WAXF Script
< Act 3-6 >
[The act opens to the Lombardia. The screen shakes. Inside the ship...]
Kressen: Look at your weakness and despair, Felius. Never forget how it feels to be abased by true power!
[Kressen charges at Felius, but Yulia steps in front of him and blocks his attack. Kressen is thrown back against the wall and he clutches his chest. Yulia holds Iskender Bey up.]
Kressen: What...? Why are you...? After you rigged the generator and helped to engineer my escape... Why...?!
Yulia: I just...I just wanted it to be like before!
[Yulia drops Iskender Bey to the ground.]
Felius: Yulia! Kill Kressen now!
Yulia: I can't...
Felius: Yulia!
[Yulia screws her eyes shut.]
Yulia: I can't do that! Not to him!
Kressen: Heh heh heh. Hah hah hah hah... HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH!
Felius: What's so damn funny, Kressen!
Kressen: She can't even kill me! I told you...she--
Felius: Shut your mouth, Kressen! You have no right to talk about her!
Lombardia Computer: Generator output failing due to severe damage. Significant difficulty anticipated in reaching Illsveil drive point.
Felius: Get up, Yulia.
Yulia: I don't want this! I want everything to be the way it used to be!
Yulia: Even when things went wrong, we were always still friends... Why can't it be like that again?!
Felius: Yulia!
Yulia: --?!
Felius: We can't return to that past.
[Yulia stares at him for a moment before breaking into tears.]
Yulia: *Sob*...*sob*...
Felius: We have to abandon the Lombardia. We'll use the escape pods.
Yulia: ...All right...
[Yulia walks towards one of the escape pods and Felius watches her as she goes. Kressen comes up to him, still clutching his chest.]
Kressen: If you use the escape pods now, you'll just get caught in the dimensional turbulence.
Kressen: I think you might be overestimating your odds of survival, Felius.
Felius: I will protect Yulia!
[Kressen smirks and slashes at Felius, who still had his back turned to him.]
Felius: Agh...!
Yulia: --Felius!
Kressen: Even when you've staked your life upon it, you can't protect anyone.
Kressen: And the sadder truth is, Yulia doesn't even want your protection.
Felius: ...
Felius: I don't care... I still vow to protect her!
[We see the Lombardia from outside. A yellow light falls from it.]
Lombardia Computer: Escape pod launched.
[The flashback ends when the screen takes a blue hue. We now come to a green grassland. The screen blinks black three times before we see Felius, eyes closed.]
Felius: ...
Felius: ...
Felius: Ur...rrgh...
Felius: Where...are we...?
[Felius opens his eyes to see the others sprawled on the ground. Time passes...]
Ragnar: First things first... We gotta figure out what's going on here. Does anyone know what happened...?
Labyrinthia: My head is dizzy and I'm sore all over...
Levin: We were swallowed up by that bright light, and then... I don't know what...
[Alexia hangs her head.]
Alexia: What about... What about Katrina? What happened to Katrina?!
Labyrinthia: The Rite of Divine Coalescence...
Levin: ...
Alexia: ...
Alexia: What do we do now?
Alexia: I don't know what to do... Somebody, please...tell me what to do now...
Alexia: I have to do something...!
Labyrinthia: ...
Levin: Your Highness...
Alexia: I...
Clarissa: AAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
Felius: Clarissa!
[They turn and run in the direction the scream came from... they find Clarissa standing up from a gigantic puddle of mud.]
Clarissa: How...what... What am I doing in this mud?!
Ragnar: You had us worried sick...
Clarissa: Sorry...
Alexia: ...
Clarissa: ...Alexia?
Alexia: ...
Alexia: ...
[Alexia looks up and smiles.]
Alexia: ...Heh.
Alexia: Hee hee hee... What happened to you?
Clarissa: I, well... You know, the mud and... Wait, what? I'm the only one who landed in it?!
Alexia: Hee hee hee... Ah hah hah hah hah hah! Look at you! You look ridiculous!
Clarissa: It's not my fault! I didn't do anything! I just came to, and I was sitting in mud...
Alexia: Hah hah hah hah hah hah! Oh my... I'm laughing so hard, I'm crying!
Labyrinthia: Your Highness...
Levin: But just a minute ago, you were--
Ragnar: Quiet, Levin. Don't bring that up.
Alexia: Ah hah hah hah... Wow...I can still laugh. And if I can laugh, I guess I can keep going...
Clarissa: Yeah... Right. We'll be just fine.
Alexia: Thank you, Clarissa...
Alexia: Because of you, I know that I can still laugh.
Alexia: Now I can answer everyone's downcast faces with a smile. I couldn't have done that without you.
Clarissa: Uh...you're welcome? I guess...?
Alexia: So why do you still look so glum? You've brought a smile to all of us!
Clarissa: I wish I could share your enthusiasm, but... Plus, this mud...it really stinks. I feel like I'm going to be sick...
[Alexia brings her hand to her chin.]
Alexia: Is mud supposed to smell...?
Levin: Really? Let me get a whiff of that!
[Clarissa pouts.]
Clarissa: No!
[Time passes as Clarissa gets cleaned up.]
Ragnar: Well, at least we know that everyone is safe. But there sure are a lot of things we don't know...
Felius: Like... What happened?
Levin: I think...I think we've been here before. ...Yeah, this is where we came up with the name Chevalet Blanc!
Clarissa: Yeah...you're right. I remember this place!
-West Wind Guidepost-
Labyrinthia: But we were just fighting at the Guardian Temple...
Alexia: ...
Alexia: You're certainly right about that.
Clarissa: ...
Felius: Could the shockwave from that blast have knocked us all the way here...?
Ragnar: If that's what happened, then I guess we should all be grateful we landed in one piece.
Ragnar: But that power... Was that the power of the Guardians?
Labyrinthia: I've never actually seen it used myself, but it's the simplest explanation for a power of that magnitude...
Clarissa: So the Rite of Divine Coalescence was a success?
Alexia: I was told a princess who completes the rite and becomes a princess medium gains the ability to hear the will of the Guardians and channel their power.
Felius: So the manifestation of that power confirms that the ritual was a success...
Labyrinthia: Perhaps not.
Labyrinthia: There is a big different between intentionally using power, and being unable to keep power in check.
Alexia: So if the rushed ritual failed to create an empathic bond between Katrina and the Guardians, that could have just been a discharge of pent-up Guardian power...?
Labyrinthia: I can't imagine that Princess Katrina would intentionally do anything to harm us. Which would seem to suggest that that is exactly what happened...
[Alexia hangs her head.]
Alexia: Katrina...
Alexia: ...
Alexia: ...
Alexia: Let's go. There's no point standing around here. If we don't get moving, nothing is going to happen!
Levin: Princess Alexia...
Alexia: Right, Clarissa?
Clarissa: Absolutely!
[On the world map, the links from Port Atraige all the way to Richala Rose and all the closest story regions are restored. The Guardian Shrine is accessible, but the Deserter's Camp is not. The road from Richala Rose leading in Elensia's direction is cut off and everything else from there is unavailable. Poliasha is marked with a yellow !.]
-Port Atraige-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Belsow: Welcome. We don't have much good in stock, but feel free to look at whatever catches your fancy.
Shopkeeper Belsow (Talk): I served in the army during the way against Glasscap. Elesius routed 'em in battle, but it was strange how joyless I felt hearing that on the battlefield.
All I remember from that time is how much I wanted to go back home...
---
Shopkeeper Belsow's Wife: Huh...? The Martial Guard? And who would that be?
They aren't...villains, are they?
(Synth. Shop)
Baker the Forger: Hey hey, need something synthesized? My daughter's left everything a huge mess, so give me a moment to clean up my workbench.
Baker the Forger (Talk): My lifestyle's changed completely in the last few years, but passing the time idly with my daughter... Well, it's not such a bad thing.
---
Mixing Girl: Hello! I just love to mix stuff!
I mixed up some red medicine with some blue medicine, and then I injected it into a housefly...
And then he got all better! I'm serious!
(Bar)
Bored-Looking Bartender: This port isn't seeing as much traffic as it used to, but...well, I guess you could say we're getting a fair number of customers. The revenue's not bad, either.
Bored-Looking Bartender (Talk): Yawwnnn... Boy, things sure as slow today. How 'bout I tell the story of the Guardians?
...All right. Sit down for a spell, then.
The Guardians are powerful forms of existence. We can't see them directly with out own eyes, but we can sense their presence in other ways.
How? In the phenomena they hold say over. The howling wind, the swaying oceans... These are the true forms of the Guardians.
However, using a princess medium's body as a conduit, the Guardians can also take corporeal form, appearing as powerful, awe-inspiring beasts.
They used to be able to take form more freely, but as Filgaia became a wasteland, people's hearts grew arid, and nature's power over the world was lost.
But there is one exception to this. One beast, the one who governs over Desire, still exists in Filgaia in his original form.
For this beast exists alongside the desires and passions of all people, and even if the world falls into disarray, the desires of man will never fade...
---
Annette the Drifter: This is my first time in Elesius, but it's just so amazingly scenic.
It's a real shock to me, having lived in the wastelands all this time.
Settling down here wouldn't be so bad, maybe.
---
Traveling Scholar Alan: I'm a researcher specializing in ancient civilization. I go around FIlgaia in search of old documents and other research materials.
Oh, you're a fellow student of the past? Wonderful! I so rarely meet others with similar interests. Would you like to hear about my great discovery?
The other day, I was on an academic mission in an eastern country when I found a tattered manuscript in the ruins of a war memorial.
The manuscript was written in a long-lost language, possibly by a woman who lived in ancient times.
I believe it's been several thousand years since it was written. It's heavily damaged, and my deciphering efforts have been fruitless so far.
If I could get this manuscript translated, it'd be a major advance in my history studies. I'll have to give it everything I've got.
(Outskirts)
Soron the Drifter: Sheesh, I came all the way to Elesius, and just look! We're practically in a recession here.
If things keep up like this, I'm ever gonna find any interesting work...
---
Kind Lady: If you're headed for Elensia, proceed north down this road and turn east after the checkpoint.
You'll undergo a body search at Rasalom Keep, but they let most folks through without a fuss.
-Hanigar-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Hooper: Hey, good to see you. I have locally-made weapons and armor on sale right now.
Shopkeeper Hooper (Talk, typoed Shopkeeper Bigelow): I used to have a lot more weapons lined up in the shop window. Oh, well... The government wants fewer weapons around, what can I do...
---
Neatnik: I really need to go see the Guardian Shrine up in the mountains to the northwest... Maybe when I'm free next week.
I haven't cleaned the altar in ages, and I'm sure the Guardians will be angry if I let it go any longer...
(Synth. Shop)
Foreman Phil: Welcome to the Warden's Forge, the largest workshop in Elesius. Would you like something synthesized?
Foreman Phil (Talk): What's up? Why're you looking at me like that? Have we met somewhere before?
---
Workman: We found a new deposit in the mine the other day. It really energized everyone in town.
It'd be great if we can get a lot of quality out of this thing.
---
Workman: I sit in here every day, working on and polishing up new technology. It's not very flashy work, but I'm proud of it all the same.
(Bar)
Innkeeper Langley: Hello and welcome! This place gets packed with miners around dinner, so try to beat the bush if you want to take your time.
Innkeeper Langley (Talk): Our special for today is the "Chef's Choice" stew.
It's an old restaurateur's trick, y'know. This way, no matter what we put out, as long as it looks kinda like stew, the customer won't complain.
---
Ore Miner: We went through a lot of troubles, but the kingdom seems pretty calm nowadays. I look forward to seeing where Elesius goes from here.
---
I heard you could still download classes in this town, so I dropped by.
...So, where's the Access Point?
(The Elder's)
Jeune the Elder: Hello, everyone! I technically retired several years ago, but I am Hanigar's "caretaker" of sorts.
If you run into any problems while you're here, feel free to discuss it with me.
---
Housekeeper: I'm no good with politics or anything like that, but Hrathnir's reforms are something new. It really feels like this kingdom is involving.
There's a pretty sizable group of people who don't see it so kindly, though...
-Richala Rose-
(Shop)
Jacob the Clerk: Welcome...
This woman just can't stop bothering me. The boss always runs away whenever she's around, too. I wish I could kick her out already...
Job the Clerk (Talk): The kingdom's tax rate used to be a lot lower, thanks to all the resources and treasure the army would confiscate from the enemy in our wars.
This lady apparently has a beef with the rise in prices and taxes over the past few years...but it beats war, don't you think?
So I tried telling her that being at peace is the important thing, even if it means a tax hike. She's just glared at me ever since...
---
Testy Woman: Why did you have to rack up all of your prices like this, huh?!
You can go ahead and build your peace or whatever, but why do we common folk have to pay for all of it? Give me a break!
---
Pike the Drifter: Have you ever heard the name "Weisheit"? It's connected to the Elesian royal family, but if you look it up in the history books, it gets pretty weird.
The name first appears in Elesius's history about 700 years ago, when a female engineer named Weisheit made some form of contact with the kingdom.
A century later, when Elesius staged its first invasion, it was a young man named Weisheit who proposed the battle plans to the queen of the time...
If it were only those two examples, you could perhaps explain it away as a mere coincidence.
But the name Weisheit continues to crop up throughout the kingdom's long history.
Inf act, several dozen Weisheits appear and disappear over the centuries...and the records diverge wildly when stating their ages, genders, and appearances.
My guess is that "Weisheit" isn't a name, but some kind of identifier or title. What do you think?
(Synth. Shop)
Martilo II: Welcome! I'm rarin' to go, I am!!
Martilo II (Talk): It'll be all right... As long as I have my work tools, I'll always be ready at a moment's notice.
Hah hah! No fear!!
---
Martilo III: Granddad's a little...off most of the time, but he's still got the touch. Just keep an open mind with him, all right?
(Inn)
Innkeeper Matilda: Oh, a customer! Just one moment! I'll get some tea out for you!
Innkeeper Matilda (Talk): ...What? Do I know about Chevalet Blanc?
Uhh...wasn't that the anem of the golden army led by the first princess medium a thousand years ago...? The Founding Knights, that was it!
I always did pretty well in my history tests, you know.
---
Foreign Agent: ...Wasn't expecting that someone like me could enter the country and just walk around freely like this.
The name Elesius used to strike fear in the hearts of citizens continent-wide...but now I see that the monster has lost its fangs.
(Quarry)
Stonemason: Our job is to cut the stone out of the mountain and polish it up to a nice veneer.
The finished stones get loaded on a boat, and then it goes south down an underground river.
---
Stonemason: This is dangerous work, what with the heavy stones we deal with, so I never forge to pray to the Mountain Guardian every morning for protection.
I usually ask him for a pay raise, too, but I guess that's beyond his jurisdiction...
---
Kron the Drifter: They sometimes run into rare mineral deposits while they're chiseling away at the mountain, and I'm helping 'em out with the extraction.
I oughta be able to make some killer equipment out of this down at the synthesis shop. That makes it all worth it.
-Poliasha-
Felius: I thought the Martial Guard razed most of this town?
Clarissa: It must have taken tremendous effort from the people of Poliasha to rebuild it so quickly! It's so nice to see it in one piece again...
[They start walking around.]
Labyrinthia: Clarissa... Doesn't being back in Poliasha remind you of anything?
[Clarissa turns to her and brings her finger up to her cheek.]
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Remind me of anything...?
Labyrinthia: That's right.
Clarissa: Well, I remember the horrible things the Martial Guard did the first time we came here...
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Was there something else? Oh, do you mean when they asked us to wipe out the Jelly Blobs?
Labyrinthia: ...
Clarissa: What? Why are you looking at me that way?
Labyrinthia: Clarissa... Don't you want to change your clothes?
Clarissa: Huh?!
Labyrinthia: After all, this is where I secured a brand-new outfit for you once upon a time. Isn't that one of your strongest memories of Poliasha?
Clarissa: What?! No! No, not at all! I'd totally forgotten about that!
Labyrinthia: And look--it just so happens that your clothes are stained with much. Not to mention that stench...
Clarissa: W-well... Yeah, the smell is getting to me, and I admit I wouldn't really object to getting some new clothes, but...
Clarissa: I'm not sure I like the way you're looking at me...
Labyrinthia: There's nothing to worry about. Come, come, allow me to assist!
Clarissa: I knew it! What is it with you, anyway?!
Labyrinthia: Oh, come now, Clarissa, you needn't be so--
Clarissa: Yes, I do! Now quit it already! We've got much more important things to worry about!
[Labyrinthia hangs her head.]
Labyrinthia: Hmph. Well if you're going to be such an ingrate about it...
Clarissa: (This obsession with changing my clothes is starting to freak me out...)
[When the player regains control, we're back on the world map. Bandit's Forest is marked with a red !.]
-Poliasha-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Brown: Welcome to my shop!
Shopkeeper Brown (Talk): Well, well. Is this your first time in Poliasha?
Mmm...? What's wrong? You look surprised. Did I hurt your feelings somehow?
If you aren't feeling well, why don't you go down to the ocean and take in the view?
---
Bounty Hunter: I've come to Elesius in pursuit of a bounty... A group called the Tormenta Triad.
They're a bunch of notorious murderers. When someone gives them a contract, they always--and I mean always--carry it out.
If they're hiding out in this kingdom, then someone's life is in danger. I've got to find them before they kill again!
(Synth. Shop)
Damphousse the Forger: ...Huh, a customer...
Damphousse the Forger (Talk): Gimme your money and your ingredients... I'll handle the rest...
---
Phillip: What was that? "Congratulations on rebuilding Poliasha"...?
...
You're a strange one, aren't you? Poliasha's been looking like this for years. What kind of rebuilding are you talking about?
(Inn)
Innkeeper Donovan: Hello there. Welcome to the Blue Oyster Inn.
Innkeeper Donovan (Talk): Haven't seen you around here before. You folks Drifters too? I don't think there's much work for you types around the kingdom these days.
Still, glad to see you here. Take a load off, eh?
---
Ellen: Are you looking for a room? Or would you like a menu?
(Plaza)
McCullum: Mmm? What happened to the Martial Guard?
...
Well, how should I know? I never heard of 'em. Is this some kinda quiz or something...?
---
Weyland: There used to be a sentry for every town and village, but they got axed after the cutbacks in the Royal Knights.
I suppose you could call it a sign of how safe the countryside is, but when I think of the worst-case scenario, I get a little nervous.
[Upon entering the Bandit's Forest, we see a very familiar blonde woman get cornered by a very familiar Elementalist.]
Bandit El Jackson: Eee hee hee hee hee.
[She turns to see a familiar Geomancer come up from the other side.]
Fleeing Woman: What the... There are bandits this way, too?!
Bandit Samille: Did you just call us "bandits.?!
Bandit Samille: She thinks we look like lowly bandits! I gotta tell you, that stings a little.
Bandit Samille: We may not look it, but we're nobleman soldiers! 'Course, with times being what they are, we've gotten pretty good at banditry too.
Fleeing Woman: Then I was right all along!
Fleeing Woman: I'm just researching the ruins here. I don't have anything that would be of interest to bandits!
Bandit El Jackson: The ruins? Research? So in other words...you're looting treasure from inside the ruins!
Bandit El Jackson: What'd you find, huh, what'd you find?! Look at you, running around with some priceless treasure all by yourself, like a squid with an ear o'corn in its mouth!
Bandit Samille: I think the expression is "squirrel with an acorn"...
Bandit El Jackson: Hey, "squid with an ear o'corn" works too!
Bandit Samille: Right, whatever. Either way you got something good, right? So hand over what you got.
Fleeing Woman: Don't lump me in with you bandits! My research has nothing to do with treasure!
[Ragnar and Levin look on from a short distance.]
Ragnar: Looks like that damsel has run into a bit of trouble. Clearly, we must intervene.
Levin: You sure look happy about it. You planning to chat her up after we save her?
[Clarissa and Labyrinthia come up to see.]
Clarissa: Those men... Have we met them somewhere before?
Labyrinthia: They're those bandits we trounced a while back. The ones who called me "long in the tooth".
Clarissa: Wow, you sure have a good memory...
Labyrinthia: As though I would ever forget!
[The bandits see the party.]
Bandit El Jackson: Who the hell are you? You plannin' to start somethin'?!
Clarissa: Hmm? It looks like they've forgotten us...
Labyrinthia: What would you like to do? Of course, I've already made up MY mind.
[Clarissa pouts.]
Clarissa: This time let's give 'em the beating they deserve. I don't want them troubling anyone else!
[Tactical Map style...]
Clarissa: A pair of highwaymen, robbing people dry without a second thought.. Chevalet Blanc will not stand for this!
El Jackson: Chevalet Blanc? Fans of the Founding Knights, huh?
Well, you can say what you want. Last I checked, actions still speak louder than words!
C'mon, partner!
Samille: You got it!
[Samille casts a massive Shut Out between the two groups.]
Samille: ...He who masters the battlefield, masters the battle.
This is my home turf! And I'm gonna show you how much I'm in control around here!
El Jackson: See that? Wasn't that just the best? Man, he can do anything!
...
But, y'know, wouldn't it be better to say "our home turd" instead of "my home turf"? I mean, I'm here too, you know.
Samille: ...But you never actually do anything.
[They stare at each other for a moment before turning to the party.]
El Jackson: Eee hee hee hee hee!
=D.E.R.=
Labyrinthia: Let's take a look at the Tactical Map we'll be fighting on.
Labyrinthia: We'll be starting here...
Labyrinthia: And the enemy line looks like this.
Labyrinthia: As you probably noticed, they've "Shut Out" quite a good portion of the battlefield.
Such effective use of support magic suggests considerable skill in battle.
A frontal attack may prove difficult. We'll need to be careful...
Labyrinthia: The Shut Out spell prohibits anyone from entering the HEX on which it is cast. Casting "Dispel" is the only way to neutralize the blockade.
But trying to Dispel every Shut Out Hex on this map would be an extremely taxing strategy to implement.
Labyrinthia: So instead, I'd like to suggest jumping right over those HEXes without entering them.
Having our attacks cross the Shut Out area is one thing, but if we could sen dour units themselves over it...
I think that'd be the easiest way to turn the tables on this battle in a hurry.
El Jackson: You get in the way of our job and it's gonna be two in the bush for you, my friends!
Samille: That was wrong in so many ways... You've got the right attitude, though.
[The battle ends when all enemies have been defeated.]
Bandit El Jackson: Eee hee hee hee hee! We can't lose when it comes to fleeing! Footwork is our strong unit!
Bandit Samille: Aw, man...and she was the perfect target, too. Well, guess we'll just have to make it up on the next one...
[They turn and leave. Labyrinthia puffs out her chest.]
Labyrinthia: --And stay gone!
[Levin sighs.]
Levin: You seemed a lot more passionate about this fight than usual, teach...
[The woman comes up to them, scratching the back of her head sheepishly, but smiling.]
Fleeing Woman: Hey, thanks. You really saved me from those jerks!
Clarissa: --?!
Felius: It can't be...
Fleeing Woman: What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?
Clarissa: No... It...it's not that.
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Um... Are you all right?
Fleeing Woman: Right as rain, thanks to you guys! Really, I'm very grateful.
Fleeing Woman: I suppose I have only myself to blame...
Fleeing Woman: Granted, Elesius is pretty peaceful these days, but I should've known I'd run into monsters and bandits if I strayed too far from town...
Clarissa: Did you come here alone?
Fleeing Woman: Investigating ruins is lonely work, unless you want to hire a Drifter to help you out.
Fleeing Woman: If you're treasure hunting, then people are eager to come along, but this is just for scholarly research.
Clarissa: You're...investigating ruins?
Fleeing Woman: That's right. I left my daughter with a friend in the city, and came here to finish up my research alone.
Felius: Excuse me, but... Could you tell us your name?
Clarissa: --Felius!
Fleeing Woman: Oh, sorry about that. You saved my life, and I haven't even introduced myself!
Fleeing Woman: My name is Melissa. Melissa Arwin. It's a pleasure!
Clarissa: --!
Felius: ...
Clarissa: Uh... I...I'm Clarissa.
[Melissa looks a little surprised.]
Melissa: Really? That's the same name as my daughter! She has the same color eyes and hair as you, too!
Felius: ...
[Melissa smiles.]
Melissa: I'd really like to thank you properly, but I don't have anything on hand...
Melissa: I'm staying in a town called Hanigar. If it's not too much trouble, could you meet me there?
Melissa: I can't offer much, but I really wan to thank you properly.
CLarissa: Oh, you don't owe us anything...
Melissa: No, I insist. It would mean a lot to me!
Melissa: Well, I'm heading back to town now. Don't forget to come get your reward, all right?
[She leaves. A little time passes and Clarissa stares down at the ground.]
Clarissa: ...
Felius: ...
Clarissa: ...
Alexia: What's wrong? You two are acting strange... Did you know that woman from somewhere?
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Yes... That woman, Melissa... That's...my mother.
Alexia: What?!
Clarissa: She died five years ago, from a wound inflicted by Rupert. But that was her, I'm sure of it.
Alexia: But that would mean... Wait... Where are we...?
Felius: We're in an era in which Melissa is still alive. We must've gone back to Filgaia's past...
[The screen fades to black and the player is prompted to save.]
[The act opens to the Lombardia. The screen shakes. Inside the ship...]
Kressen: Look at your weakness and despair, Felius. Never forget how it feels to be abased by true power!
[Kressen charges at Felius, but Yulia steps in front of him and blocks his attack. Kressen is thrown back against the wall and he clutches his chest. Yulia holds Iskender Bey up.]
Kressen: What...? Why are you...? After you rigged the generator and helped to engineer my escape... Why...?!
Yulia: I just...I just wanted it to be like before!
[Yulia drops Iskender Bey to the ground.]
Felius: Yulia! Kill Kressen now!
Yulia: I can't...
Felius: Yulia!
[Yulia screws her eyes shut.]
Yulia: I can't do that! Not to him!
Kressen: Heh heh heh. Hah hah hah hah... HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH!
Felius: What's so damn funny, Kressen!
Kressen: She can't even kill me! I told you...she--
Felius: Shut your mouth, Kressen! You have no right to talk about her!
Lombardia Computer: Generator output failing due to severe damage. Significant difficulty anticipated in reaching Illsveil drive point.
Felius: Get up, Yulia.
Yulia: I don't want this! I want everything to be the way it used to be!
Yulia: Even when things went wrong, we were always still friends... Why can't it be like that again?!
Felius: Yulia!
Yulia: --?!
Felius: We can't return to that past.
[Yulia stares at him for a moment before breaking into tears.]
Yulia: *Sob*...*sob*...
Felius: We have to abandon the Lombardia. We'll use the escape pods.
Yulia: ...All right...
[Yulia walks towards one of the escape pods and Felius watches her as she goes. Kressen comes up to him, still clutching his chest.]
Kressen: If you use the escape pods now, you'll just get caught in the dimensional turbulence.
Kressen: I think you might be overestimating your odds of survival, Felius.
Felius: I will protect Yulia!
[Kressen smirks and slashes at Felius, who still had his back turned to him.]
Felius: Agh...!
Yulia: --Felius!
Kressen: Even when you've staked your life upon it, you can't protect anyone.
Kressen: And the sadder truth is, Yulia doesn't even want your protection.
Felius: ...
Felius: I don't care... I still vow to protect her!
[We see the Lombardia from outside. A yellow light falls from it.]
Lombardia Computer: Escape pod launched.
[The flashback ends when the screen takes a blue hue. We now come to a green grassland. The screen blinks black three times before we see Felius, eyes closed.]
Felius: ...
Felius: ...
Felius: Ur...rrgh...
Felius: Where...are we...?
[Felius opens his eyes to see the others sprawled on the ground. Time passes...]
Ragnar: First things first... We gotta figure out what's going on here. Does anyone know what happened...?
Labyrinthia: My head is dizzy and I'm sore all over...
Levin: We were swallowed up by that bright light, and then... I don't know what...
[Alexia hangs her head.]
Alexia: What about... What about Katrina? What happened to Katrina?!
Labyrinthia: The Rite of Divine Coalescence...
Levin: ...
Alexia: ...
Alexia: What do we do now?
Alexia: I don't know what to do... Somebody, please...tell me what to do now...
Alexia: I have to do something...!
Labyrinthia: ...
Levin: Your Highness...
Alexia: I...
Clarissa: AAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
Felius: Clarissa!
[They turn and run in the direction the scream came from... they find Clarissa standing up from a gigantic puddle of mud.]
Clarissa: How...what... What am I doing in this mud?!
Ragnar: You had us worried sick...
Clarissa: Sorry...
Alexia: ...
Clarissa: ...Alexia?
Alexia: ...
Alexia: ...
[Alexia looks up and smiles.]
Alexia: ...Heh.
Alexia: Hee hee hee... What happened to you?
Clarissa: I, well... You know, the mud and... Wait, what? I'm the only one who landed in it?!
Alexia: Hee hee hee... Ah hah hah hah hah hah! Look at you! You look ridiculous!
Clarissa: It's not my fault! I didn't do anything! I just came to, and I was sitting in mud...
Alexia: Hah hah hah hah hah hah! Oh my... I'm laughing so hard, I'm crying!
Labyrinthia: Your Highness...
Levin: But just a minute ago, you were--
Ragnar: Quiet, Levin. Don't bring that up.
Alexia: Ah hah hah hah... Wow...I can still laugh. And if I can laugh, I guess I can keep going...
Clarissa: Yeah... Right. We'll be just fine.
Alexia: Thank you, Clarissa...
Alexia: Because of you, I know that I can still laugh.
Alexia: Now I can answer everyone's downcast faces with a smile. I couldn't have done that without you.
Clarissa: Uh...you're welcome? I guess...?
Alexia: So why do you still look so glum? You've brought a smile to all of us!
Clarissa: I wish I could share your enthusiasm, but... Plus, this mud...it really stinks. I feel like I'm going to be sick...
[Alexia brings her hand to her chin.]
Alexia: Is mud supposed to smell...?
Levin: Really? Let me get a whiff of that!
[Clarissa pouts.]
Clarissa: No!
[Time passes as Clarissa gets cleaned up.]
Ragnar: Well, at least we know that everyone is safe. But there sure are a lot of things we don't know...
Felius: Like... What happened?
Levin: I think...I think we've been here before. ...Yeah, this is where we came up with the name Chevalet Blanc!
Clarissa: Yeah...you're right. I remember this place!
-West Wind Guidepost-
Labyrinthia: But we were just fighting at the Guardian Temple...
Alexia: ...
Alexia: You're certainly right about that.
Clarissa: ...
Felius: Could the shockwave from that blast have knocked us all the way here...?
Ragnar: If that's what happened, then I guess we should all be grateful we landed in one piece.
Ragnar: But that power... Was that the power of the Guardians?
Labyrinthia: I've never actually seen it used myself, but it's the simplest explanation for a power of that magnitude...
Clarissa: So the Rite of Divine Coalescence was a success?
Alexia: I was told a princess who completes the rite and becomes a princess medium gains the ability to hear the will of the Guardians and channel their power.
Felius: So the manifestation of that power confirms that the ritual was a success...
Labyrinthia: Perhaps not.
Labyrinthia: There is a big different between intentionally using power, and being unable to keep power in check.
Alexia: So if the rushed ritual failed to create an empathic bond between Katrina and the Guardians, that could have just been a discharge of pent-up Guardian power...?
Labyrinthia: I can't imagine that Princess Katrina would intentionally do anything to harm us. Which would seem to suggest that that is exactly what happened...
[Alexia hangs her head.]
Alexia: Katrina...
Alexia: ...
Alexia: ...
Alexia: Let's go. There's no point standing around here. If we don't get moving, nothing is going to happen!
Levin: Princess Alexia...
Alexia: Right, Clarissa?
Clarissa: Absolutely!
[On the world map, the links from Port Atraige all the way to Richala Rose and all the closest story regions are restored. The Guardian Shrine is accessible, but the Deserter's Camp is not. The road from Richala Rose leading in Elensia's direction is cut off and everything else from there is unavailable. Poliasha is marked with a yellow !.]
-Port Atraige-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Belsow: Welcome. We don't have much good in stock, but feel free to look at whatever catches your fancy.
Shopkeeper Belsow (Talk): I served in the army during the way against Glasscap. Elesius routed 'em in battle, but it was strange how joyless I felt hearing that on the battlefield.
All I remember from that time is how much I wanted to go back home...
---
Shopkeeper Belsow's Wife: Huh...? The Martial Guard? And who would that be?
They aren't...villains, are they?
(Synth. Shop)
Baker the Forger: Hey hey, need something synthesized? My daughter's left everything a huge mess, so give me a moment to clean up my workbench.
Baker the Forger (Talk): My lifestyle's changed completely in the last few years, but passing the time idly with my daughter... Well, it's not such a bad thing.
---
Mixing Girl: Hello! I just love to mix stuff!
I mixed up some red medicine with some blue medicine, and then I injected it into a housefly...
And then he got all better! I'm serious!
(Bar)
Bored-Looking Bartender: This port isn't seeing as much traffic as it used to, but...well, I guess you could say we're getting a fair number of customers. The revenue's not bad, either.
Bored-Looking Bartender (Talk): Yawwnnn... Boy, things sure as slow today. How 'bout I tell the story of the Guardians?
...All right. Sit down for a spell, then.
The Guardians are powerful forms of existence. We can't see them directly with out own eyes, but we can sense their presence in other ways.
How? In the phenomena they hold say over. The howling wind, the swaying oceans... These are the true forms of the Guardians.
However, using a princess medium's body as a conduit, the Guardians can also take corporeal form, appearing as powerful, awe-inspiring beasts.
They used to be able to take form more freely, but as Filgaia became a wasteland, people's hearts grew arid, and nature's power over the world was lost.
But there is one exception to this. One beast, the one who governs over Desire, still exists in Filgaia in his original form.
For this beast exists alongside the desires and passions of all people, and even if the world falls into disarray, the desires of man will never fade...
---
Annette the Drifter: This is my first time in Elesius, but it's just so amazingly scenic.
It's a real shock to me, having lived in the wastelands all this time.
Settling down here wouldn't be so bad, maybe.
---
Traveling Scholar Alan: I'm a researcher specializing in ancient civilization. I go around FIlgaia in search of old documents and other research materials.
Oh, you're a fellow student of the past? Wonderful! I so rarely meet others with similar interests. Would you like to hear about my great discovery?
The other day, I was on an academic mission in an eastern country when I found a tattered manuscript in the ruins of a war memorial.
The manuscript was written in a long-lost language, possibly by a woman who lived in ancient times.
I believe it's been several thousand years since it was written. It's heavily damaged, and my deciphering efforts have been fruitless so far.
If I could get this manuscript translated, it'd be a major advance in my history studies. I'll have to give it everything I've got.
(Outskirts)
Soron the Drifter: Sheesh, I came all the way to Elesius, and just look! We're practically in a recession here.
If things keep up like this, I'm ever gonna find any interesting work...
---
Kind Lady: If you're headed for Elensia, proceed north down this road and turn east after the checkpoint.
You'll undergo a body search at Rasalom Keep, but they let most folks through without a fuss.
-Hanigar-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Hooper: Hey, good to see you. I have locally-made weapons and armor on sale right now.
Shopkeeper Hooper (Talk, typoed Shopkeeper Bigelow): I used to have a lot more weapons lined up in the shop window. Oh, well... The government wants fewer weapons around, what can I do...
---
Neatnik: I really need to go see the Guardian Shrine up in the mountains to the northwest... Maybe when I'm free next week.
I haven't cleaned the altar in ages, and I'm sure the Guardians will be angry if I let it go any longer...
(Synth. Shop)
Foreman Phil: Welcome to the Warden's Forge, the largest workshop in Elesius. Would you like something synthesized?
Foreman Phil (Talk): What's up? Why're you looking at me like that? Have we met somewhere before?
---
Workman: We found a new deposit in the mine the other day. It really energized everyone in town.
It'd be great if we can get a lot of quality out of this thing.
---
Workman: I sit in here every day, working on and polishing up new technology. It's not very flashy work, but I'm proud of it all the same.
(Bar)
Innkeeper Langley: Hello and welcome! This place gets packed with miners around dinner, so try to beat the bush if you want to take your time.
Innkeeper Langley (Talk): Our special for today is the "Chef's Choice" stew.
It's an old restaurateur's trick, y'know. This way, no matter what we put out, as long as it looks kinda like stew, the customer won't complain.
---
Ore Miner: We went through a lot of troubles, but the kingdom seems pretty calm nowadays. I look forward to seeing where Elesius goes from here.
---
I heard you could still download classes in this town, so I dropped by.
...So, where's the Access Point?
(The Elder's)
Jeune the Elder: Hello, everyone! I technically retired several years ago, but I am Hanigar's "caretaker" of sorts.
If you run into any problems while you're here, feel free to discuss it with me.
---
Housekeeper: I'm no good with politics or anything like that, but Hrathnir's reforms are something new. It really feels like this kingdom is involving.
There's a pretty sizable group of people who don't see it so kindly, though...
-Richala Rose-
(Shop)
Jacob the Clerk: Welcome...
This woman just can't stop bothering me. The boss always runs away whenever she's around, too. I wish I could kick her out already...
Job the Clerk (Talk): The kingdom's tax rate used to be a lot lower, thanks to all the resources and treasure the army would confiscate from the enemy in our wars.
This lady apparently has a beef with the rise in prices and taxes over the past few years...but it beats war, don't you think?
So I tried telling her that being at peace is the important thing, even if it means a tax hike. She's just glared at me ever since...
---
Testy Woman: Why did you have to rack up all of your prices like this, huh?!
You can go ahead and build your peace or whatever, but why do we common folk have to pay for all of it? Give me a break!
---
Pike the Drifter: Have you ever heard the name "Weisheit"? It's connected to the Elesian royal family, but if you look it up in the history books, it gets pretty weird.
The name first appears in Elesius's history about 700 years ago, when a female engineer named Weisheit made some form of contact with the kingdom.
A century later, when Elesius staged its first invasion, it was a young man named Weisheit who proposed the battle plans to the queen of the time...
If it were only those two examples, you could perhaps explain it away as a mere coincidence.
But the name Weisheit continues to crop up throughout the kingdom's long history.
Inf act, several dozen Weisheits appear and disappear over the centuries...and the records diverge wildly when stating their ages, genders, and appearances.
My guess is that "Weisheit" isn't a name, but some kind of identifier or title. What do you think?
(Synth. Shop)
Martilo II: Welcome! I'm rarin' to go, I am!!
Martilo II (Talk): It'll be all right... As long as I have my work tools, I'll always be ready at a moment's notice.
Hah hah! No fear!!
---
Martilo III: Granddad's a little...off most of the time, but he's still got the touch. Just keep an open mind with him, all right?
(Inn)
Innkeeper Matilda: Oh, a customer! Just one moment! I'll get some tea out for you!
Innkeeper Matilda (Talk): ...What? Do I know about Chevalet Blanc?
Uhh...wasn't that the anem of the golden army led by the first princess medium a thousand years ago...? The Founding Knights, that was it!
I always did pretty well in my history tests, you know.
---
Foreign Agent: ...Wasn't expecting that someone like me could enter the country and just walk around freely like this.
The name Elesius used to strike fear in the hearts of citizens continent-wide...but now I see that the monster has lost its fangs.
(Quarry)
Stonemason: Our job is to cut the stone out of the mountain and polish it up to a nice veneer.
The finished stones get loaded on a boat, and then it goes south down an underground river.
---
Stonemason: This is dangerous work, what with the heavy stones we deal with, so I never forge to pray to the Mountain Guardian every morning for protection.
I usually ask him for a pay raise, too, but I guess that's beyond his jurisdiction...
---
Kron the Drifter: They sometimes run into rare mineral deposits while they're chiseling away at the mountain, and I'm helping 'em out with the extraction.
I oughta be able to make some killer equipment out of this down at the synthesis shop. That makes it all worth it.
-Poliasha-
Felius: I thought the Martial Guard razed most of this town?
Clarissa: It must have taken tremendous effort from the people of Poliasha to rebuild it so quickly! It's so nice to see it in one piece again...
[They start walking around.]
Labyrinthia: Clarissa... Doesn't being back in Poliasha remind you of anything?
[Clarissa turns to her and brings her finger up to her cheek.]
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Remind me of anything...?
Labyrinthia: That's right.
Clarissa: Well, I remember the horrible things the Martial Guard did the first time we came here...
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Was there something else? Oh, do you mean when they asked us to wipe out the Jelly Blobs?
Labyrinthia: ...
Clarissa: What? Why are you looking at me that way?
Labyrinthia: Clarissa... Don't you want to change your clothes?
Clarissa: Huh?!
Labyrinthia: After all, this is where I secured a brand-new outfit for you once upon a time. Isn't that one of your strongest memories of Poliasha?
Clarissa: What?! No! No, not at all! I'd totally forgotten about that!
Labyrinthia: And look--it just so happens that your clothes are stained with much. Not to mention that stench...
Clarissa: W-well... Yeah, the smell is getting to me, and I admit I wouldn't really object to getting some new clothes, but...
Clarissa: I'm not sure I like the way you're looking at me...
Labyrinthia: There's nothing to worry about. Come, come, allow me to assist!
Clarissa: I knew it! What is it with you, anyway?!
Labyrinthia: Oh, come now, Clarissa, you needn't be so--
Clarissa: Yes, I do! Now quit it already! We've got much more important things to worry about!
[Labyrinthia hangs her head.]
Labyrinthia: Hmph. Well if you're going to be such an ingrate about it...
Clarissa: (This obsession with changing my clothes is starting to freak me out...)
[When the player regains control, we're back on the world map. Bandit's Forest is marked with a red !.]
-Poliasha-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Brown: Welcome to my shop!
Shopkeeper Brown (Talk): Well, well. Is this your first time in Poliasha?
Mmm...? What's wrong? You look surprised. Did I hurt your feelings somehow?
If you aren't feeling well, why don't you go down to the ocean and take in the view?
---
Bounty Hunter: I've come to Elesius in pursuit of a bounty... A group called the Tormenta Triad.
They're a bunch of notorious murderers. When someone gives them a contract, they always--and I mean always--carry it out.
If they're hiding out in this kingdom, then someone's life is in danger. I've got to find them before they kill again!
(Synth. Shop)
Damphousse the Forger: ...Huh, a customer...
Damphousse the Forger (Talk): Gimme your money and your ingredients... I'll handle the rest...
---
Phillip: What was that? "Congratulations on rebuilding Poliasha"...?
...
You're a strange one, aren't you? Poliasha's been looking like this for years. What kind of rebuilding are you talking about?
(Inn)
Innkeeper Donovan: Hello there. Welcome to the Blue Oyster Inn.
Innkeeper Donovan (Talk): Haven't seen you around here before. You folks Drifters too? I don't think there's much work for you types around the kingdom these days.
Still, glad to see you here. Take a load off, eh?
---
Ellen: Are you looking for a room? Or would you like a menu?
(Plaza)
McCullum: Mmm? What happened to the Martial Guard?
...
Well, how should I know? I never heard of 'em. Is this some kinda quiz or something...?
---
Weyland: There used to be a sentry for every town and village, but they got axed after the cutbacks in the Royal Knights.
I suppose you could call it a sign of how safe the countryside is, but when I think of the worst-case scenario, I get a little nervous.
[Upon entering the Bandit's Forest, we see a very familiar blonde woman get cornered by a very familiar Elementalist.]
Bandit El Jackson: Eee hee hee hee hee.
[She turns to see a familiar Geomancer come up from the other side.]
Fleeing Woman: What the... There are bandits this way, too?!
Bandit Samille: Did you just call us "bandits.?!
Bandit Samille: She thinks we look like lowly bandits! I gotta tell you, that stings a little.
Bandit Samille: We may not look it, but we're nobleman soldiers! 'Course, with times being what they are, we've gotten pretty good at banditry too.
Fleeing Woman: Then I was right all along!
Fleeing Woman: I'm just researching the ruins here. I don't have anything that would be of interest to bandits!
Bandit El Jackson: The ruins? Research? So in other words...you're looting treasure from inside the ruins!
Bandit El Jackson: What'd you find, huh, what'd you find?! Look at you, running around with some priceless treasure all by yourself, like a squid with an ear o'corn in its mouth!
Bandit Samille: I think the expression is "squirrel with an acorn"...
Bandit El Jackson: Hey, "squid with an ear o'corn" works too!
Bandit Samille: Right, whatever. Either way you got something good, right? So hand over what you got.
Fleeing Woman: Don't lump me in with you bandits! My research has nothing to do with treasure!
[Ragnar and Levin look on from a short distance.]
Ragnar: Looks like that damsel has run into a bit of trouble. Clearly, we must intervene.
Levin: You sure look happy about it. You planning to chat her up after we save her?
[Clarissa and Labyrinthia come up to see.]
Clarissa: Those men... Have we met them somewhere before?
Labyrinthia: They're those bandits we trounced a while back. The ones who called me "long in the tooth".
Clarissa: Wow, you sure have a good memory...
Labyrinthia: As though I would ever forget!
[The bandits see the party.]
Bandit El Jackson: Who the hell are you? You plannin' to start somethin'?!
Clarissa: Hmm? It looks like they've forgotten us...
Labyrinthia: What would you like to do? Of course, I've already made up MY mind.
[Clarissa pouts.]
Clarissa: This time let's give 'em the beating they deserve. I don't want them troubling anyone else!
[Tactical Map style...]
Clarissa: A pair of highwaymen, robbing people dry without a second thought.. Chevalet Blanc will not stand for this!
El Jackson: Chevalet Blanc? Fans of the Founding Knights, huh?
Well, you can say what you want. Last I checked, actions still speak louder than words!
C'mon, partner!
Samille: You got it!
[Samille casts a massive Shut Out between the two groups.]
Samille: ...He who masters the battlefield, masters the battle.
This is my home turf! And I'm gonna show you how much I'm in control around here!
El Jackson: See that? Wasn't that just the best? Man, he can do anything!
...
But, y'know, wouldn't it be better to say "our home turd" instead of "my home turf"? I mean, I'm here too, you know.
Samille: ...But you never actually do anything.
[They stare at each other for a moment before turning to the party.]
El Jackson: Eee hee hee hee hee!
=D.E.R.=
Labyrinthia: Let's take a look at the Tactical Map we'll be fighting on.
Labyrinthia: We'll be starting here...
Labyrinthia: And the enemy line looks like this.
Labyrinthia: As you probably noticed, they've "Shut Out" quite a good portion of the battlefield.
Such effective use of support magic suggests considerable skill in battle.
A frontal attack may prove difficult. We'll need to be careful...
Labyrinthia: The Shut Out spell prohibits anyone from entering the HEX on which it is cast. Casting "Dispel" is the only way to neutralize the blockade.
But trying to Dispel every Shut Out Hex on this map would be an extremely taxing strategy to implement.
Labyrinthia: So instead, I'd like to suggest jumping right over those HEXes without entering them.
Having our attacks cross the Shut Out area is one thing, but if we could sen dour units themselves over it...
I think that'd be the easiest way to turn the tables on this battle in a hurry.
El Jackson: You get in the way of our job and it's gonna be two in the bush for you, my friends!
Samille: That was wrong in so many ways... You've got the right attitude, though.
[The battle ends when all enemies have been defeated.]
Bandit El Jackson: Eee hee hee hee hee! We can't lose when it comes to fleeing! Footwork is our strong unit!
Bandit Samille: Aw, man...and she was the perfect target, too. Well, guess we'll just have to make it up on the next one...
[They turn and leave. Labyrinthia puffs out her chest.]
Labyrinthia: --And stay gone!
[Levin sighs.]
Levin: You seemed a lot more passionate about this fight than usual, teach...
[The woman comes up to them, scratching the back of her head sheepishly, but smiling.]
Fleeing Woman: Hey, thanks. You really saved me from those jerks!
Clarissa: --?!
Felius: It can't be...
Fleeing Woman: What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?
Clarissa: No... It...it's not that.
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Um... Are you all right?
Fleeing Woman: Right as rain, thanks to you guys! Really, I'm very grateful.
Fleeing Woman: I suppose I have only myself to blame...
Fleeing Woman: Granted, Elesius is pretty peaceful these days, but I should've known I'd run into monsters and bandits if I strayed too far from town...
Clarissa: Did you come here alone?
Fleeing Woman: Investigating ruins is lonely work, unless you want to hire a Drifter to help you out.
Fleeing Woman: If you're treasure hunting, then people are eager to come along, but this is just for scholarly research.
Clarissa: You're...investigating ruins?
Fleeing Woman: That's right. I left my daughter with a friend in the city, and came here to finish up my research alone.
Felius: Excuse me, but... Could you tell us your name?
Clarissa: --Felius!
Fleeing Woman: Oh, sorry about that. You saved my life, and I haven't even introduced myself!
Fleeing Woman: My name is Melissa. Melissa Arwin. It's a pleasure!
Clarissa: --!
Felius: ...
Clarissa: Uh... I...I'm Clarissa.
[Melissa looks a little surprised.]
Melissa: Really? That's the same name as my daughter! She has the same color eyes and hair as you, too!
Felius: ...
[Melissa smiles.]
Melissa: I'd really like to thank you properly, but I don't have anything on hand...
Melissa: I'm staying in a town called Hanigar. If it's not too much trouble, could you meet me there?
Melissa: I can't offer much, but I really wan to thank you properly.
CLarissa: Oh, you don't owe us anything...
Melissa: No, I insist. It would mean a lot to me!
Melissa: Well, I'm heading back to town now. Don't forget to come get your reward, all right?
[She leaves. A little time passes and Clarissa stares down at the ground.]
Clarissa: ...
Felius: ...
Clarissa: ...
Alexia: What's wrong? You two are acting strange... Did you know that woman from somewhere?
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Yes... That woman, Melissa... That's...my mother.
Alexia: What?!
Clarissa: She died five years ago, from a wound inflicted by Rupert. But that was her, I'm sure of it.
Alexia: But that would mean... Wait... Where are we...?
Felius: We're in an era in which Melissa is still alive. We must've gone back to Filgaia's past...
[The screen fades to black and the player is prompted to save.]