!
(The camera pans up to show Sol and Behemoth, their backs to the party. They turn.)
Sol: Oh? You were able to catch up with us? That tenacity... It is nauseatingly ugly. You are making it very difficult for me to be patient with you.
(There is a white glow, and four elementals appear.)
Lid: Ah! He summoned more monsters!
Sol: I'll let these beats wear down your strength first. And Behemoth? In the end, I'll ask you... to cut these miserable bottom-dwellers down and give them a beautiful death.
(Sol leaves, and Behemoth moves closer to the party. He roars.)
Veritas of the Light: ...Behemoth. Darklord will have his revenge.
Rain: Let's do this everybody! We'll defeat these monsters and go after Sol!
(A boss battle starts against Behemoth!)
Lid: This behemoth... It doesn't feel very sage-life...
Sakura: The behemoth used to be a monster that evolved into a sage. It had a sense of reason when it fought with us.
Raegen: Now thanks to the effects of the crystal and Sol... It's returned to being a ferocious monster.
Veritas of the Light: We must defeat it no matter what! It is a foe of the Darklord!
Sakura: That's right. If we can't get past it, we won't be able to get to the gate.
(Battle begins in earnest now. There is no dialogue after the battle ends.)
(Behemoth roars.)
Jake: Seriously? Just when I thought the battle was over... That Behemoth is a beast. Does he still have energy to spare?
Lid: We're all attacking, and we still can't beat him...?
Rain: Fina, are you doing okay? You've been looking rough for a while now...
Fina: Hah... hah... I'm sorry... I can't....
(Fina's on her knees behind the party.)
Raegen: This is bad. If we're stopped here, we won't have enough time to close the gate!
Veritas of the Light(...): Leave this up to us. Right, Waterlord?
Veritas of the Waters: Yes. We should be enough to stop Behemoth.
Nichol: Lightlord... Waterlord... When you say that you will stop Behemoth... What do you intend to do?
Veritas of the Light: Hmph. Something that a fancy tactician like you would never think of. Don't worry. It'll work.
Veritas of the Waters: Nichol. Trust us.
Nichol: Y-yes, but...
Veritas of the Waters: We trust you all. If you can just get through this, then we know you'll close the gate and save this world.
Nichol(...): I see.... Then we will leave this up to you.
Veritas of the Waters: Thank you.
Veritas of the Light: All right. Then here we go! Waterlord!
Veritas of the Waters: I'm ready!
(The two Veritas move to confront Behemoth.)
Veritas of the Light: Behemoth. You are strong, that's true enough. But... there is magic that even you cannot possibly resist.
Veritas of the Waters: And this is it!
(A purple glow envelopes the three!)
Nichol: Isn't that their transportation magic!? What!?
(Nichol moves forward to where the three had stood.)
Sakura: They used their magic to transport Behemoth and themselves somewhere else...
Nichol: How could they.... They intend to battle Behemoth alone:? Just the two of them...
(The scene shifts to outdoors in a wooded area. The purple light flashes and the three reappear.)
Veritas of the Waters: Heh... Looks like it worked.
Veritas of the Light: Yeah. We managed to ditch them.
Veritas of the Waters: Now we just have to deal with the baggage...
Veritas of the Light: I don't think that's going to be all that easy. This one isn't a normal opponent.
Veritas of the Waters: Oh? You're sounding rather timid today.
Veritas of the Light: I'm not saying I won't do it. I'll fight. I have to get revenge for Darklord, after all.
Veritas of the Waters: Then let's do our best. I... I don't really feel like dying here. There are still a lot of people out there I have to save. I cannot atone to Nichol in any other way.
Veritas of the Light: Nichol, huh... He's an interesting fellow. Yeah.... I wouldn't mind living to talk with him again.
Veritas of the Waters: Well then. Let's go.
Veritas of the Light: Yeah. Don't die, Waterlord.
Veritas of the Waters: You too. Lightlord.
(The Veritas glow. Behemoth uncrosses his arms and roars, moving forward.)
(The scene shifts back to the main party. Nichol stands in the middle, the rest turned to him.)
Nichol: Waterlord... Lightlord...
Sakura: Nichol. You needn't worry. They are two of the Sworn Six. Even against an opponent like Behemoth, they will not be easily defeated.
Raegen: You're right. What we need to do now is honor their wishes and move forward.
Jake: Those two will come catch up to us in no time. Let's close that gate before they can.
(Nichol has had his head bowed. He now lifts it.)
Nichol: You're right. Let's go.
(The party moves on, but the camera pans down to Rain, standing next to the kneeling Fina.)
Rain: Fina? Can you walk?
Fina: Yeah... I'm okay... It's just a little bit further. So please... let me keep fighting until the end.
(She stands and walks on slowly.)
Rain: Fina...
(The party runs up to Sol, who's standing on the road to the summit of the land of the crystals.)
Sol: Oh? Did you beat Behemoth?
Rain: Sol! You're next!
(Rain readies his sword.)
Sol: What a ridiculous statement. You will not get any closer to me than you are now.
Rain: What?
Sol: Filthy creatures like yourself have no right to even fight me.
(Sol casts a spell, and what looks like a barrier appears around him.)
Sol: Behold. I will show you a fantastic display: blood flying through the air in beautiful arcs. You will draw your last breaths as your lifeblood paints the world crimson. It will be the most exquisite carnage this world has ever seen.
(Sol turns and walks away. Rain sheathes his sword, but speaks angrily.)
Rain: Like we'll let that happen! What are you trying to do!?
(Rain steps forward, but is pushed back by the barrier.)
Raegen: We're done for.... This is Hess's seal... None but their own sages can undo such a barrier.
Lid: B-but that means... Does that mean we can't go any further!?
Sakura: No... There is one way through. Fina was one of Hess's great sages. She may be able to break this barrier.
(The entire party turns toward Fina.)
Fina: M-me...?
Sakura: Fina. Please. At least give it a try.
Rain: Sakura... Wait a second. Fina's already in bad shape and...
Fina: It's okay, Rain. I... I'll try.
(Fina moves towards the barrier. Rain steps aside to let her pass, but she collapses on her knees. Rain reacts with a ! and the party closes in around her.)
Rain: Fina!
(Fina flickers, and the whole party reacts with ! now.)
Rain: Fina... Your... your body...
Fina: Why... why now...
Lid: Fina is disappearing! What the...? What the heck is going on!?
Sakura: Is this some effect of Fina being split in two...? That is the only possibility I can think of...
Fina: At least... I want to... remove this barrier... I can't... This time I'm really... going to disappear....
Rain: Fina! Hold on!
(The ground shakes, and a voice cries out.)
???: Kyaaah!
(The camera pans to the heavens, showing the gate fully open.)
Jake: Hey! Look up at the sky! What's that!?
Nichol: Is that the gate...?
Lid: Ah...
(Lid takes a step back and falls to her knees.)
Lid: No way... It's over... Everything... We're not going to make it in time...
Jake: Damn it! We did so much, and still... is this really as far as we make it?
(Rain turns and rushes the barrier again, but once again is bounced back. Everyone except the flickering Fina react with a ! to this.)
Rain: No! We're not finished yet!
(He hits the barrier again, bouncing back once more.)
Rain: We don't stop fighting until this world has been torn to pieces!
(He strikes the barrier twice.)
Rain: I'm not giving up!
(He strikes it once more.)
Rain: No matter what!
(He tries one more time to breach the barrier, to no avail. Fina, still flickering, speaks.)
Fina: Rain...
(Rain strikes the barrier again.)
Dark Fina: (That's right. There's the Rain we all love.)
(Rain reacts with a ! and turns from the barrier.)
Rain: That voice... Fina!? Where are you, Fina? Help us! We need you!
Dark Fina: (Sorry, but I'm afraid I'm not going to make it. I'm in the Earth Shrine right now.)
(Rain turns back to face the barrier but otherwise doesn't move.)
Rain: The Earth Shrine? What are you doing there?
Dark Fina: (Rain.... I am going to become a crystal.)
Rain: Wha...?
Dark Fina: (That way there will be a seal on the land again.) (If there's just one more crystal, the gate's pull on this world should weaken.)(That will be your chance to close the gate. Rain. Everyone.)
Jake: Become... a crystal? But how?
Sakura: Using the sacred vessel, I'd guess. It's possible as long as she's got that. But... if she does...
Dark Fina: (I won't just be sealed in crystal this time. I will be the crystal.)(So this is my good-bye to you all. We won't be meeting again.)
Rain: Wh-what are you talking about? What do you mean, we won't meet again...
Dark Fina: (You won't be lonely. Once I'm gone, the other Fina should be saved.)
Fina: What?
Dark Fina: (Fina. My other self. I'm counting on you to take care of that barrier. You're the one who will take them all the rest of the way.)
Fina: W-wait... I'm the one... who was supposed to disappear... If someone has to become a crystal, then... then I should be the one to...
Dark Fina: (I'm afraid we just don't have time for that. You don't even know how to use the teleportation spell to get here.)
Fina: But...
(The scene shifts to the Earth Shrine. Dark Fina stands alone.)
Dark Fina: But nothing. Just stay quiet and be a good girl. You're just a babe, compared to me. I've lived centuries already. You said that you'd learned a lot. But you were wrong. You still don't know anything. That's why... That's why you're not the one who should disappear. I am. I've lived plenty long enough.
(The sacred vessel of Paladia glows red in Dark Fina's hand.)
Dark Fina: Though... I am a little sad to leave Rain behind.
(The scene flashes white, and a flashback appears: Fina in her crystal.)
Dark Fina: I was first interested in Rain because he was the Darklord's son... It was boring in that crystal, so I'd at least send my spirit out wandering. And I visited Rain a lot.
(The scene shifts to Rain in Grandshelt, in front of the statue.)
Dark Fina: He was a bit of a clown, and had a weakness for girls. Prone to slacking off, too... But... he was nice to absolutely everybody. He never played favorites.
(The scene shifts again to Rain and Lasswell fighting a pack of wolves.)
Dark Fina: If he really had to choose between one side or another, he always tried to find a way to choose both. He doesn't even understand the meaning of the word "compromise", and he never gives up. Not ever. Maybe it was because of the times that I lived in, and the war between Hess and Aldore, but... I got to the point where I could only see the world as black or white. So... the way Rain thought and the way he acted... I really loved that about him.
(The scene shifts back to Fina in her crystal.)
Dark Fina: And before I even knew it.... I had already fallen. "I want to meet him." "I want to talk to Rain once." I thought that for so long, there inside the crystal.
(The scene returns to present day. Dark Fina is still in the Earth Shrine, vessel glowing in her hand.)
Dark Fina: And my dream came true. Now it's time for you to have your dreams come true. After all, you are me, too.
(The vessel glows brighter.)
Dark Fina: But... I will tell you just one last thing... If we were fighting over Rain, then I'm the winner. If I go and disappear like this, there's no way Rain will ever forget me.
(The vessel glows even brighter.)
Dark Fina: Heh heh... It's a pretty good plan, don't you think? If only things worked that simply...
(The glow of the vessel obliterates the scene in white. editor's note: Dark Fina says something here before her next line but it passed too quickly for me to capture it.)
Dark Fina: Maybe Rain... will never, ever forget me. Till the day he dies, I'll be in his heart... That would be... really, really great....
(The scene reappears, showing an Earth crystal where Dark Fina stood. She's not visible inside it.)
(The scene returns to the party. Jake looks around.)
Jake: The shaking stopped...
Sakura: So Fina became a crystal...
Rain: Yeah....
(The light Fina is no longer flickering. She stands now and approaches the barrier. She casts a spell and the barrier disappears. She begins to walk on, but stops as Rain calls out.)
Rain: Fina!
Fina: Rain. I... I'm going to put everything I have into this battle.
(She turns to face the party.)
Fina: I'm going to do as much as she would have...
Rain: Yeah... Let's go. Let's do it for her.
(The party walks on.)
(The scene opens at the pinnacle of the crystal tower. Sol stands before the gate, his back to the camera. He's glowing. The party slowly approaches.)
Rain: Sol... What are you doing?
Sol: How hateful must you be? I can't bear watching your foolish, meaningless struggles. Why can you not simply accept things in silence? The quiet, gentle nothingness. The beauty of death.
Rain: Fine then. It really doesn't matter what you're trying to do. We're going to close that gate and save this world from destruction. And if you're going to try to stop that, then we'll just defeat you, right here and right now.
(Sol turns to them. He's stopped glowing.)
Sol: I can feel your powerful emotions. You are indeed human. Why can't you even see how ugly that is? Anger. Hatred. Joy. Emotions all governed by base desires. This is the source of all evil. This is the ugliness of humanity.
(Fina steps forward.)
Fina: What are you talking about? I know what humans are like.
(Rain has turned to Fina.)
Fina: The way that they care for each other and try to help one another... That is the true beauty of humanity.
Rain: Fina...
Sol: Fine... You will understand the truth of my words soon enough.
(The party readies for battle. Sol throws off his cloak that's been covering his whole body up to now.)
Sol: Now, come at me. I will take you on in battle.
(A boss battle against Sol commences!)
Sakura: But still, I wonder... What is it that Sol is up to here?
Rain: Sakura, let's think about it later, okay!?
Lasswell: If we can't beat Sol here, it's all over!
Fina: We have to focus and give Sol every ounce of what we've got!
Sakura: S-sorry. Right... You've all grown up so much... I feel like I'm now the one being dragged around.
(Battle begins in earnest now. You defeat Sol! There is no dialogue immediately after the fight ends.)
(The party stands before Sol. Sol backs up a step and falls to his knees.)
Fina: We did it!
Sol: Fina... You said... that humanity's emotions were beautiful...
Fina: Yes. I think they are...
Sol: Heh heh heh... Then do not turn your eyes away. Tel me if the thing you are about to see before you is truly beautiful or not...
Jake: The thing we're about to....? What's he planning to do?
Fina: Never mind that! Focus on the gate!
Rain: Dad! How do we close the gate!?
Raegen: To close the gate....
(There is a booming sound, and the ground shakes. The music stops as the party looks around.)
Lasswell: Wh-what is this!?
Lid: Didn't the other Fina manage to stop the gate from pulling on the land!?
(There is a shock wave!)
Nichol: That voice...
(Fina gets an ! over her head.)
Fina: Wh-what is happening?
Rain: What's the matter, Fina!?
Fina: I-I can feel it... It's big... It's so big... But it can't...
(There is another shock wave. The camera pans up towards the gate. A black skull with glowing red eyes appears before it. The music, which had been silent, starts again, driving.)
Jake: Wha... what the heck is that!?
Lasswell: Is that.... a monster?
Lid: No way... I've never seen a monster that big...
Fina: No. It's not a monster. That... is a vision.
Lasswell: A vision!?
(Sakura steps forward, and the others turn to look at her.)
Sakura: N-no.... You mean he has drawn forth a vision from the land itself? This crystal-laden land...
Lid: But... But who could've put that huge monster in a crystal in the first place!?
Sol: Don't you understand? It was the humans of this land. Together they birthed this monster and together they nurtured it. That is the evil that lurks within humanity. Little by little, it crystalized and took form. I took this accumulation of evil and drew it forth from the crystals as a vision.
Rain: The evil of humanity..
Sol: What is history but a sordid list of human's evil deeds. How many wars have there been in this land? How many people have soaked the soil with their blood? Hatred, fear, despair... this land of crystals absorbed it all. Visions... They are memories and feelings captured in crystal and given form. And if that is so, then that monster you see in the sky there is what lies at the heart of humanity.
(Sol stands. Lasswell and Rain back up a few steps.)
Sol: Fina. Look well and hard at what is before you. Is that beautiful to you?
Fina: I... I don't...
Sol: Accept the truth. This is how ill-natured humanity truly is.
(Another shock wave!)
Sol: Come, Chaotic Darkness! It matters not if you strike Lapis or Paladia! Bring an end to all life!
(The party is walking along, but comes to a stop a a voice cries out.)
???: Sister! Oh, Sister!
(The party all react with a ! except for Fina, and look around.)
???: There are humans! The humans have come!
Fina: ...There's more than one of them.
Sakura: Even among the sprites of the world, there are only four who are said to control the winds. Four sisters.
Nichol: I've heard legends that each personifies the qualities of the four winds: east, west, north, and south.
???: Shall we drive them away?
(A white light flashes!)
???: Leave them. Let them be trapped in the cave's winds. Such a death is fitting for them!
(Jake sweats a single drop.)
Jake: Not exactly a gentle spring breeze, huh?
Nichol: They were living in peace when all of a sudden this disaster with the crystals popped up.
Rain: They're powerful espers, though, right? Maybe if we talk to them about what's going on, they'll help us out.
(Rain runs off.)
Lid: Oh! Hold on! We probably shouldn't just burst in on... them... ....and he's gone.
Lasswell: That's just the kind of man he is. I imagine everyone understands that by now.
(The party follows after Rain.)
Lasswell: I thought the fairies all died off a long time ago.
Sakura: They're still around today, though not as friendly as dwarves, you see. They love mischief, and rarely let themselves be seen.
Lasswell: C-could it be... When I was a kid, that thing I was hiding...
Rain: Ah, if you're talking about your candy, that was me. I ate it. My mom laughed at me. She thought it was very fairy-like.
Lasswell: Rain! How dare you, on my... ...N-never mind.
Jake: Ha ha ha. Even Lasswell used to like sweets, I see.
(Wave 1 of battle commences against wind enemies.)
Nichol: But fairies are no different from dwarves and elves... if they're similar to humans, then why can they transform into espers?
Sakura: I'm not really sure of how they came to be used as espers. But since coming here and investigating myself... I have concluded that their birthplace and the espers' are different.
Lid: You mean... There could even be an esper which was once a human?
Rain: Given what we know now, yes... I'd rather not think about it, though.
(Wave 2 of battle commences, against fodder.)
Sakura: Like visions, espers were also one of Hess's trump cards. However their birthplace was kept in absolute secrecy by Hess.
Lasswell: Now that you mention it, even Golem was man-made.
Fina: Bahamut is a dragon smarter than any human alive...
Jake: So, you're talking about collecting strong allies?
Nichol: If so, then fairies surely are no exception.
Rain: ...Espers serve an oath. They are bound by it.
Jake: Now, then, doesn't matter, war is still pointless.
(Wave 3 of battle commences, against a pair of avian monsters. There is no dialogue afterward.)
(The party approaches Tetra Sylphid.)
Tetra Sylphid: Sister! They really came! What should we do? Should we blow them away?
Rain: Wait, please. Will you at least listen to what we have to say?
Tetra Sylphid: We have no time for humans. Is it not enough that you have ruined our home for us? Are you still not satisfied?
Tetra Sylphid: That's right! Get out!
(Lid grumbles.)
Lid: Ugh... When they all talk at once like that, my head feels like it might explode!
Sakura: The sprites always were a busy people, flitting around here and there. The sprites' village didn't used to be like this, though.
Tetra Sylphid: All you people ever do is tear us away from our home... And send us out into the battlefield... Using us for hateful warmongering... This time we'll show you how much we hate it! Fly!
Lasswell: They're coming! Be ready for them!
(The party readies their weapons. Battle occurs! Afterward..)
Tetra Sylphid: We lost... Are we going to end up tools of war again?
Rain: We fight to put an end to the fighting.
Tetra Sylphid: As if humans would ever stop waging war...
Tetra Sylphid: That's right. All they do is drag others into war.
Lasswell: It is true that we are foolish creatures who cannot stop fighting. But... this fight that we face now is only to protect many, many lives.
Nichol: And not only human lives. This is a battle for the future of all creatures living in this world.
Lid: You aren't our tools. We won't make you do something you hate.
Fina: That's right. But if you all agree... we would like you to fight beside us as allies.
Tetra Sylphid: What do you think, Sister?
Tetra Sylphid: We are espers now. If we are defeated in battle, we have no choice but to enter the covenant. But... If we could be real allies...
Rain: We can.
(He gives a thumbs-up.)
Rain: We can get to know one another by talking, just like this.
Tetra Sylphid: I wonder if we can really believe that? I suppose we will find out once we go with you. Let's see you prove yourselves true.
Rain: We will. Don't you worry!
(There is a flash of white light, and the espers turn to stone. The esper Tetra Sylphid has joined the party!)
(The party approaches Tetra Sylphid's statue, which turns flesh once more as they near.)
Tetra Sylphid: My body feels somehow strange. It's a feeling that i don't remember from when we were sprites.
Lasswell: It must be the evolution that espers experience.
Fina: It's the power that has been born from our bonds as we have fought together.
Sakura: If you want to fully unleash it, you'll have to fight us.
Nichol: If we can prove our strength once again, our espers are able to awaken even greater power.
Tetra Sylphid: I see. Then that seems simple enough. Let's see if you're strong enough to make us evolve!
(The party readies for battle. Tetra Sylphid attacks! Afterwards...)
Jake(♥): How do you feel? My sweet sprites?
Tetra Sylphid: You would still call us sprites? Ever since we were made into espers by those who wanted to use our strength for themselves, we have been shunned by our own kind.
Tetra Sylphid: That is why we have hated humans so...
Tetra Sylphid: We had no one to understand us. No one except for each other. But things have changed. Now we have allies like you all. I hope we can continue to help you in our evolved form as well.
(There is a flash of white light as the esper turns to stone once more. The esper Tetra Sylphid evolved!)
Nichol: They seem a lot more open than when we first met them, don't they?
Sakura: The sprites used to always be a happy, free-spirited race. They are probably glad to have allies once again.
(The party approaches Tetra Sylphid's statue, which turns to flesh once more.)
Tetra Sylphid: I-it hurts... Help me, Sister!
Tetra Sylphid: What is happening to us!?
Tetra Sylphid: Is this another curse of being an esper!?
Sakura: It must be... an awakening. You've become unable to control power you did not even know you had.
Tetra Sylphid: Get back! At this rate...
Tetra Sylphid: We'll destroy every last one of you!
Lasswell: We will not leave you.
Nichol: We have formed a covenant with you to borrow your power, and we will see that deal to the very end.
Jake: Go ahead and bring it! We got this!
Tetra Sylphid: We... We cannot hold back any longer!
(The party readies for battle, and Tetra Sylphid attacks! Afterward...)
Tetra Sylphid: Huh...? Sister... the pain is gone.
Tetra Sylphid: My body... feels so light. And.. I can feel power overflowing...
Fina: That's your true power. It's been sleeping inside you this whole time.
Tetra Sylphid: Have we harmed you?
Lasswell: I admit, it was quite the struggle. But it's done with now.
Nichol: And now, you can lend us your full strength.
Tetra Sylphid: I see... If we are able to help our friends, perhaps being espers isn't so bad after all.
Tetra Sylphid: Thank you. We are at your service.
(There is a flash of light as the espers turn to stone once more. The esper Tetra Sylphid awakened!)
Lid: We should be the ones thanking you. Thanks for always being there for us.