Wild Arms 3 Game Script and Semi-Important (Non-)Dialogue Recordings
Transcribed by: Patrick Summers (Shotgunnova)
From the Dates: 10/20/05 -to- 11/10/05
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Table of Contents and Main Index
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[Train Tracking: The Character Prologues]-----[TTTC]
-Boy Who Broke In...............................................[PRL1]
-A Drifter Guardsman............................................[PRL2]
-Girl in First Class............................................[PRL3]
-A Suspicious Intruder..........................................[PRL4]
[Chapter One: Learning the Ropes and Breaking Them, Too]-----[LRBT]
-Yet Another Break-in: Train Robbery to Fallen Sanctuary........[YAB0]
-Downtown in Sand Land: Baskar Colony to Jolly Roger............[BCJR]
-In Cahoots: Jolly Roger to Ruins of Memory.....................[JRRM]
-Carving the Countryside: Jolly Roger to Claiborne..............[JRTC]
-All In A Row: The Secret Garden and the Decaying Labyrinth.....[SGDL]
-Snakes and Stairways: Serpent's Coils to Ka Dingel.............[SCKD]
[Chapter Two: The Right Ammunition]-----[TRMM]
-Landmass Division: Claiborne to Little Twister.................[CTLT]
-Little Miss Disaster: Little Twister to the Unclean Mark.......[LTUM]
-Wiping Smiles Off Faces: Little Twister to Lunatic Garden......[LTLG]
-Tunnel Vision: Little Twister to Sand Canal....................[LTSC]
-Shiny, Unhappy People: Little Rock to Glimmering Emblem........[LRGE]
-Hard Failures: Leyline Observatory and Doomed to Obscurity.....[LYDO]
-Knowledge in the Plains: Humphrey's Peak to Dune Canyon........[HPDC]
-Just My Luck: Fortune Gear and Diobarg.........................[FRGD]
-Rock of Ages: Humphrey's Peak to Gemstone Cave.................[HPGC]
-Memories Rekindle: Humphrey's Peak to Faraway Lands............[HPFL]
-Fireworks: Ark of Destiny to Survey Point #17..................[ADSP]
-The Last Guardian: Boot Hill to Baskar Colony..................[BHBC]
-The Last Guardian, Part II: Infinitum to Nighogg Passes........[INNP]
-Kingdom Come: Yggdrasil........................................[YGDR]
[Chapter Three: Shine On You Crazy Diamond]-----[SYCD]
-Wrecking Crew: Boot Hill to Iron Dragon's Nest.................[BHIN]
-Giant Steps: Ark of Destiny to the World's Footprint...........[ADWF]
-Dreamscapes: Ruins of Dreams to Fila del Fia...................[RDFF]
-Aptly Named: Caging Tower to Laxisland.........................[CTLX]
-Into the Ether: Laxisland to Dragon's Lair.....................[LDRL]
-Tale of Two Cities: Ballack Rise and Gunner's Heaven...........[BRGH]
-Pins and Needles: Dissection Facility to Ruins of Memory.......[DFRM]
-Roadblocks: Cradle of the Metal Gods and Dim Root Path.........[CDRP]
-The Mod Quad: Finding the Guardians............................[MQFG]
-Cradle Robbers: Dim Root Path to Cradle of the Metal Gods......[DCMG]
-Highrise: Deus Ex Machina......................................[HDEM]
[Chapter Four: Bridges to the Horizon]-----[BTTH]
-Hang Fire: Baskar Colony to the Sacrificial Altar..............[BCSA]
-A Creation's Mind: Baskar Colony to Demondor Pillar............[BCDP]
-Close to Home: Humphrey's Peak to Demondor Pillar-Rear.........[HPDP]
-Well Wishes: Boot Hill to Mimir's Well.........................[BHMW]
-The Upstart: Baskar Colony to the Nightmare Castle.............[BCNC]
-Lucked Out: The Disasters......................................[LUTD]
-Where Is My Mind?: Beatrice Battle and World NPC Reaction......[BBWR]
-Untouchables: Ark of Destiny to Little Twister.................[ADLT]
[Fleshing Out the Wasteland: Essential Unessentials]-----[FWEU]
-NPC Listing....................................................[PCL0]
-Book Guide.....................................................[BKG1]
-Character Observations.........................................[CHB2]
-Millennium Puzzle Hints........................................[MPH4]
-Much Obliged To:...............................................[MOBT]
-Things You Can Help Me With / Things I will Update.............[TIWU]
-Sites That Can Host This.......................................[STCH]
-Update History.................................................[UPHI]
[Author's Notation Explanations and Clarifications]
1) Didactic Points
In the game, these points come up as white lettering and are usually
accompanied by an asterisk. This gives descriptions on how you are
supposed to go about a task and often appear only when you get a new
tool or encounter a new task. Sometimes I classify narrative that is
meant to be a guide of some sort under this category.
2) Narrative
Besides the obvious didactic points (I quoted myself!), anything that
is not said by a character falls under this category. At some times,
it may seem odd, and I apologize in advance--some things like semi-
relevant thoughts, unknown speakers, and other vague references that
just show up on the screen are hard to organize, and I'm forced to
just lay it all down into one category. If you've played through the
game before, it won't be hard to understand the points I'm touching
on.
3) Non-obligatory Speech (NOS)
Ninety-nine percent of the time, this will only refer to what the NPCs
say when you talk to them at any given time. Being non-obligatory, a
person who just wants to know the essentials can skip over the
sections I set aside for this. If you're wondering why it's included,
it's because Wild ARMs 3 is a game rich in personality and speech, and
since someone voiced that it would be good to hear what the NPCs say
at certain times, I thought it fit in well with my definition of a
script. At points, the non-obligatory dialogue can get really long,
and I apologize for this. 'Tis a good thing it's not essential, right?
4) R1, RR1, Etcetera, Notation
Though this doesn't arise at many points, it's inevitable: some people
just won't shut up when you talk to them, and this can lead to tons of
replies you can get. The R1/RR1 method I created off the top of my
head is just a way to keep track of the networking so it's not as
convoluted as it can be (and it still will be; just not as much =X).
Hopefully this is a good demonstration of some clarity in an otherwise
odd situation to detail.
The actual notation goes like this:
Step 1: Bill says something to Jack, the Example NPC
Step 2: Jack says something back.
Step 3: Bill has two options on how to reply.
Step 4: Bill picks one of those options (First option = R1, etc.)
Step 5: Jack's says a reply to Bill's reply (Reply to Reply X = RRX)
And so on and so forth...
Also, if you see a lack of spacing during some of these parts, that's
done on purpose to be a little easier on the eyes.
5) Keywording
On occasion, when you talk to someone, a word in green will pop out at
you and you can inquire more on the word. When this happens, I will
put the keyword that can be inquired about in the "<" and ">" marks
and make that the "speaker" on a new line. In the game this is called
the ASK system, but you don't need to actively remember that.
6) Speech Patterns
Normal dialogue has nothing on it, while anything in parentheses is
either a whisper or some sort (inwardly, too) or a thought that no
one else can here.
Sometimes, a different party leader will arouse different reactions
from different people, and this is accounted for by putting the first
initial of each character's default name after the "special" dialogue
is opened. For instance (with Joe as my made-up NPC):
When Virginia talks to Joe, he says: "Hello, Virginia."
When Jet talks to Joe, he'll say: "What's crackin', buddy?"
This notation would look like "Joe (V):" or "Joe (J):" depending on
which speaker sets off the normal dialogue. If there is no notation
after a person speaking, that's because his/her dialogue doesn't
change for any party members.
7) Parenthetical Dialogue
In most scenes this denotes inward thinking, and is something that is
just for the player to "see". In other cases, it's also conveys the
party whispering to one another, and hopefully by the context of what
is being said, it won't be hard to tell the difference. Both whispers
and thoughts are categorized in the same fashion, so hopefully it
won't be that hard to go through (and shouldn't, really).
8) Character Observations
This is filed at the end, so you don't need to really pay attention to
it in the actual script. Good thing, huh? It's really unimportant for
the most part, so I thought it would be a good idea to try to filter
something out into another section without having four or five
different things cluttering up the actual mandatory reading.
As for the observations themselves, they only appear once and each
party member can say different things as a result. An early example of
this is when Virginia looks in a mirror in Gob's Hideout and thinks
she sees something lurking in the doorway.
Again, these little tidbits are just to flesh out the intensity and
culture a little better, so don't feel that these need to be read. As
a matter of fact, I'm including them for the hardcore players, mostly,
because it doesn't make sense to leave them out when I'm doing NPC
speech, right? Yep, that's what I thought. ;p
9) NPC Listing
Self-explanitory, really: it's just a big ol' documentation of the
game's NPCs, where they've made appearances, what they look like, and,
on occasion, where they move to and when.
10) Book Listing
Though there is already a Book FAQ that includes most of the books in
the game, I feel it would be a black eye on this guide if I were to
leave them out just because they're already somewhere else. This is
an anthology of the game's text, and the books are included, like it
or not. Sorry, Odin. =/
Information on the books includes where they are, how early they can
be read (denoted in actual script, most of the time), if they need a
Duplicator to be accessed, and what they say, of course.
11) NPC Lists
Just a list of who's there, who comes and who goes, and just the
general traffic the towns/places get during the course of the game.
Just a reference in the most basic sense, I guess. It's not fun having
to Ctrl+F all the time to find out who's where.
12) Millennial Puzzle Hints
Not really overt, the hints are on the back of the plaques that tell
the star level, the number out of twenty, and all of that. This is
simply a listing of what they say, in order. Most guides don't have
this, so I thought it'd be another thing to add in.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Train Tracking: The Prologues |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ TTTC /
\_______/
Narrative: It was a dark and stormy night...
[A train barrels through the desert under a blanket of darkness. As
the windows flash by, the player can see a girl in a dress look out,
yawning as she reads her book. Suddenly, the train jerks to a halt,
launching her out of her seat.]
Train Speaker: Attention all passengers: we are currently
decelerating from our normal speed. Please remain
seated for your safety.
[The girl peeks out of her cabin doors to see what all the commotion
is about. An attendant runs through the walkway towards another
attendant and begins talking in whispers, finally pointing wildy at
the door whence he came. Seeing this as an opportunity to
investigate, the girl sprints down the hall...right into a well-
-dressed attendant named Tony.]
Young Girl: O-Ouch...!
Tony: I'm terribly sorry. Are you all right? I was in a rush,
and...
Young Girl: Can you tell me what's going on?
Tony: I'm not sure. I'm making the rounds to see what I can
find out. Until then, please return to your cabin and remain
seated.
[The girl starts walking back into her cabin, but bolts past Tony
at the last second.]
Tony: Hey, you can't go in there! That's the car with the classified
cargo!
Young Girl: Thanks for the tip!
[Despite the warnings, the girl runs out of the hallway onto the
connection platform. There she sees the locked entrance to the cargo
car unchained, the locks laying broken on the metal floor. A
worried Tony comes out to meet her.]
Tony: Miss, please...this car is off limits.
Young Girl: That's because there's something important in there,
right?
Tony: That is correct. And that is precisely the reason why the car is
off limits to all passengers.
Young Girl: Then...if something were to happen, there's a good
possibility it might happen in there, right? I mean,
look...
[Tony sees the off-limits area has been broken into.]
Tony: No...This can't be happening...That's impossible...
[He produces a silver key from inside his uniform.]
Tony: The fact of the matter is, I have the only key to the car in my
hands, see?
Young Girl: Well, if it's true that you have the key, then it's also
true that the door is already open. I say we take a look
inside. We might find more behind the truth than we
already know...
[The two enter the once-locked car and take a look-see. Nothing seems
to have been stolen at first glance.]
Tony: Thank goodness...Everything seems to be in order. But let me
check the crate, just in case...
Young Girl: All the windows are boarded up. You sure are taking
precautions. What exactly is in there, anyway?
[Tony opens the crate and a radiant, bubbly light rises upward.]
Young Girl: Wow...What are all these lights?
[Tony doesn't have a chance to respond for at that very moment, a
white-haired boy and a man with a large shotgun both jump from their
hiding places. A man with a large sniper rifle also runs in, and it
becomes obvious that they aren't in partnership by the way they point
their guns at one another. At this point, the player can select which
of the four prologues s/he wants to begin with.]
PERSON PROLOGUE NAME DIFFICULTY
White-haired Boy Boy Who Broke In 2 out of 3
Man with a Rifle A Drifter Guardsman 3 out of 3
The Young Girl Girl in First Class 1 out of 3
Man with Shotgun A Suspicious Intruder 2 out of 3
It doesn't matter which is chosen first, but I'll go from left to
right, making the white-haired boy go first. Upon choosing, the player
can set his name. The default is "Jet," and that's what will be used
all through the script.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Jet's Prologue: Boy Who Broke In |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ PRL1 /
\_______/
Narrative: One week before the fateful encounter...
[Out in the middle of the desert, Jet walks towards an old ruin. A
few remnants of the once-grand structure lay scattered on the path
to the main entrance, and while the ruin is still standing, it looks
like it could easily fall apart if the wind was blowing the right
way.]
Narrative: Jet Enduro---a Drifter who makes a living as a treasure
hunter. But that's not all...He is an outlaw willing to
face danger, and won't hestitate to stoop low in order to
earn his daily bread. Living for the moment, what is it he
truly seeks? Could the answer be found within these ruins?
[Jet tries the main entrance but it doesn't budge.]
Jet: That figures; it's locked...Might as well search the area.
[DIDACTIC POINT: When facing a ledge while holding down the
directional button or left analog tick, you may find yourself
tottering. Press the (X) button to jump off the ledge. You can also
just run right off a ledge without even having to press the (X)
button.]
[As he climbs the ruins' stairs, he finally comes to the top entrance.
It's boarded up with driftwood, of all things.]
Jet: You call this a barricade? A kid could break through this.
[DIDACTIC POINT: Tool:Boomerang
Press the [] button to fling the boomerang. It can
be used to activate switches from afar.]
[Jet knocks the driftwood loose with his boomerang and goes down the
stairs. Inside, a treasure chest sits in plain sight; but when Jet
walks towards it, the old stone floor gives way and he falls into the
room below. At the same time outside, a green-haired teenager peeks
around the ruins corner to see if anyone is watching. Content that no
one is, he runs to the front entrance and unlocks it. He goes inside,
leaving the front door open.]
[After jet tries to leave the first room in the ruin:]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Sometimes an exclamation point will suddenly appear
over your head. This indicates that an enemy is approaching. Quickly
press the (O) button to avoid the encounter with the enemy. Whenever
you avoid an encounter, the difference between your Migrant Level and
that of the enemy is subtracted from your ECN gauge. Should your
Migrant Level exceed that of the enemy, you can avoid the encounter
without affecting your ECN gauge. Also, your ECN gauge will regain one
point after winning a battle. You can always engage in a battle by
quickly pressing the (O) button twice or simply waiting for it to
begin.]
[Jet quickly navigates through the traps in the ruin, finally coming
into a larger room. Unfortunately for him, three grown-ups are also
standing around.]
Jet: (Who the...? Agh, just ignore 'em. I've got bigger fish to fry.)
[Another adult runs in from the entrance (which is where Jet now is)
and shakes his head at one of the other adults.]
Goodwin: I couldn't find him back there. The only place left is this
ruin.
Kovahn: The lock to the entrance was already picked by the time we got
here. Looks like Pike got here one step ahead of us.
Jet: (Sounds like the person who picked the lock is causing quite a
scene. Heh, it's got nothin' to do with me, though. Better move
on before this nonsense gets outta hand.)
[Jet tries to walk away, but Kovahn calls out to him.]
Kovahn: Young man...Might you be a Drifter?
Jet: (Gimme a break...)
Kovahn: One of your youngsters has wandered into these ruins. Would it
be too much to ask you to go find him? This place is full of
traps and monsters, and none of us can go any further.
Jet: I'm looking for the [Crystal Flower]. That's all--I'm not
interested in any manhunt.
Goodwin: The Crystal Flower!? But that thing's...
Kovahn: We'll offer a reward. I'm not sure if the amount will be worth
your while, but...
Jet: How much...?
Kovahn: Two hundred...
Jet: That amount isn't even worth my time to negotiate. Sorry, but
find yourself a good Samaritan.
Kovahn: But...!
[Dungeon NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
-Goodwin - balding man with red hair and suspenders
-Kovahn - grumpy-looking man with a earth-colored sweater vest
-Annette - bookish-looking woman with glasses and a yellow hairbow
-Gaspar - Really old guy whose named after the Chrono Trigger guru?
Goodwin: That youngster Pike...He's leaving the village pretty soon,
so that he can work and send money to us. I can't just stand
here knowing that he might die! Can't you think it over?
Goodwin (2): The monsters began appearing in this ruin, oh, about ten
years ago. Wait, was it ten years? I think it was...Well
anyway, back then, children used this place as a
playground. I wonder why Pike would want to return here
after all these years...
Kovahn: I'm well aware that Drifters make a living undertaking
dangerous tasks. However, under the circumstances, we are
unable to prepare a substantial reward. Please understand and
reconsider...
Kovahn (2): Do Drifters even have a heart? You can't fly with
sympathy alone? What do you propose we should do!? Stand
here and scratch our heads while our fellow villager
dies!?
Annette: Many drifters have explored this ruin but nevertheless, it's
still dangerous. Many traps and monsters infest the area.
Danger might not mean much to you, but for us common folks,
there's no way we can go any further.
Annette (2): What's even scarier is the fragile state this entire
structure's in. It could collapse at any moment. What
would happen to Pike should this ruin suddenly start to
crumble? And not only Pike...Debris will fall on you,
too.
Gaspar: This ruin has been plundered by many Drifters over the years.
You won't find any rare treasure here. But the yong lad who is
lost is our treasure. In other words, he's the only treasure
left in this ruin. Sir, as a Drifter...Won't you please make
it your goal to find the last trasure?
Gaspar (2): Most of the monsters that dwell in this ruin aren't very
strong. Anyone with combat experience should defeat them
quite easily. However, be wary of the giant monster that
preys on the smaller ones. This monster is capable of
regenerating if damaged. An average Drifter is no match
for it. I can't stop you from going about your own
business, but...I want you to know, that you are our only
hope of finding Pike. We will do anything we can to help.
[Jet continues on further into the ruins. In one, a large woven-mesh
"net" hangs out of the wall.]
Jet: Those nets should be strong enough to support me.
[DIDACTIC POINT: Press the (X) button while underneath the net to grab
on. Once there, press the directional button or left analog stick to
move in the desired direction. To hoist yourself up, press the (X)
button by the edge of the net.]
[Jet walks around on the floor underneath the nexts and narrowly
avoids walking on spikes.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Traps and status ailments such as poison can hurt
you even outside of combat. Damage inflicted from poison or traps
cannot lower your HP to zero, so you need not fear death when
walking around. Be careful, however, since starting a battle with
low HP can be hazardous to your health.]
[Jet goes into the next room and a lance thrusts up from the floor.]
Jet: Ugh! What the...? What's with the spears, huh!?
[Jet continues on and sees orange crystals laying on the ground.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: By obtaining dimly-glowing life shards known as
[gems], you can replenish depleted gauges. Orange gems replenish the
vitality gauge, VIT. Whit gems replenish the ECN gauge, which governs
how many encounters you can avoid. Each gem affects the gauges of all
party members.]
[Even farther into the dungeon, Jet finds a Gimel Coin in a treasure
chest.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Gimel Coins let you save the game anywhere you
please. They also allow you to start a battle over from the beginning
if you're ever defeated. Gimel Coins are hard to come by, but are very
handy for managing your playing time effectively. The ideal time to
use a Gimel Coin is when you find one in a treasure chest.]
[In the next room, Jet finds the green-haired boy (Pike) everyone was
worried about. He's digging around and looking for something.]
Pike: You scared me...I thought you were a monster.
Jet: Nah, I ain't here to hurt you, either. I have other plans,
although I'm not so sure my source is reliable.
Pike: Wait, are you a Drifter? Were you hired to find me and take me
back? Then you're here a little too early, you know...
Jet: So you're the one everyone's makin' a fuss about. Don't worry. I
have no intention at all to take you back against your will. I'm
just here for the treasure.
[Jet starts looking around the stray crates.]
Pike: Umm...Excuse me...
[Jet doesn't hear him.]
Pike: Hey, hello!?
Jet: I thought I already told you I'm just here for the treasure.
Pike: Is it the Crystal Flower you're looking for?
Jet: Why? You know something?
Pike: Yeah, that thing's pretty famous. Everyone from these parts
knows about it.
Jet: So, where is it!? Tell me everything you know!
Pike: Well...Uhh...I have no idea where it is now, but...
Jet: Where is it now!? What do you mean by that?
Pike: Well, like I said, the legend of the Crystal Flower's really
famous. I think it was just the other day...that a Drifter girl
came here and took it.
Jet: Damn...Someone beat me to it. Or maybe I was just duped by my
informant...
Pike: That's too bad. I hear there's nothing worthwhile left in these
ruins. And everyone says this ruin is unstable. So if there
isn't anything here for you, it's best that you leave now.
Jet: Then let me ask you...What are you doing here if you know how
dangerous this place is?
Pike: I'm here looking for treasure--just like you. But this is a
treasure that only I know about.
[Pike starts knocking on the floor, listening for a hollow tile. He
takes out a pickaxe and starts to pry it up when Jet hears something
approaching.]
Jet: Yo, I think something's coming.
Pike: Yeah, I think I got something, too!
Jet: This isn't the time! Either you help me out, or run away! Now,
which is it?
Pike: Sorry, neither...I've come here for my treasure and I'm not
leaving without it. I won't be able to survive in a faraway
place if I don't take this with me! It's a sentimental treasure
that reminds me of this land--where I grew up!
Jet: ...You can get as sentimental as you want, but that's none of my
concern. I don't think this sucker cares for it much either.
[A Tatzelwurm monster drops from the ceiling towards Jet and they
duke it out. Jet fires his machine gun at the monster, but it heals
itself before it sustains too much damage.]
Jet: It regenerated!? ...Fine...This time, I'm gonna make you eat
bullets before you get the chance to heal!
[DIDACTIC POINT: Jet can use the force ability [Accelerator] by
expending 25 FP. Accelerator raises your metabolism temporarily,
allowing you to act first.
[Jet uses Accelerator and blows the Tatzelwurm away.]
[NPC Non-obligatory Speech]
Pike: Thank to you, I was able to find my treasure. But it looks like
you've ended up empty-handed.
Pike (2): I doubt there'll be any more monster of that size, but we'd
better get out of here fast. You might not have found what
you're looking for, but the longer we stay here, the higher
the chances of us getting buried alive.
[Seeing as there is no treasure to be found, Jet starts walking back
up the stairs. However, the ruin shakes and he stops himself.]
Jet: Huh!?
[The ceiling collapses over the stars and Jet falls near the crates,
which are now broken by the instability of the ruins.]
Jet: Dammit! All this trouble, and yet I'm gettin' nothing out of it!
Pike: Hey, are you all right? That last battle must have shaken things
up a bit.
Jet: By the way...About that treasure you dug up...
Pike: Oh, here. It probably doesn't compare to what you usually
charge.
[Pike shows him the treasure, which includes a baseball, a slingshot,
and some other things with no high retail value.]
Jet: It's all junk! This ain't something you'd risk your life over!
Pike: You don't have to get so mad...I said it wasn't worth much.
These are all toys from my childhood. They're my fond memories
of growing up here. We used to play in this ruin before it was
infested by monsters. As a child, I thought every moment would
last forever. But as time went by, I grew up, and now I'm an
adult. I only have a week left before I go away to a faraway
land to work. That means I only have one week left of my
childhood. To tell you the truth...I'm scared to death. Would I
be able to adapt to an unknown place? Moreover, would I be able
to stay true to who I am? I'm scared I won't be myself anymore.
That's why I want to take with me the memories of who I am now,
so I won't forget.
Jet: That's something I'll never understand...I don't have any
memories I want to hold onto. That's why I'm a Drifter. I'm free
as a bird to fly wherever I want. I have no worries. Maybe except
my income.
Pike: I can't pay you or offer any treasure, but I can help you get
out of here.
Jet: You know this ruin well?
[Pike goes over to the wall and quickly makes a section slide back for
them to walk through.]
Pike: I told you I used to play here. It's a bit dangerous, but we can
make it out of here through this door. Hurry. We don't have much
time.
[Using the new passageway, Pike and Jet head upwards. After taking a
few ladders, the ruin shakes again.]
Pike: Good...Sounds like it settled down. It wouldn't do me any good
if I died here, even if I did find my memories.
Jet: (Just like this ruin, don't memories eventually crumble and fade
away...? Why's he so passionate about it?)
Pike: But we have no time to waste. Come on, let's hurry. My ticket
will be useless if I miss the train.
Jet: You're taking a train? I didn't know there was a station around
here.
Pike: There isn't. The closest station from here would probably take
me about five days on foot. And it'll take me about another day
by train to reach my destination. Even though I have a week left
before I start work, today's the only day I have to pack
everything. That's why I don't have time.
Jet: Why don't you just leave later?
Pike: Speaking of trains...there's supposedly one transporting a great
treasure. Because of that, there's a strict screening of all
passengers for every single train. I was really lucky to get a
ticket under these circumstances. All thanks to the villagers.
Jet: Well...We gotta get out of here first.
Pike: Yeah, that's right.
[Pike goes to another large door and picks it.]
Pike: Phew...all right! I don't know what I would've done if the
device was broken. Looks like we'll make it out okay. This door
leads to the main hall. We're almost there.
Jet: Good...By the way, can you tell me more about the train in
detail--the one transporting the treasure?
Pike: Sure...But why? I doubt you'll be able to get a ticket.
Jet: Let's just say it will be my reward for saving you. Don't worry
about the ticket. I'll think of something.
Pike: Okay, deal. I'll tell you more once we make it out. But
seriously, thanks a lot. I never imagined I'd be able to
experience something so exciting on my last day here. This is a
memory we'll share forever.
Thought (Jet): Memory...What, this...?
[Jet and Pike walk through the door into the main hall. The glum adults
are all huddled in a circle, but that changes when their "treasure"
comes into sight. Kovahn walks over and pats Pike on the shoulder, not
seeming to be angry in the least.]
Narrative: Afterwards, Jet looked into the train Pike talked about. He
managed to onboard and waited for an opportunity to
infiltrate. A sudden impact and the chaos that ensued gave
him the perfect chance to break in. With the treasure in
plain sight, this was where heh would encounter three
strangers. Were they friend...or foe? The darkness that
opened up before him seemed endless, as if obscured by the
world's future. The train Jet had boarded was still making
its way through the long, endless tunnel.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Clive's Prologue: A Drifter Guardsman |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ PRL2 /
\_______/
Default name is Clive, so that's what I'll be usin'. Great name for a
sniper to have, if you ask me. Anyway:
Narrative: Nine days before the fateful encounter...
[The scene opens with a vast blue sky and the camera starts rolling
down the mountainside, capturing some of nature's bigger creations.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Narrative: Clive Winslet, age thirty. He is about to embark on a
mission considered the most deadly of all Drifter
trades--eradicating a monster. Thes drifters are accustomed
to risking their lives to face danger. They do it for the
reward and to satisfy their spirit. One cannot deny that in
the eyes of many, these Drifters are just ruffians driven
by greed. Could this man be nothing more than a ruffian as
well...? Or perhaps...
[Clive and his guide enter the cave they'd walked to.]
Clive: This is an assignment I alone have accepted. I shall take it
from here.
Borgnine: Listen, Clive...I know you have quite a reputation as a
Drifter, but this is your first time in these caverns. I'm
sure you'll need me as your guide. And you've heard of the
buddy system, right? They always say two heads are better
than one. I can help you.
Clive: Yes, I appreciate your concern. But my mission is to
exterminate the keeper of these caverns and to protect the
residents of the village. I believe that was the deal.
Borgnine: Uhhh...Yes, but...What does that have to do with me?
Clive: In other words, you are one of the residents I must protect.
And as you mentioned, this is indeed my first time venturing
into these caverns. As a result, I would nto be able to ensure
your safety if you accompany me. Please, there is no need to
worry. I shall cdmplete my assignment, and return prompty to
accept my bounty.
Borgnine (to self): He seems confident enough, but going in there all
alone...? Doesn't he realize this cavern is
called...
[The words "Den of Miasma" appear on the screen, identifying the
location.]
Borgnine (NOS): Clive...I can't let you go in there without at least
doing what I can. This Heal Berry has the ability to
restore HP. It's quite precious, but you're the one
who needs it now.
Borgnine (2)(NOS): I'm sorry, but that's all the Heal Berries I have.
Put them to good use.
[Clive continues on and encounters gelatinous goo on the floor,
expelling plumes of gas. He missteps and gets hit.]
Clive: Ugh...I must exterminate these in order to advance.
[Clive continues on until he gets into a larger cavern.]
Clive: This miasma...I can sense the keeper...It's not too far now to
the throne where the keeper awaits.
[Clive walks a few steps forward when the ledge path he was just on
collapes into the depths below.]
Clive: Hm!? So my retreat has been blocked off...I take it guests are
not very welcome here. I must confront the keeper and inquire
about the way out.
[A little ways down, the keeper--a four-winged monster--appears from
a hole in the wall, quickly initiating ttlebawith the intruding man.]
Clive: It looks much bigger and more agile than I expected...And it
assumes such a cautious stance...I mustn't let this one
escape. I won't get another chance if I let it fly off. As long
as I have accepted this assignment, I will carry it out with
grace. I shall get rid of you at once!
[Clives fights for awhile, noting that hisbullets aren't hiting their
mark.]
Clive: With your evasive maneuvers...It may be easy for you to evade
my shots...But I will not just stand here and allow that to
happen!
[DIDACTIC POINT: Clive can use the Force Ability [Lock On] by
expending 25 FP. It maximizes your shot accuracy and doubles the fire
power. Lock On requires the necessary FP as well as a loaded ARM to
activate. If you are out of ammo, be sure to guard and reload your ARM
to activate Lock On.]
[Clive, using his special skill, snipes the flying monster out of the
air and walks over to its still-living body.]
Clive: I possess the ability to track my prey's trail. I can foresee
its slightest move...Hm...!?
[The monster rears its head and succeeds in poisoning the sniper with
its breath. Clive kneels, coughing.]
Clive: How could I be so...careless...? I could have easily prepared
if I had predicted the source of this miasma to be the
monster...
[The monster flaps its four wings and becomes airborne.]
Clive: No...stop...
[Clive collapses and blacks out.]
Thought (Clive): I have failed. I always seem to fail at a crucial
moment...Always...? One of these days...I...
[Clive wakes up after awhile.]
Clive: How long have I been out...? It doesn't seem to be too long,
but...
[He winces as he tries to stand.]
Clive: Toxic matter has entered my system...The effects do not appear
to be too serious yet, but the more I move, the more it will
eat away at my body. Calling out for help will not do...It may
be quite the risk, but the wise choice would be to head back to
the entrance, rather than wait here until help arrives...
[Clive uses one of his bombs to break a hole through a wall. He walks
for awhile, but the cavern rumbles.]
Clive: Not again...!
[A large boulder falls from the ceiling, completely blocking the path
he is on.]
Clive: I can understand if I were an intruder, but to impede someone
who is trying to leave...? I must have really been a rude
guest. A boulder this size probably would not budge from one or
two of my bombs...Perhaps placing a number of them in
succession may work...
[Using many bombs at once, Clive breaks through and continues on to
the entrance with much difficulty. He collapses in Borgnine's sight,
thankfully.]
Borgnine: Good heavens! Are you all right!? What a fever! What
happened to you in there!?
Clive: I believe...I have been afflicted...by poison...If only I had
been...more...careful...
Borgnine: Wh-What about the monster?
Clive: It took to the sky...and...
Borgnine: Okay, understood. We'll take care of the rest, so...
[Clive slumps in his arms.]
Borgnine: Hey, hang in there! You're going to be all right!
[In what appears to be a dream, Clive remembers an old man talking to
him in the midst of a bunch of machinery. By the way the man points
and talks to Clive, it appears that he is a fatherly figure of his.]
Thought (Clive): It's not a question of 'if'...It's a question of
'when.'
[Clive wakes up in a village. A blonde-haired woman stands nearby,
watching his progress.]
Fram: Oh, you're awake. Hold on a minute. I'll go make something.
[She hands him a cup full of...something after awhile. Borgnine
and another man in a white coat are present, too.]
Fram: Here, this should warm you up.
Clive: Why, thank you.
[He takes a drink and holds it away from him like it's some more
poison. His manners keep him from any rude exclamations, though.]
Clive: Wow, this is really something. What is it?
Borgnine: Knocked your socks off, huh? Well, here's a hint.
[He reaches into his pocket and brings out a plant stalk that still
has some leaves on it.]
Clive: Antidotes...?
Huey: That's right. It's more potent than regular off-the-shelf
antidote. We boiled it in a great cauldron. Well, I'm just glad
it had the effect I was hoping for! Now I know I can sell it to
customers.
Borgnine: Of course, I almost broke my back hauling you out of that
cave when the monster got you. But...All's well that ends
well, right? Now we can get on with our lives.
Clive: A monster...in a cave...? That's right! The monster! What
became of it?
Borgnine: What's that supposed to mean? You chased it away, didn't
you? While you were recovering, the men grouped together and
marched to the cave to look for the beast, but it was gone.
Huey: All they could find was its lair, deep in the bowels of the
cavern. No trace of the monster was found.
Clive: And? What did they do with the lair?
Borgnine: Well...they torched it, of course. We don't want the thing
coming back, do we?
Clive: They...They torched it!?
Borgnine: Yep. Now the monster's toast, right?
Clive: All I did was hurt the monster and chase it from the cave. But
inevitably it will want to nurse its wounds in the safety of
its lair. If that's gone, then certainly...It will come and
take revenge on those who destroyed its home. Your village and
all who live here are in danger.
[Clive gets up and starts walking to the door.]
Borgnine: Where do you think you're going? You need more rest!
Clive: I accepted this assignment. That's why I must see it through to
it's completion. I'd never forgive myself if I gave up on my
clients. Very unprofessional.
Borgnine: Then, here...take this.
[He tosses some antidote to Clive.]
Borgnine: The monster's poisonous, right? I think it'll come in handy.
Clive: I'm sure it will.
[Clive runs outside and sees the shadow of the monster flying over the
town. He runs up the stairs to the town's highest point and waits for
the monster to attack.]
Narrative: The regrets of the past become chains, burdening you more
and more with each passing step you take through the sands
of time. Through knowledge of oneself, one can live without
regret!
Clive: I have you now!
[The monster--Goldrake--finally falls to Clive's quick hits, and it
no longer poses any threat to the village. Below, the villagers who
saw the sniper kill the monster cheer at his victory. Clive lifts
his rifle and scratches behind his head, not really basking in the
accomplishment.]
Narrative: Clive aspired to be a bounty-hunter and Drifter. But he
always earned more than just a reward. His gave his clients
peace and in return they gave him confidence. At times he
might stop and rest his wings, but no Drifter ever stopped
drifting. Clive's next mission was to watch an artifact on
board the the transcontinental railroad. But he wasn't
alone. Opportunists were a dime a dozen. No one knew how
many were on, or where it was headed. After all, some
journeys only start at the last stop.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Virginia's Prologue: Girl in First Class |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ PRL3 /
\_______/
Default: Virginia. 'Twill be her name throughout.
Narrative: Two weeks before the fateful encounter...
[A bunch of angry-looking monsters with axes stand at the town arch
with carts full of possessions. Townspeople look on helplessly as
their the creatures get ready to depart.]
Narrative: Virginia Maxwell, age eighteen. Her life and the village
where she lived had always been graced with peace and
tranquility. That all changed the day the village was
invaded by demi-humans from a neighboring settlement. Her
life as she knew it ended that day. However, this was also
the start of her journey.
[A well-dressed man stands in the middle of the locals and speaks on
their behalf.]
Tesla: There, you've taken everything we have. I ask that you leave
here at once and leave us in peace!
Virginia: Uncle Tesla!
[A differently-colored creature than the rest walks up to Tesla.]
Hobgob Boss: Gob-gob! Tough words from loser! Me teach you lesson.
'Might is right'! So you are wrong and me am right! Me am
right, so me am cool! Gob-gob!
[A subordinate creature steps forward but the boss waves him off.]
Hobgob Boss: Gob-gob! Me am strong, so always hungry. So me come here
for food. So that is rule, and me am cool! Gob-gob! Gob-
-gob! You are uncool. So you feed me and buddies. Dat is
new rule dat me decide! Gob-gob!
Tesla: Feed you!? We can't afford to do that! We'd all...
[The boss heaves himself into Tesla's abdomen, causing the man to fall
to his knees in pain.]
Hobgob Boss: Gob-gob!? Taste good? Weak get full quickly. You have no
food den eat some of dat! Gob-gob!
[The boss gets in a cart and, with a wave of his weapon, leaves town
with the stolen goods. The townspeople rush to Tesla.]
Tesla: I'm all right. Don't worry about me. Everyone is safe...And
that's all that matters.
[Tesla looks around.]
Tesla: Virginia...? Where's Virginia?
[Cut to the middle of the prairie. The gobs enter an old stone mansion
that seems to have been abandoned. Virginia watches them enter and
then enters as well. The door creaks as she does so. The player also
learns that this location is called "Gob's Hideout."]
Virginia: Yikes...Rusty hinges. Great...Now they probably know I'm
here. But...
[She looks around and takes out a pistol.]
Virginia: There's no turning back now. I've got to push ahead and
prove myself. It's time to fly.
[If the player has Virginia try to leave, she'll say:]
Virginia (NOS): I can't turn back now. I've already started running...
All I have to do is flap my wings.
[Virginia enters the next room and sees two Gobs walking up the into
another room. Unfortunately, they also see her and attack. She lets
her pistols do the talking. After the action is done, she tries to
regain her composure.]
Virginia: So this is what it's like to actually fight...Only the
strong survive--the law of the wasteland. All that shooting
must've alerted the others. I can't just stand around like
this. I have to stop shaking...Control yourself...Stay
strong. ...I'm going to have to fly on my own!
[In one of the rooms, Virginia can find the Tindercrest tool, as well
as the following books:]
-Birds of Passage
-For Those Who Come and Go
-Till the Sun Sets
-Loadalinski's Tip for Reloading
[DIDACTIC POINT: Tool: Tindercrest
Press the [] Button to fling this highly flammable
Crest Graph straight ahead. The Tindercrest can also
be used to light candles and torches.]
[Virginia exits the room and looks at the nearby locked door.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Only one of the two torches is lit. Something doesn't
seem right.]
[Virginia uses the Tindercrest to light the other candle, opening the
door. In two other rooms, she finds more bookshelves to peruse.]
-Confidence vs. Overconfidence
-Whateley and Co.'s Prospectus
[If Virginia tries to open a locked door:]
[DIDACTIC POINT: A device is keeping the door shut! Occassionally,
you'll need to operate devices, or use Tools to get past certain traps
and obstacles. If you can't make any progress, check the area
thoroughly for conspicuous objects. Also keep in mind that some areas
become accessible only after you acquire certain Tools.]
[She lights similar candles to open the locked doors, eventually
progressing to a main lobby.]
Virginia: I'm not sure what it is, but I feel like there's something
important here. Better keep a sharp eye out.
[DIDACTIC POINT: Press the (X) button whle holding down the [R2]
button to pinpoint important objects in sight. If the are contains
multiple important objects, pressing the (X) button while holding the
[R2] button will toggle between them.]
[Virginia goes over to a wheel and grabs a hold.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: To turn the wheel, use the (X) button and the
directional button or the left analog stick together. Face the wheel
and press the (X) button to grasp it. Then, hol down the (X) button
and rotate the left analog stick to turn the wheel in the desired
direction.]
[Having turned the wheel crank, a door opens. Once inside, Virginia
finds the town's items that were carried off.]
Virginia: Hey...It's all the valuables they stole from us. So this is
where they stashed everything...
[Virginia searches around, taking things out of treasure chests to
take back to the village. She finally comes to a chest with a
Duplicator.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Item: Duplicator
Allows you to open magically sealed doors and treasure chests. Each
Duplicator will disappear after use.
Virginia: Hm? What's this?
Narrative: An old scrap of paper lies at the bottom of the chest where
you found the Duplicator. This photo that speaks of days
gone by shows her father dressed in a white lab coat. Her
uncle once told her that her father was a scientist, but
that's a side of him Virginia has never known.
[Flashback time. A young Virginia tries to shoot a glass bottle off a
fence with the help of her father. She shoots and falls into his arms
from the strong recoil. The two go inside and sit at a table.]
Werner: Virginia...You like shooting ARMs?
Virginia: Ummm...I like shooting with you, Daddy! You think I can
shoot two ARMs at once like you?
Werner: Two at once...That's gonna take some practice.
Virginia: Okay, I'll practice real hard! So teach me...Okay, Daddy?
Promise?
[Flashback over. Virginia's a little teary-eyed from digging up so old
a memory.]
Virginia: A photo of Daddy...I thought I destroyed all his pictures
after Mom died, since they only brought back painful
memories...This is no time to dwell on the past...I have to
do what I can for the people who need me today! You're on
your own in the wasteland...
[Virginia goes back to the lobby and sees a magically locked door. She
opens it with a Duplicator and walks through to another equally big
lobby. Suddenly, from the above bannister, the Hobgob Boss drops down,
his blade barely missing Virginia.]
Virginia: You...You're the one who stole all our valuables...You're
the one who brought so much grief to everyone!
[Virginia fights the boss, knocking him flat on his face; however, he
gets right back up without any apparent damage done.]
Virginia: He's still on his feet? What now? I can't back down now...
(Come on, focus. Stop shaking. Your wings are strong...You
gotta fly!)
[Suddenly, Virginia's rage bursts.]
Virginia: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
[DIDACTIC POINT: Expend FP to perform Gatling, a special technique
that can turn the tide of battle. The character will perform a string
of consecutive attacks, which vary according to the amount of FP
consumed.]
[Virginia uses the Gatling command and kills the Hobgob Boss.]
Virginia: Huff...huff...huff...huff...
[Even though she's killed the boss, the underling gobs surround her
while she's recuperating from the fight.]
Virginia: They're still coming? So many...I don't think...I can do
this on my own...Uncle Tesla...Aunt Shalte...Everyone...
Daddy...
[Behind her, a door to the outside world flings open, shining a bunch
of light into the lobby. A girl in a blue dress looks inside.]
Armengard: Everyone! In here! Hurry!
[Tesla and another man run in, and the gobs scatter at the thought of
being outnumbered. Tesla walks up to Virginia and slaps her. Flash
forward to Virginia's house. She's upstairs in her room when she hears
a knock on her door.]
Virginia: Come in...
[Shalte and Tesla enter.]
Shalte: Did you rest well? How are you feeling?
Virginia: Much better, thank you. I'm sorry to worry you. I must have
cause you so much trouble...
Shalte: Oh, don't worry about it. You know...Everyone's waiting
downstairs. They all want to thank you for bringing back all
our things.
Virginia: Uncle Tesla, Aunt Shalte...There's something I need to talk
to you about.
[The two nod and open their ears.]
Virginia: I...I want to become a Drifter.
[Shalte takes a step back in surprise, and Tesla conforts her.]
Virginia: My father disappeared into the wasteland, but one thing he
taught me was the ability to handle ARMs. If there's anybody
out there--out there in the vast wasteland needing my help,
I want to have wings so that I can fly right to them. I know
it sounds arrogant, and it might even be a mistake on my
part...Even during this last incident, I wanted to help
everyone, but in the end, I was the one who needed help. But
even so...I can't turn away from this desire of wanting to
help people. When something sad happens, its memory is
engraved into the heart. Nobody wants to have sad
memories...Even I know that. So...If my ARM is able to help
even one person out of trouble...
Shalte: Dear...
Tesla: You've given this a lot of thought, haven't you?
[Virginia nods.]
Tesla: Hmm...Unlike land, the open sky has no roads for you to follow.
There's no one there to guide you. You must find your own
destination, and fly there with your strength alone. That's
what it means to be a Drifter in the wasteland. If you desire
to help people, always make that your destination, and fly as
far as your wings will take you. If you're ever too tired to
fly against the wind, you'll always be welcome here. Besides,
you are family and we are proud of you. I'm sure everyone feels
the same way as well.
[Virginia weeps a little.]
Virginia: Uncle Tesla, Aunt Shalte...Thank you...And...I'm sorry...
Shalte: I've always believed that anyone who can say they're sorry
from the bottom of their heart is both strong and brave. I
guess with such a strong heart, you deserve my blessing as
well. But I think you should tell someone else, too. Go tell
your mother in heaven about your decision.
[Virginia nods and walks outside to the graveyard. On her mother's
tombstone, a tiny white flower sits. It's been plucked from somewhere,
so it's obvious it hasn't just been growing there.]
Virginia: Mom used to love these flowers. I see them placed here
sometimes, but who could be doing it...?
[She turns around to see if anyone's there, but no one is.]
Narrative: The young girl heads to her mother's grave to bid farewell
to her childhood. Her expertise in ARMs, taught by her
father, bolsters her resolve. That is all she needed. That
is all... Her dreams of seeing the world have become her
strength, and lifts her wings. But the path to the future
is often a winding one. It tires some and leads many
astray. ARMs alone cannot overcome adversity, nor are they
the only source of strength. The moment the young girl
realizes this, she will have truly become a Drifter.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Gallows' Prologue: A Suspicious Intruder |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ PRL4 /
\_______/
The last of the four prologues falls with the shotgun man, whose
default name is Gallows. Onward!
Narrative: Five days before the fateful encounter...
[Gallows sits at a table in a bar, reading a newspaper. Suddenly, his
eyes get wide and what he's reading.]
Narrative: Gallows Carradine, age twenty-four. He has turned his back
on his lineage and destiny, and recently took to the
wasteland as a Drifter. Yearning to escape his fate, he
harnesses his inherent strength, so that he may live
freely. However, he has yet to realize the true meaning of
his actions. Little does he know that it is his very
lineage and destiny that gives him such strength...
Gallows: I'll be darned if this is true!
Narrative: The sacred artifact of Baskar, known as the [Ark Scepter],
will be delivered via transcontinental train to Baskar
Colony. This artifact is said to be capable of
communicating with the powers that sustain the world. The
transport of such a priceless artifact is sure to generate
curiosity, especially among train robbers, as...
Gallows: The sacred artifact of Baskar? The Ark Scepter...? And it's
on a train!? Then...
[Gallows takes out a rod with a translucent crystal on it.]
Gallows: What the heck is this Ark Scepter that I'm holdin' now!? Oh,
man...
Narrative: Three months earlier...
[Gallows is in a house, rummaging through a few things. A fire is lit
in the center of the room. From upstairs, a boy talks to Gallows.]
Shane: Are you really going, Brother?
Gallows: Heck, yeah...Those of the priestly lineage must enter the
priesthood, right? Well, not me. Why the heck do I have to
follow some stale, old tradition? I'm gonna live freely. No
one's gonna tell me what to do.
Shane: Well, you don't have to take the sacred artifact of Baskar with
you...
Gallows: The sacred artifact, Ark Scepter...It enables us to control
and communicate with the powers that sustain the world...
That's pretty darn amazing. If I could make use of that
thing, then I'll have nothing to fear in the wasteland. But
even if things don't work out, I can always sell it and live
off the money for a while.
[Gallows punches the wall.]
Gallows: What's even greater would be to see Granny's jaw drop!
Shane: I do not understand you at all...But I do accept your decision.
However, I will neither help you nor intervene in your affair.
Gallows: That's my kid brother! Just the answer I wanted to hear! You
take after me--you're so quick-witted! By the way, where's
that slow-witted granny of ours?
Shane: I have not seen her since this morning. Perhaps she's at the
altar, or...
Gallows: Don't tell me the Southern Sanctuary!? Oh, man...Talk about
bad timing...Just when I was about to head off there... That
good-for-nothin' granny!
Shane: That's not a nice thing to say... ... Anyway...Your decision
still stands?
Gallows: Of course!
Shane: Shall I augur your future with my dream sight, Brother? You
would like to know, wouldn't you?
Gallows: Nah...No, thanks. It's almost guaranteed that my future will
be bright. It'd spoil all the fun if I knew how good it was
going to be.
[Gallows turns to the door.]
Shane: Brother!
Gallows: It's not like I'll never see you again. Relax...I'll be back
with stories about what I see and experience on Filgaia. So,
wipe that frown off your face.
Shane: Okay...Please take care...
[Gallows walks outside.]
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
-Ellen -- Plump Baskar women who's rather nice to Gallows
-Laraina -- Twentysomething Baskar woman with a fair face
-Cordell -- Gloomy-faced man with cold eyes
-Harold -- Long-necked man who comes off as an weirdo/oddball
-Shane -- Gallows' mature sibling who, unlike him, isn't selfish
-Torin -- Village memory figure
-Halle -- Baskar's resident elder w/ a sharp tongue, bad posture
NOTE: Halle doesn't become an NPC until Gallows first speaks
with her.
NOTE #2: You have to talk to Cordell to use the World Map sonar
function. I thought my controller quit working on me
for a minute, myself.
Ellen: Why, if it isn't that Carradine boy...What pranks are you
plotting today? [Replies: R1, R2]
Gallows (R1): How'd you guess?
Gallows (R2): Sorry, it's none of your business.
Gallows (R3): Hey, that's gross.
Gallows (R4): Yeah. You wanna help me out?
Gallows (R5): Am I still such a kid?
Gallows (R6): Aw, stop treating me like a kid.
Gallows (R7): I give up. You could tell?
Gallows (R8): You sure can lead people on.
Gallows (R9): I'll bring back some great stories.
Gallows (R0): Just running errands for Granny.
Gallows (RA): So I'm just a fool, right?
Gallows (RB): That's why I can never fit in.
Gallows (RC): I can't tell you. It's a secret.
Gallows (RD): I wanna run away and be free.
Ellen (RR1): Oh, you may have grown since the days I used to change your
diapers, but you can't hide anything from me.
[Replies: R3, R4]
Ellen (RR2): Oh? So that's how it is. All right...But I can tell you've
got something up your sleeve. [Replies: R7, R8]
Ellen (RR3): Maybe...but you haven't changed a bit. You're still
crawling around looking for fun. Am I right?
[Replies: R5, R6]
Ellen (RR4): Oh, you're gonna let me in on your plan? How exciting!
What is it? [Replies: RC, RD]
Ellen (RR5): Yes, you are! But I mean it in a good way. You're not
like me. I'm old and tired. You kids still have hopes
and dreams. And you'll stop at nothing to achieve them.
Here, take this...Don't spend it all in one place.
[Gives Gallows 3 Heal Berries and a Gimel Coin]
Ellen (RR6): That's something you gotta earn. If you were a real
adult, you wouldn't get upset when people called you
childish. Listen up. Real adults may give up the joys
of youth, but we gain the blessings of wisdom.
Ellen (RR7): Don't get gloomy on me. It's just a hunch. So, what are
you up to today? [Replies: R9, R0]
Ellen (RR8): Not really. I could just tell it in your eyes. Somebody
would've caught on. [Replies: RA, RB]
Ellen (RR9): Well, that's a nice way to put it. Alrighty...I won't
tell anyone. Here, take this. [Gallows gets 3 Heal
Berries]
Ellen (RR0): Yeah, right...Your granny wouldn't trust you with her
errands. Look, I won't tell anyone. So just try not to
trouble the others, okay? ]
Ellen (RRA): Well, maybe that's why no matter how bad you try to be,
the others can't ever hate you. Doesn't matter, as long
as you're okay. Here, this is for you.
[Gallows receives a Heal Berry]
Ellen (RRB): Well, of all the...Just come to me if you need
anything. I'll try to help you out.
Ellen (RRC): Really? Wow...Okay, my lips are sealed. In return,
you have to fill me in on your adventures when you
get back, okay? Here, take this. Your first funding.
[Gallows gets a single Gimel Coin.]
Ellen (RRD): Hah! Now that's something! I knew you were no small-
-time Baskar. When are you leaving? Here, take this.
You can pay me back when you're rich and famous.
[Gallows receives 5 Heal Berries and 3 Gimel Coins]
Ellen (2): You're next in line for the priesthood. You'd be working so
much harder without your brother's help. Shane's doing all
he can so you can follow your dreams.
Laraina: The consciousness known as the guardians protects our way of
life in Baskar...No, it protects the entire world. We people
of Baskar live our lives enforcing the will of the guardians.
It is our sacred duty. As you know, we fulfill our duties
without question. But still, we want you to remain proud of
your heritage as a descendant of a priest. Recently, I think
you've lost your pride. Your medium is a materialization of
the power of Schturdark, the Water Guardian. Befitting its
watery nature, the medium takes on whatever form its user
wishes. We Baskars take great pride in the fact that we are
blessed with the guardians' power. We know not why you turn
your back on their glory, spurring nothing but insults upon
Baskar tradition.
Laraina (2): From "Your medium..." to "...upon Baskar tradition"
Cordell: There are three things you'll need when traversing the
wasteland: The strength to defend yourself, accurate
information on your destination, and the search system. Press
the [] button when you're out in the wasteland to deploy
search waves. If you have the right information about your
destination, you should see a map symbol reveal itself. Once
you uncover a map symbol, it stays visible as long as you
retain the destination on your map. Likewise, you'll never
find your destination until you discover its symbol. Search
well, unless you like going in circles.
Cordell (2): Whenever you learn something new, try going back to a
place you've scanned before. You could find the map
symbol you're looking for, or encounter other mysteries
waiting for you to uncover!
Harold: Our history as Baskars is intertwined with the history of this
world. Well, you're from a priestly family, so you know all
about that, right? [2 replies]
Gallows (R1): Yeah, like the back of my hand.
Harold: Really? Well, if you say so...I'm not about to lecture you.
But the least you could do is try to wear something more
respectable.
Gallows (R2): Huh? Give me a hint so I can remember.
Narrative: A long, long time ago...Our ancestors waged a terrible
war, which claimed the lives of many. Soon, the blade of
conflict wounded the very life of the planet, and nearly
pushed it to extinction. They say the ancestors soon grew
weary of war, and cursed their own stupidity. But the blade
they had set in motion went on cutting down huge swaths of
life. From the last survivors, a few cried out for living
not on the planet, but to live with it...inside it. They
believed in the power that sustain the world, and that the
life of demi-humans who communicated with the planet was
the way to connect with the planet's life.
Harold: Their followers sought refuge from the material world and
formed our village in nature. But look at you! What ghetto did
you crawl out of? Your ancestors roll in their graves!
Shane: Wow! I know you give up easy, but I never expected you back so
soon! You let me down, Brother.
Shane (2): What's the matter? [2 Replies]
Gallows (R1): I can't tell you.
Shane: I say forget about leaving the village. Remember the duties
we must fulfill. You've never even tried to find the Southern
Sanctuary before. How do you think you'll find it?
Gallows (R2): Tonight we sleep here.
Shane: Oh, really? I've already made you bed, so got to sleep whenever
you like. I'd also appreciate if you calmed down and considered
staying here.
Torin: <<Beep>>...HELLO...SAVE YOUR GAME...? [Options: Yes, No.]
Torin (No): <<Beep>>...GOODBYE...TAKE CARE...
Halle: Hmm...I don't know what you're plotting in the Southern
Sanctuary, but remember it's also called the Fallen Sanctuary.
Your half-baked skills are no match for its traps and
contrivances. And don't you forget it.
[If Gallows tries to leave town without visiting Granny, he'll say:]
Gallows: There's so much I want to do at the Southern Sanctuary, but
Granny wouldn't like it. Guess I'll stay put for the time
being.
[After awhile, Gallows goes to the altar to find Granny. When he
arrives, "Granny" is looking right at him, like she already knew he
was going to be arriving.]
Halle: So...I see you're back visiting the altar. Wonders will never
cease.
Gallows: Granny! So this is where you were...I thought you had gone
off to the Southern Sanctuary.
Halle: Well...Why? Is that where you're headed?
Gallows: N-No! Not at all! Why would I want to go there? I was looking
for you, Granny.
Halle: I see...So, what is it?
Gallows: Uhhh...well...uhhh...O-One lok at your bright smile made me
forget what I was going to ask. I-I'll come back once I
remember...
[Gallows leaves and enters the World Map. After a bit of searching,
he finds the Fallen Sanctuary and enters with a no-sweat attitude.]
Gallows: All right...Get ready, Ark Scepter. 'Cause here I come.
I've got the power of Arcana in my medium. As long as I've
got that, no ordinary monster here can stand up to me!
[DIDACTIC POINT: Gallows has invoked a medium called the Aqua Wisp.
It enables certain powers called Arcana, which can be used in battle.
You can only use Arcana when you have enough FP for the type of Arcana
you wish to cast. Using Arcana, however, never costs FP.]
[Gallows walks in a little further until he comes to a big block that
is just sitting out of place.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Face the block and press the (X) button to grasp it.
While grasping the block, press the directional button or left analog
stick in the forward direction to push it. You can pull the block
backwards by pressing the directional button or left analog stick in
the backward direction]
[Gallows heads in further and finds three treasure chests. In one of
them, he finds the Freezer Doll tool.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Tool: Freezer Doll
Press the [] button to project ghostly beams of sub-zero frost.
Its supernatural snow is so chilling, it can extinguish torches in an
instant.]
[Using the Freezer Doll to enter further than he would normally be
able to explore, Gallows comes to the room that houses the Ark
Scepter.]
Gallows: Sorry to keep you waiting, sweetie. Come to papa.
[Gallows reaches out to grab the item but finds he has triggered a
trap.]
Gallows: Sheesh...This ain't the way to treat a future priest.
[Whether out of bad luck or bad skill, four Kesaran Pasarans attack
Gallows. After he kills two of the enemies, one of the others uses the
"Throws a cordon" attack to create two more enemies.]
Gallows: Split in two!? I knew something was up with these crazy
balloons. Well then, I have a trick up my sleeve, too!
[DIDACTIC POINT: Gallows is capable of releasing the force ability
[Extension] by expending 25 FP. Extension broadens the target area
that the Arcana affects.]
[Using Extension, Gallows casts magic on all four of the creatures at
once, killing them before they have a chance to form copies of
themselves. Afterwards, Gallows stands in front of his newly-won
"prize."]
Gallows: Well, this can only mean that the Ark Scepter is mine for
good. All's well that ends well.
[After acquiring the scepter, Gallows starts walking back to the exit.
Unfortunately, he soon runs into a glowing wall of blue light that
impedes his leaving; another wall appears behind him, trapping him
in between.]
Gallows: Ungh! Gimme a break! Another trap to repel thieves, huh?
Hmm...
[He bangs on the "wall".]
Gallows: Hey! Open up! Who do you think I am? I'm an up-and-coming
candidate for priesthood! Treat me like this and you'll be
sorry! Hey, you listening?
Creepy Voice: Shh! Your cries for help will be heard outside.
Gallows: Who's there?
[Shane appears.]
Shane: Aw...come on, Brother. Who were you crying to?
Gallows: Shane! I knew I could count on you! You must have seen vile
premonitions of your big brother in mortal danger, right?
Shane: Of course not. I know you well enough to know that you'd mess
up somewhere.
Gallows: Hmm...I don't like your attitude, but I'll let it slide. Look
at me! I'm trapped by these walls. Got any ideas?
Shane: Golly, Brother...I'm really stumped. We'd better start with
what we can do now, and think of a way to get you out.
Shane (NOS): Oh, that's right...I've heard about a trial where the
aspirant must retrieve the Ark Scepter in order to be
ordained. Basically, they have to act like priests if
they want to survive the perils within.
[Gallows whips out the Ark Scepter.]
Narrative: Gallows focuses his thoughts upon the Ark Scepter. He felt
a great presence speak directly into his mind.
"Gather your strength and leap past the barriers before you. Walls may
tower above you. If you wish to penetrate them, you must first push
the limits of your mind."
Gallows: I guess this is here so the candidate can show that he's got
what it takes to be ordained.
Shane: Easier said than done. Hey, you're not hoping I'll bail you
out, are you? I just can't. No matter how bad it gets, nobody
can do more than they're capable of.
Gallows: No, no! I'd never ask you for that. I'm thinking of something
different...An efficient, yet comprehensive escape plan.
Shane: Then, tell me.
Gallows: (Dangit! He called my bluff.) You see, uh...We're fortunate
because we've still got each other.
Shane: Fortunate? In my case, that's not a good thing at all.
Gallows: Just hear me out. We're just lowly apprentices right now.
We're only half way to getting ordained. And also...There's
two of us, right? The two of us are only half way to being
real priests, right? And even though the two of us are only
half way, with both of us together, we're all the way there,
right? Wait! Maybe we're even farther! Through the incredible
power of brotherhood, we can do anything!
Shane: There you go, trying to talk your way out of things again. But
still, putting our power together might be worth a shot. I
don't expect much, though.
[Shane and Gallows put their hands together on either side of the
wall, trying to make it work.]
Gallows: We ain't got a choice, Shane. Come on, help me out here.
We have to overcome this together.
[The blue wall glows a pinkish-red.]
Shane: Amazing! I never thought you'd think of something so deep!
Gallows: Listen, Shane. I'm going to be a Drifter. I want to be
free. I want to be a Drifter, wings flapping against the
winds of lineage and destiny. I'm sorry. I have to leave you
to take care of Granny. So if you'l forgive me for that, I
won't ask for your help anymore. Only then, will I...
Shane: Brother, hush a moment. Just a little longer...Just a little
more and I can help you. I must grow stronger so that you can
wander freely, without worrying whether I'll be okay. Because
that's the only way I can help you...
Gallows: Shane...Thank you!
[The wall glows a bright white and disappears, knocking both of the
Carradine brothers on the bums. Flash to the present, with Gallows
at the cafe. He stares at the Ark Scepter in his hands.]
Gallows: It took a lot of brotherly love to get this thing...And
now another Ark Scepter is on its way on a train? It just
doesn't make any sense...So, is this the real one? Or the one
on the train...? Well, I guess I'm gonna have to get both to
know for sure.
[Gallows gets up from the table and tosses some money on the table,
next to his plate.]
Narrative: A Drifter who soared over the wasteland, liberated from all
restraints. His next target--another Ark Scepter. Verifying
which of the two treasures is real will determine his
self-value. It may be regarded as a small sense of pride.
The dangers involved are many, but it's all so he can break
away from his lineage and destiny. Little does he know,
however, that unseen tracks already lie before him.
An article obtained by desire...This can be considered a
ticket to freedom...But it's a one-way ticket, and the
destination is unknown.
[Cut to a train station. Tesla and Shalte are seeing their niece off.
Virginia narrates the feeling of leaving home.]
Narrative: Around and around we go...The world that encircles me
begins to revolve...The gears grind, and the spinning
wheels of fate begin to turn...And finally, the train
departs. A journey without a purpose. The train just
steams away to the world beyond today. The accident that
ensued on the train I happened to be on...And the three
strangers I would later encounter...These were all
coincidences. But if coincience is a part of fate, I want
to roam this vast Filgaia to find the reason behind that
encounter. I'm sure that one day, this tale will become a
fond memory...
Narrative: The planet Filgaia is slowly rotting, its once lush
vegitation withering away. As if it weren't enough, all
sorts of predators roam the desert and prey on innocent
travelers.. Yet there are some willing to brave this
wasteland to seek their fortunes. These folks are called
"Drifters."
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Chapter One: Learning the Ropes and Breaking Them, Too |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ LRBT /
\_______/
The actual beginning of the first chapter takes place after clearing
the prologues. The adventure begins here.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Yet Another Break-in: Train Robbery to Fallen Sanctuary |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ YAB0 /
\_______/
[Back to the "meeting" in the cargo car. At the exact moment when
the party points the guns at each other, someone on top of the car
blows a hole in the roof.]
Tony: What now!?
Virginia: I think someone's on the roof.
Clive: Yes, I must agree. I believe this person may be the culprit
who activated the emergency brakes. Would somebody like to
volunteer to go up and investigate?
Gallows: You're joking, right? Don't look at me. I'm not as naive
as to turn my back on a stranger.
Clive: Very well then, I shall take the lead. But please escort the
young lady on your way up.
[Once everyone is on the roof, the culprits are clearly shown: one
cocky guy with a bayonet and two helpers. The cocky one speaks
first.]
Robber: Heh..looks like we've got company. You guys sure don't
look like guardsmen to me. Who are you anyway?
[The Robber looks at Jet.]
Robber: And you, punk...Didn't I see you kick in the window and
break into the cabin? Don't tell me you blokes are all
Drifters going after the same treasure?
Clive: Yes, we have been hired to protect the treasure. (At least
that holds true for me.) We are here to protect the goods
from ruffians such as yourself, and to deliver the goods to
their rightful owner. I kindly ask that you withdraw. I would
like to avoid any bloodshed and unnecessary expense if at
all possible.
Robber: We welcome unnecessary bloodshed! And we're not paying the
expenses! Once we take care of business here, there's a hefty
reward waiting to roll right in! We don't have time to play!
Hooligan: I would like to avoid unnecessary bloodshed part, though.
[The Robber gives the Hooligan a little taste of bloodshed by
bashing the butt end of his bayonet into the his mouth.]
[Virginia talks to Clive in whispers.]
Virginia: (I wonder who they're working for).
Clive: (You're very sharp. By the way, how's your shooting?)
Virginia: (I'll do my best.)
Clive: (Glad to hear. I'll be counting on you. And you two...I
ask for your assistance as well).
Robber: What are you plotting? Are you planning to bite the
dust, or to bite the bullet and face us? Listen, time is
money. Let's get this started already.
Bearded Man: B-Boss...We're one short without Lucio, you know.
I don't think we should bite off more than we can
chew.
Robber: You blokes just do as I say! Or do you have a problem with
that? You want to end up dead like Lucio? Psyche yourself
up! Shut your fly, Dario! Be a man, Romero! Janus
Cascade...Ready to wreak havok...Assume positions!
Gallows: How did I get myself into this? I mean, we just met two
seconds ago, and now we're all buddy buddy teaming up
together? I mean, c'mon! Hey, is anyone listening to me?
Virginia: Stop rambling! We have to work together!
Gallows: Yes ma'am...
[The fight begins. Janus uses his Multiblast attack.]
Virginia: Ouch...Ughhh...Is everyone okay!?
[DIDACTIC POINT: Virginia can use the Force Ability [Mystic] by
expending 25 FP. Mystic is an ability where an effect from a
single item can be applied to multiple targets.]
Gallows: Hey, you got your healing powers right here, too. I can
restore everyone's health in one shot, so just give me a
holler.
Virginia: Great, thanks! Let's all work together!
[The four deliver a beatdown to Janus and his two henchmen.]
Janus: Tch...We're out of time... (The reward might not be worth
the risk this time around...) Heh, not bad, Princess. What
do you say you quit that measly little team and come join
us?
Virginia: Thanks, but no thanks. I don't hang out with thugs.
Janus: Thugs? Lighten up, Princess. We're all Drifters here.
Aren't we? My, my...Would you look at the time? It's time
for us to bid adieu. Hope to see you soon...
Virginia: We're not through with you yet! Hm? What's that noise?
[Janus and his men jump onto the train below, landing on the
caboose as it passes by.]
Janus: So long, Princess! See you around!
[It's daylight now, and the train's stopped in the middle of the
prairie. Tony gets off the train and walks to Clive, handing him
the box with the Ark Scepter in it. The rest of the party stands
around, too.]
Clive: My apologies for all the trouble. Please report any damages
to my client. I shall arrange it so that you will be
compensated.
Virginia: That's the box with all that mysterious light, right?
What was that, anyway? That light...It had some sort of
warmth to it...Those thugs were after this light source,
right?
Gallows: What you saw, young lady, was the sparkle of the Ark
Scepter. It's a sacred artifact used to communicate with
the power that sustains the world.
Virginia: The power that sustains the world? So that's what they're
after...
[The train starts up again and chugs away.]
Virginia: There it goes...Sure was a stormy night, wasn't it?
Jet: So this is what I get for helpin' out...stuck in the middle
of nowhere.
Clive: We seemed to have missed our stop while taking care of
business...
Virginia: Okay...What now?
Clive: I must deliver the goods to my client. It should be within
walking distance from here.
[The sniper looks at Gallows.]
Clive: I believe you might know where that is.
Gallows: Well, uhhh....Yeah, I guess...Go northwest of here to a small
village at the foot of the mountain. It's a small place
called Baskar. And if I may add, it's actually my hometown.
Although I don't really feel like returning.
Jet: I was just in it for the ride...but...It's not a bad idea to
reap the rewards. Gotta cash in while you can.
Virginia: Let's see...Where shall we begin...? I know! Let's introduce
ourselves.
[Together, the four walk to Baskar Colony.]
Virginia: So this is Gallows's hometown...
Clive: Also known as Baskar Colony, where the people believe in the
powers that sustain the world, the guardians.
[Virginia looks at Jet, who's been very silent the entire time.]
Virginia: You sure don't react much...
[Jet looks away, barely acknowleding Virginia.]
Clive: Well, I must go finish my assignment. Would you mind
introducing me to a lady named Halle? She is the one who
assigned me to the task of delivering the Ark Scepter.
Gallows: Who, me!? Introduce you to Granny!? I ran away from here
three months ago! Everyone thinks I'm dead!
Shane: B-Brother!? You're home! This is like a dream come true! I did
not even foresee this in my dream sight! Although Grandmother
did say you would be home soon. She was absolutely right!
Clive: So...He is family? As well as Halle?
Gallows: Oh, man...
[Fast forward to the interior of a house. Halle and the party members
are all standing around.]
Halle: Yes, that's the Ark Scepter all right. A job well done. Here is
your reward, and a little extra--just to show my appreciation.
Go on, take it.
[Halle hands over 1200 gella.]
Halle: Looks like I caused you more trouble than you bargained for.
Not only did you deliver the Ark Scepter, but you also brought
home my incompetant grandson.
Gallows: Hey, leave me outta this. It was just a coincidence that I
came home.
Clive: Not necessarily. She did mention I may also have to deliver a
troublesome package. I had no idea that package would be you
until now.
Halle: I figured robbers and thugs would jump at the Ark Scepter if I
released information about its transport. And that this boy
would go after it, too. I never imagined it would be this easy.
Gallows: I should've known...You and your dirty tricks, Granny. But
tell me this...If you just wanted me back here, does that
mean that I've had the real Ark Scepter all along? And the
one we delivered fake?
Halle: ...
Shane: I'm back.
[Everyone looks at Shane, who has two more Ark Scepters in his
possession.]
Halle: Oh, you are so pitiful...Listen well. The Ark Scepter you took,
the one transported by train, and the two over there...All four
are genuine Ark Scepters. Gallows...Don't tell me you thought
there was only one Ark Scepter in this world. Your lack of
discipline for your studies is atrocious. I thought I had
taught that to you and Shane...
Gallows: Is that true?
[Shane nods.]
Halle: The Ark Scepter is a staff, which can transmit and receive
willpower. In other words, it is a sacred artifact used to
communicate with guardians. There are a total of four Ark
Scepters in this world. They were enshrined at various places
that worship guardians, but are gathered here now. The bearer
of an Ark Scepter is capable of sensing the presence of the
spiritual guardians. Which means he or she is capable of
materializing and utilizing the power of guardians in this
world. The bearer of the Ark Scepter has the right to use the
power of the guardian. But the bearer also has the right to
kill the guardian...
Virginia: Huh?
Halle: Shall we go for a walk? I'll continue my story then.
[Everyone walks to the town altar.]
Halle: The Ark Scepter made it to the colony safely, away from the
hands of villains...Thanks to all of you, that is. But I do
have a new mission I would like to ask of you.
Virginia: You want us to kill the guardians?
Halle: Not exactly...
Shane: I have been training hard to become a priest, and in the
past year or so...I developed a special ability where I can
foresee future events through my dreams. It is called [dream
sight]. Through this legendary supernatural power, I was
forewarned of the following apocalypse...
[Shane recites the apocalypse.]
Shane: A blue shadow will rise from the ancient dead on our planet,
Filgaia. The resurrected blue shadow will wield a sharp, cold
sparkle that will eat away the planet. People, animals and all
all other life-forms will be devoured, and eventually Filgaia
itself...
Virginia: But there's no absolute proof or evidence to back it up.
It's just a...
Gallows: ...dream. But this is my kid brother's dream. Trust me, his
dreams always come true.
Shane: Thank you, Brother...
Halle: I call it...the [Blue Menace]. But this threat is not all that
the dream speaks. It also tells of how the blue shadow will be
defeated.
Shane: The blue shadow shall be expelled by releasing the chains which
bind the guardians. Filgaia will eventually rejuvenate, and a
little girl will bring about peace and tranquility...
Halle: My next mission to you is to release the guardians.
Clive: This may be a job for your grandson. But we're not Baskars.
Halle: You can do it. When I said the bearer of the Ark Scepter has
the right to kill a guardian, I meant...You must face it in
battle. It proves that you are worthy to face these
intangible, invisible beings. And by fighting and proving your
strength, the guardian will be released from the earth,
transferring itself into a medium.
Virginia: What's a medium?
[Halle nods to Gallows, and he takes out his Aqua Wisp medium.]
Halle: This is a medium. It can be considered a passport that allows
mankind to shape the planet, and manipulate various powers.
But this one is an imitation, made from Baskar technology by
extracting the breath of the planet like water and wind, and
refining it. This mission requires you to create a high
density, pure medium from the bare bones of the planet's
breath, the guardians.
[Halle talks to Gallow's medium, putting her hand over it.]
Halle: Thank you kindly looking after my incompetent grandson.
Please return to the planet.
[Gallow's medium disintegrates.]
Gallows: Why'd you have to do that, Granny!?
Halle: A pure medium is much more powerful. All you have to do now is
get one...You wield the Ark Scepter, do you not? Prove your
strength to the guardian.
Gallows: Arghhhh...
Clive: Pardon me...But we are only here because we happened to meet
by chance. We are not a team, nor do we have a reason to prove
our strength to the guardians. However, you did call this a
mission. Would you mind explaining what our reward would be
should we accept this assignment?
Halle: A reward? Ah yes, a reward. Your reward will be the mediums,
transformed from guardians. Take it.
Clive: Excuse me?
Halle: Wipe that stern look off your face. Your good looks will go
to waste. There are four Ark Scepters, and there are four of
you. Each one of you is worthy to face a guardian. What you all
do with the mediums afterwards is none of my concern.
Gallows: Wait just a minute, Granny! Guardians and their mediums are
valuable assets to us Baskars! We turn to them for guidance!
But you would just give away these mediums to complete
strangers!? I always thought you were a little slow, but now
I just think you're completely senile!
Halle: My, my...Now that's a surprise. I never realized you were so
passionate about our old traditions...Perhaps you are more
conservative than I thought. Even if we Baskars were to face
the guardians and receive the mediums, all we would do is
enshrine them at this altar and leave them there. And what
good would that do? I believe that entrusting mediums to
Drifters who traverse the vast wasteland is the true meaning
behind releasing the guardians In a sense, it may be a long
shot. But I believe this gamble is necessary based on the
dream Shane had...I know this sounds like a crazy mission,
but please consider...
[Everyone walks out and the four Drifters discuss off by themselves.]
Gallows: I'm in...I want my medium back. I can't back down now.
Clive: I am more drawn in by her story than anything else.
Guardians...The power that sustains the world...To come into
contact with a mysterious entity means...
Jet: I don't care either way. If we get it, we can always sell it.
I'm in if the money's there.
Virginia: I...I'm...not sure...But I do feel excited...It's like an
adventure for Drifters. I've always dreamed about that.
[Halle and Shane walk up.]
Halle: Looks like you've decided.
Clive: We all have our own reasons, but our goal is the same. The four
of us would like to accept the mission to release the
guardians.
Halle: You made a wise decision. Not the fact that you accepted the
mission, but the fact that all four of you will carry out this
mission together. The guardians have sealed their bodies in a
distant time, but still exist today in intangible forms. Their
strength far exceeds those of humans, so you should all watch
out for each other. There is no need to rush. Prepare all you
want before you prove your strength to the guardians. It may
be wise to brush up on your skills and learn more about the
guardians here at Baskar.
[DIDACTIC POINT: During a dialogue, words may appear in green
letters, which signify that they hold an important meaning. Press the
[] button while the green letters are displayed to activate the [ASK]
system. Activate Selected Keyword. This ASK system lets you inquire
about the word you have activated. After selecting the keyword, press
the (X) button to get more information about it. Press the (O) button
to cancel. Please note that green letters must appear in the text for
the ASK system to activate.]
Halle: Instead of reading the explanation, why don't you give it a
try? You'll get the hang of it that way. I will now give a
brief explanation about the sanctuary from which you must
release the guardians. If you need me to go over it again,
don't hesitate to ask.
The guardians are sealed at the base of the <western
foothills>. This sealed land later became known as the
sanctuary, and used as a ground to worship guardians. Do
you have any questions?
<Western foothills>: On the foothills of the ranges of Zenom lies the
presence of guardians who <represent the elements
of all things>. Knowledge is power. Do not
forget.
<Represents the elements of all things>: The great elements were
necessary to make the world
what it is. But there are
four that exist in
everything. They are earth,
wind, water, and fire. The
guardians of these elements
are worshipped as the four
great guardians. Knowledge is
power. Do not forget.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Ellen: Let me tell you about what it takes to be a <first-rate
<drifter>. What, not interested? That's okay. It's not
something that can be taught, anyway.
<First-rate drifter>: The best drifters don't make their loved
ones worry. Not everyone can do it. That's why
it makes a first-rate Drifter first-rate.
Ellen (G): How've ya been? Looks like you've lost weight. Well, go
say hi to your granny. Oh, you look all right. No
wrinkles or scars or anything! Just keep up the good
works. We're all rooting for you.
Harold : Head out and face the Southern Sanctuary, and you can see
an ocean of sand. You know, right? The dunes are all
that's left now, but in the days of our ancestors, it was
a blue sea, full of life.
Harold (G): You've never been able to buckle down and focus. Look
at Shane. He's seven years younger than you, but he
earns his keep and still trains hard everyday.
Shane: You can hear different things when you change the party
leader. Make my brother the party leader to learn about
the guardians from a different perspective.
Shane (G): You're going to release the guardians, right? I
suggest you further hone your skills before you try.
After all, the guardians aren't going anywhere. And
I'm not just saying that so you'll stay here in the
village with me.
Cordell: It is a great thing to merge your consciousness with the
guardians. That is why our ancestors left it for us.
Cordell (G): Much of the lost knowledge of Filgaia is still alive
here in Baskar. You never did like listening to our
stories...But knowledge is power. Lend an ear to the
legends if you want to survive in the wasteland.
Laraina: The <Ark Scepter> was meant to be wielded only by the
ordained. Caution is required when handling it. We must
not question the decisions of the elders...But please,
do not lose sight of the meaning of your powers. Many
will suffer if you fall from the path of righteousness.
<Ark Scepter>: It is the heritage of the ancients that allows us to
communicate with things that have no form. That is
why priests are trained from an early age to augur
the flow of the guardians' powers.
Laraina (G): It is said he who gains the Ark Scepter can sense the
will of the guardians and the basic power of all
things. You must grasp the flow of opposing elements.
Earth and wind, fire and ice, water and thunder, light
and dark...Through comprehension of the opposing
elements, you can come to know the truth about Filgaia
and the guardians. Your medium is a materialization of
the power of Schturdark, the Water Guardian. Befitting
its watery nature, the medium takes on whatever form
its user wishes. We Baskars take great pride in the
fact that we are blessed with the guardians' powers.
We know not why you turn your back on their glory,
spurring nothing but insults upon Baskar tradition.
Halle: Even I showed my strength to the guardians when I became a
priestess. I just followed our <village verse>. You may
think our verse is just a ridiculous, old-fashioned myth...
But so many of our traditions become handy knowledge once
you have obtained the power to comprehend them.
<Village Verse>: Follow the sun to the east. So I faced the monolith
of Gurdiev, just to the east of me. It was such a
long time ago, I don't remember what happened then,
except how tough a trial it was. But I braved the
trial of Gurdiev. And once I had the power of earth,
I faced the guardians of wind, water, and lastly,
fire.
Halle (G): If it is dedicated to guardians, then it might be inscribed
with <runes>, the writing of ancient Baskars. Stand as the
party leader to get a good look. I've tried hard to teach
you, so don't let me down.
<Runes>: It seems they were originally an Elw script. As caretakers
of the guardian shrines, they passed on the writing to us.
You will probably have to interpret the writing in the Fallen
Sanctuary, too.
Roykman: I used to like travelling, so that interest blossomed into
my current business, I suppose. But ever since I sprained my
ankle here, I've been a travelling salesman only in name.
[With guardians on their minds, the four set out to the Fallen
Sanctuary. When they get there, they take the up-stairs, which leads
to a place with many pillars and stairs.]
Virginia: It's different than I imagined. It's hard to explain,
but...
Gallows: You thought it'd be a lot more beautiful and glorious?
Does that explain it?
Clive: With a sanctuary housing guardians, the power that sustains
the world, you do have certain expectations...
Jet: Suits me just fine...This place is just like Filgaia--empty
and barren with only the dry winds blowing through...Is
Filgaia the way it is because this is how the guardians are,
or is it the other way around? Ah, who cares...
[Virginia holds her Ark Scepter, which glows white.]
Virginia: Huh? I think it's trying to tell us something...
[The three men take their scepters out.]
Jet: Yo, what do we do?
Gallows: I dunno! Don't ask me!
Clive: Wouldn't you be the one to know? We were a little unprepared...
We should have inquired as to its proper handling.
[All of the scepters start to emit radiant beams of light instead of
the previous dull sparkle.]
Virginia: Something's beginning to swell up! I don't think I can hold
it any longer!!
[The four scepters fly up into the air and disappear.]
Virginia: Wh-Where's the Ark Scepter!?
Clive: Perhaps this phosphorescence is a ritual meant for the bearer
of the Ark Scepter...
Gallows: Does that mean we've officially been deemed bearers?
[In unison, each person grabs their heads as a shock of pain goes
through.]
Jet: A-A-Ahhhhh...! What was that?
Gallows: Argh, my head! My hangovers were never this bad! Is this
a migraine?
Clive: The pressure inside our heads does indeed feel like one...
However, this feels as if...
Virginia: ...something is calling to us from deep within our
hearts...It's soft, but very loud at the same time...
If this really is the shrine where the guardians are
worshipped, then this voice must be...
[Virginia turns around and looks at one of the large monoliths
at the top of one (out of four) flights of stairs.]
Virginia: Let's go...
[The party approaches the first statue.]
Narrative: The monolith is decorated with a strange symbol whose
meaning is beyond you. One can cause the guardian to
materialize by focusing everyone's willpower together
with the Ark Scepter. Will you show your will to the
guardian [Replies: Yes, No]
[The party does.]
Narrative: The visions in your minds are bound together. The
ground sends waves of quakes into the distance. You
feel a presence bigger and heavier than anything. The
power of earth crushes all with its howl. The bearer
of the Ark Scepter must have the strength to fight
that which has no form. Fight, and show your strength
to Grudiev!
[The party fights Grudiev and wins. They acquire the Terra Roar
medium. Note that the following speech by Gallows is said after
you get your first medium, which is what you choose--it doesn't
have to be Grudiev.]
Gallows: A medium doesn't exhibit its power just by holding on to
it. You have to go to the Menu's Invoke command, where
you invoke the medium and become one with the guardian
power. Each of us can invoke up to three mediums.
Anything above that will overload our consciousness, and
may result in terrible consequences. Once a medium is
invoked, the Arcana command becomes available during
battle. Arcana is...an extension of the guardian's
power. Think of it as magic, if you will...It can be said
that Arcana is also the key to winning. But one thing you
have to watch out for it the enemy's elemental property.
The effectiveness of an Arcana attack can differ greatly
depending on the enemy's elemental properties.
[The party goes up to another monolith and binds their wills together
with the Ark Scepter. The question is phrased in the same format as
the one above, that goes "The monolith..." to "...to the guardian?" I
am not reiterating so I can save some space. A 'yes' answer gets this
response:
Narrative: The visions in your mind are bound together. The currents
flow softly yet, strongly and never stop. You feel a
presence kinder and more passionate than anything. The
power of water engulfs you in its grasp. The bearer of
the Ark Scepter must have the strength to fight that
which has no form. Fight, and show your strength to
Schturdark!
[The party fights Schturdark and gets the purified Aqua Wisp
medium. They continue to another monolith which asks the same
question. A 'yes' response gets gives the following:]
Narrative: The visions in your mind are bound together. The
breeze turns to a blade that cuts away the clouds.
You feel a presence sharper and swifter than anything.
The power of wind shakes the vast wasteland. The bearer of
the Ark Scepter must have the strength to fight that which
has no form. Fight, and show your strength to Fengalon!
[The party fights and defeats Fengalon, earning them the Gale Claw
medium. They head to the last medium, which asks the same question
as all the rest. A 'yes' response gives the following:]
Narrative: The visions in your minds are bound together. The
swirling blaze coalesces, heralding a new beginning.
You feel a presence hotter and more ferocious than
anything. The power of fire spreads its crimson wings!
The bearer of the Ark Scepter must have the strength
to fight that which has no form. Fight, and show your
strength to Moor Gault!
[The party wings the Fiery Rage medium. They all head towards the
entrance to the lower sanctuary.]
Gallows: Earth, water, fire and wind. So we got all four mediums
from the four great guardians. And these mediums in their
purest form are said to contain special powers. One of them
is to summon. Summoning is classified as a Force Ability, and
is a command which lets you materialize the guardian's power
by expending FP. It's destructive power increases as more FP
is expended, and affects multiple targets. A couple things
you have to watch out for...One is that just like Arcana,
its effectiveness can vary depending on the target's
elemental properties...And two, the number of times you can
use it is equal to your MTC. The biggest drawback, though,
is that once you summon, all your FP will be depleted. With
zero FP, your options will be limited, since FP also
affects Arcana and Force Abilities. And you can't ignore
how it affects your attack and defense power, too. This is
something you should use strategically.
Clive: Well then...Now that it's all over, I suggest we go see
Halle. This was an official mission we undertook. The proper
thing to do is go back and report.
Virginia: I still can't believe that the power that sustains the
world is inside this tiny, little plate...It's even
more unbelievable that it's mine...
[The four go down the stairs. Janus watches them leave from on
top of a rock formation. The Bearded Man (Dario) and the Hooligan
(Romero) are also present.]
Dario: Hey, Boss! Shouldn't we go after 'em?
Janus: No, we'll let them be. But only for the time being...
Romero: B-B-Boss, look...
[A suspicious bird flies away suddenly.]
Janus: A watchbird, huh...Well, we did fail to seize the Ark
Scepter. I'll have to deal with the consequences. But
sooner or later, I'll have to come through for them, or
else they'll have my head for sure...
[The party goes back to Baskar Colony and sees Halle at the
altar.]
Halle: Well done. I knew you could do it. Now, hand me the four
mediums.
[Virginia hands them over.]
Gallows: Hold up, Granny! You're not planning to secretly switch
those with imitations, are you?
Halle: Bite your tongue! You think I would stoop that low!? That's
something you would do! Now, listen to me well! Each of these
pure mediums emits a special aura that protects the bearer. It
enhances your physical attributes by raising your ATT and DEF
level, allowing you to take on powerful monsters. And...
[Halle puts her hand over the four mediums and a light blinds all
present.]
Gallows: WHOA!!
Halle: Quit overreacting all the time. Shame on you!
Gallows: But the mediums...
Halle: Nothing to worry about. They're all right here. Personal
Skills are hidden within each medium to protect the
bearer. Personal Skills are activated by expending PS
points, and vary according to your level. Their many
uses vary from offense to defense, and anything else you
might need to fight off monsters. I have just awakened this
hidden power inside the mediums. Now invoke your medium, and
experience their powers firsthand.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Harold: The dunes are swells of sluggish death that corrupt the
continents and cover the planet with sand. It is said that
beneath them lurk evil gargantuans that prey upon vessels that
sail the sands. None dare brave the dangers of the dunes...
None, but the Drifters.
Harold (G): Tell me you at least know how to materialize as many
guardians as your maximum MTC will allow. <Dogged
perseverance> is necessary to increase your MTC. The full
potential of guardians you acquire cannot be realized
until you master your own self.
<Dogged perseverance>: By perseverance, I refer to the slaying of
enemies through the power of guardians. Though
the path is straight, it is long! MTC rises
with each enemy you dispatch, but the increase
is not consistent. The first increase happens
after the victory over ten enemies, but the
next is twenty, and then forty...Each time, it
becomes more difficult. If an enemy is not a
threat to you, there is little to learn from
it, and it will not increase your MTC, either.
Constant training is necessary to improve
oneself.
Cordell: They say mortals can speak with guardians through the Ark
Scepter. I wonder what the guardians would say? They have
such an ocean of consciousness, I think we'd just drown.
Cordell (G): The guardians that we sense beyond our prayers are but
a small part of a greater consciousness. It's like
trying to figure out what animal you've got while only
being able to pet its tail. But the bearer of the Ark
Scepter can discern a guardian's every contour. You
may think I say heavy things...But you must lift many
burdens in order to gain strength.
Laraina: The guardians see everything. And it was the guardians that
placed such potential inside of you.
Laraina (G): Do you know why you feel confined here in this village?
This is the most peaceful village anywhere. Your medium
is a materialization of the power of Schturdark, the
Water Guardian. Befitting its watery nature, the medium
takes on whatever form its user wishes. We Baskars take
great pride in the fact that we are blessed with the
guardians' powers. We know not why you turn your back on
their glory, spurring nothing but insults upon Baskar
tradition.
Ellen: You headed for the <Southern Sanctuary>? If so, be sure to
say goodbye to the person that's been so good to you. Nobody
can run forever. Come back every once in awhile. You're a
Drifter, after all.
<Southern Sanctuary>: The port town of Jolly Roger is next to a
bridge across a shallows far south of here. I
used to vacation there a long time ago. It was
a bustling town full of things to buy and
people to meet. Maybe you can find some leads
there.
Ellen (G): I know saying this won't do any good...But come back
safe, okay? This town's gonna be too quiet without your
and your granny fighting all the time.
Roykman: Well, since my foot injury I've had to stay put here, but I
think it's better now. I'm going to get my show back on the
road. I'll be heading to the next village soon. That village
would be Jolly Roger. It lies beyond the bridge, on the shore
to the southwest. It being a port town, it's a place where
travellers from all over the world cross paths. I hope our
paths cross again, too. Remember, I'm always open for
business. [Roykman leaves Baskar Colony after this.]
Shane: I hope I can be of service...Ask me anything and I'll try to
answer as best I can. [Replies: Rename, Chat]
Shane (Rename): [You just pick an Arcana ability and change its
name to whatever you want. No dialogue is said.]
Shane (Chat): Just ask me if you ever wish to change the names of
your Arcana. I can do it for you througha little
ceremony that's quite unique here in Baskar.
Shane (G): Welcome home, Brother. How've you been? [Replies: Rename,
Chat]
Shane (G - Rename): [No dialogue is said, again.]
Shane (G - Chat): You're heading out already? Well, be sure to eat
your vegetables at least three times a day, even
when I'm not around. And when you check into a room,
make sure you don't throw your clothes all over the
place, okay? And don't forget to pack the things you
use often last, so you can pull them out of your
bags quickly. Oh, and...And...Take care out there,
you hear?
Halle: The powers of the four great guardians were released, entrusted
to Drifters. I have fulfilled my promise. Now, each one of you
may take to the air, master of your own medium. I may be wrong,
but I feel that such is the true meaning of the guardians'
powers. Now, let us believe in a future in which the destinies
of man and guardian unite in harmony.
Halle (G): There's another side to everything. Right now, you're about
to leave this village, and wander outside for the first
time. But to part from our community is to go places its
umbrella does not cover. No matter how dire your
circumstances, we will not be able to aid you. Please, take
care on your journey.
[The party walks to the colony entrance.]
Virginia: Well...what do we do now?
Clive: Does anyone have any pressing matters they would like to take
care of?
Gallows: We were all out havin' fun releasing the guardians. No one
has any errands to run.
Jet: And now that we're all done, why don't we just do our own
thing.
Virginia: (Do our own thing?)
Clive: I suggest we head down to the bustling port town of Jolly
Roger. I'm sure we can obtain some leads about further
missions, and means of transportation.
Jet: That's not a bad idea...We'll find our own path from there.
Gallows: Well, we've only known each other for a short while, but
we were ale to complete all our missions. Let's have a
goodbye party there!
Virginia: ...
Thought (Virginia): (A goodbye party? Whose? Ours? Oh yeah, it's
not like we're a team or anything...)
Clive: It's decided then. Let us head to Jolly Roger.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Downtown in Sand Land: Baskar Colony to Jolly Roger |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BCJR /
\_______/
[The party starts walking to Jolly Roger, which is indeed a ways
away. If you bought the World Map from Roykman, you can find the
city at (approximately) X:15403, Y:5501. It's right near the
only beach for quite a distance--you can't miss it. Anyways, when
the party arrives, they stop to take a look around at the foreign
place.]
Gallows: Well, now what?
Clive: We obviously ned to get some leads in order to continue.
In addition we need...
Gallows: Grub and ale! It's so amazing how well we get along after
just meeting each other! So, let's liven up our farewell
party with som efood! I can't stand those morose gatherings.
Virginia: ...
Clive: You mean ask around over drinks at the saloon? Makes sense...
Let's say goodbye and discuss our individual agendas over at
the saloon.
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Speech]
-Philly - Memory figure
-Dennis - Muscleman sailor with a red bandanna and a big mouth
-Herman - Muscular guy who dresses like a white-collar stiff
-Volks - Proud man with a red cape and a bandanna...and a peg leg
-Roykman - Salesman extraordinaire!
-Sterling - Little girl (maybe...?) with a wellspring of knowledge
-Emelia - ARMsmith and Sandcraft builder; smartest woman in town
-Hannah - The red-haired proprietress who cooks like an angel
Philly: <<Beep>>...HOWDY...! SAVE YOUR GAME...? [Options: Yes, No]
Philly (No): <<Beep>>...SUIT YOURSELF, AMIGO...! HAVE A NICE DAY...!
Dennis: Ask Volks for directions if you ever lose your way in life. He
always spews authentic-sounding advice on cue, even though he
barely knows much about anything.
Herman: Each crashing wave of sand bites off a little more land from
the continent. This town's time will come, too. When did the
world get this way? I'm not talking about legends and stories,
I want to know the truth.
Volks: The badge of a Drifter is never given; you must find it
yourself. It can be found just about anywhere...Even in this
old port. If you ever get stuck, just blaze yourself a new
trail. I know you'll find a path out of the darkness.
Roykman: This place was a prosperous harbor town back in the day. So
when it comes to equipment for ships and other devices,
they're way ahead of other villages. Why, speaking of the
ARMs you all carry...You can have them upgraded at any
ARMsmith. But it can cost an arm and a leg, so you should
really think it over before plunking down the cash. And you
won't need to upgrade lots of parts all at once, either. Just
try picking a party member and upgrade one of his ARM's
parts. That's all you need, really.
Sterling: A strong body will get you over the dunes and through the
wasteland...But you'll need more than that to get by in
this hard, tough world. You'll need brains. Come and see
me if you've got something you need to know. I'm always
happy to help. [In Sterling's house, you can find the
book entitled "Filgaia for Everyone".]
Sterling (2): [This is said after meeting Janus.] Most people call
the ruins to the southeast the Ruins of Memory. I
hear it's a prehistoric <treasure trove>, filled
with artifacts from the past. I bet treasures in
there are worth a lot.
<Treasure trove>: Of course, lots of Drifters have gone and taken
most of the choice <artifacts> away already.
<Artifacts>: If some treasure still remains, it must be in a place
sealed off, with lots of deadly traps to keep
treasure hunters away.
Emelia: Howdy. Can I help you with any machines like ARMs, ships,
and such? [Replies: Upgrade, Sell, Chat]
Emelia (Chat): You're looking for a ship to cross the dunes in,
but you can't find one anywhere, right? Am I right?
Today's your lucky day! Why not help me with my
research? I'm gonna put together the strongest, most
cutting-edge sandcraft ever! [Replies: Hear her
out.; Resist her blatant overtures.]
Emelia (R1): [Emelia takes everyone into a large room that houses
her Sandcraft.] What do you think? This baby's the
cutting edge in high-speed Sandcraft technology! A
conventional Sandcraft generates so much friction
that the sand cuts into the hull. This number packs
a solid armament while making huge advances in overall
speed and durability. She's my answer to all the
hurdles confronting further development of the
technology! Of course, I had to skimp a little on
weaponry to finish her...And her drive data's blank.
Hmm...I need fifteen more dragon fossils to finish
her chassis. All you have to do is go get them. Just
promise to record her drive data, and she's yours!
Sounds like a great deal to me. What do you say?
Dragon fossils for a Sandcraft? [Replies: I'll help
you complete it.; Sorry, I'm busy.]
Emelia (R2): Oh, that's too bad...It takes tons of dragon fossils
to make larger machinery like trains and ships and
such. It'll take fifteen more dragon fossils to
complete my latest Sandcraft. Well, I'd best get back
to my chores, but you all come back here once you've
got the magic number, okay?
Emelia (R3): I'm happy you want to help, but I don't think you've
got enough right now. Dragon fossils are made into
all kinds of ARM parts, and there's no substitute
for them.
Emelia (R4): Yeah...? Well, I won't twist your arm or nothing.
I'll just use some hypnosis instead! You...want to
ride...the Sandcraft...You...must...ride the
Sandcraft...Ride...the...Sandcraft...Heheh. So,
how do you feel now?
Hannah: Looking for leads? You're quite the diligent Drifter,
aren't you? I love my job, too. Life's easier if you like
your job...And it's great not having any complaints. What
do you say? I'll give you some info if all four of you eat
here. It'll be about 150 Gella. [Replies: It's a deal.;
We're not hungry.]
Hannah (R2): Oh, really? Well, stop by when you get hungry.
Hannah (R1): Much obliged! Leave it to me for good food, good drink,
and good company! Oops...Did I say good company? Well,
shucks. Please excuse me and this mouth of mine...Here
in Jolly Roger, we got lots of tales of treasure. And
they ain't really that old! I'm talkin' about a prize
that none of you Drifters have ever been able to get
their hands on: The [Eternal Sparkle].
Narrative: In ages past, our world was ruled by a race of wicked
demons, until they were pushed to the brink of
extinction. The demon knight assigned three followers
to protect a treasure. That treasure was the Eternal
Sparkle.
Hannah: Uh...I'm glad you are all such good listeners, but I
need to start fixin' dinner. Just have a seat at the
table and I'll bring you some supper and get to the rest
of my story in a jiffy.
Hannah (2): Still looking for leads, huh? Since the last trade
ship raised anchor three months ago, this port's
become a ghost town. Who would guess that this
deserted hole was once a lively crossroad, filled
with talk of riches.
[Cut to the after-meal.]
Gallows: Man, am I full! And what a good cook she is! She hooked us
up good.
Clive: I wouldn't worry about the tab. Not only did we have our
goodbye party, but we got a valuable lead as well...
Gallows: Yeah, you got a point. Anyway, what do you all think about
the information she provided? Do you want to go
investigate?
Jet: I'm goin'. I don't care what you guys do. I prefer working
alone, anyway.
Gallows: So, the legendary Eternal Sparkle...
Clive: In ages past...our world was ruled by a race of wicked
demons, until they were pushed to the brink of extinction.
The demon knight assigned three followers to protect a
treasure. That treasure was the Eternal Sparkle. The three
followers transformed themselves into seals to protect the
Eternal Sparkle, awaiting the return of the demon knight.
And one of those seals lies nearby this town. That's what
she said, right?
Gallows: It's the 'sparkle' part that makes you think it's some
kind of gem, don't it? Aren't the legends full of these
things? Unless we're sure it's worth something, I don't
want any part of it. I'm outta here.
Clive: An old legend, huh? Hmm...Considering that they remain
strong...Either this lea is a red herring, or, even if it
is true, then there's no doubt that it would be hazardous.
I have nothing better to do, but I'm just not enthusiastic
about the prospects.
Jet: Don't worry about it. Our partnership ends here. Once outside,
we'll scatter in the wind. I'll head out alone. I've always
been alone, and I like being alone.
Virginia: There you go again! You can only do so much by yourself.
If we stay together, we can do that much more! The four
of us have different likes and dislikes, so we should
all support each other. Who cares if its tough? As long
as there's four of us, there's always a glimmer of hope
in the darkness. We released the guardians! The four of
us together can make a great team!
Clive: Hmm...I didn't expect that after our farewell celebration.
Have you been thinking about that?
Virginia: The first meeting might have been a coincidence. But we
didn't come all this way due to our individual strengths.
We did it as a team! Someday I want to say it wasn't just
coincidence; it was fate. Guys, let's make our mark as
one!
Gallows: Uh...Hahahaw...Well, that was a mouthful.
Virginia: Hey, did I say something funny? Am I missing something?
Gallows: Yeah, you're missing something! Never thought anybody
could say stuff like that with a straight face. But you
do have a point. Drifters would never leave their mark if
all they did was drift.
Virginia: You mean...?
Gallows: You betcha. I'm all for it! And you ain't got anything
else to do, right?
Clive: Oh, well...I suppose you're right...Hmmm...All right. I'm
game. I consider it prudent for all of us to pool our
resources until we're able to set individual goals.
Virginia: Yippee! We're a team! Now, we're all gonna seek out the
Eternal Sparkle!
Jet: Not so fast!
Virginia: Huh? What, you got some kind of problem?
Jet: Yeah! A big problem!
Virginia: That's funny...I thought you couldn't wait to head out
treasure huntin'?
Jet: I'm not talking about that! I'm talking about you pestering me
on my way!
Virginia: (What nerve!)
Jet: I work alone. And I don't have time to play with wannabe
Drifters!
Virginia: Wannabe Drifters!? Okay, tough guy! You say you work
alone, so fill me in! Tell me what you've done! Tell
everyone here all about the great things you've been
able to do all by your fantastic self! Hey! I'm talkin'
to you! Oh, before you start mumbling excuses, let me
ask you what you were doing in the car with the Ark
Scepter? You were plannin' on makin' off with it,
weren't you? And what happened? You blew it! You
didn't have what it takes to steal it, cowboy! And
here you are, sayin' you work best when you're alone.
Where did you get such a big head?
Jet: Wh-Why you...That's...That's not--Arrgh! I wasn't the only
one after that cargo that night!
Gallows: Whoa! Hey...uh...That's all beside the point! So, like...
Yeah! We're so...you know...Who cares if we're wannabe
Drifters? We can take it easy and have fun while we
venture into the unknown! Right? Right?
Clive: Perhaps you are right. Look, leader...
Virginia: Me!?
Clive: Who else? This is your idea, isn't it? So, leader...let us
reaffirm our collective purpose.
Virginia: Well...We have three goals: To find the ruins where the
Eternal Sparkle lies...To work as a team...And, lastly...
To make the Eternal Sparkle ours!
Jet: See, that's why I work alone...
Gallows: Give it a rest, hero. You're just hurtin' yourself.
Besides, when it comes to persuasion, she trounces all
of us hands down.
Virginia: Were you two listening?
Gallows: Oh, of course. And we're looking forwar to workin with
ya, leader.
Jet: Speak for yourself, punk!
[The party walks outside and who should they see but Janus,
Dario, and Romero, just waitin' around town.]
Janus: Howdy! Good to see you, kiddos.
[Janus looks over to where Dario and Romero were standing. They
were watching a little dark-haired girl walking away from them.
They watch in awe as she just disappears. They run over to
Janus.]
Virginia: Let's go.
Janus: Oh, what's the face for? I know! You found some clues.
Come on, give us a little hint. Please?
Virginia: Why would I help a scoundrel like you?
Janus: A scoundrel!? Oh, that hurts! We're Drifters. Sometimes
our goals collide, but it comes with the territory. So
please, lay off the insults. You want the Eternal Sparkle.
Virginia: How did you--!? You been spying on us?
Janus: There you go again...Look, anybody in this town with half
a brain can find that out. Ain't much else to this town.
Look...Let's work together. With all of us, I'm sure we
can uncover the location of...
Virginia: Nope! I just can't trust you. I hate not trusting
people, but still...I...I just said I'd make a team
with these Drifters I met out in the wasteland. So I
can't work with you right now.
Janus: Hmm...That's too bad. Just listen to this. I heard the
Eternal Sparkle is somewhere inside an ancient vault
called the <Ruins of Memory> [If Virginia inquires on
the ASK system, she speaks, not Janus; if not, his
speech starts at the "Believe me or not...".]
<Ruins of Memory> Virginia: The Ruins...of Memory?
Janus: An old museum constructed by the ancients that houses
the history of our world. Some say it's been plundered
before, but no one knows how deep it is in there. It
has quite the mysterious layout. Well, mabe that's why
some still whisper of relics inside yet untouched by
modern hands. Believe me or not...It's your choice,
Princess. But we're not tryin' to fool you. You can
trust me on that one. Next time we meet, I hope you'll
be ready to help us out. 'Cause I had to make some
sacrifices to come out here and see you.
[Janus and his crew leave.]
[If you blow up one of the green crates, you can get ahold of a
Migrant Seal.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Your Migrant Level will automatically increase as you
collect Migrant Seals. As your Migrant Level increases, the cost of
cancelling an encounter decreases, allowing you to avoid more powerful
enemies.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| In Cahoots: Jolly Roger to Ruins of Memory |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ JRRM /
\_______/
[Virginia leads the way to the Ruins of Memory with adventure in
mind. After a bit of looking, she finds it near X:18215, Y:3719. When
she gets there, she sees the main room deserted. But...a bayonet
blade sticks out from behind a pillar. She quickly unholsters her two
guns.]
Janus: Pretty quick on the trigger. But as a Drifter, it may cost you
your life if you don't pull it.
[Janus and his goons come out of "hiding".]
Virginia: What are you doing here?
Janus: I want to join forces, Princess. Didn't I mention that before?
And I do have a name. Allow me to introduce myself--Janus
Cascade, and the pleasure is all mine.
Virginia: ...
Janus: I seem to have made a bad first impression. You have every
right to reject my offer. But that is precisely why I want to
join forces. I want to redeem myself and earn your trust. If
you're after the Eternal Sparkle, we'd like to help.
Virginia: ...
[She puts her guns away.]
Virginia: Fine...Let's find the Eternal Sparkle together.
Gallows: Hey, hey, hey!? What are you thinking? We can't trust this
guy!
Clive: As long as you are the leader, we shall abide by your decision.
However, are you sure you have carefully thought this out?
Virginia: ...I understand your concern. But everybody deserves a
second chance. I don't like to hold grudges...It's too
hard and painful to handle. To tell you the truth, I don't
trust him one hundred percent, either. But at some point, I
have to do this, or else I'll be skeptical of him forever.
That's why I chose to trust him just now.
Clive: Understood. I shall accept his propo...I mean our leader's
decision.
Janus: Look...You have my utmost respect, Princess. I wish I could
think like you. Actually, maybe I did back in the day.
Gallows: Well, now that we're a team, what are you guys gonna do for
us?
Janus: Information...We can provide information about the <demons>,
who are said to have sealed the Eternal Sparkle. I'll tell you
more once we find i. I think it's a fair deal. We just need you
to escort us deep within these trap-filled ruins.
<Demons> Virginia: Demons?
Janus: I'm sure you've heard of them. Those demons you here about in
folklore? They are said to have existed ages ago, and their
spiteful rancor supposedly lives on within these ruins. Do
you know what that means? The Eternal Sparkle and the demons
are somehow connected. I'll tell you more once we find it.
I think it's a fair deal. We just need you to escort us deep
within these trap-filled ruins.
Virginia: With our strength and your information, we'll get through
these ruins in no time. We're counting on you, Janus.
Janus: Same here, Princess...Same here...
[As the newly-established team explores, they come to a library with
the following books:]
-War and Technology
-This Might Interest You [Sealed]
-The Lost Demi-humans
-Family of Demons
-Ruins of Memory
[They continue on into another room, where Janus stops.]
Janus: The Eternal Sparkle...Only a select few have actually come in
contact with it. But one thing is for sure...It's much greater
than any jewel or precious metal known to man. A great power is
bestowed upon the one who comes in contact with it. It grants a
spear that can destroy all life. That is the Eternal Sparkle's
true essence.
[Janus takes something that looks like a mask off the wall.]
Janus: But that's all rubbish if you ask me. There are, however,
avaricious people in this sickw orld, that would do or pay
anything to get their grubby little hands on it.
Virginia: Janus...What do you think you're doing?
Janus: Coming all the way here, hired by some dubious blokes,
covering myself in filthy dust...I guess you could call me
avaricious...Thank you, Princess...I really enjoyed your
company. Now, if I may, I must go cash in my treasure.
Virginia: Janus...You tricked us...You double-crosser!
Janus: Tricked you? Heavens, no! Oh, I almost forgot my end of the
bargain. This here is a shield, which bears the name of the
demon, [Hieraco]. It's kind of like a good luck charm.
Aside from this [Hieraco], there are two more shield: the
[Andro] and [Crio]. The Eternal Sparkle is said to be sealed
by all three. I now hold one of the three shields scattered
throughout the world. The second one is currently being
excavated, and...the third one seems to be in the hands of a
certain Drifter. Of course I plan on stealing that one in
the near future. I'm sorry I made a fool out of you. But I
was just doing my job. As I've told you before, we Drifters
are neither good nor evil...We're either winners or losers.
Now, make way before I'm forced to hurt you.
Virginia: I tried my best to trust you...All my comrades had doubts,
and yet I went ahead and joined forces with you. I wanted
to try my best to believe...I wanted so badly to trust...
And then...!
Janus: Save the sob story, Princess. That's just how the game's played
in the wasteland.
Virginia: I won't let anyone make a mockery of people who are trying
so hard!
Janus: ...That's what I like about you, Princess. But the thing is...
You're starting to get on my nerves! You're rubbing me the
wrong way by carrying all that inexperienced weight into the
wasteland! You remind me of my youth, back when I was still
green! You're a reflection of the old me...You're just a
figment of my past! Now watch, as I trample over you! Dario!
Pull yourself together and shut your fly!
Dario: I'm good to go, Boss!
Janus: Romero! Don't be shakin' in your boots!
Romero: All set to go, Boss!
Janus: Prepare to execute the <Trinity>! We can go all out here!
[If you don't do the ASK system, the battle just starts.]
<Trinity> Virginia: The Trinity? What are you planning to do!?
Janus: Unlike your inexperienced team, we're about to perform a
feat that defines the word 'experience.' It's a triple dose
of combination attacks. But I think you'll have a better
taste for it once you experience it!
[The battle starts. If Romero or Dario is attacked while Janus is
still fighting, he'll heal them.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Janus is capable of healing his comrades, regardless
of whose turn it is!]
[The party defeats Janus, who then takes out his pocketwatch.]
Janus: Tch...! I'm going to be late...Dario, Romero! You two hold them
off while I go back and report.
Dario: But Boss, that's suicide! You know we can't use the Trinity
without you!
Romero: Are you just using us as pawns so you can make your escape!?
Janus: Quit the whining! If I don't bring back the Hieraco shield,
then who will? Listen up! For once in your life, fight like
you've never fought before. And if you're still alive, meet
me at the usual place.
[Janus leaves.]
Romero: So it's just you and me, huh, bro?
Dario: You know, I've read somewhere that...in times of crisis,
people have the power to accomplish the impossible. It's do
or die now. Let's go all out, or else the boss will have our
heads for sure!
Romero: It's gonna take a burning house for me to build up that power.
And it ain't gonna amount to much. Anyway, let's just make
sure we don't die out here. That's the best we can do.
[The battle continues, but not for long: Dario and Romero don't put
up much of a fight, no matter how many houses they could've burned
down.]
Romero: Waaahhhh! If only our boss were here, you guys would've been
dead meat!
Gallows: Sounds like an excuse from a sore loser! I'm sure there's
more where that came from!
Dario: Ah, get off your high horse! We'll make you regret you ever met
us!
[Dario and Romero escape.]
Gallows: Argh, those guys make me sick to my stomach!
Clive: What's the matter?
Virginia: I'm...sorry. If only I hadn't trusted them...
Jet: I'll say...
Clive: You cannot let mistakes here and there get you down. Just
remember: you are the team leader.
Virginia: You're right...If the Eternal Sparkle really is such a
deadly artifact, we can't let them have it. And from
what Janus was saying, they haven't obtained all the
shields yet, right? Then if we act now, we can still
stop those thugs from obtaining the Eternal Sparkle!
Clive: Most likely...
Virginia: Then what are we doing standing around with our heads
hung low!? Let's go back to Jolly Roger and find out
more about the remaining shields!
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Carving the Countryside: Jolly Roger to Claiborne |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ JRTC /
\_______/
[The party heads back to the port town to dig up any clues that might
help them on their pursuit.]
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Dennis: The dune creatures aren't happy. They lend no ear to the
plight of ships. These days, land routes are more practical
than sea ones. It's safer to take a <train>. I really want to
take my ship out for a sale, but my wallet's clean empty.
<Train>: Midland Station is to the northwest. Ever since monsters
started showing up, they can't repair the trains quickly
enough, so right now they just go west. But long ago, that
place was the central junction for railways all over Filgaia.
Herman: Seas of sand and barren wilderness...I never thought it
strange to live in a world like this. This is the only place
I've ever known. I can't help that. But it is too bad...
Volks: Know the difference between the birds that stay put and the
ones that migrate? It's how they use their wings. They may be
hunting for treasure or out searching for themselves, but the
wings of a Drifter never go to waste. They're always out
finding a new way.
Sterling: It's natural to guess that there are really three shields,
each with a spell that sealed the Eternal Sparkle. I hear
there's another place just like the Ruins of Memory out
west. Heading west from here will take you to the region
of <Westwood>, and I suggest going by rail.
<Westwood>: I heard that it used to be covered in green there. They
still make a living by raising horses.
Emelia: [She says the same thing as last time.]
Hannah: <Janus Cascade>...A handsome, capable man, but he puts it
all to waste. Not all Drifters are do-gooders.
<Janus Cascade>: A Drifter who only listens to himself might sound
cool and all, but that man is just a ravenous
bully. I'm not the most streetwise person, but I
think you should stay clear of that scum.
[With the information on Westwood and Midland Station, the party sets
out to find the places. Near X:14605, Y:6834, the party finds the
railway. It's deserted but for one attendant and...Tony!]
Miles: Thank you for riding with Filgaia Railways. Where are you
headed today? [Replies: Ticket, Sell, Chat]
Miles (Ticket): [Westwood is the only option for 120 Gella]
Miles (Sell): [Normal selling screen to raise money for tickets. If or
when you cancel, Miles says "Have a nice trip."]
Miles (Chat): I was born and raised in Midland, so I think Jolly Roger
is a nice place. Of course, most folks who were born in
Jolly Roger stay and live in Midland their whole lives.
Tony: To board a train, first you need to purchase a ticket from the
station attendant. He's a little hard to find, but the attendant
can be found right next to the entrance.
[Virginia buys a ticket and Tony greets them at the entrance.]
Tony: Are you ready to depart? Just give us the word and we'll get
going. [Replies: Depart, Chat]
Tony (Depart): [No dialogue; you just get on the train and get off in
the next station. This is always true for this option
so in the future, I'll just skip right to the Chat
option.]
Tony (Chat): Thanks for travelling with us! Don't hesitate to ask
any of our courteous staff for assistance. We proudly
hire locals, so that each employee is knowledgeable about
the area they work in. We can provide you with the latest
directions and travel tips custom-tailored for each and
every region.
[The party gets off in Westwood, which is an underground station. Only
a single attendant stands nearby.]
Rick: Lots of passengers today...I'm glad that group decided to use
our station. I suppose the <village> nearby has been having
some kind of fair.
<Village>: Oh, you hadn't heard? East of here is the village of
<Claiborne>. It's a nice place to visit if you don't mind
the long walk. Well, until we meet again.
<Claiborne>: It's right where the tracks start to curve. They're
famous for their horses. I hear they train them to be
both obedient and strong. It would be a perfect place
if it wasn't for one thing: the saloon mistress's
scowl.
[With new information on Claiborne, the party heads to where the train
tracks curve. Sure enough, near X: 11788, Y:7069, the village in
question comes into sight.]
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
-Norley - Memory figure
-Becky - Limber-looking girl with a downhome accent and long ponytail
-Roykman - Salesman extraordinaire!
-Otto - ARMsmith who looks funny for some unidentifiable reason
-Dessinsey - Kindly old man who raises all those famous horses
-Myra - Mean ol' saloon owner who isn't liked to a large extent
-Martina - The mean ol' saloon owner's niece who is well-liked
Norley: <<Beep>>...SAVE YOUR GAME...? [Options: Yes, No]
Norley (No): <<Beep>>...TAKE CARE
Becky: The madam of the saloon is named Myra, and she is some
character. She's always irritated and edgy, and doesn't treat
her little <niece> very nicely, either. Ah guess ya gotta do
what ya gotta do in order to age well.
<Niece>: Her name's Martina. It's just so disheartin' to see her put
in an unjust situation...It ain't her fault, you know? Ah had
a word with Myra 'bout the way she treats her niece, and she
snapped at Martina, thinkin' she ratted on her. It's
terrible, Ah tell ya.
Roykman: I really enjoy travelling by train. Once you reach your
destination and step off the train, a whole new world opens
up.
Otto: Fancy seein' Drifters in this village. So, what treasure are
y'all after?
Otto (2): This village has some legendary stories 'bout the
<Eternal Sparkle>. No one has been able to find any truth
to this. Does that stir your curiosity as Drifters?
<Eternal Sparkle>: No one knows what it is, but I hear it got
sealed away somewhere at the end of the great
war. Rumor has it that clues to the whereabouts
of this Eternal Sparkle can be found at the
<ruins by the foothills>.
<Ruins by the foothills>: You'll see mountains east of this village.
Search around the foothills and you'll
find the ruins. No one has been able to
confirm any truth to this rumor, but I'd
prepare before settin' foot in there.
Dessinsey: Even though you may be Drifters, there's no way you can
take to the sky. I highly recommend y'all ride horsies to
get around the wasteland. I have four horsies that just
turned two years old this year, so give me a holler if
you're interested. It'll cost 2,000 Gella for four of my
top-notch horsies. Whaddaya say? [Replies: It's a deal.;
We don't need horses now.]
Dessinsey (R1): Thank you. I'll have 'em saddled up for ya outside
the village. Take good care of 'em.
Dessinsey (R2): That's too bad. But come see me again when you do
need horsies.
Pike: Hiya! I can change the one word that defines your existance:
your name. [Replies: Rename, Chat]
Pike (Rename): [No dialogue is said; you just rename the party
leader to whatever you wish.]
Pike (Chat): I just arrived here from my hometown up north. I'll
be working here so I can send some money home. So
far, it's been really exciting because everything's
so new to me. I wonder if Drifters look forward to
making new memories by travelling to new places?
Pike (J - Chat): Hey, Jet! How's it going!? I didn't think we'd
meet up so soon! Did you grow a little taller? You
should keep a record of how tall you grow. Speaking
of records...That's it, memories!! What do you say
I keep a record of all your memories on paper? Once
you see a notebook full of all your memories, I'm
sure you'll appreciate them like I do. You don't
care to, huh? But you do know I can be pretty
stubborn.
Martina: Welcome! We appreciate your patronage. My <mom> is usually in
charge of cooking, but she isn't here right now. Auntie and I
will cater to all your culinary needs!
<Mom>: My mom is working elsewhere right now. Therefore, I must do my
best to helprun this saloon until she comes back. However, I
haven't received any letters from her recently. I am starting
to get a little worried...
Martina (2): My mom and dad used to own this saloon, but now it
belongs to my auntie. My dad tried to expand the
business, but failed and...Anyway, once my mom and I
are able to pay Auntie back our debts, Auntie said
this saloon will belong to the three of us. [Martina
only says this part if you inquired about her mom.]
Myra: Can I help ya? [Replies: Stay, Sell, Chat]
Myra (Stay): That'll be _____ Gella for y'all. [Replies: Yes, No]
[The amount you pay changes, so I didn't list it
here.]
Myra (R-Yes): [No dialogue is exchanged]
Myra (R-No): [No dialogue is exchanged]
Myra (Sell): [Regular sell screen]
Myra (Chat): Yes? I'm <Martina>'s aunt. Can I help ya?
<Martina>: Don't look at me like that! The saloon used to belong
to her parents, but her fathe fell into debt from all
of his gamblin'. I've put up the collateral to save
this business, so now they owe me.
[In Dessinsey's house, one can find the following books:]
"ARMs and the Spirit"
"The Three Followers of the Darkness"
[If you bought horses, they'll be outside when you enter the World
Map. Get on one and:]
[DIDACTIC POINT: You can cross the plains on a horse much faster than
on foot. Press the directional button or the left analog stick
upwards or hold the (X) button to gallop quickly. Press the
directional button or left analog stick right and left to turn in
place. You can leap over crevasses simply by moving forward while
facing them.]
[At this point, you can either go searching for the next dungeon, or
go back to the last area via train and use your newly acquired
"horsies" to get a head start on a planting project. Skip ahead if
you don't want to read this backtracking.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| All In A Row: The Secret Garden to Decaying Labyrinth |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ SGDL /
\_______/
[Head back to Westwood and buy a ticket for Midland.]
Tony: How was Claiborne? I like hanging out there. It's a great place
to relax the mind and soothe the soul.
[Once in Midland, you can talk to Miles again, but he says the same
thing. Anyway, once out of the station, use a Call Whistle to get
your transportation to the your location. Find the nearby crevasse
and jump it with your horses, and head towards the forest, curving
around the edge. Near X:17711, Y:8239, use your sonar and you'll
find The Secret Garden. Talk to the girl to initiate a
conversation.]
Virginia: Howdy! What a pretty field of flowers. Did you grow all
this?
[The girl doesn't say anything.]
Virginia: Oh...Did I say something rude?
Gallows: Hey, don't worry about it. Communication's the name of
the game.
Jet: Silence is golden, Gallows. Besides...Not everybody just
blurts out whatever pops into their head, like you.
[Virginia looks back at Clive, who shakes his head.]
Virginia: I'm sorry. We didn't mean to intrude. Show us your
flowers sometime, okay?
[Everyone turns to leave, but something scares Jet.]
Jet: What the!?
[The silent girl has sidled up to Jet while he was looking away.]
Jet: Hey! You want something? Speak up, already!
[Virginia walks back and slaps Jet.]
Virginia: So much for silence being golden! Right, Jet?
[Virginia turns to the girl.]
Virginia: So what's the matter?
Girl: Um...I...I want to ask you a favor.
Virginia: Is there something we can do?
Girl: Well...My lowers are crying. Corrupt soil in the northwest
has been tormenting the poor flowers. You can't tell by
looking at it, but the flowers told me so.
Clive: So, you're requesting that we investigate the cause of
this phenomena. Is that correct?
[The girl nods.]
Jet: Finally! Why didn't you just start at the beginning...with
our reward!
[The girl digs in her pocket and gives Jet ten Heal Berries.]
Jet: Heal berries? Wait a sec...These things grow here? Well,
if you're giving this to me, I'll just go ahead and pocket
it.
[He looks at Virginia.]
Jet: What?
Virginia: It's a deal! The corrupt soil is to the northwest,
right? Let's go have a look-see.
Jet: Now hold on a minute! How can you jump into a deal without
fixin' the reward!?
Clive: I'm quite impressed. You did quite well.
[The girl moves closer to Jet.]
Jet: What the!? Now what do you want?
Girl: Thank you. My name's Florina. My flowers thank you, too.
They're so happy you're nice.
Jet: Wh-Whatever! Call me nice again and you'll regret it!
Girl (NOS): Once you've stopped the <corruption>, please come back and
tell me. The flowers and I want to reward you as much as
we can.
<Corruption>: The corrupt soil is creeping its way here from the
northwest. Please...The closer the soil comes, the
deeper my flowers wilt.
[The party leaves to find this "corruption". Near X:15357, Y:9645,
the dungeon comes into view. This is the Decaying Labyrinth. Inside,
after navigating the twisting (but fairly straightforward) corridors,
the party enters a cavernous room. The door locks behind them, so
the only option is to jump down to a lower floor via rubble. At the
bottom is a treasure chest.]
Narrative: Part of the seal that decorates the chest is chipped. Could
it have faded with time, or is someone responsible...? A
strong stench of death creeps out from the small crack! The
stench slowly transforms into a human shape and begins to
unleash death!
[The party is attacked by the Ring Keeper, a hideous looking monster
that resembles a bipedal wolfman with no teeth and a hunchback. It is
also quite possible that anyone fighting this monster this early in
the game without an ability to null Dark-elemental attacks will die,
but I'll continue nevertheless. Once the monster is defeated:]
Narrative: The Corpse Ring glitters as it eats away the surrounding
dirt, rock, and all life-forms in its vicinity. Acquiring
the Corpse Ring will curse all party members by reducing
their HP to one and their VIT gauge to zero. It will be
impossible to remove the curse as long as you are in the
ruins. You cannot restore your HP or VIT gauges.
Furthermore, you will not be able to save your game onto
a Memory Card (PS2) using a Gimel Coin. The only way to
remove the curse is by exposing the ring to sunlight.
Faced with these conditions, will you be willing to risk
death and take the Corpse Ring out of the Decaying
Labyrinth to remove the curse? [Replies: Yes, No]
Narrative (Yes): [You take the ring and you are inflicted with
said conditions. No words are spoken.]
Narrative (No): [The treasure chest closes and you can leave. No
words are said.]
[The party runs back to the entrance on an alternative route since
their last one was inaccessible. Although this new one is more
serpentine and longer, they make it outside alive. Virginia holds up
the Corpse Ring and it evaporates.]
Narrative: The Corpse Ring is purified by the shimmering sunlight and
evaporates into thin air. The corruption that was eating
away at the ruins and the surrounding area is put to rest.
[The party returns to the Secret Garden.]
Virginia: Well...We cleansed the cursed ring we found in the ruins in
the northwest...But we still don't know whether we stopped
the corrupted soil.
Florina: Hmm...I think it's all right. The flowers say they feel a
lot better.
Gallows: Whoa...I'm shocked. You've got a stronger bond with your
surroundings than even us Baskars! It's like...
Jet: We did our job. Now let's get outta here. We can find better
work elsewhere.
Florina: Actually...If you don't mind, I have one more reward for
you. The soil is corrupt no more. Now I can share with
you the bounty of the harvest: goods for your journey.
Clive: Are you saying you'll cultivate herbs and medicines for us?
[She nods.]
Clive: Many have tried, but so far nobody has been able to raise
such plants. That's why you can't just buy them. And here
you're offering to do just that, for us?
Virginia: We really appreciate it, but you've given us a reward
already, so you don't have to go out on a limb.
Florina: Okay...Then share some of your flowers with me. That's
all I ask for in return. After all, I love taking care
of flowers.
Jet: You heard her. Let's grab as much as we can.
Virginia: I'm sorry he's so rude. He's had it rough, so you'll
never hear anything nice out of him. But he's not
really a bad guy, okay?
Florina: Of course. You helped the flowers. You have to be nice
people to want to help mother nature.
Gallows: You have to be nice people...to help mother nature.
[Gallows says this first part in a different font, which
is supposed to be a way of mocking Jet, I guess.]
Jet: And your point is!?
Florina: When gardening, I can cultivate special berries, carrots,
and various flowers, too.
Florina (NOS): This planet isn't a good place for flowers. I heard
that long, long ago there were flowers as far as the
eye could see...I want to make the world what it was
before, and I won't give up, ever.
[This ends the Secret Garden sidequest for the most part, but you can
always go and plant stuff later--it's just not a requirement to do
anything. I should end this here, but this seems like a good place to
add some special dialogue if you go back previous to previous towns,
too. The NPCs are the same, although Roykman isn't always there when
you show up.]
[Special/new dialogue in Baskar Colony:]
Shane (G-Chat): Hello, dear Brother! How are you doing these days?
I can't wait to <hear> what you've got this time. I
can use my imagination and pretend I'm travelling with
you on your journeys.
<Hear> Gallows: I ain't proud of it...I got beat up by some bad
Drifters in the Ruins of Memory. But there were lots
of books and displays on the history of our world
that're different from what we have here in Baskar.
They had tomes on the Giant's Rock, the ancient Elw,
and lots of cool stuff like that.
Roykman: The wasteland and the seas of sand are rife with peril and
menace. Travellers must exercise extreme caution. That's
why I'm doing my best to travel from village to village,
to keep the bonds between them alive.
[Special dialogue in Jolly Roger:]
Roykman: <Ten...twenty...thirty>...Oh...Hi, there. Roykman and Co.
is open for business.
<Ten...twenty...thirty>: Oh, that? I was just checking my inventory
of antidotes. I always keep a couple of
handy items stashed in my pouch, my hat,
and in my shoes, because you never know
when you need them. Those aren't my regular
merchandise. Well, most of them, anyway.
[Special dialogue in Westwood:]
Author's Note: As far as I know, it's unknown when Martina actually
leaves Claiborne, so I won't give any conjecture on what I think
factors in. She's there by this point, though.
Martina: I got along with my auntie fine, but I just wanted to find
my mother. Maybe I was too impulsive. But I couldn't just
sit and wait for my mom to come home.
Martina (2): I'm all right. I'm a fast walker. Besides, my mother
always told me that as long as you can press on,
there's nothing you can't do. But thank you for
checking up on me.
[Uh...that's all the special dialogue. Onto the actual storyline!]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Snakes and Stairways: Serpent's Coils to Ka Dingel |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ SCKD /
\_______/
[After talking to Otto, you can find the ruins in question at around
X:13822, Y:7832. Here lies Serpent's Coils. Everyone enters.]
Virginia: Be on your guard, everyone. If the shield that seals the
Eternal Sparkle is located here, there's a good chance Janus
might be here, too.
[After searching a few rooms, the party finds an odd lever. After
pulling it:]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Navigation system activated. [Hollow circle]
indicates an unexplored area, while [Glowing blue circle] indicates
an area previously explored. [Glowing yellow circle] indicates the
last area explored. Use these symbols to navigate your way around the
ruins. Press the lever again to tun off the navigation system.]
[In another room, the party finds a room full of treasure chests. Each
says a different phrase when they find out it's empty.]
Virginia: That's odd...Could someone already be in here?
Jet: Dammit, looks like someone beat us to it.
Gallows: Argh! It's empty! Who's little behind are we chasin' now!?
Clive: Empty...It appears somebody has a head start on us.
[After continuing further, the party has to jump down to a lower
platform to get to a switch. They do so, but can't get back up without
going through the whole system of rooms again.]
Blonde: Why, thank you. I never imagined a rival Drifter would be so
cooperative.
[A blonde girl, a well-dressed man with a stick and afro, a cat with
a bandanna, and a little boy with a panda backpack come through a door
and stop in front of the party.]
Virginia: It's not Janus...But still thugs, nonetheless.
Afro: Was she referring to me?
Blonde: This lassie needs to get out more?
Cat(?): Madam, we must press on...
Blonde: I know, I know. Is it still responding on the radar?
[The boy nods, and Blonde turns back to Virginia's team.]
Blonde: What are you doing here, anyway?
Virginia: Huh?
Blonde: Did I stutter? I'm sure you're just looking for the shield,
anyway. Okay, then. Here's another question. What makes you
think you can find your way around the wasteland? What is it
that supports you, that makes you think you can make it?
Virginia: What are you talking about? I'm just, me! Stop talking
such nonsense!
Blonde: Sounds like you're just another one of those people, who
roam the wasteland unprepared and clueless. It's posers
like you that give female Drifters such a poor rep. I can't
stand it! One of these days you're really gonna hurt yourself
by pretending to be a Drifter. I suggest you turn back now.
Virginia: Pretending?
[The girl, the man with an afro, and the cat-thing all walk into
the door that Virginia's team opened.]
Timid Boy: I'm sorry. My sister always speaks her mind. That often
makes hercome off as harsh.
[The boy runs after his party.]
Virginia: I know I'm just starting to take flight, but still...
The nerve of her!
[The party continues on, flipping a lever to cross a bridge. When
they work their way around to a point where they can cross, the
blonde girl flips the switch and runs away, leaving them without
a place to cross. Each of the four characters says something
different:]
Virginia: Hey!? So that's how it's gonna be, huh!?
Jet: I know the wasteland is all about competition...But...
How low can she go?
Gallows: Hey, come back here! What are we, in kindergarten!?
Clive: Impeding others just because you are lost is not a very
admirable thing to do.
[The party works back around and goes into the door they were
trying to get into before. After opening the door to the main
room, the blonde girl runs past them. Virginia's team follows
to where the girl is waiting.]
Blonde: You are such an eyesore! Who do you think you are,
anyway!
Virginia: I may be inexperienced...But I'm doing the best I
can! I'm not pretending, okay!? I'm not gonna have
you laugh at me when I'm trying my best!
Blonde: You really crack me up! Then why don't you prove just
how far your best will take you!
[The two teams fight with Virginia's crew coming out on top.]
Blonde: You are tenacious...and stubborn!
[She takes out a book and holds it for everyone to see.]
Blonde: But let's see if you can handle this!
Timid Boy: Uh...Sis? Sis!
Blonde: How dare you interrupt me...Since when have you gotten
so bold? Anyway, what is it?
Timid Boy: Sis, the radar's reacting. I think the team that went in
ahead of us is making its move.
Blonde: Sorry to spoil the party, but we don't have time to play
with you anymore. Ta-ta...Don't hurt yourself.
[The Blonde's team runs off.]
Virginia: Wait!
Maya: My name's Maya Schroedinger. And we are the renowned
Schroedinger family. Don't you forget it. It's a name you'll be
chasing for a long time.
Virginia: I'm...Virginia Maxwell!
Maya: I'll remember it for the time being. But listen...Once I turn
my head, you better be right behind me. Or else, I'll forget
real quick.
[Maya runs off and Virginia's team follows after them. Strangely,
when they walk up to the second shield, Maya's not there.]
Virginia: The shield! I think we're the first ones here! ...?
Wait...Where's Maya and her team? Well, better make the
most of this opportunity!
[The shield is up high, and Virginia tries to climb up the wall.]
Janus: You won't be able to reach it like that. Would you like
some help?
Virginia: Yeah, can you...Huh!?
Janus: Hi there.
Gallows: Oh, man...Are they the team Maya was talkin' about?
Clive: Apparently...
Dario: Geez...Why does everyone hate us?
Romero: Well, bro...We have no social graces, just like the
boss...
[Janus throws a hand back and hits Romero in the face.]
Janus: I just choose to work efficiently. And when others don't
like it, they <make a fuss>...But the truth of the matter
is, everyone's just sore they were outwitted! [If the
ASK system wasn't activated, Virginia begins with "Now I
get it."]
<Make a fuss> Virginia: Make a fuss!? How can you say that after
betraying people's trust!?
Janus: Everybody and their brother are just so blind to their own
faults. It's as if everyone is blaming me, making me look
like the bad guy. But the truth of the matter is,
everyone's just sore they were outwitted!
Virginia: Now I get it. You feel no pain when you stomp all over
peole because of the way you think.
Janus: Well, of course. I'm the one doing the stomping, so why should
I feel the pain?
Virginia: Calling you a thug is much too flattering...You have
absolutely no moral principles. You're nothing but a
scumbag!
Janus: Scumbag...? That's an understatement!
[The party fights Janus again and beats him like it's their favorite
pastime. As they fight, the cat-thing that accompanied Maya flies up
to the shield and takes it.]
Dario: Hey, Boss! A cat's got the shield and it's takin' off with it!
[Janus throws the butt end of his gun into Romero's mouth, again for
some reason.]
Janus: Idiots! What are you doing standing around!? That's no
ordinary cat! It belongs to a Drifter!
Maya: We had already confirmed that there were two other teams
within these ruins in search of the shield. And oh, how
easily we were able to snatch away the goods from both of you. I
was a little disappointed how the notorious Cascade couldn't
live up to his reputation. A little anticlimactic, I must say...
Janus: Tch...Since when did women begin to lose their modesty?
Maya: Oh? Women have been living proudly for a long time now. You
just need to date more.
Janus: The Eternal Sparkle is sealed by three shields. Rumor has it
that a female Drifter is in possession of the Crio shield.
Might that be...you?
Maya: Bingo...
Janus: Looks like the odds are against us today. But I want you to
know that we're not giving up on the Eternal Sparkle. Have
you been to Claiborne? Southwest of there, by the tip of the
peninsula, stands an ancient tower. It's called [Ka Dingel].
It was constructed by humans long ago in an effort to reach
the heavens, seeking power. That is where the Eternal
Sparkle is sealed. Sealed by the power of the three shields.
Maya: Why, thank you kindly for the information.
[The two groups walk past each other. Janus stops at the door.]
Janus: I choose to work efficiently, that's all. Even if I am just
buying time...
Virginia: Stop right there!
[Virginia runs after Janus and is almost crushed by a piece of
ceiling debris. Jet saves her with his quick-footed dexterity,
pushing both of them out of the way. The timid boy speaks first.]
Alfred: Whoa...
Virginia: I said, stop!
[She runs after Janus again, but Maya stops her with a firm slap.]
Maya: You're the one who needs to stop what you're doing.
Virginia: But why!? They're...
Maya: They do have a bad rep. That goes to show how good they are.
That's the way it is in the wasteland.
Virginia: But...
Maya: But what!? You think they're the bad guys? Then what is your
definition of bad? Just now, you did something extreme and
endangered your comrade. So, by being imprudent and risking
the lives of others, doesn't that make you a bad guy, too?
This is exactly the kind of thing that makes me think you're
just pretending to be a Drifter!
Virginia: No, wait...! You're not going to that tower, are you?
It's a trap, I know it!
Maya: Of course it's a <trap>. It's so obvious. So it'll be worth
the risk to take them up on their proposal. And the Eternal
Sparkle is sealed there. The stage would be complete.
<Trap>: You look surprised...You're wondering why I would set out
for that tower? Well, if we go there and they show up, all
the shields would be in one place. And the Eternal Sparkle
is sealed there. The stage would be complete.
Virginia: What was it I wanted to accomplish as a Drifter? I have
no idea...My wings are in place, yet I have nowhere to
fly.
Maya: This is a hurdle people face when they wander into the
wasteland with some romantic idea in mind.
[Maya tosses the shield she had just stolen on the floor beside
a crying Virginia.]
Maya: Just bring the shield and head southwest to Ka Dingel.
There, you'll find neither good nor bad--only the truth
about Drifters. Once you face the truth, you'll find your
answer. Okay?
[The man who looks like a butler with an afro steps up.]
Todd: Are you sure, Milady?
Maya: Yes, she'll be fine. Once she faces the truth, I'm sure
she'll stop pretending to be a Drifter. All right, everyone.
Let's get going.
[Virginia's party goes back to Claiborne to the Horsetheft Saloon.
Gallows walks down the stairs to where Jet and Clive are sitting.]
Gallows: Our leader is pretty bummed out.
Clive: All we can do is lend a helping hand. If she cannot get back
on her feet herself, then this is it for her...
Gallows: Well, depending on how you look at it, this was kinda fun.
According to them, we were just amusin' ourselves
pretending to be Drifters.
Jet: Well...What now...?
Clive: That is up to the leader to decide... ... Perhaps she has
already made up her mind...
Thought (Virginia): Where am I supposed to fly?
[Upstairs, Virginia lays on her bed.]
Virginia: (I'm doing the best I can...And I'm taking this
seriously. But I feel like I'm getting nowhere... What
am I lacking here? What is it that supports me, and
molds me into who I am? What is it I need to traverse
the wasteland as a Drifter?)
[She takes out her picture of her father.]
Virginia: (Daddy...Back then, I didn't understand why you left
me...or what you were thinking...But now...I think I
understand a little bit...There's something out there
in the wasteland, right, Daddy? That's why you became a
Drifter...Daddy...What should I do? I can't consider
myself a Drifter until I know, right?)
[She shoots up from her bed.]
Virginia: But still...I have to fly... ... If I don't, this will
all end without my finding out anything. I'm not going
out into the wassteland because I have a purpose...I'm
going out into the wasteland to find a purpose!! I
better go apologize to everyone...And...
[Virginia walks downstairs.]
Clive: Are you feeling better?
Virginia: I'm fine now. And...I'm sorry...I became a Drifter,
thinking that maybe my ARMs could help people in need...
But I didn't have a purpose or goal as a Drifter...
That's why she said I was pretending. How I put everyone
in danger. Please forgive me...
Clive: So, did you figure out what you want to do in the wasteland?
Virginia: Yep. Ah, wait...Maybe not...
Jet: Which is it!?
Virginia: Well, I'm not confused anymore. I know why I need to
continue traversing the wasteland.
Gallows: Looks like we were spared a depressing sob story.
Virginia: Of course! I may have been depressed a little while ago,
but I'm not gonna let it end like this. So, let's all...
Clive: ...continue on as a team, and see this matter through.
Jet: We haven't made much money yet. I can't drop out now.
Gallows: Hey, we're all invited guests. Let's do this together!
Virginia: Thanks, everyone...Let's hurry to the southwest tower,
Ka Dingel!
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
Roykman: Was something discovered at the ruins by the peninsula?
Another group of Drifters stocked up on items and
headed that way.
Becky: If y'all are Drifters, then you must know who Ah'm talkin'
'bout...Ever heard of <Janus Cascade>? If you're gonna
be a Drifter, ya haveta shoot to become as well-known as
Janus.
<Janus Cascade>: He's such a hunk...Not only is he handsome, he
knows how to handle himself. Ah know you only
hear bad things 'bout him, but that only proves how
skilled he is. That outlaw persona he gives off is
such a turn-on.
Otto: I hear that the three shields protectin' the Eternal Sparkle
are crowned with their own individual <significance>. No one
knows what this Eternal Sparkle looks like, but one thang fer
sure is that it has incredible, unimaginable power.
<Significance>: The shields are Andro, which stands fer wisdom,
Crio, which stands fer strength, and Hieraco,
which stands fer agility...They're all names of
sphinxes if ya didn't know.
Dessinsey: This whole region is called Westwood just like the
station. It was named so in hopes that this western
region will be covered by woodland some day.
Pike: Livestock farming is our main industry, so this village is
famous for its eggs and chickens. The village saloon used to
serve great chicken and egg dishes, but...ever since Madam
Mileux left the saloon in her sister's care, the food just
isn't as good. I should've eaten more omelettes while
Madam Mileux was still cooking...
Pike (J): Hey, long time no see. Were you gone all this time
investigating ruins? What kind of stuff did you find?
...Wow...You found a demon artifact, but another team
of Drifters stole it from you, huh? But you're going
to settle the score, right? Good luck!
Myra: Just the other day, a Drifter got drunk and trashed the
room he was stayin' in. And then Martina disappears,
leavin' behind nothin' but a note. Talk about double
trouble...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Shane (G - Chat): Oh, that's right. Roykman's a travelling
salesman, peddling his wares all over Filgaia.
It's hard to find him right when you need him.
I know it might be hard for you, but try to
estimate what you'll need, and buy it ahead
of time.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: Once you can see the world in black and white, you should
never compromise. Same thing with the black and whites
inside of you. You headed to the peninsula southwest of
Claiborne? Well, I hope you find your answers there.
[After a little preparation, Virginia's team sets out for Ka
Dingel, finding it around X:9675, Y:4472. They enter promptly.
After climbing a few flights of stairs, the party is attacked by
a monster named Trask. The secret to beating him could be learned
in Claiborne if all the bookshelves were checked.]
Narrative: Trask's outer shell is highly resistant to physical
attacks.
[Someone uses a fire attack on Trask.]
Narrative: Trask's outer shell is gathering massive amounts of
heat energy! It looks like red, smoldering steel.
[Someone immediately uses an ice-based attack on Trask.]
Narrative: As Trask's outer shell is headed and immediately
cooled, you hear a thunderous noise like a boulder
cracking open. Countless numbers of cracks run
through the outer shell, and the sturdy armor
finally breaks into a million pieces! Any hard
substance can be made brittle by repeated heated
and immediate cooling, thereby inducing degradation
of matter. Trask's outer shell was destroyed by the
power of fire and ice Arcana!
[Trask is finished when his defense goes down, and Virginia
leads her team further up the stairs. At a certain point,
a treasure chest can be unlocked with a Duplicator. Inside
is a Booster Kit.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: The Booster Kit increases the capacity of
your ECN gauge by ten. The higher your ECN gauge, the more
encounters you can avoid. This allows for much safer travel.]
[Even further up the stairs, the party encounters a spacious
room. As they pass through the middle, the building shakes.]
Virginia: Is everyone all right?
Clive: Yes, we seem to be fine, but...
[They all look up at the ceiling.]
Gallows: What's goin' on up there?
Jet: Heh...Our situation never seems to get any better.
[The party walks over to a platform, presses a button, and is
taken up to the top of the tower. There, Dario, Romero, and
Janus stand in their battle poses. Maya's party is all defeated
except for her.]
Janus: How did you like our Trinity Avenger?
Maya: Th-That name is even more ridiculous than the attack!
How can I be so disgraced and humiliated...?
Virginia: Maya!
Janus: Heh heh...Looks like the stage is set. The Schroedingers
have the Crio shield in their possession...Which means
you must have the Andro shield, correct? Now hand it over
and I just might spare their lives.
Maya: Don't do it! They're not just after it for the money...
The Eternal Sparkle is used to...
[Janus shoots Maya.]
Maya: Ugh...!
Janus: I'm trying to work efficiently, here.
[Virginia hands over the Andro shield.]
Janus: Heh heh heh...Hahahah...HA HA HAH HAH! All three shields
are now mine...All mine! ... Do you believe that the
Eternal Sparkle will grant unlimited power to the one
who attains it? ... Wouldn't you like to see what the
'Spear that Destroys All Life' can really do?
Dario: B-Boss...What's gotten into you?
Romero: You ain't gonna blow off our mission, are you?
Janus: Heh...Once you're dead...It's all over. Just like the late
Lucio...He's not one of us anymore...He's nothing. Wouldn't
you agree? I've been giving this a lot of thought lately...
How can one live forever without decaying? But the thing
is...eternal life doesn't exist. There's no such thing as
immortality. That's why I've chosen a different approach in
which to live on forever. To attain a force...a power so
strong, everybody will remember me for it. I'm not going
out as an average Drifter. I will overcome the boundary of
time, and continue to exist within people's memories! With
this power, I shall become the absolute ruler and engrave
my name in history forever! Andro, Crio, Hieraco! The time of
awakening has come! Grant me the Eternal Sparkle!
[The platform where Janus stands starts to glow and a terrible wind
starts up.]
Maya: Why did you hand over the shield!?
Virginia: He would've killed you! And, and...I wanted to believe I
was doing the right thing! I wanted to hold true to my
beliefs.
[Dario and Romero are too near to the wind and are blown away. They
catch a hold on a structure near the edge of the tower.]
Dario: B-Boss!
Romero: We don't want to end up like Lucioooooo...!
[The two are blown off the top of the tower.]
Virginia: He's abandoning his own men!
Maya: Look!
[In the sky above the tower, a strange-looking thing decends.
Suddenly, everyone feels a strange power, shown in the game by
the picture turning into a negative.]
Jet: Ungh!?
Clive: What is this pressure!?
Virginia: It almost feels as if...
Gallows: ...the mediums are trembling in fear!?
Maya: That's the <Eternal Sparkle>'s true form...A symbol of
power from ancient folklore--an artifact of the demons...
It's the notorious lance that violates life...The Dark
Spear!
<Eternal Sparkle>: Its blue flame continues to sparkle in the
eternal darkness. I hear that's how it got its
name. But that light feeds off souls of others
and continues to glow...It's a symbol of death...
It's the notorious lance that violates life...
The Dark Spear!
[Virginia looks out at Janus, who's looking up as the Dark Spear
hovers above him.]
Virginia: That's a spear...? That thing?
Maya: I guess so...And all this time I thought the Eternal Sparkle was
some kind of gem or precious metal...
Virginia: You said there was neither good nor evil here, right? But
all I feel is a dark and evil presence...
Maya: Then what do you suggest we do!? Summon a superhero to kick
his butt? Tell me where we can find this defender of justice!
Virginia: I'm sure there's a defender of justice out there somewhere.
If not, then...I'll become the superhero!
[The Dark Spear descends, but one shot from Virginia blows it back
from Janus' grasp.]
Virginia: I ran into the wasteland knowing little, but I still
considered myself a Drifter. Becoming a Drifter had
always been my dream...A Drifter that would help people
in need, and bring down evil. But that just wasn't the
case...The actions of a Drifter speak neither good nor
evil...This misconception almost robbed me of the will
to fly...But even so, I still want to be a Drifter! I
don't care if there's no justice...That's something I'll
have to find on my own as I traverse the wasteland!
Finding justice is my goal and is what keeps me going. I
have found my answer! I don't want to see sad memories
engraved in peple's hearts anymore!
Janus: So...When I stab you with this bayonet, how loud will you
scream?
[Janus is the one who gets a beatdown, however.]
Janus: Dammit...I was so close...I let it slip away from my
hands...Heh heh heh...But it's not over yet. There's
still much I want to do. I can't let it end here...I'm
not satisfied!
[The platform Janus was on collapses and he falls with it. Meanwhile,
the two rival parties make their way down and stand near the rubble.]
Maya: I see you found an answer. But it's really not...That was just
your declaration to find an answer. In any case, you sure
place a lot of value on something that's so unreliable.
Virginia: Justice may be unreliable, but still...I want to make that
my priority out in the wasteland. I stand firm on that
belief.
Maya: I don't get you.
Virginia: So, what's next for you?
Maya: I don't want to get involved with what just happened, that's
for sure. I'm only interested in gems. You better watch
yourself, you hear? Someone as green as you shouldn't get
involved in a cause as lofty as justice. You'll end up dead.
Virginia: Okay...You take care, too.
Maya: We might be enemies the next time we meet...
Virginia: Well, until then, let's bee on the same side...
[Everyone walks down out of Ka Dingel. Janus knocks a large piece
of rubble out from on top of him and, after taking a few steps,
collapses onto his rear.]
Janus: Ughhhh...Dammit! My body aches all over...
[All he hears is silence.]
Janus: Dario! Romero! You blokes here!? Dammit all!
[A noise echoes from somewhere.]
Janus: Huh!? Is that you, Dario? Romero...!?
[Three robed people--two men and a woman--stand before him.]
Janus: Oh...It's you blokes...Sorry...I screwed up...But I
promise I'll complete my next assignment. I won't let
anyone get in my way next time. I...I...Actually, it was
Dario and Romero that screwed up...Not me...
Robed Woman: Was it a mistake for us to manifest power to one
who does not understand its true meaning?
[A green reptilian being drops down from somewhere, and he
holds the Dark Spear.]
Janus: Ugh...I see...So you had this watchman recover the
Dark Spear from me, eh? How could I be so careless...
Slickster: Yes, Balazs has reported everything. About your
grand scheme, your actions...
Robed Woman: How vulgar, boorish, and shameless...
[Slickster outstretches his hand and a yellow light glows in
it.]
Slickster: This will be a fitting end for your reckless behavior...
[Just as Slickster is about to kill Janus, the Masked Man stops him.
Masked Man: No..wait...Why did you seek the Dark Spear?
[The Masked Man approaches Janus, holding the spear in his arms.]
Masked Man: For power...?
Janus: Y-Y-Yeah...
Masked Man: This is the incarnation of power you seek...The Dark
Spear...I deem you worthy. Accept.
[He plunges the spear into Janus' chest as the screen fades to
black.]
Janus: Uggggaaahhhhh!
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Chapter Two: The Right Ammunition |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ TRMM /
\_______/
[The second chapter begins with Clive having a dream where he and a
scholarly man are looking around inside of a machine-filled place.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Landmass Division: Claiborne to Little Twister |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ CTLT /
\_______/
Thought (Clive): It has been a while, since I had that dream...The
ruins must have reawakened my memories...
Professor...What do I do?
[Clive walks downstairs in the Claiborne saloon and everyone looks at
him.]
Gallows: Hey, what took you so long?
Clive: Forgive me. I slept in.
Virginia: I feel like we've finally made it out of a long tunnel.
Jet: Yo, we haven't done anything, yet. Let alone made any money.
Virginia: Excuse me!? What kind of a remark was that!?
Clive: He's right. We are just getting started. At least I am.
[Virginia and Jet look at each other like Clive is talking nonsense.]
Clive: This may not be very interesting, but would you all like to
hear my story?
Gallows: Yeah, of course.
Clive: Thank you.
Virginia: Yes, we'd all love to hear, Clive.
Clive: I became a Drifter in order to find the lost memories of this
world. Lost memories...In other words, I would like to track
down Filgaia's history.
Gallows: Oh, that makes it a little more clear.
Clive: Do you all know why Filgaia is covered in wasteland?
Virginia: Well, uhh...According to folklore, there was a great war
against demons, which caused the planet to decay...
Clive: Exactly...Almost everything is explained in folklore, but
there are hardly any historical facts. My professor and I
travelled to many locales, investigating the cause of the
planet's decay. Unfortunately, my pofessor passed away during
the investigation, and I am continuing his work.
Gallows: Wait, hold on a second...
Clive: You noticed the inconsistency there? Even though the
destruction of the planet by demons only appears in folklore,
many artifacts proving their existence have been excavated.
Gallows: So basically, the demons may have had something to do with
the world's decay, but you think there might be another, more
direct cause?
Clive: Yes...That was my professor's theory...Although we weren't able
to track down this other, direct cause...
Virginia: Do you think the demon artifact, the Eternal Sparkle has
something to do with it?
Clive: I'm not certain, but we do know that the artifact is extremely
dangerous.
Virginia: The three missing shields, and the Eternal Sparkle..Are we
getting ourselves involved with something unbelievably
extraordinary? Like Filgaia's history?
Jet: What good is history? It's not like we can sell it. What we need
now is money.
Virginia: Why are you always so...
Clive: No, he is right. Without money, we cannot plan our course of
action, let alone eat or rent a room. Money is essential for
our search for Filgaia's history. There is one problem,
however...We will not get any leads staying in a country town
like this.
Gallows: I've got an idea. Not too far from here is a seedly little
town called [Little Twister]. There isn't much law and order
there, so I'm sure we can find some kind of sketchy mission
to take on. I've actually stayed there before, but...
Virginia: But...what?
Gallows: I hitched a ride on a caravan and fell asleep, so I don't
remember exactly where it is.
Virginia: You're so unreliable...
Gallows: But I'm pretty sure it was west of here. As long as we
know which direction to go, we'll make it. Right?
Virginia: Fine...Let's ask around about this town, Little Twister.
Hopefully, we'll find a lead to help us with our
finances. It's a tough world we live in...So, as long as
we continue on as Drifters, we'll find more leads about
artifacts, right?
Clive: Yes...Which will bring me closer to finding out more about
Filgaia's history. Thank you, leader. I appreciate your
interest.
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
Myra: This village and Little Twister are completely separated by a
large crevasse. That's why you don't see any hotheads from over
there causin' trouble in this village. But we do get blockheads
who pass through here...
Roykman: I passed by a little girl on my way out from Westwood
Station. I believe I have seen her before in this town...
Perhaps she was running an errand? However, I do believe it
is a bit dangerous for a little girl to be out all by herself
in this day and age...
Becky: Little Twister is way west of here. It's supposed to be near a
beach. But there's a crevasse you have to cross in order to get
there. That's why Ah never go there.
Dessinsey: You'll see a lot of crevasses while travellin' around
Filgaia. I hear Filgaia used to be beautiful, but all we
see today are scars...
Pike: So, I hear you're heading off to Little Twister. Be on your
guard. They say you can't be too careful in that town.
Whenever you want to relax and unwind, swing by Claiborne
again. Take care.
Pike (J): Whenever a Drifter passes through here, I think of you.
But I'm glad you always come by to let me know you're
doing okay. Anything exciting going on with you? ...
Wow...You stopped a power-hungry Drifter from using a demon
artifact to gain power, huh? So, that's what you were doing
while I was feeding the horses...I'm looking forward to
hearing more of your stories.
Otto: The big crevasse west of here has been a problem fer travellers
fer a long time now. But that doesn't necessarily make it a bad
thang. Further west of that crevasse is an outlaw town called
Little Twister. The crevasse keeps them criminals from spillin'
over to our village. That's why there's never been a bridge
built across that crevasse.
[As Virginia's team leaves town, a cutscene begins with Slickster and
the Robed Woman. It takes place in some hi-tech facility of some sort,
and looks very modern.]
Slickster: An unexpected outcome? I think not...The emergence of
Drifters searching for artifacts, and him wanting more
power are within our realm of prediction. He should be okay
unmonitored.
Robed Woman: Any impediment to our plan should be swiftly removed.
With permission, I will take these matters into my own
hands.
Slickster: You take your job too seriously. Loosen up a little.
Robed Woman: A job is supposed to be taken seriously. It is you who
needs to...
Masked Man: That's enough. Carrying out our mission is important.
However, each of you have a specific task at hand.
Robed Woman: Regarding the construction of the [fortress], 14% more to
go until...
Masked Man: That is 14% too slow. The completion of the fortress is
essential to our plan. Understand?
Slickster: Your seriousness baffles me. You do not need to carry
everything on your shoulders. We all have our own duties.
[An odd-looking man wearing clothes similar to Janus' walks in and
leans against the wall.]
Slickster: In our current state, there are limitations to our
actions. We should lay low for the time being.
Robed Woman: And rely on that unscrupulous rogue!?
Slickster: That is why he is here. Think of it as a start-up
experiment. Like a running-in period. We should be
able to delve his true intentions...
Masked Man: He needs to be broken in. If abnormal behavior ensues,
let him go.
[The odd-looking man walks to the door.]
Janus: My time has ended...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Sterling: I would avoid the <seas> and travel by <land> if I were you.
If you're smart, I think you'll figure out which way is the
best on your own.
<Seas>: If you're thinking about crossing the dunes, remember that
hardly anyone sails anymore, and be sure to watch out for
gargantuans!
<Land>: If you're heading out over land, you've got trains and horses.
Both are pretty cheap and a lot safer.
Herman: Nobody gets worked up looking at the wasteland because nobody
remembers a fertile, green world anyway. Whoa, hold on...I
just had a feeling like I could almost remember what Filgaia
must've looked like back then. Just for a second...
Roykman: I just got a tour of the Sandcraft dock. Much of what they
said was lost on this layman, but I was glad they tried their
best to explain how it works. You learn something new every
day.
Dennis: I bet those gargantuans that lurk under the dunes wouldn't
even flinch if you hit 'em with a regular ARM. We're just
too tiny to do anything to the likes of them.
Hannah: Even that scoundrel Janus must've been a straight arrow
when he first started out. But, remember...That day he lost
his partner to unfortunate circumstances, he changed. Ever
since then, he treats his partners like dirt, and follows
the will of heretics.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Laraina: The devastation of this world was not the guardians' doing.
It was the sins of mankind that caused the guardians' fall.
We are the ones who created the wasteland, and its size is
testament to the gravity of our sins.
Laraina (G): Power isn't necessary to gain freedom. When you feel
you're being tied up by something, it's crucial to slow
down and cool off...because all that's tying you up can
turn out to be nothing more than your imagination. [At
this point, Laraina talks about Gallows' medium and how
it's watery and whatnot. From now on, I'm going to leave
that redundant part out unless she says something
different about it.]
Roykman: It's nice travelling all by yourself. But maybe if I had a
sidekick, he might find something fun that I wouldn't notice.
Shane (Chat): Wow, your collective <aura> feels so different.
<Aura>: I'm not talking about just gaining experience. More like how
your separate energies have merged together. I...I wish I
could express my feelings like you can.
Shane (G - Chat): I can tell by the look on your face that you have
another <adventure story> to tell. It's so neat
watching you have fun telling your stories.
<Adventure story> Gallows: Aw, how'd you guess? Some Drifters tried
to seize a demon relic for themselves. Not
only did we stop them cold, we also solved
the mystery behind their prize. I never
could sit through one of Granny's tales,
but holding that relic, I honestly felt
like I wanted to learn something about the
past.
Harold: Guardian shrines, like the one nearby, are found all over the
world. However...The majority of them have fallen into ruin.
Our planet's strength has long run dry. It is truly
lamentable.
Harold (G): The drought worsens each and every year. Beasts and
locusts swarm the wasteland. The village will be safe as
long as I am around, but I worry for you and for our
future generations. After all, you're not exactly
brimming with leadership now, are you?
Cordell: The heritage of their prehistorica culture remains in the
ruins. There are <two kinds> of ruins. You have to find out
which type of ruins you're headed to. It's very important!
<Two kinds>: One is the ruins rooted in the power of our planet, that
of the ancients, the Elw. The other is made of unnatural
crystals of an alien technology. It is the heritage of
demons.
Cordell (G): I bet the green hue of these hills must look great to
desert wanderers. Whenever you're back in town, forget
the burdens of travel and just get some rest.
Halle: The shrines of the guardians were constructed so that we may
pray to and worship them. They lie on the junctions of
leylines, and function to preserve the balance of this
world. They are also a testament to our mortal sins.
Halle (G): Faith is the power that binds man and guardian together. It
moves the guardians in a different sense than the leylines
on the ground. That is why I live a life of prayer, so that
I may never forget to be thankful towards them. You will
perhaps come to accept all this. But most outsiders won't.
You may feel that they do not respect the same things we
do. It's not a case of which is better. Sometimes even
I've been known to be wrong. Do not just stroll, but try
to take in as much as you can.
[After getting done with preparations and all of that good stuff,
Virginia and her party get ready to head to Little Twister. If they
didn't buy horses from Dessinsey yet, they need to first. After that
is done, they head across the canyon looking for Little Twister, which
they find near X:6118, Y:8324.]
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
-Cormano - Red-haired guy with an awesome serape and a tiny hat
-Roykman - Salesman extraordinaire!
-Bofiel - Memory figure
-Ian - Young Drifter with a lot of wasted ambition
-Berkley - The town's no-holds-barred sheriff
-Angela - The comely proprietress who has a "bad memory"
-Mosby - Yet another red-haired guy; this one upgrades ARM
Cormano: Just the other day, I met this <belle> dressed in really
fancy clothes. Strange thing is, she just vanished like a
cloud of smoke while I was mesmerized by her beauty. But I
tell you, I wasn't hallucinating!
<Belle>: She was wearing some kind of flashy, fluttery cloth. She was
really beautiful, like some kind of heavenly maiden or
something. But what drives me nuts is that no one believes
me. And they go on to say that my brain is buzzed from all
my drinking. But I saw her with my own eyes, I did I tell
ya! I have to admit I was drinking at the time, but I really
do have a good <memory>!
<Memory>: Yeah, it's all coming back to me now...I met this girl the
night before Claudia disappeared. Why don't you people
believe me!? You believe me, don't you?
Roykman: Medicinal items sell like hotcakes in this town. But when I
think of why it sells so sell...I begin to debate whether or
not I should be here...
Bofiel: <<Beep>...WELCOME...SAVE YOUR GAME..? [Options: Yes, No]
Bofiel (No): <<Beep>>...TAKE CARE...<<click>>.
Ian: What a world we live in...Only the strong survive and only the
bad succeed. That Janus Cascade guy actually grew up here. Of
course I plan to surpass him one day.
Berkley: You know Claudia from the saloon? The one who disappeared?
Boy, she sure is one fine woman. Everyone from around here
are head over heels for her. But I don't think it's a guy
who kidnapped her. It's not like I got any proof, but I
think it might have been one of the girls who are just
jealous of her.
Angela: Ah'm so glad you're here. Won't you stay awhile? [Replies:
Stay, Sell, Chat]
Angela (Stay):
Angela (Sell): [Same ol' selling screen; no dialogue is said.]
Angela (Chat): So you wanna make some Gella, huh? Well, my barmaid
hasn't shown up for work in days. How 'bout y'all go
find her and drag her back here? Guess not, huh?
You're lookin' to hit the jackpot? Hmm...Ah can't
seem to recall...[Replies: Point to a 500 Gella
bottle.; She sure has a bad memory...]
Angela (R2): So, that's that. Sorry, honey.
Angela (R1): You sure? Okay, then. Can ya just sign here on the
label...? Oh yes, Ah remembah now...There's been an
untouched ruin recently discovered. Many Drifters
have gone inside, but haven't come back...There must
be somethin' worth guarding inside there. It's real
dangerous, though...
Angela (2): This ruin that has devoured many a Drifter is located
northeast of here. Rumor has it that it might have
even belonged to demons from history. Ah know it
sounds crazy, but don't let that stop ya from talkin'
to me.
Mosby: Welcome. Take a look at my craftsmanship, which people have
come to know and trust! [Replies: Upgrade, Sell, Chat]
Mosby (Upgrade): [Regular upgrade screen.]
Mosby (Sell): [Regular sell screen.]
Mosby (Chat): You know, business hasn't been good lately. In a town
<town like this>, it was my <regular customers> who
helped me stay in business, but they haven't been
coming around lately...
<Town like this>: I get a lot of <rush jobs> though, so that keeps
me busy.
<Rush jobs>: Like, 'I need to kill someone now, so upgrade my ARM
in an hour.' Stuff like that...Of course I'll do it
if the customer has good credit with me.
<Regular customers>: I'm thinking about joining a guild. I can't
give you a discount, but I would appreciate
your patronage. Oh yeah, just one thing...Try
not to die, okay? Or else I'll end up starving
to death.
[After paying for the bottle, the party sits down to go over their
options.]
Virginia: Hmmm...I think it might be too dangerous.
Jet: Yo, we're not out here to meddle in people's affairs. Our goal
is to go after the prize, as long as the risk is in line with the
rewards.
Clive: Dangerous ruins and powerful artifacts go hand in hand...
Virginia: Then this might be a good chance to get in touch with the
memories of the world.
Jet: Memories this, memories that...I have no interest in something
so worthless...
Virginia: What are you talking about!? Fond memories are priceless!
I'm sure you have some fond memories tucked away inside
your heart as well!
Jet: The thing is, I don't! That's why I can't put a price on it!
Virginia: What...?
Jet: I've been a Drifter for several years now, but I have no
recollection of what I did before that. I don't know where
I was born, or my age...Basically, I don't know who the hell
I am!! Even my name is just something I was called by this
man who taught me how to survive the wasteland!
Clive: Amnesia, is it?
Jet: I don't know...It's just so weird that I would have this
completely blank period. But it doesn't stop me. I mean,
think about it. Do you remember what you were doing a week
ago? Do you remember what you ate a month ago? Even if you
can't remember, so what! I get by, you know? You don't need
memories ot carry on your everyday life.
Virginia: I'm sorry...I think I touched a nerve...
Jet: You don't have to apologize. I told you I get by. I don't
need your sympathy, okay!?
Virginia: All right, then...I have a plan. I'm going to help you
find your memories. That's what I'm going to do!
Jet: Errrghhh...I said, I don't care about my...
Gallows: Ah, just give up, will ya? She has the upper hand on us
when it comes to debating.
Clive: Do you have any leads to find out about his memories?
Virginia: Do you have leads when you search for memories in Filgaia?
We have to search for leads first, right? We're not going to
find anything by sitting around.
Clive: You are right...She does have the upper hand. Well then, what
do we do now? Do we head for this dangerous ruin?
Virginia: Hmmm...I haven't thought about that yet...
Gallows: All right, how about this. We're free to choose whether we
want to accept this mission or not. So, we'll mosey on over
to the ruins, and if it seems kinda risky, then we'll just
head back. How 'bout it?
Virginia: Hey...Yeah, you're right...Let's just head to the ruins.
Remember, we're not taking any risks.
Gallows: Yeah, no risks! Let's just go out there, have some fun,
and make a fortune!
[In two of the houses, the following books can be found:]
-Guardian Warriors [Sealed]
-Disadvantages in Battle
-Unclean Scars
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Little Miss Disaster: Little Twister to Unclean Mark |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ LTUM /
\_______/
[Once things have been taken care of in Little Twister, the party
sets out to find that newly discovered ruin. They do, near X:7301,
Y:9578. 'Tis called the Unclean Mark, but Virginia and company enter
regardless of its name. A little ways in, the party runs into a girl
just standing around. She calls out to them.]
Claudia: Oh, valiant Drifters...Would you please lend me a hand?
Beyond these doors lies a path to an ancient artifact. Would
you be as kind as to lead the way?
Gallows: Anything to help a lady in need, miss!
Virginia: Hold your horses! We need to hear more details first. This
might be a mission we can't handle!
Gallows: You've got a point, there. But we all want to help people in
need, right? Right!?
Virginia: Oh, jeez...A grown man with a soft spot for pretty women...
Jet: And the rationale of a child...Easy to be taken advantage of.
Gallows: Say what you want, kiddies. But I just want to be true to
myself...
[Claudia walks past Gallows and over to Clive.]
Gallows: H-Hey...!
Clive: Would you mind explaining in detail the nature of your request?
What can we do for you, and what can you do for us?
Claudia: Well...Deep within these ruins lies a <powerful artifact>.
This ruin is in fact, alive...Would you pleas get rid of it,
or even destroy it for that matter?
<Powerful artifact>: It is some type of technology so ancient, it's
rumored to have been created by demons. It is
much too dangerous to fall into the hands of
imprudent people. Ah would like powerful
Drifters, such as yourselves, to get rid of it.
Ah think that's the best way to go about it.
Clive: So in other words, you would like us to investigate these ruins
and find this powerful artifact. And our reward would be to do
as we please with it? That is indeed a strange request...Why
would...
Gallows: Oh, c'mon...It's all good. I'm sure you're interested, too,
if it's artifact-related, right?
Clive: Well...yes, but...
Virginia: You did say we're free to choose whether we want to accept
this mission or not...
Gallows: Y-Yeah, but...
Virginia: Fine. Let's do it.
Gallows: All right! I knew you'd accept, leader! You can't just
ignore people in need, you know?
[Clive walks to Virginia.]
Virginia: I know what you're thinking...But the truth of the
matter is, Drifters have entered and have never come
back. There is definitely something fishy going on...
It might seem troublesome, but if we're needed, I
think we should help.
Clive: Understood. Let's be careful.
[Virginia turns to Claudia.]
Virginia: You seem to be familiar with this ruin. Can you show
us the way?
[Claudia nods and leads them on. Eventually they come to a switch on
a narrow ledge.]
Claudia: Ah would like to help. Ah can't subject all of you to a
precarious situation...
[The switch opens the door but also sends a large piece of metal
ramming towards the party leader, who's also on the ledge. S/he
barely avoids falling off into the darkness.]
Claudia: Oh, how frightenin'...So, these are the hidden traps of
the ruins...Ah'm just relieved that y'all are all
right...Ah'll have to watch mahself, as well...
[The party continues on until the party comes to a room with a
bridge. There's a switch on it, and the ground underneath the
bridge looks like acid.]
Claudia: Ah do believe it is this switch that is keepin' the door
shut. It may be a dangerous trap like last time. Ah shall
lead the way to make sure it is safe.
[As Claudia steps on the switch, the bridge falls into the acid,
with the party barely able to scramble across in time.]
Claudia: Ah panicked and made a run for it...Thank goodness y'all
seem all right. Let us proceed...
[Further on, Jet uses his boomerang to lower a bunch of ledges
for safe passage. As they're about to enter the stretch, Claudia
steps forward.]
Claudia: That should do it for this trap...Please proceed. We're
ahmost there.
[Claudia walks first, and as the party proceeds to take their
first step, a pointed lance thrusts out of the wall where the
ledge was lowered. They run through, narrowly avoiding a nice
piercing job, and catch up with Claudia in the next room.]
Claudia (NOS): What a beautiful gem...Beauty is a power that dominates
all...Everything must be made beautiful, or else it is
meaningless...Now, take the gem to your hands. Revel
in its beauty and feel the pleasure of subjugation...
[If you try to enter the next room, each of the four says something
different about Claudia's actions.]
Virginia: I'm willing to do my best to help those in need...But...
why do I feel so uneasy?
Jet: This woman is gettin' nothing out of this deal, but why is she
so helpful? Does she have another motive?
Gallows: There's nothing more discourteous than turning your back on
a woman. Any real man would realize that.
Clive: I am having a difficult time comprehending the situation,
but...might as well continue on...
[The party steps up to the gem and takes it. As per the usual style,
a trap springs, flashing red electricity right at the spot where
the gem was.]
Claudia: ... Ah'm so glad y'all are safe. Now, let's hurry. We're
almost to the heart of the ruin where the artifact lies...
[Clive puts out his hand, stopping anyone from moving.]
Claudia: Is somethin' the matter?
Clive: Isn't it about time you reveal what's behind the curtain? I
don't think I can continue this any longer...
Claudia: How did you see through my veil?
Clive: I don't have any particular reason. Instinct, I suppose.
Claudia: Instinct!? How absurd! You mean to tell me I was found
out by a silly little guess!?
[Claudia walks forward and, in an instant, the Robed Woman from
previous cutscenes appears, leaving the body of the real
Claudia on the ground, unconscious.]
Gallows: A beauty spawned another beauty!? Talk about doubling
your pleasure!
Clive: A clever disguise, using the missing woman from Little
Twister...But you have made one fundamental mistake. You
attempted to use beauty as your weapon, but the blade you
wielded was too dull.
Robed Woman: So, what is your point!?
Clive: Your beauty is completly fake.
Robed Woman: How rude of you. What would you know about beauty?
Clive: A woman's beauty can indeed be associated with strength.
And so, you used it as your weapon. However, beauty is not
all about physical appearance. A kind and tender heart...
Beauty from the inside is what ultimately shines through.
You are not as beautiful as you think. I have a wife and
daughter. I would be in great trouble if I were infatuated
with another woman. As long as no one is deceived by your
outer beauty, anyone can see right through you. You do not
seem accustomed to deceiving others. I take it that you are not
inherently evil?
Robed Woman: Enough of your mockery! How dare you resist me! I'll make
you pay!
[The battle starts, with an infuriated Robed Woman ready to rip Clive
apart.]
Robed Woman: I will not forgive you for trampling over my feelings!
Or my beauty!
[The party defeats the Robed Woman while her attacks are fixated on
Clive.]
Robed Woman: N-No...Is this all my body can handle...? (I need more
Panakeia in my circulatory system...Has Filgaia denied
my existance?)
[The woman disappears and then reappears, unable to teleport herself.]
Robed Woman: Panakeia is our blood...When turbid and stagnant, is it
not possible for me to teleport? Even still...I must
obtain the Gemini circuit! You would not dare shoot a
hostage. This may be tactless, but this is my only chance
to escape...I shall employ you a little longer...
[The robed woman takes command of Claudia's body once again, and runs
into the next room.]
Virginia: You coward! That's so pathetic how you would hide and shield
yourself behind a woman! Now, come back here!
[The party runs into the next room. Janus is talking to the Robed
Woman, who's digging something out of a machine.]
Janus: Hey, isn't my duty to dispose of them? I mean, you're just here
to look for the artifact, so that you can complete your
fortress or whatever. I appreciate your work ethic, but you try
to handle too much at once. That's why things don't work out
for you. Right, Princess?
Virginia: Janus Cascade...You're...
Janus: ...still alive? Surely you didn't think I was dead? And you're
not looking at a ghost, either. But the thing is...
[Janus walks towards Virginia's party, but rubble falls right on him.]
Virginia: Janus!
[Janus appears, but this time as the odd-looking man with a decayed
face. He has the Dark Spear in place of his bayonet.]
Janus: My time has ended. My body has been eroded by the Dark Spear
against my will...So my previous body has been eaten away, but
but I've now been endowed with a body of a demon. I've done it.
I've attained the power that surpasses all! The power to
dominate all! And all I have to do is trigger an impulse within
my body...Rrrrrrrraaaagh!! Like so!
Virginia: It's this sensation! The mediums are trembling!? It's as if
their uncontrollable fear is ready to jump out any second!
Gallows: They're afraid of Janus...No, they're afraid of what's inside
him...
Janus: You all don't know how lucky you are. To be able to witness the
power of demons in this day and age...
[Janus attacks and uses the Negative Rainbow attack.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Janus regrips the Dark Spear. He can't seem to
unleash the Negative Rainbow consecutively!]
Janus: There's a bit of a time lag between my actions and my
thoughts. I still haven't fully adapted to my powers yet...
[Janus is defeated once again, even with demonic power on his
side.]
Robed Woman: Janus! The removal of the [Gemini circuit] is
complete. Step aside. I shall take care to them.
Janus: Your only duty is to recover the Gemini circuit. Anything
else is an act of disloyalty.
Robed Woman: The nerve of you! I have carried out my orders!
Janus: I can finish them off anything. But right now, your
priority is to bring back the circuit, so that you can
complete the fortress. Isn't that so? (These blokes are
mine. I can't let her interfere, or else my anger will
never subside.)
[The Robed Woman slaps Janus.]
Robed Woman: How dare a halfwit like you give me orders. We
both report back to base!
Janus: Yeah, I hear you.
[The two disappear and the game fast-forwards to the party
camping out in the wasteland. Everyone sits around the campfire
except for Claudia, who's still unconscious.]
Virginia: But, boy...You sure surprised us when you mentioned
your wife and daughter.
Clive: Ahh...My apologies...I didn't mean to keep it a secret.
It's just hard to find the right timing to bring it up...
Virginia: Well...um...What were we talking about, again? Oh yeah,
surprises, right?
Clive: There is no need to beat around the bush, Virginia...We
were all surprised by what we saw...
Virginia: Yeah, I guess...I...I just find it so hard to believe
that someone could transform like that...Is that the
true power of the artifact? To change someone into a
different being? The power of the past?
Gallows: You all felt the pulsation of the mediums when he
unleashed his powers...The mediums seemed to be
expressing anger and animosity towards him, and moreover,
fear...
Clive: The mediums trembled in fear...Just as when the Dark Spear
was summoned. Then it is safe to assume that the mediums
recognize him, no, the Dark Spear as a feared entity.
Gallows: A medium is kinda like a vehicle or a go-between...We're all
connected to the guardians by it. So the fear expressed
through the medium is that of the guardian's, and...the
guardians represent the power of Filgaia. Which means that
whatever scares the guardians, is a threat to the planet
itself. And from what we know, there's only one thing that
threatens this planet...
Virginia: The demons!? Filgaia's enemy from folklore! Then, what he
was saying was...
Gallows: ...most likely true. Which means the existance of demons is
now an actual threat! So, this is why we were entrusted with
the mediums and let loose over Filgaia! I turned my back on
my lineage and destiny of priesthood so that I could be
free...But all I'm doing is playing a part in Granny's whole
scheme!
Virginia: What do you mean!?
Gallows: Through Shane's dreams, Granny detected the rebirth of
demons as a threat to this planet. In order to handle this
threat, she released warriors, capable of invoking guardians
into the wasteland. The guardians who protect the planet, and
the demons who seek to destroy it, are to come face to face.
We're all just marionettes being forced to dance by invisible
strings!
[The mediums all float upwards, merge into one single light, and shoot
across the sky at a rapid pace.]
Clive: It crossed the southern sky to the east...What are the mediums
trying to tell us?
Gallows: Doggone it! Do I have to live according to fate!? Why can't I
just be free!?
Virginia: I think it was partly fate that brought us together in the
wasteland. And I'm really grateful for it. But the thing is,
I don't want to entrust every decision to it. What I trust
more is you guys--the bond we share together. And the
mediums are a bond that connects us with Filgaia. I want
to trust this bond and take action.
Gallows: Brush fate aside...and trust in our bonds to take action...
Virginia: It's not a battle between guardians and demons. We must
face the demon's threat as the ones entrusted with the
power of guardians! This isn't a battle about the past.
This is our battle, now!! This isn't about curiosity.
I can feel it...And I know you all do, too...Something
is stirring in our Filgaia...
Clive: I suppose this really isn't a task you can just ask someone to
do...
Jet: Everyone would think we're crazy if we tried to explain.
Clive: Let us rest here tonight, and escort the young lady back to
town at daybreak. I believe we still lack the information to
delve into the meaning behind the lights that pointed
southeast. I suggest we gather any kind of information we
can about guardians and mediums at Little Twister.
[In the morning, the party takes the real Claudia back to town.]
Virginia: Are you sure you're okay?
Claudia: Y-Yes...Thank you kindly. Although Ah have nothin' to
give you...
Gallows: No worries, miss. Your beautiful smile says it all.
Actually, it sure beats any reward we've received thus
far...Please, continue smiling.
Claudia: A-All right...
Angela: Claudia! Now, where on Filgaia have ya been? Ah'll be
deductin' wages from yer paycheck for all the days ya
missed work!
[Angela walks up the street.]
Claudia: Madam...
Angela: All you'll ever be good at is workin' in my saloon! Now,
get your booty over here!
[The two walk back to the saloon.]
Jet: So...Which one of us was the most fired up throughout this
entire unpaid mission?
Clive: The same person who proposed to make a fortune without
taking any risks, I believe.
Virginia: You men are all the same! You only have one thing on
your minds!
Clive: Not all of us are. Please don't associate me with him.
Jet: Yeah, same here. I'm better off on my own.
Gallows: I'm sorry, guys...I got a little carried away.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Twister]
Cormano: There used to be a shrine dedicated to guardians in my
hometown. Seems there's one just like it in these parts, too.
I don't know how it looked back in the days, but it's all
deserted and run-down now. You think all shrines are like
that?
Ian: Skilled Drifters are quick-witted and never get caught off
guard. Kind of like me, you know?
Berkley: A sheriff who's overly devoted to his duties is nothing but
a <pain>. I know the right balance to be praised and
respected as the sheriff by the townsfolk.
<Pain>: You think people would be willing to cooperate if you
request a town search? No way. You need respect first.
I try to separate work and lay so I can give everyone
breathing room. That way I earn their respect.
Claudia: A customah once told me that there is a site of a <giant
shrine> somewhere in these parts. Ah have many stories Ah
hear from my customahs...If Ah remembah any, Ah'll be sure
to pass it along to y'all.
<Giant shrine>: Ah hear it can be found southeast of this town. Its
faith has died out long ago and the shrine has been
robbed of its treasures over the years. Due to its
rundown condition, Ah hear its home to many frightful
monsters...
Angela (Chat): Claudia is gonna have to work overtime to make up fer
lost business...Ah thought Ah had taught her to
respect hard work, but she always learns new tricks to
slack off...
Mosby: You don't need to be a saint or a villain to handle ARMs. But
the truth is, I get a lot of villains as customers, and they
tip really well.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Shane (G - Chat): I remember how much you liked fairy tales about
manly men saving damsels in distress. I wonder if
<those stories> had something to do with your
decision to head out as a Drifter. Well, sometimes
I worry. You've been known to bite off more than you
can chew.
<Those stories> Gallows: What--What kind of dream you been dreamin'?
I aspire to be a tough, stoic Drifter. And
I've been behaving myself, too!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: I've heard of certain things that can amplify items' powers
to incredible levels. Such power can even affect things you
wouldn't expect. That means that you need the knowledge and
good judgment to choose your items properly.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Wiping Smiles Off Faces: Little TWister to Lunatic Garden |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ LTLG /
\_______/
[Once Virginia's party is ready to go, they go southwest looking for
this new ruin. Near X:7776, Y:6730, the party finds the new dungeon:
Lunatic Garden. They enter.]
Gallows: I don't know 'bout you, but my stomach feels like it's bein'
clawed at from the inside.
Clive: Yes, yet another unpleasant sensation brought about by the
medium, it seems...
Virginia: Yeah, I know what you mean...I get this sinking feeling
filled with exhaustion--a different kind of energy than the
one Janus emits.
Jet: I have a bad feeling about this...Let's just hurry and get this
over with.
[The party moves on through the dungeon without meeting any organized
resistance. However, after continuing through a large garden, the
party finds Slickster stealing life from what appears to be a
guardian.]
Gallows: Hey! What do you think you're doin'!?
Slickster: Life...is what I'm seeking. My desire is to pour life
into a vessel of human form.
Virginia: Your dubious, stuck-up attitude...You're just like that
woman!
Slickster: Oh...? I see you've met <Melody>. She was a little
flustered upon her return...You must have rubbed her
the wrong way.
<Melody>: You seemed to have offended her. I took the brunt of her
fiery wrath. She's back at the lab working diligently,
but...She's not the type to keep her feelings bottled up.
Even as we speak, I'm sure she's raging furiously.
Clive: I don't know what it is you're scheming, but your actions
speak of evil intentions. Stop this at once!
Slickster: Oh, does that <light> bother you? Since you have gained the
power of the guardian...I guess you understand that this
light signifies the guardian's life force. [If you don't
use the ASK system, Virginia speaks up with her "Not if..."
line.]
<Light> Gallows: Sure the heck ain't normal! Don't play smart with us!
Slickster: Your boorish behavior annoys me. Take a look around. This
warm, shimmering light...Oh, how beautiful life is...The
existance of this guardian will cease, but will continue
to live on in a new and beautiful form. A much more
worthy demise than decaying in this forgotten shrine,
wouldn't you agree?
Virginia: Not if we can stop it!
Slickster: But what must be done, must be done. I must get on with
my work, understand? My motto is: 'Work with a smile and
always go the extra mile.' But if you really insist on
fighting, then I guess it cannot be avoided. However,
there is still much I need to do...so I will leave the
dirty work to someone more appropriate for the task.
Janus!
[Unseen by the party, Janus leans against a pillar, not moving an
inch when asked to.]
Slickster: What is it, Janus? Do you not accept!? If I cannot count
on the Dark Knight, then I will take matters into my own
hands!
[Slickster appears in battle with a blurred body. Bullets shot
at him miss automatically.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: The bullet passed through the man's body! His
quick motions leave an afterimage confusing your party. To stand
a chance in battle, prevent the man's quick movements.]
[After Decelerate is cast on Slickster, he becomes easy prey to the
party's well-placed gunshots. He falls soon after his upper hand is
lost.]
Slickster: Your perseverance has given you the upper hand in this
drawn out battle. But I have gathered enough guardian
energy for the time being. The wise choice is for me to
retreat...
[Janus appears next to Slickster.]
Slickster: Janus!? I could have used you!
Janus: The coordinate axis of my mutation is still unstable. My body
hasn't fully adapted to its powers and there are times when it
won't function like I want it to.
Slickster: The nerve of you to say such things...Even your mutation
is unreliable! Moreover, there never would have been a need
to utilize guardians if only you had acquired the Ark
Scepter in the first place! Do you realize the pain and
suffering my body endures by trying to make contact with an
intangible, spiritual being!?
Janus: My apologies...But hey, no worries. I'll personally deliver
the energy you've collected and escort you out of here. You
have my word.
[The two walk right past Virginia's gang.]
Virginia: You're not getting away with this!
[Everyone runs after them, except Gallows who looks at the guardian
Slickster was drawing energy from. The guardian looks back at him,
and sacrifices herself to give Gallows a medium.]
Gallows: You're coming with me. Let me show you the right way to
kick their behind.
[Gallows takes the Moon Spark medium and runs after Janus and
Slickster. Finally, they catch up to the two escapees.]
Virginia: There's no way you'll make it out in the shape you're in!
Slickster: Persistent, aren't we? Tell me, what motivates you to act
with such passion?
Janus: Persistence is the key to survival.
[Slickster stands straight up, and outstretches his hands.]
Slickster: It's a creature from ages past, but it shall suffice
to buy us some times. Angolmois! Unleash your hidden
frenzy! Do not hold back!
[The gigantic creature summoned by Slickster attacks Virginia, but
is still defeated with that much-loved persistence. After the battle,
the party looks around to find their prey gone.]
Virginia: Something has been set in motion with the guardians at its
core. No, it's surging around the world...
[Meanwhile, somewhere in the three robed persons' laboratory, Janus
is getting beaten up by the Masked Man, whose name is Leehalt.]
Janus: Ughhh...What's your problem!?
Leehalt: You do not seem to know what kind of predicament you are in.
If only we had the Ark Scepter, we could have easily made
contact with the intangible, spiritual guardians. Instead,
due to your negligence, Malik has expended more of his
energy than intended...
Malik: Panakeia fluid is our life support as well as the source of
our magic. However, our bodies cannot fully decompose this
Panakeia, and it leaves a highly toxic metabolic
decomposition within our bodies. Without the proper
circulatory cleansing, we ourselves are in danger of
disintegating.
Melody: Our degenerated bodies are like a foreign element trying
to survivve on Filgaia. This very planet will try to
cleanse itself by removing these foreign elements: us.
Your duty is to protect us from Filgaia's purification.
That is why we let you live.
Leehalt: The Dark Spear you have received shall expose the truth,
and lead us to the garden of truth. You have been
endowed with the power that exceeds all so that you can
stop the terraforming at all costs.
Janus: Oh...Now I get it...So that's why you gave me the power
that exceeds all, even you blokes!
[Janus lunges at Leehalt with the Dark Spear.]
Leehalt: Kanda...Es-trata...Amantos...
[A large beam of electricity hits Janus.]
Janus: Ughhhh...Uwarghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!
Leehalt: Do not be impudent, Janus. The remote bomb, Gias, implanted
within your body is set to activate in synch with our spell.
Never forget that your perfidious actions might activate
this at any time.
[Leehalt stops the lightning surge.]
Janus: Y-Yeah...I won't forget...Even if you blokes forget...I
won't...
[Janus teleports out.]
Leehalt: He has become another nuisance we must worry about...
Melody...Waste no time with the completion of the
fortress. Who knows when the floodgates will open...
Melody: I understand...
Leehalt: Malik...We still need more energy to materialize from
memories. Continue with the investigation of the
existing shrines. Hunt down all guardians, and collect
their energy.
Malik: Very well...But I would like to recuperate.
Leehalt: I will have the Huskarls on standby. No Drifters shall
interfere with our plans anymore...Yes...The garden of
truth...Where the Dark Spear points...
[Meanwhile, the Maxwell gang is sitting in the Little Twister
saloon.]
Gallows: Argh...that bugger! I can't believe he was stealin' the
guardian's life force. The guardian was being eaten alive!
Clive: Do you have any idea what his actions could signify?
Gallows: His actions!? The guardian was being violated! Nothing
more and nothing less! Sorry, guys...Looks like I'm the
only one losing my cool here. I'm not really sure what
that bugger was doing to the Dark Guardian Celesdue...
Virginia: We don't know what he's out for, but we know he's up
to no good...
Clive: There is one thing I did notice...Do you remember his
outfit? It is very similar to someone else's.
Jet: Oh, you mean that stuck-up woman?
Clive: I don't necessarily judge people by their appearance, but
their outfit is something else...I think it is safe to
assume that they both work toward similar objectives or
are working under the same ideology.
Jet: A mysterious pair working with Janus...I'd rather not get
involved.
Virginia: Hey, are there any other shrines that house guardians?
Gallows: Oh, I get it...So we get there before they do, right!?
Virginia: We don't know what their objective is, but as long as
we know what they're after, we can take action.
Gallows: Yeah, but still...
Virginia: But what?
Gallows: I remember hearin' about the guardian shrines long time
ago, but...
Clive: You don't know their exact locations?
Gallows: If you put it plainly, no.
Virginia: Don't you just hate it when people don't come through
in the clutch...
Gallows: Hey...! Are you referring to me!? W-Wait, uh...Give me
a sec...A verse...I remember one verse that might provide a
clue! Give me a sec to remember. I think it went like...
ummm...
Narrative: The light shines on the high ground, becoming dew at
night, and augite by dawn. Those who wish to seek the
light, shall visit and offer prayers of prosperity.
Gallows: What do you say to that, huh!?
Virginia: So...what does it mean?
Gallows: I have no idea...I was always half asleep during
Granny's sermons...
Clive: Hmm, wait a minute...This high ground is most likely
northwest of here, past the desert strait, to a mountainous
mining region. I have heard that crystallized rocks known as
pyroxene have been mined there.
Virginia: That's it. The guardian shrine is probably there! Let's
try to find out more tomorrow.
Clive: There is one problem, however...How do we cross the desert
strait without a vessel?
[Suddenly, Clive gets up and walks outside. Virginia follows him.]
Virginia: What's the matter, all of a sudden?
Clive: I sensed someone watching me...No, it may have been my
imagination...
Virginia: That bird flying into the sunset?
Clive: When an invisible force, or someone who doesn't reveal
his name creates a scene, there is no significance to his
actions. They fully understand there is no power or justice
involved, as they are enclosed within a cellar, where no one
can denounce them. However...Long before this world as we
know it, there was a force that brought about atrocity. With
power or justice, or perhaps both equipped, they may have been
able to proudly reveal their true identity...
[The two watch the bird fly off into the sunset.]
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Twister]
Ian: The weaker they are, the bigger they talk. They just keep
exaggerating. But in my case, I let my skills do the talking.
Cormano: Long time ago...I worked in a puny town called <Little Rock>
as an <apprentice miner>.
<Little Rock>: It's a small mining town found in the mountains to the
northwest. I left my hometown via boat, but the sea
routes are all defunct now. Even if I wanted to go
home, I'd have to go through a tunnel full of monsters
below the northern cape.
<Apprentice miner>: Used to be, that is...Day after day, I would dig
and dig, but not a single precious stone to show
for! So I left town, with the dream of becoming a
Drifter...
Berkley: Even if I track down a criminal, if he escapes via the
northwest ruins and makes it to the other side, there's
nothing I can do about it at that point. It's not like I'm
walking off the job. My jurisdiction is the surrounding area
of Little Twister, that's all. I don't exert any authority
outside of town.
Claudia: This is somethin' Ah heard from a customah...There's an
abandoned lighthouse in these parts, and below it runs an
ancient <waterway>...
<Waterway>: They say monsters inhabit it now, but if ya make yer way
through, you'll cross the continent to reach the
mountainous region. Ah don't remember many details since
Ah was workin', but that's pretty much what Ah remember.
Angela: This here town is what it is now, but originally, it was a
rest stop for pilgrims visitin' the shrines. These pilgrims
hired Drifters as guards, but eventually, these pilgrimages
ceased, giving rise to this lawless town. Things sure went
downhill pretty quickly.
Mosby: This is a really weird story, but I once sold an ARM that
belonged to a dead Drifter to another Drifter. The scary
part is, this Drifter died the exact same death as the
previous owner. I guess things like this happen.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: If your wings for flying don't help on the dunes, then you just
have to try digging underneath them. But Drifters have a brain.
They'd be just like monsters if they always just pressed
forward. The Sand Canal that leads to the northern continent
still has a working maintenance structure of the ancient sewer
canals. I hear the people who can't see what's coming are
really gonna get it.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Laraina: We hear that faith in the guardians is faltering, and most of
the shrines have fallen into ruin, losing their power. The
guardians support the planet, and our faith supports the
guardians. Thus, if our souls become barren, then our world
is destined to waste, too.
Laraina (G): You may mock the time-honored rituals of Baskar, but
there are those who use the <pinnacle of the ancient
technologies>. Our ancestors were skilled in the sciences
of the ancient Elw tribe, and they watched over the
leylines.
<Pinnacle...>: The Ark Scepter is an example. Relics that give birth
to new life through the junction of man and planet.
All was bestowed upon Baskar by the artificer of Elw
in ages past.
Shane: Anyone can potentially communicate with guardians. The Ark
Scepter is a <device> that activates our latent powers, and
binds our souls to the guardians.
<Device>: When you released the Ark Scepters, didn't you sense the
guardian's pulse? That became the source of your power,
connecting you with the guardians through the Ark Scepter.
Shane (G - Chat): I had a dream. Three figures kneeling under a
sinister bluish glow. The light grew stronger
when each of them touched it. Soon, the unnatural
glow covered the whole sky. The light itself was
beautiful, but nothing survived in the world below.
You said that three people were after the power of
the guardians...Maybe my dream had something to do
with them. Please, be careful.
Harold: Even though the powers of the shrines are faint, their
strength sustains this world and all its inhabitants. Their
power is too great to measure. It must not pass into the
hands of men.
Harold (G): The guardian shrines are found all over the world,
built in strategic locations. I don't mean strategic in
the military sense, no...I'm talking about the best place
for stabilizing leylines. We know of them thanks to the
technological prowess of the ancients.
Cordell: The ancient tribe of Elw communed with guardians, and taught
us how to live in harmony and nature. They were the
forerunners of us Baskars. Thanks to their their technology,
we could construct shrines all over the world, and strive to
maintain its delicate ecology.
Cordell (G): Who woulda through that you, Mr 'I Hate Being a Baskar',
would learn so much about the guardians...I know it
wasn't what you wanted, but I'm proud of you for sticking
with it.
Halle: Men and Elw built the shrines to keep the world balanced after
it teetered on the edge of destruction. That's right. They
wanted to guarantee Filgaia's survival through the power of
the guardians. See, there's a historical reason for referring
to the guardians as those who sustain the world, after all.
Halle (G): It's hard to convey your thoughts to others. That's why
we seclude ourselves here, shunning contact with outsiders.
But, you know...Nowadays I've reconsidered. Maybe our lack
of expression has somehow contributed to the decline of our
world.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Tunnel vision: Little Twister to Sand Canal |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ LTSC /
\_______/
[After collecting enough information to know where they're going, the
party heads out to the northern cape, finding the Sand Canal near
X: 4205, Y:10928. They quickly enter and, though they don't see it,
Balazs is watching them. Before the party has a chance to go look
at the canal in-depth, three robotic-looking people run up the stairs
towards them, dressed in red, white, and blue. The red one speaks
first.]
Jasna: So, it is you...the indignant ones who dare stand before our
lord!
Virginia: Ew...What a weirdo...
[The blue one talks next.]
Wisrapt: Insolence! Death awaits those who dare mock a knight!
Vendidurt: By order of His Majesty, none shall past! We Huskarls
protect him with our lives.
[Not wanting to waste any time with these weird 'guys', the party
whips 'em like a backtalking child.]
Jasna: Sir Wisrapt! Sir Vendidurt!
Wisrapt: Aye!
Vendidurt: What, ho?
Jasna: We have but one mission...To prevent any incursion! Make
haste and regroup!
[The weirdos runs back from whence they came and disappears from
the party's sight. Eventually, the party has another run-in with the
colorful team.]
Jasna: So, thou hast made it this far.
Wisrapt: But thy luck ends here!
Vendidurt: We defend the honour of the Huskarls, to the death!
[Like last time, the Huskarls get a spankin' and soon are
defeated.]
Jasna: Impressive!
Wisrapt: Curse us! Our lord shall not see his plans fulfilled!
Vendidurt: O fickle fortune! Huskarls, forgive me...
[Suddenly, a green-colored knight runs in.]
Jasteuch: Hail, brothers! Let our true wrath be known!
Gallows: What, there's more? And what's with the green getup?
Jet: How the hell should I know? Just another creep, that's all!
Jasna: O Jasteuch!
Wisrapt: Our bonds are thicker than blood!!
Vendidurt: Our powers are greatest when four become one! Make
way for the Huskarls!
[Even with Jasteuch as their second (...third?) wind, the flamboyantly
colored fellows finally bite the dust (...sand?), letting the party
free to continue through the ruins.]
Virginia: Well, now we know.
Jet: You talking about how we keep running into weirdos like them?
Virginia: No!
Clive: You mean how it seems someone's trying to stop us?
Virginia: Yeah, that's it. It's like some will, some force is
watching us from the other side of this tunnel. And
they've been trying to prevent us from reaching the
guardian shrine!
Gallows: You mean those ethereal guys are...
Virginia: They're in cahoots with Janus, and they're waiting for
us!
[As the party approaches the entrance, they find Malik, Leehalt, and
Melody leaving as well.]
Virginia: Stop right there!
Leehalt: Hmph. Those useless Huskarls...
[The party turns around, with Balazs hanging around behind them.]
Virginia: Just who are you people?
Leehalt: I am known as Leehalt. I spread the word of the gods.
Malik: Call me Malik. I manipulate life with wisdom...The word of the
gods is lost wisdom from beyond. Wisdom is strength and truth
bound as one.
Melody: My name is Melody. I am the puppetress who molds the ore of
wisdom into metal gods. We are the prophets. We alone transmit
the word of the gods.
Virginia: Why are you doing this? What is it you want?
Malik: Evolution. Our duty is to make life evolve.
Melody: Filgaia has passed through <five steps> of evolution and
development. [No ASK system initiated = skip to Leehalt's
"We do not..." dialogue.]
<Five steps> Virginia: Five steps?
Leehalt: The first step was the creation of air and ocean on this
planet. The formation of amino acids came next. The third
step brough self-producing macromolecule compounds. That
was the origin of life. The fourth step heralded the
arrival of single-cell organisms. Soon, those gave rise
to multicellular organisms, followed by mankind. And this
is the final step!
Leehalt: We do not expect much in further stages from the planet of
Filgaia. But when we consider the entire planet as a life
force, we find a higher existence, one that awaits the
next evolution.
Malik: This planet and all its life-forms reach beyond their
existence to evolve as the outside sees fit.
Melody: And that outside influence is the word of the gods...the
wisdom of the prophets.
Leehalt: The growing entropy draws this planet toward a dead end,
steadily along the path of decay. But we deliver the word
of the gods. We give rise to new forms of life, and lead
the planet to the future.
Clive: What happens to Filgaia after such evolution?
Malik: Like us, its life-forms will possess stronger bodies and
even greater powers.
Melody: Janus shall grow from his unbecoming state into a body
fit for a god.
Jet: Janus'll what!? You can call yourselves gods or whatever,
but when it comes down to it, you're just demon scum.
Gallows: Hey, you mean that all life's gonna...No, this whole
planet's gonna turn into a demon?
Leehalt: Of course. Within the archives of <Hyades> lie teachings
beyond your feeble imaginations. With the wisdom of that
great race, we can give this world a new future. A better
future. [No ASK system initiated = Skip right to Virginia's
"So, that's why..." line.]
<Hyades> Clive: So, the data archives from the age of legends still
exists?
Leehalt: Oh, does it ever. To weave this planet a tomorrow, we draw
upon the technology of the superior race, the demons.
Knowledge is power. Wisdom is truth. We will perfect this
world's form with the truths described in Hyades.
Virginia: So, that's why you're...Is that why you're trying to turn
everyone into demons? Never! Pigs will fly before we let
you do that!
Malik: Even if Filgaia maintains its current course of inevitable
decay?
Melody: And who are you to judge what is right and what is wrong?
Who do you think you are? Such arrogance is dangerous, my
dear.
Virginia: I can't tell yet...I came out into the wasteland hoping
to find justice. But I know it's wrong to hurt people!
And I'll never believe you can steal the guardians'
energy for Filgaia's future!
Leehalt: Hmph...A pity...We heard you were worthy, and would be a
loyal ally...
[Leehalt makes Janus teleport in.]
Leehalt: Seize them. We want them alive!
Janus: I hate this wishy-washy stuff. Just let me finish them!
It would be so nice.
Leehalt: Not yet. The powers within you are too great to use here.
You are more than just a watchdog. Understood?
[The three prophets teleport out, along with Balazs.]
Janus: You heard the man. I can't cut loose yet, so try not to
croak right away.
Virginia: Not much of a watchdog. You hit more like a lapdog!
Janus: Hellooo? I'm toying with you, kid! He was right...I'm no
mere watchdog! Once I merge with my powers, you'll see the sky
covered in black! In about...oh, three turns. So spare me the
cute remarks until then. All right?
[When the third turn rolls around, Janus uses his Ultranegative
Rainbow attack, and the team is barely left alive.]
Janus: I guess I've tied them down long enough. I changed my mind.
Don't give up so soon, kids. Don't fall dead until this
sight has burned deep in your eyes.
[The party lurches towards the exit with heavy steps.]
Narrative: Unimaginable power...The power to change Filgaia...
The wisdom the demons left behind...
Gallows: They're using that power to get even with the guardians...
No, with all Filgaia! Durnit! We've got to do something!
Clive: I believe we need to regroup. I hear there's a mining town up
ahead. Hopefully, there are foothills close by...
Jet: Gimme a break...
[The party exits the Sand Canal and starts looking around for Little
Rock. It's found near X:25290, Y:12552.]
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
-Doley - Memory Figure
-Roykman - Salesman extraordinaire!
-Mock - Dirty-faced little kid
-Goodwin - Nervous-looking man with a bald head
-Kovahn - Guy with a grumpy face and a pleasant demeanor
-Annette - Bookish woman who'll fix up your ARMs for you
-Von - Hippie bartender/proprietor of Little Rock's bar/inn.
-Gaspar - Old man who's surprisingly fun to talk to
-Martina - Little Claiborne girl that everyone's worried about
Doley: <<Beep>>...SAVE YOUR GAME...? [Options: Yes, No]
Doley (No): <<Beep>>...TAKE CARE...!
Roykman: Howdy! It's always a pleasure to run into an acquaintance on
the road. To me, it's quite possibly the greatest joy of
travelling.
Mock: Heh. We don't get many visitors here in these parts. We don't
have much of anything, and there ain't a whole lot to do for
fun. But I'll take care of ya, so don't worry.
Mock (J): Oh, I've heard about you! You're friends with Pike, right?
Any friend of his is a friend of mine. You're always welcome
here.
Goodwin: This town got started when they found a gem the size of a
kid's fist. That's where we got our name. After that, we
were known as a prosperous mining town. But that was a long
time ago...
Goodwin (J): Oh, you're the one who saved Pike. Well, this is where we
live, Little Rock. It used to be a bustling mining town,
but now, well...We ain't mining much anymore.
Kovahn: As run-down as this town is, the shrine to the north is even
worse off. I'm not sure which got run-down first, and quite
frankly, I don't care. We have to do something about our
town, even if it' something little. I consider that my job.
Kovahn (J): Kid, you believe in guardians? I hear there's a guardian
shrine just north of here, but look at what it's done for
us! Maybe the guardians lost all their power eons ago. Or
perhaps we just lack faith...
Annette: They said the jewels they used to mine here were formed from
the guardians' energy through the leylines nearby. Even when
I was a kid, they used to mine gems like that...Once in a
while.
Annette (J): Hey, weren't you looking for the Crystal Flower? That's
too bad another Drifter got it right before you did.
But if it weren't for you, Pike wouldn't be back here
again. Thank you.
Von: Welcome to the Rolling Stone. We provide evenings filled with
beautiful music. [Replies: Stay, Listen, Chat]
Von (Stay): It'll be _____ Gella for the whole crew. That okay?
Von (Listen): [You can listen to in-game music you've previously
heard. No dialogue, though.]
Von (Chat): Oh, Mileux? Yeah, she's quite a fox. If Gaspar had a
partner as cute as her, then I bet he'd work twenty times
harder. [Von doesn't say anything different when Jet is
the party leader.]
Gaspar: When I let Von take over this place, I did a little
remodelin'. We closed the shop for that, but Mileux said she
wanted to pay back the loan as soon as possible. So, I found
her a job at a saloon owned by a friend of mine. Never thought
I'd get to meet her daughter...
Gaspar (J): Say, you listen to music? I think pullin' weeds would be
a better use of your time than just loafin' around.
Martina: I finally reach this place, and my mother has already moved
on...But I'm happy. I'm happy I know she's all right. And I
have the strength to go on.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Twister]
NOTE: When you first enter after going back through Sand Canal, no
one says anything different. When you check a place (I checked
the saloon and come out again, Martina's there and a few guys
says something different.]
Martina: My grandmother mentioned this town by a slip of her tongue
once...I thought maybe it had something to do with my
father's bankruptcy...
Ian: You want to go to the black market? Forget it...If you have
any business with Travis, go through me. People around here
are just looking for their next target to scam. This isn't a
place for children to come waltzing in, got it?
NOTE: After coming back to Little Twister, Martina had left again,
but I don't think she went to any of the previous locations.
That's just speculation, of course, but I couldn't find her
anywhere the party'd been to so far.
[No one in Claiborne, Westwood, Baskar Colony, or Jolly Roger says
anything differently. If you go back to Little Rock and Martina has
left, you'll get the following new responses.]
Von: Just because the village isn't very lively doesn't mean we can't
make it lively, right? That's why I want to let everyone hear
<my music>. Makes sense, doesn't it? I'll be happy if it just
brings a smile to your faces.
<My music>: Still, I wonder...I wonder why it doesn't cheer them up
much? You think I'm doing something I shouldn't?
Von (J): So, you're the kid who saved Pike, huh? I've <heard> about
you.
<Heard>: He said a lot about his memories of you as he packed his
things. I won't bore you with the details. But, man...I
wouldn't be caught dead saying the things he does.
Gaspar: Ever since the guardian shrine to the north fell, we can't
mine gems anymore. I never thought it'd come to this, but
our youth had to find work elsewhere for us to survive...
Not too long ago, kids from all over would come here to
work. Now look at us! [His response to Jet is still the
same, though.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Shiny, Unhappy People: Little Rock to Glimmering Emblem |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ LRGE /
\_______/
[When all the backtracking and all that is done, the party sets out to
this new "run-down" guardian shrine. Near X:25312, Y:15469, the party
finds their quarry, and it goes by the name of Glimmering Emblem. As
per usual, the party enters and stands in the 'doorway'.]
Virginia: Well...? Do you sense anything?
Clive: No, not I...I do not feel the sense of discomfort brought on by
Janus, or the sense of exhaustion when the guardian energy is
depleted.
Jet: Maybe we're the first ones here?
Gallows: No, I don't think so...
Virginia: You sensed something?
Gallows: No, no...I don't sense anything...That's the problem...The
sensation we're supposed to feel when the guardian's life
force energy flows...
Clive: You mean to say they have already done their deed here?
Gallows: I dunno...I hope not...
Virginia: Let's go. We have to find out what happened here.
[While exploring, the party comes to dirty windows. Gallows'
Freezer Doll shines 'em up, letting things truly live up to the
shrine's name. Once this is done twice, the doorway in the main
hall opens. The party then has to lower two large walls with two
switches, in much the same fashion as the window-cleaning went.
In the following room, the party looks at the shrine all covered
in cobwebs.]
Clive: It appears we are too late...Everything is in shambles.
Virginia: Why would they do this? What do those people plan to
do with the guardian energy? What do they mean by
transforming the planet!?
Gallows: Don't worry...There must be something we can do.
[Gallows extends his hand and the messed-up altar sends green
light at him, which forms into the new medium, Flash Hit.]
Gallows: This guardian must have mustered its last strength and
left this medium for us. The situation might be bad,
but...the guardian wanted us to have this. We gotta do
something.
[Suddenly, the room starts to glow in a rainbow assortment of
colors.]
Clive: Looks like there's another surprise in store for us.
Jet: What, to keep us company? Gimme a break...
[The Mono-eye Titan boss attacks the party, but can't muster
as much strength as the guardian could, and soon is defeated.
Afterwards, the party continues into the room behind the old
altar, which was destroyed during battle. A large, revolving
mass of circles that get progressively smaller spins on a
fulcrum.]
Virginia: What's this big thingamajig? I've seen it before.
Gallows: It's a stigma of Filgaia.
Clive: Could this be the control device called the [chock]!?
Gallows: Hey, not bad! You really are an archeologist.
Virginia: A stigma? And what's a chock?
Gallows: It's kinda like a symbol of sin--the sin committed by
mankind. A long time ago, humans used the guardian
energy to stop the world from decaying. This lost
prehistoric culture viewed the guardians as living
bio-plants and sealed them in rural locales of the world.
The world is feeding off this guardian life force...and
continues to survive.
Virginia: No, that can't be true...
Gallows: Those bio-plants of the time, exist today as guardian
shrines. And we the people of Baskar are the descendants
of the plant protectors.
Clive: However, even with the power of the guardian shrines, we
were unable to stop the world from decaying. We all know
that much too well.
Gallows: 'The power that sustains the world'...These words directly
signify the existance of guardians. The guardians help
maintain world balance, while acting as a [pillar],
preserving the planet itself.
[Gallows looks up at the chock.]
Gallows: This thing is like the original sin we continue to carry
on our backs...Living on this planet means carrying a
burden of sin...I know it sounds crazy, but...that just
gives us more reason to live. We can't let the guardian's
support go to waste.
Virginia: Yes, I know...That's why we have to protect the
guardians...
Gallows: Yeah, I hear ya...It's gotta be us. It's gotta be...
[The party heads back into the previous room, only to encounter
that pesky, colorful light all around them again.]
Virginia: What now!?
Clive: I believe they are trying to buy some more time.
Jet: Well, we don't have the time to adjust to their schedule!
[The Hecto-eye Titan attacks the party, but the party defeats it
after a short while. It turns out it didn't impede them for very
long.]
Gallows: What does this have to do with transforming Filgaia!?
Are we strong enough to carry this burden...?
[Elsewhere, Melody stands before a console, talking in unfamiliar
technical jargon.]
Melody: Program Heart possession complete. Current sequence
stability at 168h/f Mark and rising. Continuing to
monitor measurement. Gemini circuit function normal.
Recording peripheral phenomenon. Stand by for analogism
expansion auto-level OS. Camouflage at 95% completion.
Shifting limiter level green to yellow. 318s/f until
energy cycle defaults to 70. Everything is clear.
Codename: [Divine Fortress], ready on command.
Leehalt: The fortress created by the gods...The legacy of
wisdom will finally take shape and activate. One of
our goals is achieved. Come before us, Divine Fortress.
Asgard shall be your given name, and you are to shield
us as our aegis! The Golem Asgard, created from the
wisdom of Hyades...The hidden sparkle in your arm shall
become a barrier, capable of withstanding mighty force.
Your enemy shall be everyone who stands in our way. Crush
all enemies to pieces! Now, come before us!
[A large metallic looking robot-man with a two, large spiky horns
coming out of his head stands before the two, having teleported in
with Melody. He breathes as if a living creature, as seen by his
chest movements. Janus walks over and knocks on his breastplate.]
Janus: Huh? This piece of junk? Can this thing really fight?
Leehalt: It's been programmed for tactical mode. All related
options are in place. See to it that Asgard regards
this place as a battleground.
[Melody nods and Asgard attacks Janus with the "sparkle" in
his arm. A large circle of blue light comes out of the sparkle
and knocks Janus back.]
Janus: Wh-What the...!?
Malik: A contra-annihilation barrier. Asgard's main arm--hence
the name, Divine Fortress.
Janus: That's not what I wanted to know! Why is this clunker
attacking me all of a sudden? Can't it distinguish who
the enemy is?
Melody: It's still fresh, so its behavioral parameters may still
be a little unstable. It needs more work.
[Asgard stops producing the large, blue barrier.]
Janus: Tch...Looks like we got off on the wrong foot. Me and him
don't seem to get along. Sorry, but I'll pass on the
workshop class...Later!
[Janus walks out.]
Leehalt: So it's the Auto-Defender System we need to work on...
Melody: Yes...It's been programmed to attack those with a certain
level of fighting spirit at its own discretion.
Malik: This will be of great use to us. How marvelous...
Leehalt: There are two types of people in this world. Those who
use, and those who are used. Janus Cascade...Which
might you be? And us? Heh heh heh heh heh...
[Back to Virginia's party, who returns to Little Rock again.]
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Rock]
Kovahn: Drifters are people who relish living under the skies of the
wasteland, right? Sometimes, I get jealous of the lives you
get to live. I just wish we'd all move out of this town
together.
Kovahn (J): I bet living on the road gives you lots of experience
and insight you wouldn't get just living normally. Of
course, you probably lose something as well. Drifters
are never afraid of losing something as they press
onward.
Goodwin: I once heard that gems are only found near <leylines>, the
paths of the planet's life force. It's kind of hokey, but I
believe it. Back in the days when the world was healthy,
there were a lot more gems.
Goodwin (J): Are you still scouring for leads? Why not go check out
the laboratory to the northwest? They say decades ago,
scientists studied the leylines there.
<Leylines>: Why, ten years ago, at the laboratory to the northwest,
a bunch of scientists were studying leylines. They said
they were doing it to make the world a better place, or
something...
Annette: When this town was full of miners, I was so busy filling
orders that I could hardly get a break. I wouldn't want that
everyday, but once in a while would be nice.
Annette (J): Ever since the mine went dry, the whole town's
suffered. But at least it's more peaceful now. A good
place to relax...That's about all I can say is good
about it, but it beats nothing I guess.
Mock: Someone once told me that the planet is really alive. I think
he's right. It's my friend because it's alive. And I treasure
it 'cause it's my friend.
Mock (J): When I grow up, I just wanna be able to eat 'til my
tummy's full. And besides, I figure there's so much out
there just waiting for me. That's why I wanna eat and eat
and grow up as fast as I can!
Von: I understand how we rely on things with a form that you can
reach out and feel with your own hands. But the formless are
never broken or destroyed. Like music, for example...
Von (J): Close your eyes and focus on your audile senses when you
listen to music. See? You can feel yourself merge with a
greater whole, floating above your corporeal environs...
Listening to music, I fly to heights like where you
Drifters go when you become one with your ARMs.
Gaspar: A long time ago, scientists at the laboratory in the
northwest tried to make Filgaia a better place to live.
They say they <researched> ways to restore our world to
its former beauty.
<Researched>: If they had only succeeded, then I suppose we
wouldn't have to live like this...No more just
scraping by...We'd have more food and more drink
than we'd ever need.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: Don't pass up ruins that appear after a search just because
they're ruins. After all, they might contain treasure that you
would have found otherwise. Although you might no gain
anything, you certainly won't lose.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Roykman: Mine is a journey without a destination, so I always get
lost. But it is because I have no destination, that I can
always continue.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Twister]
Roykman: This town is said to isolate all the evils of Filgaia from
spreading into other towns. That may be one way to look at
it. But that just sounds like a declaration of defiance. I
don't care for it very much...
[Claiborne, Westwood, Midland, and Baskar Colony have no new
dialogue.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|Hard Failures: Leyline Observatory and Doomed to Obscurity |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ LYDO /
\_______/
[The party goes looking for the lab. It's near X:22849, Y:14290 and
they promptly enter. Jet sees a bunch of flashed images as he takes
his first steps in.]
Jet: Ugh...
Virginia: Are you okay?
Jet: Yeah...I'm fine...(Why do I know this place!? I have no
memories! This is crazy...)
[The party explores one of the rooms, searching the lockers that
are against the wall. Someone finds the Tool:Radar in one of 'em.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Tool:Radar
Press the [] button to scan for hidden items inside treasure
chests and other containers.]
[Other things can be found in the lockers:]
Narrative: A white lab coat and personal belongings are covered in
dust. There's nothing useful here.
Narrative: An old pair of socks gives off a sour, fermented stench!
Narrative: An old candy wrapper. The expiration date is dated over
ten years ago.
[As well as searching through the lockers, by searching through one
of the bookshelves, the team finds a note.]
Narrative: A memorandum addressed to the night shift staff falls to
the floor. Would you like to read it? [Replies: Yes, No]
Narrative (Yes): Four of you will be assigned to the night shift this
month. You must enter the elevator using your name
as the password, before you can begin your shift.
P.S. Bryant, please let Inkapilia know. Bendict,
you're last so please empty the trash before you
leave. Any questions, please ask Vilente, who
comes in before Bryant.
[The team heads across the hallway and puts 'Inkapilia' into the
computer mainframe. The gears in the room start to turn, which
means that elevator is functioning. On the next floor, the party
searches a room with the book "Veins Circulating the Subsurface"
and finds something on a blackboard.]
Narrative: There's a note written on the white board that's barely
legible. To the person using the radar: Once you're
done, please return it to the locker. I would like to
use it next to find my ID card.
After searching the floor from top to bottom, the team finds they
can't access the elevator without using an I.D. card. They find it
in the next room, on a table. They also check the machines there.]
Narrative: Pieces of experimental data still remain inside the
console. Would you like to display it on screen?
[Replies: Yes, No]
Narrative (Yes): The experimental record data was damaged. By
piecing some of the words together, it seems to
have something to do with enviromental data and
stimulation patterns dating back 1,000 years ago.
It appears the scientists were trying to
revitalize or transform the environment
artificially.
[The party continues to snoop around until they get to a large
room filled by many of the machines they'd looked at.]
Gallows: Without any windows, and so many machines humming loudly
twenty-four/seven, I'm surprised the scientists didn't go
insane...
Clive: Oh, Virginia. The data inside these machines are still
active.
Jet: (It wasn't my imagination after all...I know this place...
But why...?)
[Virginia looks at one the machines Clive referred to.]
Narrative: Will the seven of us earn a place in history as the
creators, or as immoral sinners? That will all depend
on the completion of the sample. The seven of us have
come this far, so that we can deliver another
tomorrow for the planet...
Narrative: Implantation of the sample completed on time. Adjusting
time schedul by 02. Everything is proceeding smoothly.
The project was feared to be blasphemy against divine
nature, but the favorable progress helps to ease our
collective conscience. This is a signficant leap
forward to the theory. The outcome will be proven once
the project begins to take shape. Adam Kadmon is about
to be born.
[Virginia looks at another console.]
Narrative: Son...My only regret is that I was unable to show you
a world full of verdure...But wait...I will overlap
the new world formation onto your figure. A new life...
A life that must carry the burden for generations...
Adam Kadmon...You are our only hope...Guide this
Filgaia so that it will once again be filled with
greenery...You are the world's hope...I am counting on
you--for all children of this planet...
[Virginia goes over to Jet.]
Jet: It's not like I understand why I know this, but...
[He goes over to the wall and starts running his hands over it.]
Virginia: Hm? What are you doing?
[The wall slides up.]
Jet: There...it opened...
Clive: A secret door...But how did you find it? Surely, it wasn't
obvious...
Jet: I don't know why, but...I think I know this place...Actually,
it's more like my body remembers it...
Virginia: Do you think this place has something to do with your
lost memories?
Jet: Who knows...But the fact is, I seem to faintly remember this
place...Waving water...Reflection of light...People in white
lab coats...I wasn't alone, then...
Clive: Do not try to recall everything at once. It will be too
overwhelming for you mentally and physically.
Virginia: There must be some kind of clue about his memories
behind the secret door...Let's go find out...
[The party walks into a room filled with test tubes. They look
around and read a book called "The Guiding Word," which alludes to
a password. In the following room, they put in "Guiding Word"
as the password, opening the way to the next room. In it, there is
a ripped photo laying on the table. Virginia picks it up.]
Virginia: A photo...
[She looks at it.]
Virginia: I have no idea who these people are, but why do I feel
so uneasy...? There's something about this picture...
[If you try to leave, each person says something differently.]
Virginia: That picture...There's something about it...
Jet: (That photo...I've seen it before...But where...?)
Gallows: If that picture was actually torn on purpose, then what
could be on the other half?
Clive: Those people in the picture...Did they all work here?
They were all wearing lab coats...
[Virginia takes out her [Right Half] item and compares it with
the left half on the table. She tapes it together, and it fits
perfectly.]
Virginia: I've finally found it...A clue to my father's
whereabouts. So Daddy was...here.
Clive: Would you mind telling us more?
Narrative: Virginia began to recount the disappearance of her
father ten years ago. How her father flew into the
wasteland, leaving her and her sick mother behind,
never to be seen again...Many months of sorrow passed
before she finally gave him up for dead. But the double
pistols she wields, and the technique required to
handle them, are the only memories she has left of him.
Although these memories are distant, they are close and
familiar to her, even now...
Virginia: This doesn't prove whether he's alive today or not,
but...I was able to trace my father's steps after he
left. I'm sure Mom would be happy to hear about this,
too.
Jet: Uh...Can I take a look at that picture for a sec?
[Virginia hands it over.]
Jet: Is this man here...your father?
Virginia: Wait...How did you know!? Did I describe him to you
before? Well!? So, you do know him. Please tell me!
Please tell me everything you know about him, no matter
how small!
Jet: Well..that man...He...uhhh...well...He's kinda like...uhh...
...my old man...But...don't freak out...
Virginia: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!? (I guess he was out having fun
after leaving Mom and me. I can't believe this...This
is crazy...Wait, that means...He's my half-brother?
We're family? Huh? So I wonder who's older, me or him?
Well, I guess that doesn't really matter. So Daddy
had another family outside of ours...Was he trying to
make the baseball team? Boy, that would've been...
Jet: Y-Yo...You okay?
Virginia: That dirty-minded pervert of a father! I've come to
grips with him leaving me, but what about Mom? How
could he do this to her? Well, yes, it might've
been wrong for me to assume Daddy was dead, but if
he was alive and well, I just wish he would've come
home to see us.
Jet: Hear me out! I haven't finished explaining yet! What I
meant by that was...
[Clive extends his hand out as a polite way of telling Jet to
stifle his yelling.]
Jet: Wh-What I wanted to say was that he's the one that raised
me, and taught me to survive the wasteland. You've got it
all wrong...He wasn't...Dammit! Why am I the one pleading!?
I'm the one who doesn't have any...
Virginia: I know, I know...I know my father wasn't like that...
I was always such a daddy's girl...I loved him so
much...There's no way he could be such a person...I'm
just so happy...So, Daddy was doing fine...I wish he
would've told us himself...I wish I could have let
Daddy know I'm doing fine, too...
Narrative: Sorry to crash the party...
[Melody and the golem Asgard warp into the room.]
Clive: You're...!
Melody: How nice to see you again. I've come to pay you back for
that time you completely ridiculed me...Well, this is my
personal reason for being here, but actually, I'm here to
carry out my duty. Work, work, work...
Gallows: So, you're here to command that big hunka metal?
Melody: Allow me to introduce to you, a golem, which we bore
from the wisdom of Hyades...Codename: [Divine Fortress]...
Asgard! Asgard has evolved enormously from previous
fighting machines. The Gemini circuit embedded in his chest
allows him to record and assess any situation, enabling him
to react accordingly by <evolutionary analogism>. Go,
Asgard!! Crush the target!
<Evolutionary...> Clive: A machine capable of correlating current
situations with past data to calculate the
best course of action!? Impossible...
Melody: But it exists...Right here...right now...That's not all...
The more Asgard fights, the more battle data he stores,
which means he'll grow smarter after each battle. Amazing,
isn't it? And that is why you have been selected as his
first data specimen. Go, Asgard!! Crush the target!
[Asgard attacks the party, but the party isn't making much
progress in the ways of defeating him.]
Virginia: I don't think we even put a dent in him!
Jet: He's like an impenetrable fortress! But we've gotta break
through to keep going!
Clive: Be on your guard! Something is beginning to swell from
within him!
Gallows: Bring it on!
[Using one of his techniques, Asgard renders the entire party
defeated at once.]
Melody: Marvelous...Absolutely marvelous...To exhibit such power
during a test run...The technology of Hyades is
astounding...This is excellent battle data...Much better
than expected..
[Melody walks over to Clive.]
Melody: To free myself from future anxiety, I shall deliver the
finishing blow...
[Unfortunately for Melody, the Schroedinger party arrives just in
the nick of time, catching her off guard.]
Melody: Hm!? Reinforcements!?
Maya: That's an outrage...They're not one of us. If anything,
they're our enemy. But what gets me is when a familiar face
is being bullied by a new face in town.
Melody: An enemy of my enemy could be my ally. But, Asgard has
determined you as hostile. Prepare to become its data.
Todd: (Milady, I am more concerned about the big fellow than
her...)
[Alfred throws a smoke bomb and the room quickly becomes pervaded.]
Alfred: Now, sis! Now!
Melody: Why...you...You're as sly as a fox!
[In some kind of a flashback, a young Virginia runs after her
father, but trips. The image of him disappears.]
Narrative: Daddy...!
[Virginia wakes up outside somewhere. Todd, the butler-looking
guy with an afro, stands over her.]
Todd: Milady, she has awakened.
Maya: Can you take over guard duty?
Shady: You got it.
Maya: How are you feeling.
Virginia: Huh...!? Well...Uhh...All right...I think I'm fine.
Maya: How's your arm? Try moving it.
Virginia: I think it's okay...Just like normal.
Maya: Good...I was worried. Well, now that you're feeling better,
I think you should go back home. The wasteland's not for
you.
Virginia: How can you say that!?
Maya: A Drifter confronts two obstacles the longer they continue
their journey. One is the artifacts of prehistoric culture
that far surpass the technology of today. I'm sure you're
well aware. And the second one is the cause of Filgaia's
decay. You'd be all right if you stick with measly
undertakings, but once you get yourself involved in those
two matters, there's no turning back. Moreover, if you're
not careful, you might just lose your life--like you almost
did just now. It's not too late for you. Now is the time to
turn back.
Virginia: No! I won't turn back!
Maya: Oh? Is there a reason why you go overboard and act so
recklessly? Do you meanto tell me the justice you're
looking for can only be found by facing danger!?
Virginia: I have to face danger...if I want to find...
Maya: Just pack your bags, and don't get involved in matters
where you can't...
Virginia: I have to face danger to find my father! There's no
way I'm turning back!
[Maya walks to her group.]
Maya: Next time you show your face and try to get in our way...
I, Maya Schroedinger, will crush you to the ground, no
holds barred. Just remember that.
[Everyone leaves 'cept Alfred.]
Alfred: I'm sorry...But don't be mad at my sister. My sister's
a little...you know...She comes off as crass, but she's
trying her hardest to be nice. I'm sure she said what
she said because she's taken a liking to you. Nobody
wants to see people they like get hurt, right?
[Alfred runs off, too. Cut to the nighttime. Everyone's around
the campfire.]
Virginia: I'm sorry...I said something selfish...I probably
shouldn't be the leader of this team...My father's
been missing for a real long time now...I'd given
up on him, but once I found out he might still be
alive, I kinda went in over my head...Then, Maya
drilled me with her lecture, which made me realize
she's probably right. It's too dangerous to get
involved any further. So, let's call it quits and
go our separate ways.
Clive: So...You are dissolving the team so you can head out on
your own to search for your father's whereabouts? Is that
what you are trying to say?
Virginia: I just...
Clive: That, in itself, is selfish. Why not lend an ear to your
comrades and hear what we have to say? If I may, I
believe that the lost history of Filgaia, which I am in
search of, can be found where you are headed. Ever since
the first day I met you, and travelled together as a team
with you as our leader, I have encountered many different
events. All thes events were stimulating--something I
could never experience had I worked alone. Even if you
try to stop me, I intend to travel by your side. I am
going to continue to chase my dream.
Gallows: Hmm...When people face decisions, they sometimes
hesistate and don't feel like moving from their spot.
In this kind of situation, I think it's the leader's
role to stand behind that person and give them a boost.
I don't know if that would define you as a brilliant
leader...But as a good leader, at least. You actually
make travelling the wasteland kinda enjoyable. We can't
think of anyone else we'd rather have leading us. We
all knew there was danger involved. We wanted to do it.
Well, we've come this far. Let's see this through to the
end, together. And once we're all done...Let's make sure
Granny coughs up a hefty reward. After all, she's the one
that got us into this!
Virginia: Thanks for your kind words...But...
Gallows: Well, to tell you the truth, I said that to convince
myself as well. I'm scared, too, you know? Janus, and that
golem thingy...And that weird threesome...But by working
together as a team, it gives me courage--like I can and
have to do whatever it takes. A married sniper who talks
in big words; a sulky lookin' punk; and most of all...A
leader who's not always confident, but is capable of
bringin' it on when it counts. We're all so different, but
we've done pretty good so far. You know...I kinda like this
team. Maybe it's because I trust everyone's skills, but
its more like...fate? Nah, that's not it. Just like our
leader said, it's a bond. We're not tied together by fate.
We're tied together by a bond. That's how we made it this
far. And we'll continue to be together. Ain't that right,
leader?
Virginia: Thanks, everyone...I'll do my best...
Clive: Even if we stay together, the path we travel will be
difficult. That will not change. Some of the clues we have
so far are the photo, which was torn in half...the evolution
of the planet that the prophets mention, and scraps of
information found in that laboratory regarding a plan to
rejuvenate the world. Basically, the key point is: 'Global
Economic Control.'
Gallows: Looks like we'll have to prepare to face even more danger
in the future.
Clive: We may be able to find more clues in my research material
regarding the history of the planet. I propose we head to
my home. It is located south of here, in a town called
Humphrey's Peak.
Virginia: Yes, that sounds like a good idea. And spend some time
with your family. It gets lonely being away from home.
Clive: Yes...Thank you.
[Everyone goes to sleep...except Jet, who leaves behind a note
and walks away from the campsite. A voice calls out to him as
he walks away.]
Werner: Where are you going? Leaving guard duty? That's not very
admirable.
Jet: Oh, it's you. I hear you're Virginia's father. Shouldn't
you be trying to stop her? What? The silent treatment? Ah,
forget it...I quit. Solving the mystery of this planet? No,
thanks. That ain't for me. I'm just a Drifter. I only work
for profit, so I plan on bailing.
Werner: That's what I suggest you do. I endowed you with the
[Airget-lamh] so that you can survive on your own. You
are unable to handle any other ARM. However, you have
the Airget-lamh. Use its power to survive the wasteland.
Even if you find yourself alone in this world, just
remember there is a reason for your existence on Filgaia.
Jet: ...? You sure like taking care of me. I mean, you did teach
me how to fight and to survive on my own in the wasteland.
But save your meddling for your daughter, not me. Or else
she'll get herself into something she can't handle.
Werner: I am a cursed father. It's too late to face my daughter
now. It would bring about more pain if she ever saw me.
I must track down the unseen speculation that veils this
world. I must atone...
Jet: Who are you, really? You're a father to Virginia, you raise
me and teach me how to survive the wasteland, and you search
for answers to the mystery of Filgaia? What goes on in your
mind? What is it you know? Wait a minute...Maybe you know
why I don't have any memory of my past, too! There you go
again, clamming up. Have it your way. I've had a change of
heart. I was gonna hightail it on outta here, but I think
I'll pretend to be friends a little while longer. That way,
I'll be forced to track you down, no matter what. I'll save
the Q & A session 'til then.
[Jet walks back to the campsite.]
Narrative: An unforgettable memory can at times seem like an
ugly scar.
[The next morning, everyone wakes up. Virginia walks over to
the note Jet left the night before; he evidently forgot to pick
it up.]
Clive: Humphrey's Peak is located south of here. Just cross the
bridge and stay along the shore. Is anyone listening to
me?
Virginia: Hey, what's this? Looks like a letter addressed to us.
Is this your writing...Jet...?
[Jet snatches the letter out of her hands.]
Virginia: HEY! What do you think you're doing!?
Jet: Whatever...
[He rips up the note.]
Virginia: ...Don't tell me you were thinking about leaving a
note and sneaking away.
Jet: I said, whatever!
Virginia: I know you were always on your own, but you're not
alone anymore.
Jet: Yeah, I know...
[As Jet is doing is shoo-fly gesture, Virginia grabs his hand.]
Virginia: It's much more beautiful to be with someone than to be
alone. I'm a firm believer in that bond.
Jet: Okay, okay...! Now let go of my hand!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Rock]
Kovahn: The village of <Humphrey's Peak> lies west, between the
dunes. Even the railroad passes through that town. If
you're looking for a new scene, maybe you should go
visit?
<Humphrey's Peak>: I hear they're getting by through the unity
of their community. I'd say we have a lot to
learn from them. Complaining only goes so far.
Goodwin: No matter how much I dig, I never find a thing. But it
beats not digging. Because if I don't dig, then I'll
never find anything.
Annette: All of us ARMsmiths belong to the ARMsmith guild. They
gave me this uniform, but it's too gaudy for me. I'd
prefer something more reserved.
Mock: Man, I'm starvin'! Can't fight on an empty stomach. But,
still...I suppose it takes more to win than just food.
You gotta have friends, too.
Von: Sound is nothing more than wave is the air, but music...
Well, music's different. Especially my music. It goes
out from my heart into the audience's. Hmm...Maybe it's
too much for you?
Gaspar: Humphrey's Peak? It's farther south of the bridge to
the southwest. Just head to the coast, and you can't
miss it. It's a tricky place to get to from here, but
you just go like I told you and you'll do fine.
Gaspar (J): I told Von that the customer is always right, but
he treats them too casually...I suppose young
Drifters like yourself it that way. Maybe I'm just
old-fashioned.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: When you rip apart two close people, something somewhere
is affected. I heard it's the same with the gear that
brings out the latent power of the guardians. Once it's
been put on a guardian, it cannot be placed on anyone
else ever again.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Shane (G - Chat): Have you gotten used to the land beyond the
Sand Canal? I want to hear <all about it>.
Whenever you tell me about the world outside,
it really comes alive.
<All about it> Gallows: You bet. I saw a mining town unlike any
over here. Not much is mined there
nowadays, but everyone there's doing all
they can. It was so inspiring, I
realized even if you lose all hope for
the future, you can always pray. Those
people were so strong.
[The following books can also be found in the Observatory:]
-Leyline Observatory
-Veins Circulating the Subsurface
-In the Beginning
-Adult Mag
-Luck Is a Part of Skill [Sealed]
-Beyond Oblivion
-Formerly Known as the Chock
-Artifacts Over Memories
-Duran's Diary
-The Filgaia Theory
-The Guiding Word
-The Truth that Gave Birth to Life
-Wavering Wisdom
[Doomed to Obscurity is the hunk-a-junk ruin that was featured in the
prologue for Jet. There's nothin' much here except a Migrant Seal and
a character observation, but it's worth noting it's around this time
you can get back there.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Knowledge in the Plains: Humphrey's Peak to Dune Canyon |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ HPDC /
\_______/
Virginia: So this is Humphrey's Peak...It's pretty.
Gallows: Yeah, this place is nice. Might you be a...landowner?
Clive: Oh, no, no...Nothing like that. My house is the one with the
blue roof. Please, let me introduce you to my wife and
daughter.
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
-Roykman - Salesman extraordinaire!
-Datson - He looks grumpy, but at least he doesn't have red hair!
-Canceco - A Baskar ARMsmith who has...red hair
-Albert - Ark of Destiny member who's good at fixin' stuff
-Oin - The recently repaired memory figure
-Cheville - Mother who suffers in silence for her dead daughter
-Martina - Little Claiborne girl searchin' for her mother.
-Uncle Gob - The most friendly Gob in the whole wide world!
-Catherine - Clive's demure wife
-Kaitlyn - The lively daughter of Clive's
Oin: <<Beep>>...SAVE YOUR GAME...? [Options: Yes, No]
Oin (No): <<Beep>>...TAKE CARE...
Roykman: Feeling the wind that runs through the trees makes me
feel nostalgic. It brings back childhood memories, and
I start feeling listless. The strange thing is, I've
never felt that way before...
Datson: Those who wished to be <blessed with luck> head to a
shrine west of the station towards Dune Canyon. Luck
may be a small thing, but everybody relies on it to
get on with their everyday lives.
<Blessed...>: This blessing is said to remove obstacles by the
power of luck. However, this power can only be gained
by walking there. That's what the legend says...
Datson (C): I don't know if it was something I ate, but I had a
terrible <dream> last night. It could be such a
letdown when you realize it's only a dream.
<Dream>: I dreamt that Filgaia was filled with water, and everybody
was much better off than they are now. Under the clear blue
sky, I was farming the land with my family by my side
helping me out...But then I woke up...It was terrible.
Canceco (Chat): With no agriculture or industry, the only thing
supporting this town are the efforts of each
resident and teamwork. So, can you say that this
town is supported by its residents, but it's not
an easy way of life.
Canceco (C): Hey, long time no see. How's your ARM doing? Let me
know if thre's anything I can do, okay? I mean, I'm the
one who knows your ARM best, you know?
Ricardo: There's a huge crevasse northwest of here. It's as if the
planet was gashed by a huge knife. It's hurt just looking
at it.
Ricardo (C): I hear Baskar Colony has a lot more greenery than we
do. I even hear there's a deep forest, east of the
colony...I'm brimmin' with envy, I tell ya. Oh, and
the northwestern area of the world map...I hear you
can find a forest there, as well.
Cheville: Alice! Don't talk to strangers, you hear? There are
dangerous people out in the world these days. [She says the
same thing to Clive.]
Martina: Oh...Hello, there...Umm...
Uncle Gob: Gob-gob...When I was young, I wanted to see the world,
just like you. But being a goblin, gob-gob...everyone
would throw rocks at me when I walked outside. It was
really sad...gob-gob. So what I would do is...gob-gob...
take out a map and imagine I was travelling. Would you
mind showing me your map, gob-gob? I won't stink it up.
You'll be doing me a favor, gob-gob! You've completed
____% of the map. I wish I wasn't a goblin so I can travel
as much as you did, gob-gob. Keep at it and try to cover
the entire map, gob-gob! Something good just might happen,
gob-gob!
Uncle Gob (2): It's exciting when you spread open a map, gob-gob!
It's also exciting when you cross off areas you've
been to, gob-gob! It's even more exciting when you
complete the entire map, gob-gob! Would you mind
showing me your map, gob-gob? You've completed
____% of the map. I wish I wasn't a goblin so I can
travel as much as you did, gob-gob. Keep at it and
try to cover the entire map, gob-gob! Something good
just might happen, gob-gob!
[The party walks up to a guy fixing a memory figure.]
Albert: There, that should do it. I was called in for repairs, but it
should be fine now.
Gallows: Oh, so that's how they maintain these memory figures.
Albert: These memory figures, essential to a Drifter's travel, are
one of many artifacts excavated from ruins. We members of
the Ark of Destiny maintain these figures for free.
Virginia: You guys sure do a lot.
Albert: Some consider us a religious order, but we don't exactly
place our faith in any <god>. I have also heard that the
found Lamium is guided by the voice of a saint...Our basic
principle is to live ungrudgingly, so that we can devote our
efforts to our everyday lives. So in a sense, we are kind of
like a volunteer group. If you have a chance and are
interested, please stop by our temple sometime.
Virginia: We're indebted to these memory figures. We'd love to stop
by one day.
Alfred (2): I'm really glad the figure's not broken. It's quite a
chore to replace it. If the parts aren't right, the thing
blows smoke and malfunctions. Memory figures that can
withstand practical use finally came about after many
different prototypes were canned.
[The party heads into Clive's house. His daughter whose sitting in
a chair looks at her father with a happy face.]
Clive: I'm home, Kaitlyn. Have you been a good girl?
Kaitlyn: Daddy!
[He picks her up.]
Clive: Have you kept Daddy's promises?
Kaityln: Yep! I didn't catch a cold, and I've been helping out
Mommy, too! But I still hate celery.
Clive: The let's promise on your ribbons that you'll be able to
eat celery next time.
Kaitlyn: Okay, I'll try my best! I promise on my ribbons!
Catherine: I thought I heard Kaitlyn all excited. Welcome home,
honey. But what a surprise. You always write us
beforehand, letting us know when you'r coming.
Clive: Yes, I just stoppd by to do a little research. Oh, yes.
Let me introduce you to my travelling companions.
[Gallows pushes everyone aside.]
Gallows: Gallows Carradine, a Baskar by your side. I am available
twenty-four hours, seven days a week for your guardian
consultation needs, ma'am. At your service.
Virginia: I'm Virginia. And this is Jet. Clive's been teaching us
so much about everything.
Catherine: I'm Catherine. It's nice to meet you all. Please make
yourselves at home.
Kaitlyn: Hi, I'm Kaitlyn. Mommy and Daddy's little girl. Thank you
for looking after Daddy.
Clive: I'm sorry, but we need to take over the living room for a
while. We need to do some research.
Catherine: I understand. If there's anything I can do to help, let
me know.
Clive: About the research?
Catherine: No, no...I will never be able to fill Father's shoes...
How about some tea or coffee? Kaitlyn, will you help
Mommy in the kitchen?
Kaitlyn: Okay!
[Clive and company spread out a bunch of books on the table and
start combing through them. Nothing pops out at them, though.]
Gallows: Well? Are we getting any closer to solving the mysteries
of the world from the words of our forefathers?
Jet: Who knows...All I see are words. Am I supposed to know what
they mean?
Gallows: Yeah, I hear ya. Books without pictures are boring.
Virginia: Hmm...How about you, Clive? Anything?
Clive: According to my documents, there have been many attempts
to alter our environment throughout the ages. However, the
method was not evolution as the prophets stated, but
rejuvenation...And this massive undertaking called the
[Yggdrasil Project] was most likely the biggest of its kind.
A great deal of money, technology, and time was invested into
this Yggdrasil System.
Virginia: When did this project start?
Clive: Hmmm...This book fails to mention it. Oh, but there is a
section hereabout the experts who carried out this project.
Let's see...It appears they were a party of seven, each with
their own area of expertise, such as science or magic. The
members of this organization were replaced according to what
specific field was needed at the time. However, this
organization always consisted of seven members, and later
referred to as the [Council of Seven].
Virginia: The Council of Seven...Council of Seven...Seven...Seven...
Clive: What is it?
Virginia: Ummm...I can't put my finger on it, but there's something
about that name.
Jet (NOS): Your old man was a scientist, right? Maybe that has
something to do with it.
Gallows (NOS): Seven people, huh? Well...we're four, and the
prophets make three, which makes...Hey guys, I think
I've come up with something!
Clive (NOS): Based on the current state of Filgaia, the Yggdrasil
Project most likely ended in failure, or perhaps was
aborted.
[If Virginia tries to leave the room:]
Virginia: A party of seven! I know I've seen it somewhere...Oh...
I just hate it when I can't remember!
[Virginia takes out the taped-up picture of her father.]
Virginia: That photo of Daddy...It's got seven people in it!
Jet: And your old man was a scientist, just like the Council of
Seven...
Virginia: This is...
Gallows: So if our leader's father was a member of the Council of
Seven...Would that mean this massive Yggdrasil Project was
about ten years ago? I've never heard anything about it.
Clive: Let's not jump to conclusions. Just because there are seven
people in the picture doesn't make them the Council of Seven.
[Gallows looks at the scientists' picture, looking at a bright-
-looking man with a calm face.]
Gallows: Uh...You know...This is gonna sound really stupid, but
doesn't this guy here look familiar?
Jet: Hey, yeah...I've seen him somewhere.
Virginia: So, who's he supposed to look like?
Gallows: I think it was Malik or whatever. You know, one of the
prophets.
Clive: One half of this picture was kept at Virginia's place. Is
that correct?
Virginia: I remember seeing this photo about ten years ago, just
when my father disappeared.
Clive: So ten years have elapsed, yet the man in question has not
aged.
Jet: Could it just be a look-a-like?
Gallows: Or maybe there's some kinda hidden secret behind this...
[Cutscene time! Somewhere off in the laboratory, Malik is standing
beside a pod with a woman floating in it.]
Malik: It's me, Malik. See? Look at me and try to remember...
[The woman just gazes straight ahead, floating in the pod.]
Malik: Even if the cloning is successful, it is meaningless if there
is nothing within...A mere vessel of flesh without memories is
worthless. Wait just a little longer...I will regain your
memories...
[End cutscene and cut to the next day. Everyone's slept and has had
a good rest.]
Gallows: Ahh...I slept like a log after reading all those books
yesterday.
Catherine: So, how did your research go?
Clive: We seem to have dug a deeper hole than before.
Gallows: Maybe we're not seein' the whole picture 'cause we're not
trying to get down to the nitty-gritty? Well...uhh...
yeah...Let's just summarize what we know up to this point.
The prophets are trying to evolve the planet using artifacts.
And I'm sure them extractin' the guardians' life energy has
something to do with this, too.
Virginia: The goal of the Council of Seven was to rejuvenate the
planet's life...There must be some kind of connection
between the prophets and the council! And this connection
might have something to do with my father heading out into
the wasteland...
Clive: Hmmm...The planet's life...Say...Not too far from this town
is a mineral vein full of gems.
Jet: Are we headin' there to get some spendin' money?
Clive: No, nothing like that. They say the crystallized gems we
see inside ruins and caverns are actually shards of the
planet's life. They may not provide an answer, but we might
find some clues. The truth of the matter is, there is too
much we do not know.
Catherine: I'm sorry to interrupt...But hearing you talk about
guardians made me realize something. Honey, remember our
wedding?
Kaitlyn: I don't remember.
Catherine: Well, Kaitlyn...That's because you weren't born yet.
Clive: Oh yes, of course...Around these pats, it is customary for
a couple to visit the Guardian of Luck to wish for good
fortune.
Gallows: Another guardian shrine! That means they might be headed
there!
Virginia: So we have two good leads...The mineral vein of gems, and
the guardian shrine. This is big...What are we waiting
for!? Let's get this show on the road!
[Everyone walks outside 'cept Clive.]
Clive: I was surprised you mentioned that.
Catherine: Yes, I know...Normally, I wouldn't want you venturing
into dangerous territory. I wonder why I said that?
Kaitlyn: Maybe because Daddy looked like he was having a lot of fun.
Clive: Did I look that way?
Catherine: Come to think of it, maybe you did. Watching you searching
for the truth yesterday, reminded me...
Clive: ...of how we were before?
Catherine: It wasn't your fault about Father...So, please...
Clive: Yes, I know...Right now, I have companions to help me along.
Perhaps that is why I looked like I was having fun.
[Special/new dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Kaitlyn: Daddy always takes the train to work. That's why Mommy
and I see him off at a station west of here.
Kaitlyn (C): Daddy, I have a favor to ask you. Mommy bought this
book for me, but the next chapter is sold out. I
really, really want to know what happens next, so
can you find the next chapter for me? [Clive gets
the Adventure 1 item.]
Kaitlyn (C - 2): Yay! You're home! I knew it! I thought that
maybe if I was a good girl you'd come home soon.
That's why I did all my chores, and finished all
my homework.
Catherine: Thank you for looking after my husband. If you have
time, won't you stay and rest awhile? [Replies: Stay,
Chat]
Catherine (Stay): Make yourselves at home. [The party goes to sleep.]
Catherine (Chat): The vein of gems is northwest of here. However, I
hear there is a fissure in the ground that prevents
visitors from entering.
Catherine (C): Welcome home, honey. Will you be staying the night?
[Replies: Stay, Chat]
Catherine (C - Stay): [Same response as before.]
Catherine (C - Chat): I think there were fewer monsters in this world,
back when we visited the shrine of the Luck
Guardian. I used to be able to walk from Dune
Canyon over to the shrine. I hope this world
will be much safer by the time Kaitlyn grows up.
[No other places have special/new dialogue to offer.]
[Having been tipped off as to a train station nearby, the party goes
to find out. Near the tracks on X:21179, Y:12050, the East Highlands
station comes into view. Only an attendant named Walker is present.]
Walker (Chat): Hmm...Uh, please don't pester us station attendants.
It's written right there.
[When you buy a ticket at East Highlands, Tony says:]
Tony: Thanks for riding with us! Are you heading to Dune Canyon? I
hear the gargantuans have been sighted out there, causing quite
a ruckus. The station attendant there probably knows all about
it. Well, take care!
[The party heads to Dune Canyon, a dusty little station off in the
middle of nowhere. An attendant named Simon is the only one weathering
the conditions and, for once, he's not stuck in a booth--he's standing
outside, blocking the exit.]
Simon (Chat): Say, are you Drifters? There's something I'd like you to
be aware of. A monster named Diobarg attacks people
around here, and he's a very dangerous beast. He somehow
responds to fast-moving things, and he's ruined so many
of our trains. So, please watch out. You're just asking
for trouble if you go out horseback riding here.
Simon (Chat - 2): Diobarg has some nasty habits. One of them is to run
alongside passing trains and gobble them down. If
this keeps up, nobody will want to come see the
<Luck Guardian's shrine>. I'm so worried...
<Luck...>: That's right. The shrine of the Luck Guardian is far east
of here, under the mountain across the tracks. But now it's
become a monsters' nest, so be very careful not to get too
close.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Just My Luck: Fortune Gear and Diobarg |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ FRGD /
\_______/
[The party walks in and immediately stops.]
Jet: Yo...
Clive: Yes, I sense it, too...The last time Catherine and I were here,
we did not feel this evil presence.
Virginia: It feels as though monsters might jump us at any moment.
Gallows: I can't sense the guardian's life force in this vile
atmosphere...We need to go in and check.
[The party enters and soon stumbles upon a spacious black mass sucking
energy out of the temple.]
Virginia: Is this what's sucking out all the energy from the shrine!?
Clive: I don't think it is satisfied with just the guardian life
force. We appear to be its next meal.
Jet: Gimme a break...Well, if the glutton is hungry, let's make it
eat bullets!
[The party is attacked by Olivier, which is soon defeated. Afterwards,
the party is hit with another surge of power (screen = negative-d) and
they all feel pain.]
Virginia: Ugh...!
Gallows: That wasn't it...There's something else eating away at the
guardian's life force.
Clive: We have sensed this evil before...The Dark Spear that devours
all life-forms is nearby!
Virginia: Janus...How dare you desecrate life!
[Sure enough, Janus and the Dark Spear are there, sucking the
life out of the guardian.]
Virginia: You're nothing but a lapdog! You seem to be pretty
comfortable fetching the prophets' slippers. The Janus
I knew, if I recall correctly, used to have wings of his
own. Even if they were smeared black!
Janus: Well said, Princess. But your attempts to provoke me are still
uninspired. You think that if I lose my temper, I will stop
gathering the guardian's life force and attack you? Is that
your intention? That's pretty clever, but my orders are to
gather the life force from this sucker, that's it. And if I
forfeit my mission and fight you, who knows what they'll do
to me. Damn prophets...Why do those blokes want with all this
<energy>, anyway? It would be such a waste if it wasn't put
to good use... Even with the ancient wisdom, those blokes
have absolutely no idea how to utilize this energy efficiently.
That's why I've decided to use it for them! In order to live
freely and rid yourself of all restraint, you need power.
<Energy>: To transform Filgaia? What nonsense...What would be the
outcome? Do they not know that the guardian's life force
is being stored within my body? [The "Even with the..."
part begins after this.]
[Janus talks, and the player can see Balazs hiding behind a pillar,
listening to his tirade.]
Janus: This is exhilirating...With this power, I can overcome all
restraints...
Virginia: Don't tell me you're up to what you do best--double-
-crossing.
Janus: Double-crossing? No, I wouldn't call it that. I just want to be
true to myself and live freely.
Gallows: Live freely...!? Is that what it means to live freely!?
Janus: Precisely.
Gallows: Argh...!
Janus: The one with the most <power>, and can push everyone aside is
the one who lives most freely! I am free! No one can get in
my way! [If ASK system isn't opted for, start at Virginia's
"Janus Cascade..." line.]
<Power> Virginia: No, you're wrong! That's not what it means to have
power or freedom!
Janus: Are you at it again, Princess? You should know by now.
Without power, you're unable to do whatever you want. You just
become a pawn of someone who has power. But right now, the
great power lies within me. I am free...! No one can get in my
way!
Virginia: Janus Cascade...You cold-blooded monster...
Janus: That's right, Princess. I've been liberated from my human
form into this cold-blooded monster!
[Janus attacks the party after changing into his demon form.]
Janus: I'm burning up...I'm about to explode...It's as if something's
trying to break out of my insides...Could this be the
guardian's power?
[The party rips Janus a new one after a little while.]
Janus: Heh heheh heh...The power that sustains the world...Amazing...!
No matter how much damage I take, I will not perish! This is
the power I have been after! This is mind-blowing...!
Absolutely, mind-blowing! Heh heheh heh...AH HAH HAH HAH HA!!
[Janus stands over Virginia.]
Janus: Say your prayers, Princess. I'll make this quick and painless!
[Janus raises the Dark Spear and Virginia falls to her knees.]
Virginia: ...
[She waits for the spear fall to come, but it doesn't. She looks up
and Janus has made it disappear.]
Janus: Psyche! Surprised? It will be a waste for me to use my powers
when you're already half-dead. Don't worry, Princess. I'll let
you blokes live a little longer.
[Janus starts walking to the exit.]
Virginia: Stop! Where do you think you're going!?
[Janus kicks her over.]
Janus: Sorry, Princess, but I have places to go and things to do.
I'm a busy man.
[He walks out and the party inspects the guardian mural on the wall.
The medium Lucky Hand is bestowed to them.]
Virginia: We're too late again...I can feel the anger, chagrin and
frustration of the guardian, robbed of its life force...
Is it because of the Ark Scepter? Probably not, huh? It's
because the guardian and I are both trying to survive
desperately in Filgaia...We share the same sentiment...
Gallows: What is it that I'm seeking? The freedom he talked about?
If I had the power, I could have denied him of his freedom!
I...Argh...! (How much longer do we have to fight that guy!?
Why do I have to be bound by fate!? I know...It's up to me
whether I want to fight or not...Then I'll just...) What he
talks about isn't freedom! It's just a cop-out! I can't do
something so lame! Sorry, everyone. I'm slow to catch fire,
but it looks like I'm ready to burn.
Clive: For the sake of the guardians who were violated?
Gallows: You can say that...But moreover, because I want to find my
own freedom...By denying him his.
Virginia: Gallows...
Gallows: Let's go back to Humphrey's Peak and wash away this gloomy
mood! We can't march forward with our heads hung low, right
leader? Let's march on!
[On the ride back from Fortune Gear, the party's attacked by the
monsterous Diobarg. Apparently, he sees the group as fast food and
goes in for the kill.]
Narrative: A serpentine form moves to intercept the party and their
mounts! It is none other than Diobarg, the beast that seeks
to devour all that treads noisily.
[The party barrels over Diobarg, wasting no time in poking a few holes
in its ugly mug with some good shootin'. They win fifteen Dragon
Fossils for their efforts, which is exactly the amount needed to get
the Sandcraft in Jolly Roger...Hmm...]
Narrative: The menacing gargantuan was vanquished, thanks to the
bravery of Virginia and her comrades. The dragon fossils
that slept in the belly of the beast had broken into
glimmering shards, and now rest at their feet.
[NOTE: You don't have to fight Diobarg now, but I did just to tie in
with the story and get the earliest possible dialogue changes. So...
yeah.]
[Back at Dune Canyon, Simon still stands, although he doesn't have
to worry about Diobarg anymore.]
Simon: This station is going downhill. Nobody ever comes, and I have
nothing to do. So, whenever I'm on duty, I work on making
and solving puzzles. I've been chipping away at this for one
or two years, and now it's finally taking <shape>. If you
ever come across a puzzle I made, do me a favor and give it
a try, okay?
<Shape>: You see, I have a sponsor who constructs puzzles I design
all over Filgaia. I'm not entirely sure who he is, or why
he's doing it...But I try not to pry. After all, people
who like puzzles are good people.
[They buy a ticket back for East Highlands, waiting for the train to
come. Finally, Tony arrives to greet them.]
Tony: Rumor has it that the gargantuan around here eats <dragon
fossils>. If its's true, then I bet there's still lots of them
in its gun. After all, they're indigestible!
<Dragon...>: ARMs and other machinery are made out of dragon fossils.
They even use it to make train controls. They're so rare
and precious, somebody has to do something.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: You can amass a collection of dragon fossils by finding
treasure chests and by beating up monsters and brigands. The
quickest way to get your hands on some is to hunt the beasts
that eat them. It's akin to standing on top of the food chain.
Emelia: [Talk to Emelia until you get to the "I'll help you complete
it." option. She will then say:] That's what I wanted to hear!
Actually, I had taken out a loan on dragon fossils to make the
part I needed...Now I can pay the loan sharks back and sleep
soundly for once. So, the Sandcraft is yours! Let me move the
Sandcraft to the beach outside. Remember...you have to get on
and off the Sandcraft at a beach. One more thing. You'll have
a tough time fighting dune monsters with her current
armaments. So be sure to save your game before you head out
into uncharted sands. You'll get the hang of it soon enough.
I'll go ahead and send her down to the landing beach on
autopilot. And her autopilot supports teleportation through
items. Ain't she something?
Emelia (2): Sandcraft hulls are made of steel rahab, based on a
dragon's carapace. You can squeeze even more potential
out of Sandcraft if your piloting skills are above the
norm.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Ellen: Gazing out across the wasteland, I can almost see how Filgaia
must've been when it was green. Of course, I ain't really seen
it, but I reckon I wish for it so bad that it comes bubbling
up into our eyes.
Ellen (G): The guardians never speak; they contact our minds directly.
Their consciousness is so vast, it makes ours look like
ants. But don't let it bother you. Keep your chin up and
strive to become one with them.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Midland Station]
Miles (Chat): I was born and raised in Midland, but I learned
something special from the sea of dunes. If you want to
clean the space between the tiles, cover the dirty spot
with sand and scrub. [NOTE: He only says this after you
get the Sandcraft. I'm 99.9% sure on this.]
Tony (Chat): Walk north of here to find a <hidden village>. It's not
that far from here. So why not take one of our speedy,
dependable express lines?
<Hidden...>: The people there are a little xenophobic, but nice. They
have some funny traditions, too. There's a column with
lots of strange faces, and instead of bread, they boil
millet into a lot of different recipes. I've never been
there myself, but a travelling salesman I met wouldn't
stop talking about it. Oh, you know him? [NOTE: Tony
doesn't say this until you get the Sandcraft. I'm 99.9%
certain.]
[Special/new Dialogue in: Westwood]
Rick: Today I work the late shift, so I brought some pudding from
home. I even made it myself. I decided to indulge and mix in
two eggs from Claiborne. Oh, I wish I could go home... [NOTE:
I'm 99.9% certain that Rick says this only after you obtain
the Sandcraft.]
Tony: Hello there! This month, I'm working on greeting passengers
diligently. A few days ago, a nice girl in green gave me a
big hello. It felt so good to be noticed, that I'm trying to
do the same for everyone.
[Special/new Dialogue in: East Highlands]
Walker: Have you heard about the bringer of death and destruction,
the bloodthirsty Balal Quo Naga? It recentl began
inhabiting the region around the Dune Canyon, but I heard
it originally came from a faraway atoll. I don't know why
it decided to move out here, but I sure wish it would go
back to where it came from.
Tony: We're seeing a lot more passengers from the <Order of the
Ark of Destiny>. They're the reason this railroad is out of the
red. They always ride this way and that, spreading their faith.
The management tells us to treat them like saviors...Well, I
guess they are.
<Order...>: They're a popular new religious group. They're based on
an island southwest of Jolly Roger. You know, the ones
with the nifty coats...They told me it keeps the dust
away when they handle artifacts. I tried one of those
coats on, but I just didn't look good in it. It's too
bad. I must've been born to work on the railroad.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Dune Canyon]
Simon: [Same pre-Sandcraft dialogue.]
Tony: [Same pre-Sandcraft dialogue.]
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Datson: What we discover from ruins does not always lead to
prosperity. In most cases, they are a source of peril. Knowing
this, we still utilize the artifacts from ancient wisdom. Just
goes to show mankind is not afraid to play with fire.
Datson (C): The excavated ship, the Heritags of Faraway Lands!? I've
heard that there's a monster dwelling in there that
carries a star-shaped item. It's an item that supposedly
makes travel easier. There was a time when a bunch of
Drifters went looking for it, but none of them made it
back. Maybe they went off and sold it somewhere, or
maybe...you know...
Martina: She...looks exactly like my mother. And coincidentally, I
apparently look like her late daughter. I understand the pain
and loneliness, so I wish to be by Cheville's side for a
while. Perhaps I can ease her pain by doing so...
Martina (2): It did cross my mind that I might be doign more harm than
good for Cheville...But when you're down in the dumps, it
makes you want to cry out emotionally to someone...And
since I have been treated very kindly by others, I wanted
to give something back.
Cheville: Why, hello there...If you see Alice, can you tell her
lunch is almost ready and have her come home?
Kaitlyn: I like to read <books> while Daddy's away. I don't like
Daddy's books because they're not fun.
<Books>: But I have no more books to read. If you find a book, let
me know, okay?
Kaitlyn (C): I did my best to eat celery last night...But it still
tasted really, really bad. Do you and Mommy really like
celery? Or do you just eat it because you're grown-ups?
Canceco: As Drifters, you should always take good care of your ARM.
Not in the same sense of neglecting it, but misusing it for
malice.
Canceco (C): Hey, Catherine was organizing your books the other day.
She sure takes good care of the house. You should let
her know that.
[With all the hints to the cavern, the party sets out across the
crevasse. The Gemstone Cave opens up before their eyes.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Rock of Ages: Humphrey's Peak to Gemstone Cave |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ HPGC /
\_______/
[The party enters and sees many pieces of brightly-colored gems just
sticking out of the ground, like they were forced up from underground
and left in the same position.]
Clive: It's beautiful...Although it's really cold.
Gallows: Yeah, you're right. There's no doubt about it...This place is
as cold as death.
Virginia: I can't feel the warmness in the air we usually get when we
come in contact with a medium.
Gallows: It reminds me of a morgue, except much prettier.
[It's not long before the party runs into the infamous Schroedingers,
all decked out to find some gems.]
Maya: I didn't expect to see you so soon.
Virginia: Maya!
Maya: So, someone <tipped you off> about the gemstones, too? Is that
what you're after? Oh, then that suits me just fine. It's your
funeral if you get in our way. [If ASK system isn't taken,
skip to Virginia's "I just want..." line.]
<Tipped...> Virginia: Y-Yeah, but...Not for the same reason you are!
Maya: You are always so vague! I don't know what your intention is,
but one thing is for sure. You perpetually appear wherever I
go, and pester me! You might have an altruistic reason for
being here, but if you get in our way, I won't hesitate to take
you down.
Virginia: I just want to be true to myself and live honestly! I know
you tried to stop me, but I want to know the truth behind
this world! I want to solve its mystery! I have to keep
going in order to keep up with my father's trail! I want to
research the gemstones found in this cave. These shards are
pieces of the planet's existence.
Maya: Hmph...Despite your reasoning, you're still after gems, which
makes us <enemies>. You'd better hurry. Or else all the gems
will be mine.
<Enemies>: Don't look at me like that. Didn't I tell you it'd be no
holds bared, the next time we meet? Well, see ya. You'd
better hurry. Or else all the gems will be mine.
[The party enters the next room.]
Virginia: What are gems, exactly?
Clive: Gems are composed of life energy of the planet. This life
energy can be likened to the bood of living organisms. This
coagulation of the planet's lifeblood becomes what we know
as gems.
[A little ways down the path, they encounter Maya again.]
Maya: I just can't seem to get away from you. I can't believe how
much time, energy, and body fat can motivate you Drifters this
far. I'm really getting fed up. You really want some gems that
badly? Then here's a present for you!
[Maya fires her gun and drops a large boulder right in the middle
of the path, obstructing Virginia's way.]
Maya: Oh, how big and beautiful! Just look at the lovely color and
cut! It's perfect for you, don't you think? Well, I'm off to
find my perfect gem, then. Ta-ta...!
[Maya leaves and the party walks up to the boulder.]
Narrative: A massive boulder is blocking your path. Bombs alone
won't be able to shatter it. A sudden change in temperature
might cause its composition to degrade.
[Using the heating/cooling technique perfected on Trask, the party
destroys the boulder and continues on.]
Clive: As I mentioned earlier, gems can be likened to the blood
exuding from the planet. Blood that has coagulated. Which in
turn means that this place is full of wounds. Wounds translate
into the decay of land--an impoverished planet. Gems can be
found within ruins and buildings for this very reason.
Gallows: So that's why this place feels like a morgue...
Clive: We feel it even more so because of the medium and the planet's
life force. And also because we have been in contact with the
guardian's power.
Virginia: So this is one of the more damaged places on Filgaia...
Clive: (Gems are ostensibly supposed to grow in size with the passage
of time...Even with the large quantity of gems in this cave,
the actual size does not differ from other locations. Perhaps
my professor's theory is true...It may seem preposterous, but
there is evidence here to back it up.)
[The party eventually comes to a room with lots of holes in the floor.
Each person can say something different here, depending on who is
leading the party.]
Virginia: Wow, look at all these holes in the ground...Better be
careful not to fall in.
Jet: How far ahead is the other team? Maybe they're hiding inside
these holes?
Gallows: If it were me...I would lure the enemies here, and while
they're distracted, I'd kick their little behinds into these
holes!
Clive: I'm more curious about where these holes lead, than falling in.
[Regardless of who's party leader (although Gallows is funnier), Maya
comes up from behind the party and kicks 'em into the nearest hole.
The party goes up and drops through another hole, coming to an
entrance. As they do, Maya runs on the ground below them, obviously
having a hard time making progress.]
Maya: AGHHHH!! I don't get it!? Why do I keep ending up in the same
place!? The mystical mega-sized gem is waiting for me to
embrace it! I don't have time for this!
[She sees Virginia's party.]
Maya: Heeeey!? That's not fair! How'd you get up there!? I make
the path that leads to the treasure! Not you! Stay where you
are! Don't move! Take a nap or something! Lock yourself up
somewhere!
[At this point, the dialogue can be split again:]
Virginia: Looks like we have the lead for now. But I'm a little
worried about what's ahead...
Jet: Gimme a break...
Gallows: She sure is feisty. She's taking it all out on us even
though it's her mistake. I feel sorry for her companions...
Clive: She doesn't seem to know her way around the caverns, either...
Which eans she won't be able to hinder our progress. I
believe it is safe for us to press on.
[As the party goes to enter one of the next rooms, they all stop.]
Voice: Stop where you are! You're not worthy of the gem!
[Todd, Alfred, and Shady all appear, but Maya's absent.]
Voice: If you're going to give it your all, then I'll gladly
accept your all, and then I'll crush you!
Virginia: Quit hiding, Maya! Show your face!
Maya: Hiding...!? I wouldn't want you to think that! Fine, behold
the true powers of Maya Schroedinger!
[A book falls at Virginia's feet, and she looks up to find Maya
dressed like a witch, complete with pointy hat and a stave.]
Virginia: I think I'm gonna puke...What's with the gaudy costume!?
Maya: Surprised? This is my true power!
Todd: Milady possesses supernatural powers where she can convert
information into her own special abilities. Even nonsensical
information can be processed through the medium of a book to
wield unlimited powers!
Clive: In other words, she is able to channel certain characters
from comics or novels?
Shady: Very good, Four-eyes!
Gallows: So basically, she's a freak that can mimic the abilities
of fictional freaks she reads about. She's gonna freak
out!
Maya: Heh heh...You all look impressed...
Alfred: (No, sis...They've been taken aback.)
Maya: I am 'Wonder Witch'! And I have the power to cast any kind of
magic!
[The party fights Maya and stamps out her and her odd abilities.]
Maya: Pesky, aren't we? But how about some of this!? Feel the might
of the forbidden spell!
[Maya starts to charge up her forbidden spell.]
Alfred: NOOOOOOOOOOO!!
[Todd, Alfred, and Shady all dogpile on Maya to stop her from
summoning her mighty powers.]
Alfred: Not here, sis! We'd all be buried alive if you cast
something that powerful!
Clive: We have only come here with the intent of research in mind.
And it has proven fruitful...At least for us. If you're still
interested in striking a vein, please proceed. We won't get
in your way.
[The Schroedinger party starts to head towards the door.]
Clive: But I doubt you'll find any precious gems...
[In the next room, the "mega-sized gem"s are all tiny.]
Maya: Huh...? These are all just ordinary gems...We went through
all that trouble to get here, and...
[She looks at Clive with anger in her eyes.]
Maya: How did you know there weren't any special gems of value here?
Answer me!
Clive: We have all been deluded. It was a big misunderstanding on all
our parts.
Maya: You mean...we've been had?
Clive: Maybe so...We, and everyone on this planet, have been deluded.
(Yes, I believe the professor's theory is correct. If that is
the case...What is the truth?)
Virginia: Then, let me ask you something. So what drives you to face
danger?
Maya: That's easy! Gems! Jewels! The more I get a hold of their
sparkle, the more I sparkle!
Virginia: But that's just a fleeting glitter.
Maya: The sparkle I'm looking for is the <real sparkle>. Well, I
have absolutely no business being here now. The next gem is
calling me, so I must bid adieu.
<Real sparkle>: I don't care how many false leads I have to follow.
One of these days I will find it. And I will shine
because of it...[The "Well, I have..." line starts
here.]
[The Schroedingers leave.]
Virginia: She's trying to find the real sparkle among the many fake
ones in this world...Let's head back to Humphrey's Peak for
now. We don't have time to waste, either.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: Even ducklings waddle when they first learn how to walk. It's
the same with people, and it's the same with machinery. I
recommend hugging the shore until you're really ready for the
deep dunes. Don't try to cover too much sand until you're
certain you're ready. A Drifter's first lesson consists of
learning how strong your wings are.
[No new speech elsewhere.]
[As the team enters Humphrey's Peak, a cutscene with Melody plays. She
is in the hi-tech laboratory, standing at a large control panel.]
Melody: The planet is incomplete. Imperfect to be endowed the full
wisdom of Hyades. It rejects us, and is therefore unsightly...
It's unsightliness is like a pupa waiting to emerge...This
planet must reincarnate into utter beauty...like a butterfly,
like...
Malik: ...'me'? Is that what you were thinking?
Melody: Malik!? Since when have you...
Malik: I heard your vainglorious looks had no effect on that man. I
think I liked the old you better...
[Melody lunges at him but he sidesteps and lets her go right past.]
Malik: Temper, temper...
Melody: It is not very admirable of you to use the wisdom of Hyades
for your own personal matters...Like resurrecting the dead...
A spin-off of life control technology? You think I haven't
noticed?
Malik: I...apologize. I said a little too much. And I didn't mean
to hide my experiment from you either. I was going to let you
know after I made more progress. There is no need for the
three of us to quarrel. We all strive for the same goal.
Leehalt: Our goal: to create this entity of life we call Filgaia...
[Leehalt walks in with Asgard.]
Leehalt: Ever since we were evolved by the wisdom of Hyades, the
environment of this planet is too much of a burden on us.
Malik: And that is why we must carry out the terraforming. To alter
the make up of the environment using the wisdom of Hyades, to
evolve this planet into Terra, a planet that is suited for us!
Melody: And by doing so, we are also promoting the analysis and
practice of the lost wisdom from the information library
Hyades. We will be in charge of this lost technology of the
gods. This has been a long-cherished ambition for us as
disciples!
Leehalt: However, should our plan fail...we will be nothing but an
alien element to this life entity we call Filgaia. The
planet will no doubt deem us as parasites, and begin to
cleanse itself in order to exterminate us. Our deaths
would not simply be our own, but the stagnation of evolution.
In other words, the end of the human race. The future is
meant for the evolved! We are the only ones worthy! That is
why we must evolve Filgaia into a form suited just for us!
It is the Dark Spear that points to Filgaia's future and
ours. Melody...Accompany Asgard and eliminate those
unwanted Drifters.
Melody: Yes, sir!
Asgard: YES, MY MASTER...
Malik: It speaks!?
Melody: The internal Gemini circuit enables him to learn, and the
evolutionary analogism gives him the ability to reason.
Looks like they are beginning to take effect. Accumulating
past battle data and analyzing the proper action to take is
what forms his simulated spirit. So, if the Gemini circuit is
his soul, then all the data he collects can be likened to his
memories. Depending on the type of data he gathers, he may
form emotions one day...
Malik: Hmph, this isn't my field, but very interesting, indeed...The
formation of memory...
Leehalt: Malik, continue with the download. I want you to bring up
the schedule by seven steps.
Malik: Seven steps!? Sir, why the rush? Is there a problem?
Leehalt: I have just received word from Balazs. Janus has just
stored the extracted guardian life energy into his own
body.
Malik: Janus has reached his final level!?
Leehalt: His motive, and ours...If we don't act now, the future may
fall into the hands of one with unsuitable ambitions.
[Meanwhile, inside Clive's house, Virginia sits holding a picture of
her father in her hand.]
Clive: Your...father?
Virginia: Well...I don't remember much about him. I was only a little
girl...Actually, my uncle told me he was a scientist. You
know...Looking back, the only memories I have of my father
are...him teaching me how to handle ARMs...
Clive: If that photo is indeed the Council of Seven...Or if it is
somehow connected to the prophets, it may have something to do
with the mysteries of the world. Just as my professor,
Catherine's father did, perhaps they were looking for the
mystery behind Filgaia's decay.
Gallows: Then, your professor is a scientist, too?
Clive: Yes. He was in search of Filgaia's memories, so that he might
track down the cause behind this planet's decay. He passed away
several years ago during an accident...It was all my fault.
Gallows: Listen, uh...I'm sorry. You told us this story before. I'm
sorry I brought it up.
Clive: Please, don't worry. It'll just make us more uncomfortable.
Jet: Yeah, that's all in the past now. And there's nothing more
pointless than dwelling on the past.
Virginia: Just because you don't have any memories doesn't give you
the right to say such a cruel thing!
Jet: Look who's talking...
[Someone walks in the doorway.]
Datson: Hey, is Clive here? Was this a...bad time?
Clive: No, not at all. What can I do for you?
Datson: I just received word about a mission that calls for a skilled
Drifter, and thought of you. If you're busy, I could come
back later.
Clive: No, we're fine. We would need to know the details.
Datson: Oh, right. The <client> is waiting underneath the street lamp
in the town center. He's from the Order of the
whatchamacallit, but he's dressed funny so you can't miss him.
Best of luck to you.
<Client>: He's a member of a rising religious order. I think they're
called the Ark of Destiny, or something...It's that guy
that came by to repair the memory figure recently. He's
dressed funny, so you can't miss him. Best of luck to you.
Gallows: From an errand boy of the gods, huh...Sounds pretty shady.
Jet: You're one to talk.
Virginia: Well, let's get our game face on.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
NOTE: Martina is gone by this point.
Cheville: This world is like a world of twilight, waiting for the
night to arrive. Even as I feel the end is near, I am not
strong enough to carry on today with a smile...
Ricardo: Horses were widely used to traverse the wasteland before
railroads came into use. But trains only take you where
tracks are laid. If you want more freedom in your travels,
riding horses might be the right choice.
Ricardo (C): When did we stop makin' pilgrimages to the shrine of the
Luck Guardian, I wonder? Ever since there's been a rise
in people who rely on their own strength, perhaps? That
might be all good and dandy, but I call it arrogance--
unwillingness to accept help from others. People can't
live on their own, you know.
Catherine: I hear there is a newly discovered ruin not too far from
here. Have you heard anything about it?
Catherine (C): By the way, you haven't forgotten about that sealed
black chest at the shrine of the Luck Guardian, have
you? You couldn't stop thinking about it on the way
home from East Highlands Station, remember?
Roykman: Humphrey's Peak is always so peaceful. Even for a vagabond
like me, the thought of getting married and settling down
with children crosses my mind every time I'm here.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Martina: O Lord in high heaven, I thank thee for sharing thy water
with me...Oh! Hi there, folks. Long time no see! We've
had quite a dry spell, so it's had to scoop up any water.
But, if we start believing that this well never gives us
any water, we would be less than gracious. Makes me sound
sound smart, doesn't it? Actually, Cheville told me that.
Martina (2): Cheville sent me a letter to thank me. So, I wrote
this reply: I'm so glad we ran into each other in the
wasteland. I won't forget how we cheered each other
up.
NOTE: Martina moves on after you leave and re-enter Jolly Roger.
[If you get in the Sandcraft, you get the following:]
[DIDACTIC POINT: You need a Sandcraft to traverse the desolate
dunes. Press the up directional button or left analog stick to hold
the (X) button to move the Sandcraft. Press left or right directional
button or left analog stick to rotate in place. To disembark, press
the (O) button once you've reached a suitable beach for landing.
[Special/new Dialogue in: The Secret Garden]
[If you fully breed a plant:]
Florina: You all seem to have a kind heart towards flowers. Please
take this as a token of my appreciation. I hope you find it
helpful.
[No other special/new dialogue.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Memories Rekindle: Humphrey's Peak and Faraway Lands |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ HPFL /
\_______/
[Virginia's party goes outside to see Albert, who's waiting for them
underneath the street light.]
Albert: I understand you'll take on this mission. Thank you very much.
Virginia: We'd like you to brief us first. Then we'll decide whether
to accept or not.
Albert: Very well. I understand. We at the Ark of Destiny are
dedicated to using ancient artifacts to bring about a better
future, free from these harsh environmental conditions. Our
religious order has recently discovered a ruin in this area.
It is said to be an ancient ruin, dating back to the very
first people who inhabited this planet.
Jet: The very first people of this planet...?
Clive: They are a people from the unknown, who descended to the
fertile plains of this planet from a ship that soars the
heavens...
Gallows: You're talkin' about the legend about our forefathers coming
to Filgaia on a flying ship, right? I thought it was just a
fairy tale.
Albert: Many people see it as that. However, we at the order have
excavated a number of ruins that substantiate the tale. The
ruin in question is another one.
Virginia: What would you like us to do?
Albert: I would like you to get past its security system, and make
your way to the power room to retrieve the [Kizim Fire].
Virginia: The Kizim Fire? What's that?
Albert: Just as the name implies, it is a beautiful crystal that
shines a translucent red. However, its true value is not in
its physical beauty. It is a crystallization of energy that
once set the ship that soars the heavens afloat on the seas,
allowing it to keep running...That is the true worth of the
Kizim Fire. Or so the legend says...So it is nothing but a
rumor without much credibility, but...If in fact this is
true, we will be able to gain the power of the ship that
soared the heavens. As our name implies, we at the Ark of
Destiny wish to guide mankind towards the future.
Virginia: Well...Okay. We'll accept this mission.
Clive: Are you sure you are not making a hasty decision? Shouldn't we
find our more?
Virginia: It's true that we hardly know anything about this Ark of
Destiny...But if such a powerful crystallization of energy
lies untouched within a ruin...
Jet: The prophets will come knockin'...
Virginia: Since there are so many unknowns about this mission, I don't
know if we can live up to your expectations. We won't ask
for payment up-front, but we would like to be paid in full
if we succeed.
Albert: Very well. If successful, I will pay you 2,000 Gella.
Gallows: That's what I'm talkin' about! No negotiations needed.
Virginia: Then, it's agreed. We'll let you know what we find.
Albert: Good luck.
Albert (NOS): The founder Lamium has told me the Kizim Fire is located
in a ruin southwest of this town. I wish you godspeed.
[The party heads to Faraway Lands. Inside, the player can see Werner
already inside. He leaves before Virginia's party can see him.]
Gallows: I can't believe an artifact exists in such good shape...
that's pretty darn amazing!
Jet: Yeah, and I bet the security system's still up and functional,
too. How amazing...
Virginia: ...
Clive: What is the matter?
Virginia: Oh...It's nothing...
[In one of the following rooms, a furnace's door opens when the party
leader stands at a certain spot. The Tindercrest heats it up and
it becomes operational.]
Narrative: A generator can be heard operating in the distance.
[The party goes back to an elevator they passed and goes down a
floor. By pressing a switch, the party finds a treasure chest with
a new Tool for Clive in it.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Tool: Mighty Gloves
Press the [] button to temporarily increase your strength
tremendously. This makes it possible for you to life and move heavy
blocks you otherwise would not be able to lift.]
[You're automatically attacked by a Vacuumon after this, but it's
easily "disappeared". The party continues until they come to a
room with a bright green light shining from...the Kizim Fire.]
Virginia: I can't believe a flame has been crystallized...
Clive: So this is one of the energy forces, which provided energy
for a prehistoric culture...Quite interesting, indeed.
Gallows: Well, it's all find and dandy that we got this thing, but
does that whatchamacallit Order know how to use it? This is
some pretty funky technology, you know?
Jet: That ain't our concern. We're getting paid to bring this thing
back, that's all.
Gallows: Sheesh...Do you always have to be so frank?
[The party gets the Kizim Fire and turns to leave, but has scarcely
gotten two steps before Melody is present.]
Melody: [The Immigrant Vessel]...A vessel said to have come from a
distant land...Out of all artifacts we know of, this one
seems to have made the biggest mark.
Virginia: Melody!
Melody: But, you're first on my agenda today. Our plans cannot be
delayed any further. Your very existence is detrimental to our
plans for the <future>. Come, Asgard!
<Future> Virginia: We're not gonna let you toy with our future. Let
alone Filgaia's!
Melody: What does this weakened, unsightly little planet need? It
needs strength, and beauty...How dare you stand there and
oppose me! Come, Asgard!
[Asgard appears, attacks, and beats down the party by using his
Barrier Flood attack.]
Melody: How pathetic...And above all, unsightly...Your inconsequential
existence is filthy. Just like this planet...Filgaia is
unsightly because it is impoverished. There is nothing more
hideous and repulsive than a decayed and weakened existence.
Clive: What I find repulsive is your denial of an existence trying
desperately to survive.
Melody: How dare you ridicule me twice!? Then let me show you hands
on, the true meaning of beauty! Show them the light, Asgard!
Asgard: ROGER...
Gallows: What the...? Since when does this clunker talk?
Jet: This ain't the time for twenty questions! We gotta act first or
else we're in for it!
[Melody and Asgard attack again, and this time Asgard uses his Wide
Barrier attack to inflict Fallen status on everyone.]
Asgard: LIMIT OVERLOAD...GENERATOR OVERHEATING...
Melody: If every existence had an equal and beautiful moment to
shine...It is when the <light> of life goes out. Prepare to
witness beauty. Accept our offering...
<Light>: No matter how pathetic or unsightly...The moment of death is
when you shine best...Now, witness the light.
[Suddenly, Asgard stops moving and electricity freely jumps over his
metal body.]
Asgard: SYSTEM DOWN...GENERATOR MALFUNCTION...
Melody: Dammit...Standby for auto-recovery! Switch to scan mode!
Virginia: What's...going on?
[Werner stands atop the stairs.]
Werner: Those who have not foresaken life must stand and fight!
Virginia: Huh? Daddy...?
Werner: What are you waiting for!? The jammer bullet is only
effective for a certain period! Make the most of this chance!
Show me the meaning of your dual guns! Show me, Virginia!
[The party fights Asgard again, and they win.]
Melody: No...This can't be...The wisdom of Hyades has tampered with
Asgard's driver system!? Only we are capable of such things.
Except maybe...
[The two teleport out. Virginia's father turns to leave.]
Virginia: Wait! Uhhh...(Even if he was my real father, how should I
behave...? What should I say? There are so many things I
want to ask. So much that I don't know where to start. I
don't know how to start...) Say something! Why won't you
talk to me!?
[Werner's already gone by the time Virginia's mouth catches up with
her mind.]
Virginia: (No...That's not what I wanted to say...)
Jet: You aren't goin' after him? He is you...
Virginia: Not now...We have to deliver the Kizim Fire to our client.
Right now, I'm a Drifter...Not his daughter...That's all...
[The party returns to Humphrey's Peak and go up to Albert. They hand
over the Kizim Fire.]
Albert: So this is the Kizim Fire! Thank you very much. I'm glad I
entrusted you to this mission. There is the 2,000 Gella we
discussed. Please accept it with my gratitude. Well, now that
I know I can trust you Drifters, I have one more mission I
would like to request...
Virginia: Hm...
Clive: Is something the matter?
Virginia: I'm sorry...I was just lost in thought for a sec...
Albert: I have much faith in your skills. I hope you will accept. I
would like you to deliver the Kizim Fire to our central
office. I have prepared 8,000 Gella for this mission.
However, I would like to pay you 3,000 Gella up front, and...
the remaining 5,000 Gella to be paid out at the Ark upon the
Kizim Fire's safe delivery.
Jet: That's all fine, but why are you dishin' out so much just for us
to deliver it?
Albert: Our temple is located on a small island southwest of Jolly
Roger. Please think of it as an allowance to cover travel
expenses.
Jet: Now I get it.
Gallows: Well, what's the plan?
Virginia: (I'm willing to do it as long as it has something to do
with Daddy...That way, I can probably...) We accept.
We'll get the Kizim Fire to your temple in one piece.
Albert: Excellent! Thank you! Here is your money. I look forward
to seeing you all there.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Roykman: The followers of the Ark of Destiny are always full of
confidence. Maybe they have a direction in life?
Albert: The Order is located southwest of Jolly Roger by Sandcraft. It
is on a small island floating in the dunes.
Ricardo: Oh, Cheville? Yes, I feel really sorry for her...She used to
be a <doctor>, you know. Anyway, after losing her husband to
an accident, her only daughter fell ill and passed away soon
after. Cheville hasn't been the same since. After suffering
a fate like that, who would be?
<Doctor>: She gave up practicing after her <daughter> died. She lost
all hope after her death...
<Daughter>: Her name was Alice. She was a vibrant, sweet girl, with
the prettiest blue eyes...
Ricardo (C): The Vacuumon monster has a Warp Star that allows you to
conveniently teleport between stations you've visited.
It makes travellin' a breeze for Drifters...It reminds me
of the good old days...
Datson: What's most terrifying about the wasteland is not the
monsters. It's the hidden anxiety inside your heart that stops
you in your tracks.
Datson (C): That guy wearing funky-looking clothes says he belongs to
some <religious order>. I don't think he has anything to
do with believing in a certain god. But then, why did he
say he belonged to a religious order?
<Religious...>: When he approached me, I thought for sure he was
trying to convert me, but he just wanted to know if
there were any skilled Drifters around. I felt kind of
faked-out, you know? Well, there aren't many religious
types in this village for him to preach to, anyway.
Cheville: Great hope is too big to grasp, while tiny hope runs through
my fingers like grains of sand...
Canceco: I was looking through my <account books> and realized I've
been getting a steady increase in customers over the past ten
years. I thought maybe my trade was finally getting some
respect, but all it is is the crime rate going up.
<Account...>: Most of my earlier work consisted of simple repairs. But
nowadays, I'm mostly upgrading ARMs. Goes to show how
people are good at adapting...You may think that time is
standing still, but you just don't notice.
Canceco (C): I can do simple repairs on the memory figure myself...But
when it comes to internal maintenance, we have to call in
a specialist. The figure may look goofy, but that baby's
an artifact with highly advanced technology.
Catherine: I trust my husband's skills, but there is no denying that
his job is dangerous. I shudder with <anxiety> sometimes.
<Anxiety>: But just as my father did, my husband is completely
absorbed in uncovering the history of this planet. There is
no stopping him when he is that passionate about his work.
Catherine (C): Whenever you write to let us know you're coming home,
it's twice the joy when I see you at the doorstep...And
when you come home unexpectedly, it's like a surprise
present. Either way, I'm just glad you're home.
Kaitlyn: Daddy's job is to beat up the bad guys, and Mommy's job is to
protect the house. And my job is to keep my promises with
Daddy.
Kaitlyn (C): I like all of your friends, Daddy. But I'm a bit jealous
because they always get to be with you.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Rock]
Kovahn: Everyone knows that mining here in Little Rock is pointless.
But people still need hope in their hearts to survive this
ocean of despair.
Kovahn (J): You know the legend of the wyrm, right? Two giant brothers
go to slay the two-headed wyrm Nidhogg. Not many know it,
but there's a tunnel named after that legend, Nidhogg
Pass. And of course, it's got two heads, meaning two
entrances.
Goodwin: You know, when people walk <forward>, their sights are set on
the horizon. We're just made that way.
<Forward>: Complaining only makes things worse, and nobody wants to
hear complaints. I know all that, but they say that the
toughest step you ever make is the first.
Goodwin (J): The mining of gems may have come to a standstill, but
our lives go on. There's no end to our complaints, but
that's proof we're still kickin'. And that's all that
matters.
Gaspar: Just the other day, one of them preachers tried to get me to
join. Been so long since I spoke with a young lady, so that
part was nice, but those aren't my kind of people. After all,
the only religion I need is right here, in my glass...on the
rocks. Hehe...
Gaspar (J): Just lookin' at you brings back <memories>...The more
memories I collect, the more foolish my thoughts become.
<Memories>: Your face, your voice...even your brawny arms...Why,
you're a spitting image of me in my youth! Tell me, are
all the young ladies after you, too? Yeah...Those were
the days.
Von: The world is full of sounds, like us here talking, bottles
clinking, wind carrying the howl of wildcats out yonder...
There's so much music, so life's never dull. And I get to be a
musician in the world's grand symphony.
Von (J): A man who spends each day the same as the last is <lost>.
If you ever start getting that way, then listen to a song
with some offensive lyrics in it. Stuff that would usually
give you goose bumps always seems to refresh the part of
you that's so tired.
Annette: This is such a lonely village. Stop by once in a while!
And I'll be sure to pass on anything I hear. Of course, this
town's so lonely we don't get much news in the first place.
Annette (J): I believe that you should only believe what you find out
for yourself. That's another thing a Drifter told me
before he left. And I agree. So, don't be a stranger,
you hear? And I'll always appreciate your business.
Mock: I'm starvin'. But you grown-ups never whine when you're hungry.
I wonder...Maybe you just don't get hungry? Hmmm...Sure must be
nice. But it sounds like a boring life, havin' nothin' to crave
for.
Mock (J): Aww, look at this cute bird. Ain't he cute? Look at him
followin' me. I wanted to show him to you because we're
friends, and I figured you had a soft spot for animals.
Do me a favor, okay? Don't mention this to anyone,
'specially the villagers.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Claiborne]
Otto: I can understand you wantin' to upgrade your ATT, but strength
ain't everything, ya know. You should consider yer overall
balance and plan fer the long run. But what's important is yer
own style.
Myra: Drifters only carry trouble on their wings. They just wander
around livin' a rootless life! Their morals and ideals are
completely different than ours!
Roykman: I saw a berry seed with fluffy wings descend near Jolly
Roger. If that seed is able to bloom into a flower, more
seeds will take to the sky. I believe that even small, tiny
little flowers are important to the revitalization of the
planet.
Becky: Have ya heard the fairytale 'bout two giants weildin' swords,
who head out from separate directions to slay the evil serpent?
The fairytale doesn't state where this <serpent's lair> is,
though. But Ah kinda have an idea where it may be. It's easy if
ya think about it.
<Serpent's...>: But Ah kinda have an idea where it may be. It's easy
if ya think about it. Since they're headin' to a
location from two separate directions, just draw a
line of their direction of travel and see where they
cross! Ah think that intersection is where the
serpent's lair is.
Dessinsey: So, how's my horsies treatin' ya? There's different means
of travel, but I say nothin' beats gallopin' through the
wasteland with the wind runnin' through your hair.
Pike: A man from Jolly Roger came here to buy a horse one day. He
said that if you jump over a crevasse north of Jolly Roger,
you'll find a small forest. And in that forest, he said you
can see flowers blooming--something we haven't seen in years!
I don't know if it's true, but it'd be great if it is.
Pike (J): Whenever I look at my old toys, I start feeling warm
inside. It takes me back to a special place called home...
Anyway, what's up with you? ... Wow...You got a hold of
an ancient red artifact, and delivered it to your client,
huh? Was it all shiny and sparkly? I wish I could've seen
it.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Twister]
Cormano: This town must have some kind of potential at striking it
rich, even for a country boy like me. In fact, that'll be a
good way to show off all those who make fun of me by calling
me a bumpkin.
Ian: Of course I'm just resting now. Even a superb, highly skilled
Drifter like me needs to rest his wings. Once I'm well rested,
I'm heading off to take on bigger things. Actually, I'm always
after bigger things.
Berkley: My job is to do my job. I'm not taking away anyone else's
job. So I have to work in moderation, so that no one else
gets bored. You understand what I'm saying?
Claudia: Ah'm not sure if this helps any, but have ya heard the legend
of the two giants and the evil serpent? Well, their legend
lives on today in the form of statues. One can be found
northeast of a farming village called Boot Hill, and the
other right by Sand Canal, atop a little island in the dunes.
Angela: Even a child is capable of throwin' mud on a white dress...
It's just the same for <people's hearts>. Making it dirty is
easy, but gettin' the stain out is the hard part.
<People's...>: A person may be nice to ya now, but expect too much
from the heart, and you may just go home cryin'.
There's nothin' wrong with bein' stained by other
people...That's just human nature.
Mosby: Whether you die by illness or accident, there's really no good
way to die. You'll end up being a burden on the people you
leave behind, either way. The best way to die is to die in the
wasteland. That way, your bereaved won't be burdened, and
you'll be doing the world a favor by returning to the earth.
Roykman: The trends of this town tend to affect many locales
throughout Filgaia in many ways. Perhaps that is why many
people ask about this place.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Dennis: The Order of the Ark of Destiny is headquartered in a place
accessible to just about any Sandcraft. If you ever find that
you can't sail any farther, it's best to just call it quits
and head back here. Especially since this is just about the
only port you can get repairs at.
Herman: If the dunes are an ocean of sand...I wonder what an ocean
<without sand> looks like! I wonder how such an ocean could
have resembled sand, too.
<Without...>: Older ships weren't very efficient at moving over sand.
I feel like the things I don't know or can't remember
are out there somewhere...
Emelia: It's armed with revolving cannons. Of course, I can increase
its firepower with more dragon fossils. But, still...Going
for nothing but offense isn't always the <wisest thing to do>.
Of course, the most obviou strategy is to come out with your
main gun blazing. But the best way to beat your opponents is
to use your head.
<Wisest...>: It's not good just to fire your main gun all the time.
The key to winning is in the use of the harpoon and the
flash bombs. You have to wait until the moment comes
where you can use your main gun to its full potential.
Hannah: It's been about three months since we've had ships come into
harbor...And that means...It's been three months since the
ship carrying Emelia's boyfriend <disappeared>. Whenever I
think of that, my heart feels such pain for her as she
swallows her sorrow...
<Disappeared>: The ship disappeared a little ways south of here, on
the other side of the continent, in the northeastern
straits. It seems that place is infested with monsters
so horible, even the most daring sailors avoid it like
a plague. If you're headed into the dunes...keep a
sharp eye out and stay away from those sands...
Sterling: Fail to respect the dunes and you'll be swallowed up in
them. You must be very, very careful out there. Use
auto-pilot and save frequently. Know your limits. Sounds
boring, but it's really important.
Roykman: I was just looking at the timetables, trying to find a
train to the next village...You know, I'm not good at this
at all. Quite often, I find myself coming to a station to
board a train that's still at Claiborne!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Roykman: Are you finding my merchandise useful? If you do, I suppose
that means you often find yourselves in danger. I'm not sure
I feel all that happy about it.
Laraina: There is more to worshipping the guardians than simply
receiving and relying on their blessings. At times we must
help them, too. We share our lives with them. We believe that
that is what the doctrine of Baskar means: to practice living
in harmony with nature.
Laraina (G): You used to laugh at us for calling myself 'we'. But we
believe that we can bring life back to our world...If we
all work together.
Cordell: The legends portray demons as <unnatural beings> and
<invaders>. So, Shane dreamt of a Blue Menace...It must be an
omen of destruction and terror as demons return to Filgaia.
<Unnatural...>: The ancient legends say that demons came from another
realm, soaring through the skies on wings of dragons,
bearing bodies of iron and steel. The ancient people
of Elw fought valiantly against the overwhelming might
of the invaders in the name of Filgaia.
<Invaders>: In ages past, fierce battles raged between guardian and
demon. Countless lives were lost in the incessant carnage.
The fighting brought injury upon the planet itself,
inflicting terrible erosion to its very core. Our world
faced the specter of extinction from the wounds of war,
and that is how it became what it is today.
Cordell (G): Your hair bugs me. How do you keep it that way? Shane
told me the more you pull it, the faster it grows.
Harold: For mankind to live in harmony with nature, we must not seek
to simply dominate through the guardians' powers. To rob
Filgaia of its strength is to rob it of its very identity!
Harold (G): You treat me like a mean old man...But to be known as a
man of virtue, you must first cultivate your appearance.
So please, button up your shirt.
Ellen: For now, we're getting by on water from the well. But the
water's much lower than it was ten years ago...You think we're
gonna be okay?
Ellen (G): Guess I'm over the hill. I can't even remember what I was
like when I was Laraina's age. Well...Guess that means I
didn't do anything spectacular back then. But...who's
keeping track, right?
Shane: The Blue Menace still sleeps inside its womb. It is still
harmless, but it grows little by little.
Shane (G): The Blue Menace in my dreams grows bigger and bigger each
day, like a child still inside its mother. Its presence
gives me goose bumps, even in the dreams. It must mean that
it goes against the very nature of Filgaia...I wish I knew
what it means!
Halle: Shrines were built to amplify the guardians' powers and bring
balance to the world. We continue to worship guardians because
we give thanks to them for being the pillars of strength that
sustain the world.
Halle (G): Well, a few days ago all the ladies went and cleaned out
the old shed. They found all manner of things, like a
leaf-picker-upper and a well-water-bringer-upper. Come to
think of it, I remember using some of them gadgets back in
my day. But I can't remember for the life of me when we
stopped using them.
[The other places have no new dialogue.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Fireworks: Ark of Destiny to Survey Point #17 |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ ADSP /
\_______/
[If the party gets into a battle in the Sandcraft:]
Narrative: A crew of four is necessary for fighting on a Sandcraft:
a Helmsman, a Gunner, a Harpooner, and a Deckmate. The
Helmsman is responsible for maneuvering the craft. He
must gain the initiative sharp moves and by releasing
flares. The Gunner mans the main cannon. His position is
critical for offense. The Harpooner fires the harpoon to
restrict the enemy's movement and to bring monsters into
close quarters. The Deckmate gives general assistance. He
can do things like increase a crewmember's RFX, and repair
the hull if damaged. Combat on a Sandcraft is different
than when fighting normally or on horseback. Turns are not
set in stone. A character with a high RFX stat can make a
second action before other characters or enemies. It's
very important to try to maximize your Gunner's turns in
combat on the Sandcraft.
[The party heads to the island south of Jolly Roger, finding the
Ark of Destiny near X:9209, Y:2289.]
Virginia: I thought a central office of a religious order would be
more...
Clive: Yes...I had expected a more courtly and grand temple, but this
is as if we're exploring a ruin.
Gallows: I guess nowadays, you kinda have to take it to new heights to
secure followers...I can see why our faith is on the decline.
Jet: No wonder they were so generous. They're in the right business.
Maybe I should change careers.
Gallows: Then, whaddaya say you team up with this future priest and we
make a fortune together? I have some know-how and background
about this kinda stuff, you know?
Virginia: Stop it with your nonsense. Let's just hand over the Kizim
Fire and complete our mission.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ark of Destiny]
-Helga - Artifact organizer of the Order
-Linda - Friendly woman who appears to be very gullible
-Sion - The innkeeper guy with a penchant for gambling
-Orley - Memory figure
-Susan - Girl who can't control her voice modulation?
-Lamium - The founder of the Order with an odd sense of calmness
-Alfred - Friendly, altruistic Order member who's helpful, etc.
-Marty - Boy from Ballack Rise who loves his telescope and the sky
Helga: I am in charge of organizing all the excavated artifacts.
Everything you see here has been collected by order of Lamium.
Linda: We have been expecting you. Our <founder> awaits in the
<celestial chamber>.
<Founder>: Lamium is a great man. He has opened our eyes to his
dream. He is a leader we all look up to.
<Celestial...>: Just keep heading straight from the entrance. Don't
worry, you won't get lost.
Orley: <<Beep>>...SAVE YOUR GAME...? [Options: Yes, No]
Orley (No): <<Beep>>...SEE YOU...
Sion: Welcome. You must be tired from your pilgrimage. [Replies:
Stay, Sell, Chat.]
Sion (Stay): We would like to request a donation of ____ Gella for
your stay. [Replies: Yes, No]
Sion (Sell): [Boring ol' sell screen; no dialogue is said]
Sion: I was down on my dumps before I started working here. My luck
has been on the upswing ever since. Look, I even got a steady
job!
Susan: I'm terribly sorry, but only members of the ORder are allowed
into the Library. Important information regarding artifats are
stored here. By the way...Do you think I have a funny voice?
Everyone tells me I do.
Albert: [You can only talk to him after talking to Lamium first.]
Welcome to the central office of the Ark of Destiny. It is
great to see you again. I am also relieved to hear that you
will be taking the <Survey Point #17> mission.
<Survey...>: To get to the survey point, head south from the Ark, and
land on the first beach you see. Once you land, you will
see a bridge, but do not cross it--just search around
that vicinity.
Marty: [You can only talk to him after talking to Lamium first.]
No sense in keeping your head down. All you see is dry earth,
which makes you feel desolate. Instead, look up at the sky!
The sky is great! It's nice and blue, you know...
Lamium: You seem very confident. I feel very excited as well. Perhaps
my heart still has the same wings you do. [Lamium only says
this after the first cutscene with him.]
[The party continues on to Lamium's chamber, where they hand over the
Kizim Fire.]
Lamium: A job well done. Thanks to you, the Ark has taken another step
towards the future. A small step, but absolute, nonetheless.
Here is the reward we agreed upon. Please accept.
[A helper gives Virginia the reward.]
Virginia: Thank you very much...We're all glad to help. If I may...Is
this energy crystal really going to prove useful?
Lamium: Of course. But before I explain, you must understand our
dogma. Many doctrines of salvation speak of fulfilling one's
spirit in order to attain salvation after death. However, the
doctrine of the Ark of Destiny views the pursuit of mundane
benefits as supreme, and we work and devote ourselves to it
every day. There are many who shy away from us, interpreting
our goal as merely money-making...To demystify our doctrine,
only when peace of mind and tranquility are attained in our
everyday lives can spiritual fulfillment be achieved.
Clive: So, it is not about seeking spiritual shelter, but taking care
of your everyday life, first and foremost.
Lamium: There are many factors that threaten our everyday lives, but
most of it can be blamed on our wasted environment. And we
humans are not strong enough to face and accept this harsh
environment. I do not possess a gracious disposition as to
throw away my will to live. I have found the means from this
planet, for people to improve their future. That is why I have
created a <movement>, putting to use ancient artifacts for the
good of today.
<Movement>: Applying the technology of these artifacts to improve the
lives of people...This is a grand dream that cannot be
realized by my powers alone. Fortunately, I have
colleagues here who sympathize with my ideology. Each one
of us may only be a tiny drop, but as we gather together
and are guided in the right direction, we can become a
torrent...This is what I firmly believe, and the reason
I lead this movement.
Gallows: Interesting...So that's what the Ark of Destiny is all
about...It's completely different from ours. It's more
practical--more down to earth, you know?
Lamium: We hare the same ideology as Baskar. One thing that sets us
apart is that we are more like volunters, rather than a
monastic order.
Virginia: Could this building really be...
Lamium: Yes, we were able to excavate the Immigrant Ship from
folklore, and are using it as a shrine. Just as our
forefathers of mankind pioneered the way to this planet,
we, too, are aiming for a new frontier we call the future.
We not only view this ship as our shrine, but as a symbolic
representation of our materialized will.
Virginia: Frankly, I'm surprised. I thought your explanation would
deal with some kind of dream world, but...Ooops...I'm
sorry...
Lamium: Hah hah hah...Sorry, I have no dream. My duty is to fight to
attain repose, and not to look away from reality.
Consequently, we have no dream--only a harsh reality. Even the
management of the order is not cheap.
Virginia: I'm sorry...I didn't mean it like that...
Lamium: No need to worry. Speaking of dreams, however...This will
stray from reality, but would you be interested to hear?
Virginia: Sure...
Lamium: The lost technology from the ruins is essential in keeping
this order alive and operating. We outsource various Drifters
or conduct our own research to excavate these artifacts...
Some of the more substantial discoveries stem from dreams I
experience.
Gallows: A dream? That sounds just like my kid brother.
Lamium: Sometimes, in my dreams, a <girl> appears and blesses me
with advice. Yes, for example...this Ark of Destiny we use as
our shrine was granted by her. I call this girl that guides me
in my dreams, 'The Saint'...[If the ASK system isn't viewed,
skip right to when the girl runs in.]
<Girl> Virginia: A girl gives you advice?
Lamium: Yes. I do not know who this girl is, though...However, her
words are always accurate and true. For example...[Begin
with the "...this Ark of Destiny" line here.]
[A girl runs in.]
Lamium: Is something the matter? I am in the middle of speaking to my
guests.
Linda: Well...uhh...An unexpected situation has...
Lamium: It is all right. Please continue.
Linda: I have just received a report from Survey Point #17, currently
being excavated. Apparently, someone has broken in, wreaking
havoc.
Virginia: (The prophets!?)
Linda: The intruders are a group of three plus one pet. I repeat, a
group of three and a pet. They are a party of four. Their
descriptions: a vagarious young woman, a boy with explosives,
a stuffed animal-like cat, and a vicious looking man with an
afro. They are all armed and extremely dangerous. The search
group and the excavation group are being evacuated. Security
will retreat soon after.
Lamium: This is a terrible situation...According to the Saint, this is
where the energy crystals, [Aguelite] and [Germatron] are
located...If they fall into the wrong hands...
[He looks at Virginia, who's staring at the floor.]
Lamium: Are you all right?
Virginia: I think I know exactly who these intruders are...
Lamium: ...? Are they Drifter acquaintances of yours?
Virginia: B-B-But we're not associated with them in any way!
Lamium: If it is all right with you, I would like to ask you to
stop them.
Virginia: Well...I do feel kinda obligated to...
Clive: However, we will only accept this as a formal assignment.
Lamium: Rightly so. I will ofter 10,000 Gella for this mission. I
believe that is a fair price.
Virginia: Err...I feel really terrible about all this...
Lamium: I, too, was a Drifter before I opened my eyes to this dogma. I
fully understand your pride and honor as Drifters. That is why
I think you deserve that amount. However, I do expect you to
perform up to its full value. I look forward to seeing what
kind of a job 10,000 Gella will buy me.
Virginia: That's a lot of pressure...But we'll do our best...
[The party finds the nearest beach and heads inland to find this
survey point. Near X:10401, Y:23545, the party finds the hole in the
ground, where the gems are to be mined.]
Gallows: I thought it'd be a lot more hectic around here, but it's
pretty quiet...
Clive: The workers must have evacuated before we arrived.
Jet: That's perfectly fine with me. I won't have to hold back.
Virginia: I'm not really looking forward to seeing her, but it's a job
we took on...We have to stop Maya. We can't let her get the
[Aguelite] and [Germatron] energy crystals.
[The party heads in and soon encounters those pesky Schroedingers.]
Maya: You've got to be kidding me! You're like a bad rash. Or maybe
you're a Schroedinger groupie?
Virginia: NO! Not at all! What about you!? You can't seem to stop
getting in our way, can you!? You know very well that
there's evil lurking behind the scene on Filgaia! You have
the power and strength to fight, yet you choose not to fight
the enemy. Don't you want to fight for the good of the
world!? We're not supposed to be fighting each other!
Maya: Fight for the good of the world, huh? Why don't you leave that
to a superhero? Sorry, but I'm not interested. I'm only
interested in gems. One of these days, I'll find a gem so big,
I won't be able to carry it. Ah-ah! Not a word! I'm only
interested in collecting gems and that's that. You can't
convince me otherwise. Now that you know, if you still want to
meddle in our affairs, feel free to hunt us down. And somehow,
if you're able to bring us down--maybe, just maybe I might lend
an ear to what you have to say.
[The Schroedingers walk further in.]
Virginia: So, we can't talk it over like mature adults...We have to
fight her, huh?
[In one of the next rooms, Slickster (Malik) teleports in.]
Malik: Even if life can be created, without providing memory, it's
nothing but a vessel of flesh...Is it impossible to attain
memories from the past, even with the wisdom we so worship?
[The Schroedingers walk into the room.]
Malik: Who goes there!?
[Virginia's party walks in, too.]
Maya: Heh! So, there is no honor among thieves. You're after the
[Aguelite] and [Germatron], aren't you!?
Malik: H-How did you know!?
Maya: I'm here to stop people like you from getting the <two
crystals>! So just pack your bags and leave. Or else...
<Two crystals>: I bet you're here to extract the combined energy from
the Aguelite and Germatron, right? It's so obvious.
But the thing is, the Aguelite and Germatron were
brought into this world for me to possess. Now that
you understand, leave. Or else...
Malik: Damn...I'm outnumbered...Come forth my <artificial minions>!
[If no ASK system activated = battle starts up]
<Artificial...> Virginia: Artificial!? What, you mean you created
these creatures!?
Malik: Indeed! The research conducted by the Council of Seven highly
surpasses the science of today. Attack, my minions! Listen to
the Donkey's orders and eliminate the enemy!
[Malik summons four monsters to fight Virginia's party: Hound, Feline,
Donkey, and Flier. Their artificial bodies are soon full of entry
wounds. Afterwards, a furious Virginia flies off the handle at the
Schroedingers.]
Virginia: Why didn't you help us!? You could have fought alongside us,
you know!?
Maya: Such a rambunctious lassie...You won, didn't you? All's well
that ends well.
Todd: Yes, but Milady...I do not believe that man has given up.
Shady: Yeah, it ain't gonna be easy standin' up against him.
Alfred: C'mon, sis...
Maya: ...Well...You do have a point, there...Okay, then...We'll unite
for the time being.
Virginia: Maya...
Maya: But don't take this the wrong way. We're not joining forces for
the sake of Filgaia, or <anything like that>. I just don't want
the Aguelite and the Germatron falling into that man's hands.
<Anything...>: You really are persistent. I have no intention of
exerting my strength for the sake of others. The only
reason I'm joining forces with you is because...I
don't want the Aguelite and the Germatron falling
into the hands of that man.
Virginia: That's fine with me. I'm just happy that we'll be working
as a team for a change.
[The parties continue as a team (!?) into the next room.]
Virginia: It splits off into two paths...
Maya: And each path seems to be blocked by its own barricade...
Virginia: I think the candle stand holds the key to making our way
across. So, I'll take the upper left path.
Maya: Then I'll take the lower, right path. But I just want you to
know, that I always take the top bunk, so I'm making the
sacrifice here. You better not mess up.
[The two teams continue on into one of the next rooms.]
Virginia: Looks like we'll need to work together again.
Maya: Actually, I'm a little reluctant. After all, all my victories
and glory have been won by myself alone...
Virginia: Go through hardship together, and share joy together! That's
how it goes.
Maya: Hmph! That's something someone who can't accomplish anything on
their own would say! If you seriously mean that, then your life
is going to be filled with complaints and bitterness.
Virginia: Uhhh...You think so...That wouldn't be good...
[If you talk to Maya instead of progressing:]
Maya: To be overly positive during times of adversity is annoying,
you know? The person in question is probably two high on
endorphin to notice, but it's just such a pain for us. It may
look like she's acting positively, but in reality, she's just
being Miss Aggravation!
[In the next series of help-your-teammate-outs:]
Maya: Okay, it's time to get all chummy! As long as we share the same
interest, our bond is as strong as steel!
Virginia: You don't have to sound so sarcastic...
Maya: You know what? You're an incurable fool. A bond based on nothing
will and can be broken without reason, at a blink of an eye.
But our bond now is bound by a common goal--although it's just
temporary, it's still reliable. Is there any other point in
arguing!?
Virginia: Well, uhhh...Err...I...uhhh...
Maya: It's not that hard to understand. You and I are on good terms
while we look for the Aguelite and the Germatron.
[The two girls walk to two different paths and two pointy-faced
statues fall from the ceiling, sealing them in the path.]
Maya: Come on, get a move on! Let's go!
[As the girls get to the end, Maya starts to go off on her own.]
Virginia: Hey! What are you doing going off on your own!? I thought
we were a team that shared a common goal!?
Maya: Tripping me up with my own words? Okay, fine...Go team, go...
Hurray...
[Maya goes back and presses the switch that lets Virginia cross
safely. They both enter the next room and find Slickster already
there.]
Malik: Why do you seek the Aguelite and the Germatron when you don't
even understand its true value!? We are the only ones who can
give life to and rejuvenate this dying planet!
Virginia: But denying the life of others for that cause is wrong!
Malik: We are not denying it. We are expelling it by evolution.
Yes...The seven of us...our dream was to rejuvenate Filgaia...
To stand by Yggdrasil, and to perform creation based on
re-creation is what remains to done!
Maya: Coming through...Make way!
[The Schroedingers walk right past the arguing Virginia and Slickster,
right towards the next room.]
Virginia: W-W-Wait! Where do you think you're going!?
Maya: Well, it sounded like it was going to be a long conversation,
so we'll just be on our way. Plus I'm not interested and don't
really understand what you're all talking about...Ta-ta! Good
luck!
[The Schroedingers continue on into the next room.]
Malik: I can't stand here and do nothing after being made a fool of!
I shall delay my original plans! But that's all right...Once
I take care of you here, you will not be able to hinder our
plans in the future! Unfortunately, I have other business to
take care of, but I have just the right duo to keep you
company!
[Malik summons Humpty and Dumpty to fight the party, but they don't
work as good stallers, 'cause the party breezes through them. Ahead,
the Schroedingers are waiting for Virginia's party.]
Maya: It's about time...He must have had a lot to say.
Virginia: Maya...You...
Maya: Well, now it's our turn to settle it.
Virginia: We have no reason to fight! This isn't the time or place!
[Maya tosses one of the gems to Virginia.]
Virginia: Whoa...What's this for?
Maya: That is the other half of my loot. I bet the only reason why
you're here is because the supervisor of the excavation site
asked you to stop us. As you know, we came here for the
Aguelite and the Germatron...But...We only have the Germatron.
While on the other hand...You now have the Aguelite...Do you
understand what I'm getting at?
Virginia: We both...have a reason to fight?
Maya: You catch on quick. That's what I like about you. You're
sharp-witted.
Virginia: But, Maya...
Maya: You sure are slow to catch fire! Like I said earlier, if you
wnat to interfere in my business, you'd better be prepared to
bring us down! And I will do the same by crushing you to the
ground, no holds barred!
[Maya holds out a book, meaning she'll be changing into one of the
characters.]
Maya: Today, I am the 'Fighting Artist'! Based off the famous
literary novel, "The Plot to Kill"!
[Todd is taken out first.]
Maya: You took out Todd...Not bad...But once I defeat you, we'll
know for sure who's the strongest!
[Following in Todd's footsteps, the entire Schroedinger party soon
lies defeated on the ground.]
Maya: I've been...defeated...AHHHHH!! This is so humiliating!! This
wasn't supposed to happen...
Virginia: Huff...Huff...Huff...Huff...Why? Why do we have to fight
like this?
Maya: There's no particular reason...But if I had to give one...
It's because I love gems...I told you before, remember? I
don't want to lie to myself about what I love most...I can
risk my life over anything that sparkles...Gems are my
personal reward for doing my best and working hard...You've
gotten stronger. Much stronger than the first time we met.
Virginia: I had to...In order to make it this far...Just like you, I
was doing my best and working my hardest...
Maya: This time, you win. So this belongs to you.
[Maya hands over the Germatron to Virginia.]
Maya: But don't misunderstand me. You have my respect, but that
doesn't mean we're a team. Next time we meet, I'll show you a
stronger me. Don't you forget that.
Virginia: Maya...Okay...Well, when that time comes, I, too, will be
stronger than I am now.
Maya: Oh...I forgot to tell you...The energy crystals, Aguelite and
Germatron are made of opposite properties. Whatever you do,
make sure the two crystals don't come in contact with each
other. Or else this ruin is gonna go kaboom.
[She turns around to see Virginia holding them both together, so
that they're touching each other. The ruin shakes as the two crystals
react.]
Maya: Run for it!!
[Virginia drops the crystals in the room and leaves. If you try to
run back in:]
Virginia: This thing is gonna explode if they touch each other? Why
didn't she tell me sooner!? Maya and her team really
booked on outta here...We'd better get a move on, too!
Jet: All this trouble, and yet I'm gettin' nothing out of it...Why
does this always happen!?
Gallows: A promising priest like me can't call to the heavens from
here! The love that I preach isn't meant to be heard in a
dusty hole! Let's get outta here!
Clive: We're in a bad situation...I doubt we'll be paid our reward,
either...Our main objective now is to make it out of here
alive, and then figure out where the responsibility lies.
[The party books it back to Lamium, fully aware that the entire survey
point is now blown apart across the landscape.]
Lamium: Hmmm...Let me see if I have this straight...You successfully
protected the Aguelite and Germatron from falling into the
wrong hands, but due to your mishap, you caused an explosion.
And the intruders were able to make their escape during the
chaos. Is that correct?
Virginia: Yes, that's exactly what happened.
Lamium: Well, the workers were safely evacuated, and there were no
reported injuries, so let's overlook this incident, shall we?
Virginia: Thank you very much!
Lamium: Regarding your reward...Taking into consideration the damage
we incurred, the balance is zero. Do you object?
Virginia: As long as you overlook what happened, that's fine...We're
really sorry...
Lamium: Please, be at ease. I have taken a liking to your team. You
are all faithful, trustworthy , and foremost, full of
energy...An ideal team of Drifters!
Virginia: W-We are...?
Lamium: Yes. I believe I mentioned to you before, that I, too, used to
be a Drifter before starting this Order...That was a good ten
years ago...Being the stubborn man that I am, I could not team
up with anyone. That is why I have much admiration for your
team. Of course I continued my adventures alone. I still
remember how tough, and how lonely it was to work as a lone
Drifter. Then one day, I became lost during my adventure and
for many days, I was hovering between life and death. I had
lost all sense of time or day, and in an unconscious stupor,
I found myself in front of a large tree. But looking back now,
that was probably not a big tree...This was where I came into
contact with various artifacts, sources of past wisdom, and
many documentary records. These are what helped me found this
Order. But above all, this was the very first place the Saint
guided me to. Oh, forgive me. I seem to have gone off on a
tangent.
Virginia: No, not at all. We were just amazed at your story. A very
interesting story, indeed. If you don't mind, please
continue...
Lamium: I do not mind, but that is basically the end of the story.
Gallows: So then...How'd you find your way back?
Lamium: After being blessed with the artifacts and the knowledge, I
was found semiconscious in a village called Boot Hill.
Virginia: (Boot Hill!? That's my hometown!)
Lamium: To this day, I haven't the slightest idea why I was found
in that village...Apparently, I was found lying unconscious
by the foot of the entrance. Thanks to the friendly villagers
who nursed me back to health, I soon left the village in
search of the ruins. Yes...It was the excavation of this very
Ark of Destiny. After that, I gave up on being a Drifter, and
guided by the Saint, I started this Order. The rest is
history...
Jet: The crucial turning point to your story seems a little too
vague...So, where is this big tree that you were supposedly
guided to? As far as I know, such a place doesn't exist.
Lamium: That I do not know. Everything was enveloped in mist,
obscured and blurred...But there is one thing that I do
remember...The place where the Saint guided me, and where I
gained the artifacts and the wisdom...was a world of green
and blue. That was the impression I got. It pains me not
knowing what it means or signifies...
Virginia: 'A world of green and blue...'
Gallows: Sounds almost like a dream...Wait, was it a dream?
Lamium: But one thing for certain is that this incident was reality.
As you can see, I have excavated the Immigrant Ship, and I
am leading this Order as we speak...So, that is the basic
account of my story...Forgive me for rambling on as I did.
Virginia: Not at all. Information about ruins and artifacts are
valuable for Drifters.
Lamium: I'm Glad you understand. Oh, and one more thing. I will
grant you access to the Order's library for your perusal.
It houses much information about ruins and artifacts. I
hope you find it useful.
Virginia: Thank you very much. Well, we should be on our way.
[The party inspects the bookshelves in the library and finds
something very interesting...]
Virginia: Hey...This is a member's list of the Council of Seven...
Clive: The [Yggdrasil Project], which began approximately one hundred
years ago, was a project of planetary proportions. It says
here, the Council of Seven was replaced a number of times over
the course of one hundred years.
Gallows: Let's just cut to the chase. Who were the last seven council
members?
Clive: The last seven council members...Yes, here it is. This was ten
years ago...Leehalt Alcaste, Werner Maxwell, Pete Inkapilia,
Elliot Enduro, Malik Bendict, Melody Vilente. And...Duran
Bryant.
Virginia: So my father was part of the Council of Seven...And also...
Gallows: Yeah...Leehalt, Malik and Melody...Now we know for sure that
the prophets were part of the council. And that the photo is
a picture of the Council of Seven.
Clive: So the prophets used their technology to maintain or recreate
their appearance of ten years ago.
Virginia: I now know that my father belonged to the Council of Seven.
Let's go back to Boot Hill to look for more clues. From
here, Boot Hill would be on the eastern plains region...It's
near a beach to the northeast.
Jet: (Elliot Enduro, a member of the Council of Seven...He has the
same last name as mine...Is that just a coincidence?)
Virginia: What's the matter? Your stomach hurt?
Jet: Wh-Whatever!! I'm not a kid...We know where we're goin' next, so
let's just get movin'! This place makes me uncomfortable!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ark of Destiny]
Albert (NOS): Filgaia is impoverished, but there are parts of the
world where greenery can still be seen. Like Claiborne,
found on the center of the map, and Boot Hill heading
east by ship. And there is this one forest...Head
southwest from this island past the dunes...The land
around this area is not at all fertile, but for some
odd reason, there is a forest there...
Marty (NOS): Over the sea of sand spreads the sea of wind, and over
the sea of wind spreads the sea of stars. And beyond
the sea of stars, lies the idea world. That is what
Lamium preaches.
Lamium (NOS): Every morning after I wake up from my dream, I always
ask myself, 'Where did this <dream> come from?' Even
so, I haven't the slightest desire to know more about
the Saint...Perhaps deep down, I am afraid of losing
her...
<Dream>: Could it be from a distant memory? Or is someone trying to
tell me something? One thing is for certain...My dreams do
come true...
Sion (Chat): All the money I made used to go towards rent and living
expenses, but ever since I started working here, I'm not
spending a dime. I'm thinking about using my savings to
gamble.
Linda: Far east of this island is a village called Boot Hill, where
they grow quality wheat. But ever since the trade ships
stopped traversing the dunes, wheat is hard to come by...It's
a really nice village. Just head northeast from the beach you
land on.
Susan: Here you will find many rare and unusual books. The value of
the book is determined by whether it was useful to the reader.
Please read at your pleasure.
Helga: My duty is to organize all the artifacts we collect, and...
...inform Drifters regarding any missions or excavations we
outsource.
[The following books in Ark of Destiny are available at this point:]
-The Doctrine of the Ark of Destiny
-Blazing a Trail to the Future
-Ships' Graveyard
-The Seven Geniuses of the Council
-The Rainbow of Tomorrow
-Legend of the Evil Serpent
-The Saint's Guidance
-Evil Corpses
[Special/new Dialogue in: Southfarm]
Freddy: I'm so proud of Tony. Aren't many youngsters who work as hard
as he does and still manage to get along with us old timers.
Tony: [If you board a train out of Southfarm] The sunset looks great
from Boot Hill, doesn't it? I can sleep so well after seeing the
sunsets there...Almost as if I could hear the relaxing clatter
of railcars.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| The Last Guardian: Boot Hill to Baskar Colony |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BHBC /
\_______/
[No other special dialogue elsewhere. Anyway, once the party has their
destination in gear, they head via Sandcraft (or via train to
Southfarm) to the eastern plains region. Near X:15723, Y:498, they
find the new town of Boot Hill, Virginia's stomping grounds.]
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
-Roykman - Salesman extraordinaire!
-Armengard - Little lady who knows her calendar
-Gunther - Looks suspiciously like Herman and Kovahn...
-Libera - ARMsmith whose hair isn't completely red! Hooray!
-Kealey - Memory figure in a pretty red sombrero!
-Neil - Young man with a slightly lackadaisical outlook on life
-Tesla - Virginia's strong-willed uncle
-Shalte - Virginia's loving aunt
-Kealey - Memory figure
Kealey: <<Beep>>...SAVE YOUR GAME...? [Options: Yes, No]
Kealey (No): <<Beep>>...TAKE CARE...
Roykman: This is the hometown of a man who <saved my life>. I wanted
to see him again to thank him, but it looks like he doesn't
live here any more...
<Saved...>: Way back when I was first peddling, I was chased by a pack
of dogs...Just when I thought I was about to become dog
food, a man fired some shots and chased the dogs away.
Gunther: Hey, have you been to the <cape>? There's a big <giant's
statue> nearby.
<Cape>: Leave the village towards <Southfarm Station> and keep going.
I go there sometimes on a nice day with a book in hand.
<Southfarm...>: Head east from here and you'll come to a station along
the railroad tracks. Southfarm Station takes you to
both Midland and Westwood so it's really convenient.
<Giant's...>: It's a statue of a giant wielding a sword on his way to
slay the evil serpent, Nidhogg. I hear there's another
just like it near a crime-ridden town.
Gunther (V): It's good to have you back. We were all worried about
you. Everyone in the village cares about you very much.
Don't forget that.
Libera: A few years ago, I helped a guy who was on the verge of death,
just outside this village. Funny thing is, I had a <strange
dream> the night before.
<Strange...>: A long-haired man was lying on the ground. And this
dream was in full color! So the next day, out of
curiosity, I went to that <spot> where the man appeared
in my dreams. And, lo and behold, there he was!
<Spot>: I can still remember exactly how I found him. Don't ask me why
he was there. All I can say is that he just appeared in my
dream.
Libera (V): That day when the demi-humans invaded our village, I was
away on personal business. I just want to make it clear
to you and everyone that I was not hiding in fear behind
the counter! I really don't want any rumors about me
spreading around the village...
Neil: Contemplating stuff isn't going to change the world. But why is
everyone so caught up with this and that? We should all just
take it easy.
Neil (V): Hey, nice excuse you made up to leave the village...So,
how's the oustide world treatin' you? Pretty exciting? I
should've left, too, huh?
Putnam: I've been farming for thirty years now, but over the past
decade, the harvests have dwindled. Did something happen ten
years ago that could damage the quality of the soil?
Putnam (V): So you just show up without dropping us a line, eh? How
can you be so inconsiderate!? Or are all Drifters like
that?
Tesla: [You must first listen to the cutscene before Tesla says any
of this.] The wings of the heart will fly people to their
dreams and ideals...These people are worthy of being called
Drifters...
Tesla (V): This village must have been too small for you to spread
your wings. I'm happy to see you are doing well.
Shalte: It's good to see you! How's my Virginia doing?
[Replies: Stay, Chat][As with Tesla, you need to watch the
entry cutscene before you get this dialogue.]
Shalte (Stay): Make yourselves at home.
Shalte (Chat): It's not embarrassing or shameful to rest your wings
when you're tired. All that matters is that you don't
lose sight of your destination.
Shalte (V): I'm so happy to see you're doing well. Do stay awhile
and rest your wings. [Replies: Same]
Shalte (V - Chat): Whatever it is you undertake, do your best and
see it through to the end. We'll always be here
for you.
[Virginia walks into her aunt and uncle's house, and sees them as she
enters. They're startled by her sudden appearance.]
Virginia: Uncle Tesla...Aunt Shalte...I'm...home...
[Shalte goes over and hugs her.]
Shalte: Oh, Virginia! Thank goodness...Thank goodness you're safe!
Tesla: Are you hurt?
Virginia: I have countless numbers of nicks and bruises, but all in
all, I'm fine. I'm still living it up as a Drifter.
Tesla: So, you're still following the Drifter's path. That is good to
know. Although this might worry your aunt even more.
Shalte: Oh, please dear...
Virginia: Let me introduce you to my travelling companions...
[The three men step out of the doorway.]
Virginia: The main reason I came home today was because there's
something I wanted to find out about Daddy...
Tesla: My brother Werner?
Virginia: I...saw Daddy...He's alive.
[Cut to later on, with the party all comfortable near the family
dining table.]
Tesla: I threw out most of your father's belongings, thinking he
was dead. All that's left is this notebook he used to carry
around.
Clive: May I have a look?
Tesla: By all means. Much of it, I do not understand.
[Clive opens it and gazes.]
Clive: Hmmm...None of his notes tell us anything new...Hm?
Virginia: What? What is it?
Clive: There is some new information about the Yggdrasil Project.
Hmm...The [Yggdrasil System] plays a major role within the
Yggdrasil Project...This system was responsible for promoting
environmental life energy at an explosive rate. The planetary
energy produced from this System was to be distributed to the
entire planet, through microscopic machine colonies.
Gallows: What does that mean, microscopic machine colonies? Ah, forget
it. Go on.
Clive: Ahem...The Yggdrasil System works the exact opposite of a
regular tree. Instead of taking in nutrients from the soil as
normal trees would...the Yggdrasil System was supplying the
ground with nutrients, in order to promote the revitalization
of the planet. I see...Hence the name, Yggdrasil System.
Jet: Can you explain that in words we can understand?
Clive: Yggdrasil is a name that appears in ancient mythology or
folklore as we know it. It is a large tree located in the
center of the world, said to create and protect the world. At
the foot of Yggdrasil are deep forests and blue lakes as far
as you can see.
Virginia: Hey, wait a minute! The Yggdrasil is a big tree? With deep
forests and crystal blue lakes surrounding it? That's just
like...
Jet: ...what the head honcho at the Ark of Destiny said.
Virginia: Uh...Then that Yggdrasil from folklore actually exists? I
mean...the Yggdrasil System that Daddy was involved in
must be out there somewhere! Thanks, Uncle Tesla! I knew I'd
find out something if I came back home.
Tesla: Did you find an important lead?
Virginia: If the Yggdrasil System exists, then that's where I can find
Daddy. I know I don't know for sure, and I might have said
that on a whim, but I want to believe it's true!
Clive: So, we look for the Yggdrasil System, then? Of course we are
all with you on this. A system that can rejuvenate the
planet...By looking into this, we may be able to track down the
cause of Filgaia's decay.
Virginia: Thanks, everyone! I knew you guys were coming all along.
After all, we're a team, right?
Gallows: So, there we have it. We'll be outside getting ready.
[The three men walk out.]
Tesla: Virginia...Assuming you find your father, what will you do
then?
Virginia: I don't know...I don't know what I want to do, or what will
come of it. I had a chance to talk to him...But I got all
confused and flustered, and I said just the opposite of how
I felt at the time. It's not about what I expect or what I
want to happen after I find him...I just want to see him,
and talk to him. There's so much I want to talk about...And
after we talk, then we'll decide what to do...
Tesla: I understand. Fly to where your heart leads you. You're not a
little girl anymore. No matter what happens, I believe you've
got the strength to accept it. Now, take to the sky!
Virginia: Thanks, Uncle Tesla. But even though I'm not a little girl,
and I'm all grown up...Can I still come back here? I love
both of you very much, and this house, this village...
everyone...I can still come back, right?
Tesla: Of course. You'll always be our little girl. Don't worry about
not having a place to come home to. Just hold your head high,
and continue forward, that's all.
Virginia: I'd better be on my way.
[Virginia walks outside to where her companions are waiting.]
Clive: Did you say your goodbyes?
Virginia: Yeah, kinda...I think I feel better than the last time I
left, though. I was a little nervous about returning home,
but I'm fine.
Gallows: Hey, don't worry 'bout us. If you wanna take your time, go
ahead.
Virginia: Thanks, but I'm itching to get moving. Let's be on our way.
[The party goes to leave town, but a familiar voice stops them.]
Janus: What time is it, Mister Wolf!?
Virginia: Janus Cascade...What are you doing in my village?
Janus: Oh...So, this is your hometown, huh? I had no idea. I needed to
take care of some business, so I just followed you here.
Janus: Come to think of it, this is a really nice place. Hey,
Princess. I wonder what it'll sound like when such a nice town
like this is completely flattened?
Virginia: What are you planning to do!? I will defend this village
with my life! So, if you lay one finger on...
Janus: Hey, ease up, Princess. I have absolutely no intention of
duking it out with you.
Virginia: So, why did you follow me here?
Janus: Oh, I just came to gather some info, that's all. Say, wouldn't
you like to know what we're doing next?
Clive: (Careful...This is probably a...)
Janus: Yes, a trap. But even if it is, you'd still try to stop us.
No?
Virginia: What...are you planning?
Janus: We're headed to the last pillar point, or guardian shrine,
as you call it, to extract life energy.
Gallows: You still haven't learned your lesson from last time,
huh?
Janus: I guess not. The guardian energy is too good to pass up. It
gives the body plenty of zip! We...Actually, they are planning
to create something with this guardian energy. I don't know
if it has something to do with that evolution they're always
ranting about, but...I'm pretty sure it goes against your
pristine morals as defender of justice, or whatever. So, you'd
better stop 'em, Princess.
Virginia: Fine! We'll take care of them.
Janus: That's the spirit. Defenders of justice have to step up to the
plate when the whole world is about to fall into crisis, right?
[Janus walks past them and out of the town entrance.]
Virginia: Wait. Why are you telling us this?
Janus: Oh...Did I forget to tell you? It's a trap.
[Janus teleports out.]
Virginia: Where's the last guardian shrine?
Gallows: Sorry, but for a guy like me who hasn't kept up with his
studies, I have no idea...But...I'm sure Granny would know.
Looks like we have to rely on her again.
Virginia: Okay, Baskar Colony it is. We gotta do all we can to protect
the last guardian.
[The party walks out of town, 'cept for Gallows.]
Gallows: I never was the sharpest tool in the shed...But I'm smart
enough to know this has gone too far! I'm not gonna let them
get away with this! For al the pain and suffering they put
the guardians through...I'll make 'em suffer a thousand times
more!
[Gallows runs back to the party. Just as a sidenote, the books that
can be found in Boot Hill are:]
-The Stagnant World
-Giants Who Don't Get Along
-Another World
-Roykman & Co.'s Travel Route
-Yggdrasil and the Future
-Dune Canyon
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: Don't take shortcuts too often. Remember, haste makes waste.
Beneath the sacred peaks of Baskar lies a landing beach for
Sandcraft. You have to go all the way around the Sand Canal if
you want to get there from here. Once you know where you're
going, head straight there and don't turn back.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Harold: Infinitum is a shrine dedicated to the Guardian of <Time>,
<Dan Dariam>.
<Time>: The guardians do more than preside over things that we can
touch and see...They exist in things invisible and abstract,
inside the minds of men.
<Dan...>: The Guardian of Time appears before us as a black cat. The
childish form it assumes should be considered a kind of
<warning>.
<Warning>: Mankind has forgotten the cat, enthralled by its fur that
slips away into the night...in spite of the fact that its
watchful eyes are always upon us.
Harold (G): You are just <like> your grandmother. I will not pry into
your plans, but I will pray for your success.
<Like>: You have the same look on your face when you're plotting
something. Well, such is family, I suppose. They say she was
quite a shrew in her younger days.
Shane: Our lives are steeped in ritual and prayer. Our prayers
signify our respect for the guardians. They strengthen them,
and help reinvigorate the planet's life force.
Shane (G - Chat): I have more nightmares recently, but I always
<feel better> when I remember the stories you tell
me. So please, come back and say hello once in a
while. Granny misses you, too.
<Feel...> Gallows: Okay. I've been saving this one for a time like
this. This team of Drifters under a young lady
with shady ties is bent on following us all over
the place for some reason. She's quite a number.
She can take the form of characters of books
she's read, and can use their powers just like the
books. Her magic even rivals our own. You know,
Filgaia is full of incredible people.
Laraina: As long as the power of our consciousness remains, the
guardians shall live on. That is faith. We transfer our
strength of belief into reality. That is how we live as
Baskars.
Laraina (G): The Guardian of Time possesses great power. Certain
instruments scattered across Filgaia operate on a
principle that distorts the space-time continuum. It
is the job of the Guardian of Time to eradicate the
distortions, which are side effects of those instruments.
Cordell: According to the legends, there was a <dragon> who lorded
over the last field of vegetation left on Filgaia. Two
giants went to face the beast. In time, statues of the
giants were constructed to honor their heroic deeds.
<Dragon>: The serpent's name was Nidhogg. It had two tremendous
heads, and he lurked near the foot of the world tree,
Yggdrasil. The legend ends when two giants rise up in arms
to face the beast. Even now, statues of sword-wielding
giants are found all over Filgaia, honoring their valor.
Cordell (G): You remember the stories we used to hear when we were
kids, about the giants who went off to slay Nidhogg?
Yeah, the one where we used to pretend we were the giants
killing dragons. I heard that statues of the giants still
stand in places all over Filgaia. I remember seeing one
far, far south of here, in the middle of a wheat field.
Ellen: Headwinds try their darnedest to get in your face and stop you.
But you gotta beat them back with your Drifter's wings. If
people really had wings, why...we'd fly high to places we can
only dream of. Maybe that's why we call them Drifters. 'Cause
they can go places and see things most people will never see.
Ellen (G): Shane is the kind of kid who'll hold back his tears no
matter how tough it is. That's why you gotta watch over
him. Remember when he went out to play with you in spite
of a fever? He laughed and played with you 'til he fell
over from exhaustion. I don't think that's a good thing. It
means his self-esteem is so low that he thinks his own
priorities come last. But, the more I'd tell him that, the
less he'd listen to me.
[No other new dialogue in the other places. Anywho, the party goes to
the Baskar Colony altar in search of Halle.]
Gallows: Hey! You in here, Granny!? Your cutesy-wootesy grandson is
home! You could at least come out and greet me!
Halle: Quiet!! You of all people should know how sacred this place is!
Gallows: Okay, okay...But more importantly, how many guardian shrines
are there? And where exactly is the last guardian shrine?
Halle: I see...So, the last guardian shrine is in danger...Our
predecessors speak of five guardian shrines on Filgaia. One is
the unified sanctuary to the south, not too far from Baskar,
called the [Fallen Sanctuary]. [Lunatic Garden], home of the
Dark Guardian, [Glimmering Emblem], home of the Light
Guardian...[Fortune Gear], home of the Luck Guardian, is the
fourth. And the last shrine belongs to...Dan Dairam, the
Guardian of Time. It is called, [Infinitum].
Gallows: So, where is this Infi...whatever?
Halle: Settle down...and listen well.
Narrative: Everything in this world moves forward according to the cog
the cat spins, only to succumb to the fate of falling down.
If you listen closely to the cat and cog, the sound is that
of paradise.
Halle: Well...?
Gallows: Well, WHAT!? What the heck does it mean!?
Halle: You never cease to amaze me with your lack of knowledge...This
verse states that the shrine of the Time Guardian, Infinitum,
is located west of here. Furthermore...
Gallows: We don't need any other explanations, Granny. Thanks. You
heard the old lady. Let's get movin'! We gotta beat 'em to
it!
[Everyone runs out, but Gallows is stopped by Halle.]
Halle: Halt. I don't know what your hurry is, but a rushed job may
go sour.
Gallows: Ah, c'mon Granny! I don't have time for your lectures.
Halle: Even though my worthless grandson returned safely...
Gallows: Wh-What is it, Granny...?
Halle: You're doing better than I expected. I was worried you might
give up with your sad excuses.
Gallows: Ah, Granny...You're the one who laid the tracks, so that I'd
make it this far...How can you have the cheek to say that?
Halle: Yes, that may have been the case. You were riding the tracks
of my hidden agenda, but only in the beginning. Unexpected
incidents happened, and you were even derailed. But right now,
you are riding the tracks that you yourself have laid,
traversing the wasteland by your will. No one knows what will
happen next. That is why you must be true to yourself, and
make your own decisions until the very end. That is what you
have been seeking all along, isn't it?
Gallows: I don't know...Is that supposed to mean I should come to
accept my lineage and destiny?
Halle: Maybe...maybe not...I do not have an answer for that.
Gallows: Hey, that's not fair...
Halle: Your lineage and destiny as a Baskar...The freedom that you
speak of...Weigh these two on a scale and come up with your
own answer. The freedom I have granted allows you to make your
own decisions.
Gallows: So, the ball's in my court now? Ah, whatever. This will be
the last of this burden.
Halle: ... You're not considering something stupid along the lines
of 'we all die together' or 'die a martyr' are you? Spend
the night at the colony tonight. You need to cool off that
hot head of yours.
[Later that night, Gallows sits on his cot, staring at the ceiling.]
Gallows: My lineage...and my destiny, huh...
[Gallows walks out. The next morning, the party regroups.]
Virginia: I'm well rested, but we still lost a full day. We should
hurry.
Gallows: Don't worry about it. After you guys fell asleep, Granny
and I came up with a plan. We'll use that to show 'em up!
Clive: But a plan is just a plan...And we are up against Janus and
the prophets. What exactly are we planning to do?
Gallows: Oh, it's awesome...Here's what we do...
[Whispers ensue.]
Virginia: WHAAAAAAAAAAAT!?
Jet: You're not still half asleep are you?
Clive: Is this plan even feasible?
Gallows: I don't know...But I do have faith in it. I want you guys to
believe, too.
Virginia: Okay...This will work if we all do our part.
Clive: But most of the burden will be on you.
Gallows: Ah, it's all good. We have the trump card right here. My
lineage and my destiny...They should do the trick!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Roykman: Those who say it's always a joy to meet people on the road
aren't always right. But there's nothing wrong in hoping to
meet new acquaintances.
Halle: I don't care what business you have in <Infinitum>. But,
promise me one thing. Tell me you'll never give up.
<Infinitum>: A verse passed down in priestly families places that
shrine's location across the dunes southwest of the
village. Take great care when there. As its name
suggests, its construction evokes images of the
space-time continuum.
Halle (G): Infinitum is found on the closest beach seen from the
beach southwest of our village. First, round the cape
by Sand Canal to the east to bring your ship to the
beach southwest of our village. If only we had a
vehicle with with to cross the dunes, it would not be
far. I know it's a long ride, but it's the only way
to get to Infinitum.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| The Last Guardian, Part II: Infinitum to Nidhogg Passes |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ INNP /
\_______/
[The party hops in their Sandcraft, zooms around the proverbial block,
and lands on a beach near the Baskar Colony coast. Near X:9940,
Y: 10800, the tower that is Infinitum appears. The party enters.]
Gallows: ... Bound by the lineage and destiny of priesthood...I
couldn't bear it. That was until yesterday...I rebelled and
left Baskar, but that didn't change a thing...I couldn't find
the freedom I was looking for. ... I'm here today so that I
can find my freedom here, and ascertain its true meaning.
Virginia: I'm pretty sure Janus is already here, and that...an unknown
trap lies before us.
Gallows: Bring it on! I know the price of freedom ain't cheap. ...
Okay, you all know what the plan is. We kick Janus's behind
right here, right now. We have to stop him from gettin' any
more guardian life force!
[The party continues inwards, and soon the player is treated to a
cutscene involving Leehalt, who is also walking through Infinitum.]
Leehalt: This is the last existing pillar point on Filgaia...Here,
I shall take the remaining life force from the last of the
guardians. Everything is according to plan.
[Virginia's party runs in.]
Leehalt: But first I must eliminate all of you for my plan to run
smoothly. Then, this planet can begin to evolve. By the
way, how did you know to find me here?
Virginia: What do you plan to do with the guardian energy!? What do
you mean by Filgaia's evolution!?
Leehalt: Oh...So that much you already know...
[Leehalt summons a gigantic red dragon-type monster.]
Leehalt: We preach the word of the gods...And to us, their word is
wisdom, the wisdom left behind by the demons. They are the
ones who will lead this planet to decay. Why do you refuse
to accept this? This planet will evolve by the power of the
demons. Not just the planet, but mankind and all other
creatures must evolve into demons to reach the future!
Virginia: Nobody wants that kind of future!
Leehalt: No one is obligated to accept. They will just perish...
[Suddenly, Leehalt kneels down in pain.]
Leehalt: (Ugh...Am I not worthy of acceptance on Filgaia? Time is
of the essence.)
[Leehalt teleports out and the team fights the monster he left
behind (Pyrodrake). Eventually, the Pyrodrake is shot full of lead,
and they can continue on. The party soon comes to a mechanical thing
holding a crystal.]
Narrative: The lineage an destiny of a priest shall become the power
that sustains the world.
Gallows: Yeah, I understand. It's the lineage of the priesthood that
flows within me, and the destiny that I carry, right? If I
have the qualifications of a priest, open up---darn it!
[Gallows goes to the next crystal. (I forgot to copy what it said
though. Sorry!)]
Gallows: Yeah, that's right...The power that I seek is my lineage and
destiny!
[In one of the following rooms, Gallows goes to another crystal.]
Narrative: However, will is what supports power. Prove your resolve.
Gallows: My resolve is strong! If you don't think it's up to par, then
may the cogs of time begin to roll! I've undid the chains
with the lineage and the destiny of the priesthood that I
possess!
[After taking another elevator, the party finds Janus in the main
room.]
Janus: You're late, but you just barely made it.
[Asgard teleports in.]
Clive: (What's Asgard doing here with Janus!?)
Jet: (This is gettin' hairy...Gimme a break...)
Virginia: (What should we do? Should we still fight according to
plan?)
Gallows: (Hey...Haven't you heard the saying 'kill two birds with
one stone?' We fight 'em both! Trust me, we can't let this
opportunity go to waste!)
Janus: Are you done convening? You're keeping us waiting here.
Asgard: I have been...looking forward to this rematch...Fighting...
cultivates my <memory data>...and...enhances my...fighting
ability...But that's...not all...Cultivating data...is my
greatest pleasure. Even the...smallest unmeasurable...
fluctuation brings me great pleasure...Cultivating data...
stimulates my senses...It makes me...feel alive...That is
why...I must fight you...
<Memory...> Jet: Memory Data...!? You mean you're able to learn new
words and devise battle tactics!?
Asgard: Indeed...But that is...not all...[Begin with Asgard's "
Cultivating data...is my..." line, to the end.]
Janus: I think this clunker likes you. Okay, why don't you go first.
Go wreak some havoc!
[Asgard attacks.]
Clive: (That is odd...Their best plan of action would be to attack
us together...)
Jet: (Who cares!)
Virginia: (Let's just seize this opportunity!)
Gallows: (Yeah, let's rock!)
[Janus teleports into the battle when Asgard has taken a beating.]
Janus: What seems to be the problem? Tch...Let me lend a hand...
[Janus takes out the Dark Spear and swings it at the party, but
instead, thrusts it into Asgard's abdomen, wedging it up into his
breastplate.]
Janus: This Auto-Defender system you equip is quite advanced, isn't
it? It helps you detect threats made against your master, but
not yourself!
[Gallows runs past the two and to the guardian altar.]
Gallows: Guys! You gotta buy me some time! Just give me five turns,
no, three! If you could hold out 'til then, I can activate
this shrine!
[Asgard attacks again.]
Virginia: Okay, three turns! We have to hold him off!
Jet: Hold him off!? I don't think he really cares about time! It's
either kill or be killed...We've gotta stop this thing!
[The party holds him off for three turns -or- attacks him enough to
beat him down. Gallows stands at the altar with his hands pushed to
the stone. Electric shackles tie his hands to it.]
Gallows: This lineage and destiny I had considered burdensome...I will
accept them fully, without reservation!!
[A large hole of time space rips open over the party, Asgard, and
Janus' head. It seems to have been made by Gallows' influence.]
Gallows: They don't constrain me! They exist in order to help me win
my freedom!! My idea of freedom meant casting away all
restraints and doing as I please, but...I was completely
wrong! I was just copping out, running away from reality!
Nothing can be accomplished by doing that! Attaining freedom
is to search for its meaning on your own! You create your own
moment and existence by thinking and motivating, and as a
result, taking responsibility for yourself! Searching for
that meaning on your own is what it means to be free! Our
will is what creates the future! But freedom doesn't exist
in the world you're forcing on us! You can't create a future
for the planet with that! To achieve that freedom, I'm goin'
all out with my lineage and destiny! Grrrrrrraaaaaaargh!!
[Janus impales Asgard with the Dark Spear, lifts him up and throws
him into the space-time distortion, which then disappears. The party
runs to Gallows.]
Virginia: Gallows! Are you all right!?
Clive: What happened to Asgard?
Gallows: Oh...that golem...? I kicked that thing's behind into the
past, future, or who knows what time...
Janus: Bravo...Braaaaavo...I was a little worried there for a second,
but looks like everything went well...
Virginia: So the trap you mentioned refers to this betrayal, huh?
Janus: Now, the stage is complete. Heh heh...It's about to begin...
Or shall I say, end?
[Virginia points her guns at him.]
Janus: Hold your horses, Princess. I'm saving our showdown until
Yggdrasil. Pass <Nidhogg> to reach Yggdrasil. There, I'll show
you the demise of everything.
<Nidhogg> Virginia: Nid...hogg...?
Janus: That's right. And don't be late for the party. It wouldn't be
a party without plenty of guests.
[He teleports out.]
Gallows: Defeating that golem wasn't all me, you know? This thing here
released its power, too.
[The Cosmic Cog medium forms in Gallows' hand.]
Gallows: It sacrificed its power in order to help us...
Virginia: They're all doing their best to protect Filgaia...We can't
let their effort go to waste...Let's give it our all.
Clive: Janus has explicated our next destination. We are to pass
Nidhogg and go to Yggdrasil. Everything seems to point to
Yggdrasil, now. We must find out more about Nidhogg, so that we
are not left behind. We must spare no pains in gathering
information. Let us head to various locales and see what we
can find out about Nidhogg...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: If the legends and verses just seem like lectures to you, then
you need a new point of view. Like the legends of the
wyrmslayer giants...Two brother giants set out to kill an evil
wyrm, but end up dying at its feet instead. There is no further
mention of the wyrm in the annals of history and legend. Not
only does it end sadly, but the villain lives on. It goes
against every rule of fairy tales. But the fact that the tale
is still told is a testament to its value as some kind of
metaphor, or warning...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Laraina: The far-flung guardian shrines all rest on points called
<leypoints>, which form when <leylines> intersect.
<Leypoints>: They are built over places most suited to make
adjustments so that they leylines circulate smoothly,
like arteries. Understanding the leylines is akin to
knowing how to take the planet's pulse.
<Leylines>: We were afraid that the planet-sustained vigor flowing
through the leylines would cease if the many shrines
lost their powers...The planet's life flows through them
without pause. It's quite faint, but we sense that some
entity is drawing the leylines towards a point northwest.
Laraina (G): The Guardian of Time has given you its blessing. Now we
pray that you are able to live up to its doubtlessly
high expectations.
Cordell: Legend has it that the two giants each proceeed to the
serpent's lair separately, from opposite directions. I
believe that the statues of the sword-wielding giants all
over the world point to the ruins of Nidhogg's lair.
Cordell (G): If you love someone, set them free. Halle must have been
thinking that when she sent you on your journey. See?
You'd get all worked up if I told you that before you
left, but now you take criticism like a man.
Harold: Nidhogg is a greedy, two-headed serpent. It's all-consuming
maws are sometimes likened to the gates of the netherworld.
That is how the word Nidhogg, meaning two entrances, was
coined. The Nidhogg that you heard must have been referring
to the second definition. I've heard there is a place called
Nidhogg Pass out there somewhere, but I know not to where it
leads.
Harold (G): Even when their strength is lost, the guardians <still
live>.
<Still live>: You see, all life is based on strength of will. The
desire to go on is what keeps the candle of life
aflame. It is the same with guardians.
Ellen: You ever thought about where the winds come from? I reckon
the winds come blowing in whatever direction you're trying
to head to. No matter which way you go, the wind comes
a-blowing. That's why you gotta be strong, so the wind won't
stop you.
Ellen (G): Nidhogg ain't just an evil serpent in the fairy tales. I
heard he lurks in a forest somewhere. The nerve of that
thing to live in a forest! Nowadays there aren't enough
forests to go around.
Shane: Even if the guardians no longer dwell in shrines, and the
defenders of Filgaia are scattered...I refuse to give up hope.
We must never forget to keep going on...To look forward to
tomorrow...or the guardians will truly perish.
Shane (G): I dreamt of a blue, shimmering light from a place northeast
that swallows up the guardians' power. It conveyed a
message that the path may be found with the help of a
giant.
Halle: The flow of time does not make the future...It is the will of
mankind. Even if the Time Guardian has weakened, our will to
live will bring forth a future.
Roykman: Life on the road isn't easy, but I keep on walking with all
I've got, because I want no regrets when I turn and see how
far I've come. At least, that's my take on it.
[No other special new dialogue. The party hops in their Sandcraft, and
after looking at where the two giant statues and where they cross, the
Nidhogg Pass opens up in a small forested area near X:5508, Y:22675.
Almost immediately, the party is attacked by none other than the
infamous Nidhogg itself! Unfortunately, the legends make it out to be
much tougher than it really is, and the party makes a corpse of it.
However, after continuing on, the party finds that the dungeon they're
in doesn't let them go in any further. Perhaps there is another
Nidhogg Pass? Back on the World Map, the party finds the second Pass,
near X:3305, Y:21916. Another Nidhogg monster attacks when the party
enters! Farther in, the party finds a new tool for Virginia.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Tool: Galecrest
This crest graph uses wind power to lift you off the ground. Press
the [] button to rapidly float across platforms.]
[The party continues on, and finds Leehalt waiting for them in the
room before the exit.]
Leehalt: As long as existence takes a form, the augmentation of
<entropy> cannot be avoided. Why can't you understand...?
Why do you fear evolution?
<Entropy>: There are no exceptions...All creations begin to
deteriorate the moment they are born. That holds true for
Filgaia...The decaying Filgaia can only be saved by first
destroying the present world itself, and then evolving
into a new form. Why can't you understand...? Why do you
fear evolution?
Virginia: That's because you're completely denying the existence of
all life forms that are trying desperately to live for
today! I'm not gonna stand for it, not when everyone's
giving it their best!
Leehalt: In all ages, high ideals have always been shunned by the
cheap morals of fools. However...This fool's paradise is
about to come to an end!
[Leehalt attacks the party, but is defeated with more effort than
the other prophets needed.]
Leehalt: I retain the power of Hyades, yet I am cursed by Filgaia...I
need cleansing by the Panakeia fluid...In the eyes of
Filgaia, we seem to be alien elements creeping inside its
body...Are we one day destined to be expelled...? NOOOOO!
I will not allow that to happen!
[Leehalt summons a bright light and knocks Virginia back. She spasms
on the ground, out of breath.]
Virginia: ...huff...huff...huff...huff...
Clive: I have never witnessed symptoms such as this...
Leehalt: Muscular ankylosis...Partial respiratory paralysis...Now
what...? Heh heh heh...Her bodily functions are at my
mercy...
Gallows: Are you mocking us!? Why you...!
Leehalt: Now, disarm yourself and place the ARMs slowly by your feet.
While you're at it, unequip the guardians as well.
[Another bright light ensues.]
Virginia: ...huff...heave...huff...heave...
[Werner walks into the room.]
Leehalt: Werner Maxwell...!? So, you survived the accident, too...
Werner: I am a spirit...As are you...There's no way a spirit
obsessed by the past can create a future for Filgaia.
Leehalt: I never expected this...Why do you appear before me, now?
Werner: My daughter's in danger. I'm not as heartless as to stand
here and do nothing...
Leehalt: Your daughter!? Your daughter, you, and...I see...You're
still an annoyance even after all this time...
Werner: The wisdom of the information library Hyades is nothing but a
double-edged sword. Science without a conscience is a work of
evil...
Leehalt: No...It is the power of demons. You're well aware of that...
Werner: Give it up, Leehalt. We were unsuccessful.
Leehalt: That was ten years ago. Things are much different now. You
once worked under the godly name of science. If you truly are
a survivor of the Council of Seven...then you, too, should
understand what it means to evolve Filgaia, and how important
that is.
Werner: You've plunged into the diabolical netherworld...You are among
the dead fallen under the control of science and the wisdom of
Hyades. You have killed off your heart!
[Leehalt makes a sudden move and Werner's two guns are out in a flash.
A shot is fired before Leehalt's hand can do anything.]
Leehalt: Ugh...
[Leehalt runs out of the cavern, but Balazs jumps down from the
ceiling to stop the party. His Outer World attack is a major
annoyance.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: The special ability [Outer World] makes Balazs
invincible for a certain period. The only way to damage Balazs is
to attack right after performing an action, as the turn changes.]
[With much difficulty, the party mows Balazs over. Virginia stands
up as her father turns to leave as well.]
Virginia: Wait...! Why...? Why won't you say anything...? We've been
apart for so long, and finally we meet...So much has
happened while you were gone, Daddy! There's...so much I
want to say to you! But you always end up leaving without
saying a word. That's just wrong...How can you do something
so cruel? Why did you leave Mom and me behind and disappear
into the wasteland? Why? Why!? You used to be so caring...
You never once did anything to hurt Mom and me! Who are you?
Why do you appear before me as my father? You're...You're
not my real daddy at all!
[Virginia collapses, but Jet catches her in mid-fall.]
Clive: She's burning up...
Werner: She has been cursed by Leehalt. The nanomachine shot into
her system is disrupting her bodily functions. There's a lodge
that I use up ahead. I can't guarantee its effects, but I can
prepare an anti-nanomachine. Right now, that's our only
hope....Please help carry my daughter there.
[The party leaves and a cutscene back at the hi-tech laboratory
starts, with Janus getting a telling-off by Melody.]
Melody: How can you just waltz back here without shame? You fail to
carry out orders and return empty-handed from Fortune Gear.
Furthermore, you failed miserably at the Infinitum, and you
lost Asgard! What are you thinking!?
[Malik teleports in.]
Malik: Something's fishy about your actions, lately. I hear you
successfully managed to extract the guardian energy at Fortune
Gear, but you absorbed it into yourself. And although it has
not been confirmed, I hear you actually lent a hand to those
Drifters at the Infinitum. If there's anything you would like
to admit, explain yourself now.
[Janus crosses his arms and looks away.]
Melody: Will you play dumb? Then, it is inevitable...
Malik: We shall ask your body directly, then. We shall make use of
Gias.
Melody: Kanda...Es-trata...Amantos...
Malik: Kanda...Es-trata...Amantos...
[A huge shock of lightning eletrocutes Janus.]
Melody: Resist any longer and Gias will blow away your body!
[Leehalt teleports in, wounded.]
Malik: The damage to your body...No...it can't be...
Leehalt: Stop the interrogation. The Drifters will arrive shortly
and penetrate...
[He looks at Janus, who looks like he may confess.]
Leehalt: No need to speak...Prove your innocence with action.
Janus: That's what I was counting on...Heh heheh heh...This place is
going to be a war zone.
Leehalt: Prepare for download...Will it be our plan, or Filgaia that
goes under? No one can predict the outcome, now.
[Back at Werner's lodge, Werner feeds Virginia something.]
Clive: What is that?
Werner: It's a capsule filled with anti-nanomachine compound. It
should drive away the nanomachines Leehalt injected, and
return her body back to normal. However, it will take some
time...
Clive: I haven't been able to comprehend anything you said back there,
but...Is this the same power as the prophets--the power granted
by Hyades?
[Werner nods.]
Werner: Humans came into contact with the information library Hyades,
which was left behind...That is where the wisdom stems from.
Generation after generation, humans analyzed Hyades and
applied the acquired technology towards the rejuvenation of
the world. As the last of the Council of Seven, we attempted
to rejuvenate Filgaia, building upon our predecessors
creation, Yggdrasil.
Clive: The Yggdrasil that became known as the Yggdrasil System. But
the environment we live in is still covered by wasteland and
desert seas. Does this mean that the project was a failure.
Werner: That...was not a failure. We carry the burden of sin that
cannot be wiped clean...The fact is...This land, the
seas--they are weltering because of the sin the seven of us
committed...
[Cut to a subsconscious cutscene of Virginia's.]
Virginia: Daddy and I played together all the time. He taught me how
to handle ARMs. He would always commend me on my shooting
and rub his big hand over my head. But one day, Daddy
disappeared. That night I cried, and everyday thereafter.
After Mom died of illness, I promised myself I wouldn't cry
anymore. Years passed...and I grew up. And just when I
shunned away all my tears, my father suddenly appeared
before me...I think I was happy. I think I wanted to jump
into his arms...But all I could do...was to hurt my father
with my cruel words. Why did I say such things...?
[Virginia wakes up.]
Narrative: I still had so many tears left for Daddy...
Jet: You're finally up.
Gallows: You had us worried sick.
Clive: It has been three days since you fell into a coma. But I am
glad you are all right...
Virginia: I'm sorry. I'm always holding us back...
Clive: Is something the matter?
Virginia: Umm...Where is he?
Gallows: Your old man left early yesterday morning.
Virginia: Oh...Wait...! That means...
Clive: He did not give us much detail, but your father is headed for
the Yggdrasil System.
Virginia: I have to go there, too...
Jet: What are you crazy!? You know what kind of state you're in!?
Virginia: Sorry...I'm a little shaky, but I'm all right...
Clive: Do not strain yourself. The effects of Leehalt's attack still
remain inside your body. It is uncertain when you will fully
recover.
Virginia: That's even more reason we have to press on...We have to
hurry. Don't worry...See...I'm okay...
Jet (NOS): Be sure to take it easy. Your reckless actions seem to
come back to haunt us.
Clive (NOS): Your father said that the effects of the nanomachine
have exhausted your VIT gauge to zero. Which means
your VIT gauge will not restore even when we camp, or
acquire gems on the field. It may take some time, but
you must wait patiently for the medication to take
full effect. You can still use Heal Berries to replenish
lost HP, but please be aware that you are in a very
serious condition.
Gallows (NOS): This hole-in-the-wall shack ain't so bad. We can use
it as a base in our efforts against the prophets.
[Virginia turns to walk outside.]
Gallows: W-Wait, wait, wait! Hold on a sec! I want you to prepare
yourself before you step outside. Don't freak out, okay?
[Outside, there are forests and blue lakes to beat the dickens.
Virginia stands and looks out over the vast greenery.]
Virginia: Don't freak out, huh...?
Gallows: Yeah, it knocked our socks off when we first saw it. I
thought I was hallucinating.
Jet: You should have seen the flabbergasted look on Clive's face.
Gallows: This is real. It's not a dream. At this very moment, at
this very place, the Filgaia that once was extends as far
as you can see...
Clive: I wouldn't call it flabbergasted. I was just in awe.
Anyhow...Do you still remember the memory fragment that
Lamium, the founder of the Ark of Destiny explained? What
will we find at the foot of the great tree?
Virginia: 'A world of green and blue'...
Clive: If such a world of green and blue exists on Filgaia...Then
this must be the only place...
Virginia: Then...Yggdrasil exists...We're almost there...
[NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue in: Greenlodge]
-Bifiel - Memory figure
Bifiel: <<Beep>>...SAVE YOUR GAME...? [Options: Yes, No]
Bifiel (No): <<Beep>>...TAKE CARE...
[No other new dialogue here or anywhere else and, yes, I walked all
the way back through that darned Nidhogg Pass. Grr!]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Kingdom Come: Yggdrasil |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ YGDR /
\_______/
[Once the party is fully ready, they head out into the foliage and go
to the blank spot on the edge of the lake. There, Yggdrasil still
stands, a testament to the power that should have helped the planet.
The party enters.]
Jet: Gimme a break...
Gallows: Yggdrasil is operating...
Clive: Yes, the prophets' scheme has been set in motion...
Virginia: We have to stop it! Or else, this planet will stop
breathing! C'mon, let's go!
[The party advances and comes upon Melody.]
Melody: The land, the seas...and all life-forms...This planet is
so unsightly and distorted. This planet is like a pupa, and
someone needs to help it develop into a beautiful butterfly.
Clive: And that someone is you?
Melody: Yes...We are the only ones capable of that. It is an easy
task for us to transform the vessel in which a life-form
takes shape. Ten years ago...the Yggdrasil experiment ended in
tragedy as the explosion blew our bodies into pieces. Even so,
the wisdom of Hyades helped to restore and condition our
forsaken forms, allowing us to live on. Even though our bodies
were no longer suited for this planet, we clung to our will to
live. Malik has managed to retain his original figure,
although ten years have passed. But Leehalt wasn't interested
in appearance. He opted for strength, keeping restoration to
a minimu.
Clive: You're obsessed with beauty, I see. You have abandoned your
previous figure for a new one.
Melody: I had the power to become the butterfly! I didn't want to live
a lonely, desolate life as a pupa, inside a dark depressing
cocoon anymore!
Clive: You only value physical beauty. It is your perception of beauty
that is depressing. I know of many people who live diligently
with a positive mindset, and many who are always eager to do
their best. The superficial beauty you talk about does not
even compare to the beauty of others. You are pathetic. I
would appreciate if you leave this planet alone. You can take
your pitiful values and shove them!
Melody: How dare you lecture me about beauty!
Clive: You intend to evolve Filgaia with the lost wisdom of Hyades?
That is merely a misperception. It's like painting a lousy
picture with expensive paint. And that lousy painter is you.
Melody: I HAVE HEARD ENOUGH!!
[Melody attacks...]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Melody's barrier fends off attacks that do less
than 350 points of damage. Your ARMs and Arcana attacks must
exceed the barrier limit in order to defeat Melody!]
[...but gets a good, old-fashioned beatdown anyway.]
Melody: Ugh...My stamina is diminishing...Could this be because
Filgaia is eating away at my body?
[Melody teleports out.]
Virginia: Whoa...I didn't know you could be so harsh, Clive...
Gallows: Yeah...I would've been crying home to mommy if I had been
lectured like that.
Clive: Was that a little too childish? My apologies. I vented as I
did back when I was a student.
Jet: (Better be careful not to piss this guy off...)
[The party continues and encounters Malik in his lab.]
Malik: I see you made it past Melody. But I will not let you through.
There is still much I need to do. I must create life...So, I
will not lose...Watch me in action, and try to recall who I
am...
[Virginia looks around at the test tubes, all of which have similar
girls floating in them. Lifeless, of course.]
Virginia: Wh-What are all these!?
Malik: Oh...Right now, they're just vessels of flesh. Even though they
appear the same, I do not consider them perfect clones until
they're endowed with memories. My next goal is to regenerate
memories. To revive my lovely Mama, the one who loved me...
Gallows: Oh, man...You are just nasty! A lowlife! Scum! I don't wanna
know what you're planning to do with them later, but
resurrecting the dead!? That's blasphemy! You need to get a
good spankin' from your mother! A lowlife like you needs to
be taught some manners!
Malik: Bite your tongue...! Having a lughead like you disrespect
Mama is blasphemy!
[Malik puts up a good fight, but ultimately loses the battle.]
Malik: I am losing...my strength...How ironic that I must cease to
exist on this planet in return for accepting power from
Panakeia fluid. But I shall not die! I shall return to prepare
a new world...Ahhh hah hah hah hah...!
[Malik teleports out.]
Gallows: You know, with a pretty face like that, I suspected he might
have perverted tastes...And I couldn't be more right.
Jet: Well aren't you the genius. C'mon, let's get goin'. This place
gives me the creeps.
[The party continues on, coming upon Leehalt and Werner.]
Leehalt: What is it you want, Werner? Are you here to make amends?
Werner: If I could, I would. But as a spirit of the past, it is too
late to atone...
Leehalt: Even so, you dare stand in my way?
Werner: Why do you wish to activate the Yggdrasil System? What are
you planning to do!? You know as well as I do that
regeneration is impossible with this system. You will not
be able to evolve the world! Yggdrasil is a
transgression--an ill-fated tree...I will not let you
forget that it was the seven of us who transformed Filgaia
into a wasteland of desert seas!!
Virginia: What? What did you just say!?
Werner: (Yes...We're all in this together...)
Leehalt: Nonsense, Werner. There is only one way to activate
Yggdrasil...By downloading! To bring forth to this planet
the one responsible for the wisdom of Hyades!
Virginia: Are you planning to summon the legendary demons to Filgaia!?
Leehalt: Precisely...Not only does Hyades contain the wisdom the
demons left behind...It also stores the personal data of
the demons themselves! We shall use the life energy collected
from this planet to bring them back to life! The legend will
become reality! It is no longer the wisdom left behind by
demons that will evolve Filgaia...It is the demons themselves
who will lead Filgaia to its predestined form!
Werner: Are you trying to go down in infamy by summoning demons!?
Dream on!
Leehalt: And you will stop me?
Werner: No! It's just that the demons have already...
[Virginia runs between Leehalt and her father.]
Virginia: Run, Daddy! Hurry! Stop the prophets from carrying out
their plan! We don't really understand what's going on here,
but you do! Go on ahead! Go and save our Filgaia!
[Werner runs out. Virginia tries to as well, but Leehalt stops her.]
Virginia: We're not going anywhere! If you want to go after my
father, you have to get through us!
[Leehalt attacks.]
Leehalt: I didn't expect a tomboy like you to be Ekatrina's
daughter...
Virginia: You knew my mother?
Leehalt: Of course...I abhor her just as much as your father.
Heh heh heh...You seem to be full of vigor. Did Werner
give you antibodies to ward against the curse? Such a
laudible flower you are. But flowers are meant to bloom,
then wither...
Virginia: I'm sick of listening to you!
[They defeat Leehalt.]
Leehalt: It's not enough...We were so close...But I must do whatever
it takes, until the roots of Yggdrasil draw enough energy
to download...
[Melody teleports in behind him.]
Melody: I have increased the Yggdrasil operation to 166 percent.
We won't know whether it will reach its required value
first, or malfunction. All we can do now is pray...
[Malik teleports in.]
Malik: We have already paid the price in carrying out our goal! We
can't let it end here, or else our flesh and blood would be
for naught!
Leehalt: We have granted the Dark Spear to the sacrificial lamb, just
for situations such as this...At the very least, he should
shield us from this perilous situation. Come forth, Janus!
[The prophets teleport out and Janus appears.]
Virginia: So the loyal lapdog makes an appearance...But we all know
you're walking the wrong path. Janus Cascade...What are
you conspiring with your wicked power!?
Janus: After acquiring the demon's power, everything just stopped.
That's when it hit me. How boring unlimited power and
everlasting life can be. Up until now, there was so much I
wanted to do...I was so desperate and busy trying to cros
everything off my list. But I have all the time in the world
now. I can just put off what I could do today until tomorrow.
I have attained transcendency. Each time I remind myself of
this, everything I've wanted to accomplish all seem
insignificant. That's why I've been devising something
bigger...Bigger than you can ever imagine...It's not uncommon
for a dog to bite the hand that feeds it. I don't mean to
speak for the other blokes, but Filgaia sure is a stinkin',
messed up planet...And who better to fit the role of ruler
than me? What do you think of that, Princess!?
[Janus attacks, but loses. Light pours out of his demon-flesh.]
Janus: Heheheheh...HAH HAH HAH HAH!! My body is overflowing with
light. Show me the light and guide me as the ruler!
[He explodes.]
Virginia: He has been defeated--along with his evil intentions. But...
The evil swirling around Yggdrasil still remains!
[The party runs into a room deep within the System.]
Virginia: Daddy!
Werner: The Yggdrasil System was constructed to rejuvenate the
environment of Filgaia. It was the collective efforts of
science, magic, the wisdom of Hyades, and technology spanning
over a hundred-year period. And that fateful day, ten years
ago...Leehalt, Malik, Melody, and the rest of us were to have
accomplished a triumph to go down in history. But the outcome
proved otherwise. The activated Yggdrasil did not supply the
earth with energy, but did the exact opposite! It began
devouring the remaining energy of the planet from its roots!
I'm sure you've witnessed the surrounding environment of
Yggdrasil. The flush greenery, the deep forests, the crystal
clear lakes...That beauty is a sweet tune that can only be
played by sin! Ten years ago, there were no wasteland or
desert seas on Filgaia!!
Virginia: What?
Werner: It is true that the great war of ages past has left battle
scars from the use of science and magic. However, plenty
of verdure did cover the lands, and the oceans were blue.
The truth is...it was the Yggdrasil System and the Council of
Seven that drove Filgaia to its deathbed.
Virginia: Daddy...No...That can't be true!
Werner: The Yggdrasil System was out of control. It consumed all the
energy it could from Filgaia. The generator couldn't handle
the load, and ultimately exploded. I thought all seven of us
perished, but...It appears Leehalt, Malik, and Melody
miraculously survived and restored the System to its current
state in the last ten years.
[Werner stops typing and pounds his fists on the console.]
Werner: Damn it...! The Hermes Trismegistus!? Pretty clever, Leehalt!
You may have fallen, but you're still one heck of a
programmer. Gematria, Notarikon, Temura...No, damn it! How
can I break into the System!? At this very moment, just as the
time of the accident, Yggdrasil is still ingesting the last
remaining energy of Filgaia. The area surrounding Yggdrasil
is the only place where water and verdure are preserved,
because that is where all the planet's life force is focused!
We can't afford to wait any longer.
[Werner walks over to Jet and brings him to the console.]
Jet: H-Hey! Let go! What's your problem!?
Werner: This is the terminal cable that connects to the Yggdrasil
System. The make-up of this machine differs considerably
from other ARMs. It's the same system s your Airget-lamh...It
is an ARM that only you can operate. Squeeze the terminal
cable tightly and yearn for Filgaia!
Jet: Huh? I know you're desperate, but gimme a break, Mister...
Werner: Do as I say! We don't have time!
[Jet clutches the cable as he would his rapid-fire weapon.]
Jet: Like this?
Werner: Yes. Just as when you're aiming the Airget-lamh, envision
the system as an extension of yourself. Not a mass of iron,
but a part of your body...Jet...Communicate your spirit into
the System's structure. Just as you do when interface with the
Airget-lamh. Yearn for Filgaia! Not the planet covered in
wasteland and desert seas, but the Filgaia filled with verdure
and oceans!
Jet: Filled with verdure and oceans!? What, like the surrounding area
of Yggdrasil?
Werner: Not an artificial place like that! You know it as a Filgaia
back when it was full of life! It's a Filgaia that only you
know, a Filgaia from your memory!
[A bright light ensues.]
Narrative: Where...am I...?
[Jet is standing in a field full of flowers.]
Jet: What the...? Why does it look so familiar? Where have I seen
this? From a distant memory...? Memory...? I don't have any
memories! I don't need 'em! How can I have a memory I don't
even know about!? Why...? Why...!? What's going on!? WHO THE
HELL AM I...!?
[Back in the real world, Jet snaps out of it.]
Werner: We were able to override the System. The reprogramming
worked.
Virginia: Jet...Jet! Are you all right?
[He gets up and walks over to Werner.]
Jet: What the hell was that!? Why do I have memories of a previous
Filgaia? I want answers, Mister! Who the hell am I!?
Werner: You are a life born on Filgaia. Are you not satisfied with
that?
[Yggdrasil rumbles.]
Clive: It appears to be from above!
Werner: It's probably the top floor, where the core generator is
located. But the system override should have made it in
time!
[Werner runs up the stairs, leaving the others behind.]
Virginia: Daddy, wait!
[Meanwhile, up in to the generator room. The prophets are already
there, looking up at a huge, mangled generator.]
Melody: The generator...The core generator has been gouged out.
Malik: Does this mean there is someone else within Yggdrasil besides
us and them? We cannot carry out the download procedure in this
state.
Leehalt: Who would want to steal the Yggdrasil's generator? This is a
product bestowed by Hyades, understood by only us...Do you
mean to say there is someone else who has access to the
forgotten wisdom!?
Werner: Leehalt, what did you...
[He sees the generator.]
Werner: What the...?
Leehalt: Heh heh heh heh...It is all over for us. All our hopes have
been severed. There is no future...However, Werner...There is
still one duty we must carry out. That is revenge...I was
always envious of you. Your work, the fruits of your
research--you were always one step ahead of me. And you even
took Ekatrina, the only woman I ever lost my heart to. I
won't let you say you didn't know. By stepping all over me,
you were flaunting your superiority. You did it all for
self-gratification!
Werner: That's ridiculous! I...
[Virginia's team walks in.]
Leehalt: This time...I thought for sure I would be able to surpass
you with my work. Never did I imagine you would come back
from the dead to stand in my way of evolving Filgaia.
Virginia: Stop being so selfish! Don't force your distorted reasons
and excuses onto my father! The true reason you're so warped
is because you're just weak and insecure!
Leehalt: The offspring of Ekatrina...Too bad you look just like your
father. Your mother was beautiful...It's all over now. We
have nothing to lose, so let's get started...Even if my body
should decay from the Panakeia fluid, I will at the very
least carry out my revenge. I do not care if I am nothing but
a fleeting, shooting star...I do not need a tomorrow...We
shall fight solely for the moment!
[The three prophets attack in the generator room, but even with the
backed-into-a-corner attitude behind them, they still are defeated.
Each says something different when defeated, although the listed
order doesn't matter.]
Malik: I don't want to die...I DON'T WANT TO DIE...!!
Leehalt: It's over...My demise is the death of this planet...Heh heh
heh...Heh...Gwahhh!!
Melody: No...Don't look at me! Don't look at my ugly self...!
[Virginia's party stands victorious over the prophets, who have
teleported out, broken and mangled.]
Virginia: Without any hope for tomorrow, you can't win for today.
... It's really sad when you have to hurt people, just
because you can't accept the future...
[Outside, Werner walks away.]
Virginia: You're not going to say, 'It's all over...' are you? I
understand that it was you and the Council of Seven who
made this world into a wasteland. And that the tragic
accident happened just ten years ago! It was only ten
years ago. Why doesn't anyone remember!? The environent
was withering into a wasteland before our eyes! Don't
you think it's odd that no one noticed such a serious
incident ten years ago!?
Clive: I believe it was eight years ago, that the professor and I
began our research into the cause of the planet's decay. At
that time, we were trying to figure out when the decay
actually began...If the sudden decay of the planet occurred
ten years ago, the professor and I wouldn't have been
researching such a thing. Could it be that the moment of decay
has been erased from the memories of all people on Filgaia?
And one more thing...Why do you keep the truth locked up inside
your memory-your memory alone...!?
[Virginia near-collapses, kneeling on the ground.]
Werner: You are under the influence of Leehalt's nanomachines. I have
given you antibodies to ward off the effects, but you must
rest for them to take full effect. You fought well...So, you
must rest. Even a Drifter must rest her wings.
[He walks off.]
Virginia: Daddy...!
[Cut to the Yggdrasil generator room. The defeated prophets manage
to teleport back in, but are still hurt badly from the fight before.
They all kneel on the ground in pain.]
Melody: Looks like...we were all able to...escape from that battle...
Malik: But...we used such...excessive, reckless power...Our bodies
may...disintegrate at...any moment...
Leehalt: What have we...accomplished...? What will we...leave
behind...? Ultimately...nothing...As the ones...entrusted
with the word of the gods...there is nothing...so
regretful...
[A sparkle emits from the generator.]
Melody: Oh...my...Could it be that...
Malik: It's downloading...Did we make it...in time...?
Leehalt: It's a miracle...It's a miracle...But the fleeting sparkle...
still lacks the energy...to bring forth the...entity...
Janus: Is that all you blokes can say? Calling everything a miracle?
[Janus walks in with the Dark Spear.]
Leehalt: Janus? You're alive...But...how?
Janus: During the battle with the Drifters, I pretended I was dead,
allowing me time to fission my body. What the Drifters thought
they defeated, and what you thought was dead, was just my
duplicate figure.
Melody: So...even we were...fooled by the sacrifice's...allegiance...?
Malik: I will not let him...betray us...Gias...crush...him...Kanda...
Es-trata...Ama...
[Nothing happens.]
Janus: It's not working, pale face. Out of magic, huh? Gias can't
help you, now.
Leehalt: We were to exploit...the sacrifice...Not the...other way
around...The sacrifice...bested us all...
Janus: Sacrifice, sacrifice! SHUT UP! What do you mean by that!?
You are the ones I used as prey in order for me to become
the ruler! You can all die in peace now...The future of this
planet lies in the good hands of Sir Janus!
[The generator emits a voice.]
Narrative: The sacrifice...Is it here...?
[The sparkle flies out and a semi-tangible figure forms in the
middle of the room.]
Janus: Huh? What's this slug doing here? AH HAH HAH HAH HAHHHHH!
You blokes crack me up! You shortened your lives just to
summon this slug!?
Narrative: So, it is you...You must be the sacrifice.
[Janus and the "slug" start fighting.]
Janus: Are you calling me your sacrifice!? Whatever, slug head!
I've never seen the likes of you, but it's time for me to rid
this world of emons. It sure feels nice to do good for the
world!
[Janus attacks the "slug" with the Dark Spear, but on the third
try, he knocks it out of his hands. It lands blade first in the
floor behind him.]
Janus: I get it...You don't want to be sliced to death, but
clobbered to death by my bare hands. Why, I'd be more than
happy to take up your request. If there's anything else I
can do, please let me know.
[The "slug" laughs.]
Janus: Oh? What now? You raise your hand to deliver my final blow?
Why don't you surprise me.
Narrative: The Dark Spear...It is time to return to your rightful
owner!
[The spear lunges to the slug, wedging itself in Janus' back in
the meanwhile.]
Janus: Gwaaaah...
[The spear flies to the "slug".]
Janus: I don't get it...I don't get it at all...
Leehalt: You...were the chosen sacrifice from the very...beginning...
Every time...you would swing the Dark Spear...you were
gathering energy from the inside...You must have...felt the
massive...life force...energy...when the Dark Spear...
pierced the guardian's altar...That...torrent of energy...
I know...you felt it run through...your body...via the Dark
Spear...With it in hand...you have not...became a formidable
being...You have been...bewitched by the Dark Spear...to
become...the sacrifice...You played an...impeccable fool...
Janus: So this foolish...lapdog was...just meant for...fodder...?
[The slug now holds the Dark Spear, and has fully materialized into
a demon knight.]
Knight: You can take pride in knowing that you shall not be slain by
the Dark Spear ever again. You can boast about that in the
otherworld.
Janus: There is no...otherworld...That's why...I chose to be the
ruler...of this world...
[Janus' body deteriorates and disappears, and this time, there will
not be a second wind for anyone to deal with.]
Knight: Are you the ones who have summoned me to this land once again?
[The Knight talks to the prophets.]
Siegfried: I am Siegfried! I have returned to wage war on Filgaia and
its spawn!
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Chapter Three: Shine On You Crazy Diamond |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ SYCD /
\_______/
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Wrecking Crew: Boot Hill to Iron Dragon's Nest |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BHIN /
\_______/
[Start of the third chapter. Virginia is surrounded in darkness, which
most likely means it's a dream. Her father is walking off and she is
trying her hardest to run after him.]
Virginia: Daddy...Daddy!! I've finally found you! I've finally caught
up with you!
[He keeps walking.]
Virginia: Daddy, wait! Don't go!
[He stops and turns around.]
Virginia: Daddy!?
[He outstretches his arms, but Virginia doesn't move. Instead, she
takes out her dual guns and points them at her father. The dream ends
there, and Virginia wakes up in Boot Hill.]
Virginia: Urgh...What a terrible dream...Why was I pointing my ARMs at
Daddy?
[Someone knocks on the door.]
Virginia: Come in.
[Shalte enters.]
Shalte: Are you ready to go? Everyone's waiting downstairs.
Virginia: Oh, no! Tell them I'm sorry. I'll be right down.
Shalte: Are you sure you're okay?
Virginia: I'm fine! I'd rather be up and about!
Shalte: My, aren't we spunky. Well, hurry on now. They're all waiting
to see you.
Virginia: Okay.
[Shalte leaves.]
Virginia: (I shouldn't worry about that dream I had last night,
right?)
[She runs downstairs.]
Virginia: Sorry to keep you waiting!
Gallows: Hey, it's no big deal. We've only been waiting a week.
Jet: Your skills better be up to par.
Clive: You seem to be your old self again. I'm glad we waited for
you to recover before we took on our next mission.
Virginia: Next mission? What is it?
Clive: It should be fairly easy. I wanted to ease you back into the
swing of things. The clients are from the Ark of Destiny. Let
us head there to hear about the details.
Virginia: Today sure is a great day to take flight! Full speed ahead
to the Ark of Destiny!!
Gallows: Heh. Aye, Cap'n!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Boot Hill]
Shalte: It's better to take your time, than rushing things and getting
lost. As long as you are giving it your all, you are
definitely moving in the right direction.
Shalte (V): Some people enjoy the same scenery, while some find
enjoyment by seeing new places...You fall into the latter
group.
Putnam: Even if the field does not yield crops for ten years, I will
continue looking after it for twenty. I believe that with
enough tender loving care, the land will reciprocate.
Putnam (V): Southeast of the cape where the giant's statue stands is
an area full of rugged mountains. South of there is a
fighting arena called Gunner's Heaven, where fighters risk
their lives to show off their skills. It's hard for an
average farmer like me to fathom the existence of such a
preposterous place.
Tesla: A Drifter's wings are not meant only to fly high or fast. There
is something far more <important>.
<Important>: It is willpower to continue flying--the wings of the
heart...
Tesla (V): Desire will lead you to tomorrow. However, if you fully
succumb to desire, you will lose everything. Do you
remember Gob's Hideout south of here? That mansion used to
belong to a wealthy merchant. However, desire got the best
of him, and he lost it all...
Neil: They've been saying this planet will fade away someday, ever
since I was a kid. But that won't happen in my lifetime right?
What do I need to worry about?
Neil (V): If I had wings of my own, I'd be saying 'see ya' to this
boring village, too. Speaking of wings, have you heard about
this dragon that has metal wings? Apparently, you can fly
anywhere on it. There's been a lot of rumors about it in a
town called Laxisland. If I had a choice between a Drifter's
wings and a dragon's wings, I'd take the dragon's any day.
Roykman: Dogs can be pretty scary. They can <see right through you>.
But I guess I shouldn't really shy away when he looks at me
with those big black eyes.
<See...>: Especially that big white one by the house over there. Every
time I pass by him, he wags his tail as if he's saying to
me, 'I know you're a scaredy-cat.'
Gunther: Even if you only have one option at the moment, there are
infinite paths you can follow. What's important is which path
you choose.
Gunther (V): Head south along the dunes from the southern beach, and
you'll eventually come across two beaches. If you land on
the eastern shore, you'll see a mysterious crater. If you
land on the western shore, it'll take you to the inland
sea. That's what I read in a book, but I'm sure you'll
see plenty more interesting stuff if you head out there.
Libera: Working with machines all day, I start thinking everything can
be expressed as numbers and formulas. Even our minds and
feelings...But the thing is, we don't even fully understand
how ARMs work.
Libera (V): I am always paranoid about how others perceive me...I am
scared to death of being watched by others, too. That is
why I have chosen the profession of an ARMs meister, so
that I may work alone.
Armengard: [She says a different thing depending on what day the
PS2 is set on. See the Armengard FAQ on GameFAQs for an
easier reference on her quotes.]
[Special/new Dialogue in: Southfarm]
Freddy: I like reading palms, but I accidentally held her hand when I
tried to read hers. No, I think it's more lke I accidentally
read her palm when I reached out for her hand.
Tony: Disappearances are skyrocketing on the route from Southfarm to
the East Highlands. A team of company investigators scoured the
tunnel and uncovered a tiny rift in the space-time continuum.
Such a small rift normally doesn't exert enough force to pull
people in...But when multiple rifts gather, their strength
multiplies exponentially. If one of the passengers activated a
device that generates such a rift, then perhaps a person could
be pulled in.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Dune Canyon]
Simon: Well, I'm all finished making <puzzles>, so for now, I'm back
to my regular job of station attendant. But, I need to get back
to it before I lose my touch. I'm just crazy about puzzles,
aren't I?
<Puzzles>: Speaking of puzzles, let me fill you in on something, to
thank you for chatting with me. If you can ever outsmart
the puzzle, something good may happen.
Tony: This station's falling apart. What if the sandpool got famous
and drew visitors from all over. I bet people from Jolly Roger
and Humphrey's Peak would stop by.
[Special/new Dialogue in: East Highlands]
Walker: I heard that the Whateley mansion is now a goblins' lair.
They say the Whateleys amassed an impressive art collection
and jewelry before they went bankrupt. I bet you could still
find some valuables if you combed the place thoroughly.
Tony: Do you think we charge too much for this route to Midland
Station? We use a tunnel under the dunes, so we have to cover
the tunnel's maintenance costs. I think we'd attract more
passengers if we just lowered our fares. With the added
income, we'd make up the difference in no time.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Westwood]
Rick: I got clean-up duty today, so I'll be here late. I just hope
my cat behaves 'til I get home.
Tony: I started plucking my eyebrows because someone told me they
look bad strung together, but they just <grow right back>. I
want to pull some out, but I don't want it to keep growing
back...This is rough.
<Grow...>: I don't know what to do. Maybe this is how you Drifters
feel when you fight regenerating monsters...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Midland Station]
Miles: I was born and raised in Midland, but I chose this profession
so I could cross the great dunes. I always know I made the
right choice when I look up and see the dust clouds above my
locomotive, each and every day.
Tony: This railroad's tracks extend from this station to <every
corner> of Filgaia.
<Every...>: Take a look at the route map. Midland Station is like
the navel of Filgaia, isn't it? Well, some railroads
are still under construction.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: On the continent facing north from the Sand Canal, there's
an arena where combatants fight to the death. To gamble
there is to dance on the brink. You have to keep your eyes
open or greed will ruin you. The coliseum sits at the
terminal of a dead railroad, but don't make it your last
stop in the journey of life.
Roykman: Hick...Errup...Oh, excuse me. The sailors invited me to
their party...But I guess I had a couple too many.
Dennis: <Things> were different in this rusted port town way back
when the mines were full of fossils...They say that fortune
waxes and wanes, but I get the feelings that fortune forgot
about this town.
<Things>: Everyone was hot on the trail of money, both on the sandy
waves and the dusty trails. All kinds of people from all
over...I wanna believe that some things you can't buy, but
there are too many things you can't have without money.
Herman: Past the island with the Order's temple, head southeast and
you'll find a place separated from the mesas. You can only
get there by crossing the inner sea. Inside is a village
surrounded by peaks. The place is called Laxisland. The
people there still pass on legends on dragons long forgotten
elsewhere.
Emilia: By the way...I want to tell you the real reason I asked you
to help me with my research and sailing tests. Can I ask a
favor of you? I really need you to do something for me.
[Replies: You bet.; Sorry, we're busy]
Emilia (R1): I...I want you to avenge someone for me...on my
Sandcraft. Let me explain. Surely you've heard about
the merchant ship that got attacked by a gargantuan,
and how many people perished. Well, three months ago,
the ship carrying my sweetheart disappeared. Since
then, I've been too busy to cry. I devoted myself to
researching a new kind of vessel with more speed and
firepower. One day, when I was out searching for clues,
I found the lair of the Balal Quo Naga! Please...take
my Sandcraft and go slay the beast! You must avenge my
Mario, restore peace to the region, and deliver our
souls from bondage!
Emilia (R2): Yeah, I guess you're right. You've helped me so much,
it's best if I finished it myself. I guess...
Emilia (2): <Balal Quo Naga> inhabits the <northeastern strait>,
clear on the other side of the peninsula.
<Balal...>: Balal Quo Naga is a hideous and powerful beast. Beware
overconfidence in your Sandcraft. I'll always help you
upgrade your ship...But I need dragon fossils to
develop parts.
<Northeastern...>: There, a mysterious rock stands out of the
dunes, so you can't miss it.
Hannah: Emilia started tinkering with Sandcrafts when her <boyfriend>
suddenly vanished from the dunes. But to restore her smile
she really didn't need her cutting-edge Sandcraft or revenge
for her boyfriend. I bet she knows what that was.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Ellen: Don't make farewells last forever. You and the people you
share your memories with live on, bound together. Then
someday, you will see them again. No farewell should last
forever.
Ellen (G): People do the strangest things. Even though we try to
say sweet things to those we love, sooner or later we
end up hurting them. What, you think it ain't ever
happened to you? Well, think back a little. You want
to trust what they're saying, but your cynical side gets
in the way...As a result, each time they repeat
themselves, you feel your heart sag. Well, you remember
now?
Cordell: The legends have survived the test of time for a reason.
It is because they have lived on by hiding some facts, and
diluting others between people in the warped continuum of
time. Legends aren't simply there to read and listen to. We
must zero in on the truth by focusing on the facts behind
them.
Cordell (G): I wonder what that Blue Menace in Shane's dream really
is?
Shane: I still dream of the Blue Menace. The calamity I witness is
not wrought out of wickedness, but rather cold indifference.
Oh, I do hope it's really over, and my dreams are just a
false premonition.
Shane (G): My dreams told me all about your last mission...But I
really want to hear <the story> straight from you. Wow.
It's so neat to hear it from someone who was really
there.
<The story> Gallows: You bet. Three people tried to demonize Filgaia
using the powers of the guardians. But they
detested their past selves so much that they
lost sight of their own tomorrow. They tried to
do what they could to live in happiness, but
that became their own day-after-tomorrow. You
know, like cloning their own mom, and trying to
make her too beautiful, and envying their
friends from the past and stuff. It's a sign of
strength, not weakness, to realize that the path
you've chosen is the wrong one, and, like...find
a different one.
Halle: We have destroyed one threat, but others remain. I hope
Shane's dream of the Blue Menace was just his imagination...
But I can't help but feel that the still-invisible menace is
awfully close.
Halle (G): When people throw away something that's important to
them, they feel as if their burdens lighten. Feeling
lighter quickens the spirit, but such pleasure invites
addiction. Like the creeping dunes, pleasure erodes the
heart and chills the soul. You decide what path you
walk on. Do not stray onto a twisted one.
Roykman: I once came across a flower during my travels. It was so
tiny and so delicate, that the softest breeze could blow it
away. But when I saw that little flower, suddenly my
fatigue was gone. I believe that some fowers have special
powers that go unnoticed by man...don't you?
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Roykman: All the residents of Humphrey's Peak greet me when they see
me. Maybe this town continues to retain its beauty because
everybody here has a big heart?
Ricardo: The dunes west of here are the <inland seas>, but it's
blocked off. In any case, it's not a place for half-baked
Drifters to venture into.
<Inland seas>: Even if you try to get through from the seaway, the
shallows and reefs make it difficult to get through. I
even hear that the inland seas are home to many
powerful monsters.
Ricardo (C): The dragon hunters live in a village called Laxisland,
where you have to cross north of the inland sea. I hear
it's difficult to cross because of the Dune Canyon
monster scare.
Datson: Did you know that the Gemstone Cave to the northwest has
another <entrance>? You might even find artifacts there.
<Entrance>: It connects to an island that borders the inland and
open seas.
Datson (C): Did you hear the rumor about Gemstone Cave having a
different <entrance>? Anyway, it's just a rumor. Even
if it's true, it's no big deal.
<Entrance>: I hear that cave extends as far as the island that
borders both the inland and open seas. But why would
someone want to make another entrance on an island with
no shore?
Cheville: A day ends, and so will tomorrow. What is the meaning behind
this cycle? To live like a surging wave, that will only
erode the shores of your heart...
Canceco: Everbody has courage. In some people it's so small, they're
like pebbles or <rocks> you find lying around.
<Rocks>: Speaking of rocks, let me tell you a little story. The
<Guardian of Courage> changed his will into a rock, and is
lying around somewhere, waiting for the <valiant one> to
come.
<Guardian...>: This guardian is said to possess unrivaled strength.
You better not catch him when he's in a bad mood.
Anyway, where do guardians get their patience and
these crazy ideas?
<Valiant...>: But how do you prove you're the valiant one? Maybe a
test of strength? Oh, I'd hate to do that...
Canceco (C): The Guardian of Courage is supposedly rolling around
somewhere as a rock. But how the heck are you supposed to
know which rock it is? They say one of the prizes at the
fighting coliseum is a device that lets you search for
items outside.
Catherine: My father would investigate many ruins to track down the
cause of Filgaia's decay. He had no interest in fame nor
fortune. He just said he was digging up the past for the
sake of our future.
Catherine (C): Do you remember what Father used to <say>? That
advice suits his happy-go-lucky personality. But if
you happen to come to a standstill, I want you to
remember it. Looking back now, though, maybe Father
was a little too impetuous.
<Say>: 'Looking for a shortcut will lead you astray.' By taking the
long way around, you can see and hear things you otherwise
would have missed. You may also find an alternate path to your
final destination and goal. So instead of just pushing forward,
it might be good to bend an ear to your surroundings. And when
you do, please think of Kaitlyn and I.
Kaitlyn: Does daddy come home because he misses me and Mommy? Or does
he come home so I won't miss him that much?
Kaitlyn (C): I couldn't tie my ribbon good, today. Does it look funny?
It's hard when you can't see your head.
Uncle Gob: [Same thing as before. This continues until you complete
the entire map, at which time he says something different.]
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Rock]
Roykman: I love sharing a bottle with a friend. And even when I'm
alone, I like to savor the taste of fine spirits. Dry wine
coupled with lively conversation is perhaps my favorite
pleasure.
Kovahn: There is a single, tiny, powerful light inside the Abyss. That
light is called hope. Some say it is an ancient guardian,
turned to stone. What could the glorious light of hope be
doing in the middle of the darkest caverns?
Kovahn (J): The Abyss is not just a ruin. It's the source of all
calamity. And in the very bowels of its caverns lies a
single light. That is the light of hope. The Guardian Lord
of Hope, turned to stone...Zephyr awaits his restoration.
No one knows if it's true, but I sure hope it is.
Mock: In the mountains past the southern desert, there's a <deep
crevasse> that's darker than a moonless night. Why would you
Drifters be interested in such a cold, dark, foodless place?
<Deep...>: The crevasse swallows all who enter, kinda like me when I'm
hungry. It's called...the Abyss! Sounds scary, huh? What
does abyss mean, anyway? I'm no scholar, so I couldn't tell
you.
Mock (J): You ever heard of the Abyss? They say it's a really deep
and scary cavern! I heard it's beneath the mountain to the
south.
Goodwin: We used to rely on mines for our daily income. Jewels,
gems...And of course, the most valuable prize of all,
<dragon> fossils. Dragons are the ancient flying machines.
If we excavated one of their fossils, we'd be rich again!
<Dragon>: Hmm...That reminds me. They say a real dragon lives out
there somewhere. Well, they can always dream...If you
catch a dragon, would your reward be wealth, or honor? Heh,
maybe he'd take you flying.
Goodwin (J): When Filgaia began to decay, the demons' flying machines
dominated the sky. They were called dragons. Spreading
wings of steel, they flew anywhere they pleased. Their
wings have rotted underground, been mined and made into
ARMs. People, dragons...the whole world seems to be on
a one-way ride to its eventual demise.
Gaspar: You've heard it's all right to drink so long as you don't
drown, right? But have you ever thought about what that
saying <means>? If you never heard that saying, you might
want to remember it after your next hangover.
<Means>: I think it just means that you can't blame alcohol for when
you blow it and drink too much. You have to know your limits
and be responsible in whatever you do. That's the hallmark of
a responsible adult.
Gaspar (J): The guardians and guardian lords are weak individually,
but they should be quite powerful if they could be united.
They say that the power of demons still live on within
ruins scattered across the land. If you are ever
confronted by such power, focus your thoughts on the
guardians. I might sound liek a drunken babbler, but I
speak the truth.
Von: If you ever find yourself lost...Hey, it happens to all of us,
right? Well, when it does, mosen on down to the arena in
<Gunner's Heaven>. I'm not saying you'll find your way there,
but it's a great spot to just let it all out.
<Gunner's...>: It's somewhere on the fields northeast from two
beaches in the north, but I'm not sure where. Heh.
Sorry for the lackluster directions. Seriously...
Von (J): As this planet is populated with all kinds of creatures,
music is a menagerie of little sounds. Both are compositions,
of lots of tiny things, forming an awe-inspiring whole.
Annette: The <Abyss> covers the mountains to the south with its
blackness. Drifters always seem drawn to the depths of the
Abyss...But what hope could lie in such darkness?
<Abyss>: There, vile creatures lurk in the shadows around every turn.
But the true horror of the Abyss lies in its infernal
<construction>. It entraps all who enter within.
<Construction...>: That's right. Let me explain. The Abyss takes you
deep down, but has no stairs or elevators to bring
you back to the surface. There's just a strange
monolith on the tenth layer that sends you all the
way back up. I hear the Abyss goes even deeper than
ten layers...And nobody knows if there's another
way back far down. Never, ever press on.
Annette (J): The <Abyss> covers the mountains to the south with its
blackness. We have a legend that says inside the ruins
lies the Guardian of Hope, who was turned to stone. But
with all the Drifters who've died searching for it, I
feel like hope isn't really worth it.
<Abyss>: No mortal has ever lived to lay eyes upon the ruin's
darkest mysteries. If you're determined to delve inside that
pit of certain doom, then prepare yourself as best you can.
As you gaze upon the dank caverns, the caverns also gaze upon
you.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Claiborne]
Becky: Have ya heard the story 'bout the guardian idol of desire? It's
an ancient artifact that supposedly makes its owner rich. Ah
hear the idol was bought by a wealthy merchant named Whateley,
from East Highlands. He supposedly bought it offa someone from
this village. But Ah hear the Guardian of Desire is pretty
fickle, and won't stay too long with one owner. Ah wonder where
that idol is now?
Dessinsey: I think horsies are the best way to take to the wasteland,
but <flyin'> would be kinda nice, too. Oh, puhlease...
Sandcrafts are outta the question. I don't think I can
take sittin' inside such a hot, sweaty, oil-smellin',
cramped-up space...And I ain't just sayin' that cause I get
motion sickness easily.
Pike: Have you heard of <Gunner's Heaven>? It's an ancient fighting
arena. There's no guarantee you'll make it out alive, but if
you win your way through the tournament, I hear you get <special
items>.
<Gunner's...>: From here, you'd have to go past Sand Canal, and keep
heading north. Back when my hometown was full of rowdy
miners, I used to hear stories about the fights that
took place there all the time.
<Special...>: I've even heard of one prize that will let you detect
items rolling around in the wasteland. If you use that,
it'd be pretty easy to find things outside, don't you
think?
Pike (J): It's refreshing to be woken up by a rooster in the morning,
but it bums me out when I'm dreaming about Little Rock. I
miss home...Anyway, what kind of memories can you tell me
about, today? ... Wow...You stopped the bad guys from
carrying out their plan, huh? You seem pretty nonchalant
about it, but that's amazing! I'm really proud of you!
Otto: Business has been slow today. I put on a pot of coffee and was
just kickin' it fer the day. No use spendin' yer energy when ya
don't have to. It's important to rest and recharge once in a
while.
Myra: There's a dormant volcano somewhere in the inland seas. If you
head north from there, you'll find Laxisland, a village full of
hoodlums. All they rave 'bout is finding wings that lets them
fly, or somethin' foolish along those lines. Those who chase
dreams are people who have been evicted from reality, I say!
Roykman: I even add items I found out in the wasteland to my list of
merchandise. For these items, I just set a price that I
would probably pay. I hope my customers don't think they're
too expensive...
[Special/new Dialogue in: The Secret Garden]
Florina: It breaks my heart to think about it, but most flowers die
before they can bloom. I still don't see flowers as <weak>
or delicate at all.
<Weak>: They stand tall above the worn-out surface of our world...
I've looked up to the flowers' good qualities, hoping I could
be like them, too. That's why I want to help them along as
best I can.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Twister]
Ian: I've been frustrated lately. My <fighting spirit> is raging! And
the perfect place for me to go is the secret fighting arena,
Gunner's Heaven! To get there, you need to pass the giant
statue's cape in Southfarm, and head southeast over the
wasteland. Many have been begging me to enter the tournament,
but my fighting skills aren't for show, you know. That's why
I'm staying here.
<Fighting spirit>: To repress this fighting spirit, I'll need to take
on a grand challenge. Let's see...Beyond the cape
of the giant statue near Southfarm, heading north
toward the strait...and running through the inland
sea, lies a land where a dragon is said to live.
This dragon should be a good challenge. This
dragon is supposedly an ancient living machine,
with wings and a roar that can destroy anything in
its path. If anyone should defeat this dragon, he
will share with them the ability to fly, as well
as the destructive power of its roar. I don't
think I can put an end to this legend that's been
around for a long time. I just said it to let off
some steam.
Roykman: I find Ian quite odd lately...Just the other day, he was
inquiring about the little girl in green. He mentioned it
had to do with some sort of business dealing...Sounds
questionable, no? Let me look into this.
Claudia: If you go 'round the cape of Sand Canal and head north,
you'll arrive at a giant crater. It is said that a floatin'
city from the ancient past fell from the sky and landed
there...Now, why would people want to live up in the sky,
Ah wondah?
Cormano: This is a rumor that came floating in from way northeast,
but it goes like this. Somewhere, deep in the mountains,
sleeps this thing called a dragon. It's most powerful, and
even has steel wings! It'll be an easy way to strike it rich
if you could catch it and tame this thing! That way, you'll
be able to fly anywhere you want! The sky would be the limit
for all your dreams!
Berkley: Being a sheriff is not all about clamping down hard.
Sometimes, you have to look the other way, and create a vent
hole for crime. If not, it may one day explode into something
far more serious.
Angela: The beacons of the world and heart are love, courage, hope,
and desire...The four pillars of the guardian lords. But this
doesn't mean the <power of the guardian lords> has expired.
Ah may be the madam of this saloon, but generations ago, my
ancestor was a priest at Lunatic Garden. Don't take my story
as rubbish...Ah really want you to find the lost guardian
lords...Ah'll be rootin' for ya.
<Power...>: Yes, power...If y'all are powerful enough, you can regain
the power of the guardian lords, and use 'em...If y'all
really want to awaken the guardian lords, head for the
minin' town of Little Rock. There, you can hear about the
light that never stops shinin'--about the guardian that
presides over hope, Zephyr.
Mosby: Being mentally challenged, depending on how you look at it,
can be an <advantage>. I mean, take a look outside. You see
how happy they all look?
<Advantage>: Like not holding grudges for a long time, or mastering
work that doesn't involve any thinking. Maybe it's these
kind of people that get praised most often?
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ark of Destiny]
Sion: Gambling is <bad>, I tell you. But I'm not the old me any more!
I'll do much better next time!
<Bad>: Gambling is mostly based on luck, so I'm unable to utilize my
skills. That's why I plan to <invest> in the market.
<Invest>: The market is controlled by behind-the-scenes transactions
of information and money. It's a game of skill! It's time
for me to let loose!
Marty: I've been so busy with the activities of the Order, I haven't
had a chance to go outside and look up at the <sky>. The busier
I am, the more time I wish I had to gaze up at the sky and
relax...But life doesn't always work out the way you want it
to.
<Sky>: If only I had brought my telescope from my <hometown>, I could
gaze at the sky during my breaks. Oh, no...I think I might've
left my telescope outside. I hope Mom took care of it.
<Hometown>: My hometown of Ballack Rise is north of Baskar past the
dunes, but...There's no beach for a ship to land, or a
train station in the area for that matter. The only way to
get there is by air. If you happen to visit there, tell
everyone 'hi' for me.
Susan: Reading a book is like having the book talk to you. However,
its voice may be soft and frail, and you may miss part of the
conversation. If it is knowledge that you seek, pay particular
attention to the book's soft voice. That is what it means to
read a book.
Linda: Have you heard of a <dragon>? It's so rare that if you do
excavate it, you would have to undergo a purification ceremony.
I hear that if you don't, you will die the next day.
<Dragon>: It is supposedly one of the rarest artifacts you can find.
But I have no idea what it looks like.
Albert: [You need to hear Lamium's cutscene before this speech comes
about.] The mine shaft we would like you to demolish is
located halfway between Claiborne and Jolly Roger. Helga, who
is in charge of the excavation, should be ready there.
Please ask her about the details of the mission.
Lamium: [You need to hear Lamium's cutscene before this speech comes
about.] The mine shaft is located northeast of here. I have
heard that it has become a breeding ground for monsters.
Please be careful.
[The party walks into Lamium's room, and walks to where he usually
stands.]
Lamium: I understand you have been wounded. Are you all right?
Virginia: Yes, I'm much better now, thank you.
Lamium: I am relieved to hear that. Good health means healthy wings
to a Drifter. Well, about you next mission I would like to
request...I would like you to dispose of a mining shaft our
Order had been operating...It was used to mine for fossil
energy, but the cost of running it has far exceeded its
potential value...And due to its inactivity, monsters have
taken it up as their dwelling. This could escalate into a
problem for neighboring residents. I would like you to dispose
of it, before the problem gets out of hand.
Virginia: All right. But please go over the details with us.
Lamium: The Order member in charge of the excavation site will relate
the details to you. I have entrusted this mission to her--the
disposal of the mining shaft, the reward, everything.
Virginia: Understood...We'll do our best not to let you down this
time.
Lamium: Hah hah...Do not be too eager. I am not upset about the
previous mission.
Virginia: Thank you. But I still feel we need to make it up to you.
[The party goes to the place between Jolly Roger and Claiborne, a
strip of land with a beach only accessible by Sandcraft. At X:13576,
Y:6480, the cavern entrance to the Iron Dragon's Nest opens up. The
party enters, and walks over to Helga.]
Helga: I have been expecting you. You are here for the demolition of
the mine shaft, correct?
Virginia: Yes, but you can explain in detail what we're supposed to
do?
Helga: We have already set up a time-bomb at the very back of this
mine shaft. We would first like you to open up the three
fire-protection walls inside the shaft, and then activate the
bomb. The countdown will begin immediately after activation,
and once that time is up, this shaft will be history. That
about sums up the work to be done...but there is one big
<problem>. All we need is someone who can activate the bomb
and make it out in time. But only skilled Drifters come to
mind. Would you be willing to accept this job?
<Problem>: Once the countdown starts, there is a good chance you will
encounter monsters. Unfortunately, there may not be enough
time to return until detonation. That is why we could only
set the time-bomb, and not activate it. But only skilled
Drifters come to mind. Would you be willing to accept this
job?
Virginia: This job sounds a lot more severe than we initially heard...
I can't decide on my own. What do you all think?
Gallows: It's good to let loose once in a while. Sounds like fun. I'm
up for it!
Jet: It all comes down to money. I'm in as long as the reward
outweighs the risk.
Clive: With that said, would you mind telling us more about the
reward?
Helga: The front money is 5,000. You will get an additional 6,000
once the job is complete.
Clive: Well...It would be a lose-lose situation for you if we fail to
accomplish this mission.
Helga: Yes, I understand that.
Clive: Then, what would you say to this? We will only accept the
reward once the job is complete. But instead the reward money
will be 18,000 Gella.
Helga: Th-That's quite a sum...I can offer 13,000 Gella...
Clive: What do you say we take the middle ground of your initial offer
of 11,000 and our proposed sum of 18,000? Do we have a deal at
15,000 Gella?
Helga: Hmm...Very well...15,000 Gella it is.
Clive: The reward money has been decided. Whether we accept this job
or not is up to you, leader.
Virginia: I feel kinda bad now...Okay, we'll take this job! May I ask
you one thing? What was being mined in this shaft up until
now?
Helga: Fossil minerals. To put it simply, what you have in your
holster now.
Virginia: Huh?
Clive: Ah, indeed. Let us be on our way. You'll find out soon enough.
Helga (NOS): The time-bomb device is located at the very back of the
mine shaft. Once you activate the device, please hurry
back to this point.
[The party enters and walks on a catwalk over a crevasse. On the wall,
there is a large fossil.]
Virginia: What is this place?
Clive: This was a scrap yard for ancient superweapons, called
[dragons]. To some extent, a burial ground.
Virginia: A superweapon? Dragons?
Clive: These powerful dragons were capable of destroying mountains and
ripping through the earth with a single blow. One distinctive
quality they had was that their bodies were composed of living
tissue and machine. They were a living creature, just like
humans or animals, but half machine...
Virginia: So these superweapons were actually alive...
Clive: These dragon fossils are utilized in our everyday lives as
fossil energy. For example, even our ARMs are produced from
dragon fossils.
Gallows: Made from beast fossils? I shudder at the thought...
Clive: Whenever we handle our ARMs, we synchronize with and focus our
spirits into its composition. This ritual allows us to activate
the ARM without outside interference, thereby firing bullets.
This is the reason why ARMs are produced from half tissue, half
machine material instead of iron.
Virginia: Half tissue, half machine...Could such an entity have
existed?
[Meanwhile at the generator room of Yggdrasil, the prophets and
Siegfried are talking.]
Siegfried: Its origin dates from time immemorial...This planet was
at the height of splendor. Various forms of technology had
reached a zenith, and the boundary between man and god was
blurred. It is unknown when or how it started, but a great
war raged without end. With war came rapid advancements in
technology, which further escalated the evolution of
technology. War was bringing about advancement. It was the
neosapiens who began to recreate and improve themselves in
order to win the war.
[The party continues a little further before another Siegfried scene
with the prophets continues.]
Siegfried: The warriors who accept the half organic, half machine
structure have attained limitless power, and everlasting
life. All their fear, anxiety, and weaknesses of the heart
have been sealed shut inside their cold, hard, steel
bodies. It is this very moment that these warriors became
an entity that surpassed neosapiens.
[Back in the Nest, the party stops their progression a bit.]
Virginia: Demons...
Gallows: What about 'em?
Virginia: I was just thinking how the demons and dragons from folklore
share the common trait of a mechanical body...
Clive: In addition to their half organic, half machine structure, they
also possess destructive power unimaginable by today's
standards. But also...
Virginia: I know...No matter how powerful they were, they weren't
powerful enough to survive to the present day.
[The party continues a bit farther.]
Clive: Just like you see here, dragon fossils were excavated from
various locales, improving technology for the people of today.
Here's an interesting fact. From all the fossils excavated, not
a single egg or larva was ever discovered.
Gallows: So...Uhhh...What's that supposed to mean!?
Clive: That there is nothing more, and nothing less. Dragons neither
grow or evolve. They existed at their evolutionary apex.
Virginia: Evolutionary apex? You mean they're born into their final,
or ultimate form?
Clive: Yes...That's one way to interpret it. However, there is a
little more to that.
[Cut to Siegfried again.]
Siegfried: These warriors, suited with a complete body and spirit,
were feared and shunned by neosapiens as demons. But these
warriors rejoiced at their fear. This only proved how
powerful they were as superior beings. However this
evolution of power did not continue forever, and eventually
came to an end. Realizing their imminent demise, these
warriors took their own mother planet down the path of
decay...And so, this planet...The very planet, Terra,
where we lived and battled, was engulfed in flames...
[Back to Virginia's team. They continue a bit more before stopping
again to talk.]
Virginia: No matter how powerful you are, on that is born into battle,
eventually fades in battle...These dragons existed both as
fighting machines, and as organic life-forms...What did they
bring us? What did they leave behind?
[Back to Siegfried...again.]
Siegfried: Many warriors perished. However, the prideful ones did not
seek eternal slumber. They abandoned their mother planet,
and invaded a world of another dimension, fighting
countless battles. There was a time when we battled for
control and rulership of ancient Filgaia. We were
opposed, wounded and defeated, almost to the point of
extinction...Even so, we still thirsted for battle! Our
extinction was imminent. So, we left behind data of our
entire composition, memories, and personalities inside the
information library Hyades. So that one day, we may return
from the dead...Return to this planet once again to fight
for dominance!
[The view switches back to Virginia's team, and eventually they come
to a chest containing a tool for Jet.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Tool:Radical Sneakers
Press the [] button to execute a vertical jump, using the powerful
springs found inside the soles. Use them in conjunction with the
[Jump Plate] to jump to higher locations otherwise unreachable.]
[Using the new sneakers, the party reaches the time-bomb and arm it.]
Virginia: Switch, on!
Clive: We only have twenty minutes and counting until detonation. Let
us take the quickest route back!
[The party runs back to the entrance.]
Clive: The time-bomb has been activated. There isn't much time. We
must leave here at once!
Helga: Uhh...ahhhh...B-B-Behind...you...
Virginia: You just run for safety! We'll take care of this!
[The party is attacked by the Buer, but it doesn't impede their
progress enough so that they're buried in the Iron Dragon's Nest. As
the Buer dies, the scene switches back to Siegfried.]
Siegfried: I have descended to this world once again, so that I may
fight for a planet where I may exist. However, what is it
that you seek? Do you wish eternal slumber?
Malik: N-No...I haven't completed...my work yet...I must...regain...
memories...
Melody: I...wish to be...reborn...Most...beautiful...and powerful...
Leehalt: What we seek...is a complete body...and spirit...Surpassing
the power...of beasts...and the wisdom of humans...To
become...superior beings...
[The three shields (Andro, Crio, Hieraco) appear behind Siegfried
as he stands there.]
Siegfried: I have here bodily blueprints for my followers: demons...
Once they are set free, they will instantaneously devour
your bodies and wipe clean your spirit, to try and control
you...However, should your spirit overcome that of my
three followers, there may be a chance to salvage it. You
have shown great devotion to my advent. Do you wish to live
on by becoming one of the loathed and feared demons?
Malik: I...do...
Melody: Yes...I do...
Leehalt: We...all do...
Prophets: ...as long as demons...signify...superior beings!!
[Back to the Iron Dragon's Nest. The entrance is now sealed by tons
of rock and debris. Smoke filters through the smoldering remains.
All of a sudden, the party feels the surge of emotion that shakes them
to their guardians (the screen goes negative, remember?).]
Gallows: Argh...!
Virginia: What was that...? I know I've felt that chill before...
Clive: It's similar to the fear of the medium. Just as when the
Eternal Sparkle took shape by the power of the demons...I hate
to admit it, but every prediction or guess that I make leads
towards something terrible.
Jet: Just cut to the chase. What was that?
Gallows: I...don't know...Guess we'll have to rely on Granny again...
Jet: Tch...Something's up again? Gimme a break...Before we go looking
for new trouble, let's go get our reward from that Ark of Destiny
Order.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Giant Steps: Ark of Destiny to the World's Footprint |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ ADWF /
\_______/
[Special/new Dialogue of: Ark of Destiny]
Helga: I have confirmed the demolition of the mine shaft. Here is the
reward money we promised. And please forgive me for running off
on my own...
Helga (2): Far south of Survey Point #17, you will find a mysterious
crater. I do not believe it is a volcanic crater, but one
that was formed when an object struck the earth from high
above the sky. I would like to organize an excavation team
one day to investigate what this object is.
Lamium: Fossil resources are the residue of ancient power. Glowing
embers of the great war...Why does man seek power? Perhaps it
is our weakness that unconsciously reaches out.
Albert: I wish this place could give off a more solemn <atmosphere>.
After all, we are a religious order. It's not that I'm
complaining...It's just that the look on people's faces when
they come to visit shows a hint of disappointment.
<Atmosphere>: We've been referred to as a Drifter agency, and even a
volunteer group. I find that quite humorous.
[The party goes back to Baskar Colony, and goes to the altar where
Halle usually is.]
Gallows: Granny, you in here? I'm comin' in.
Halle: The fact that I cannot teach you any manners shows how I am
going senile with age...
Shane: Brother! What are you doing here?
Gallows: I'm glad you're both here. We can all plan together.
Halle: So, what is it now?
Gallows: The guardians sent us a warning of fear and anxiety through
the use of the mediums...
Halle: Guardians are the powers that sustain the world. If the
guardians are sending a warning, that means...A big disaster
may be nigh here on Filgaia...There was a great war that
threatened the existence of the planet long ago...
[Halle tells the story in a zoom-out, zoom-back-in scene.]
Halle: ...and that was that. Ever since, we... ...
[She looks around at everyone, who are all fidgeting out of tiredness
or asleep, as in Gallows case.]
Clive: It appears we are not used to long lectures such as this. Even
for me, three and a half hours of...
Halle: ... You are all incompetent!! That's it from me! No more!!
Gallows: Sorry, Granny. Don't get so mad...C'mon, you're ruining your
reputation as Miss Grudiev of one hundred years ago. You go,
belle of earth elemental!!
Halle: It's too late to try and humor me. I'm not telling you
anything! Nothing! Nothing at all!
Clive: Please reconsider. Your knowledge is indispensable.
Halle: I told you already, I know nothing. But if you want to know, go
to the [World's Footprint] and find out for yourself!
Virginia: The World's Footprint...?
Halle: Shane, take these dimwits to the World's Footprint, will you?
[He looks astonished, and points to himself.]
Halle: Yes, you. I am talking to you.
Shane: But I'm still a trainee as a [pillar]...Would it be all right
for me to venture out of the colony?
Halle: Filgaia is in imminent danger! It is a pillar's duty to do
whatever he can in times like these!! You have my permission.
Take this big fool to where he needs to go!
Shane: At once! I can't believe I get to actually help you, Broter...
We head 12:00 straight from Infinitum...The World's Footprint
is located past the dunes. Let us be on our way.
Gallows: We're countin' on you, Shane!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Halle (G): The World's Footprint is located inside a gaping crater
north of Infinitum on a peninsula. The World's Footprint is
the mark left upon Filgaia through the course of history.
Go and take a good look to see what is conveyed there.
[The party enters the World's Footprint near X:9393, Y:15493.]
Shane: This was originally a shrine of the guardian lords, but their
powers are long gone. But it's still regarded as significant in
a different sense.
Virginia: In a different sense?
Shane: Yes. This shrine houses mural paintings, which recount the
history of Filgaia.
Clive: Similar to a historical museum?
Shane: Yes, you could say that. Let us then perceive the details about
the great war, which took place on Filgaia...
[The party continues and comes upon a marker sticking out of the
floor.]
Narrative: A stone slate is covered in mud. There appears to be
writing on it.
[Gallows uses the Freezer Doll to clean it off. It reads:]
Narrative: Mural Chamber ahead. Respect your forefathers and proceed
quietly.
[The party creeps along slowly through the door and continues.
Shane narrates the first mural.]
Shane: First, let us go back approximately 2,200 years...This is a
painting of when the [neosapiens] first came down to this
planet.
Virginia: Neosapiens?
Shane: They are believed to be the progenitors of humans.
Virginia: So that ship floating up top is the Immigrant Ship?
Shane: Yes, but even before their arrival, an indigenous race called
the <Elw> inhabited Filgaia. This was when the two races...two
different cultures came face to face.
<Elw>: Elws are mentioned in folklore, just like the demons. They are
said to have been a beautiful race, with long, pointy race.
Many traced of their everyday lives are excavated even to this
day. This was when the two races...two different cultures came
face to face.
[The party continues on into the next mural room.]
Shane: This painting illustrates an event 1,300 years ago. The Elws
had welcomed the immigrant people with open arms. The Elws and
the neosapiens lived harmoniously on this planet for a very
long time. However, that all came to an end. Perhaps overcoming
differences in race was much too difficult. The two sides,
filled with contempt and hate, began to battle it out. Thus
began the great war...which pushed the planet to the brink of
extinction. The neosapiens utilized the power of science and
technology for weapons, while the Elws used the roar and terror
of the guardians. The hostilities of war spread throughout
Filgaia...
Gallows: How ironic that the guardians' first enemy was none other
than our forefathers...
[In the next room, the party finds another marker with the following
writing on it:]
Narrative: 3 - 3
N - S 2 3 2 1 1 3 1 2
W - E 2 1 3 2 3 2 1 1
[The party uses the tiles to open the door and continue on into the
next room, where the next mural waits.]
Shane: The great war raged so long that the people forgot how the war
started in the first place. The war finally came to an end,
approximately 400 years before the present. The neosapiens and
the Elws signed a cease-fire agreement, and the fires of war
over Filgaia were finally extinguished. This war that was
thought to be never-ending left battle scars all over
Filgaia...
Clive: At least they were smart enough to end the war before they
lost the planet in which they lived.
[The party heads to the next room.]
Shane: To the Elws, who were deeply attached to and relied on the
planet's life, these battle scars were a serious threat to
their existence. The population of the Elws began to diminish
at an alarming rate. And so, the neosapiens and Elws decided
to join hands once again, this time to rejuvenate the planet.
However, it was too late. Approximately 150 years ago from
today, the birth of the last Elw signified the end of the
Elw race. The remaining neosapiens repented for all their sins,
and vowed to do everything in their power to revitalize the
environment. Amidst the fervor of pro-environmental sentiments,
the last Elw <Mariel> gave rise to the Baskar creed.
<Mariel>: It is said she parted company with the Baskar after a bitter
disagreement. However, the Elw race are said to have great
longevity. That is why to this day, we continue our efforts,
and pray that our separated paths will one day cross, yet
again...
Virginia: So ultimately, it was our forefathers who drove away the
indigenous tribe from this planet...
Clive: It may be that our very existence is unhallowed.
Gallows: Are we even worthy of fighting for this planet?
Jet: Heh! Dwelling in the past ain't gonna change anything! I hate
this kinda stuff!
Virginia: Wait...Jet's right...We can't change what happened by
sulking over it. Hold your head high! We may be tainted,
but that's one more reason why we have to protect the
planet! In place of the Elws, we're the ones who have
to deliver a future for this planet today! I think that's
our only way of making amends...
[They continue to the next room (again!).]
Shane: This painting depicts the event of approximately 100 years
ago. I'm sure you all know what this signifies.
Clive: The Yggdrasil System, correct?
Shane: The Yggdrasil System was created to revitalize Filgaia's
environment. However...My brother told me a bit about what
happened...
Virginia: As long as we live on this planet, we're the ones who
have to protect the planet's future...
Clive: However, looking back at history, there is only mention of
neosapiens who threaten this planet. I'm not quite sure what
this means...Perhaps we are meant to harm the planet once
again...
Shane: Within these mural chambers like only facts about the past.
It is up to the people of the present to figure out how we
want to interpret this. We may still be in the dark now, but
I'm sure we will find the truth within them.
Clive: 'Looking for a shortcut can lead you astray...' That is what
my professor always used to say. Yes, I understand now. I am
always jumping to conclusions...
Gallows: Is that it for the paintings?
Shane: No...There is actually one more in the back...Yes, I believe
this would be a good opportunity to see the last mural.
[In the next room, another marker for the puzzle says:]
Narrative: Yellow are the people aboard a white ship. Silver and
green are the Elws. Ignire the white ship and paint it
red. People are people, and Elws are Elws.
[The party continues on after solving the puzzle. They enter the last
mural room.]
Shane: This is the last painting.
Virginia: But it's...blank.
Shane: This mural depicts the future, which lies in wait. It is up to
the individual to see this as despair and hopelessness...Or as
a future which has yet to be painted.
Gallows: Of course, I'd like to see something painted on there.
Shane: Yes, something great and exciting.
Jet: Yeah, yeah, but what's with all this rubble? Why's this the only
place that's all messed up?
Shane: This wreckage is of an idol modeled after the supreme
guardians, the guardian lords.
Virginia: Guardian lords?
Gallow: [Raftina], [Justine], [Zephyr], and [Luceid]...Guardians who
preside over the unlimited power of the heart, which everyone
possesses...They reigned over all guardians, but disappeared
before the planet began decaying...Right? See? I've been
studying!
Shane: We do not know the whereabouts of the guardian lords' lost
powers, but we must find them someday. The teachings of Baskar
state that a future for the planet will not arrive without
them.
Virginia: A future for the planet...It was just the other day I left
my town to become a Drifter, and before I know it, I'm
involved with the future of the planet...This is a very
serious situation. It's so serious, I can't seem to
comprehend everything, but I do know that we have to do
something!
Shane: I'm not sure how helpful this was, but this is the last of the
murals. We should head back soon.
[The party heads back, but three weird-looking people (?) teleport
into the walkway.]
Virginia: No...It can't be...No way...
[The three people turn around, and although they look radically
different, it's obvious that they are the prophets who were supposed
to be dead. They have new demon forms now, by the looks of it.]
Leehalt: Muh hah hah...How nice to see you again...
Virginia: Leehalt...Melody...and Malik...?
Shane: A-A-Are these the enemies my brother has been fighting? The
ones who threaten Filgaia?
Leehalt: Here is a little something to celebrate our reunion.
[The prophets summon Scarecrow, Steamgear, and Leonhardt to fight
the party, or at least detain them...which they fail to do. The
team blows past them after a while.]
Virginia: Not only did you lose your soul, I see that you've lost your
human form as well!
Leehalt: We have given up and disposed of all of that. Along with our
weaknesses...thanks to the demon lord, Siegfried.
[The party turns around and Siegfried teleports in.]
Siegfried: Are they the ones who can unleash the power of guardians
in this present day? But Filgaia is impoverished...The
power of the guardians must be limited. Surely you should
be able to defeat them?
Leehalt: No, Sire...If only we were graced with the power of demons
as you are, these rogues would have been long gone.
Virginia: Siegfried...
Leehalt: However, we still have other matters we would like to take
care of before we dispose of them.
Malik: These rogues have taken everything away from us!
Melody: These rogues insult us!
Siegfried: You seek vengeance? Interesting...I shall bestow the power
of demons upon all of you...And to you...I shall instill
fear. You will have front row seats to witness this
planet's transformation. Until then, continue to struggle
as you do now...
[The four teleport out.]
Shane: Th-That's the Blue Menace that appears in my dreams...So
these were my brother's enemies...The ones who threaten
Filgaia...But there wasn't a thing I could do about it. As a
pillar, I am destined to fight any threat to Filgaia. But in
actuality, I am always shielded by my brother, unable to do
anything...
[They head back to Halle.]
Gallows: We found out who the guardians' enemies were. And how
Baskar came about. We got a general idea of the planet's
history...But what good does that do us!? The guardians
have declared the demons of folklore the enemies yet again,
but we're dealing with the present now! (We don't have time
for this...Putting Shane in danger wasn't good, either...)
Halle: Will you cool it for a minute! Having you fret isn't going to
solve a thing! This planet's enemies are not the demon
artifacts. He may be only one, but a demon has risen from the
ages of folklore...How do we face him? What do we do? The
power of the guardians defeated him in the past, but how
effective are their decayed powers now? That's it...The power
of the lost guardian lords...If they can be awakened, then
maybe... ... ... Erghhh! Trying to figure out everything at
once is making my head explode!
Clive: ('Looking for a shortcut can lead you astray...') What we
currently know...is that a demon is trying to do something with
this planet. Do you remember the words that blue demon knight,
Siegfried said to us...?
Virginia: This planet will transform...Do you think that refers to
the evolution of Filgaia--what the prophets wanted?
Clive: In a broad sense, yes. However, we are dealing with demons who
are said to have left behind the wisdom of Hyades. There must
be a more definite and concrete malice behind his words...
[Halle moves towards the exit.]
Gallows: Where you goin', Granny?
Halle: An invasion from another world can only be dealt with by the
power that sustains the world, guardians...With such limited
options, there's really no use thinking about it. Plus, I'm
sure we're all hungry. We can't come up with good ideas on an
empty stomach. I'm going to fix some dinner. Join me if you
like. In fact, I suggest you spend the night.
[That night, down in the fire near the sleeping quarters...]
Clive: (This planet will transform...I've heard those words before...
Yes...They're the exact words I asked my professor about, that
day, that moment...)
[Flashback time! On a black screen:]
Narrative: This planet will transform?
Narrative Answer: Yes. Reborn into a Filgaia filled with green, as it
once did. Not the Filgaia covered by wasteland and
desert seas as we have come to know. So, Filgaia
will rejuvenate. But that all depends on...whether
this device will operate as planned.
[Clive's professor shows up on the screen.]
Berlitz: Listen up, young one...There are those who view the work of
archaeologists as pointless, but that is untrue. If we are
able to investigate and pinpoint the cause and origin of
Filgaia's decay, we may be able to find a way to reverse it.
Just remember, looking for a shortcut can lead you astray...
[Berlitz walks over to a pile of dirt and dust.]
Berlitz: The more we investigate, the more inscrutible it becomes...
Filgaia has been decaying ever so slowly, since ages ago.
That is certain...However, take a look at these marks. There
has been a drastic change in the past several years. This in
itself is the current state of decay. ... It's quite odd,
really...I can't recall such a grand change happening.
Perhaps I am becoming feeble-minded with age...
[Berlitz walks over to a machine]
Berlitz: Good heavens! A nanomachine...!? I cannot possibly calculate
this with my knowledge. But...Even with such advanced
technology, were our forerunners unable to rejuvenate
Filgaia?
[Skip ahead a bit. Berlitz is telling Clive to leave.]
Berlitz: Make haste, young one! The security mechanism seems to be
activating each block. Quick! You can run past it!
Clive: Professor!
Berlitz: Stop calling me professor, you imbecile! As the groom to
be for my daughter Catherine, I am to become your father-
-in-law, you know!
Clive: This is not the time to be arguing about these things. The
security mechanism is catching up! You're not thinking
about...
Berlitz: Someone must stop the security mechanism...Plus, it may
take more time than expected to solve the mystery of
Filgaia's decay. It may have been wiser for us to look for a
shortcut in this case. We took too much time. I am much too
tired, and my body is old and decrepit...Young one...I leave
everything in your care...The fate of Filgaia...and...
Catherine...The only regret I have is that I will not be able
to see this planet transform. Listen well, young one...Unlike
myself, you still have time on your side. You must track down
the cause of Filgaia's decay...And find a way to rejuvenate
Filgaia to its original state. When you and Catherine become
parents, wouldn't you want your children to have a safe and
bright future? Take good care...
[End flashback. Clive sits on the steps inside the house where his
party members are sleeping.]
Clive: (That's it...We may be able to find out something if we search
that ruin...However... ... No...this isn't the time to be
wavering...I must be strong...)
Virginia: What's the matter? Can't sleep?
Clive: No, I'm fine. I was doing some thinking...about my memories
of the past...But now I think I have an idea what the demon
is up to...
Virginia: Really!?
Clive: What Halle said about finding a way for the guardians to
face the demon...Apart from that, I believe we need to find
out more about the demon's objective, and intentions. ... I
will explain in detail tomorrow morning when everyone wakes
up. It's funny how sleepless nights are the most productive.
[The next morning...]
Clive: There was a ruin that my professor and I investigated, that
contained a device capable of transforming the planet. It was
an old device that hardly even functioned. But for us, who
haven't the foggiest idea what to do next, I believe this may
prove to be a good lead.
Virginia: I think we should go there. But...Are you all right, Clive?
You look a little down...
Clive: Sorry to worry you. Yes, I am fine...It's just that I have
bitter memories of that place...But really, I am okay.
Virginia: Okay...but don't strain yourself.
[Clive takes something out of his jacket.]
Clive: It is an old ripped piece of a map, but the location of the
ruin is indicated here. It is not much to go on, but let's do
our best to pinpoint its whereabouts. And...What do you say
we start gathering information on the guardian lords Halle
mentioned? My professor and I always used to gather various
data, even when there seemed to be no relation. Looking for a
shortcut can lead you astray. I suggest we visit as many
locales as we can, before we reach our destination.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Shane: Under the guardian lords, the medium of silver will realizes
its power and reclaims the powers of gold. It's the Blue
Menace! We must find the lost guardian lords before the
demons rise to conquer our entire world! We need guardians,
guardian lords, and ever living soul in order to face the
threat of the demons.
Shane (G): The Blue Menace, Siegfried, is a much more powerful and
fearsome enemy than I dreamt.
Cordell: The events of the past become legends that exist in the
present. Guardian lords become statues that still remain,
although powerless. They share one thing. Both are found
all over the world, in changed forms, still conveying their
essence. Attempting to make their essence one's own by
reaching out and grabbing it yields nothing.
Cordell (G): Even when you have a path, you really don't. At times
you will uncover new goals in your travels to foreign
lands. Paths do not stretch before you. Instead, they
extend towards the goals you set from somewhere behind
you.
Roykman: The straits just west of Dune Canyon Station lead out into
the sea. Beyond the straits to the north lies Laxisland, a
village rich in tradition and folklore of dragons. They say
a dragons' wings let you fly on forever, over any hindrance.
I bet that would do wonders for my business.
Ellen: Desire gets a bad rap. But there ain't nothing bad about it.
Wanting more is what drives civilization forward. Of course,
you can't let it get the best of you, either. Once that
happens, you start thinking of your own needs at the expense
of others.
Ellen (G): It was about three months ago, right when you took your
first step outside. They said they found the statue of
the Guardian Lord of Love, and that it was on its way
over the dunes. But before it arrived in Jolly Roger, the
ship ran into a dune beast, and was reduced to scrap in a
matter of seconds. The ravaged vessel's skeleton is either
at the bottom of the dunes, or in the belly of that
horrible beast.
Harold: The guardian lords sleep as stone figures. It is said they can
be restores at the altar in the Southern Sanctuary, and that
they bestow their <powers> on their savior.
<Powers>: They say that the newly awakened guardians task their savior
with a trail to test his prowess before they entrust their
powers of emotion to him.
Laraina: The murals in the World's Footprint contain no <words>. What
did you learn from the final mural...the one showing
nothing? We believe it means that the future will not come
simply waiting for it. Yes...We're sure of it.
Laraina (G): Hope lies beneath the deepest darkness, courage in the
cracks of boulders. Love, swalled by cruelty, is
banished with tears to the sand. Meanwhile, desire lies
at the end of mankind's prosperity. Where do our thoughts
and emotions go? As long as our souls are parched and
fatigued, the guardian lords' strength is lost.
Halle: The menace eats away at Filgaia. We need the power of
guardians, especially guardian lords if we are to stop the
demons. The guardian lords are guardians of things that sustain
the soul, lke love, courage, hope, and desire. But they
suffered the same fate as this world. Their souls dried up and
they lost their <powers>. I believe we can stand up to the
demons if we could just awaken the powers of the guardian
lords.
<Powers>: Once they lost their powers, they turned to stone and
entered a deep slumber. Now mere statues, they have been
handed down from one person to another for countless
centuries. We no longer know where they are, but I hope
you can find them, and awaken them from their never-ending
sleep.
Halle (G): If you ever cross paths with the guardian lords, promise
me you'll help revive them. Once a guardian lord has lost
its strength, it turns to stone. I want you to find these
statues and head to the altar inside Southern Sanctuary.
Of course, I assume you will be faced with a trial once
you offer the statues at the altar. Pass the trial, and the
guardian lords' powers will become yours. They will be your
new mediums. They say the medium of a guardian lord can
truly awaken the other mediums. You must not face the
demons until you have all the guardians' powers behind you.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: The light of salvation shines through when you're near a town
with people that have forsaken hope. That candlestick tells us
that no matter how thick the darkness, there is always hope.
Meanwhile, desire fades once it's all gone. Quite the opposite,
aren't they?
Sterling: Head northwest from the beach by the port and you'll see an
arch. Through the arch to the east, keep the coast on your
port side, and soon you'll find the straits that lead out to
the <inner sea>. They say you can get to Laxisland by
crossing the inner sea to the north, beyond the strait.
Laxisland is known through the legends about machines that
soar in the sky, but I'm still reading up on them.
Especially the ones called dragons! I'd love to lay eyes
on a real dragon...That is, if they really do exist.
<Inner sea>: The straits that lead to the inner sea are plugged up
by a huge rock, sculpted by the dunes' erosion. I've
even heard that it's plagued by fearsome wandering
monsters. With the sea route cut off and monsters on
the loose, this town's luck has never been worse.
[No other special dialogue elsewhere.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Dreamscapes: Ruins of Dreams to Fila del Fia |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ RDFF /
\_______/
[Near X:20108, Y:16780, near the islands in the reefs near Humphrey's
Peak, the party finds the Ruins of Dreams, which bears many sad
memories for Clive.]
Virginia: So, this is where Clive first came in contact with the
device...
Clive: ...
Virginia: Clive...?
Clive: Oh, forgive me...I was lost in my thoughts for a moment, but I
am all right now.
Virginia: Are you sure?
Clive: Thank you--I am fine. This ruin has long been abandoned, but
the security mechanism may still be active. We must take
precautions.
[The party contines inwards a ways, and stops to look at a large
machine that sits in the middle of a ruin.]
Clive: This planet will transform...I have deciphered the words of
Siegfried. It is...planetary re-creation...I believe the planet
is not evolving, but transubstantiating its very existence...
Gallows: You mean Filgaia's changing into something else!? Is that
possible?
Clive: Starting with the Yggdrasil System, the endless environmental
rejuvenation this planet has undergone is actually--in a broad
sense--planetary re-creation. And this place here, was one of
those environmental facilities designed to rejuvenate Filgaia.
Virginia: Just like Yggdrasil?
Clive: Much smaller in terms of scale or level. This place is where
the impossible dream of rejuvenating Filgaia still sleeps.
Let's press on further.
[The party heads on into another room with large machines.]
Clive: This facility incubated a machine designed to control the
planetary environment.
Virginia: You mean that big thing?
Clive: You are half correct. It is a molecule-sized machine, created
from this big plant. It's called the [nanomachine].
Virginia: The nanomachine...? Could that be...!
Clive: Yes...It is believed to have the same properties as the
nanomachine that was injected into your body. ... As a matter
of fact, I did not know about the existence of the nanomachine
until I met your father. To this day, I still do not have a
full understanding of it...
Virginia: But this nanomachine is meant to control the environment of
Filgaia, right? What does this one have to do with the one
that affected my body...?
Werner: If this planet is likened to a single life-form...
[Everyone turns to see Virginia's father.]
Werner: ...then there are parts that make up the living organism,
though the scale may be small.
Virginia: Daddy...!
Clive: Is my theory a little out of the ordinary?
Werner: I think you have an open-minded way of thinking...But it
doesn't necessarily mean it's a pleasant theory.
Clive: In other words, nanomachines imbedded within the body are
programmed to rewrite the structure of living organisms.
Everything would be okay if this is promoting the rejuvenation
of the environment, but an unseen enemy is misusing the lost
technology. It is believed that this enemy is using the
nanomachine to devour and destroy the environment and to
change it into something completely different. It is like a
cancer of the planet, where the cancer cell is actually the
cell of demons.
Virginia: So the life force is being wiped out by demon cells...
...which means...!
[Virginia thinks back to Janus' hideous demon body.]
Virginia: Janus Cascade...
Clive: ...and the three prophets. Yes, we are witnessing the
destruction of a life force by the hands of demons. This planet
will transform...Perhaps this means that the planet is being
demonized--a birth of a colossal demon on a planetary level...
Virginia: A demonized planet...Filgaia...We can't let that happen...
We have to stop this Blue Menace that the guardians warned
us about, or else we'll lose everything! Even Shane dreamt
about this, too!
Clive: My professor lies buried just up ahead. Would you mind coming
along? I would like to go pay my respects.
[The party goes into the next room.]
Werner: The <Nanomachine Technology> is also wisdom from Hyades.
Hyades is a fountain of lost technology. The Council of Seven
did their best to try and solve its mystery. This plant here
is one of the lab facilities that the previous council left
behind generations ago.
<Nanomachine...>: By possessing the micro machine colony, the bodily
structure of the organism can be rewritten on a
cellular level. Considering the infinite cell
count of humans, this would be an ideal system. But
this is precisely why there is some <doubt>...The
mysteries of Hyades are infinite. [Go back to the
"Hyades is a fountain..." line from here.]
<Doubt>: There is no trace of the demons using nanomachines on any
organisms of this planet. Then why did the demons fabricate
nanomachines into something so highly advanced and
sophisticated? I think I've gone off on a tangent. [Werner
goes back to the "Hyades is a fountain..." line.]
Clive: This was considered to be one of the lab facilities, even with
its size?
Werner: The re-creation of the planetary environment requires massive
amounts of energy. The standards of this facility most likely
could not supply the required amount. The fact is, the
Yggdrasil System and most of its functions are devoted to
producing and amplifying energy.
Gallows: What if, for example, we operate this generator beyond its
maximum capacity?
Werner: It would cause the system to go haywire--just like Yggdrasil.
Clive: So the Yggdrasil accident was caused by the generator
malfunctioning?
Werner: Hmm...Accident--not really...The Yggdrasil System's
malfunction was the direct result of Duran, the control
administrator, who pushed the system well beyond its limits...
... He just inputted the wrong digits... NO! That's not what
happened! It was inside Yggdrasil's archived data...The
Yggdrasil System was secretly pre-programmed to go haywire!
None of the council members knew about it...The program was
<hidden>! But why...!? For what reason!?
<Hidden>: It wasn't a mistake...Duran was laughing at the time...
[Werner goes back to the "But why...!?".]
Virginia: So you were searching for the truth, Daddy...
Werner: I could easily carry on as if it were an accident...But I am
one of the very people responsible for the Yggdrasil tragedy.
I must atone for my sins...
[A large monster appears at the top of the stairs (Humbaba), but the
party turns scraps it just like the machines around it.]
Jet: Must've been a monster who made the abandoned laboratory its
home.
Virginia: (I think I just heard someone laughing...)
[The party continues on into an adjoining room. Clive opens the
door and the professor's grave/mound is inside.]
Clive: This is the last place I visited with my professor when I was a
fledging archaeologist. And also the place where my professor
gave me an important assignment I must complete.
[He walks over to the mound.]
Clive: (It was just as you advocated, professor...The cause of
Filgaia's decay lies not in the ancient path, but in recent
years. But it may still be quite difficult to create a future
for this planet, so please give me a little more time.) Thank
you. Let us return. Who knows when this place may collapse.
[As Clive leaves, he thinks he hears his professor's words...]
Narrative: I leave the rest in your hands, young one...
Clive: (Thank you, Berlitz...)
[Meanwhile, somewhere in a laboratory that is NOT Yggdrasil, the
three demonized prophets are at work.]
Melody: There is not enough power in the generator for the
nanomachines to erode Filgaia and to bring about terraforming.
Malik: If only we had a generator like Yggdrasil, we wouldn't be held
up by such trifling matters. Who could have removed the core
generator from the Yggdrasil System?
Leehalt: Yggdrasil's generator output possesses great power, enough
to regulate the entire planet. In order to control the
tremendous output, one needs to be endowed with the wisdom
of Hyades, like us. Could it be Werner's doing? Or was there
another survivor besides Werner and us from that tragic
accident?
Siegfried: Dealing with uncertain factors go hand in hand with
executing a plan. If the current situation is displeasing,
you must overcome the problem. I have given you the power
to do just that.
Leehalt: I understand, Sire...
[Back at the Ruins of Dreams, the party stops at the entrance.]
Werner: I, too, am in search of finding the cause of Filgaia's
decay... Not the actual source of the decay, but clues leading
up to the accident...Or rather, the incident...I linger here
full of regret, investigating every phenomenon, leaving no
stone unturned...
Virginia: Yes, now I know, Daddy...You left Mom and I...so that you
can fight for the sake of Filgaia...
Werner: I did it because I...
Virginia: Because you didn't want us to worry? Don't be so selfish!
Sometimes, Mom's favorite flowers were placed in front of
her grave. That was you, wasn't it, Daddy...!? Those
flowers gave me hope that maybe some day, you might return!
I would have been much better off if I had given up on you!
Werner: I'm sorry, Virginia.
Virginia: Are you leaving by yourself again...? We're all striving
for the same goal! We all want a brighter future for this
planet, right...? So...
Werner: I just want to atone for my sins...That's all...
[Werner turns to leave.]
Virginia: Daddy...!
Werner: If the hypothesis about Leehalt using nanomachines to demonize
Filgaia is true...He would most likely go after the great
generator and try to gather massive amounts of energy. [Fila
del Fia]...There, you may find what they're after...
Virginia: Fila...del...Fia...?
Werner: I do not deserve to see the future with all of you...It is you
who must blaze a trail to Filgaia's future...
[He leaves. The party walks outside, too, but he's gone.]
Virginia: (Daddy...Why won't you let me be with you...?) I wonder what
Fila del Fia actually means?
Clive: That name does ring a bell. I remember it from documentary
records. The Aerial City of Fila del Fia was a floating city of
the neosapiens.
Virginia: A floating city!? Where?
Clive: You can't see it. Actually, I didn't mean to get your hopes up,
but according to the records, Fila del Fia fell from the sky
long ago. It is difficult to fathom how a city so big could
float in the sky...And for what purpose?
Virginia: Oh, well...At least we know where to head next! Okay,
everyone! Let's gear up for Fila del Fia!
Clive: Please don't feel obligated. I'm sure you would rather find
your father.
Virginia: Don't worry about me...I want to do this...
Clive: Very well...
Virginia: Can I ask you something? Why is it so difficult to express
your feelings in words? Your heart may mean one thing, but
it comes out the opposite when you say it...
Clive: Words do not express feeling. Feeling is expressed from the
heart. And I strongly believe that feelings can be shared
without words.
Virginia: Come on, everybody! Let's run! I don't know where Fila del
Fia fell, but...it had to have left a mark somewhere...I
mean, it being a big city and all! Let's go find it. Come
on, let's run...! Let's track them down, and also...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: The Order of the Ark of Destiny scoured an ancient floating
city attempting to cast their own ark aloft. But everything
that could fly has already fallen when the soul of the person
that held it inside fell. I wonder if those guys will keep
their noble pride in that flying ark.
[No other dialogue anywhere.]
[The party goes to the mysterious crater near X:10477, Y:18336, and
finds the wreckage of the fallen city still nestled in the middle of
it.]
Virginia: Now that we're actually inside, I feel kinda disappointed...
I think deep down inside, I was expecting an actual floating
city...
Gallows: Yeah, you said it...Can't we sue someone for
misrepresentation?
Clive: About that floating city...There is no conclusive evidence of
it. Only a big crater, which could not have been caused by an
earthquake or an explosion. The condition of the damage
indicates it has fallen from the heavens. That is my
investigative report thus far...Just a speculation that it may
have once existed in the sky.
Gallows: Just as the saying goes, what goes up, must come down.
Clive: Whether this was actually a floating city in the past is not
our concern. We need to find out how this place was able to
provide the energy to float, if in fact it did.
Virginia: So basically, if there is such an energy source powerful
enough to levitate a city, then that means they'd come
after it, too! (So that's what Daddy was trying to tell
us...Daddy didn't leave on his own...He was guiding me
all along. Daddy and I are working together...)
Gallows: Maybe what your dad was trying to tell us this...There isn't
much time to stop their plan. So, I'll leave this to you, so
that I can take care of other business...
Virginia: Thanks...I'm okay now...Come on, let's go!
[The party heads in further and finds a new tool for Clive.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Tool:Grappling Hook
Press the [] button to release a grappling hook straight up. Once
the hook is set, you can pull yourself up, allowing you to travel
vertically and reach higher levels.]
[They continue on into a room and inspect a small terminal on a small
machine.]
Clive: Let me try breaking into the system. While I'm at it, I hope to
pinpoint the main generator by backtracking the route of the
energy source...Did you notice all these pipes surrounding you?
Virginia: They're just ordinary pipes, right?
Clive: No...Not just ordinary pipes...I have just discovered this
myself, but these pipes, and most of the system here are
composed of both living and machine matter...
Virginia: Half living organism, half machine...That's just like...
Clive: Yes...Like the bodily structure of both demons and dragons...
Virginia: But this is supposed to be a city of neosapiens...
Clive: There might have been some ill will between the demons and the
neosapiens, but...We don't know for sure...We, too, still wield
ARMs made from the fossils of dragons...
Virginia: I guess...
Clive: There...I have unlocked the door. Let us continue our
investigation.
[They continue on, stopping at another similarly shaped terminal.]
Virginia: Could this be the main generator?
Clive: No, I believe it is a sub generator. A system devised to
deliver energy throughout the city efficiently. ... If this
city did supply such massive amounts of energy...then it may
actually be true that this city once floated in the sky.
Although I am more amazed at the technological level of the
past...
Jet: Well I don't care how amazing it is. What we do know is that this
city is buried in dirt. Everything must come to an end.
Everything...
Virginia: Maybe so...But I'm not going to let Filgaia come to an end
so soon! That's why we're here, doing our best to protect
it! You, too, musthave a lot of memories you want to keep of
this planet, don't you!? Then why do you say such things!?
Jet: The problem is, I don't...I don't have any memories, so I can't
get all passionate about this as you guys. S-Sorry...I went
overboard...Let's just go and get this over with. There isn't
anything of value here, anyway...
[The party continues on even further and is attacked by the
Chameleon Man. They attack it with their ARMs and it goes invisible.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Once it is attacked physically, the monster will
activate stealth mode, which nullifies all future physical attacks.
However, its stealth mode will wear off after a number of turns.]
[The party soon lays the creature to waste, with all the other
wrecked junk lying around. They continue on to a room with a bunch
of rounded machines. They go over to the console and Clive checks it
out.]
Clive: Most of the city's functions have ceased. The power output
section seems to have taken the most damage. Here...I have
uncovered some miscellaneous information...Ahh, yes...This
city was indeed built by the hands of humans. The completion
date, and the name of the foreman are also displayed. But
the question is, where did they get the technology? From the
information library Hyades, perhaps? Then it is safe to
assume that demons and neosapiens did in fact make contact
in the past? Yes, I've got it! It was a crystallized energy
similar to Aguelite and Germatron that activated Fila del
Fia. And it was a much more high density and pure energy
crystallization...Here, I'll bring it up on the screen.
It's name; the [Teardrop]...It contains a wavelength similar
to bio-energy, and is said to sparkle a lustrous blue unlike
any other gem...
Virginia: If this Teardrop still exists somewhere on Filgaia today,
and if the prophets are scheming to...
Jet: Why bother analyzing the situation? If they're after the
Teardrop...then our next goal is set.
Virginia: Y-You're right...You're absolutely right! What are we
waiting for!? We haven't uncovered any leads about the
Teardrop yet...So, let's gather as much information as we
can! Come on, everyone!
[The party walks out, but Virginia recalls what's just happened.]
Narrative: (A high density, pure energy crystal...The Teardrop, which
has a sparkle unlike any other gem...) A sparkle unlike any
other gem...Sparkle...Gem...Hmmm...What's the connection
here?
[Outside, somewhere, the Schroedingers are walking.]
Maya: Bwaaaaachoooo!
Todd: No matter how many times I hear it, I will never get used to
Milady's sneeze.
Alfred: I hope she doesn't catch a cold...Despite her tough attitude,
she's still quite delicate...Hey, sis...Sis! I said, SIS!
Maya: I heard you the first time, so stop yelling. And pick up the
pace!
Alfred: Hold up! Where do you think you're going, anyway?
Maya: To find the ultimate gem, the Teardrop, of course!
Alfred: But the info we gathered tells us it's this way, not that way!
We're going in the opposite direction!
Maya: You heard what the man in Claiborne said! He said it's located
inside the tower up ahead!
Alfred: That's just a rumor...The information we gathered is much
more reliable. Why are you so adamant in checking this place
out?
Maya: I have a gut feeling about this!
Alfred: You're just going because it's closer! And because you're
obsessed with the idea of getting your hands on the gem as
soon as possiblee!
Maya: Yeah, that's right! So what!? But think about it! Everyone in
the village knows about this rumor! Which means if we don't
get there soon, someone else might be us to it!
Todd: Look at Milady's eyes...They're filled with tears.
Shady: A grown woman cryin'...She's serious.
Alfred: All right, you win...Do as you please...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Shane (G): They said you found the <floating city>. I want you to tell
me all about it. What was it like? It's in our legends, so
I can't wait to hear what the real floating city is like!
<Floating...> Gallows: Yeah, the floating city...It was like a
beautiful castle in the clouds, you know. It
was...like, so...awesome. (I don't want to
spoil Shane with the truth.)
[Special/new Dialogue in: Claiborne]
Roykman: The chickens here don't spend too much time in the chicken
coop. They're mostly outside, exercising under the bright,
warm sun.
Pike: There's an old, crumbling ruin near this village, too. It's sad
to see things fall into decay.
Pike (J): My muscles get sore for two days straight when I do physical
labor. That's one of my bad memories...What about you? What
kind of memories can you tell me about, today? ... Wow...
So, you discovered a link between mankind and demons inside
a floating city that fell from the sky, huh? That sounds
really interesting.
Otto: I don't know who's spreadin' this rumor, but an <abandoned
tower nearby> supposedly contains some <treasure>.
<Abandoned...>: It's a tower erected generations ago, located
northwest of here. I kinda doubt there'll be anythin'
of value in there, but...Y'all better hurry, just in
case this rumor is true.
<Treasure>: It's supposedly somethin' really useful and rare. I'd be
after it myself if it was an ARM of somethin'.
Myra: I've been hearin' a lot of rumors 'bout the abandoned tower to
the norhtwest but that's just a facility used to catch monsters.
There's not a chance you would find any treasure there.
Dessinsey: The young'uns can't stop talkin' 'bout the treasure that
was found in nearby ruins. I wish they'd focus more on
their work than gossip. Where did they get that gossip,
anyway?
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Aptly Named: Caging Tower to Laxisland |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ CTLX /
\_______/
[The party goes out searching for the ruin, finding it on the cliff
that overlooks Infinitum, at X: 9420, Y:9128. This is the Caging
Tower. Soon, the party comes upon the Schroedingers, already ready
for battle.]
Maya: I knew someone was following me, but I didn't expect it to be
you. Hmph...It's gonna be one of those days...
Virginia: Maya...Don't tell me you're after the Teardrop, too...
Maya: Of course. That's the only reason anyone would come to this
depressing tower.
Virginia: Maya, listen to me! There are people out there who want to
use the Teardrop to transform Filgaia into an uninhabitable
planet!
Maya: How terrible!
Virginia: That's why we have to get a hold of the Teardrop before
anyone else!
Maya: I see...
Virginia: I'm glad you understand!
Maya: I understand perfectly! You and I are destined to fight over the
Teardrop!
[The two start fighting.]
Virginia: No, no, no! You don't get it at all!
Maya: According to your logic, it wouldn't matter if I get a hold of
the Teardrop. You're probably just coaxing me to help you find
it!
Virginia: That's not true!
Maya: Save your breath! Here we go!
[The Schroedingers get the beating of their lives.]
Maya: Not bad...I knew you had it in you. But no more fun and games.
Have a taste of the latest pick from 'Maya's Book of the Month'
club!
[She takes out a book and holds it at the party.]
Virginia: Enough is enough! I didn't come here to fight you, or take
the Teardrop for myself!
Maya: Then, why are you here?
Virginia: That's what I've been...
Maya: What? For the planet? For the people? For justice?
Virginia: Y-Yes...
Maya: You're so naive! I can't believe you're doing this for such
vague reasons! Think about it. Justice can easily be overruled
depending on how you look at it. You're not going to reach
anyone's heart with that! You're just doing this for your own
satisfaction!
[Virginia tries to slap her, but she blocks it.]
Maya: I told you you can't reach.
[With her blocked arm, she slaps her anyway.]
Virginia: Yes I can. I don't expect to reach anyone's heart from the
get go. But I do believe I can reach people someday...That's
what keeps me going. Just like you...
Maya: Fine...You win.
Virginia: Thanks, Maya...
Maya: Well then, let's get moving. I'll continue our conversation once
we find the Teardrop.
[Near the elevator, Jet can use the Radical Sneakers to press a button
on the floor.]
Narrative: As the ground shakes, you hear the sound of a motor off in
the distance. Power seems to have been restored.
[If one takes the elevator to the bottom, a treasure chest (sealed)
can be opened to get a Black Pass, which opens the way to the Black
Market in Little Twister. Anyway, continuing on into the tower, the
party encounters rooms with spheres on them. When they go to the
source, this is said:]
Narrative: A harsh sound can be heard from the device. The mysterious
spheres drifting about the floor seem to be drawing energy.
[The party continues on, finally coming to a room with a gem that sits
in the middle of a platform. It's sparkly red and cut like a diamond.]
Virginia: So that's the Teardrop?
Maya: Wait...It's better to take in its <beauty> first, before rushing
the job. Shady!
<Beauty>: When held to the light, the Teardrop is said to sparkle a
magnificent blue like none other. Shady!
[Shady jumps onto the platform, takes the gem, and starts walking
back, but a glowing green pyramid materializes and traps him inside.]
Shady: NOOOO! I'm trapped! Let me out! HELP! No more walls, please!
Virginia: Wh-What's going on!?
Maya: I've heard that my ancestors had something to do with this...
Shady's a little <claustrophobic>. He gets like this sometimes.
It's nothing to worry about.
<Claustrophobic>: It's usually not this bad, but sometimes he spazzes
out like this. I wonder what happened between him
an my ancestors?
Gallows: That's not what we were asking...
Maya: Oh...Anyway, the rumor about finding the Teardrop here is just
that: a rumor. Misinformation with evil intent, I might add.
If not, how do you explain this trap?
Shady: Whaaaaaaaaaaaah! No poison gas, please!
[Maya shoots the terminal behind the pyramid and the pyramid
disappears.]
Maya: Good work, Shady.
[Maya goes up onto the platform to pick up Shady, but he crawls
off and jumps into Alfred's arms.]
Maya: Oh, well...I guess he doesn't like me anymore.
Virginia: So you came all the way out here knowing it was just a
rumor?
Maya: A-huh...Although I wasn't one hundred percent sure 'till now.
We've conducted a thorough investigation as to the <exact
location> of the Teardrop. We couldn't just ignore this
information either, so we wanted to double-check. [Skip to
Alfred's next line if the ASK system isn't activated.]
<Exact...> Virginia: Exact location...? Where's that?
Maya: You really expect me to tell you? Anyway, we just happened
to obtain information about this tower on the way there, so
we decided to check it out. Reconfirming all leads before
diving into the real thing is the Schroedinger way.
Alfred: (We came here because it was closer...)
Todd: (Never show weakness to your opponent...I'm very impressed,
Milady...)
Shady: (You let me get it, knowin' it was a trap!?)
Virginia: Then...where's the real Teardrop?
Narrative: I expected to lure the Werner girl with the false
information, but what a surprise...
[The prophets suddenly appear around Maya and encase her in another
pyramid.]
Melody: The cage effector seems to be destroyed...
Malik: Not a problem. We shall act as the effector...
Leehalt: To think that this little damsel would know the whereabouts
of the Teardrop...NO! One false move and this girl is dead.
What do you think would happen if we extract all the oxygen
this pen?
Melody: Perhaps she will gasp for air like a fish out of water?
Malik: No...before that, her internal organs may explode from all the
pressure.
Leehalt: Now, young lady...Tell us everything you know about this...
Teardrop...
Maya: Over my dead body! Are you the clowns who are trying to disrupt
this planet!?
Leehalt: Heh heh heh heh...Very well...I expected this to take some
time...Perhaps a change in scenery will help you feel more
at ease. Plus, we should get to know each other better.
[The prophets disappear with Maya.]
Alfred: SIS!! Sis...What do I...Oh, my...No...Uhhh...
Todd: Pull yourself together, Master Alfred!
Alfred: My sis...She's in trouble...What do I...
Todd: Yes, this is a grave situation indeed. That is precisely why
you must pull yourself together and be strong!
[Alfred takes out a match, lights it, and stares at it.]
Alfred: Get it together...Alfred...Be strong, Alfred...Or else, sis...
Gallows: Uhhh...Excuse me? I hope you don't me askin', but uhh...what
kind of secret ritual is that?
Todd: Master Alfred is able to calm his nerves by gazing into fire.
He is trying to regain his <calm>. [Skip to Alfred's next line
if the ASK system isn't activated.]
<Calm> Gallows: But it looks like he's shaking...
Todd: Master Alfred is immersing his thoughts inside the fire. 'The
fire is me...I am the fire...' By dissolving your
consciousness and becoming one with the macrocosm, one is able
to regain mental equilibrium.
Alfred: The fire is me...I am the fire...I must be strong...be
strong...
Gallows: Kids do the strangest things these days...
Alfred: Okay, Todd! Which direction was sis taken!?
Todd: This way, sir! My eyes have never failed me yet!
Alfred: Okay, Shady! What time is it!?
Shady: My stomach says 3:04 P.M. It's passed snack time.
Alfred: Based on the sun's coordinates and the current time...Sis was
taken southeast of here! Todd! How long did it take for them
to disappear?
Todd: I would say, two or three seconds, sir...
Alfred: Looks like they flew off at an alarming speed...If I may, I
would like to ask for your assistance...I need to go save my
sister.
Virginia: Of course. Let's hurry! It's far southeast of here. We're
going to save Maya!
Todd: Are you assisting us so you can take the Teardop for yourself...
Or...
Virginia: Well...It might be vague. But I'm going to prove to her it
can be reached!
Todd: Much obliged...We owe you one...Perhaps we should visit a few
nearby locales to gather clues to Milady's whereabouts.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Claiborne]
Otto: I don't know who spread that rumor 'bout some treasure inside a
tower, but all I wanna know is whether there was treasure to be
found or not. Well, how 'bout it?
Dessinsey: The northwest tower was used to catch monsters back in the
day. So, what happened to all the captured monsters, you
ask? I hear they were taken away to a place only accessible
by air, where they were dissected and disposed of.
Myra: A large body of light flew from the northwest to the
<southeast>...I just hope it's not an ill omen...
<Southeast>: There are two towns to the southeast...I can't stop you
Drifters from headin' over there, but just don't bring
any trouble for us!
Pike: 'A ray of hope will lead you through the darkness.' Have you
heard that before? People in my hometown used to say that all
the time. It's like when you're feeling down, you think it'll
stay that way forever, but tomorrow is always a new day.
Pike (J): I want to ask you about your birthplace, but I won't because
I know you'll snap back at me. Anyway, what kind of memories
can you tell me this time? ... Wow...A female Drifter that
you guys have ties with has been kidnapped by the enemy,
huh? No wonder you guys look so down. But I'm sure it'll all
work out. I mean, you guys are skilled Drifters, and so is
she, right?
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: Sometimes you'll meet folks whose actions seem without
meaning. But trust me, there's a method to their madness.
If the steel wings are asleep, letting their power go to
waste, then there must be a reason they're doing that. It's
impossible to deal with an opponent when you don't know
what their reasoning is. Try keeping that in mind.
[The party goes to Claiborne and snoops around as to the whereabouts
of the light that went across the sky. As they leave, a cutscene with
Siegfried starts. Maya is lying on the floor, hands tied, in front of
the demon lord.]
Siegfried: So...You refuse to share the whereabouts of the
Teardrop...?
Maya: If you really want to know, why don't you go out and do your
own research? Although I can understand how you're probably too
embarrassed to walk around in public with that clunky outfit.
Siegfried: Obstinate wench...The truth of the matter is, I can glean
information directly from your mind, without your
confession. I was hoping you would speak out, but I guess
it cannot be helped. Leehalt...
[Leehalt gives Siegfried a book.]
Maya: No...Is that the...
[The cutscene ends and the party heads toward the strait that is
blocked by rock formations near Jolly Roger.]
Narrative: Something huge slides towards the Sandcraft through the
quicksand!
[The Balal Quo Naga attacks, but gets its ugly mug slapped with a
load full of Sandcraft ammunition.]
Narrative: The fight with Balal Quo Naga was so fierce that it crushed
reefs and altered the very shape of the land. Bits of wood
and cloth were scattered among the chunks of broken rock,
like the aftermath of a great shipwreck. Most of the
baggage was smashed to pieces, but a single suitcase
floated defiantly. Virginia tried to retrieve the luggage
before it sank again beneath the waves of sand. [The
'Suitcase' item is acquired now.]
[The inland sea opens up and the party finds a new city at
X:17780, Y:19029: Laxisland.]
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
-Robert: The only guy in Laxisland who looks like a surfer dude
-Nalice: Bossy girl who talks in the same tones as Susan
-Zim: Man who propositions are lost on; also has the best NPC name
-Roswell: Excited man who has "associates" in the sea of stars
-Laura: The friendly owner of the Laxisland bar
-Mileux: A worker at the bar who's kind of sick...Hmm...
-Berlin: A really cocky memory figure...?
-Galahad: An arrogant dragonslayer who can't find a dragon to slay
Berlin: <<Beep>>...ENJOYING YOUR STAY...? SAVE YOUR GAME...?
[Options: Yes, No]
Berlin (No): <<Beep>>...OH, YEAH...? ADIOS, AMIGOS...!
Robert: Take a look at the forest of grave markers. That's what
<happens> to dragonslayers. We humans are meant to be
miserable. Listen to me. Don't even think about heading to
the dragon's lair.
<Happens>: They say there's an open space at the top of the
mountain where they played the tune of monster-calling...
Only to incur the dragon's wrath. They say a raging
serpent unleashes a furious assault for a while, and then
has to rest for the same amount of time. But what
difference would it make? Nobody has ever survived such
an onslaught, anyway.
Nalice: You're another outsider snooping around town, right? I know
the type. It's good to dream, kid, but never forget to keep
your <feet on the ground>, okay? Or...are you insulted to hear
that from me?
<Feet...>: You heard me. We have a saying here: 'He who soars on
dragon's wings often forgets how to land.' Best remember
that.
Roswell: The blight of our land is unfortunate, but shouldn't we
worry about what's even more important? We must keep our
eyes on the sky, not the ground. That's right! I'm talking
about enemies from the <stars>!
<Stars>: Forces of chaos are encroaching upon us from the sea of
stars! Nobody ever listens to me, but you're different,
right?
Zim: Ahh, customer. What you want? [Replies: Upgrade, Sell, Chat]
Zim (Chat): Young sprout...You want take cursed dolls for me? They say
bring gory death to owner. Please, you take for me?
[Replies: How interesting. I'll take 'em.; How disturbing!
I'll pass.]
Zim (R2): Oh? That too bad...But I think maybe you smart no take
dolls. Smart!
Zim (R1): They so creepy. Long time I search for new owner. Thank you.
Thank you. [He gives the Kramer Dolls to Gallows].
[DIDACTIC POINT: TOOL: Kramer Dolls
Press the [] button to activate the dolls, who play a melody that
attracts monsters. They stimulate imprisoned monsters and draw them
out before the party.][After taking them, Zim says:]
Zim: Those dolls under evil curse. Bad! Everybody who owns them so far
went die in dragon's lair on south fire mountain, burned black
and crispy! Each time, dolls went come back here! No can get rid
of them! Please! Now that you have dolls, I no want you die! Stay
far from south fire mountain. I no want you get fried like
chicken!
Zim (2): You be careful, and no wander into dragon's lair. It inside
fire mountain to south. Dragon story help out town. But real
dragon scare us stiff.
Galahad: That verse they have about the dragon here...That it is
still told verily suggests that the beast still lives in the
world of men. Indeed, it must be! It must! And who shall
posterity honour as slayer of the dragon? None other than I,
Galahad! Yes!
Mileux: <Cough> H-Howdy. [There is no ASK system on this one; the
notation just notes that she did an action in the speech.]
Laura: Howdy! If you're needing warm food and a dry bed, you've come
to the right place. [Replies: Stay, Sell, Chat]
Laura (Stay): Let's see...I think it'll be _____ Gella. [Replies:
Yes, No]
Laura (Stay - Yes): [Nothing is said.]
Laura (Stay - No): [Nothing is said.]
Laura (Sell): [Regular sell screen; no dialogue exchanged]
Laura (Chat): We have a saying in these parts. It goes like this:
Narrative: What would you ask of a dragon? Dragons are not property,
they listen to no one. But if you must ask, give the
dragon something in return. Then, your request may be
granted. The dragon seeks to satisfy a single desire. It is
that which she cannot have. No matter how strong in battle,
no matter how swift in flight, it taunts her, forever out
of reach. It is...to cease being a dragon. It is to lay her
infernal wrath to rest. It is to be free from her bonds to
this war-torn world.
Laura: I'm not so sure what they were trying to say...But so many have
drifted through here, seeking to conquer the dragon.
Roykman: I know a nice town unreachable on foot or by ship. It lies at
X: 11890, Y:14230.It's called Ballack Rise, an interesting
hideaway sporting a spyglass on the roof. I can get there
using a special item of mine, but it's totally out of reach
for most people. With a dragon at your command, however, you
can probably just zoom straight there!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Emilia (Chat): [Picking this option after defeating the Balal Quo Naga
has the following words said, depending on who leads
the group. Emilia's reply stays the same, though.]
Virginia: We have exacted revenge. And...we wanted to give you this.
Jet: We've slain Balal Quo Naga. Here's your proof.
Gallows: Balal Quo Naga is history. We found this trunk in its lair.
Clive: We have completed your quest. And...We would like to return
this to you.
Emilia: I just wanted proof that Mario was still alive. But, if that's
not possible...Then I wanted proof that he died. Because I
love him. That's why I didn't want our souls tied to the past.
I wanted a blade to cut away the past so I could live in the
present. Besides, Mario hated being hesitant over the same
thing all the time. Thank you...for avenging his death. And
for bringing back one of his things. There's something inside
that I want you to have. An odd-looking statue, ain't it? But
it doesn't seem sinister to me. I think it looks kind. Well,
that settles it. I want you to have it. Oh, that Mario...
Always brining the weirdest things home. I never knew what to
do...But it reminds me so much of him. That's why I want you
to have it. [She gives Virginia the Goddess Idol]
Emilia (2): Mario always brings back strange-looking gifts that wind
up being rightly useful. I'd be happy if you got some use
out of that statue? Then I'd feel like I could laugh like
I used to.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ark of Destiny]
No speech here, actually, but the following books become available in
the library when you get the Grappling Hook from Fila del Fia
-Guardians of the Heart
-Mu & Lemuria Monthly
-Ice Queen [Sealed]
-Full Account of Survey Point #08
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Into the Ether: Laxisland to Dragon's Lair |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ LDRL /
\_______/
[No new dialogue elsewhere. Once the preparations are done, the party
heads on down to the weird-looking "fire mountain" and, near X:17934,
Y:13132, they find the Dragon's Lair. The party enters, blowing holes
with Clive's bombs and walking through. The party rises higher and
higher, and, suddenly, the path they're on is blocked by a cave-in.]
Narrative: A rumbling howl shakes the mountain. It causes the roof of
the tunnel to collapse, blocking the way back!
[Each person can say something different in response to this.]
Virginia: Well, there's only one way to go now...
Jet: I guess that means we're invited. I'd hate to overstay our
welcome.
Gallows: Oh, gimme a break! Now they're guilty of illegal confinement!
I'm glad that's their only crime so far, though...
Clive: I don't recall receiving an invitation, but it seems now we'll
have to go meet our eager host.
[The party continues out into the sunshine--the open top of the
volcano. Using what they learned in Laxisland, the Kramer Dolls are
played. Up in the sky, a large blue dragon flies...!?]
Virginia: Could it be!?
[It lands and is definitely a site to behold.]
Narrative: Who dares trespass upon my lair? Is he who calls out my
name one who seeks honour?
Clive: So this is the dragon, ultimate weapon of legend.
Gallow: She's made contact with my mind! If I don't watch it, she'll
crush my soul like a grape!
Narrative: Mortals...Tiny mortals...If my strength thou dost desire,
then face my trial thou must!
[The dragon attacks.]
Narrative: So, yearn the title of dragonslayer, dost thou? Then,
have at thee! Show me thy mettle, and do not hold back!
[The party defeats the dragon (Lombardia).]
Narrative: Such might from warriors so small! Valiant mortals, I ask
thee...What dost thou seek in butchering me? Is it not to
be known as a dragonslayer, as so many have tried before
thee? Then, the power of infernal dragon's breath thou
seekest? Not honor, not power...Mortals, I know not what
thou couldst desire from me. Say what it is, and be done
with it! [Replies: I want even greater power; I want what
you want.]
Narrative (R1): Thou dare underestimate the power of a dragon? Thy
time of reckoning is at hand! [The dragon blows its
breath and kills everyone; a game over.]
Virginia (R2): I want something that can only be had if your
desires are met.
Narrative: Hmm...An odd request. Mortals, dost thou truly claim to
know my inclinations?
Virginia: Well, you see...I think that my goals and your goals are
one and the same.
Narrative: Then answer this, mortals who would know of a dragon's
wishes. Can though give me what I seek? [Replies: Yes,
No.]
Narrative (R4): Thou dare underestimate the power of a dragon? Thy
time of reckoning is at hand! [The dragon blows its
breath and kills everyone; a game over.]
Narrative (R3): What wilt thou give me? [Replies: I will give you
honor.; I will give you power.; I will give you
something more.;
Narrative (R5): Thou dare underestimate the power of the dragon? Thy
time of reckoning is at hand! [The dragon blows its
breath and kills everyone; a game over.]
Narrative (R6): Thou dare underestimate the power of the dragon? Thy
time of reckoning is at hand! [The dragon blows its
breath and kills everyone; a game over.]
Virginia (R7): We can't give a dragon anything like honor. And power's
kind of out of our reach, too!
Narrative: Then, mortals, tell me what thou shall give me. [Replies:
Something to quench your desire.; Uh...]
Narrative (R9): Thou dare underestimate the power of the dragon? Thy
time of reckoning is at hand! [The dragon blows its
breath and kills everyone; a game over.]
Narrative (R8): Fight me to quench my thirst, thou will?
Virginia: If that's what you really want!
Narrative: What said thou?
Virginia: That's not what you're after. No fight could ever satisfy
a dragon's desire.
Narrative: Then what sayest thou? What quenches a dragon's thirst?
Virginia: Peaceful sleep. Powerful dragons get nothing out of fighting
and burning things on the battlefield. If they did, then
you'd be pretty satisfied with all the fighting you've done
so far.
Narrative: ...
Virginia: I think you just want a world without war, without
fighting...So you can get some deep sleep. Isn't that right?
You want to stop being you, a dragon that lives just for
destruction and chaos. And I...I want to stop the forces
that seek to devastate our world, and make it peaceful
again.
Narrative: To gain my strength, mortals had to be stronger than me.
What contradiction! But woe be to mortals...They came and
me their fate at my hands. But thou dost seem different.
Thou wouldst seek that which I seek, and desire to quench
my thirst. Mortal...Tell me thy name.
Virginia: Virginia...Virginia Maxwell!
Narrative: Virginia...I thank thee for doing what no other hast done.
For that, I bestow upon thee this honor. Thou shalt not be
known as dragonslayer, but as a dragoon. And my wings shall
soar through the skies together with thee, Virginia.
[On the World Map, Lombardia takes flight out of the crater.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: When Lombardia morphs into aeromech mode, you can
take her anywhere in the sky over Filgaia. Press the directional
button or the left analog stick downwards to descend. Likewise, press
it upwards to climb. Press the directional button or left analog stick
left or right to rotate in place. Press the (X) button to move
forward. Press the (O) button to land on places darkened by shadow.
Fire missiles with the [R2] button. Use Lombardia's missiles to open
paths blocked by boulders and other obstacles.]
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Shane (G): So, dragons and humankind surpassed the <boundaries> of
race to understand one another. Wow, I guess I had to
be there. It must be so neat to fly on the wings of a
dragon!
<Boundaries> Gallows: Uh, yeah...The dragon was way more than we could
handle at first, and I totally thought we were
toast. But it turned out that what we wanted and
what the dragon wanted were the same thing:
peace. But make no mistake! This was no marriage
of convenience...Naw, it was more like, uh...The
dragon was impressed how we could see that it
just wanted rest. Yeah...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Laxisland]
Robert: Come to think of it...I heard there's a statue of Justine, the
Guardian of Courage, on one of the southeast islands. The
island has no beaches for Sandcraft, and the rocks are too
rough to land anything that flies. I heard about it such a
long time ago, so maybe somebody's found a way to get to that
island. Maybe, you know? Just maybe...
Nalice: Wow! You've obtained the dragon's powers? Isn't that
something! Look, kid. I know you want to take your new toy to
show-and-tell, but don't flaunt it, okay? Remember, you got
nothing you can really depend on other than your own two
feet. Got it?
Roswell: Ventura, Ventura...Just now, I received a <vital message>
from an associate in the sea of stars.
<Vital...>: The forces of chaos have already invaded our planet's
surface, and have taken the first step to world
domination! We must stand up to them! We must join the
ranks of <galactic agents>!
<Galactic...>: My new associate, first you must destroy the Telepath
Tower located southwest of here!
Roykman: My goodness! Who would have thought that dragons were real,
and that we could conquer them? I bet you could fly
anywhere on the wings of a dragon. So, how about Ballack
Rise, for example? It's on a hill southwest. Separated by
dunes and cliffs, it's like an island on land. There's
not a whole lot to do there, but sometimes places like
that are nice, too.
Zim: Ahya!? Dragon of legend real? And..you went <slay dragon> to
gain lgendary dragon strength!?
<Slay...>: Ahya! What you say!? You have no to slay dragon to get
its dragon power!? Therefore...you went use small
strength to gain big, big strength and put fiery rage
to rest.
Galahad: Absurdity! You have conquered the dragon!? You? If your
narrative is true, then what am I to do now? I have no
dragon to slay!
Mileux: Hmm...Oh, excuse me! How can I help you?
Laura: You've conquered the legendary dragon!? Wow...I can hardly
believe it. But if it's true, Sir Galahad is in for a
terrible shock...
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Tale of Two Cities: Ballack Rise and Gunner's Heaven |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BRGH /
\_______/
[Ballack Rise is locate on the peak overlooking the middle of nowhere,
really, near X:11882, Y:14179. This is also Clive's prologue city, so
he gets special dialogue when he comes here. This city doesn't have
to be gotten yet (or ever?--confirm this, please) but now is as good
a time as any to go here.]
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
-Martina - Little Claiborne girl finally showing back up!
-David - Boy who's as close to a Filgaia greaser as you can get
-Borgnine - The guy who guided Clive; Also has a cool hat
-Glorin - Memory figure
-Balleana - Little girl with a weirdly awesome hairstyle
-Huey - Scientist bartender who makes all the drinks for the village
-Bucovich - ARMsmith with a lot of facial hair
-Fram - The mother of all the town's children? Also Marty's mother.
Glorin: <<Beep>...HOWDY PARDNER...SAVE YOUR GAME...? [Options: Yes,
No]
Glorin (No): <<Beep>>...OKEEDOKEE...
Martina: I looked so hard for the thing he dropped, but I couldn't
find it anywhere. I'm good at findin' stuff, but this village
was tough.
Martina (2): I'm so sorry I couldn't find your present...Hmm...That's
it! Give your mom this flower here in my bag. It wasn't
expensive or anything, but it's pretty, right? It'll warm
her heart, I'm sure. If I could give you this for you to
give your mom, I'll be happy. Tell her how much you care,
okay? [Martina is gone if you re-enter the village.]
David: I can't believe I dropped my mom's birthday present! Those
flowers are prolly all crunchy by now. Aw, dangit! I totally
blew it...royally!
David (2): Thanks...Martina, right? You're cool. I bet it's rough
travelling all by yerself. But you're awfully nice. I'm
sure you'll be able to handle anything comin' atcha. Oh,
yeah! I heard the grub at the saloon in the town under the
dragon hill got awfully good recently. Your mom's a good
cook, right? Maybe it's worth checkin' out?
David (3): [David says this after Martina's left and he's relocated
to up near the telescope] Ever heard of <Gunner's
Heaven>? It's an arena where Drifters fight for honor and
prizes. Word on the street is that the winners are awarded
all kinds of pricey stuff...
<Gunner's...>: Huh? Never heard of it before? I hear it's beyond the
dunes where the sun sets. They say the guy who wins
the highest honors gets 'em granted by the lord of
the arena himself.
Borgnine: Whether it's a road you've travelled, or a place you've
visited before...there are always new things to find. It's
because Drifters' wings are made to fly farther today than
yesterday. You're always free to venture to new lands, but
you'd be surprised how much awaits you nearby.
Borgnine (C): Welcome back, stranger! Did you find what you were
looking for? Without a <destination>, you're just
wandering aimlessly.
<Destination>: What, mine? I want to see the future Ballack Rise
as an even better place to live.
Roykman: It seems like all the people here are one, big family,
perhaps on account of all the kids here. I was telling the
kids about my wares, when I realized how much I got used
to this place. I remembered all the times I used to pester
my mom, begging for a little brother or sister.
Huey: Howdy. Customer, right? [Replies: Stay, Sell, Chat]
Huey (Stay): I only ask ____ Gella from friends. [Replies: Yes, No]
Huey (Stay - Yes): [No dialogue exchanged]
Huey (Stay - No): [No dialogue exchanged]
Huey (Sell): [Regular ol' sell screen]
Huey (Chat): When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a scientist.
Before I knew it, I had added this and <mixed> that...
and I became a <bartender>.
<Mixed>: Believe it or not, people often like my experimental
cocktails. I lay out a theory and before I know it, I find
a new discovery! I feel just like a scientist.
<Bartender>: I really want to add some beakers, a microscope, and
wear a long white coat! Then I could make the place
look like a first-rate laboratory!
Huey (C): Hey, long time no see. Glad you're doin' all right. Oh,
yeah...You remember when I gave you that <antidote>? Come
to think of it...that was a long time ago, even though it
feels like yesterday.
<Antidote>: Well, I came up with a new recipe where I boil it into
a syrup, and make a cocktail out of it. It goes down
sweet and refreshing, with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
I think you'd like it.
Balleana: Be careful when you're checkin' out the telescope up top.
I 'member a grown-up gettin' cussed out after he got caught
spyin' on somethin' he shouldna.
Balleana (C): Howdy. Been ages since you came around. Hey...
Everybody's <talking> 'bout ya.
<Talking>: What're they saying? Heh, that's a secret. I'll get a
bigger kick outta watchin' you worry yourself sick over
it.
Bucovich: Welcome to War Drums. We handle everything mechanical...
From cuckoo clocks to heavy ordnance. [Options: Upgrade,
Sell, Chat]
Bucovich (Upgrade): [Regular ARMs Upgrade screen]
Bucovich (Sell): [Regular ol' sell screen]
Bucovich (Chat): ARMs are made from the fossils of dragons, and lie
somewhere in between machines and the living. Hey,
I know I'm just a small-time ARMsmith. What I don't
know is whether the ARMs will <activate> when people
meld their minds with them.
<Activate>: Haven't you ever thought it was strange? I know each
person has his gifts...But how come we can do that? And
how do you do it!? Like the legends say, if dragons are
the last of the demon's weapons, then ARMs are their
current ones...
Bucovich (C): The day you chase out that monster, I was away for a
guild meeting. Just my luck, too! I wish I could've
seen how you use your ARM with my own eyes.
Fram: I completely forgot about taking down the <spyglass> today,
too. Oh, well...He loved the sky so much, he probably
preferred his spyglass out all the time.
<Spyglass>: I always remember the time my son was peering through
his spyglass and discovered a crater far to the north.
He was ecstatic. But somehow I always forget to put
his spyglass away.
Fram (C): Oh, you're that Drifter fellow! How've you been? We were
so worried about you. Huey's concoctions can be a
little...unpredictable.
[The books in Ballack Rise are:]
-The Home I Never Knew
-The Gunslinger
-Fall of the City of Experiments
[Special/new Dialogue in: Laxisland]
Mileux: Martina...Where are you?
Mileux (2): [After Cheville arrives] Whew...
Mileux (3): [After ___ amount of time] Thank you so much for all
you've done for me and Martina. Stop by our saloon in
Claiborne. We'll welcome you with open arms.
Martina: No...Mom, don't leave me. Please, wake up. Ian found a
letter from Auntie that will get us back the store. So
please, come back home.
Martina (2): I can't believe there's no doctor here with my mom
so sick. What should I do? I don't know what to do!
I don't want my mom to die!
Martina (3): [After Cheville arrives] We came this far because we
could help each other out. No way could we have done
this alone. So, I don't want to let you down. I know
you're trying so hard, Mom. Remember, I'll always be
be your side.
Martina (4): [After ___ amount of time] I'm so happy. Now we can
go back to Claiborne together. Thank you, Cheville,
Ian, and everyone for helping me. It was all because
of you. And I'm glad I found the strength inside me
to come all this way.
Cheville: [After seeing her in Humphrey's Peak after finding out
that Mileux had taken to bed] Martina, help cheer your
mom up. I'm sure she'll hear your voice. Believe in
her, child.
Cheville (2): [After ___ amount of time] It's been a while since
I worked so hard, but I'm glad I could save a life.
It's been so long, I almost forgot how it really
feels.
Laura (Stay): I'm sorry, all our rooms are occupied right now.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Cheville: What!? Martina's mother is sick? And there's no doctor
there? Thank you for letting me know. I will head to
Laxisland right away.
Cheville: [After Mileux gets better and goes back to Claiborne:]
What gives you the power to save yourself, while saving
others? That would be an unwavering heart, and purity
which stems from your own will to bring forth a future.
It's strength is derived from its purity, and I'm sure
it emits a dazzling sparkle...
[Special/new Dialogue in: The Secret Garden]
Florina: The planet and its people share the same life force. It
just expresses itself in many forms. Feel the wind brush
down your cheeks. Reach down and touch the ground. You can
feel the pulse of life wherever you look.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Claiborne]
Martina: Thanks to all of you, my mom and I have safely returned to
Claiborne! I wish I could repay you for your kindness and
support...Oh, yes! I found this key during my travels, but
I would like you to have it. Isn't its sparkle mystifying?
[Martina gives Virginia an EX File Key]
Martina (2): So many people have helped me during my travels, and I
owe it all them for being able to come back here. They
have given me the strength and courage to work hard and
give it my all.
Mileux (Stay): That will be ____ Gella for all of you. [Replies: Yes,
No]
Mileux (Stay - Yes) [No dialogue is said]
Mileux (Stay - No) [No dialogue is said]
Mileux (Sell): [Regular ol' sell screen; no dialogue exchanged]
Mileux (Chat): I had believed that betrayal was part of a process of
establishing trust. However, now I know that was
wrong...Trust and betrayal do not go hand in hand...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Twister]
Myra: What is it? Are you here to mock me? But let me tell you this. I
have no regrets whatsoever. The weak are always taken advantage
of. It's all Mileux's fault...
[Gunner's Heaven lies on the strip of land that is curved around the
Yggdrasil landmass. Near X:2045, Y:15861--the end of the railroad
tracks--one can find this arena. It's more of a house than a town, but
there are people there, nonetheless.]
[Town NPCs / Non-obligatory Dialogue]
-Coney - Rambunctious lady announcer who lives for the fight
-Ortega - Handles a bunch of stuff; also wears a flannel shirt?
-Galey - ARMsmith with a band-aid on his face. Haha.
-Dwallin - Memory figure
-Roykman - Salesman extraordinaire!
-Begucci - Exquisitely stuck-up nobleman of the arena
Dwallin: <<Beep>>...SAVE YOUR GAME...? [Options: Yes, No]
Dwallin (No): <<Beep>>...THEN, GOODBYE...! TAKE CARE...! <<click>>
Roykman: Drifters fight, the upper crust observes. Smiths and
innkeepers tirelessly toil. It's been like this for ages, and
probably won't be changing any time soon...Doesn't it feel
like you could stay here for centuries without even realizing
it?
Coney: Step right up, my friend! Gunner's Heaven will show you things
they don't teach you in school! Feel the rage come to a boil!
The crowd roars and howls at the first sight of blood!
[Options: Tip 1, Tip 2, Chat, Cancel]
Coney (Tip 1): Here in Gunner's Heaven, we've got three divisions
that you can challenge. First, try the Novice
Division. If you can get past five rounds under the
prerequisite 25 turns...You'll be awarded prizes in
addition to admission to the Journeyman Division.
Once there, beat all opponents in the required
number of turns to enter the exclusive Master
Division.
Coney (Tip 2): Each challenge consists of five consecutive battles.
Challenges choose whether to continue or forfeit after
each battle. Play it safe, and you'll receive prizes
for your victories. You might croak if you bite off
more than you can chew, so discretion is the better
part of valor. But don't forget! We've got prizes right
up your alley! Drifters love them! You'd risk your neck
to get your hands on them, wouldn't you?
Coney (Chat): You can live, you can die...You can even come back from
the brink to die in vain...But if you ever, ever
disappoint the crowd, I'll make you regret it. You'd
better believe it!
Ortega: I handle both lodging and the arena registration. So, what'll
it be? [Options: Arena, Rest, Chat]
Ortega (Arena) This is your current division. Put your life and your
honor on the line and walk your path. [Your current
division and the ones you've conquered are shown.]
Ortega (Rest): ____ Gella for a night's stay. Deal? [Replies: Yes, No]
Ortega (Rest - Yes) [No dialogue spoken]
Ortega (Rest - No) [No dialogue spoken]
Ortega (Chat): The truth here is victory and comeback. That's all.
Nothing else comes close. Thus, all life bets their
whole life and glows with a dazzling glimmer. That is
the halo of honor!
Galey: The fights have already begun in the struggle for weaponry. I'm
here to help. [Options: Upgrade, Sell, Chat]
Galey (Chat): When <strength> is bound together with human spirit, you
don't get pure energy, you get a meaningful existence.
Don't matter whether you like it or not, each time you
draw your ARM, you take a step towards where your mind
wants to go.
<Strength>: The power to protect, and the power to destroy. Mankind
brings meaning to strength through his mind, and that's
what makes body and ARM one.
Begucci: Everyone looks <exquisite> with blood on their clothes.
Especially when it's their enemy's!
<Exquisite>: Yes...Speaking of exquisite, do you like mustaches?
You know, the long kind you can curl around and around?
Why, yes...Sort of like my very own mustache...
<Exquisite>, isn't it?
<Exquisite>: My eyebrows are exquisite, too.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Pins and Needles: Dissection Facility to Ruins of Memory |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ DFRM /
\_______/
[Over the ridge near Boot Hill, near X:17702, Y:24060, the new ruin
where Maya was taken appears. 'Tis the Dissection Facility, once used
to dispose of monsters that were teleported out via Caging Tower. The
two parties enter.]
Alfred: So this is where sis was taken...
Todd: Do not fret, Master Alfred. I promise to do all I can to rescue
Milady. I must do this to honor your predecessor as well, as I
am in debt to them. I ask for your patience.
Alfred: Thanks, Todd. I'm counting on you. I can count on you too,
right Shady?
Shady: Eh, you need me don'tcha? Then yeah, I'll help out.
Virginia: Count us in, too! All right, let's go!
[The party soon comes to a red door that has no trigger and cannot
be opened by the means of a key.]
Todd: Leave this to me. The <predecessor>...Milady's father was a
great man. There is no way I can repay this debt of gratitude
in a lifetime. But I swore upon Lord Schroedinger's grave, that
I would do all I can to repay this debt through serving Milady
and Master Alfred.
<Predecessor>: He was a strong defender of justice, who raised Milady
and Master Alfred as a single parent. A very gallant
man, indeed. He took a good-for-nothing man like me
under his wing, and I was honored to work under him.
I was unable to repay my debt of gratitude of Lord
Schroedinger while he was alive, so I vowed to take
it upon Milady, and Master Alfred.
[He takes out his weapon, whih is basically a blade encased in a
wooden, cylindrical sheath and lops off the top of the door in the
blink of an eye.]
Todd: I shall get Milady back and repay my debt!
Virginia: O-O-Okay...W-We'll do our best as well...
[The party continues until they run into a similar door. Alfred looks
up to an unreachable spot with a pull lever on it.]
Alfred: That lever looks suspicious...Shady, if you would!
[Shady grows wings and flies up to the lever.]
Shady: This dates back many generations but I was summoned by a
Schroedinger and locked up in a puny, little <box>. That's when
Madam rescued me. At first, I just did as se said as I plotted
my revenge for lockin' me up. But as time went by, I got hooked
on madam's pace, and here I am.
<Box>: Day after day, I would help 'em out with various experiments,
but in the end, they sealed me inside a box for what seemed
like forever. That's when <madam> rescued me. [If ASK system
isn't activated, go back to the "At first..." line]
<Madam>: At first, I thought about gettin' even with the Schroedinger
people, but...she invited me to join in on her fun. And boy,
was it ever! I've never felt so excited and free in my life!
[He pulls the lever and a wall starts to crash down on him. He blows
his fiery breath at it and destroys it.]
Shady: I'm having so much fun! I've gotta make up for lost time and
have as much fun as I can!
[The party continues on into a following room. Virginia finds a
book on the floor and picks it up.]
Virginia: (Hey...This is the latest issue of 'Disaster Girl of the
Wasteland.' I was halfway through part three when I was on
the train...)
Alfred: That's my sister's book! So, sis really was here...(But it's
odd that sis would just leave her book on the floor like
this. Maybe she's trying to tell us something by leaving it
here? Hmmm...That door looks suspicious, too...)
[Alfred walks over to the door.]
Alfred: My sister has trouble expressing her feelings with words, so
people tend to misunderstand her. The truth is, she's the
nicest, most caring and hardworking person I know...
Virginia: Yes, I know...I, too, haven't been able to express my true
feelings with words. Even though we don't talk, I know
someone cares about me very much...I understand how
difficult it is to reach out to people with words...
Alfred: Thank you...My sister's a little you-know-what, but please
take kindly to her. I'm sure she really wants to befriend
you.
Virginia: Y-You really think so...?
Alfred: Okay, stand back!
[Alfred's explosives blow melt the door lock.]
Alfred: All right!
Virginia: That's it?
Alfred: Yep, that was <perfect>!
<Perfect>: Working with explosives is an art form. There's really no
reason to blow everything up. I just blew off the part
that was sealed.
Virginia: Well...Let's get moving!
[In the next room, Alfred finds a computer console and starts his
typing. The large monitor in the room lights up a bit.]
Alfred: ... Hm? I wonder what this does? I think a picture's being
transmitted...Wait, let me see if I can bring it up...
[Seigfried's picture shows up.]
Alfred: Whaaaaah!
Siegfried: How nice to see you again, mortals...
Virginia: Siegfried...
Siegfried: You remembered my name. I am honored...Mmmm...
Virginia: Is Maya safe?
Siegfried: Of course she is...However, that may all change depending
on your action. Let us commence the negotiation. You get
me the Teardrop...in exchange for the damsel.
Virginia: So you wanna play dirty, huh? But the thing is, we don't
know where the Teardrop is. The negotiation stops here!
Siegfried: That is not a problem. She has revealed everything.
Alfred: That's a lie! My sister wouldn't give in to you!
Siegfried: As a matter of fact she did--voluntarily, too. 'The Light
Tear shatters to pieces as it builds power and becomes a
memory. The memory lies in the heart, forever in the
Ruins of Memory.'
Alfred: That's the information we dug up, but how did...What did you
do to my sister!
Siegfried: I had a chance to study up on her <abilities>. Using her
powerful spiritual strength, she channels external
information to transform her body in any way she wishes.
She possesses supernatural powers. That is the essence of
Maya Schroedinger.
<Abilities>: She uses a book as a memory storage unit, and converts
and installs the internal data for her own use. Her
spiritual strength exceeds those of demons, generating
an extreme illusion through this internal data. A form
of autosuggestion...or powerful autohypnosis gives her
the ability to transform herself. These are the
details of Maya Schroedinger's supernatural powers.
Intriguing, is it not?
Alfred: Errghh...
Siegfried: However, no matter what form she assumes, her innate
personality always exists. That is what I have uncovered.
[He shows the parties what's behind him. A demure girl in a plain
dress kneels on the floor in front of a book.]
Alfred: Sis!
[The camera zooms in on the title of the book.]
Narrative: Your Honest Self
Siegfried: I look forward to receiving the Teardrop...
[He ends the communication.]
Virginia: Was that really Maya?
[Alfred nods.]
Virginia: Well...We have to find the Teardrop first before we can
make the exchange. About that information...
Gallows: Yeah, it mentions [Ruins of Memory] right in your face.
Jet: Think it's a trap?
Alfred: This information isn't a rumor that has recently started
floating around. I think this lead is genuine and reliable.
Virginia: Okay...We've been in there before, but we might have missed
something...Let's head to the Ruins of Memory and find the
Teardrop!
Alfred: I'm sorry, but would it be all right if you go on ahead? I
need to prepare something before the exchange takes place.
So, we can't go there just now...
Virginia: All right, but hurry. We'll meet you inside the Ruins of
Memory.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Shane (G): I dreamt that the power of the golden medium shines a path
that leads through the hill to the northwest. That glimmer
must have been the lords'. Please, you must obtain their
powers before you face the final showdown.
[The party enters and scours around for a new place to go. Suddenly,
the party sees a plaque on the wall with a place for the Grappling
Hook to hit. They enter and go up. Soon they come to a large tapestry
hanging on the wall.]
Narrative: A large painting, entitled "Flame" hangs on the wall.
[Virginia burns it down and enters into the next room. Unfortunately,
the door they encounter asks for a card key. Perhaps...the book they
found is the clue? Virginia skims through it.]
Narrative: As you flip through the pages of the paperback, you realize
that the bookmark is actually a card key!
[The party enters the next room and finds the Teardrop floating in
the position it was placed years before.]
Clive: I have heard that in ancient times, the desert seas used to
be filled with blue, sparkling water...
Virginia: Just like the surrounding area of Yggdrasil?
Clive: Yes...But probably of a much larger scale...
Virginia: An ocean spreading far beyond the horizon, huh...Wow...
I can't imagine that...It must've been beautiful. Kinda
like the gentle blue of the Teardrop--almost as if
caressing you.
Gallows: But the fact of the matter is, they're tryin' to destroy
Filgaia with this thing.
Virginia: That's right...But I'm not gonna let that happen! No way!
[Back in the lobby, the three demonized prophets appear.]
Leehalt: Now...Hand over the Teardrop...
Virginia: You bring us Maya first!
[They teleport Maya in.]
Melody: She'll be all right. She'll regain consciousness soon.
Malik: Now you must fulfill your end of the bargain. Hand over the
Teardrop.
Jet: (Stay sharp...Who knows what they're up to...)
Virginia: (Got it, thanks...)
[She hands over the Teardrop and turns to Maya...who disappears.]
Virginia: Huh!?
Leehalt: The Maxwell girl is more foolish than I thought...You have
willingly handed over the future of this planet.
[An explosion ensues as the Schroedingers enter. Leehalt drops the
Teardrop onto the floor in front of the three parties.]
Alfred: Sorry it took us so long! But it looks like we're here just
in time!
Leehalt: You wily, little fox...!
Alfred: Look who's talking!
[The prophets attack but lose, and everyone jumps at the Teardrop
all at once. Virginia reaches it but another explosion ensues.]
Clive: What was that!?
[Asgard stands before everyone, and holds the Teardrop in his iron
hand.]
Virginia: As...gard...!?
Gallows: That's impossible! We kicked that thing's behind to the
outer limits of space-time with the help of Dan Diaram!
Jet: Face the music! It's here, ain't it!? Standing right in front of
us!
Asgard: I shall act as a shield for my master, and carry out his
command through hell and high water! Master, I have
<returned>. You look...different... [Skip to Leehalt's
next line if ASK system is not engaged]
<Returned> Gallows: Returned...!? Then, that means...
Asgard: To fulfill my master's command...And...to exchange fire with
you again. By the way, master...Did something happen to you?
Leehalt: I shall explain later! There is much I want to ask of you,
too!
Asgard: Let us be on our way, then...
Leehalt: Wreak some havoc...
Asgard: As you wish. Activating barrier at full power!
[Asgard's large blue barrier starts up and encompasses everything in
the room. Virginia wakes up next to some rubble. Werner is there, too,
for some reason.]
Virginia: Daddy...?
[Virginia looks up as her father is...stopping the roof from caving
in on everyone...!? He emits a warm purple light with his hands, and
his barrier stops debris from getting in.]
Werner: If they're using a barrier, I'll counter it with mine...
Narrative: (Barrier...? What is Daddy saying...?)
Werner: Don't move just yet. They probably think we're buried alive
under the rubble...We have to take full advantage of this
situation!
Virginia: Daddy...I was so happy to see you again, Daddy. I really
was...I had completely given up on you until I saw you...
I was so shocked and bewildered...That's why I said those
hurtful and hateful things to you...I wanted to apologize
right there and then, but I couldn't conjur up the courage
to put it into words...I'm sorry, Daddy...
Werner: You're not the only one who can't express their feelings in
words...I, too, have had someting I wanted to say locked away
inside my heart...I...
Virginia: You don't have to tell me now...I know you'll tell me,
someday...I'll be waiting...Waiting to hear what you have
to say...But, don't leave me again, Daddy...Please...
[Virginia drifts off again and when she wakes up, Todd is looking
down at her.]
Jet: We were all this close to getting buried alive.
Virginia: Daddy must have saved us...I saw my father in a dream...
Hey! What happened to the Teardrop!?
Alfred: Unfortunately, it's in enemy's hands. But don't worry. I
mixed in special <metallic flakes> in that bomb I used to
startle them. It'll be possible for us to trace them through
the electronic signals they transmit. [Skip down to Jet's
"You're smarter..." line if ASK system is not activated.]
<Metallic flakes> Jet: Metallic flakes? How's that gonna help us?
Alfred: These special flakes that I developed transmit a signal that
pinpoints the exact location of their whereabouts. They're
tiny, silver particles that attach firmly to the target's
skin or clothes. It's even designed to withstand one or two
washes in laundry.
Jet: You're smarter than you look.
Alfred: And this is the radar that picks up the signal. It took me
a while to get all this ready--that's why we were late.
See...? This flashing dot here indicates their current
location and...Oh, no!
Virginia: What's wrong!?
Alfred: I've lost sight of the target and its current location...
Point X:14470, Y:17570...The signal seems to have gotten
jammed west of Laxisland...
Clive: All is not lost. We still have the last coordinates. X:14470,
Y:17570, was it? We can very well assume something is there at
the jamming point.
Gallows: Yeah, like even their hideout.
Virginia: No sense crying over spilt milk. Let's split up and head
out there! If that really is their hideout, then Maya's
probably...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: The long, dark tunnel leads to the land of birth and afterlife.
It symbolizes both revival and ruin. So, perhaps the seal opens
a new path through the power of destruction. Either that, or
the path will open through a consciousness that you yourselves
have revived.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ark of Destiny]
Helga: The excavation of <Survey Point #08>, otherwise known as the
[Cradle of the Metal Gods] has ended in failure. I believe a
record of this incident can be found in the library.
<Survey...>: We headed to coordinates X:14470, Y:17570, just as
Lamium's dream said, and we began digging a tunnel.
Unfortunately, there was a massive cave-in, and we had
to retreat.
Lamium: We were able to pinpoint the location of another ship that
descended from land unknown. It was called the Cradle of the
Metal Gods, which was once used as a hangar. We attempted to
excavate the Cradle, but the ruins were located high above a
cliff, which made access difficult. So we decided to dig a
tunnel west of Survey Point #17 in order to penetrate the
Cradle from underground. Just as the tunnel was nearing
completion, there was a cave-in by the entrance, which forced
us to halt any further operation. Had we been able to excavate
the second thip that soared the heavens, it would have aided
us greatly in the promotion of our Order. We were planning to
name the tunnel that would have led to the cradle, [Dim Root
Path]. An outlined report of this plan can be found in the
library.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Laxisland]
Robert: Everybody's saying something strange is going on inside the
ruins on the hill...I sure hope it's nothing. Come to think of
it, some members of that Order of the Ark of Destiny went to
go survey the place, but they gave up for some reason or
other.
Nalice: Did you see a sign on your way here? The <ruins> everyone's
talking about is due west of that sign.
<Ruins>: People report strange lights, shrill screeches, foul
stenches, and other phenomena there. Of course, it's hard to
get to because it's on top of a high hill.
Roswell: Ventura, Ventura...The encroaching <forces of chaos> are a
menace to all forms of life. They seek only to rend and maim.
My associates in the sea of stars give me directives to keep
the aliens from overrunning us.
<Forces>: We have confirmed sighting of them and their interplanetary
vessels all over the world! That's right. Chaos is much,
much closer than you think.
Roswell: [He only says this after you destroy the nearest Teleport
Tower. This can be done earlier, too, I believe.] Ventura,
Ventura...So, I hear you defeated the first Telepath Tower.
But this is just a beginning...The towers are the eyes of
chaos. All total, there are fifteen of them! The forces of
chaos silently watch us through towers all over the world.
They are biding their time until they can release the
<king of beasts> from the cage of darkness.
<King...>: The king of beasts sleeps in the deepest darkness
underground. He was born from chaos in an age long gone.
They seek to unleash his plague on Filgaia and the entire
galaxy...Then they will rule us all!
Zim: Ahya! What you say? Why I no wear fancy guild uniform? You have
nerve, young sprout! See how you feel when you old like me! I no
stand stuffy uniform! ARMsmith skill inside head, inside heart!
Not in clothes you wear!
Galahad: I commissioned this <coat of mail> especiall for dragon-
-slaying. Why, it deflects razor-sharp claws and plumes of
flame with nary a scratch.
<Coat of mail>: Upon finishing it, the master blacksmith donned the
armour and dove head-first into a raging pit of fire!
Come, look closer, child. Not a single instance of
warping...Not one piece discolored! Furthermore...I
believe it features an <emergency escape mechanism>,
for only the armour was found in the burning pit.
<Emergency...>: I assume that my daredevil craftsman ejected to
safety. Since then, he has not written, but I am sure
he is living well. Mayhaps he married?
Laura: People say that the Cradle of the Metal Gods must have been
some kind of factory long, long ago. Of course, it's high up on
the mesa, so it's awful hard to get to. I bet you could get
there on the wings of a dragon, though. Still, some people from
the Order of the Ark of Destiny are heading to the ruins
through a tunnel south of their temple.
Roykman: When you've seen as many towns as I have, you start noticing
that each one has a certain...atmosphere. Except for that
town to the southwest, <Ballack Rise>. They're really bland,
without any local traditions to speak of. Few opportunities
for adventure there. Probably not the best place to recommend
to a Drifter. But there are lots of kind and helpful people.
Who knows...It might be a nice place to visit.
<Ballack Rise>: The only notworthy thing is the town's verticle
structure. And, of course, who could forget the
spyglass on the roof? But that's about all.
[No other special dialogue anywhere else.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Roadblocks: Cradle of the Metal Gods and Dim Root Path |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ CDRP /
\_______/
[The party heads up to the mesa near Laxisland, and near the location
that was given by both Roykman and Helga, the Cradle of the Metal Gods
opens up--a huge dome on the landscape. However, when you try to enter
the ruin...]
Narrative: The station's defensive system somehow activates,
preventing entry by anyone. Not even the dragon's cannons
could penetrate the barriers deployed all around the
station. It seems you must find another way in.
[Then, the following is said (?) to the party:]
Ahh...Life on Filgaia has reached its pinnacle of evolution. Only
evolution stands in the way of extinction, and pushes back the tide of
entropy. It is a salvation reserved for divinity.
[Recalling the failure that was the Dim Root Path, the party uses
Lombardia's missiles to blow away the landslide that had covered up
the entrance (X:8287, Y:22722). They enter and find a door that is
locked.]
Narrative: The sealed door emits a wicked miasma similar to those of
demons! The eight silver mediums in possession shake to
counter this demonic power, but are overwhelmed by the
powerful miasma. You may be able to break this demonic
seal by the guidance of the guardian lords. You need to
power up your mediums from silver to gold!
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| The Mod Quad: Finding the Guardians |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ MQFG /
\_______/
The guardian lord idols are necessary to open the door into the Dim
Root Path. However, it's unlikely the party has any of them save the
one from the Balal Quo Naga fight, so I'll list them here.
****************************************
#1 - Goddess Idol - Balal Quo Naga fight
****************************************
This one has to be gotten at some point to progress through the story,
so if you haven't redeemed the Suitcase item with Emilia in Jolly
Roger, do so now and she'll give you the Goddess Idol in return. One
down.
*************************************
#2 - Wolf Idol - The Whateley Mansion
*************************************
Becky in Claiborne alludes to the Desire Guardian in the hands of a
merchant named Whateley, so the obvious choice is to go find him.
Whateley's mansion is also known as Gob's Hideout, and if you've been
less than adventurous in your exploring, you probably haven't found
it on the world map yet. It's almost a direct cut-across from where
Boot Hill is and should be easy to find. Once there, backtrack to the
room where the floor collapses. Use the Radical Sneakers to jump up
the steps and, via the ladder, you get to the attic. In one of the
chests, the Wolf Idol awaits. Two down.
**********************************************
#3 - Lion Idol - Second Gemstone Cave entrance
**********************************************
Datson in Humphrey's Peak talks about the separate entrance to the
Gemstone Cave all the time, so why not follow up on the lead you're
given? After blowing up a new holes in the crumbling walls, the party
arrives at the alternative entrance. Near the edge of the island, the
Lion Idol shows up on the radar. Three down.
(NOTE: You may need the Item Scope from Gunner's Heaven to see this
item. Beat the Novice League and you'll get it. Easy-peasy, hmm?)
******************************************
#4 - Dragon Idol - 10th Floor of the Abyss
******************************************
The entire town of Little Rock seems to push you in the direction
of the Abyss, so take a gander and discover it near X:25200,
Y:10115. Go down ten floors and fight Ephrem Zein. If you defeat it,
you'll get the Dragon Idol as battle spoils.
[Once you've gotten a hold of all four of them, go back to the Fallen
Sanctuary near Baskar, and up to where the guardians were released
last time. Pick one of the altars and go up to it using Jet's Radical
Sneakers. Use an idol (select it in the item menu) and you'll get the
following:]
Narrative: The monolith is decorated with a strange symbol whose
meaning is beyond you. One can cause the guardian to
materialize by focusing everyone's willpower together with
the Wolf Idol. Will you show your will to the guardian?
[Options: Yes, No]
Narrative (No): [Nothing is said.]
Narrative (Yes): The visions in your mind are bound together. The
ripples spread quietly, but cover your minds. You
feel a presence closer than anything to creation and
destruction. The power of desire gives off a sudden
impulse. The bearer of the Ark Scepter's light must
have the strength to fight that which has no form.
Fight, and show your strength to Luceid!
[The party fights Luceid and wins, acquiring the Lust Jaw medium
afterwards.]
Narrative: The guardian lord vitalizes the mediums. Choose two from
the silver mediums you have collected thus far.
[Choose two; it doesn't matter which two.]
Narrative: The medium awakens, and turns to gold. It seems to provide
even greater protection.
[The party goes onto one of the next altars and uses the Goddess Idol,
getting the message:]
Narrative: The monolith is decorated with a strange symbol whose
meaning is beyond you. One can cause the guardians to
materialize by focusing everyone's willpower together with
the Goddess Idol. Will you show your will to the guardian?
[Options: Yes, No]
Narrative (No): [Narrative is cancelled]
Narrative (Yes): The visions in your minds are bound together. A faint
light purges your soul of stagnation. You feel a
presence of limitless kindness and passion. The power
of love tests your mettle. The bearer of the Ark
Scepter's light must have the strength to fight that
which has no form. Fight, and show your strength to
Raftina!
[The party fights Raftina and wins, acquiring the Love Charm medium.
Afterwards, the party can choose two more mediums to upgrade,
following the same dialogue as before (I won't repeat it.). The
party goes after the next guardian lord and uses the Dragon Idol.]
Narrative: The monolith is decorated with a strange symbol whose
meaning is beyond you. One can cause the guardian to
materialize by focusing everyone's willpower together
with the Dragon Idol. Will you show your will to the
guardian? [Options: Yes, No]
Narrative (Yes): The visions in your minds are bound together. An
eastward wind sweeps away the clouds of despair. It
is like a beacon that shines through the night. The
power of hope soars toward tomorrow. The bearer of
the Ark Scepter's light must have the strength to
fight that which has no form. Fight, and show your
strength to Zephyr!
[The party fights Zephyr and wins, acquiring the Hope Shard medium.
Once again, the party can upgrade two mediums following the same
exact dialogue as previous times. At the last altar, the Lion Idol
brings about the following narration:]
Narrative: The monolith is decorated with a strange symbol whose
meaning is beyond you. One can cause the guardian to
materialize by focusing everyone's willpower together
with the Lion Idol. Will you show your will to the
guardian? [Options: Yes, No]
Narrative (Yes): The visions in your minds are bound together. A
stalwart hand pulls you from the depths of doubt. Its
presence is like a powerful sword. The power of
courage beckons you to battle. The bearer of the Ark
Scepter's light must have the strength to fight that
which has no form. Fight, and show your strength to
Justine!
[The party defeats Justine and gets the Brave Seal medium. The last
of the two regular mediums are upgraded (same procedure) Off to the
Dim Root Path once more!]
[Special/new Dialogue in: Cradle of Metal Gods]
[You still can't enter, but you can hear Malik say something this
time, after the no-entry warning comes up again:]
Narrative: But worry not. I will return the woman I borrowed...
further evolved through nanomachines, of course. After
all, I am not interested in women other than Mama.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Cradle Robbers: Dim Root Path to Cradle of the Metal Gods |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ DCMG /
\_______/
[Back in the Dim Root Path, once you have the twelve mediums, you
will get the following message:]
Narrative: The twelve golden mediums resonate brightly! The power of
the guardians, unified as one, breaks the seal on the door!
[Inside, you'll soon find a treasure chest with a new tool for
Virginia inside.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: Tool:Changecrest
Press the [] button to release a crest graph, which alter the property
of gems or warps you to a different position. For example, you can
change orange gems into orange blocks, and vice versa.
[A little further in, the prophets, Siegfried, and Asgard stand near
a console. Asgard has Maya under his big arm.]
Leehalt: You cannot be too careful with her in her current form. Hold
her firmly.
Siegfried: Acquire the energy from the Teardrop and supply it to the
incubation plant, [Deus Ex Machina]!
Melody: Commencing energy acquisition and supply process.
Maya: That's my Teardrop!
Malik: The Teardrop will distill into pure energy, which will supply
the Deus Ex Machina...Then, we can regain our flesh and
blood...
[Melody walks over to a struggling Maya.]
Melody: Heeheehee...Watch, in place of your dead friends, as this
planet begins its transformation. Afterwards, you can tell
all your friends in the netherworld about the beautifully
reborn Filgaia...
[Back to the Dim Root Path. The party continues on again, before
another cutscene with the prophets, Asgard, Siegfried, and Maya
starts up.]
Melody: Transfer of energy to the Deus Ex Machina, normal...740
and counting until plant operation level.
Malik: Preservation of nanomachines, normal. Ready to defrost in
accordance to plant operation...
Leehalt: Asgard...I welcome you back. But how were you able to return
after being sent beyond space-time?
Asgard: Beyond the spiral of space-time, lies a world that existed
before the first humans, neosapiens...It was a Filgaia
covered with ocean and greenery, unlike the Filgaia of
present. It was as beautiful as this gem...
Maya: (Gem...?)
Siegfried: Hah-hah-hah-hah! A fighting machine likens the planet to a
gem!?
Asgard: That I am, but I am free to speak what I feel. That world was
so peaceful and tranquil, and touching...It was the first time
I felt a sense of love for the world...However, my duty is to
protect my master. I devised a plan to return to the present
world, and the result is history.
Leehalt: So, you cut off your power supply and traversed through time
by perpetual hibernation?
Siegfried: Quite a risky and painstakingly long plan you devised.
Asgard: It was the only option. I firmly believed it would work,
provided my body was not disturbed during my deactivation.
Siegfried: I admire your dedication, Golem. I would like you to act
as my shield as well.
Leehalt: And do you have records of the Filgaia of old?
Asgard: The data is stored in my memory.
Leehalt: Then prepare the emulator to play back a quasi-image of
how this planet used to be...
[Back to Virginia's party once more, but the scene changes back to
the prophets and rest again.]
Leehalt: Asgard speaks the truth...
Melody: Yes...I cannot believe how beautiful this unsightly planet
once was...
Malik: This sample data is amazing...I can study the planet's life
structure from it...With this, I can probably...
[Suddenly, an alarm comes on, and the room blinks red.]
Siegfried: What is it?
Leehalt: Someone has broken into the [Cradle]. We have an intruder,
it seems...Sire?
Siegfried: My wish is to transform this planet into a giant life-form
conglomerate. It shall act as an interstellar ship as well
as an ecosystem to breed and raise demons. I shall call
it...Starship Filgaia! With this, I shall head to new
frontiers and quench my thirst for battle! Find the
intruders and eliminate them! Leave no stone unturned...
[The prophets teleport out and Asgard leaves with Maya. Virginia's
team goes into a nearby room with four crystals and a plaque, which
reads:]
Narrative: A jewel thief must also use wits, instead of always relying
on speed.
[The Changecrest tool makes the crystals into blocks, and it becomes
easier to get them all at once. The party continues to a large door.
An alarm goes off and three large blast doors shut the way back.]
Virginia: They know we're here!?
Clive: No...If they did, I reckon there would be pursuers, but that
does not seem to be the case...Perhaps it's Alfred and company?
Jet: Either way, we better get movin'!
Virginia: There's no turning back now! Run for the gate!
[Everyone runs off and leaves Gallows behind.]
Gallows: H-Hye...Wait...! Argh...Whatever!
[He follows them into the next room, and a cutscene of Malik in his
lab comes up.]
Malik: This time...This time for sure! I will perfect life...by
reproducing memory...Using the original date of Filgaia, I
should be able to...
Girl: You won't be able to get your mother's memory back with that...
[Malik turns around and sees a little girl with dark black hair and
a black dress behind him.]
Malik: Who the...?
Girl: You wanna get your mother's memory back, right?
[She appears up by the holding tank of his mother clone, and she
puts her hand right up near it. A light ensues in the tank.]
Malik: What do you think you're...
[She appears back down by him again.]
Girl: There...Your mother's memory should return soon. Once she
regains her memory, she'll hold you gently and lovingly, just
like before.
[She walks off.]
Malik: Who are you!?
[The girl is gone. Bubbles appear in the tank with the mother in it.]
Mother Clone: Malik...? Is that you, Malik...? Answer me, Malik...
[End cutscene. The party walks into a room with Alfred, Shady, and
Todd already in there.]
Alfred: Hi, everyone!
Virginia: Was that you, who triggered the alarm?
Shady: Watch your tongue! We're the best of the best!
Clive: In any case, they are aware of intruders and have been put on
alert. I do not think it would be wise for us to move about
cautiously and discreetly.
Gallows: So, you're thinkin' about bookin' on outta here then!
Todd: Let us split up. We both have different styles of teamwork and
procedure...
Virginia: You're right. It's better than moving as a big group,
anyway. Let's engage the enemy from both directions!
[Now in the Cradle of the Metal Gods, the party heads in opposite
of Todd's group. Soon, they are attacked by Ose, a giant piece of
gloop. The party blazes past it and heads on to an elevator. The
layer is treated to a cutscene of the mother clone running up the
stairs in a large hurry.]
Malik's Mom: Who are you!? What did you do to my Malik!? You...
You...FIEND!
[She opens a door and leaves.]
Malik: Why do you reject me...?
[Malik walks after her and the scene ends. Virginia's team heads
in a bit further and the structure is rocked by an explosion.]
Virginia: An explosion!?
Gallows: What caused it!?
Clive: We have more pressing matters! We need to keep moving!
[Upstairs, somewhere, Melody is also wondering what the explosion
was.]
Melody: What is going on!? This can't be...The output level is
dropping. Has the main reactor been breached?
[She leaves the room to go see and the view switches back to the
team who soon run into Asgard.]
Asgard: I must carry out my orders and stop you in your tracks!
[He erects his blue barrier, but Werner quickly runs in and puts
up his own barrier against Asgard's.]
Asgard: Barrier for barrier!? I shall oscillate the frequency to
counteract your interference...! Ughh...But...AHHHHHHHH!
Werner: What are you standing about!? Their nanomachine plant is
right through that door! Go and stop them from transforming
the planetary environment! You can do it! Jet! This is
something only you can do! Try to remember, Jet! The <power>
you used to stop the Yggdrasil System! Trust in that power
once again! [No ASK system initiated = skip to when the
party runs on]
<Power> Jet: My power...?
Werner: Yes...Your power...Your existence...You are the one who
holds the key to save Filgaia! Trust in that power once
again!
[The party runs on, and Virginia lingers.]
Virginia: Daddy...DADDY!
[An explosion of light throws her through the door.]
Virginia: Daddy...?
Clive: No...What do you plan to do...? Let us trust in your father...
Your father has returned to life from the Yggdrasil disaster.
He wouldn't fall to something like this.
Narrative (Virginia): Daddy promised me...That he wouldn't leave me
anymore...
Virginia: You're right...We have to rescue Maya and put a stop to
their diabolical plan...We have to keep moving forward...I'm
gonna give it my best...Let's all give it our best!
[If you try to turn back, each person says something different:]
Virginia: (I want to go and make sure Daddy's okay...But right now...
we just have to keep moving forward...)
Jet: (A golem is no match for him...I think...)
Gallows: I'm worried about her father, but we have to do our part!
Clive: Werner fought his way for us. We cannot turn back now!
[The party continues on into the nanomachine room, where Melody is
already.]
Melody: The main reactor is destroyed...
[The player can see Malik and an unconscious mother clone (?) on
the floor next to him.]
Melody: Malik! You owe me an explanation!
Malik: Mama won't call me by my name...She...She...She called me
a fiend, even though I am Malik...Something's wrong with
Mama...That's why I destroyed it...
Melody: This is the result of reproducing memory? In that mother
clone? But how was he able to reproduce memory all of a
sudden?
[She walks over to a nearby computer.]
Melody: I don't have time to concern myself with Malik--he has
gone mad...I must find a way to generate power to the main
reactor to supply enouh energy to operate the Deus Ex Machina.
I guess I have no choice...This may cause the Cradle to fall,
but I shall transfer all existing energy into the Deus Ex
Machina. Why does everything have to go wrong at the last
minute...?
[She turns around to see Virginia's party.]
Clive: You cannot blame us for that. What you are doing is wrong and
distorted. Do you really think something so twisted will go
according to plan!?
Melody: You...How dare you refute me!
[The party fights Melody and Malik.]
Malik: Destroy...Everything must be destroyed! Hyah hah ha haha!
Melody: Malik! Don't lose yourself to the nanomachines! Maintain
your composure!
[The party kills Malik.]
Malik: Destroy...Everything must be destroyed...I can't take this
any more...Destroy the planet...Mama...myself...
[The party kills Melody.]
Melody: Why can't I get my point across...? I've come this far to
change myself...Why can't people understand me...?
Virginia: Yes...Everyone will one day break down and disappear...We
all know that. That's why we're living the best we can
today!
[The party runs to the elevator and the player is treated to another
scene with Leehalt and Siegfried.]
Siegfried: How is the Deus Ex Machina coming along?
Leehalt: We now have enough energy to operate the nanomachine plant.
Most likely due to Melody's quick thinking...
Siegfried: And where are they now?
Leehalt: I last detected their life force diminishing before I lost
contact...They may have retreated, or perhaps they're
already...
Siegfried: They did not live up to my expectations...
Leehalt: Preparing to destroy the Cradle of the Metal Gods. Please
head to the Deus Ex Machina. Once the nanomachines have fully
defrosted, we will disperse them all over Filgaia.
Maya: Leaving so soon? But I still wanna play.
[The two turn to see Maya in the doorway.]
Leehalt: Hm!? How careless of me...I took my eyes off you with all
the chaos...
Siegfried: I shall entertain her. In the meantime, continue to prepare
the Deus Ex Machina.
[Siegfried initiates battle with Maya.]
Maya: Don't take me too lightly! You don't know what's coming!
Siegfried: Likewise...How insolent of you--a mere mortal challenging
me to a duel.
[The two fight for awhile, with no blows landed. Suddenly, Maya
ruffles her skirt and drops a large machine gun out from...somewhere.
She proceeds to bombard Siegfried with a large dosage of ammunition.]
Maya: Eat that! Taste good?
Siegfried: I see...I have underestimated your powers. Your ability
to mentally synchronize with ARMs--the weapons of
demons--is quite astounding...
Maya: Weapons of...demons...? What, the ARMs? What are you talking
about!?
Siegfried: Your spiritual strength exceeds those of demons...This
allows you to draw out destructive power from within
the ARM...This is getting interesting...Please entertain
me some more...A hero never dies...As long as he has the
will to fight!
[Siegfried is healed of all damage somehow.]
Maya: Hey...You healed yourself! That's not fair!
Siegfried: It's a shame, really...Not only will the energy from the
Teardrop help raise nanomachines, but its sparkle maintains
my existence! In other words, the sparkle of this planet
becomes my power, and with it, I expel the planet's life
force. Oh, the irony! This is like a comedy--with the life
force playing the role of the clown! Hwah hah hah hah!
Maya: That Teardrop was supposed to be mine! I won't let you do as you
please with it! (If I can take the Teardrop away from him,
maybe...)
Siegfried: Even through all the modifications you have endured, I'm
impressed you have made it this far. I applaud you. You
deserve a medal...Accept my praise!
[He fires a static impulse and knocks her out. Alfred's team walks
in later on to find her. Siegfried and Leehalt are gone.]
Alfred: Sis!
Todd: Milady! Are you all right!?
Maya: I knew you would come...But...It sure took you a while.
Alfred: We came as fast as we could!
Maya: I know...I'm just joshing you.
Stady: What's this stench? The stink of demons?
Maya: I have to go after him! I can't let him toy with me! My pride
won't allow it!
Alfred: Give it up, sis!
Maya: Give it up!? Determination can overcome anything! Nothing can
stand in my way! He even said so himself...Demons are no match
against my spiritual strength! Even if my body is battered, my
heart will prevail! Now, follow me!
[The team walks up to an elevator. Virginia's team continues a bit
before coming to an outside balcony. The Cradle starts shaking.]
Virginia: What's happening!?
[The Cradle starts filtering sand out and starts to rise. Below,
a not-dead Melody staggers and watches it rise. The boosters from
the power source ignite and the Cradle starts to float. The fire
rushes forth to Melody to consume her.]
Melody: Clive Winslet! Do you see me now!? Beauty is found within
a fading, transient sparkle! This is my true beauty...!
[Her body is blown away. Up above, the party looks around to see
what is happening.]
Gallows: We're too late!?
Clive: What is even worse is that this structure may collapse at
any moment!
Narrative: This place is losing its power...Maybe it'll work...
Virginia: Come, Lombardia!
[Lombardia breaks through the shield surrounding the Deus Ex Machina.
As Lombardia flies away, some strange thing breaks through the metal
wall of the structure and attacks Lombardia.]
[DIDACTIC POINT: The dragon Lombardia can perform four actions in one
turn--the same number as the crew members onboard. Each character can
select an action for Lombardia to perform at the start of each turn.
Each character has the sane command selection. Unlike the Sandcraft,
there is no difference associated with their command and position.
The character's command is performed in order of highest RFX value.
It will be necessary to plan your tactics in advance by adjusting your
speed. Please note that you will not be able to use the characters'
Force Abilities, Arcana, or items on board Lombardia. Instead, the
dragon has her own special moves and Force Abilities. The key to
victory is to use these abilities strategically, and to plan ahead.]
[The party fights the enemy airship (Wyvern) and blows it out of the
sky. The party lands and looks up at the now-airborne Cradle of the
Metal Gods--or, rather, the Deus Ex Machina that was underneath.]
Virginia: I can't believe something so massive can take to the air...
This must be that ship from the land unknown that soars the
heavens...I thought the Ark of Destiny was the only one...
But to see one that's actually flying is just so...Daddy...
Maya...You're all safe somewhere, right? Hold tight...We're
going to take flight on our wings and chase after that
[Metal God] that flew out of the Cradle...
[Inside the Deus Ex Machina, Siegfried and Leehalt stand near another
console. The inside of the structure looks old and cobweb-y.]
Siegfried: Maintain the Deus Ex Machina's power at 75% and continue
its flight! Our destination and course are irrelevant! Just
stay out of their sight until the nanomachines mature.
Deploy all Wyverns! Have them cover every square inch of
the sky! Hwah hah hah hah hah!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Shane (G): The demons have evolved artificially, by undergoing as many
modifications as their bodies can handle. They have so many
tricks up their sleeves. I know you get impulsive
sometimes, but be sure to know your limits.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: The winds that criss-cross our world blow above countless
thoughts. If we had an item for gazing across the sky, the sea
of wind...perhaps we could find traces of thoughts long gone.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ark of Destiny]
Marty: It's hard to find something in the sea of sands, but it's even
harder when you're trying to look for something <in the sky>!
But nothing would be harder than trying to find something in
the sea of stars.
<In the sky>: But...Not if you go to my hometown of <Ballack Rise> and
use my telescope. If you use my telescope, you'll be
able to look out over the entire sky.
<Ballack Rise>: Ballack Rise is far north of this island, on the
southern tip of a peninsula covered by wasteland. It's
completely separated from other land masses, but the
townsfolk are all pretty clever, so they get by. Even
though I left my hometown, I take great pride in
telling people I'm from Ballack Rise.
Helga: I'm pretty sure I saw a large building flickering in the sky.
But it disappeared before I could have a closer look. If only
I had Marty's telescope...
Susan: What is written in books is only one side of the truth. Each
reader has a different understanding of what's written.
Sion (Chat): There's only so much one person can do. I came to that
realization after joining a meeting for investors. One
for all...All for one...I finally understand what
<those words> mean. You can't just be thinking about
yourself. I'm looking out for the happiness of others!
<Those words>: The person who referred me gets paid, while I get
paid if I refer someone. It's a system that benefits
everybody.
Linda: Our founder Lamium is <working diligently> every day to run
this religious order.
<Working...>: It may look like he sits around doing nothing, but he
is working very hard behind the scenes. Even while he
is asleep, he is working by having his dreams...
Albert: Whether it be to save the world, or change it, all living
creatures must be in agreement. As long as we keep that in
mind, we can create a future for this planet. That is what
our founder preaches.
Lamium: So the Metal God has awakened from its cradle as an
embodiment of evil, soaring the skies of Filgaia...If that
ship is equipped with similar functions as our Ark of
Destiny...there is no doubt in my mind that the ship has a
<stealth> function capable of disrupting radar or sonar
waves...This may sound hopeless, but in order to find the
Metal God, you would have to scour every area of the sky
with the naked eye. It may be primitive, but using telescopes
or binoculars may help...
<Stealth>: In order to operate the stealth function while still
flying the ship, a powerful generator is required. We have
been able to acquire our generator through the guidance of
the Saint from my dream. This powerful generator is
capable of both destruction and creation...We swear to use
the generator entrusted by the Saint as a power of
creation. That, too is what the Saint desires...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ballack Rise]
[If you go to the telescope atop the town, you'll get the following:]
Narrative: Through the telescope you spy the floating base of the
demons high above the Cradle of the Metal Gods. Also...
It's easy to miss, but you notice that the surrounding
area shimmers with heat! The demon's floating base must
be hidden there!
[Fire Lombardia's missiles when you find the shimmering image out on
the world map, and you can make the Deus Ex Machina appear.]
Narrative: The wizardly stealth deployed around Deus Ex Machina is
gone! You can now infiltrate their base!
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Highrise: Deus Ex Machina |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ HDEM /
\_______/
[Once you direct Lombardia to the floating fortress, a cutscene begins
with Leehalt and Siegfried still trying to ready their nanomachines.]
Leehalt: The growth level of the nanomachines have only now surpassed
70. We still need to buy a little more time for them to
fully mature. Losing the Yggdrasil's generator has been quite
a setback for us...
Siegfried: Hmmm...The Yggdrasil System...Has the downloading procedure
used to summon me ever been used before?
Leehalt: No, Sire...We are the only ones capable of performing the
download.
Siegfried: I see...So the technology of Hyades cannot be applies by
one who does not comprehend Hyades...Then, who could it
be...? Could a human have analyzed Hyades? Or could it have
been someone else of my race...? If no other demons aside
from myself were summoned, then that means this person
descended to Filgaia by their own power through Hyades.
Could that be possible...? One must have their personal
data stored within Hyades to do that...
Leehalt: Is everything all right, Sire?
Siegfried: What would happen if someone of my ilk possessed the
ability to exist within Hyades without supplying his
personal data? Capable of concealing himself within Hyades
by transmitting electric signals through his own will? Or
perhaps...
[An explosion ensues and the view changes to the party, who has
crashed through the wall of the Deus Ex Machina with Lombardia.]
Virginia: Couldn't we have just landed normally!?
Gallows: Hey, we're all in one piece, right?
[Virginia looks over to some cobweb-y stuff near the door.]
Virginia: Ewww...What is that?
Clive: If this really is the nanomachine plant, then it must be...
Virginia: Nanomachine compounds, which threaten the life of Filgaia...
We can't let Filgaia fall to this nasty, moldy little thing!
Come on, everyone! Let's go!
[The party continues into the molding structure, and a cutscene with
Leehalt and Siegfried begins again. They're in the middle of a
conversation.]
Leehalt: Such a being exists!?
Siegfried: We call them [dream-demons]...
Leehalt: Dream-demons...Like demons inside your dreams?
Siegfried: The structure of the information library Hyades is like
a sea of electric signals...The motif stems from the domain
of the mind, created by people's consciousness. The
dream-demons once said they can only exist inside the
information library...However, these dream-demons with no
physical make-up can still exist within people's
consciousness and even their dreams...They are capable of
making every possible sea of electric signals their own
world, where they exist.
Leehalt: Then, you think they may be inside the information library?
Siegfried: Fear not. They only exist within the seas of electric
signals, whereas I am here. They are not a threat to me.
Leehalt: Very well, Sire...
Siegfried: My wish is to ride the Starship Filgaia, searching the
frontier for battle! Right now, it is the humans, with the
guardians' power, that stand in my way! Eliminate the
intruders at once!
[Meanwhile, the party sees something moving in the darkness, and
Virginia takes out her guns. Maya jumps out and they both point their
guns at each other...then put them away.]
Virginia: Maya, thank goodness you're safe...
Maya: Thanks for your concern, but I'm fit as a fiddle. So, are you
here to see me knock off the bad guy?
Virginia: Uhhh...no...I just wanted to return this to you.
[She gives the Paperback to Maya.]
Maya: Hey! This is...Hmph...That was awfully thoughtful of you.
Virginia: A simple thanks would've been nice, but we have more
important things to worry about.
Maya: If you're looking to fight them, I wouldn't mind helping...
Virginia: Why not? We could use your help, Maya.
[The two parties combine and head into the next room. A large
display and circuitry stands there, too.]
Narrative: The Deus Ex Machina's main control panel. The Deus Ex
Machina is controlled by the main panel, which is
connected to the sub-panel.
[In the next room, they go to a small panel (sub-panel) by the
door.]
Maya: This panel seems to be connected to that big one in the
other room. Let's go back there.
[They go back to the panel.]
Maya: We'll operate the main panel. You guys play around with the
sub-panel. Hurry along.
Virginia: But, then...
Maya: Don't get me wrong. I haven't the slightest intention of making
you guys into heroes. Or are you saying you want me to walk
around this dingy, moldy, stinkin' place?
Virginia: Fine...Watch our backs, but you guys be careful, too.
Todd (NOS): Thank you kindly for trusting us. We will not fail you!
Todd (NOS - 2): Should you ever feel the effects of fatigue from
battle, please come to me for help. [Replies: Accept
Todd's kindness.; Thanks, but no thanks.]
Todd (R1): [He heals you; no dialogue exchanged]
Todd (R2): [Healing cancelled; no dialogue exchanged.]
Alfred (NOS): Don't worry! I'm sure you'll be fine. You have me and
my sister to back you up!
Alfred (NOS - 2): Oh, I almost forgot! I brought with me an invention
you might be interested in. If you use it, you'll be
able to save your current state. [Options: Use
Alfred's device.; Thanks, but no thanks.]
Alfred (R1): [Loads save screen; no dialogue exchanged.]
Alfred (R2): [Saving cancelled; no dialogue exchanged.]
Shady (NOS): Dispersin' your offense ain't necessarily a smart thing
to do...But in our case, I think it's better to wage our
own guerilla warfare.
Maya (NOS): What? You doubt my intelligence? I'll figure this control
panel out.
[The party goes back to the sub-panel and Maya's voice filters through
the speaker.]
Narrative: Hello? Can you hear me? I figured out the release code for
the shutter. But...the code is only valid for ten seconds,
so that's how long you'll have to input it. I'll relay the
code from here, so enter it quickly and precisely. Okay,
are you ready?
[The code comes up on the screen and the party presses it, opening
the door.]
Maya (NOS): Once I read the manual, it's all good. They'll be able
to open the shutters from here they are. [Maya has a
demure scientist costume if you go back to talk to her
after opening the locked door. Funny!]
[The party continues on through the door and a ways down the line,
are ambushed by Fafnir. They defeat it and roll on, and enter the
main nanomachine plant.]
Virginia: This must be the heart of the nanomachine plant...Each one
of these spores are the cancer cells that'll eat away at
Filgaia...We can't let them carry out their plan! We'll
just have to...
Leehalt: Blow it up? If you blow up the plant, the nanomachines,
although still premature, will scatter all over Filgaia.
The growth rate of the nanomachines is currently at 74%...
which equals the <likelihood> of them activating. Heh heh
heh heh...[Skip to Virginia's "Thanks for..." line if the
ASK system isn't activated.]
<Likelihood> Virginia: There's a 74% chance the nanomachines will
activate!?
Leehalt: Precisely...Is the 26% survival rate worth blowing up the
plant? Personally speaking, I would rather you wait until
the nanomachines have fully matured...Heh heh heh heh...
Virginia: Thanks for the advice. But we'll decide what to do after
we defeat you!
[Leehalt appears in battle with a Melody and Malik clone.]
Leehalt: The terraforming, brought on by nanomachines, is the proper
way to evolve. Why do you refuse to accept the true form of
the planet's future?
Virginia: Because no one wants that kind of future!
Leehalt: No one...? Heh heh heh heh...Are you certain? At the very
least, our forefathers did; the neosapiens allowed
nanomachines to evolve their mother planet...
Virginia: What!?
Leehalt: A long time ago...Far, far away...existed the planet, Terra;
home of the neosapiens...Technology flourished by leaps and
bounds, evolving the planet. The people of Terra were no
exceptions to this evolution...Their desire for limitless
power and everlasting life caused them to outstep the
boundaries of living organisms...by using nanomachines to
merge with machines.
Virginia: Half organic, half machine!?
Leehalt: Indeed...Our forefathers rode the immigrant ship to reach
Filgaia...These neosapiens are the very demons that appear
in folklore!
Virginia: No...I don't believe a word you say!
[The party defeats Leehalt and the two clones.]
Leehalt: You don't believe me...? Rather, you refuse to believe
me...But think about it...How can people handle ARMs--
weapons created by dragons and left behind by demons? We may
be inferior to the demons, but by communicating our spirit to
our half-flesh, half-machine bodies, we are able to
synchronize a part of our body. Heh heh heh heh...Because we
are the spawn of demons, we possess a dormant agent inside
us--the same one demons have. In terms of species, humans
and demons are similar...Especially when it comes to the
desire for conflict and war...
Virginia: Even if that is the truth, we're not the same as demons!
We don't want any evolution brought on by nanomachines!
Limitless power...Everlasting life...By accepting these,
you've become immune not only to your own pain, but to
others, as well! If you can't feel pain for others, you
can't have love for others!
Leehalt: Love...That is what Ekatrina would have said as well...
But in a world without Ekatrina, such a word is
unnecessary...
[Leehalt falls over from his wounds.]
Virginia: Let's press on...
Leehalt (NOS): You may have gotten past me, but not the originators of
humans, the demons...
[If you try to leave the Nanomachine room, you can hear four different
responses from the party:]
Virginia: Our main objective is to stop the nanomachines from maturing.
We have to keep going.
Jet: Evolution of Filgaia by the hands of demons? So what? But the
thing is, I feel uncomfortable about it...
Gallows: This ain't the time to be relaxing. I don't quite understand
what's goin' on, but I do know that trouble's brewing. Let's
just take care of these nanomachines and go out for a burger.
Clive: All creations are destined to die. Evolution goes against this
law of nature...But this is something nobody wants. We must
stop the nanomachines.
[The party goes up to the console near Leehalt's body.]
Virginia: Maya, it's me! Can you hear me? We've found the nanomachine
plant, but we don't know how to shut it off! Any ideas?
Narrative: I'll have to look into it... ... ... No idea...Forget about
shutting it off. Why don't you just blow it up?
Virginia: We can't do that. All the spores will scatter over
Filgaia...
Narrative: So we've gotta do something with the actual nanomachine
program, then...
Jet: (Her old man said something about me being the only one who can
do this...But still...)
[Jet puts his hand by the console and a green sparkle starts up.]
Virginia: Jet! What was that!?
Jet: How the hell should I know!? It was like this at Yggdrasil,
too...When I faced the System, and communicated my spirit to
handle the ARM, this happened...
Narrative: What did you just do!? From what I can confirm here, the
nanomachine program is being rewritten at an enormous pace!
[Leehalt gets up.]
Leehalt: Ahhh...Now I understand. You're that Filgaia Sample...The
model of the world, created by Elliot Enduro...The android,
Adam Kadmon...It all makes perfect sense now. I couldn't tell
from the black model you carry, but it is the Airget-lamh you
hold. Adam Kadmon cannot wield the power of demons!
Jet: Filgaia Sample? Adam Kadmon? Are you talkin' about me...? Then,
you know me, too!?
Leehalt: I know you very well...We, the Council of Seven, in our
efforts to rejuvenate the planet, first researched the makeup
of Filgaia. We derived a hypothesis based on various
perspectives...We called this the <Filgaia Hypothesis>. You
were created, modeled after the Filgaia Hypothesis...To us,
you were but a mere sample. You took on human form when we
took up the challenge of playing god. However, to our
colleague Elliot, you were much more than that. He had lost
his son days ago, when he placed his son's figure over
yours, and continued to raise you inside the sample pod. Up
until the very moment of the Yggdrasil tragedy...[Skip to
Jet's next line if ASK system is not activated.]
<Filgaia...>: Would we be ale to prove this planet was a single
life-form? In order to test our theory, we created
you...the Filgaia Sample...Even though the validity
of our hypothesis was only confirmed when Asgard
brought back Filgaia data of the past...[Continue
with the "To us, you were..." line of Leehalt's.]
Jet: My life was made from Filgaia...?
Leehalt: Werner most likely rescued you from the sample pod during
the accident...You were named after Elliot's son, and were
created to withstand any environment and adapt...You were
also bestowed the Airget-lamh, which was converted into an
ARM, so that you may use it as a terminal to link with the
life force of Filgaia. That pretty much summarizes your
origin...Your own personal data..You were able to install
the original Filgaia data into the System to cause the
Yggdrasil function to crash...And now you rewrite the
nanomachine program...Did Werner put you up to this?
[Jet runs up and grabs Leehalt by his collar.]
Jet: Does it really matter who!? Next, I'll rewrite you myself!
Leehalt: How absurd! Do you wish to save the planet? Do you plan to
act human just becuase you were created by one? You're just
a puppet!
[Jet uses his connection with the life force to explode Leehalt's body
into pieces of matter--not in the same way of exploding his body, but
rewriting it into dust.]
Clive: The nanomachines are terminated...Thanks to the sample data...
Virginia: Don't call him that! He's Jet! And he's one of us!
Jet: Don't worry about it. I'm not bitter...I may be a creation, but I
get by...Except for the fact that...I don't have any memories of
this planet like you do. I guess it can't be helped. Looks like
I was finally completed soon after the accident...Heh, guess I've
only been around a few years. It's not that I lost my memory! I
never had any to begin with! No matter how far I walk, or where
I look, I'll never find it! As a Filgaia Sample of the past, the
only memory I was granted was the way Filgaia was in the past...
Well...Just like he said, this is absurd. Oh, man...I don't know
what it is, but I just feel so pissed off! Like I wanna lay it
on someone! The top dog is still around, right? Looks like I'm
qualified to make him eat some lead. Come on, let's go...I wanna
leave this joint.
[The party heads on towards Siegfried, encountering another panel
that keeps a door locked. Maya talks from the speaker.]
Narrative: That area seems to be locked by shutters as well. I'll read
out the access code, but it's a little more complicated
than before. Okay, here we go!
[The party inputs a longer code and opens the door.]
Narrative: If the information from the computer is correct, that
conceited demon should be in that room. Be sure to take all
precautions. He's able to use the Teardrop to heal himself.
It makes me so angry just remembering it! That Teardrop was
supposed to be mine! It might be a good idea to steal it
from him before he can use it. You guys have any other
tactics?
[The party enters the next room and finds Siegfried.]
Siegfried: You made it...my little spawn...
Virginia: NO!! We are not your spawn! We are the life-forms that
inhabit this planet! We are the children of Filgaia!
Siegfried: Think about it, my spawn...You possess the same agent as
mine inside your body, and have the power to weild ARMs
of dragons, just like me. However...You are one of my
inferior species who do not rank with warriors or knights.
You are the descendants of those who were not granted the
power of nanomachines.
Virginia: Only those with power are just?
Siegfried: Our ethics may be the same...We take up arms and fight one
another, but the difference is that I shall prevail...There
is nothing different about what we do.
Virginia: That's not true!
Siegfried: Oh, but it is...You and I are the same. We live, grow, rest
and die for battle. There is no distinction or boundary
between you and I. If I must bring up one difference...it
is that your inferior forefathers chose to coexist with
Filgaia! I am not one of them. Even if the planet itself
tries to eliminate me, I shall use every ounce of my power
to beat it down! For as long as I have power, I will bring
Filgaia to its knees! Hwah hah hah hah hah!
Virginia: To walk hand in hand, and to live the best you can is a
strong bond you will never understand! I won't let you make
a mockery of life!
[The party starts to fight Siegfried but he uses the Teardrop to
heal his wounds.]
Siegfried: Heh...How ironic...The sparkle of this planet heals my
wounds through my converter. Though we may be the same,
I am the superior species! Even the Teardrop respects my
superb power! As long as I have the sparkle, I am
invincible!
[The party uses Pickpocket to take Siegfried's Teardrop and finally
defeat him.]
Siegfried: Ugh...Yes...That power...The power of battle and
destruction...That power you have used on me speaks, and
makes us the same entity! Heh heh heh...HAH HA HAH HAHHAH!
Virginia: We're not like you at all! There's a big difference between
our fight and yours! We fight risking our lives to protect
what's important to everyone! But your fight brings forth
extinction and destruction. That's it! We're not the same
as you...You're a hideous demon! Just a spirit from
folklore! Demons can't bring forth a future for the
planet...The only ones who can are the ones you renounce...
Humans!
Siegfried: It takes great power to bring forth or shun a future...
And...It is only natural for humans to seek power...As long
as humans have a dark and fragile heart, I will not
perish...This is far from over...
[Siegfried explodes and disappears...but is he dead? Maya talks over
the speaker.]
Narrative: Hey, are you guys still there? All of a sudden, the power
level of all systems went way down...Did you guys do
something?
Virginia: We defeated the demon...Siegfried...
Narrative: Hmmm...Maybe that's the reason. Anyway, retreat to your
entry point. Once we're ready to make our escape, I'm
blowing this Deus Ex Machina to smithereens!
Virginia: Do you always have to be so rash!?
Narrative: We were able to neutralize the nanomachines so there's
nothing to worry about, right? Plus, we don't want
something so massive crashing into a nearby town. Don't
worry. I have everything under control.
Virginia: Fine...We're leaving it in your hands, Maya...
[The party continues back down to the room where Maya and her
team are.]
Todd (NOS): Your trust in us is an honor. Do not worry about us.
Please be on your way.
Todd (NOS - 2): Please let me know if I can help tend to your
wounds. I do have a little knowledge of healing arts.
[Options: Accept Todd's kindness.; Thanks, but not
thank.]
Todd (R1): [He heals you; no dialogue said.]
Todd (R2): [He doesn't heal you; no dialogue said.]
Maya (NOS): Hurry to the escape point. Leave the rest to us. Will you
get moving already? I can't see the keyboard when you
stand in my way like that.
Shady (NOS): Madam can be so stubborn...But hey, she's got us, so
don't worry. Get movin' to the escape point.
Alfred (NOS): I'm almost done calculating the most effective
detonation point. Once we confirm your position on this
monitor, we'll get ready for our escape, too.
Alfred (NOS - 2): Do you want to use that saving device I made?
[Replies: Use Alfred's device; Thanks, but no
thanks.]
Alfred (R1): [You can save your game; no dialogue exchanged]
Alfred (R2): [You don't save; no dialogue exchanged]
[The party heads to the exit, and the scene shifts back to the
Schroedinger party.]
Alfred: Okay, I've just confirmed that they made it to the escape
point! Once we're done setting the self-destruct system, we'll
have to make our escape, too. Huh, sis?
[Maya doesn't answer.]
Alfred: Sis?
Maya: Yes, yes...We'd better start preparing. Everyone get ready.
Alfred: What about you?
Maya: Listen...In order for everyone to escape, someone has to stay
behind and operate the machines, right? And there's only one
escape pod, so one person has to stay behind. And as the leader
of the group, it's my duty to bring up the rear.
Alfred: B-But...Sis!
Maya: Hmm...There's this one gem that I really want right now...It has
a beautiful blue sparkle, which doesn't even compare to the
Teardrop. That's going to be our next target. I promise I'll
meet up with you, so hurry on without me...
Alfred: Okay...But you better...You better keep your promise!
Shady: We're still gonna go have a lot of great times together, right?
Maya: Of course. Our next target is out of this world. The gem's name
is Filgaia. An aqua planet that sparkles a lustrous blue.
Todd: Milady...I have much admiration for your caliber...I had
devoted this sword to the late Lord Schroedinger...But I now
wish to devote it to you, Maya Schroedinger as my mistress...
Please accept...
Maya: Todd Dukakis...Do you promise to subdue all obstacles that
stand in our way with this sword?
Todd: Though I may be incompetent, I shall give my all for Milady!
Maya: Then, Todd...Please escort everyone to the escape point.
[Everyone runs out.]
Maya: Well, well...It's not in my nature to be looked after by
everyone. Everyone risked their lives to come save me...Now it's
my turn!
[Back to Virginia's party. The Schroedingers sans Maya all come
running through the exit.]
Virginia: You made it! I was getting nervous there for a second.
Hey, where's Maya!?
Alfred: Please wait a little bit longer! My sister will be here!
I know she will!
[Somewhere within the Deus Ex Machina, Siegfried teleports into
a room with a lot of statues that look like Fafnir encircling a
round platform.]
Siegfried: How can I succumb to an inferior species such as them...
However, they have yet to realize the true terror behind
my half flesh, half machine structure...The power I have
lost can always be regained and absorbed...By the power
of these Fafnir dragons, I shall become a dragoon...I will
be invincible!
[Siegfried turns around and sees Maya, holding a large Fafnir horn
in her clutches.]
Maya: Oh, I see...Not only can dragons fight as their own entity, but
they can also be combined into armaments. Your bodily structure
sure is handy, isn't it? But I'm not gonna let you have it your
way.
Siegfried: Why do you waste your life by returning to the field of
death?
[Both put up their weapons.]
Siegfried: A Fafnir horn...Clever...In my weakened state, you might
actually be able to defeat me...But how do you plan to
control it? You may be able to handle typical ARMs, but
it will take a spirit on par with my half flesh, half
machine structure.
[Maya just smiles.]
Siegfried: Now I see...You, yourself, are a spirit generator that
cannot be rivaled by any demons...
Maya: Even an idiot would have figured that out...I'll make you
regret you even met me!
[The horn she holds surges with electrical energy.]
Maya: Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! EAT THIS!!
[She lets loose a stream of energy and brings the room into flames
and rubble.]
Maya: Oh, no...I may be too late...But this was the only way...The
only way for everyone to escape safely...It...It never crossed
my mind until now, but am I going to die? It all seems
surreal...
[She picks up the Paperback that had fallen on the floor.]
Maya: Wish I had finished reading it...
[A bunch of debris falls while she is reading, and the scene shifts
to Virginia's party before we can see it fall on her.]
Todd: Milady!
Alfred: My sister will come...
[Back to Maya, who didn't get crushed beneath the ceiling. She
runs down the hallway towards the exit, but a burst of flame shoots
through the wall. She changes into her wizard form and freezes it.
More rubble falls towards her, she changes into her judo uniform and
jumps through all of it.]
Maya: The 'Disaster Girl of the Wasteland' never quits! And neither
will I! As the protagonist, Martha Jane Connery, I will make it
out of here through hell or high water!
[Back to Virginia's party. Maya comes walking through the door!]
Alfred: Sis!
[They all pile into Lombardia.]
Virginia: Prepare the Gun Blaster! We're getting outta here!
[Lombardia blows a hole into the side of the structure and flies
out. She [Lombardia] turns back to view the carnage, as the Deus Ex
Machina smokes and drifts away.]
Virginia: Wha...!?
[The black-haired little girl that had talked to Malik earlier can be
seen standing on the Deus Ex Machina's roof, standing silently.]
Virginia: Hm!?
[The structure blows up and from the smoke, a large dragon-type
aircraft attacks Lombardia.]
Siegfried: The strong will dominate the weak! Overruling this premise
signifies the denial of the future! Seeking battle and
victory, I wish to continue the existence of the human
race!
Virginia: Enough with your selfish gibberish! Everyone's crying out
for justice over your evil ambition!
Siegfried: Justice!? You tickle me with your dull sword! A sword
is only as sharp as its weilder! You honestly think you
can pierce my desires with that!?
Virginia: I've been on the side of justice all along! I don't
want to look back anymore...Justice will guide me forward!
[The party fights off Dragna Seig and it soon drifts beside
Lombardia.]
Jet: Now's our chance!
Gallows: Combine our forces with Lombardia's! Focus on one point!
Clive: May all our mistakes and sins burn in the flames of
atonement, and light the way to our future!
Virginia: May our swords vanquish the darkness!
[Lombardia blows her breath and blows Dragna Sieg out of the
sky.]
Siegfried: Hwah hah hah hah...You consider that a sword of
justice...? Your sword is dull...much too dull...One day,
that blade will turn against you...
[The party lands on a cliff and looks off into the sands, where only
a plume of smoke remains of where Siegfried crashed. Virginia
reflects.]
Narrative: (It's over...We won, right...? ... Even though the sword
of justice may be dull, it can and will pierce if we
believe firmly, right...?)
Maya: Well, we've done our part. We'd better get going...
Virginia: What, like now!?
Maya: We're going after our next prize. See ya.
Alfred: Our next target is going to be quite a venture, and it may
take some time.
Shady: Heh, at least I'll be entertained for a while.
[The Schroedingers walk off, with Alfred waving back to them.]
Gallows: So...After being coaxed in by Granny, we came this far and
ended up saving the world. Let's go back to Baskar to cash
in, big time!
Clive: Never did I imagine our encounter on the train would lead to
this...
Virginia: Even though the four of us met by coincidence...and had
our own reasons and motives...we were able to accomplish
a goal together...I don't think fate had anything to do
with it! We did it by our own free will! Okay then, let's
all report back to Halle!
[They all walk off, with Virginia dropping behind to talk to Jet.]
Virginia: Hey, come on! We're going back as a team, right?
Jet: A team...? Is that what we are?
Virginia: Naturally!
Jet: Yeah...I guess...
[She lets him walk off before she turns back and looks up at the
clouds.]
Virginia: A team always sticks together...Right, Daddy...?
[The end of the third chapter hits right now.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Chapter Four: Bridges to the Horizon |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BTTH /
\_______/
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Hang Fire: Baskar Colony to the Sacrificial Altar |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BCSA /
\_______/
[The chapter begins with everyone in Baskar and the party sitting on
the ground in a circle (sans Jet). Gallows plays the guitar and Harold
dances on the rock structure. Later on, everyone has dispersed and
Virginia sits on the rock structure.]
Virginia: (So peaceful...It's hard to believe we were fighting so
frantically moments ago...It just doesn't seem real...)
Narrative: (I can't believe a cub Drifter like me got involved in a
battle over Filgaia and won with the help of many
comrades...I fought to save the world...Maybe it's natural
that it doesn't feel real...I mean, this was like a fantasy
straight out of a picture book...)
Virginia: Then, what kind of things do seem real? ... Nothing comes to
mind...I guess these things aren't supposed to...
Gallows: Hey, havin' fun!? The star of the party shouldn't be sittin'
out here by herself.
Virginia: Yeah...My face was getting al hot. I just needed to cool
off.
Gallows: Oh, okay...By the way, have you seen Shane? He's been gone
for a while...
Virginia: Shane? No, I haven't seen him. Come to think of it, I
haven't seen Jet, either.
Gallows: Yeah, you're right...
Virginia: I'll help you look.
[She jumps off the rock.]
Virginia: Umph...Looks like I'm okay.
Gallows: Hey, have you been drinking!?
Virginia: Hah hah! Whatever!
[Jet, who is sitting outside of the circle, walks up to the side of a
house. Shane runs over to him.
Shane: There you are...I'm not too comfortable with festive occasions,
myself...You sure are amazing...We're about the same age, and
you fought to protect Filgaia...
Jet: All I did was tag along with some pretty skilled guys, and that
was the outcome. A battle to save the human race? Pshhhh...I
ain't qualified for that...I didn't have a single memory of the
planet I wanted to protect...
Shane: But even so, you fought, and emerged victorious. I haven't been
raised to act as a pillar to protect this planet. But all I do
is relay divine revelations from my dreams...That's all...It is
my duty to protect the planet, yet I can't do anything about
it. I guess the only thing we have in common is that neither of
us have any memories of this planet.
Jet: No...memories...?
Shane: I have been raised as a pillar. Therefore, my life centers
around this colony here. The only other outside world I know
is the outskirts of the colony, and maybe a few shrines...The
rest, I just use my imagination based on the stories of Filgaia
my brother tells me. I don't know anything about this Filgaia
I'm supposed to protect. So in that sense, I have no memories
of this planet. Do you think that one day, I, too, will be able
to risk my life and fight for the planet as you and my brother
did?
Jet: You can't avoid battles when the enemy comes right at you. And
as long as you're not scared, your body will react naturally.
That is if you have no reason to back off...That's what it means
to fight. As long as you have the will to move forward, anyone
can fight. Actually, maybe you fight to move forward...
[Somewhere, a voice yells to the two.]
Narrative: Hey, Shane! Jet! I got a cold one for you!
[Jet sees Virginia.]
Jet: Here comes the loudmouth. I'd leave now if I were you.
[Jet walks off, but Shane stays. He looks up and sees the dark-haired
girl who was at the top of Deus Ex Machina. She floats above the
rocks near the town entrance.]
Shane: Dream child...
[If Virginia goes to the altar, she can't get in, and will say:]
Virginia: Jet went to the altar alone? No, he wouldn't do that...
Or would he?
[Virginia walks over to him.]
Virginia: Oh, there you are. Your brother was looking for you. Are
you alone? Anyone else with you? That's funny...Where could
Jet be?
Shane: Um...Virginia...?
Virginia: What's wrong? Do you feel sick? Then you should...
Shane: Virginia!!
Virginia: Y-Yes!? <hiccup>
Shane: I am all right now. I will do whatever I must do to fulfill my
destiny! I will protect this planet!!
[Shane walks out of town.]
Virginia: Did he have too much to drink?
[The next morning, Virginia walks out of a house and sees that her
teammates and the villagers are already up, and talking amongst
themselves.]
Virginia: What's up?
Gallows: We can't find Shane...
Virginia: What!? Do you think he was kidnapped!?
Halle: Not likely...
Gallows: How can you be so sure!? You know somethin' we don't?
Halle: The <secret key> passed down from priesthood is missing. No
one but Shane knows where the key is hidden. I believe Shane
has left the colony by his own will...[Skip to Gallows "Where
is this key..." line if ASK system isn't initiated.]
<Secret key> Gallows: Secret key...? How come I've never heard of
that!?
Halle: The secret key is an artifact a pillar uses when the time
comes for him to perform his duty. This sacred key summons
a powerful monster called a hydra to act as the pillar's
guard. The hydra's role is to see to it that the pillar
carries out his duty successfully, so it is quite formidable.
This monster is also able to regenerate. I hear the only way
to negate this ability is through the use of fire...
Gallows: Where is this key used!? You should at least know that.
Halle: At the sanctuary to the north...known as the [Sacrificial
Altar]...
Gallows: You've gotta be kiddin' me! That's the place where the pillar
sacrifices his life for the planet...Wh-What are you going
to do, Granny!?
Halle: Nothing. This was Shane's decision. There isn't anything I can
do about it...
Gallows: Then I'm gonna drag Shane back whether he likes it or not!
That's what I decided! So you can't do anything about it!!
[The party walks out of town.]
Halle: The strong needs not valor...Only a relentless will that goes
against fate...Perhaps it is not the pillar that supports
Filgaia, but fellows such as them...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Laraina: It is said that sacrifices at the altar awaken the planet's
energy in exchange for the sacrificed life. That energy is
called Gaia. It drives away life, and it makes life grow. The
legends say that the sacrificed must control the Surge of
Gaia, because Gaia is merely a current of power without a
will.
Laraina (G): If Shane really has decided to head to the Sacrificial
Altar, then there is little we can do to stop him. Why,
if we were in his shoes, we would probably do the same.
Halle: Shane has decided to head out to the Northern Sanctuary. I'm
too old to stop him.
Halle (G): The Sacrificial Altar is in the Northern Sanctuary, which
is located opposite the Southern Sanctuary. If he went to
the altar to sacrifice himself and become a pillar that
supports the world, I would not object. However...If
something else was compelling him, then such foolishness
must be stopped.
Harold: The sanctuary to the south is a shrine dedicated to the
guardians, but the <one to the north> is different.
<One to...>: The life of the planet itself is celebrated at the
Northern Sanctuary. It is a torrent of incredible
power. Only Shane can <awaken> such power. After all,
the key to Gaia's revival is the life of the pillars.
That is the reason the Northern Sanctuary is also called
the Sacrificial Altar.
<Awaken>: When the Surge of Gaia is awakened, the watcher of the
pillar comes. It is known as the hydra. No matter how deep
the wound, the hydra heals itself and returns to the fray
with terrible speed. They say the only way to stop its
abominable regeneration is to seal the wound with flame.
Harold (G): The hydra defends the pillar. It has heads that grow back,
and is charged with eliminating those would would
interfere with the pillar's purpose. But the heads cannot
regrow if the wounds are singed by flame. If you intend to
reach the altar and save Shane, you must not forget what
I have told you.
Cordell: The Sacrificial Altar that Shane seeks was constructed to
call surges of energy. Thus, it also provides the energy
converted from the sacrificed life force. It was the
prototype for the guardian shrines, and considering it
requires a human sacrifice, it probably serves another, more
sinister purpose.
Cordell (G): I heard that sanctuary located past the mountains north
of the village was built by the ancients as a prototype
for generators of something called Stigma. Our world is
sustained by countless beings. Mankind sinned by trying
to cover it all with one huge life-form. Later, its
functions were irreverently applied to guardians' life
forces as well, as mankind tried to redeem itself. Time
passes, and the Northern Sanctuary became known as the
Sacrificial Altar.
Ellen: Why in tarnation did Shane have to go to the Sacrificial Altar
in the Northern Sanctuary? I'm ashamed of anyone who thinks
they can just shove all our problems onto him!
Ellen (G): Shane's one stubborn donkey, but I bet you can stop him.
So I want you to tell it to him straight. Tell him he can't
go sacrifice himself. Tell him he can't just waste all the
great things waiting for him.
Roykman: I think each person has their own definition of what it means
to be alive. To me, it's journeying. I feel the most alive
whenever I make a new acquaintance on the road. So, are you
living your life to its fullest?
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Sterling: Nothing in this world is absolute. Anyone talented enough
can make their own fate by biting the bullet. The only sure
thing, in my opinion is...uh...What goes up must come down.
That's about it, I reckon. Just a little gem from our
elders.
Dennis: Some find solace gazing out on the vast dunes...Others take
every precaution for the inevitable storm. Have you ever
wondered what everything would look like if we could see it
from the other side?
Emilia: A <smile> isn't something you wear on your face. Well, now
that I know that...I won't have to fake laughter 'til I feel
like crying anymore.
<Smile>: A smile is...well, it's...uh, you know...It comes from under
your belly and bubbles right on up all the way onto your
face. So, that's it! That's why when you laugh a lot, your
tummy gets sore! Whahahahah! Aw, shucks. How could I forget
such a simple thing?
Hannah: Lots of people have tried, but the only one who could really
help Emilia was herself. You know the words, <face reality>?
It's used more as an excuse than anything, but it's actually
true. I'm awfu proud of her. When she laughs now, you can see
she's happier about the future than the past.
<Face reality>: Facing reality means...It means to accept in your
heart the truth of what's around you, step by careful
step.
Volks: To quell the unclean head that sprouts forth, no matter how
many times you cut it down, you must hit it with flame. Within
true flame lies immortality.
Herman: Faint <memories> of a green Filgaia creep in and out of my
mind...But that's something I've never seen. It seemed so real
for a phantasm. Maybe that's why I thought it was a memory.
What else could it be?
<Memories>: Chirping birds, gentle waves...Strange memories just
beyond my grasp...Time for a reality check. Look around,
and all you see is a bleak wasteland stretching forever.
A sweet fantasy glosses over the severe reality...Memories
can be so cruel sometimes.
Roykman: It doesn't matter what happens to the world. As long as
people need my merchandise, my world will keep turning. If
I ever fall during my journey...It might be just like a
fairy tale. My soul will wander the wasteland, plying my
wares wherever I go.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Claiborne]
Dessinsey: How's my horsies treatin' ya? Good, right? I expect nothin'
but the best from my horsies. Huh? Well if they don't
listen to your orders, maybe there's somethin' wrong with
you.
Otto: I don't think the world will run outta <treasures>, no matter
how many Drifters go adventurin'.
<Treasures>: That's 'cause everyone has their own definition of
treasure. What does treasure mean to you? Are you doin'
whatever it takes to get yer hands on it?
Martina: I'm worried about my auntie. I have heard she left for
Little Twister after leaving the saloon in our care. I plan
to go see how she's doing once Mom feels better...
Mileux: It was a shock to learn what my sister had done...But still,
I trust my sister...Martina is the one who suggested we go
find her and start over. My daughter looked me straight in the
eye and said if you give it your best, your feelings will
become known...That's when it occured to me that I had never
expressed my true feelings to my sister. I, too, wish to live
with Myra again, so that we may work on sharing our feelings.
Pike: Every time I rip open a new bar of soap, I feel like I'm gaining
more and more memories of this place. Memories of your hometown
are important, but gaining new memories is kinda fun.
Pike (J): When I look up at the clear blue sky, I hate to think we
share it with the bad guys of this world. Anything new with
you? ... Wow...So, you and your buddies defeated the bad guy
that tried to make Filgaia into a planet for demons, huh?
Wow...I'm sure you'll hold onto that memory for a long time.
I believe all memories have the same importance, but yours
was kinda cool.
Becky: Ah've come to a resolution. That's it, Ah'm leavin' this
village! Ah don't know if Ah wanna become a Drifter yet, but
you haveta take that initial step to open up new horizons.
Roykman: One of the locals scolded me for feeding bread crumbs to the
chickens. He said that they're put on a strict diet so they
can grow plump and tasty. Come to think of it, I haven't
been eating well lately. Maybe I'll treat myself so some
chicken today...
[Special/new Dialogue in: The Secret Garden]
Florina: Falling petals are <beautiful> because they show us the
results of real effort. Meanwhile, I don't know what I want
to do, so I'm just wasting time.
<Beautiful>: They brave heat and thirst as they traverse the
continent, leaving seeds for the next generation before
dying. Some say it's futility, but I think it shows how
strong they really are.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Twister]
Berkley: You'll probably understand one day, but there is necessary
evil in this world! And my job is not to clamp down on this
social environment, but to come to terms with it. It's a
difficult job, but somebody has to do it...
Cormano: <Hard work> will pay off one day, you say? Ahhh, that's just
a crock. Kids don't even believe that these days. Countless
number of men have been fooled by those words...
<Hard work>: Well, making an effort is important, but you also need
some luck...But the thing you need most is <money>.
<Money>: If you have money, you have options! If you don't, you're
just stuck with whatever cards life deals you.
Claudia: South of this town, you'll see a strangely shaped reef. This
is where the Balal Quo Naga used to lurk, terrorizin' and
destroyin' whatever came near...However, as people began
avoidin' the area, the monster moved away as well, they
say...Do y'all think that one day, it'll return to the
southern reef?
Angela: Should one be criticized for rebuffin' others? Ah think the
only way to know who you really are is to establish walls
around people. These scam artists who use the catch line,
'Let's understand each other,' are the ones who should be
criticized!
Myra: I can't believe I was found out...But I have to hand it to
Martina and Mileux. They're both so nice. They even wrote me
a letter offering to live together again.
Ian: I can have the world at my feet any day! Well, I haven't done
it yet, but I have every intention of doing it some day. I'm not
like others. I may be here now, but I'm destined for greater
things.
Mosby: <People who are lacking> tend to fill their gap with another
talent, and in many cases, make it part of their personality.
It's great if it all works out. I'm sure you've said to
yourself 'I wish I could do that,' at least once in your life
before.
<People...>: But if they fill this gap with delusions that have to
do with harm or destruction, that's where you get your
criminals. These people should be locked up in a mental
asylum, but end up as customers of mine.
Travis: It is ultimately the customers who deem my prices cheap or
expensive. They are the ones who know the true value of my
goods.
Roykman: Ian seems to like children. Of course I mean that in a good
way. I do not wish to take up any more of your time, so let
us leave it at that.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Rock]
Roykman: I once believed that the people here had given up on life.
But my theory was a little off. They are aware of their fate,
yet they still maintain their optimism. That's something I
can only aspire to.
Kovahn: Eureka! I found where <hope> is! And I want to press forward
in this wasted world with that light in my hands.
<Hope>: Let me elaborate. There's no hope in this world, only toil and
suffering. There's just not enough space for hope. But what
about inside my heart? Maybe there's a place for hope in this
persistent, courageous heart of mine! There must be! Hope that
shimmers when all is lost. The will to go on becomes a light
that illuminates a path before us.
Kovahn (J): Even in a dark world such as ours, a glimmer of hope can
shine the path that we should choose. You're probably why
I think so. It's all thanks to meeting you.
Gaspar: I've heard a thousand <sob stories> from drunk patrons in my
years behind the counter. Of course, it's enlightening to
study how people succumb to drink.
<Sob stories>: Everybody tries to drown their sorrows in alcohol...
They're missin' the whole point of a good drink. The
inventors of <liquor> would not be pleased.
<Liquor>: Well, liquor ain't somethin' you just blame your problems
on, or call for help when you want. I just want people to
have fun and drink responsibly. Hey...That sounds kind of
catchy, doesn't it? I should patent that phrase someday.
Gaspar (J): It's tough getting old, son. It's like the dearest parts
of your mind get coated with rust. You get used to things
not working out the way you wanted, and get kind of
nervous when they actually do.
Mock: They say that a deep, dark crevasse in the southern mountains
leads all the way to <hell>. I always want to go find out if
it's true, but then I start getting hungry again.
<Hell>: And inside, there's fire and brimstone burning like a furnace.
So hot, you'll be a sizzlin' meatball in no time! Mmm...
Meatballs...I'm getting hungry.
Mock (J): It's always the cocky Drifters that get swallowed up by
the Abyss. Mister, confidence is a lot like food; too much
can be bad for you!
Annette: So many Drifters of renown have gone to explore the Abyss,
but not one has ever come back. That means that there must
be somtehing absolutely hideous down there. Perhaps a
monster the likes of nothing we've ever seen before...
Annette (J): If you're headed into the Abyss, be very careful! I'm
sure you can handle it, but I miss all the Drifters that
go there and never come back...
Von: Know what <harmony> is? You know, where the sounds mix real good
together? It's the same kind of thing with music. The joy I feel
listening to a song can be harmonious with what you feel, too.
<Harmony>: You meet all kinds of people when you're out travelling,
right? Ain't it great when you find that you and the person
you just met get a really good harmony going?
Von: Why am I so sleepy? I always sleep well thanks to my superior
upbringing, but still...<Gaspar> taught me this stretch so I
could stay awake. But, as you've no doubt noticed, it's not
working one bit.
<Gaspar>: I can only tell you this because he went out for a walk,
but...Once he's had a drink or two, he'll talk your ears
off! I just keep nodding at whatever he has to say.
Goodwin: Whenever I gaze out at the blasted landscape, I think how
much it resembles my own <tired soul>. I wasn't always like
this. I used to be so positive, so outgoing.
<Tired soul>: When people get this worn out, what do you think that
says about the world we live in? Perhaps if we could
just hope for a brighter future, the world would begin
to recover...
Goodwin (J): I'm not sure you'd understand, but I've seen our world
as a green planet. Deep in the recesses of my
subconsciousness, I can recall a green, happy Filgaia...
Could this be how it used to be? Or is it a sign of
things to come? Given a choice, I'd choose the latter.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Roykman: When you're out there in the middle of the wasteland, you
start feeling <insecure>, as if you're the last person alive
on this planet.
<Insecure>: At times like that, I turn around and look at my
footsteps. That puts me at ease. I wonder why that is?
Maybe it's because your footsteps are like a marker that
you can trace back to the village?
Datson: There are many paths one can follow. We have infinite
possibilities, which in turn throw us into confusion. The
strong-willed do not hesitate to take the first step on their
chosen path.
Datson (C): If you seek power, then power will probably come to you.
But too much power will eat you alive. What's crucial here
is a balance of power.
Ricardo: Even if you have <wings>, you have to learn to fly properly.
<Wings>: It's not about how far or where you fly--it's about where you
land. As Drifters who soar the vast sky, I suggest you pay
particular attention to where you touch down. It may be an
entrance to a new land.
Ricardo (C): When it comes to protectin' their nest, even little
birds who don't know how to defend themselves will stand
up to predators. But you, on the other hand, are human...
with powerful wings to fly. That's why I hope you realize
what you must protect.
Cheville: People do not have wings on their back, but they do have
wings inside their heart. Once these wings begin to flutter,
you can send someone your feelings to someone special, even
from afar.
Canceco: It's been really peaceful lately...But that leads to two
problems. One is that I'm not getting any work, so no money's
coming in. And two...Times of peace tend to put me on edge.
That's when terrible things tend to creep up on you when you
least expect them.
Canceco (C): Am I the only one who thinks that a great day is <bad
luck>? I think it's a legitimate statement.
<Bad luck>: If it's that great, then it's all downhill from there,
right? I guess I shouldn't say such a pessimistic thing
when everyone seems pretty happy.
Kaitlyn: I'm glad you're here, but do you always have to go away so
soon? Can't you stay longer?
Kaitlyn (C): You know what? Mommy has a <secret>. Mommy' secret is
so amazing, I wished I had one, too.
<Secret>: She says she's always thinking about you, Daddy. Pretty
amazing, isn't it? Because when I'm eating sweets, or
reading a book, I'm just thinking about how good it is.
Catherine: My father has left us many memories. They will always be
revered, never to lose their sparkle. I hope to leave
memories like that for my daughter.
Catherine (C): You're here just in time. You know how Kaitlyn hates
celery...Well, I put some grated celery inside the
stew. Can you try it and tell me if you taste it?
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ark of Destiny]
Linda: Our founder Lamium has a special talent. He can see where
ancient artifacts are buried through his dreams. My special
talent? I've been told that I'm gullible. Is that a special
talent?
Sion: People live alone and die alone...I don't think I can trust
people any more. They straight-out lie to you. People are
insensitive creatures!! <Animals>, on the other hand, are nice.
You can tell by their gentle eyes...
<Animals>: Especially horses. Anyway, I'm going to be a lot more
careful now.
Helga: I believe the greatest artifact the Order has excavated thus
far is the Ark of Destiny...This Ark will one day lead us to
our ideal world.
Susan: A book that has been written with a lot of feeling is always
fresh, no matter how many times you read it...That is because
the book itself is about someone's memories. And memories never
fade.
Marty: The sky extends forever, and in this sea of winds, people can
entrust their <big dreams>. But right now, my dream is one with
our founder's dream. His dream is much more pleasant and
comfortable than any sea out there.
<Big dreams>: But if we have bigger dreams, where can we entrust
those? Perhaps in the sea of stars, which extends
infinitely.
Albert: Our founder Lamium is trying to improve the harsh world using
the power of artifacts. However, we must weigh the benefits
and dangers associated with them.
Lamium: Even if this planet should show signs that the end is near,
there is still hope for the future. Long time ago, according
to folklore, our progenitors traversed the sea of stars on a
<ship that soars that heavens> to reach Filgaia.
<Ship...>: If this folklore is true...And this Ark of Destiny is in
fact the ship that soars the heavens, then it should be
possible to traverse the <sea of stars> once again.
<Sea of...>: Yes...We have determined that what lies beyond the sea
of stars is our new frontier! The people's dream...My
dream is about to become reality...The fruits of my
efforts shall soon be realized through the Ark of
Destiny...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Boot Hill]
Neil: It's better not to set big goals or dreams for yourself. All
your efforts will be wasted if you can't reach them.
Neil (V): It's kinda boring without a tomboy like you around. You sure
you wanna head out to the wasteland again? Why don't you
stay here?
Tesla: Always remember where you first took to your wings...This
starting point will remind you of who you are during times of
trouble.
Tesla (V): Drifters can understand each other if they fly at the same
speed. Right now, that is you and your father. You are the
only one who knows how your father feels, and what he is
thinking.
Libera: ARM meisters have long <questioned> how one activates ARMs as
an extension of one's body. I have come up with many theories
working alone here in my workshop. However, I am not
completely satisfied with a single one. They just leave me
feeling confused and unhappy...
Libera (V): If I am able to immerse myself in my research without
interference from others, I could solve the mystery of
ARMs. But when I do uncover the mystery, I want to tell
everybody about it. I wish to be recognized...
Armengard: [She says something different depending on what day it is,
not by (ir)relevance to the storyline. I won't list what
she says for that reason.]
Putnam: Nothing will grow from a field that has gone dry. We must do
whatever we can to restore them.
Putnam (J): Farming doesn't end once you harvest your crop. Harvesting
is the beginning of a new harvest. Such is life.
Shalte: Even if you have determined your goal in life, always leave
many options open to get there. The more paths you have, the
more ways you can start over, or take a detour. The most
important thing though, is that you have more opportunities
to achieve your goals.
Shalte (V): Have you noticed how absorbed and immersed you get
sometimes? You take after your father in that regard.
Gunther: If I could plow the fields when it's sunny, and read books
when it rains, I would have no complaints. That would be the
ideal way of life for a bookworm like me.
Gunther (V): Sometimes, when you read a book, it's important to read
between the lines. You may be able to discover the
hidden truth.
Roykman: I think I saw my savior the other day. I could tell by the
hat he was wearing. I'm trying to prepare something to say to
him now, so that I won't get all nervous the next time I see
him.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Laxisland]
Roykman: I love listening to all the legends and tales of every
village I visit. It's great when I tell people all the
stories I've heard in my journeys. Wow, I sound like a
travelling troubadour!
Zim: People no can live through everything. Therefore, people need
stuff like <someone to turn to>. But no need be shameful if
weak. No should scorn weak people. Should scorn if people want
stay weak. You have time be ashamed of weakness, then you go out
get strong.
Nalice: I think it's pointless to fight. Such a waste of time. But,
if you absolutely have to, you'd best finish what you start.
Don't be a loser, you hear? One more thing. The most important
thing about a fight is what you do afterwards.
Galahad: You may stay and chit-chat 'til your throat goes dry. I,
Galahad, shall ride forth and slay the dragon! Ahahaha! The
very thought <shivers> you to the bone, does it not? Hmph!
How fortunate for me that you became a dragoon, child! No
more shall I rove this way and that across them mountains,
clad in armour from head to toe, with not a soul to aid me!
Like a moth to a flame, child, you cast yourself to peril.
<Shivers>: Indeed! The name of Galahad shall live forever in legends
told to countless generations yet unborn. And what of your
story? Perhaps it may occupy a footnote in the pages of my
epic tale.
Roswell: [If you've only defeated one Telepath Tower, he says the same
thing as he did before.]
Robert: I'd sure love to see something new and exciting once in a
while. But feeling this way doesn't change a thing, 'cause
nothing's gonna happen. I'd never be disappointed if I
remembered to keep my expectations low.
Laura: I have no idea what our legends are trying to say, but I think
it's important to pass them on. I feel that people alive today
have a duty to extend their knowledge to tomorrow.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ballack Rise]
Balleana: Grown-ups always make fun of us kids by tellin' us we're not
old enough, and how we have it so easy nowadays. But we
ain't as dumb as they think. Of course, we ain't as adorable
as they think, either.
Balleana (C): My uncle's lectures can go on forever. I think he just
needs someone to talk to. Often he'll teach ya stuff,
and it builds character, so why don't you chat with him
sometime?
Huey: No matter how neat the ingredients, you can't just go around
mixing whatever you want. That's not science. By the same token,
you can't make a good cocktail just by throwing together
everything you like. I was born anew in my twenty-fifth summer,
when I found that cocktails and science has this much in common.
Huey (C): Ain't he a cut li'l doggy? He's my best friend. Every time
I mix up a new recipe, he watches over my moves with such a
diligent expression. And every time I ask him if he wants a
drink, he just grimaces and heads outside.
Fram: My son left his spyglass up on the roof, so I climbed up there
to put it away. Right when I looked up at the sky, a huge thing
shaped like a dish zoomed over the horizon. I was so surprised,
I completely forgot about taking down the spyglass.
Fram (C): The sky goes on forever...My son always used to say that.
At least it means we're together, both under the same huge
sky.
David: You can try to explain it any way you want, but in the end,
<strength> is all that counts in the world. But it ain't
right to just try to get as much power as you can. It's easy
to gain new powers, but it's hard to develop and control them.
<Strength>: Hey, make no mistake. The power I'm talkin' about ain't
how much you can bench press. (Although lifting power,
political power, and financial power are all awesome...)
The most important kind of power is the power of
<persuasion>. Yeah...
<Persuasion>: That's right. As long as you got that, you can get what
you want, when you want, where you want. So people who
don't know where they belong as just confused about what
power means. And...what about you? Are you all so
confident about your own way of doin' stuff?
David (C): Recently I feel so thankful just making it to the end of
the day. I watch each sunset as if it's my last. Touching,
ain't it? And then I realize what I'm doing and I don't
feel good about it. It ain't something normal kids do.
Bucovich: ARMs, from the dragon, are what binds mankind and demons
together. Demons and people aren't so different. Neither
hesitate to destroy. We're <similar>, in a way...
<Similar>: Are we and demons the same thing? Naw, we're hardly
different, but it's hard to say how...The only real
difference is that people will always stay human as long
as they try. Yep, that's the only difference! It's when
people yearn for the power of <demonkind> that they toss
away their humanity.
<Demonkind> ARMs, from the dragon, are what binds mankind and demons
together. ARM-carrying Drifters...Do you use your ARMs
for mankind? ...Or for the demons?
Bucovich (C): The toughest thing about customizing ARMs is trying to
get rid of all the extra <fluff>. If it's too tight or
to loose, ARMs get really unwieldy. That's why I check
your face before I begin.
<Fluff>: Hey, it's a pretty good way to tell. If the customer has a
really spartan face, then it's probably better to add some
fluff to his ARM. And the opposite is true, as well.
<Face>: [For some reason, the same thing as the <Fluff> option is
said. Actually, I'd say the <Fluff> option has the wrong
extension, and the <Face> part is right. No clue why that
part is missing.]
Borgnine: One <journey's> end is another's beginning. The important
thing is to gain something from your current journey, and
carry it on with you on your next.
<Journey's>: A journey is more than just physically moving from one
place to another. It's a person carrying his past and
present as he heads towards the future.
Borgnine (C): People react to losing their way differently. Some just
sit where they are and wait until they see it again...
Other <people> go out and find it.
<People>: I don't know which way is better. But I think it's good to
figure out which kind you are. That way, when somebody
leads you on, it's easier to remember the opposite point of
view.
Roykman: This village looks like it was thrown together haphazardly,
but the plumbing and woodwork are done quite well. Each time
I see something impressive, I feel that people have such
unlimited potential. Maybe I'm exaggerating...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Gunner's Heaven]
Roykman: I smell gunpowder, steel, and booze. It's just what you'd
<expect> from a place where people gather to fight. Maybe
I've caught the arena bug, too. Every time I come here, I
feel the warrior spirit swell up inside me.
<Expect>: This place isn't as tranquil as the hamlets of Claiborne or
Boot Hill, but people sure are easygoing. Recently I'm glad
that I've got to see all sorts of different places and the
ways people live there.
Coney: Cough up a little blood but still keep fighting. That's what
crowds really crave for. And don't worry about the janitor when
your organs are hanging out. That carpet's red for a reason!
You'd better believe it!
Ortega: I was once a warrior like you. I learned that my life is a
reflection of my slain enemies as I reveled in the <warm
blood> splashed upon me. My very being was forged in the fires
of the past. To me, that heat is life itself.
<Warm...>: Blood boils inside me, and though I never thought I would
crave fights to the death...The flame still burns inside
of me. He who lives by the sword dies by the sword.
Galey: Even before death, you can't break a man who still has his
will. Yeah, your spirit is your strength. ARMs are the same.
Customizing an ARM ain't just changing its parts; it's
strengthening the bond between the ARM and the spirit of its
wielder.
Begucci: The moment the games commence, excitement rules the day. I
can't <stay standing>. It would behoove you to learn to
appreciate decadence. You are a grown-up, after all.
<Stay...>: When I cheer for fighters below, sometimes I just collapse.
Hmm...I suppose that's not healthy.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Midland Station]
Miles: I was born and raised in Midland, but I've got a brother living
in Little Twister. I wonder how he's doing...He ran away
because he didn't want to follow in my footsteps. I hope he
finds his calling soon.
Tony: To be honest, I'm stunned each time I see that dragon. It's
unsettling to see such a huge mass of iron take to the skies.
And don't forget, here at Filgaia Railways we've never had a
single accident or casualty. You can always depend on us.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Westwood]
Rick: We're having a meeting today, to review our past performance.
I have to write a report, too. When they say past performance,
it sounds like somebody put on a show, doesn't it?
Tony: Once you come out of a tunnel, the window lights up with the
passing scenery in the distance passing by. I really love seeing
that. I think people are meant to move about under the light
of the sun and the moon.
[Special/new Dialogue in: East Highlands]
Walker: Working here, I can see all different kinds of hellos and
goodbyes. It got me thinking...that maybe relationships are
measured by <temperature>. I grew up in a house so big, all
the warmth must've dispersed.
<Temperature>: Well, a nice warm hug can say so much more than words,
right? And think how warm you get when you have someone
you care about right by your side.
Tony: I love heading home after a long hard day at work. That's why
I'm doing my best now, so I can go home and enjoy the evening.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Dune Canyon]
Simon: A long time ago, I used to chew out passengers whenever they
went farther than their ticket allowed. It was so hard to
recalculate their fare. But, not <anymore>. I better not drone
on about the old days too much, or else I'll sound so old to
the younger crowd.
<Anymore>: It was back when lots of people used to go make offerings
to the Guardian of Luck. Whenever I remember those days,
it's like I view them through a black and white camera.
Tony: I'm not too thrilled about getting assigned here. You can't
escape the non-stop droning of the sandpool. I even hear it
when I dream.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Southfarm]
Freddy: I prefer having a bit of tension, so I can't tell her how I
feel. I'm not scared of having her dump me.
Tony: The case of the mysterious passenger <disappearances> still goes
unsolved. If the disappearances continue, I'm afraid we'd have
to shut this route down! I hope it stops.
[Once the party has done what they've needed to, they head to X:13000,
Y: 12705: the spot that marks the Sacrificial Altar. They feel a weird
sensation as they approach.]
Virginia: This sensation...Could it be a guardian?
Clive: No...It is similar, but much more powerful and fierce...Almost
as if it is billowing...
Gallows: This is Filgaia itself...Shane is trying to awaken it! Let's
hurry!
[The party continues on and eventually comes to a plaque in the middle
of a room with blue flames in it.]
Narrative: The phoenix's wings act as your guide. Extinguish all the
flames and let them be. The flames will eventually lead
you.
[The party extinguishes them and, soon, flames by the door light up
again. They continue this method to progress, and soon come upon
Shane, standing up and facing towards them with his eyes closed.]
Gallows: Shane!
Shane: B-Brother...What are you doing here...?
Gallows: You're coming home with me!
Shane: W-What are you saying, Brother? Can't you see I'm here trying
to obtain the power to fight...?
Gallows: Why!?
Shane: To carry out...my duties as a pillar...And...to obtain the
power to fight alongside you...If I have that power...then I
can travel with all of you, right?
Gallows: Stop talkin' nonsense! You're...
Shane: You don't understand me at all, Brother! Why must you always
treat me like a child!? You...You need me when you fight for
the world...No, actually, you need me by your side all the
time! So please don't meddle in my affairs, Brother...Just
a little longer, and I will gain great power...Please do not
disturb me! I ask for your patience.
[Shane summons a Hydra. The party defeats it using the power of
fire and continues on after Shane. Soon, they reach a room with a
plaque. Gallows un-muds it with his Freezing Doll so it reads:]
Narrative: The white breath shall vanquish the darkness, and expose
the path.
[Using the Freezer Doll, the party continues through the room and
gets a move on after Shane, who they find soon afterwards.]
Shane: Why...? Why must you interfere? All I want is to help you,
Brother! With the pillar as my fate, I must devote my life
to Filgaia...Ughhh...Ahhhhhhh...Am I a burden to you, Brother?
Am I an unworthy brother to you? You don't need me?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!
[He summons a Salamandra to fight the party, but they defeat it
like the last boss.]
Shane: I shall continue to summon as many as it takes! Though I
may have lost your trust, I now have power...Yes...[Gaia]
swells within me!
[He starts to summon another one, but Gallows punches (?) it away.]
Gallows: THAT'S ENOUGH!! Is this what you have to do in order to
fight alongside me!? What's gotten into you!?
Shane: She told me in my dream...The dream child told me...
Gallows: The dream child!?
Shane: She told me the reason I can't help you is because I lack
power...And that as long as I have power, I would be able to
fight alongside you...Forgive me, Brother...I have resorted
to our lineage of priesthood to complete the <agreement>...
The Surge of Gaia is synchronizing with my body...by erasing
my existence, I should be able to suppress it! [If ASK system
is not chosen, skip to Gallows "Shane!!" line.]
<Agreement> Gallows: What!? You made an agreement!?
Shane: Yes. The [Surge of Gaia] will soon let loose. I may be too
inexperienced to control it. It may even cause Filgaia harm...
But...But since I have unleashed it, I will sacrifice my life
to stop it.
Gallows: Shane!!
Shane: Thank you, Brother...I really enjoyed hearing all the stories
about your travels...Though I'm not familiar with the outside
world, thank you for the many memories. I have come to love
Filgaia...I am not afraid to risk my life for the Filgaia that
I love! I will defend it!
Gallows: How many times are you gonna make me say enough is enough!?
[He walks up to Shane as the Surge of Gaia sparkles around his
brother.]
Gallows: You say you love Filgaia!? You say you're not afraid to risk
your life over Filgaia!? Stop talkin' outta your behind! What
the heck would you know about Filgaia!? What makes you 'love'
it so much!? You haven't as much ventured outta Baskar and
you say such big words...GIMME A BREAK!! You say my stories,
my memories made you love Filgaia!? That's just wrong! Let me
tell you a little somethin' about memories. Memories are not
something you accept from others! It's something you,
yourself gain by living, and experiencing! It's like...You
and I aren't meant to fight together for Filgaia. You and I
are meant to live together on Filgaia! Is living with me so
boring as to forsake your duties of priesthood!? Let's just
live together and make memoriesof our own...
[The sparkle of the Surge subsides.]
Shane: B-Brother...!? The Surge of Gaia has been subdued...But how...?
Gallows: Aren't you forgetting that I'm your big brother? I may be wet
behind the ears, but just like you, I, too am a candidate to
succeed the priesthood. There are two of us, see? If we
combine our powers, we become one. Through the incredible
power of brotherhood, we can do anything! Remember?
[Gallows gets a hug.]
Shane: Oh, my dear Brother...
Gallows: Well...Uhh...I gotta act like a big brother sometime, you
know?
[The party walks outside and Werner approaches them.]
Virginia: Thank goodness you're safe...!
Werner: I sensed an abnormal energy force, so I came here, but...
Looks like you've already taken care of it. You've done
well...
Virginia: Thanks! But I really didn't have much to do with it.
[Suddenly the sky dims like an eclipse and everyone looks around.
The dark-haired little girl appears over the entrance to the
Sacrificial Altar.]
Shane: Dream child...
Werner: You know that girl!?
Beatrice: The lineage of priesthood didn't live up to my expectations.
I thought it'd be a lot more <interesting>. [If ASK system
is not chosen, skip to Werner's next line.]
<Interesting> Gallows: Interesting!? You get a kick outta toying with
people's hearts!?
Beatrice: I was just fulfilling his wish...I'm offended by your
comment.
Werner: Beatrice! What nightmare are you wishing for now!?
Beatrice: My wish has always been the same...I just want a world where
I can live...That's all...
[She disappears and the "eclipse effect" ends.]
Virginia: Daddy...
Werner: We have to take care of the boy first. There is something I
would like to ask him, as well...
Gallows: Let's head to Baskar for now. I want to make sure he's all
right.
[Back in Baskar, Shane lays in the town "inn".]
Shane: Thank you. I'm all right now...
Virginia: Daddy...What is it you're chasing? Does it have something
to do with that girl? Is it something I can help you with?
Clive: When we finally arrived at the Yggdrasil System after searching
for the cause of the world's decay...You were pondering about
the darkness beyond Yggdrasil, were you not? Please tell us...
What happened behind the scenes of the Yggdrasil accident?
Werner: That was no accident...It was an act of evil...The tragedy
began in the same manner as it did the boy. One of our
colleague's minds was taken over by a demon...
Virginia: His mind? By a demon...?
Werner: That colleague was Duran, the one who operated the generator.
The dream-demon Beatrice appeared inside his dreams, and
eventually controlled him.
Virginia: Beatrice...So, that's the name of that girl...
Werner: Beatrice, who concealed herself in the information library
Hyades, took advantage of the fact that she herself is
composed of electric signals...She managed to connect with
people's minds...dreams, which are also composed of electric
signals...That is what happened to Duran, but I'm sure there
are plenty of other victims... ... The dream-demon, due to her
unique composition, is hardly capable of affecting the real
world herself. However, she can manipulate people by
controlling their minds through dreams. That way, she was able
to reach out to the real world, without having to directly
intervene.
Shane: So my dream sight was the dream child...All I saw was
information being fed from the dream-demon Beatrice...
Werner: I want you to tell me. What is it that Beatrice wants, and
what is she trying to do? Why did she cause the Yggdrasil
tragedy of ten years ago?
Shane: I'm sorry...Most of the dreams Beatrice fed me were about the
Blue Menace. Looking back now, I understand they referred to
Siegfried and the prophets...
Gallows: Which means...Beatrice refused to help her fellow demon
Siegfried...That's not all. By telling Shane, I think she
made us interfere with his plans...
Clive: A conflict of interest? Or was Siegfried's plan of Filgaia's
terraforming a hindrance to her hidden agenda?
Werner: Anyhow, I plan to seal the Hyades, which has brought dangerous
wisdom to this planet. Filgaia is our planet. All life stems
from Filgaia. The demon's wisdom must be sealed so that no
planet harm will come about...
Clive: I beg to differ!! No doubt the information library Hyades has
brought forth great harm and damage to this planet. The power
of Hyades is enormous...However, I do not believe this power
itself is evil. If we can use it effectively, or perhaps...I
believe the planet scarred by the wisdom of Hyades, should be
restored by the wisdom of Hyades. Forgive me. I got a little
heated up...My professor and I once pursued the history of
Filgaia together...Perhaps that is why I am against sealing
such a precious artifact as the Hyades...
[Outside, on the horizon, a giant pillar of light rises.]
Gallows: Th-This ain't good! You feel it, too, Shane?
Shane: I feel it to the southeast...near the peninsula...It is an
evil force...like the demons, but far greater...
Werner: Beatrice...How dauntless of you! So, you need not hide
inside the darkness of people's hearts anymore!? You go find
out what's behind this impact! I must go stop the Hyades! That
is the only way I can atone!!
Virginia: Let's get a move on!!
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| A Creation's Mind: Baskar Colony to Demondor Pillar |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BCDP /
\_______/
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Laraina: It would be a grave misjustice if our world's fate was guided
by the hand of evil. As long as we have the will to live, we
must stand up against the powers that would oppress us.
Laraina (G): The chill that numbs the earth and gnaws at our very
bones must have something to do with that incident with
your brother.
Harold: Everything that flows past or spreads out gathers at one
place. I sense something from the southeast, but cannot tell
if it leads to an end or a beginning.
Harold (G): We are happy that Shane has returned safely, but I foresee
our troubles continuing. Someone as young as Shane should
not volunteer for sacrifice.
Roykman: Even when I'm on a familiar road, sometimes I get <lost>.
Perhaps we need to lose ourselves every once is a while in
order to discover something new.
<Lost>: You mustn't panic when you find yourself lost. Remember to
take deep breaths and relax. By doing so, you'll be able to
see your surroundings from a slightly different perspective.
Halle: Since the Ark Scepter enables contact with things that have no
form...I believe that southeast of here, someone not of Baskar
blood is using the scepter to send those waves.
Halle (G): The waves emanating from the southeast are faint...But to
anyone who calls himself a Baskar, they're so loud it
hurts. Like our world's dying voice...
Shane: I sense a chilling life force from the peninsula to the
southeast. Only demons emanate a presence so frigid...This does
not bode well.
Shane (G): I sense a presence that chills my soul. Its vile aura
emanates from the Southeastern Peninsula. Please, be
careful. I sense it is much, much more fearsome than that
of the Blue Menace.
Ellen: Oh, I'm so glad! I'm really glad. I can't stand it when people
say they'd give themselves for something. How come they have to
throw their lives away, huh? How can people expect to save
lives if they can't even protect their own?
Ellen (G): I'm so relieved to hear Shane's all right. Some people were
saying that as long as he is a pillar, he must do his duty.
Hogwash, I tell you! Ain't nobody should expect someone to
just sacrifice himself. No way!
Cordell: Dreaming is important. But no one should ever thrust their
fantasies upon others. That's like shoving your feet through
the doors of the mind. May the dream-demon suffer for its
sins!
Cordell (G): Who'd have thought that Shane was under the sway of a
dream-demon? It infiltrated our village full of believers
in the supernatural. And that can only mean that it tried
to squirm its way into the tiny folds of our
consciousness. What a terrible, disgusting foe.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: Ships, monsters, people...All kinds of things return to
familiar places when times are tough...If you're headed to a
wounded enemy's home turf, be sure to exercise the utmost
caution.
[No other new dialogue.]
[The party heads to the peninsula opposite Jolly Roger, at X: 18349,
Y:6434. There, the Demondor Pillar sticks out of the ground. The
party heads inside newly-made structure.]
Gallows: What the...? What is this, an organic machine, or a
mechanical organism?
Virginia: A structure that's half tissue, half machine...It's almost
as if we're inside a demon...
Jet: I feel as if this place is trying to repel me...Pretty good
observation for a Filgaia Sample, huh?
Virginia: ...
Clive: In any case, let us press forward to see what this place is
all about.
[In the next room, three spires block the way up the steps. Upon
closer inspection...]
Narrative: This strange living matter is composed of an extremely
hard substance. But Virginia and her comrades know what
to do from experience!
[Through the cooling/heating method, the party continues on after
laying a few bombs. Further on, the party is ambushed by Gespenst,
a strange demonic machine creature. One casting of Requiem and it's
a goner.]
Virginia: I can't imagine what would happen if these things were let
loose all at once...
Jet: Yeah, even a rewriting machine like me might have some trouble
taking care of these suckers...
Virginia: Jet...Don't belittle yourself like that. We're a team...Your
comrades don't think of you like that...
Jet: These suckers were created just like me. And we share a common
trait. We have no memories of this planet.
[Gallows comes over and picks Jet up by his collar.]
Gallows: Stop feeling sorry for yourself! When did we ever treat you
like a machine, huh!? C'mon, tell me!
[Virginia breaks 'em up.]
Jet: At least you have a reason to fight...Beatrice used your brother
as a pawn. But what do I have? Nothing! I've tagged along with
you this far without a memory of this planet, or a reason to
fight!
Virginia: None of us had a reason to fight when we first started...
But if fighting and living are synonymous, then everyone
must have a reason. Filgaia's in danger...Isn't fighting
for Filgaia, where you live now, reason enough?
Jet: Sorry...I don't know what got into me...
Virginia: A reason to live might be hard to find on your own, but we
might be able to find it together. Do you still remember
when we promised to help find your memories? I'm sorry...I
don't think we can keep that promise, but instead...we'll
find you a reason to live. So let's get through this battle
together...
Jet: Okay...
[The party heads into the next room, but Jet still has a few thoughts
to ponder.]
Narrative: Can an artificial life-form really have a reason to
live...?
[The party continues on into a room with a skull-liked shape machine
that is being supplied energy.]
Gallows: Could this be...
Clive: I was unable to confirm any type of control device up until
now...But I believe this receives orders from remote locations
to mass produce monsters automatically...
Virginia: Then if we destroy it, we can stop the production of
monsters!
[Virginia draws her guns, but Clive stands in front of the machine
to protect it.]
Clive: Please, not so fast! If this is a receiving device, then the
dispatcher must be the information library Hyades...We may
still be able to extract the lost wisdom of Hyades, before we
destroy it!
Virginia: But we have to stop this now, or else new monsters will be
unleashed all over Filgaia! We can't let that happen!
Clive: Yes, I understand, but...
[A large red barrier grows behind Clive and knocks him on his
face. Beatrice appears behind him.]
Beatrice: Phew...That was close...I didn't think you'd make it to the
control device so soon. But thanks to your indecision, I
was able to deploy the barrier in time. Now, no one can stop
the Demondor Pillar. I appreciate all you've done for me.
Like getting rid of the prophets...and Siegfried for that
matter...Thanks to you, my plan is running smoothly...
Virginia: What is it that you want, and what are you planning to do!?
Beatrice: My wish has been the same over the past one hundred
years...I want my own world...I don't wanna live inside
the boring library any more...I want another Filgaia--one
where I can live...
[A voice comes from somewhere.]
Narrative: Now, I understand! That is how you backstabbed my master
and reduced him to despair!
[Asgard walks into the room, punches Beatrice's barrier, and attacks
through her (she has no form, remember) and destroys the
mass-production device.]
Beatrice: How dare you, golem! But my plan for creation cannot be
stopped by the destruction of one Demondor Pillar!
[Beatrice disappears.]
Virginia: Asgard...
Asgard: Now, it's time to settle our score...
[Asgard attacks.]
Virginia: What are you doing!? You know very well there's no more
reason to fight!
Asgard: But there is! Fighting is my reason for existing!
[The party defeats Asgard.]
Asgard: As a golem created to act as my master's shield...Not once did
I regret this life...All my memories I have accumulated from
battle...They may be nothing but simple battle data, but this
has granted me a heart. These memories helped me to discover
pride and joy during battle! I was able to feel alive! Because
of these memories, I had hope for tomorrow.
Jet: Memories...That's what I lack...That's what makes me an oddity
even though we're both creations...
Asgard: You consider yourself an oddity, because you turn your eyes
away from the truth and refuse to accept it. You say you have
no memory, but you are just using that as an excuse.
Jet: Then...What am I supposed to do?
Asgard: The answer should already lie within you. All you need to do
is acknowledge and accept it. From one artificial life-form to
another, let me ask you this; what is your purpose on this
planet? What is your answer?
Jet: I...My reason to live is...I have no memories...That's why I
refuse to fight to protect the memories of this planet!
Virginia: Jet!?
Jet: Chill out...You know...I kinda had fun hanging out and travelling
with these chatterboxes. I was able to experience disgust, shock,
and anger, more so than when I travelled alone...But the thing
is...it wasn't all that bad...So, I've decided to fight in order
to make my own memories. And I wanna do it protecting this
planet. Alonside these chatterboxes...That's the reason I fight!
Asgard: I would like you to weave memories over this planet in my
place...Even a vacant heart can be filled with memories...
Even an artificial life-form can discover a reason to live!
I wish you godspeed...
Jet: Yo, wait a minute! You didn't come here just to tell me that!
You came here to fight us, didn't you!?
Asgard: Obeying <orders> is a golem's destiny. I must obey my
master...And I do this by my own will..My desire to carry out
my order brought me here, so that you may send me to the
netherworld to meet my master...[If ASK System is not picked,
skip down to Jet's "Yo! Do you even..." line.]
<Orders> Jet: Orders...? You mean you carried out an order to get
beaten by us!?
Asgard: That is untrue...My orders are to act as a shield to protect
my master...However, I needed to find a way to follow my
master to the netherworld, so that I may carry out his
orders there...This was by my own accord...and the very
reason I fought you. I knew you would be my ticket to the
netherworld.
Jet: Yo! Do you even realize what you're saying!?
Asgard: Worry not...By no means did I throw this fight. For as long
as a golem is a golem, there is a fundamental rule he must
follow. 'A golem must secure his own safety to the best of
his abilities.' You are the true victors.
[Asgard's body disintegrates as Jet reaches out to him.]
Jet: (So you just give your spiel and run, huh? Gimme a break...)
You guys...mind if I continue fighting alongside you...?
Virginia: Of course not! We've been fighting together the whole time!
[Gallows runs over and puts his arm around Jet.]
Gallows: C'mon...Open up a little...Why do you always have to be so
antisocial? Ahhh, I guess that's just you. But that's okay...
We'll extend a handshake anytime! It's all good!
[The party walks outside and as they do, they feel another rumbling
somewhere.]
Virginia: This tremor and sensation...The Demondor Pillar!?
Gallows: I can't pinpoint the exact location, but...it's far northeast
of here...
Clive: Northeast of here...Oh, no! Humphrey's Peak!?
Virginia: Let's hurry!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Shane: I no longer sense the presence of the Demondor Pillar, but the
dream-demon still schemes. Beatrice prefers toying with her
prey rather than killing them outright. She is espcially fond
of the pain people feel when their souls are rended apart.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Close to Home: Humphrey's Peak to Demondor Pillar-Rear |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ HPDP /
\_______/
[The party heads to Humphrey's Peak and finds the townspeople looking
around. They've obviously felt something as well.]
Virginia: (This surge is even more powerful than before...I feel an
evil presence through the Ark Scepter...No, this is much too
big...I'm sure the townsfolk are feeling this, as well.)
Datson: What is this strange presence I feel?
Ricardo: I just saw a huge pillar of life appear in the southeast.
What do you suppose that is?
Gallows: That's what we're here to check out.
Virginia: We'll take care of it! So please, don't panic!
[Clive walks by everyone and into his house.]
Virginia: Clive...?
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Datson: I wasn't the only one who saw the mysterious light coming from
the <hills> to the southeast!
<Hills>: In order to reach those hills, you would need to take a
mountain path far southwest of here. What kind of disaster
is waiting to happen in a deserted place like that!?
Cheville: Just as a small brook flows quietly, so does my heart. For
the longest time, I associated myself with this melancholy,
but now I realize this was a misunderstanding. Living life
with resignation and despair means to fall quietly and
gently into an abyss...
Ricardo: We felt a thunderous impact coming from the southeast. What
do you suppose that was? You'll only find dunes and rocky
wasteland southeast of here. Come to think of it...As a
child, I remember hearing about a demon ship that fell from
the sky over them hills yonder. But that's just a fairy
tale. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the latest incident
that actually happened.
Canceco: I <profit> from turmoil in my line of business. I get
backlogged with orders at times like these.
<Profit>: All this disorder and commotion means good business. But
it's not all good...I'm a little uneasy with this turmoil
happening so close to town.
[The party walks into Clive's house. He's sitting down in his
armchair.]
Virginia: What's wrong? You're not yourself...
Clive: Forgive me...
Virginia: Hey! Are you all right?
Clive: I...cannot fight alongside you...I...have lost the will...
to fight...I understand that the Demondor Pillar is a terrible,
dangerous device that summons monsters...Even still, I would
like to analyze the Demondor Pillar and investigate what's
beyond it--Hyades...I am not worthy enough to fight shoulder to
shoulder with you all, for the sake of this planet...For the
sake of Filgaia...
Jet: You don't need to be worthy to fight--just a reason to live...
At least that's what I've come to realize...
Clive: Then, please...give me a reason...I've kept my oath to my
professor, and have searched and searched for the cause of
Filgaia's decay...And from there, I took to the wasteland as a
Drifter in search of a way to revitalize the environment...I
have discovered the cause of Filgaia's decay, but as for
revitalizing the world's environment...I am at a complete loss.
All I can think of...is relying on the wisdom stored within
Hyades.
Virginia: Clive..
Clive: Deep down...I know what must be done, now...And I know how
I've been bound by the chains of the past...But the truth is...
I do not have the strength to break them...
Virginia: We're going to press on...I know you'll be right behind us.
I believe in you!
[Clive recalls Berlitz' words.]
Narrative: Listen well, young one...Unlike me, you still have time on
your side. You must trackdown the cause of Filgaia's
decay...And find a way to rejuvenate Filgaia to its
original state. When you and Catherine become parents,
won't you want your children to have a safe and bright
future?
[Virginia is gone now.]
Clive: (Professor...What am I supposed to do...? This assignment is
far to great for me...)
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Kaitlyn: Daddy's feeling sad...Daddy always cheers me up when I'm
feeling sad, so I'll have to cheer him up this time.
Catherine: My husband would always act strong so as not to worry us,
but he seems to be in so much pain, now. I wonder if it
has something to do with the recent earthquake...
Clive: I know I was the one who called you selfish when you tried to
disband the team...But I had no right to call you that. I'm
the one leaving the team of my own accord, now.
Roykman: I never thought the day would come when emergency goods would
sell in a town like this. It's profitable, but disheartening
at the same time.
[In the southeast hills, the source of the rumbling comes into view.
At X:24620, Y:10488, the Demondor Pillar-Rear makes itself known. The
party heads in, but soon gets captured inside of a holding dome.]
Virginia: Oh, no!
Jet: It ain't gonna do us any good panicking...
Gallows: Oh, man...Something's coming! We're already packed like
sardines, here...
[The boss Nebiros attacks.]
Narrative: How do you wish to die? [Options: Drown in a tidal wave.;
Get smashed to bits by a hurricane.; Get crushed and
swallowed by the earth; Burn to death in agony.]
R1 = [No dialogue exchanged; The boss uses Maelstrom]
R2 = [No dialogue exchanged; The boss uses Storm Blade]
R3 = [No dialogue exchanged; The boss uses Crack Tremor]
R4 = [No dialogue exchanged; The boss uses Volcannon Trap]
[Beatrice warps in after Nebiros bites the dust.]
Beatrice: How dare you still defy me!
Virginia: Beatrice!
Beatrice: Ten years...No, I have been eagerly waiting one hundred
years...This time for sure, I'll see to it that I secure my
own planet...I have an idea...Let's do something <fun>. I'm
going to activate the Demondor Pillar soon...Now, dance!
Entertain me with your fear and despair! [If ASK system is
not picked, skip right to the Humphrey's Peak scenes.]
<Fun> Virginia: What do you mean!?
Beatrice: You will be an offering to the monsters summoned by the
Demondor Pillar...Think of all the fun and excitement you
can have in there...Fear is the best medicine to loosen
your heart, and extract your memories...
[Back in Humphrey's Peak, Clive still looks despondent over his
decision to leave. Kaitlyn stares at him while he spaces out. Finally,
he sees his daughter standing there.]
Clive: Oh, it's you, Kaitlyn...How long have you been here?
Kaitlyn: How long are you going to sit there, Daddy?
Clive: Daddy...can't work with them any more.
Kaitlyn: Daddy...Is your job to find out about old stuff? Or is it to
beat up the bad guys?
Clive: My job from now on is to protect you and your mother. That's
why I'll be here from now on...Right by your side, Kaitlyn.
Kaitlyn: Is that your new job, Daddy?
[She starts to untie her ribbons.]
Clive: Kaitlyn?
Kaitlyn: If that's your job, you get paid money, right? But I don't
have money, so I'll give you my most favoritest thing...Do
you remember this, Daddy? You bought me this ribbon when I
was really little. It's filled with lots and lots of
memories of you and Mommy. It's my most favoritest thing.
It's my most favoritest thing, so...So...protect all my
favoritest people, too...Daddy, Mommy, your friends, our
neighbors and everyone in the whole wide world...
[Clive just looks at the ribbon in her hands.]
Kaitlyn: Is the ribbon not enough?
[He hugs her.]
Clive: Oh, Kaitlyn...That's plenty. It's more than enough. Protecting
you, your mother, and everyone else is more than enough reason
to live...and to fight. Why...Why couldn't I figure out
something so simple? Kaitlyn, you hold onto this ribbon and
protect it. This ribbon also has many of Daddy's important
memories of you. Take good care of it.
[He turns to the door to find his wife just coming in.]
Catherine: Honey, what's wrong?
Clive: I have both you and Kaitlyn. And I have this moment. In order
to bring forth another moment tomorrow, the day after, and in
the future, I must go! Kaitlyn! Make sure you only have one
important thing from now on!
[He runs outside to the city entrance.]
Narrative: (If you could hear my reason to live on and fight...)
Clive: Take me to the others, Lombardia!
[Lombardia takes him to the Demondor Pillar-Rear. Meanwhile, back in
the holding dome, Virginia pounds on the material that makes up the
exterior.]
Jet: You'd be better off saving your energy. Our team--how many of us
are we? You believe in him, don't you? Then let's believe until
the end...
[Clive arrives at the entrance.]
Clive: It's been quite some time since the activation...I just hope
they're all right...
[Eventually, the party meets up after playing tag via a button system,
and Clive runs to rejoin everyone.]
Clive: Sorry to keep you waiting!
Gallows: You're late! But I'll let it slide.
Virginia: Clive...
Clive: Forgive me...I am not in a position to ask this, but I would
like to ask for your help one more time. I need your help to
destroy the Demondor Pillar. Please, just for now...as a
comrade of yours...
Virginia: Don't be so selfish! 'One more time?' 'Just for now?' Who
do you think we are!? We're a team! And a team always sticks
together...Isn't that right? Now that you understand, let's
all go together!
[The party walks into another room with a skull-shaped device, and as
Virginia draws her guns, Clive again walks in front of her.]
Clive: Please...Allow me to put an end to this...
[He takes out his rifle.]
Clive: Memories are like building blocks that keep piling up...
Great memories you want to hold onto, sad memories you want to
forget...They just keep piling up and are meant to continue
rising so that you can bring forth a new tomorrow. I finally
understand now...It is all clear to me...Memories are not meant
to be chains that bind you to the past!
[One shot and the machine malfunctions, stopping its power.]
Clive: My chains have been severed. I am not determined to fight for
the life that exists today, and for the planet. I owe this all
to you, and to all who support me.
Virginia: I'm sure everybody has the power to break the chains...But
I'm glad we were able to help you realize that...
Clive: Yes...You, my friends, and my family have all supported me
dearly.
Gallows: Sorry to throw a damper, but we've got a problem...
[The skull-shaped device starts to exhale mist.]
Clive: It appears this Demondor Pillar is independent from others...
Even though the receiver device has been destroyed, it hasn't
suspended all its functions...
[The party sees a door behind the device, and continue on into a
room with a spherical structure. The pieces that make up the room
are rotating, and Beatrice appears in the center.]
Beatrice: You called backup to bail you out? Shrewd humans...
Clive: Humans are not necessarily a strong race. That is why we know
how to change weakness into strength. We are at a point of no
return--we have been brought to bay...Our only choice is to be
strong and hang on.
Beatrice: Well that goes for me, too. It's not like I have many
chances to create my own world...
Virginia: Create...another Filgaia...?
Beatrice: My last opportunity was ten years ago, when I used the
Yggdrasil System...I gave one of the programmers a dream
and controlled his spirit, but it ended in <failure> at
the last minute. Plus, the System's data bank lacked the
necessary information to create the planet. Can you guess
where the Yggdrasil System tried to supplement this missing
information? From people's minds...The malfunctioning
Yggdrasil thought it could feed off people's memories for
the planet's structural data...The reason nobody has any
recollection of the moment of Filgaia's decay is because it
was devoured by Yggdrasil.
<Failure>: I probably didn't have a chance anyway, since the System
was designed to rejuvenate Filgaia, not create it...It
couldn't handle the overload of output and went berserk.
[Start with the "Plus, the System's data..." line here
and continue out to "...devoured by Yggdrasil."]
Virginia: If that really happened ten years ago...Then why does my
father still remember the System breakdown, when he was
involved in the middle of it all!?
Beatrice: Is this the father you're referring to?
[She shows him an image of Werner on his stomach in some place they
have not been before.]
Virginia: Daddy!?
Beatrice: How outrageous of him to think he could seal the Hyades by
faking electric signals.
Virginia: No...What did you do to my father?
Beatrice: This time for sure, I will create my own Filgaia. I have
learned much from the Yggdrasil mistake ten years ago--I
have a new plan to create my own planet...The Yggdrasil
System's generator I have obtained has been adjusted to
create this new world. And the missing structural data is
taken from people's <memories>. That's why I had to lay the
groundwork...in order to extract memories, I needed to take
off the hoops from the minds to make them defenseless...
That's why I created the Demondor Pillar, to create monsters
and install fear inside people's hearts...But you...Forget
it...I'll take care of this personally...I'll make humans
perform their miserable last dance in the castle of
dreams...
<Memories>: Not just memories that exist in their minds...But also
memories of the original Filgaia embedded genetically...
But the thing is...in order to extract memories, I needed
to take off the hoops from the minds to make them
defenseless...[Continue with "That's why I created..." to
"...castle of dreams..."]
[Beatrice disappears in an explosion of electric signals.]
Virginia: People's memories are about to be deprived again...just like
ten years ago...Daddy...
[The party starts walking out.]
Clive: 'Looking for a shortcut can lead you astray...' But still...
Gallows: I have no idea where we should go to save your father...We're
in a real fix here!
Jet: When the dream-demon showed us his image, did you notice a tiny
flower resting by his side? That flower might be a clue to his
whereabouts. Like the area surrounding Yggdrasil, maybe?
Clive: Hmm...He did not appear to be outdoors...Perhaps he is in the
care of somebody...?
Virginia: A tiny flower resting by Daddy's side? Was it a white
flower...? Then...
Clive: Does something come to mind? Knowing Werner, he may have very
well used the flower as a clue to his whereabouts!
Virginia: Well...Uhh...The white flower does ring a bell, but I
can't pinpoint what...White flower...Tiny, white flower...
That tiny white flower is Mom's favorite flower. And the
person who would sometimes place it on her grave was...Let's
go to Boot Hill. There must be some kind of message from my
father waiting for us there.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Volks: A flower's beauty may fade, but the splendor of memories
doesn't. They grow out of our hearts into beautiful blossoms.
Memory's flower takes root in the earth of its hometown, and
sways gracefully in its wind.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Datson: A threat can easily take away your peace of mind. It might not
be too long before people's spirits get dried up, just like
the land.
Datson (C): The incident has been resolved, but I still can't regain
my peace of mind. Maybe it's because I now realize how
fleeting peaceful, everyday life can be. Or maybe it's
because I've finally opened my eyes to the decay of the
planet?
Ricardo: I never imagined something so terrible would happen near a
tranquil town like ours. It's easy to pack your bags and run
away in fear, but here on Filgaia, there is no safe haven.
Ricardo (C): You sure have <changed>, sonny. You should know since you
handle ARMs. Controllin' your spiritual energy is the key
to victory. Same holds true when you interact with
people.
<Changed>: You know, your aura of strength...At least that's what my
intuition tells me. It's as if part of your inner strength
has been entrusted to someone.
Cheville: Even through the coldest of winters, warm blood flows
through our bodies. This warmth becomes my strength to
overcome any obstacle, and works to soothe my heart.
Canceco: Even if the threat is gone, all it takes is one threat to
give rise to another. The seeds of anxiety have been planted,
maturing into confusion.
Canceco (C): Hey, so it was you who took care of that incident. You
have my utmost respect. Everyone though you were just a
middle-aged man still chasing dreams, but not anymore,
huh?
Kaitlyn: Daddy's smiling. I think he's <happy> again.
<Happy>: I wonder why he was so sad before? Maybe because he had no
work? I think he's happy because you're all here!
Kaitlyn (C): Isn't it weird how words can give you lots of energy?
It's not like you eat them. Like when you come home and
we talk, I get all excited with lots and lots of energy.
Sometimes, I can't stop talking.
Catherine: I feel my husband has become much stronger and gentler than
<before>. Thank you. My husband is no longer alone in the
wasteland...
<Before>: He used to be caught up in sorrow, but I believe he has
broken free. He is able to talk openly about my father's
memories now.
Catherine (C): I'm so glad. Your face tells it all. You succeeded...
But, promise me one thing. Should you ever stray from
your path, I want you to come to us. That's what family
is for, isn't it?
[Special/new Dialogue in: Laxisland]
Roswell: [He only says this after you've fought the mandatory Creeping
Chaos fight through killing 5 (?) Telepath Towers:] Ventura,
Ventura...I received an electrifying message from my
associates in the sea of stars. It says that the beings who
saw you destroy the Telepath Towers have loaded a new weapon
onto an interplanetary vessel! They believe that an alien
will undergo abnormal tranformations in order to defeat
you...But, be not afraid! This development can only mean that
the aliens have learned to fear us! Listen, my devoted
associate...Let us cleanse Filgaia of the foul enemies that
would harm it!
Roswell: [He only says this after you've seen the observatory UFO
sink beneath the dunes. This takes about nine total Telepath
Tower kills, I think.] Ventura, Ventura...I just received the
<latest word> from my associates in the sea of stars. I
promise to communicate every directive I receive from my
extraterrestrial associates. So please, once you have
established visual contact with the aliens, quickly eradicate
them!
<Latest...>: It seems the evil hand of the enemy is reaching for not
only our land, but the dunes as well! They say the
discs released by the mothership stand in your way and
try to protect the Telepath Towers...But we cannot fail!
To fail our duty now would be tantamount to joining the
ranks of the enemy!
Roswell: [He only says this after you've killed all the UFOs in the
dunes and the rest of the Telepath Towers.] Ventura,
Ventura...The fifteen Telepath Towers are no more, thanks to
you! However...The forces of chaos are fighting back with
<all their might>! We are at a critical stage. Let us channel
our resources and show the enemy what we're made of!
<All...>: Reports are flooding in from all over! And I felt a greater
menace myself! Interplanetary communications confirm the
enemy has constructed an advanced Telepath Tower, and is
ready to use it!
Roswell: [He only says this after you've defeated Telepath Tower #0:]
Ventura, Ventura...We're getting a clear signal thanks to you
smashing all the Telepath Towers! But the situation remains
grave. When the enemy forces lost their eyes, they withdrew
to their mothership! Either they seek to abduct Filgaians to
conduct experiments on them, or they're out to develop the
king of beasts. Either way, the fact remains that they are up
to no good! Now, my friend, defender of the galaxy...Our next
mission is the destruction of the mothership! I am confident
in your ability to crush the sinister mothership!
Roswell: [He only says this once you've defeated all the UFOs in the
sky and have seen the message about a "high-pitched breath"
that heralds the coming of the mothership.] Ventura,
Ventura...I received a <message> from my associates last
night. My associates in the sea of stars have placed their
trust in you! You are such a resourceful agent. I am
absolutely certain that you are capable of completing this
mission!
<Message>: It said that the mothership of encroaching chaos
materialized above our planet! And that the chaos is lying
in the shadows, changing itself into new forms to
neutralize you! We believe the enemy is getting desperate.
Now is our chance! You must locate the enemy mothership,
and help us extinguish them for good!
Roswell: [He says this after you've defeated the mothership:] Ventura,
Ventura...Last night, there was <great news> from our network
of agents. A true victory. It was a pleasure to work with
you. Let's keep in touch...to guarantee the peace and
security of our beloved world!
<Great news>: It seems interplanetary vessels were spotted departing
from this planet. The forces of chaos have abandoned
their plan to make this world their base, and are
fleeing to outer space. But if we ever forget their
menace, they will slowly creep back to haunt us yet
again. We must instruct our children to be ever mindful
of the king of beasts and his encroaching forces of
chaos!
[No other special dialogue is said.]
[The party heads to Boot Hill and to the grave where the tiny flowers
were usually laid. Virginia acquires the Last Letter item and recites
her father's written words:]
Narrative: If tyou find yourself reading this letter, there's a good
chance something has happened to me. I have headed for
Mimir's Well to seal the information library Hyades to cut
off its communication with Hyades. Mimir's Well is an
access point meant to transmit accumulated data from
Hyades. This linkup is transferring the lost wisdom of the
demons to Yggdrasil, and other terminals. If I can shut it
down, communication with Hyades can easily be cut off. But
if for some reason I cannot destroy Mimir's Well, I would
like to entrust this mission to you. Once you reach Mimir's
Well, you must be brave. Face truth with open eyes...And
pull the trigger at all cost. Virginia, you are the one who
must do this...and forgive me for having to ask you to do
it.
All my love,
Dad
Virginia: (A letter from Daddy...Mimir's Well...and...this mission he
entrusted to me. I'm scared and anxious, but I have to trust
Daddy and continue forward...)
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Roykman: The other day, Catherine asked me to procure children's books
for little Kaitlyn. I searched all over but to no avail, when
I happened to bump into Maya. To my disbelief, she gave me
some of her books. I was honestly surprised, but I think she
took that as an insult because she screamed at me.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Well Wishes: Boot Hill to Mimir's Well |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BHMW /
\_______/
[The party searches around for Mimir's Well and finds it near X:463,
Y:19469. The party enters and finds Werner face-down on the ground.]
Virginia: Daddy!?
[She goes over and tries to touch him, but her hands pass through
his body like a hologram.]
Virginia: N-NO...!
Beatrice: Surprised? Heehee...You sure look it.
Virginia: The dream-demon...Beatrice...Is this your doing, too!?
Beatrice: My doing? Oh, puh-lease...You've been calling this phony
'Daddy,' all this time.
[Werner gets up.]
Beatrice: You don't have it in you to destroy Mimir's Well.
You're not capable of sealing Hyades...
Virginia: How can you be so sure!?
Beatrice: Well, if you really want to know, why don't you ask that
phony directly?
[She creates a key and drops it in front of everyone.]
Beatrice: But if you do destroy this place, I'll be waiting for you
in the castle of dreams...The final grand ball is
approaching. Don't be late...You'll be one of my
distinguished guests...
Virginia: Daddy...What did Beatrice mean by that? I won't be able to
destroy Mimir's Well or Hyades? What does she mean?
Answer me, Daddy!
Werner: I am not your father...Your father Werner passed away that
fateful day ten years ago...during the Yggdrasil incident...
Virginia: Wh-What...? What are you talking about, Daddy...?
Werner: Let me repeat. I am not your father. Your father died ten
years ago.
Virginia: I-I-I don't understand...I don't understand at all...If my
father's dead...then who are you!? I thought it was my
father who supported me all the way here. Who are you!?
Werner: If you are willing to face the truth with open eyes and accept
it...follow me...
[He leads them down a long hallway.]
Werner: Asking who I am is the wrong question. I am the whole
personality data of Werner...The one he saved inside Hyades,
before the Yggdrasil incident...Yes, I possess his memories up
until that point. In some ways, I am your father Werner
Maxwell, but at the same time, a different entity. A
deep-seated delusion...A remnant thought...? These may be the
appropriate terms to call me now...Properly speaking, the
suspended terminal projects a hologram based on Werner's
records, which were written inside Hyades...Furthermore, mass
and repulsion are simulated through gravitational
manipulation, enabling a projection of a virtual image. In
other words...I am like a ghost with mass, and...
Virginia: That's enough...
Clive: Then, that ability you used to save us on a number of
occasions was...
Werner: It was the repulsive force being expanded and deployed for a
brief time, acting as a barrier...
[They continue walking down the hallway.]
Werner: Do you remember the incident at the Sacrificial Altar?
Gallows: How could I forget? That dream-demon took advantage of my
innocent little brother...
Werner: She was probably trying to release the high density energy
generated by the Surge of Gaia...I believe she planned to
gather the energy needed to create her own planet...In order
to inject the Yggdrasil System's generator with a high-level
life force energy...
Gallows: Which means Beatrice still hasn't carried out her plan...
Werner: For the time being, no...But she will make her move before
long. ... If the 'final grand ball' is to take place in the
castle of dreams, then we do not have much time.
[Werner goes over to a console and types in the password.]
Virginia: T.O.M.O.R.R.O.W...?
Werner: Yes...The password is 'TOMORROW.' It was also our
mantra--the successive Council of Seven, who yearned for
the tomorrow of Filgaia inside this facility...It is
ironic how we utilize the artifacts of yesterday to seek
a tomorrow, yet we find ourselves entwined in its heavy
chains...
[Werner gives the tiny flower he had to Virginia.]
Virginia: Daddy...
Werner: You would still consider me your father?
Virginia: Daddy...It was you who placed these flowers on Mom's
grave...So Mom wouldn't feel lonely, right? You were
always so kind and caring...That's unmistakably the
Daddy I know...
Werner: Forgive me, Virginia...I just wanted to deliver a tomorrow
for you and your mother...
[Virginia and Werner walk into the next room, but Clive holds the
others from going in after them.]
Werner: Though I may have died physically, my spirit and my heart
lived on...That day ten years ago...Filgaia's spawn had
miraculously survived the incident. I took Jet to a
similar laboratory with a nurture pod, and reconfigured him
so that he may interact with people. After that, I embarked
alone in search of the cause of the accident. And then I met
you...I had no intention of revealing my identity, but...
Since our paths kept crossing, I figured I couldn't hide any
longer...I want to hunt down Beatrice, and stop this calamity
from happening. At the very least, I consider this an
atonement for my sins. However...
[Werner collapses onto one knee.]
Virginia: Daddy!?
[Werner holds out a hand, gesturing that she stay where she is.]
Werner: The suspended terminal that makes up my current structure
seems to have been damaged by Beatrice...I don't have much
longer...Virginia...This is my last request to you...I want
you to destroy this facility, so that the point of contact
between Filgaia and Hyades can be severed...
Virginia: But...but..If I do that now...and sever the connection
between Filgaia and Hyades...
Werner: Yes...As a memory existing only within Hyades, I will no
longer be able to exist in this world. But either way I'll be
gone. The suspended terminal is damaged...That is why I
entrust this task to you, my beloved daughter...So that your
last memories of me will be the sealing of Hyades...
Virginia: No...No...I can't...I can't do it!!
Werner: I am already a fragment of data stored within Hyades...Nothing
more than a mere memory...I am but a shadow of the past...Your
hesitation may cost the memories of those who live and exist
for today. Do not let me waver your decision. For as long as
Hyades is in contact with Filgaia, the threat will never end.
You must sever the connection, now! Cast away your
hestitation! Face the truth with open eyes!! Virginia!! Once
you cock your ARM, do not be afraid to pull the trigger...
Virginia: Daddy...Why did you teach me how to shoot ARMs? ... And
don't say because you wanted me to shoot you...
Werner: I wanted you to think for yourself, to know what it meant to
have the power to harm others...By doing so, not only does
it make you a kinder person...I wanted you to have a strong
heart...One that would lead you to do what you believed was
right, no matter how confused or doubtful you may be...Be
strong, Virginia...Do what you believe is right...
Virginia: Be strong...Rrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaagh!!!
[Virginia pulls the trigger and the player sees a flashback-slash-
-final-farewell scene with Werner.]
Virginia: Daddy...
Werner: I put you through hardship, yet again...And made you cry,
too...
Virginia: Long time ago, I cried so much I thought I was going to
shrivel up...And I'm doing it again...All the tears I've
been holding back must have all gushed out at once...
See...?
Werner: I was a terrible father. It may have better had I not come
to you...
Virginia: No, that's not true...Even though I was overwhelmed with
grief when you disappeared...the joy I felt when we
reuinited doesn't even compare...I was so overjoyed, I
couldn't express it emotionally with words..
Werner: And yet, I sadden you once again...
Virginia: I'm okay...Well...maybe not really, but...I'll hang in
there. You told me to be strong...That's what will keep me
going. No matter the obstacles that I face, I'll do my best
and be strong...
Werner: Do you really have to go...?
Werner: At some point, memories are meant to fade...If not, people
would not be able to establish a future.
Virginia: But even so, memories will live on in my heart...So that
they may guide me in the future...
[She sticks out her hand.]
Virginia: Uhhh...Here...But it's not to say goodbye. This is a
handshake that signifies our bond, so that we'll be
together, no matter how far apart we are...
[They shake hands, and a tiny ball is left in her hand. Flash to Boot
Hill. The party has erected a gravestone next to Ekatrina's.]
Virginia: This may sound cliche, but my father is alive...a memory
inside my heart. I can say that with confidence now. But
there's someone out there who's trying to take this dear
memory of my father away from me. Not just mine, but
everyone else's precious memories, too! It might not be as
grand as saving the world...But my goal right now is...
...to protect everyone's memories. That is my reason to
fight! And my reason to live on Filgaia! If that's okay with
you all, I need to ask for your support!
Jet: You really need to bring this up now and ask for our
confirmation? Gimme a break! C'mon, you're embarrassing me.
Clive: I guess it cannot be helped...We shall accept your mission.
As for our rewadr, we would like a world that will carry over
our memories into the future.
Gallows: We are the ones who make our own memories. They're ours! No
one's gonna take that away from us!!
Virginia: To protect all our important memories...We must defeat the
dream-demon, Beatrice!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Boot Hill]
Putnam: People are like crops. They take time to mature...It takes a
lot of tender loving care to produce good results as well. You
must be patient, and wait for them to grow and ripen.
Putnam (V): Give it your best at whatever you do. That will build
confidence and pride. Look at me. I'm really proud of my
farming.
Shalte: Whether one can feel good about conquering obstacles and
acheiving one's goal depends on the steps the person took to
get there...In other words, it depends on the person's
<memories>.
<Memories>: Important memorie are not just the good ones. They
encompass all; sad, painful...But always remember that
past memories are what makes you today, and leads a path
for the future.
Shalte (V): I believe that withstanding pain will make you into a
stronger, more caring person. I was so worried when you
first took to the wasteland, but I can see the changes
your travels have brought in you. I'm so proud of you.
Tesla: True character is not found under favorable circumstances. It
is found during times of despair and sorrow.
Tesla (V): Your father entrusted you with this because he has seen
how mature you have grown. You possess the strength and
kindness he was hoping you would have. Your father must
be awfully proud of you.
Neil: Having guts is a <waste>. It hurts because you have to always
hold yourself back. But when you cut loose any other time,
people might think you're crazy.
<Waste>: And think about it...Hardship and effort are too stressful,
right? That's why everybody wants the gutsy guy to step up to
the plate.
Neil (V): Hey, you sometimes make faces you normally don't show
others. And why is it that you only show them to me? What
are you trying to tell me?
Roykman: Today is a sad day. I just received word that the man who
saved my life passed away. But I have a feeling I'll see him
again. And when I do, I want him to be proud that he rescued
me that day...
Gunther: Sorrow will weigh you down...But if your heart is strong
enough, you can spring right up. You may even be able to fly.
Gunther (V): You cannot escape truth or reality...That's why we all
need to be strong.
Libera: If the hurdle you wish to clear is taller than you, you will
have a difficult time clearing it. However, once you do clear
it, you will have no doubt reached new heights.
Libera (V): As much as I would like to devote myself to solitary
research, I feel the need to be recognized by someone
regarding my outcome. What is it that I truly seek?
Solitude...or recognition?
[As the party leaves town, Gallows stops them.]
Gallows: W-W-Wait. Hold up a sec...
Virginia: What's up?
Gallows: I've got a plan. If all goes well, we might be able to find
out where Beatrice is.
Clive: Really?
Gallows: We'll see...But let's stop by Baskar Colony first. Heh, I'm
pretty sharp today.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Roykman: I'm going to journey to the next village to let them know I'm
enjoying life. I wonder whether I live to journey, or I'm on
a journey to live. Maybe both. To me, they're both the same
thing.
Cordell: The dreamer must awaken. Dreams are just dreams. We live in
reality. One can seek hope in dreams, but must never seek
refuge in them. It's much the same as abandoning life.
Cordell (G): You be sure to come back, now. I reckon you'd prefer
dying in your bed surrounded by grandkids than going out
in a blaze of glory. It's probably bad luck to say that
to an old friend who's facing the jaws of death, but
that's how I honestly feel.
Laraina: Only the weak accept violence. The strong must stand up to
it. We have nothing to fear in standing up for the sake of
our planet!
Laraina (G): It's so important to have the strength to get back on
your feet and carry on. We think that's what changes the
world and all the people on it. That's why the
dream-demon will never eradicate us...Not while we have
the strength to carry on.
Halle: Every one of us lays our own tracks. You must keep it up to the
very end if you wish to bring this tragedy to a close.
Harold: Every child of Filgaia must return to Filgaia. No matter where
your quests take you, you must come back to this village. The
planet wishes it.
Harold (G): Uneasiness seeks company among the young. But, the binds
of uneasiness are fragile. Leaning too much upon one
another will only cause both to trip.
Ellen: Nothing's more important to me than <family>. That's why I
can't stand it when blood gets spilled for no good reason.
<Family>: To me, family ain't about people you're related to...It's
about people who you share a bond with. It's about everyone
who tries so hard to stay together. That's why I want
everyone to take good care of themselves.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| The Upstart: Baskar Colony to the Nightmare Castle |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BCNC /
\_______/
[The party enters the room Shane is in and a cutscene begins. Gallows
and Halle stand on the mini-balcony and look down to everyone else.]
Gallows: Okay, here me out guys! Beatrice went to the Sacrificial
Altar and used an acolyte, Shane, to try and extract the
planet's life energy. But that energy is most likely much
too huge and impossible for her to utilize...But even still,
Beatrice came up empty-handed when she tried to obtain the
energy! Which leads me to believe that she must have already
had a means of utilizing this energy! And the secret to that
is the Sacrificial Altar itself! What do you think of my
theory!?
[Halle hits Gallows with her stick.]
Gallows: Owwww!! What gives, Granny!?
Halle: I'm stupefied by your stupidity!
Gallows: What'd you say!?
Shane: Brother, please calm down!
Halle: Shane...Why don't you explain.
Shane: The Sacrificial Altar has always been an energy transmitting
device. It's no secret...
Gallows: I-I-I didn't know that! Memory loss!?
[Halle hits him again.]
Halle: It's not that you didn't know...You didn't keep up with your
studies! I have explained this to you and Shane in the past!
Shane: There is a cloister atop the structure of the Sacrificial
Altar, said to be left behind by the Elws. Supposedly, it is
a mechanism which can reduce a life-form to its energy level,
and transmit it to a faraway place.
Gallows: This 'supposedly' sounds fishy.
Shane: There hasn't been any record of the cloister activating...
I really don't know...
Gallows: Ah, whatever...We know enough.
Halle: Hold on, there. Where do you think you're going?
Gallows: Don't stop me, Granny...If we don't do this, everyone's
memories will be taken away. My lineage as a priest will
activate the cloister!
[Halle smacks him again.]
Halle: Stop trying to take all the credit. You're not the only one
entrusted with this mission. I can't leave the activation to a
good-for-nothing like you. Shane, you will activate it.
Shane: I...get to help Brother with his fight?
Halle: Hmph...They can't afford to be down a man, just when they're
about to attack the enemy's throat. I'm just taking the most
definite and reliable approach. Come now, time is ticking.
Let us head to the cloister!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ark of Destiny]
Linda: If this shrine really does become the Ark of Destiny, which
transports us to the ideal world...would people who don't get
seasick over priority over those who do? Oh, my goodness...What
am I going to do?
Susan: I find this hard to believe, but there are people out there who
do not believe in the hidden power of books. Do you really
think books do not possess any kind of <power>?
<Power>: When you get hit in the head with a book, you see stars, and
when you read a boring book, you fall asleep. Isn't it quite
obvious that books do possess power?
Sion: I was such an idiot! People aren't meant to live alone! We need
<support>, especially during times of need!
<Support>: Ever since I joined the Order, my luck has been on the
upswing. I was told that if I marry a certain woman for one
year, living expenses and contract money will all be paid
out under my name. So, my livelihood is guaranteed, and a
guy like me gets to be married! What a deal, huh!?
Marty: If there is an ideal world beyond the sky, somewhere in the sea
of stars...Our task as Order members is to pave a way there.
This is the way of life I have chosen.
Albert: The Ark of Destiny will soon depart as the ship that saves
mankind. I would like to believe it was the dedication of
Lamium and his followers, who were able to bring forth a
future for the planet.
Lamium: The time has come for the Ark of Destiny to depart to new
frontiers. The Saint has guided us this far, along with our
will to seek out a new world.
Helga: If the Ark of Destiny is from another world, then I'm sure
it can be used to travel to other worlds. That is what we
believe...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Uncle Gob: [He only says this if you have 100% of the map completed.
You can also do this way earlier, if you feel up to it with
Lombardia.] It's exciting when you spread open a map,
gob-gob! It's also exciting when you cross off areas you've
been to, gob-gob! It's even more exciting when you complete
the entire map, gob-gob! Would you mind showing me your
map, gob-gob? Congratulations, gob-gob! You have travelled
the entire map! Your dedication and time has paid off,
gob-gob! Uncle Gob would like to give you a special
something, gob-gob! I have treasured it for years, and
though it may be a little smelly, I'm sure it still works,
gob-gob! [The party receives an EX File Key.]
Uncle Gob (2): It's exciting when you spread open a map, gob-gob! It's
also exciting when you cross off areas you've been to,
gob-gob! It's even more exciting when you complete the
entire map, gob-gob! Would you mind showing me your
map, gob-gob? The effects of an EX File Key are a
secret, gob-gob...But I'm sure you'll know what to do
with it when you finish your adventure, gob-gob! There
are a total of fifteen EX File keys, gob-gob...If you
have the time and dedication, try getting all fifteen,
gob-gob!
[
[No other special dialogue. The party heads back to the Sacrificial
Altar, but takes the back stairway this time. They walk into a large
room with a glassy circle in the middle--the teleportation device.]
Halle: Even if we are able to activate this shrine, do you really
believe it will take you to the enemy's stronghold? You would
risk your life over my good-for-nothing grandchild's silly
little speculation? Hm?
Virginia: Well...I don't think we have any other options at this
stage. We have to believe, or else there'd be no point in
doing this. And...I think we are the only ones capable of
defeating this intangible dream-demon, Beatrice.
Halle: I see...But what makes you so confident you can beat this
dream-demon?
Virginia: The four of us have been bestowed the power of the Ark
Scepter. You once told us that this qualifies us to fight
guardians, which in turn means...that we are capable of
communicating and interacting with an intangible force. We
don't have a plan or scheme to defeat the dream-demon,
but...All I know is that we are the only ones who can fight
her!
[She takes out the Dream Key that Beatrice left in Mimir's Well.]
Virginia: This key is like an invitation from Beatrice. I'm sure this
will take us to her!
Halle: This is foolish! Absolutely foolish!! Even if you do make it to
her stronghold, you are most certainly bound for the jaws of
death...Yet, you still wish to go?
Virginia: One can still survive in the field of death. That's what it
means to fight. We will prevail...
[Shane takes out a bag.]
Shane: Brother, take this...
[Gallows take the Exodus Orb.]
Shane: It's a sacred artifact of Baskar. It allows you escape from any
labyrinth or dungeon.
Gallows: Whoa...Awesome...I'l take good care of it. And when we're all
done here, I'll be back to return it. Just you wait.
[The party steps on the glassy surface and they disappear in a trail
of bubbly light.]
Halle: They say a fool may go to any extremes, but...that may just
mean it takes a fool to do the extreme...
[Cutscene with Beatrice now. She stands up from her chair in the
castle of dreams.]
Beatrice: The guests have arrived. Let the grand ball commence.
[A strange-looking thing teleports in.]
Narrative: I am the Fortress of Seven. No one shall penetrate our
fortress of disasters...
Beatrice: I have confidence in you, my Disasters. I need a sacrifice
to carry out my plan. My Filgaia needs to draw energy from
the sacrifice in order for it to exist. Now go, and help me
create my planet. But do not underestimate their abilities.
They have invoked guardians.
Narrative: Guardians! They will meet their match when they face the
disasters! Please witness the power of our destruction!
[The strange thing teleports out.]
Beatrice: Yes...The grand ball is proceeding according to plan...
Everybody must perform their own dance...Everybody,
including the rowdy gang, the Disasters, and even...that
man...
[End cutscene. Virginia's party teleports onto a platform surrounded
by static.]
Virginia: Th-This sensation feels as if...
Clive: ...we're inside a dream. So fanciful and surreal...
Gallows: Looks like we made it to the dream-demon's domain...
Jet: This is where it all started...
Virginia: And this is where it all ends!
[As Virginia goes to the castle door, Beatrice's voice talks to
them.]
Narrative: Welcome to the twenty-fifth dimension...A sea constructed
only by electric signals. In your words, the dream world.
I'm glad to see the Dream Key will come in handy...
Virginia: Beatrice!
Narrative: As a dream-demon, I'm unable to exhibit my abilities in
your physical world...But here in this dream world, I
would be more than happy to dance with you. You're here
to do just that, right? Because I know you all possess the
power to kill me...
Virginia: Don't think you can play around with people's lives because
we can't see you! We're here to stop just that! And we've
come here by our own will!
Narrative: Heeheehee...I'm really glad you could make it. We'll have
so much fun together! Welcome to my Nightmare Castle!
[The door opens and the party heads inside.]
Virginia: This is the borderline between nightmare and reality...
Let's return here when we're ready to go back to Filgaia.
[If you choose to go back to Filgaia:]
Narrative: You feel a warm and familiar light. This door somehow
seems to connect to Filgaia.
[Each person gives a different response:]
Virginia: This door seems to bridge Nightmare Castle and Filgaia...
Jet: If we go through, we can return to our world...
Gallows: Could this be Shane's doing? In any case, it's reassuring
to know we have a way back.
Clive: Should we sustain too much damage, it may be a wise idea to
retreat. We do not want to make a fatal mistake...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Sacrificial Altar]
Halle: It makes me feel ill at ease when I think you might head
back to the field of death...What are you going to do?
[Head for Nightmare Castle.; We still need to prepare.]
Halle (G): You're all tougher than leather...But be sure to prepare
meticulously before you set out. [She gives the same
options as above.]
Shane: I would like to be of help. Let me know how I can help you.
[Heal me.; Save my current state.; I'm good for now.][No
dialogue is said during any of the options.]
Shane (G): I'll do my best to support your fight, Brother. Let me
know how I can help. [Same options as above.]
[No other special dialogue.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Lucked Out: The Disasters |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ LUTD /
\_______/
[The first Disaster can be found by taking one of the crates in the
main room and throwing it on the crystal in the right side of the
room. Follow the passageway to the end on the moving tiles and you'll
come to the first Disaster, who appears when you touch the Ark
Scepter-like thing on the ground.]
Narrative: I am Disaster...The power that guards the Nightmare
Castle...Let it be known to those who trust in the power of
the guardians...Your life ends here...The Aqua Wisp summons
your death! I am the power that washes away and engulfs
all!
[The party defeats Disaster Water and heads back to the main room.
In the corner near the two buttons that stick out of the wall, there
is a switch high up that only Clive can get to. Using the Grappling
Hook, he hits it and continues into the door it opens on the balcony.
Through the two rooms of push-blocks, the party arrives at another
Disaster.]
Narrative: I am Disaster...The Power that guards the Nightmare
Castle...Let it be known to those who trust in the power of
the guardians...Your life ends here...The Terra Roar
blusters! I am the power that pounds, and crushes all!
[The party defeats Disaster Earth and continues back to the main
hall and goes to the opposite part of the balcony. Using the
Tindercrest, the party enters a series of maze-type rooms. After them,
another Disaster waits.]
Narrative: I am Disaster...The power that guards the Nightmare
Castle...Let it be known to those who trust in the power of
the guardians...Your life ends here...The Fiery Rage
ignites the heavens! I am the power that scorches all!
[The party lays waste to Disaster Fire, and continues on back to the
main room. On the right side of the room right where the party fought
Disaster Water, there is a doorway with a crack in it. A bomb will
blow it up and the party can suffer through walking in the darkness
with the Freezer Doll as the guide (you'll understand if you do it).
After two rooms, another Disaster makes itself known.]
Narrative: I am Disaster...The power that guards the Nightmare
Castle...Let it be known to those who trust in the power
of the guardians...Your life ends here...The Moon Spark
blackens the night! I am the power that eclipses all, and
awakens the blood of beasts!
[The party blows past Disaster Moon and goes back to the main room
once again. At the bottom of the stairs, to the left, the party sees
two buttons on the wall. Using the Steady Doll, the button can be
pressed, but someone has to walk forward to immediately hold it down.
Using the same method to hit the button beside the one that is being
pressed down, the door opens. Another maze is inside, but by going up,
right, down, left, and up again, the party can get to the second room.
It has more entrances, but by going right, northeast, and north, the
party can find the next Disaster waiting.]
Narrative: I am Disaster...The power that guards the Nightmare
Castle...Let it be known to those who trust in the power of
the guardians...Your life ends here...The Gale Claw tears
up all hope! I am the power that whirls away all!
[The party rips Disaster Wind a new one and heads back to the main
hall. Up on the balcony, there are four statues. If you wedge yourself
between the wall and the statues, you can push one of them out and
open the door on the bottom floor. Enter, and you can find four stone
tablets sticking out of the ground. From left to right, they read:]
Narrative: The primordial impulse, the Surge of Gaia. The Vassim
blacksmiths, with flames in hand, are the first to embrace
this primordial chaos.
Narrative: As time goes by, the demons descend to benumb the humans
and Elws with their cold power.
Narrative: A man comes forth seeking change. Entrusted by the people,
he becomes an advocate of the future.
Narrative: The demons used the dragons to devastate the planet,
causing grief to many.
[If the tablets weren't obvious enough, they allude to different
options you can do them to open the door. On the statue in the back,
use the Tindercrest, the Freezer Doll, the Boomerang, and then the
Changecrest (in that order) to disappear the statue. In the next
room, one must move blocks around with the Mighty Gloves to match
the picture of the rose on the floor. Once the picture is complete,
the room to the next Disaster swings open.]
Narrative: I am Disaster...The power that guards the Nightmare
Castle...Let it be known to those who trust in the power of
the guardians...Your life ends here...The Flash Hit pierces
your body! I am the power that blares down light in an
instant!
[Disaster Light gets shown the light at the end of the tunnel when
the party mows past it. Back in the main hall, the party can continue
further into the castle. Note, that fighting the Disasters are not
mandatory--it just makes the upcoming boss much easier.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Where Is My Mind?: Beatrice Battle and World NPC Reaction |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BBWR /
\_______/
[The party continues on to an ornate door through the central hall.
Each person can say something different in response to the
narrative.]
Narrative: A powerful, wicked aura is oozing from beyond the door.
Virginia: The guardians are trembling...There must be something
horrific through this door...[Options: Open the door and
confront the enemy.; We're not ready to fight yet.]
Virginia (R1): [The door opens and the party can enter.]
Virginia (R2): [The door stays closed.]
Jet: This sensation is weighing me down...So the alien threat is
waiting behind this door, huh? [Same options as Virginia.]
Gallows: I feel cold and nauseous...I guess it's pretty obvious
there's a pain-in-the-behind monster waiting behind this
door...[Same options as Virginia.]
Clive: The source of this evil aura seems to step from beyond this
door...[Same options as Virginia.]
[The party opens the door and a voice speaks to them.]
Narrative: I am Disaster...The power that guards the Nightmare
Castle...Let it be known to those who trust in the power of
the guardians...Your life ends here...
[Disaster Luck attacks the party but falls after a short while.]
Narrative: I am a fortress of seven...Witness the destructive
succession of Tiamat's disasters!
[Disaster Luck explodes and Tiamat is in its place.]
Narrative: Though my fortress may not be complete, I am still the
foundation of this castle! [This is only said if all of
the Disasters have fallen, I believe. This probably
changes upon which have been killed.]
[Tiamat attacks seven times in a row, but killing the Disasters makes
him not summon for those that are dead. The party summons a hail of
gunfire to defeat Tiamat, and they continue on to another ornate
door.]
Narrative: A gorgeous door inlaid with roses. There's a small keyhole
in the center.
[Again, the party can say different things.]
Virginia: Beatrice...I will put an end to your twisted scheme, no
matter what! [Options: Use the Dream Key to open the door.;
We're not ready to fight yet.]
Virginia (R1): [Read below.]
Virginia (R2): [Nothing happens.]
Jet: This overwhelming sensation...The host must be through this
door...[Same options as Virginia.[
Gallows: The guardians are raging inside me...We have to kick the
dream-demon's behind for their sake, too! [Same options as
Virginia.]
Clive: I can sense the threat through this door. This must be the
castellan's chamber. [Same options as Virginia.]
[When the door is opened, the following narrative comes:]
Narrative: What lies beyond this door? The end of a nightmare, or the
end of reality? The darkness engulfing Beatrice extends
before your very eyes...Would you like to save your
memories onto a Memory Card (PS2) before you step through
the door? [Options: Yes, No]
Narrative (Yes): [You can save; nothing is said.]
Narrative (No): [You don't save, and you don't enter the room just
yet.]
[The party goes inside and finds Beatrice almost nodding off in her
large chair.]
Beatrice: Were you held up by the Disasters? I was getting sick of
waiting. The preparations are almost complete. This time for
sure, I'll create my own Filgaia from people's memories.
Virginia: You really think you can create another Filgaia? Just like
that time when you used the Yggdrasil System!? The
Yggdrasil's generator has been destroyed, and you don't
even have enough energy to...
Beatrice: But, I do...I'm the one who ripped the Yggdrasil generator
out from the System...And as for energy, I'll just blow up
the Nightmare Castle and appropriate the energy generated
from the blast. It didn't really matter to me whether you
defeated the Disasters or not. I just wanted the most
powerful life-form to offer in place of the Surge of Gaia,
so that I can apply its energy to my creation. Everybody
worked so hard for me...Starting with the construction of
the Yggdrasil System, which paved the way to my first
attempt at creation...You defeated the boorish prophets, who
tried to expel the humans, and also rid this world of
Siegfried...Oh, and how can I forget...Lamium obeyed all my
orders to excavate countless artifacts necessary for my
creation...
Virginia: Even...Lamium...?
Beatrice: As long as humans cling to even a little bit of hope, they
can be taken advantage of quite easily...Lamenting over the
decaying Filgaia, I must have appeared as a saint to
Lamium...
Virginia: People don't rely or depend on others just because they're
weak! It's because we strongly believe that we can
accomplish something much greater if we support each other!
It's a bond built upon trust and support! There's nothing
lower than taking advantage of people's trust!
Beatrice: You're so arrogant...I don't need to hear your lecture!
Now let me show you a deep sleep beyond your dreams!
[Beatrice attacks.]
Beatrice: In this dream world, I am a tangible entity, where you can
hurt me as you please...The opposite also holds true. I am
capable of ripping you to shreds!
[The party defeats Beatrice.]
Beatice: Can you hear it? Filgaia is beating within me...The seed of
the planet sleeps inside my body...Yes...I shall soon become
the Mother of Filgaia!
[Beatrice disappears, but her voice still lingers.]
Beatrice: The Yggdrasil's generator is in its final activation phase
inside the Ark of Destiny. All there is left to do now is to
blow up this Nightmare Castle, with you in it, to generate
the energy needed for creation. The birth cry of my new
world can be heard at the Ark of Destiny. Heeheehee...Enough
talk...This is it...I must put you and Lamium out of your
misery...How does ten seconds to destructionsound? Will that
be enough time for you to escape? I think not...
Heeheeheehee...
[The party uses the Exodus Orb to get out before they were blown out.]
Narrative: This light signifies the birth of a new planet...
[Back in the top floor of the Sacrificial Altar, Halle and Shane are
laying unconscious on the ground.]
Gallows: Shane! Come on, Little Brother! Wake up!
Shane: B-Brother...? Huh...? What is going on?
Halle: Where am I...? Why am I here...?
Virginia: Are our memories being devoured...?
Clive: It appears so...But not all of it just yet.
Gallows: You mean we still have time!?
Virginia: That's up to us! C'mon, let's go!!
[Special/new Dialogue in: Baskar Colony]
Cordell: I dreamt of a girl in black...Who could she have been? What
was taken from my consciousness? And who am I, anyway?
Laraina: Do you know what it's like to lose what you believed in?
Where did it all go? Do you know how terribl it is to walk in
the darkness unaided?
Halle: It was like someone with cold hands came and jiggled my
noggin. It came with such force, that someone with a weaker
will might have been robbed of something important.
Halle (G): Looks like I'll make it. I ain't goin' senile 'til I see
you and Shane grown.
Ellen: Suddenly, everything went dark...Have I been alone my whole
life? Living by myself this whole time? When did I start
shivering at this overwhelming sense of solitude?
Harold: Ahh! I don't remember! I can't remember a thing! I don't even
know why I suffer!
Shane: I feel my soul being eaten away by a strange, unnatural being.
Compared to last time, it burrows much, much deeper.
Shane (G): Listen, brother...I remember everything you've told me.
I feel the best way for me to help out in the fight against
Beatrice is to remember everything important.
Roykman: What could this be? I used to have something precious, but I
can't remember what it was. This emptiness has robbed me of
any desire to go on.
Torin: <<Beep>>...G-G-GOODBYE...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Jolly Roger]
Sterling: I never knew how wonderful it was to live a simple,
easygoing life. These people really know happiness.
Dennis: I can't remember a thing. When did I start wearing this
striped, old-fashioned uniform, anyway?
Roykman: My name's Roykman. And you're...Virginia, right? Normally,
names just pop right out...but these days I really have to
pause and think about them. I wonder what's happened to me?
Herman: Hmm...Uhh...Huh? How many brothers did I have...?
Emilia: How strange. I can't seem to laugh at all. It's like...I've
forgotten how. Now, it's more like...was anything ever funny?
Volks: I tremble every time I step onto a field of virgin snow. Each
step I take permanently alters the path my life will take.
Hannah: Gosh, durnit...I forgot what I was gonna say...
Philly: <<Beep>>...HAVE A ROOTIN'-TOOTIN' DAY...! <<click>>
[Special/new Dialogue in: Claiborne]
Dessinsey: People come up with the strangest ideas. Why would anyone
think of sittin' on top of a horse?
Otto: What have I been workin' fer all mah life? Once you lose sight
of what's in yer heart, you lose sight of yer direction in life,
too...
Becky: That's funny...Ah know Ah wanted to do somethin', but Ah can't
remembah what that somethin' was...Ah guess Ah'll just have to
stay here 'till Ah remembah...
Pike: All my memories are gone. They were all traces of my life...I
feel like I'm the last person standing out in the middle of the
vast wasteland...
Mileux: Martina...? Where could she be? Excuse me, travellers, have
you seen a little girl in green?
Norley: <<Beep>>...TAKE CARE...
Roykman: I haven't been able to concentrate lately. Just the other
day, I was counting out change for a customer when I lost
count. 'Two Gella...three Gella,' and when my customer
asked me what time it was, 'ten o'clock, sir...eleven
Gella, twelve Gella...' Maybe I'm getting too old.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Twister]
Roykman: I believe I made an important decision here. However, I'm
unable to recall what that was...My heart stirs everytime
someone approaches me, wanting to buy an item...
Berkley: I can't tell the difference between right and wrong...I
just can't remember any more...I guess I'll have to decide
<when the time comes>...
<When the time comes>: I'll crack down depending on my mood. In other
words, I am justice!
Bofiel: <<Beep>>...P-P-P-PLEA...
Cormano: Why do I feel so refreshed? Why have I been so unsatisfied
and discontent up until now?
Claudia: Why am Ah here? That fateful day, five years ago, Ah was
taken away from town by a man in a black coat...Why did
my parents cast their eyes aside when Ah was taken away?
Did they not want me no more? Ah just can't remember...
Why must Ah live alone like this?
Angela: Why is it that you remembah all the worthless, insignificant,
trifle stuff? Maybe important memories aren't as dear as ya
think?
Myra: I feel like I've just woken up from a good night's sleep. I
wonder if it's okay to feel this invigorated and fresh everyday.
Ian: Wh-What have I been doing? Why have I been putting up a front and
showing off...? It's not like I was being honest with myself by
doing so...
Mosby: It wouldn't be a big deal if a loser who's not doing much with
his life loses his memories. On the other hand, it would be
unfortunate if those memories were dear to him...
Travis: What am I doing in here all alone?
[Special/new Dialogue in: Little Rock]
Roykman: When I awoke, I lost my desire to enjoy anything. It was what
got me through the wasteland. What's happened to me?
Kovahn: I need a light to guide me. What made me yearn so passionately
for life before?
Gaspar: Gah...Well, just look at me. Dead stiff in the middle of the
afternoon.
Mock: Here I go, gettin' hungry again. But I don't feel like doing a
thing. Sure is weird.
Annette: Now, where are my glasses...Oh, I'm wearing them! How
strange...I was never this forgetful.
Goodwin: For some reason, I feel so liberated, as if all my worries
just went up and flew away.
Doley: <<Beep>...TAKE...TAKE...TAKE...<<Click>>
Von: This is so annoying. I can't remember how my favorite song goes.
I think I'm gonna gag...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Humphrey's Peak]
Datson: Future generations should learn from past memories. Once you
lose that, however, people will lose themselves in the present
and blemish their sparkle of life.
Cheville: Even if the memories that fulfilled my heart are gone, the
warmth of what was important still remains...It is like a
little stream that forms from melting snow, that continues
to flow within me.
Ricardo: Which way am I facin' and where am I goin'? Why are we
sailin' without a destination?
Canceco: All my fears and anxieties are gone. It's like I've lost
something in order to reach nirvana.
Catherine: I feel as if my heart has frozen over with fear and
insecurity. Like something important has been eaten away
from within...
Catherine (C): I won't ask what happened. But you need to be on your
way, right? Don't worry. Kaitlyn will be safe here with
me.
Kaitlyn: Wh-Who are you? I'm not allowed to talk to strangers.
Kaitlyn (C): Daddy...Something's weird. I'm really sleepy even though
it's the middle of the afternoon.
Roykman: I cannot seem to enjoy my food. I know my body needs it, but
my stomach seems to be rejecting it.
Oin: <<Beep>>...GOODBYE...GOODBYE...GOOD...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Boot Hill]
Roykman: My body feels all worn out...I wonder if my backpack feels
the same way?
Neil: I didn't have any burdens yesterday, so what have I got to lose?
I'm just a happy-go-lucky guy.
Tesla: Even losing memories you wanted to forget about is painful...
But every memory, whether it be good or bad, is what shapes you
into who you are today. There is nothing more painful than
losing it all.
Tesla (V): To lose your memories is to die slowly, just like the
decaying planet. An emiciated mind and heart does not have
the strength to bring forth a future. You must be strong
and light the way.
Kealey: <<Beep>>...CANNOT SAVE...
Armengard: [Says whatever dialogue corresponds with the day, still. I
guess nothing will be taking away her memories, eh?]
Gunther: Tears start pouring from my eyes once I let down my guard. I
don't know what was taken from me, but I have a gaping hole
in my heart.
Libera: Why am I dressed like this?
Shalte: The insecurity of being forgotten...The emptiness of
forgetting...I never imagined losing your memories could be
this cruel and painful...
Shalte (V): The path I have travelled...My memories of my loved
ones...They're all gone...I feel as if I'm standing out
in the wasteland all alone...
Putnam: What have I lost in this barren wasteland? I know I've lost
something, but I don't know what it is. This is driving me
crazy.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Laxisland]
Nalice: Let's see...We could get through life worry-free if we had no
chains to weigh us down. Wouldn't it be better for simple folk
like us if we could forget about yesterday? Memories are bad
for us.
Galahad: Why do I wear such a childish costume? Most unbecoming of a
cavalier!
Roswell: Argh! Can't remember...Can't remember a thing. They've
altered my memory! That's it! Reverse hypnosis! I'll reverse
their hypnosis and find the truth that's out there!
Laura: Legends and folklore are passed down because they're easy to
retell. Legends die when they're forgotten. Kind of sad, isn't
it? Hmm...I just started feeling sad, myself.
Robert: I wonder what I lived for...What I enjoyed...How I spent my
days...There must have been something I wanted so badly, I
looked forward to it every day. Maybe it wasn't so important
to me in the first place, if I could forget about it so
easily...No, that's impossible!
Zim: Passion is flame that burns hot inside men's hearts. Passion's
fire moves people. Makes them do stuff. Therefore, people only
come stop when internal fire go out. Poof!
Roykman: Uh...Exactly how much did I charge for antidotes, again?
Oh, I have no idea! Let me check my purchase costs real
quick. Uh-oh...Where did I put my cost list?
Berlin: <<Click>>...OH, YEAH...?
[Special/new Dialogue in: Ballack Rise]
Balleana: Looks like the grown-ups are so uptight over losing their
memories. Times like these we gotta stay <cool>. Us kids
ain't got much of a past to fuss over in the first place.
That's why losin' it doesn't faze us.
<Cool>: Somethin' I figgered out. If we kids can keep a handle on
things while the adults are raisin' a ruckus...then later on
they won't have the guts to chew us out when we're misbehavin'
again.
Glorin: <<Whirr>>
Huey: Aw, man...I can't remember my cocktail recipes for the life of
me. Think it's okay if I just mix in some hydrochloric acid and
manganese dioxide?
Roykman: These kids look so gloomy. I'm worried about what might've
happened to them, but I'm afraid to ask. Say, do I look
gloomy, too?
Fram: By golly, I can't remember who I am or where I came from. You
lose the will to carry on when you don't even know what kind of
person you are.
Bucovich: It's scary to forget, but it's scarier to be forgotten.
Being forgotten is worse than death. No matter how great
you are, if others can't remember you, it's like you were
never even there.
David: I don't remember a thing, either. But it's not that bad. It's
like starting over with a clean slate...even if you've been a
total loser. I bet losers like that have already forgotten how
pathetic they really were.
Borgnine: Yesterday I lost everything that carried me and guided me
onward. By losing it I realized what a dark and winding
path the future is.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Gunner's Heaven]
Coney: You'd better believe it! Um...what was I talking about?
Roykman: Yaaaahwn...Oh, excuse me. I almost fell asleep. Guess I
really need to rest.
Ortega: What have I fought all these years? The past is shrouded in
mist, and I know not the roads I have travelled. But listen!
Warm blood flows within my veins! Time may heal the wounds
of combat, but it touches not the memories within!
Dwallin: <<Beep>...SAVE FUNCTION OUT OF ORDER...SO, GOODBYE...!
<<click>>
Galey: I've forgotten what it is I believe in. No, wait...Did I
even have that? What's happening? I can't bear this sense of
loss. It's like a gaping hole in my heart.
Begucci: Who am I? And why am I so handsome? Surely I must be of
noble birth. Perhaps a baron, maybe...? Yes, that will do
nicely.
[Special/new Dialogue in: The Secret Garden]
Florina: No flower can bloom if it's forgotten why it wanted to.
If all life were to forget the meaning of living, then life
itself has no future. [The options to garden are not
available any more.]
[Special/new Dialogue in: Midland Station]
Miles: I was born and raised in Midland, so my favorite food is
<fried fish>. But I don't remember having fish for ten years!
Life is so strange...
<Fried fish>: I take the day's catch, fry it up nice and hot, pour
a little vinegar...When I have it wish some chips on
the side, well...I'm in heaven.
Tony: Well, this is strange...I used to be so proud that I could
recite the names of every station on Filgaia. But I suppose
it never really came in handy. So I'm okay. Hahaha...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Westwood]
Rick: I completely forgot what I was going to do today. What could
it have been?
Tony: These days, my eyebrows fall out easily. I have no appetite, so
maybe I'm not getting any nutrition to the follicles. I'll try
to eat a whole loaf of bread today...
[Special/new Dialogue in: East Highlands]
Walker: Hmm...I wonder what I used to think about on the job.
Tony: They want us to get ready for all the people who'll show up
for the festival at the shrine of the Luck Guardian. I wonder
what kind of people will show up for a party in some old ruins?
I don't think I'm looking forward to that kind of crowd.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Dune Canyon]
Simon: Was I always such a loafer? There has to be something I can
do. Ah, well...Might as well make a few puzzles to kill time.
Tony: The stationmaster had a fit when I went into a daze and
switched the tracks wrong. He always says it's easy to mess
up and cause an accident in your third year. But I never
thought it would happen to me.
[Special/new Dialogue in: Southfarm]
Freddy: I should be in love...But I can't even remember my
sweetheart's name.
Tony: There were so many malfunctions today. And the engineer even
forgot his timetables. Must be one of those days...
[Special/new Dialogue in: Greenlodge]
Bifiel: <<Beep>...HOW GOES IT...?
[No other dialogue. You may notice that some of the NPCs don't
respond to more than one person, except in the cases of close family
members or something. I didn't forget to check, they just didn't
say anything--just want to clarify that. Also, some people still
say the same thing (Uncle Gob, Armengard), so they're not included.]
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Untouchables: Ark of Destiny to Little Twister |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ ADLT /
\_______/
[When you're ready to go (you can't save remember), head for the Ark
of Destiny and enter. A strange feeling sweeps over the party.]
Gallows: This sensation...Are we too late!?
Jet: If the Yggdrasil generator attached to the Ark of Destiny is
creating a dream-demon's Filgaia, then yes!
Virginia: Let's hurry!! This planet, and Lamium are in danger!!
[The party runs down the main corridor towards where Lamium stays.
Monsters are teleporting in at a highly dangerous rate. The party
runs right by Maya, but Virginia stops when she realizes what she
just did.]
Maya: You don't have to turn around. All you have to do is look
forward.
Virginia: Maya!? What are you doing here?
Maya: I've found my next target...It's a monumental gem that
sparkles blue like none other...One day, I will return this
planet to its blue state, and make it mine...I've decided to
become the first president of the United States of Filgaia!
Virginia: Oh, come on, Maya...That can be taken as an act of
aggression.
Maya: So, what's your point? Are you going to do something about it
as defender of justice?
Virginia: We'll stop you.
Maya: Fine...Then just make sure you come back alive. I mean, you're
the only ones who stand a cha stace against us.
Virginia: Thanks, Maya...
[Virginia runs towards Lamium's room, leaving Maya and her team to
deal with the powerful monsters that are now pushing through the
hallway.]
Maya: Hmph! Have they no manners? They're in the presence of a
future ruler, here!
Todd: Milady! This is a perfect opportunity to repay them for their
honor!
Alfred: Yeah...I'm sure sis things so, too, but...
Shady: She's too stubborn to admit it.
Maya: Oh, be quiet! Put your skills where your mouth is!
Schroedingers...Prepare to go all out!!
[They run towards the monsters and start fighting. Meanwhile,
Virginia heads to Lamium's room. There, Lamium jumps in front of
Beatrice and takes an attack meant for Virginia's party.]
Lamium: Ughhh...
Virginia: Lamium, why did you shield us...!?
Lamium: I...too...have now...finally...seen the truth...I was...
deceived...and...used...by the dream-demon...Everything...
I have done...worked for...my ideology...has been...
disgraced...Even so...I still have...hope...for the
future...
Virginia: Come on, Lamium!!
[Lamium doesn't give a reply this time. Beatrice stands at the top
of the balcony. She stretches her hand out, and the tiled floor
underneath the party turns to blackness. They sink into it.]
Beatrice: Lamium will always be an ignorant man...If he didn't
shield you, he would have lived on, dreaming...The
electrical field of the 25th dimension is the dream
world of humans. In other words, a world of eternal
darkness, deep within your mind...That world is where
I rule...It's easy to control reasoning...
Narrative: You don't understand a thing!!
[Virginia's party reappears from their dark "tomb", and come back
up from whatever depths they had sunken into.]
Virginia: Eternal darkness might exist deep down within people's
hearts...But...There...Though it may be small, you'll
also find a sparkle of relentless hope!!
Beatrice: Impossible! How did you escape the cage of darkness!?
Virginia: Lamium...The man who was most worried and troubled about
the future of this planet and its people, opened a path
with his ray of hope! It was a very faint light that
eventually disappeared, but I will do my best to honor
his memory that lights the way to the future!
Beatrice: So, you wish to avenge his death? Or ignite the flames of
hatred for all life on Filgaia? Heeheehee...Are you going
to swallow me and destroy me inside the darkness that
fills your heart?
[Virginia whips out her guns and locks onto Beatrice.]
Virginia: I will not let you become anyone's memory!!
[Nega Filgaia appears, but doesn't look that intimidating in its
little, early stage.]
Gallows: Don't tell me this thing here is supposed to be her
Filgaia...Is this some kind of joke?
Clive: Yes, the [Filgaia Theory]! How the world is a single life
entity. It seems to be at its larval stage now, but it
will grow and mature into a true threat!
Virginia: Then we have to stop it now...It may just be another
Filgaia, but its will is that of Beatrice!
Jet: I'm sure it doesn't have a liking for us, either...Let's do
it!!
[The fight to end all fights begins. The party's willingness to
continue leads them through battle after battle against the many
incarnations of Beatrice's Nega Filgaia. Soon, after slaying the
beginning forms, the end form starts to come into being.]
Beatrice: If it's a nightmare you seek, then a nightmare you'll
get...One that never ends, and one you cannot wake from.
Rot in my endless nightmare!!
[The huge, writhing, final form of her Nega Filgaia appears, and
it's larger than anything they've faced thus far.]
Beatrice: Heeheehee...My Filgaia and I have been defeated...But your
Filgaia will come to an end as well...My Filgaia, and your
Filgaia...Everything is composed of opposites: Day and
night, positive and negative...Everything is structured to
cancel each other out. Just like my Filgaia in the dream
world, and your Filgaia...The connected world will also
perish with my demise...They will eventually expel each
other...Everything will come to an end...You...me...
Everything will be engulfed in nothingness...
Heeheeheeheeheeheeheehee...
[Virginia wakes up in a large white location, with no one but her and
her father.]
Virginia: Daddy...!? Daddy, where are we?
Werner: This is the [horizon]. Everything has transformed into
memories, and allthe memories have gathered here at the
horizon...
Virginia: The horizon...?
Werner: An interval between reality and the dream world...The horizon
that separates the two worlds. And...the emulator zone, known
as the information library Hyades.
Virginia: This...is Hyades...? ... A white world of nothingness...
... Did our Filgaia end up like this? Just a void...? Oh...
So we weren't able to accomplish anything...
Werner: An existence will one day cease to exist. And this existence
is nothing but a mere memory to begin with... ... Existence
is a form of memory passed down through history.
Virginia: We all fought so hard to protect everyone's memories...But I
guess...Wait a minute! Memories!! If Filgaia and all life
living there are a form of memory, then all we have to do is
create memories again! Every one of us has to gather up the
memories we have towards the future! And this is a horizon
where all the memories are gathered!!
[Virginia takes out the Old Terminal and it shines in her hands.]
Virginia: If Beatrice was able to create a Filgaia from memories...
Then if I use this terminal to unify everyone's memories as
one, Filgaia may once again...
Werner: And likewise, we use the Yggdrasil System's generator that was
transformed into memories! It will take amiracle for this to
succeed. This is an unlikely coincidence, but do you believe
it will work?
Virginia: Coincidence is a part of fate. We're not just leaving this
miracle to chance. My efforts and everybody else's will
unify the Filgaia that's in our hearts into a form. It's a
Filgaia from our memories, so it might be a bit dusty, but
we can all work to change that!
Werner: Creating a Filgaia from memories...That is the same game plan
as the dream-demon, but will it work? But if indeed it is
possible, Jet's memories will also be included...If we still
have his memories of the former Filgaia, then maybe...just
maybe the Filgaia of before will arise...This is like planting
a single seed into the wasteland...IT will be a miracle if it
blooms...
Virginia: I know it'll work, Daddy. I'm not alone...And plus, a
miracle is a reward you get for giving it your best. At
least that's what I think...Or else the fruits of our
efforts won't be worth the price...
[The terminal glows, outshining everything. Virginia wakes up back in
...The Ark of Destiny!? Her comrades are also there, looking at her.]
Virginia: Is everyone...alive...?
Gallows: You're the one who was out cold until now...
Virginia: The world...Is Filgaia still here!?
[She lunges at Jet and hugs him.]
Virginia: Yes! Yes! We all made it!
Clive: Yes, we all made it back safely.
[Virginia looks down from the balcony, to where Lamium's body still
resides.]
Virginia: (Lamium...We'll bring forth Filgaia's future you wanted...)
[Suddnely, a bullet richochets a few feet from where Virginia was
standing. Albert stands over Lamium's body.]
Albert: Wh-What are you doing up there...? D-Did you do this...?
Wh-Why did you kill the founder!?
Virginia: No...Wait! It's not what you think! You've got it all wrong!
[He keeps shooting.]
Albert: E-Everyone! In here!! The founder! The founder has been...
Gallows: Talk about bad timing...the worst! But they're pretty green
at fighting. We could still fight our way out...
Virginia: No, we can't do that!!
Jet: We have no other choice! We've been showered with fire before!
What's the difference now!? Don't tell me we're commitin'
suicide!
Virginia: No, nothing like that! We're not going to lay down our
lives!
Jet: Then how the hell do we get out of this pinch!?
Clive: You are the leader. If you have a way out, we will follow your
orders.
[Everyone looks to Virginia, who reaches for her guns. They all take
their guns out. However, Virginia lets her shells drop out of her
chambers.]
Virginia: The first hurdle I had to overcome after becoming a Drifter
was...the fact that my concept of what justice is doesn't
always hold true in the wasteland...But still, an unwavering
sense of justice lies within me. It compels me to hold true
to my convictions. I won't let my feelings waver. I'm going
to carry through. That's my definition of justice. We've
travelled the right path up until now, haven't we? We may
have stumbled, but we did the right thing, right?
Gallows: Yeah, I think so. There's no way we would live slavishly.
Virginia: Then...We won't need ARMs any more. Let's just hold our
heads high and run out!!
[Below, two pairs of Order members ascend the stairs on either side of
the balcony, armed with guns. Alfred and Linda (?) stand below.]
Jet: Fine...fine...I'm in. But I'm not accompanying you to the
otherworld. I don't have enough memories yet. I'm not goin' out
until I have enough memories, just like everyone else.
Clive: You are an unpredictable leader...Just like a storm. Whether to
believe this storm can blow away all our problems is the
question...
Gallows: A storm, huh. You said it...It reminds me of that stormy
night on the train, where we all met by coincidence. But I
never thought the last stop would turn out like this...
Virginia: A coincidence is a part of fate. I'm really, really glad I
met all of you. We had some rough times together, but more
than anything, it was fun. It was fun because I was with
you. Our memories together can't be bought by any
treasure...Right?
[The other three all take out their ammunition, too.]
Virginia: Our every step is always headed toward the future...
[The four jump off the balcony, surprising the Order members. Freeze
frame it.]
Narrative: Our memories...into the future...
[Fade to black and let the credits roll.]
[Back in Little Twister, the camera rolls by a wanted poster of the
four saviors of Filgaia. A 221,500 Gella reward is posted.]
Narrative: The Drifters are suspected of murdering the Order leader,
and assaulting the Order members. Minor injuries: many
Serious injured: none. As key suspects to the crime, their
whereabouts are still unknown...
[Martina runs down the Little Twister street, followed by none other
than Dario and Romero. Martina looks back and runs into Gallows.]
Big Baskar: Whoa, there...! I love it when women make the first move.
[Jet stands beside him.]
Sulky Boy: Why does trouble always seem to come from over there...?
Martina: Help me, please!! Bad guys are chasing me!
[Clive stands next to Gallows.]
Man in Coat: It's a shame, really...We're actually villains
ourselves...
[Virginia stands beside Clive.]
Female Crook: Except we don't put up with thugs!
[Romero and Dario get a good look at the four who are standing on
the street.]
Romero: Noooooooooooooo!!
Dario: Y-Y-You guys are...
Virginia: I hope you haven't forgotteen about the great memories
we had together!
[Dario and Romero run away from their former (?) enemies.]
Gallows: Well, what now? I guess we should lay low, huh?
Jet: You're the one who sticks out like a sore thumb.
Virginia: We should let everyone know that we're all right. What
do you say we hit Humphrey's Peak first?
Clive: Thank you...I would appreciate that...
[The party walks out of Little Twister, and the player gets a good
look at the side of the fence. A tuft of flowers is blooming in the
wasteland.]
WILD ARMS 3
THE END
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Fleshing Out the Wasteland: Essential Unessentials |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ FWEU /
\_______/
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| NPC Listing |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ PCL0 /
\_______/
[Ark of Destiny]
01) Lamium
02) Sion
03) Helga
04) Susan
05) Marty
06) Albert
07) Linda
08) Orley (Memory figure)
[Ballack Rise]
01) Fram
02) Borgnine
03) Huey
04) David
05) Balleana
06) Bucovich
07) Roykman (intermittent visits)
08) Martina (can be at one point)
[Baskar Colony]
01) Ellen
02) Halle
03) Laraina
04) Harold
05) Cordell
06) Shane
07) Torin - Memory figure
08) Rokyman (intermittent visits)
[Boot Hill]
01) Tesla
02) Shalte
03) Armengard
04) Neal
05) Gunther
06) Libera
07) Roykman (intermittent visits)
[Claiborne]
01) Becky
02) Myra (can leave permanently at one point)
03) Dessinsey
04) Pike
05) Otto
06) Mileux (can arrive permanently at one point)
07) Martina (can leave at one point and come back again)
08) Norley (Memory figure)
09) Roykman (intermittent visits)
[Dune Canyon]
01) Simon
02) Tony (when you purchase a ticket)
[East Highlands]
01) Walker
02) Tony (when you purchase a ticket)
[Greenlodge]
01) Bifiel (Memory figure)
[Gunner's Heaven]
01) Coney
02) Ortega
03) Galey
04) Begucci
05) Dwallin (Memory figure)
06) Roykman (intermittent visits)
[Humphrey's Peak]
01) Canceco
02) Oin
03) Albert (at one point)
04) Ricardo
05) Cheville (can leave temporarily at one point)
06) Martina (at one point)
07) Uncle Gob
08) Catherine
09) Kaitlyn
[Jolly Roger]
01) Sterling
02) Philly (Memory Figure)
03) Hannah
04) Emelia
05) Herman
06) Volks
07) Dennis
08) Roykman (intermittent visits)
09) Martina (at a certain time)
[Laxisland]
01) Robert
02) Roswell
03) Berlin (Memory figure)
04) Zim
05) Galahad
06) Laura
07) Mileux (can leave permanently at one point)
08) Nalice
09) Martina (can be at one point)
10) Roykman (intermittent visits)
11) Cheville (can be at one point)
[Little Rock]
01) Kovahn
02) Annette
03) Mock
04) Gaspar
05) Von
06) Goodwin
07) Doley (Memory figure)
08) Martina (can be at one point)
09) Roykman (intermittent visits)
[Little Twister]
01) Ian
02) Cormano
03) Claudia
04) Angela
05) Mosby
06) Berkley
07) Travis (in the Black Market)
08) Martina (can be at one point)
09) Myra (can arrive permanently at one point)
10) Bofiel (Memory figure)
11) Roykman (intermittent visits)
[Midland Station]
01) Miles
02) Tony (when you buy a ticket)
[The Secret Garden]
01) Florina
[Westwood]
01) Rick
02) Tony (when you purchase a ticket)
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Book Guide |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ BKG1 /
\_______/
These will be in alphabetical order instead of chronological, so I
hope that won't be too hard to wade through.
["Another World"]-----[Boot Hill]
The human brain does not make use of its full potential. There is
another world that can still be tapped from the brain. It is
possible to study how the brain works through electric signals. The
brain is a sea of electric signals where thoughts, memories, and
dreams are all merelly electric signals reacting. There may have
been extreme cases where the memory media of information possess a
structure similar to the memory storage area of the brain. Therefore,
it can be said that dreams are electric signals connecting to the
brain, just like projecting an image on screen. Perhaps with further
research, it may become possible for the brain to act as the media
itself, receiving signals from other external sources. Developing
this other world of the brain has just begun. I believe this may open
up infinite possibilities.
["ARMs and the Spirit"]-----[Claiborne]
Those who shoot ARMs must synchronize their spirit with the ARM's
makeup. Sometimes, this synchronization is so detailed that it
results in the ARM performing well above its specs. That is why
results vary when different people shoot the same ARM. Figuratively
speaking, an ARM needs to be synchronized as if it were a part of
your body.
["Artifacts Over Memories"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
Artifacts left behind by th gret war brought about a new power to
the human race. Machines, capable of activation through the use of
will as an extension of oneself...Artifacts from Ruins: Memories
Otherwise known as ARMs. Today, ARMs commonly refer to portable
machine weaponry, but originally it encompasses the technology
used to make them. To this day, no one knows who these memories
belong to. But the fact remains, that we have come to depend on
its powers.
["Beyond Oblivion"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
Demi-humans may look and think like humans, but they are different.
Demi-humans called Elws are said to have once existed on Filgaia.
These Elws are said to have fought off the demons using the power
of guardians. Originally, the Elws were a peaceful race, but lead
by the blacksmith warrior Vassim, they fought to save the planet.
Other men who were said to have been revered on an epitaph are
Fulcanelli, who performed the secret ceremony, and Blavatsky, who
had insight about Filgaia. After the end of this bitter war, the
Elws vanished, and no one has heard from them again. According to
one theory, since the Elws were closely tied with nature, they are
believed to have died off from the decay of the planet. Are the
Elws extinct? No one knows for sure. The demi-humans Elws have
long been forgotten in the pages of history. Perhaps we will
remember them, when this planet returns to verdure.
["Birds of Passage"]-----[Gob's Hideout]
As its verdure recedes, our world Filgaia is slowly but steadily
swallowed up by wasteland. Long ago, the forces of this world battled
furiously with those of another. The scars left behind formed the
beginnings of the great barren lands. Despite the danger, brave souls
trek through these deserts in search of adventure. They are called
Drifters. Like birds in the sky, these nomads are constantly on the
move. They honor Alan Smithy as the first Drifter, and wander
tirelessly from land to land.
["Blazing a Trail to the Future"]-----[Ark of Destiny]
The Order of the Ark of Destiny challenges us to find the path of
living. We must consider what we live for here on this unforgiving
world of Filgaia. We must become strong, and to help foster
strength, we pursue various methods of bolstering our own fortitude.
One of these projects is the excavation of ruins. We feel that
proper use of relics of the past will help lead us to a better
future. We attribute this to the roots of our founder Lamium, who
was a Drifter before he formed the Order. In his travels through
the wasteland, he discovered that in order to support great ideals,
other powers are necessary. We must take the powers responsible for
the ravaging of our world and blaze a new trail with them. We, the
Order of the Ark of Destiny, scour the vast wasteland for ways to
bring about a bright future for all.
["Cheville's Diary"]-----[Humphrey's Peak]
April 13th, cloudy. Today is the anniversary of Alice's death, but
it feels just like any other day. Perhaps time does heal pain...Or
am I a pitiless mother? Either way, it's still sad how I don't have
a clear-cut sense of my feelings. This wouldn't be troubling me if
Alice were still alive today. I would've been too busy running
around tending to the needs of a ten year old girl. Still, I cannot
help dreaming that Alice will one day return.
["Confidence vs. Overconfidence"]-----[Gob's Hideout]
Once you have enough experience and are confident in your abilities
as a Drifter, it might be a good idea to set your battles to Auto
Battle. Auto Battle's quick and easy controls make it ideal for those
on the run. But don't let it do all the work. Auto Battle won't help
you against powerful enemies, because you'll need special tactics to
defeat them. There's a fine line between confidence and
overconfidence. Remember, every fight is different, so adjust
accordingly.
["Disadvantages in Battle"]-----[Little Twister]
If you win, you live--if you lose, you die. This is the outcome of
every battle you encounter. There are many factors that help
decide this outcome. At times, you will be faced with adversities
in battle where you will be at a disadvantage beyond your control.
For example, [ambushed]. This is when the enemy gets to attack
first for a certain number of turns. If you get ambuhed and you
haven't recovered from a previous battle, there is a good chance
that you will die. Another adversary is [trouble]. This is when
you are singled out from your party and take the brunt of all
attacks. This is an extremely dangerous situation to be in. In
either case, you will be thrown into battle without a second to
react, when you see a red exclamation mark displayed on the screen.
This type of battle encounter cannot be cancelled, but you may
reduce its frequency with a personal skill.
["Dune Canyon"]-----[Boot Hill]
Steer your ship north of the cap where the giant's statue stands,
and you'll come to a strait that connects the inland sea and the
open seaway. This is also the hunting ground of the monster Balal
Quo Naga, where many vessels and Sandcraft meet disaster...Balal
Quo Naga used to lurk south of Little Twister near the sunken
reefs, but...In recent years, it followed its prey to this strait
and made this area its new home. This ferocious monster has shut
down scores of trade routes and has taken the lives of hundreds of
sailors. Somebody must do something so the people can get on with
their lives...
["Duran's Diary"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
She came by again last night. Whenever I'm lost in a labyrinth of
contemplation, she reaches out her tiny hands...Who is she?
Actually, it may be wrong to define her as a real person...As
long as I don't tie myself down with logic, she is just she...
I'm at a point where I can't live without her anymore...I can't
continue my research without her...I can't concentrate...I want
to know more about her. I am more interested in her than I am
learning the mechanics of the generator.
["Evil Corpses"]-----[Ark of Destiny]
The demons from folklore may have physically disappeared from the
planet, but their malice is said to live on within the earth,
devouring the planet. This demon's threat is said to exist in the
form of shields. Some even theorize that these shields are actually
transformed demon corpses. Once the shields are activated, they are
said to devour any surrounding life-forms, and transfirgure their
bodily structure. It is believed that monsters that roam Filgaia
today are the direct result of these shields, which affected
life-forms during the great war. If these shields still exist today,
they may bring about a new threat. Even after a thousand years, are
we still unable to escape the threat of the evil corpses?
["Fall of the City of Experiments"]-----[Ballack Rise][Sealed]
Let us go back a thousand years, to the end of the great war. In
the city, an eldritch generator was test-run under the supervision
of the scientist Ajende. The generator deployed a certain kind of
nescient barrier, called the wizardly stealth effect. The
experiment, however, ended in failure, with catastrophic results.
The barriers deployed around the city, reacting to Filgaia's
magnetic field, lifted the city high into the sky. And what goes
up...must come down. They say the great city instantly collapsed
on impact with the ground. Many researchers died instantly. Others
were afflicted with terrible side-effects from the overload of
energy. The lead researcher, Ajende, miraculously survived the
ordeal, but his reputation as a scientist was forever shattered.
The wizardly stealth system as eventually completed by three
engineers. If you ever see a gaping crater, remember that it is
the final resting place of the city of experiments. Do not forget
to take a moment to pray for the pioneers of technology and revel
in their legacy.
["Family of Demons"]-----[Ruins of Memory]
Folklore paints a vivid picture of invasion...Our forefathers
recount the fear of demons, who were covered in steel with blood
of mercury. The demons massacred a multitude of life-forms and
brought about mass destruction with flames of atrocity. But as time
passes, we have begun to utilize the artifacts they left behind--
as if we are now the spawn of demons...For as long as we are human,
we must embrace our prestige as a human race, and live proudly and
accordingly.
["Filgaia for Everyone"]-----[Jolly Roger]
In days long, long ago...the demons brought war to our planet from
a faraway world. An alliance of living beings and guardians fought
for Filgaia. The result of that war is not known to mankind. The
very fact that we live, however, points to a victory for the
forces of Filgaia. But look around you. Filgaia is a barren waste.
It is believed the war caused this. In a certain sense, that war
continues to this very day. As the creatures of Filgaia banded
together to protect the planet, we must work together to revive
it.
["Forge and Bellows"]-----[Claiborne]
Pliable steel is much stronger than hard steel. Think about it. No
matter how solid or hard the steel, once you apply heat and
immediately cool it down, the composition deteriorates and the
steel becomes brittle. If you don't believe me, try it. Try it on a
sturdy monster called Trask. Trust me, it works.
["Formerly Known as the Chock"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
The end of the great war gave birth to the fundamentalism of
nature, Baskar. Secret ceremonies were held using the power of
guardians, and two sects of Baskar were established. One as a
religious group for those who had nowhere to turn to, and the
other as restorers of the decayed environment. Shorly after the
flames of war had died out, the Baskars tried to rejuvenate Filgaia
through the use of guardians. Guardians, which were considered to
be the power that sustains the world, were attempting to do just
that. The Baskars were said to have set up chocks, a structure
signifying the belief in guardians, over the leypoints. These chocks
were used to suppress the expansion of the wasteland, and at the
same time, amplify the guardians' powers, while supplying energy to
the world. However, the spreading of the wasteland was more severe
than expected, and the chocks only worked to delay the decay,
instead of revitalizing the environment. These chocks became
referred to as guardianshrines, and play a ceremonial role today.
The rejuvenation of Filgaia would have to find a new, different
approach...
["Fossil Resources: Dragons"]-----[Gob's Hideout]
During the legendary era, the hostile demons were said to have taken
up arms by exploiting the life force of machinery. These weapons
were considered to be an entity between machinery and living
organisms, possessing the power to tear the sky and shatter the
earth. These weapons were called dragons. It was as if they
possessed a will of their own, synchronizing with the demons as if
part of their limb. But as time passed...The demons disappeared,
and the great war subsided on Filgaia. The few remaining dragons
were deemed insignificant, and lay dormant as they began to decay.
These dragons exist today as fossil resources proving beneficial to
the people of today. They are found in trains and ships and other
machinery, but they are most commonly used in ARMs, which is quite
ironic. There is still much we do not know about dragons and a
thorough analysis is needed. Dragon fossils an be mined west of
Jolly Roger in a mining shaft. There are rumors however, of a
living dragon found further south of Boot Hill around the Laxisland
area. If these rumors of a living dragon are true, it may possess
even greater powers than the fossils and prove much more useful to
mankind. On the other hand...
["Full Account of Survey Point #08"]-----[Ark of Destiny
Survey Point #08 was named the [Cradle of the Metal Gods] after
the folklore about the Deus Ex Machina. The excavation of the ruin
faced diffulties from the get go, as the ruin was located high atop
a cliff where access was difficult. A plan to penetrate the ruin
from underground was devised, and work began on converting a cave
into a tunnel, which would lead into the ruin. The initial
construction point began at coordinates X:8296, Y:22777. This was
to be a large step forward for the Order. The tunnel construction
was proceeding smoothly, until a sudden cave-in halted all
operations. Construction has been put on hold indefinitely until
a plan is devised to remove the debris.
["Giants That Don't Get Along"]-----[Boot Hill]
A long time ago, the evil serpent Nidhogg lived by the foot of
Yggdrasil. Two giants who didn't get along decided to exterminate
this serpent on their own, and each began their journey from two
separate directions. Each giant had different reasons for wanting to
kill the serpent. The first giant wanted to take the reward all for
himself...while the other giant wanted to do the deed for the people.
Little did the two giants know that Nidhogg had two heads that worked
very well together! So, the two giants ended up inside the serpent's
stomach, regretting not cooperating with each other.
["Gaspar's Diary"]-----[Little Rock]
May 20. Sunny. It was a hot day from sunrise to sunset. With weather
like this, I wish I was sailing. Sorry, Daddy, but I don't want to
follow after you. I want to be a sailor instead. It would be so neat
to venture out into the ocean blue. With each day, a new adventure.
When I grow up, I'm going to leave this dust-ridden town and sail the
seas. Just you wait.
["Guardian Warriors"]-----[Little Twister][Sealed]
Legend tells of warriors capable of materializing guardians with their
will, who rid the world of all evil. These warriors defeated powerful
enemies with the help of guardians, and developed a strong bond with
them. It is worth mentioning that evoking guardians with one's will
requires much concentration and cannot be performed successively
without rest. However, these warriors with their strong bond with the
guardians, were able to materialize the guardians many times on the
battlefield. A powerful bond tied on the battlefield is unlike any
other. It can be said that the strength of the guardian warriors
derives from the strength of the bond.
["Guardians of the Heart"]-----[Ark of Destiny]
Guardians do not only reside within physical power. Guardians can
also exist within the heart, acting as the power that sustains life.
These guardians are classified as guardian lords, governing love,
courage, hope, and desire. These four powers normally exist in the
heart, paving a way for the future...However, in today's world,
love, courage, and hope have disappeared, and desire has been
warped. The guardian lords have been deprived off all their power,
and are on the brink of extinction. They have transformed their
will into a rock, and wait patiently for a true warrior to
arrive...They wish to entrust the power that sustains life to this
warrior, so that he may bring forth a future...
["Ice Queen"]-----[Ark of Destiny][Sealed]
The Ice Queen has been assigned to guard Mimir's Well, the place
where wisdom is granted. The Ice Queen is a powerful entity stored
within Hyades' data. It will eliminate the target withou affecting
the surrounding area. The activation password is: 'emeth'. It is a
foreign word which means truth. I believe this password and the
entity are appropriate for guardian Mimir's Well. The Ice Queen
will target anyone who has not been registered with an authorized
pattern, so please be careful. Non-council members should not set
foot in Mimir's Well.
["In the Beginning"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
The progenitors of the human race are said to have arrived on this
planet long ago, on a ship that soars the heavens. However, there is
no mention of where our forefathers came from. Without any absolute
evidence backing up this folklore, many have come to view it as a
mere fairy tale. On the other hand, there are those who take the
folklore seriously, citing the fact that the human race seemed to
appear in history overnight. I strongly believe that solving the
mystery of the ship that soars the heavens will one day shed light as
to the true origin of the human race.
["Legend of the Evil Serpent"]-----[Ark of Destiny][Sealed]
Nidhogg is a greedy evil serpent. It heads to the grove with its jaws
wide open, looking for prey. Nidhogg is a greedy evil serpent. Darker
than the night, its jaws belong to two heads, acting as one. Nidhogg
is a greedy evil serpent. Two giants wield their sword to exterminate
the evil serpent. One of the giants heads to the forest with good
intentions. One of the giants heads to the forest with evil
intentions. However, neither of the two giants knew there were now
two Nidhoggs. By knowing there are two Nidhoggs, one can infiltrate
the core. Nidhoggs are greedy evil serpents. They head to the grove
with their jaws wide open, looking for prey. These two giants were
never to be seen again.
["Leyline Observatory"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
The Leyline Observatory is funded by a special organization, where we
research and study [leylines[, the energy network that sustains the
planet. By analyzing leylines, we strive to refine energy that
sustains the planet. If successful, we will be able to deter the
decay of this planet, and breathe new life into the environment. May
our blood and tears become the blessed rain, and our toil the light
that warms the flowering greenery. We must bear the fruits of our
research.
["Loadalinski's Tip for Reloading"]-----[Gob's Hideout]
Shots from an ARM may land quicker than a sword, but everyone knows
that without bullets, ARMs might as well be scrap. Remember to reload
your ARMs after each and every battle. But, what do you do if you
empty your clip in the middle of a shootout? Don't panic! Keep your
cool, protect yourself, and reload your ARM. After all, brawling with
your bare hands may be gutsy, but guts alone can't save you.
--Shotgunnova's Note on: Loadalinski's Tip for Reloading--
Reading this initiates the following for Virginia:
[DIDACTIC POINT: ARMs are automatically reloaded after battle. When in
battle, use the Guard command to reload your ARM.]
["Luck Is a Part of Skill"]-----[Leyline Observatory][Sealed]
Some may boast about physical strength, as some may boast about
magic. But how many of you boast about luck? How many of you out
there on the battlefield take luck seriously? Well, let me tell you
this. That powerful one-timer, the Critical Hit, and the ever so
handy Defender; these skills are activated by chance and governed
by luck. And what about those death blows and the various status
ailments the enemies throw at you? These can actually be prevented
by skills and luck. And the booby-trapped treasure chests you get
after winning a battle--the chances of you successfully defusing it
also depends on luck. It can be said that almost every action you
take in battle is affected by luck. Having read this, I hope you
take luck more seriously from now on. If you do, there's no doubt
you'll emerge victorious in the wasteland.
["Mu & Lemuria Monthly"]-----[Ark of Destiny]
Are we under attack by UFOs!? There have been many reported
sightings of UFOs this year! This issue will give you a first hand
account of an alien encounter! Six young boys witnessed a red
shining object falling from the sky. They calle in the local sheriff
to investigate the scene with them. As they got closer and closer,
an irritating odor began to emanate. When they finally reached the
scene, what they saw was unbelievable--a silver, flat object, about
eight yards in diameter was emitting a red light. All of a sudden...
An alien, about ten feet tall with beady eyes appeared before them!!
This alien was the source fo that terrible smell, and it began to
float in the air, moving about in a sliding motion. Frightened out
of their minds, the six boys and the sheriff ran from the nearest
town. Half an hour later, when others came to investigate the
scene, all that was left was that terrible stench, with nothing else
in sight. What did the alien want? Why did he visit this planet?
These are questions we would like to discuss in next month's
issue...
["Roykman & Co.'s Travel Route"]-----[Boot Hill]
Thank you for your continued patronage. Listed below is my travel
route for this fiscal year. Little Rock, Baskar Colony, Boot Hill,
Humphrey's Peak, Claiborne, Ballack Rise...Jolly Roger, Laxisland,
Little Twister, and finally, Gunner's Heaven. Please be advised that
I may be travelling back and forth from the following six locations:
Baskar Colony, Boot Hill, Humphrey's Peak, Jolly Roger, Laxisland
and Gunner's Heaven.
["Ruins of Memory"]-----[Ruins of Memory]
Fruits of ancient technology have been excavated from ruins all over
Filgaia. Many of these historic rare items, such as the [Giant's
Rock], excavated from the earth layer before the great ancient war
are all preserved here. That is why this place is called, the Ruins
of Memory. All of the relics on display have been carefully restored.
Please be careful not to touch the relics.
["Ships' Graveyard"]-----[Ark of Destiny]
The friction of the sand combined with menacing monsters has sent
countless ships and the people on them to a sandy grave. Indeed, the
crossing of the dunes is something that comes with a great deal of
risk. This leads us to the reason why we, the Order of the Ark of
Destiny, constructed our temple complex here on Yard Isle. This
region used to be ignominiously known as the Ships' Graveyard due
to the high number of wrecked hulls that washed ashore. But one day,
the island's history charted a new course when a Drifter discovered
a new ship in the wreckage. You see, the ship he found was one of
the kind that our distant ancestors referred to as a soaring ship.
With this crystal of ancient wisdom at his fingertips, he set off
on a mission to save the planet. That Drifter was our founder,
Lamium, ten years ago. And the soaring ship was converted into the
Order's temple, becoming the center of all its activities. A new
ship is about to launch fro the island once known as a graveyard.
The future of Filgaia is tied to the place where the Order of the
Ark of Destiny was founded.
["Till the Sun Sets"]-----[Gob's Hideout]
The estate and fortune I inherited from my ancestors have reached rock
bottom during my watch...Just as the sun sets in the west, the
Whateley fortune will fall below the horizon. My family and my
servants have left me, and here I am alone in this mansion, making
note of how the Whateley fortune has come to an end. I would like to
dedicate this memoir to the next tenant of this mansion, so that they
do not make the same mistake I did. Do not let desire lead you
astray...
["The Doctrine of the Ark of Destiny"]-----[Ark of Destiny]
The religious order, the Ark of Destiny, headed by its founder
Lamium, has only been in existence for about ten years. Its new
ideals, activities, and ways of life are geared towards the goal of
pursuing a future. The doctrine does not look to intangible,
spirituals entities. It is applying yourself as a life-form of this
planet, and what we must do to live strongly. Each one of us plays
a leading role in this doctrine through our actions. We hope you
will join us today, to help us find a tomorrow.
["The Filgaia Theory"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
'How can Filgaia possibly be a living planet?' The theory that
tries to answer this extremely simple, yet difficult proposition is
the Filgaia Theory. In order for life-forms to continue existing on
Filgaia, it is necessary for the life-form to regulate itself.
Every species of life-form work together as a single organism to
control the planet's environment. Surprisingly, there have been
cases of self-cleansing, where foreign elements have been expelled.
This function is very similar to ours. From a universal standpoint,
Filgaia is regarded as a single life entity. Currently, the Filgaia
Theory is moveing forward with systematization. By regarding the
planet as a life-form, there are also plans to heal or revitalize
the environment. We look forward to providing the results of this
research.
["The Guiding Word"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
The Guiding Word...is the magical password. The Guiding Word...is
my name, and the key to open the gate. The Guiding Word...will be
lost in the sea of words, if we rely on conventional wisdom...
["The Gunslinger"]-----[Ballack Rise]
'The crimson ARM...One shot is all it needs.' The pioneer Drifter
of legend, Alan Smithy, coined that famous phrase. Some say he
lived three centuries past, others say five. No written records
of his life survived. People call him the Gunslinger, thanks to
his sharp shooting skills and limitless energy. But even a Drifter
as famous as he remains shrouded in mystery, with many unproven
tales credited to him. His death, like his life, is also shrouded
in mystery. Some say he went to settle the new continent. Others
say he went to slay a beast lord, and never returned. Alan Smithy
was loved and honored by all who traversed the wasteland. The
Gunslinger will never return, but we await the coming of another
hero to this very day.
["The Home I Never Knew"]-----[Ballack Rise]
If our ancestors really set foot on this world from a skyfaring
ship, what made them choose this one? A skyfaring ship is one
that crosses the sea of stars. Our ancestors were visitors from
one of the planets we see when we look up into the night sky. This
planet is not our true home. What kind of world was our true home,
then? It must have been a utopia with order, security, and the
technology to navigate the stars. Perhaps the teachings of the
Order of the Ark of Destiny seek a utopia like that? As my
ancestors reached out to this world, I must reach out to the world
they left behind.
["The Lost Demi-humans"]-----[Ruins of Memory]
Who were these demi-humans that appear in historical records? They
are said to have resembled humans, but possessed great power
unknown to man. They were said to have synchronized with nature to
perform incredible feats. Similarities between the demi-humans and
Baskar--believers of guardians--are noted, but nothing can compare
to the scope of their power. Who were these demi-humans that are
said to have existed on Filgaia? Where did they come from, and why
did they disappear?
["The Rainbow to Tomorrow"]-----[Ark of Destiny]
Seven experts, specializing in science, magic, and various other
fields...At times, they were referred to as 'The Rainbow.' They
were the Council of Seven, which researched ways to rejuvenate
Filgaia over many decades. This research first began when the
first group of seven came into contact with the information
library Hyades, left behind by the demons. The members of the
council were interchanged depending on the direct of the research,
or with changes of the time. Many different phenomena were solved
due to their work. The countless hours and efforts put in by these
specialists to analyze Hyades is finally about to pay off. The
environmental rejuvenation, planetary energy production and
supply--all of this was a vision every council member shared. The
seven colors of 'The Rainbow' will soon change into a single ray
of hope.
["The Saint's Guidance"]-----[Ark of Destiny]
Most of the excavation sites operated by the Ark of Destiny are
ordered by the founder, Lamium himself. The founder possesses a
special ability, through which he can locate excavation points.
According to the founder, this is not his personal ability, but
a form of divine revelation. He claims that a girl appears in
his dreams, informing him of the location of undiscovered ruins.
This goes against the Order's principle of reality over ideals
in terms of taking action. But the fact of the matter is, many
rare artifacts have been excavated as a direct result of the
founder's dreams. Could this simply be explained as a miracle?
What does this Saint, the girl that appears in the founder's
dreams wish to entrust us with, and where does she wish to lead us?
If the Saint wishes to guide us to the future, let us walk there on
our own two feet. That is the way of the Order's doctrine.
["The Seven Geniuses of the Council"]-----[Ark of Destiny]
The seven members of the Council of Seven have been selected for
this term. They are as follows: Environmental Alteration Team:
Werner Maxwell, Leehalt Alcaste, and Melody Vilente. These
members will be responsible for researching ways to use the
leyline energy effectively. Life Creation Team: Pete Inkipilia,
Elliot Enduro, and Malik Bendict. These members will be
responsible for researching the leyline structure in order to
revive the planet's life force. Maintenance Controller: Duran
Bryant. He will be responsible for maintaining the facility and
its machinery. We hope that these seven geniuses of the Council
of Seven will restore Filgaia back to its verdure.
["The Stagnant World"]-----[Boot Hill]
Today is just like any other day--sandstorms paint the sky yellow,
while the dry wind blows endlessly...It was like this yesterday, a
week ago, a month ago, a year ago...Nothing has changed...It's a
world I'm used to, but why is there apprehension in my heart? Why
do I feel there is something wrong with this unchanging world? This
world before us--is this the Filgaia we know? I don't know. No one
knows. No one can straight out deny or confirm it. As far as I know,
this is the way the world is. But maybe this world was changed
without me knowing it? They say the barren wasteland is the result
of the great war...But something inside me tells me we shouldn't
settle for that answer.
["The Three Followers of the Darkness"]-----[Claiborne]
Legend speaks of three demons who transformed themselves into
shields to protect the Eternal Sparkle. They are Andro, governor
of wisdom, Hieraco, governor of agility, and Crio, governor of
strength. These three followers are said to be perpetually engulfed
in darkness, always by their knight's side, obeying his every
command. It is said they will come to life once the darkness is
banished by the blue darkness so that they can seek out their leader.
["The Truth that Gave Birth to Life"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
The many secret ceremonies stored inside the information library
Hyades gave people the means of creating new life. Golem. This is
said to mean, 'unborn child'. A steel machine that carries out
orders in a detailed and precise fashion. Yes, it is a machine...
However, not only does this mechanical golem carry out orders, it
compares past memory and data to perform the most appropriate
action. It has a will of its own. In fact, it is safe to say it is
a life-form with its own personality. It is not a life born from
life, but a life born from truth...That is a golem. How close is
this truth to god?
["This Might Interest You"]-----[Ruins of Memory][Sealed]
Try talking to Armengard everyday to see what she says.
["To Those Who Come and Go"]-----[Gob's Hideout]
Just like birds of passage, Drifters do not follow a set path. It is
a trackless path they wander. Their path is only complete once they
reach their destination. Their willpower leads them onward, and gives
them the strength to fly...However, willpower is ephemeral, and will
not last...Wings may break, or tire during travel. This is true for
all Drifters as well. Should you ever embark as a Drifter, I highly
recommend you rest your wings before your relentless will gets the
best of you. To those who come and go...never lose sight of your
destination, and I wish you godspeed.
["Unclean Scars"]-----[Little Twister]
The great war that raged for centuries left many battle scars over
Filgaia. The exhausted environment gives way to wasteland, the
monsters roam, the people overuse technology...These powers left
behind by demons support our everyday lives, yet at the same time
are a threat to society. What is feared most, however, are the
weakened hearts of those who cannot give up the power of machines.
This great war has left scars over the planet, but has also left
scars of weakness in the hearts of people. It is this weakness
itself that may even one day give rise to demons once again...
["Veins Circulating the Subsurface"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
Underneath the crust of Filgaia lies a network of leylines, which
act as blood vessels to supply life energy to the planet. Atop
these leylines lie geologic stratum strong points, called leypoints.
It is interesting to note that many guardian shrines can be found
atop of leypoints. Not only do leylines circulate the life energy
of the planet, it is also assumed that they connect to leypoints to
amplify the energy mutually. In a sense, leylines and leypoints are
similar to the blood vessels and organs in a living organism. This
comparison paved the way for the Filgaia Theory, which views the
planet as one single life entity.
["War and Technology"]-----[Ruins of Memory]
Technology is not something that necessarily evolves or improves
over time. It may stem from an advent of a genius, or perhaps from
the fruition of time and effort. Technology can even make great
strides during times of war, where unexpected innovations are
invented. In fact, many highly advanced technological artifacts
have been excavated from a certain layer of the earth. A layer,
which dates back approximately one thousand years. According to
folklore, this coincides with the period of the dark ages, when the
great war with the demons broke out. A period where war necessitated
technology. New methods of destruction were invented one after
another. This technological revolution finally came to an end, when
the world could no longer connote this technology...In other words,
the destruction of civilization.
["Wavering Wisdom"]-----[Leyline Observatory]
Its discovery was a coincidence. The first group of scientists,
which later went on to form the first council, came into contact
with the wisdom, deep within a ruin. The ruin was named Mimir's
Well, and was set up as a base of operation to anaylze the wisdom.
The wisdom was determined to be a crystallization of wisdom,
dating all the way back to the great war. Due to its advanced and
dangerous nature, the wisdom was concluded to be technology of
demons from folklore. This wisdom, or artifact left behind by
demons, was accumulated and stored inside an emulator zone--a
memory area similar to human memory. These can also be considered
as memories left behind by demons. The scientists named the
information library that existed inside this emulator zone [Hyades].
Hyades, and the wisdom left behind were analyzed by the group of
scientists for many years to come. Their goal was to utilize the
power that once destroyed the planet to try to rejuvenate the
planet. Wisdom is something that wavers. Its value and its use are
not to be used in one place.
["What a Dragon Wants"]-----[Laxisland]
Do mechanoids dream of electric sheep? Could they be capable of
dreaming of things beyond their reach, as all living things are?
Here in Laxisland, town of draconic tradition, we have an intriguing
anecdote. It says that dragons bestow heir powers upon the brave
warrior who slays them. But, it also says that one who quenches a
dragon's limitless thirst also assumes the might of a dragon. What
could a dragon, with all that it possesses, possibly yearn for?
Could it possibly be something that cannot be had on the fiery
battlefield? Ask not what dragons can do for you...Ask what you can
do for dragons, as the old saying goes. Such may be the quickest
route to grasping the power of a dragon, but we cannot be certain,
for all who have tried have died.
["Whateley and Co.'s Prospectus"]-----[Gob's Hideout]
Here at Whateley & Co., we began as a caravan specializing in grain.
Today, our business has expanded to include everything from daily
commodities to ARMs. We strive to aggressively promote our line of
fine products in order to increase total sales. This fiscal term, we
have high expectations for our gross revenue, thanks to our timely
acquisition of new market routes for fine arts and crafts. We at
Whateley are also committed to the promotion of archeological
discovery by exhibiting objects of cultural value, such as a statue we
call, [Stone Wolf]
["Yggdrasil and the Future"]-----[Boot Hill]
After a hundred years of research, an environmental plan to revitalize
the planet is about to reach fruition. Many of the businesses that
have sponsored this plan have systematically entwined like a tree
trunk to form a large tree. It is called the Yggdrasil Project, a plan
to replace the guardians as the power that sustains the world in order
to bring forth a future. The main engine of the Yggdrasil Project is
its powerful generator, which acts as the heart. This is where the
planetary energy is produced and distributed through microscopic
machines at its roots. The vision of the seven dreamers is about to
become reality. We humans must continue to utilize the power of the
lost wisdom of Hyades, and bring forth a future for the planet. That
is our duty to our children.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Character Observations |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ CHB2 /
\_______/
***************
[Baskar Colony]
***************
------------------------------
Where: Near the middle of town
Inspect: The spears
------------------------------
"Three spears stand firmly in the ground. They appear to be
cermonial articles."
Virginia: They're so big...I wonder if Gallows knows what they're
for.
Jet: I wonder if people here still use spears instead of ARMs to
fight.
Gallows: I've always been curious about these spears since I was
a kid...I wonder what they're for?
Clive: An interesting custom, I must say. I have heard that
pointing them towards the sky keeps evil spirits at bay.
----------------------------------------
Where: In the altar room
Inspect: The back wall with the carvings
----------------------------------------
"An altar covered in elaborate runes stands firmly in the middle
of the room."
Virginia: I have no idea what these designs mean, but they're so
fascinating...
Jet: I'd be willing to pray if this thing gave out some cash...
Gallows: This cavern is the best place to take a nap. It's always
so nice and comfy all year long.
Clive: A rune displays the essence of the subject. If you look
closely, you may be able to see the true essence of
guardians--forces, which the people of Baskar believe in.
-------------------------------------------------
Where: The town square
Inspect: the half-hidden well near the right wall
-------------------------------------------------
"A well so deep, you can barely make out your reflection in the
water."
Virginia: Just like Boot Hill, I guess there's a water shortage
everywhere...
Jet: It's kept in good condition. Even with the very little water
left, I guess they're thankful for what they have.
Gallows: Just once in my life, I wish I could guzzle as much water
as I wanted without gettin' scolded by Granny.
Clive: Oh, my...This should be left for the people of Baskar.
Not us.
***************
[Gob's Hideout]
***************
-------------------------------------------------------------
Where: In room with "Confidence vs. Overconfidence" bookshelf
Inspect: Mirror
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Could it have been the candlelight flickering? For a split second, it
seemed like a shadow appeared in the mirror..."
Virginia: I think I just saw something...But no one's behind me...
right...?
*************
[Jolly Roger]
*************
-------------------------------------------------------------
Where: The Saloon/Inn
Inspect: The hook hanging near the door in the sleeping area.
-------------------------------------------------------------
"A large metal hook hangs here. It seems to have been used for
the loading and unloading of cargo."
Virginia: Neat! I used to play on things like this when I was a
kid.
Jet: Why don't they get rid of scrap like this? Do they just not
have the time?
Gallows: You know, you shouuldn't touch stuff like this because
your hand'll smell like rust. Huh? Aw, too late!
Clive: The wind has rusted it quite a bit. So, they must have
used things like to load the ships that came.
------------------------------------------------
Where: The Saloon/Inn
Inspect: The large propeller hanging on the wall
------------------------------------------------
"Could this be a ship propeller? A huge, metal, swirl-like
object dominates the room."
Virginia: It sure must've been a big ship to have a propeller
like this. I wish I could've seen it...
Jet: Some kind of solid alloy...Pretty high-tech for a little
harbor town.
Gallows: Check it out. This is so harbor-like!
Clive: It must weigh several tons. I'm a little worried it might
come crashing down...
*****************
[Ruins of Memory]
*****************
----------------------------------
Where: At the broken display cases
Inspect: A display case
----------------------------------
"Only the broken showcase remains, which is believed to have
display artifacts from ages past."
Virginia: Artifacts from an ancient civilization...I wonder what
they were like...
Jet: This place must've been a goldmine. There's probably nothing
valuable left now.
Gallows: Oh, man...Something sure had a loot fest here. This
sucks.
Clive: These artifacts may have provided valuable clues as to
Filgaia's history.
*****************
[Midland Station]
*****************
---------------------------------------------
Where: Midland Station
Inspect: The shack at the end of the platform
---------------------------------------------
"The austerely constructed hut is decorated with a sign saying
only employees may enter."
Virginia: There're some clothes by the window. I wonder if the
attendants sleep here?
Jet: It's obvious they don't have any money. It's not like
anybody's going to go in there, anyway.
Gallows: Oh, I get it. They work long hours. Poor guys...Us
Drifters can sleep in whenever we want.
Clive: The windows are somewhat dirty. I suppose there's only so
much one man can handle.
-----------------------
Where: Midland Station
Inspect: The blackboard
-----------------------
"A timetable for Filgaia Railways is displayed on a discolored
board of plain wood."
Virginia: So, the train I'm gonna board is...Oh, good. Looks
like I won't have to wait long.
Jet: What's the point of timetables? It's not like it makes the
trains come any sooner. They're usually late anyway.
Gallows: Ah, I love train rides! Not a monster in sight, so you
can just sleep 'til you get there.
Clive: Each revision to the timetable further reduces the number
of trains in service. It's sad.
***********
[Claiborne]
***********
-------------------------------------------------------
Where: Upstairs section of the stable (Pike's lodging?)
Inspect: Bookshelf closest to door
-------------------------------------------------------
"Saddle soap and a large brush are found inside the drawer."
Virginia: This smell reminds me of Daddy. It kinda smells like
the cloth we cleaned our ARMs with.
Jet: There's some horse hair on it...This drawer is gonna start
to smell like a horse if it's not washed.
Gallows: Horses love it when you brush their mane. You can tell
by their face and body language.
Clive: They look to be in good condition. The stable keeper knows
what he is doing.
------------------------------------------------------
Where: House with the book "ARMs and the Spirit" in it
Inspect: Cabinet by the stove
------------------------------------------------------
"A notebook filled with feed prices and horse transactions.
Could it belong to the stable keeper?"
Virginia: This horse feed is of high quality. They sure take good
care of their horses here.
Jet: Aha...So that's how you make money raising horses...
Gallows: Our colony is self-sufficient, but it looks like trading
benefits both parties.
Clive: I am interested in this town's livestock industry, but I
feel as if I am snooping...
*******************
[The Secret Garden]
*******************
--------------------------
Where: The outside portion
Inspect: The sloped shed
--------------------------
"A simple shed for shelter from the rain. Inside are gardening
tools like shovels and watering pots."
Virginia: Everything's so old...I wonder if that girl's parents
used to live here, too.
Jet: The handier tools are near the front for easy access. Well,
I'll be damned...She actually knows what she's doing.
Gallows: She grows her own crops? Such a little irl, and she's
providing for herself!
Clive: What rare flower seeds! That little girl sure has quite the
green thumb.
--------------------------------------
Where: The house interior
Inspect: The open- and closed-lid pots
--------------------------------------
"A line of pots. The scent of vinegar and herbs is strong here."
Virginia: Mmm...Smells nice. I wonder if she's making pickles?
Jet: Aw, dammit! I just remembered how hungry I am.
Gallows: Whoa...Score! I wonder if she'd mind if I had just a
taste.
Clive: Catherine used to make things with herbs like these. They
must grow around here, too.
****************
[Little Twister]
****************
-----------------------
Where: Sheriff's office
Inspect: The jail cells
-----------------------
"The damp jail cells give off a foul odor of a combination of
elements..."
Virginia: Seeing this makes you want to live a life of integrity.
Jet: I don't wanna fall into a sorry plight like this...
Gallows: The smell of booze, leather, and dirty laundry make up
about sixty percent...The rest of this odor is coming
from the toilet...
Clive: These jail cells have not seen much use in quite a
while...This stench is just a matter of uncleanliness.
---------------------------------------
Where: Main street
Inspect: Any building that's boarded up
---------------------------------------
"The doors are boarded up. The rusted nails indicate that the
owners have left years ago."
Virginia: I wonder where everyone went? All these houses are
deserted...
Jet: I guess a lot of people packed their bags and left this
place...Probably a wise decision, considering the current
state of this town...
Gallows: This place is completely dead...I guess the glory days
of vice are now gone...
Clive: All the residents seem to be gone...I sense someone
watching us, however...
*************
[Little Rock]
*************
----------------------------------
Where: Outside
Inspect: The shack by the entrance
----------------------------------
"Perhaps this was some kind of guard hut? The boards have faded
with time, and now only rattle in the wind."
Virginia: Maybe this is where they unloaded the mine carts. The
track ends here.
Jet: A line of defense against monsters? Sure looks awfully frail
for that, though.
Gallows: Well, this town's just full of history, ain't it?
Clive: Back in the glory days, I bet this place was bustling with
miners, too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Where: Second level of town, in the room carved out of the rock face
Inspect: The barrels stacked at the back
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Barrels of wine stored among the mining equipment. It seems this is
the saloon's wine cellar."
Virginia: So, the place where the miners used to keep their tools is
dominated by barrels of wine...The symbolism is obvious.
Jet: Hmm...Barrels of wine...I'd hate to be the one who has to lug
these all the way to the saloon.
Gallows: Wines in Baskar are kind of primitive. I'll have to do a
little wine-tasting at the saloon.
Clive: Hmm...Dry, sheltered, consistent room temperature...Looks
like the optimal place to store wine.
------------------------------------------------------
Where: Outside
Inspect: Boarded-up mineshaft on the west edge of town
------------------------------------------------------
"You find an old, abandoned mineshaft. A pebble falls into the
darkness, and it echoes endlessly down."
Virginia: I'd love to see what's inside, but it looks like it would
be so hard to crawl my way back out.
Jet: Looks like this one's finished. I could bust down the
barricade, but I'd hate to get trapped in a cave-in.
Gallows: It's very faint, but I can sense the guardian's power from
in there...I bet this mineshaft is on a leyline.
Clive: I can barely make out something shiny in the darkness...
Perhaps that's the gem ore.
*********************
[Doomed to Obscurity]
*********************
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Where: Main room
Inspect: The sarcophagus-type structure in the middle of the room
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"A large coffin made of stone. Could it have belonged to an ancient
king? The contents seem to have been stolen ages ago."
Virginia: Wow, I wonder which country he ruled? It must have cost a
lot of money and a lot of workers to build a tomb this big.
Jet: No matter how powerful you were in life, you can't take it with
you.
Gallows: The coffin's empty. I wonder where this person is now?
Clive: This coffin must have many stories...Tales of the king and
the grave robbers...
*********************
[Leyline Observatory]
*********************
--------------------------------------------------------
Where: The secret room with a bunch of glass tubes in it
Inspect: Any glass tube
--------------------------------------------------------
"A giant cultivation device for organisms. Many tiny adjustment
dials surround the pod."
Virginia: I wonder what kind of experiments took place here?
Especially with these pods...
Jet: (My stomach feels like its gonna fall out, and my neck is
gettin' stiff...We need to leave here now.)
Gallows: I have a bad feeling about what went on in this lab...
Clive: These machines are capable of delicate fine tuning...What
could they have been raising?
*****************
[Humphrey's Peak]
*****************
---------------------------------------------------------
Where: Main square
Inspect: Empty fountain beset on either side by two trees
---------------------------------------------------------
"You feel a damp air when you press your hand against it. It appears
to have been a fountain, back in the old days."
Virginia: The breeze sure feels nice. I wished I could've seen what
it looked like before.
Jet: It's completely dry. Would've been nice to freshen up a bit.
Gallows: With all these weeds and trees around, maybe this fountain
isn't completely dried up yet.
Clive: The fountain has dried up long ago, but the water vein
underground still seems to be alive.
--------------------------------------------
Where: Main square
Inspect: Either sewer gate near the entrance
--------------------------------------------
"An old waterway. The air still feels damp."
Virginia: Looks like this used to be a moat with a lot of water...
Jet: I thought I smelled a goblin just now. Maybe it's just my
imagination.
Gallows: If this water vein and the leyline run together, this
probably connects to Sand Canal via Little Rock.
Clive: Each year, the grass around this area seems to grow more
and more resistant to dry weather.
------------------------------------------
Where: Clive's house
Inspect: the stuffed animal in the bedroom
------------------------------------------
"A fluffy stuffed toy. Probably belongs to Kaitlyn."
Virginia: (Awww...This will probably bring back a lot of memories for
her.)
Jet: This thing is huge...I wonder if Kaitlyn can even lift it?
Gallows: Awww...how cute...This is what makes a little girl's
bedroom stand out.
Clive: It brings a smile to my face knowing she's taking good care
of it.
***********
[Boot Hill]
***********
-------------------------------------------------------
Where: Graveyard
Inspect: Tombstone that usually has a Tiny Flower on it
-------------------------------------------------------
"A tombstone belonging to Virginia's mother, Ekatrina."
Virginia: (Mom's favorite flowers...I see them offered here
sometimes...)
NOTE: Only Virginia gets a reaction; the other allies say nothing.
----------------------------------------
Where: Graveyard
Inspect: Any tombstone except Ekatrina's
----------------------------------------
"A tombstone covered in moss. The person buried underneath must be one
of the founders of this village."
Virginia: I wonder what kind of hopes and aspirations he had for this
village?
Jet: To have someone mourn at your funeral...That's something that'll
never happen to a rootless guy like me.
Gallows: We're all here because they were here before us. We must all
pay our respects to the dead.
Clive: It may have been a different way of life back then, but I'm
sure they fell in love and coped with the problems just as we
do today...
----------------------
Where: Virginia's room
Inspect: Desk
----------------------
"Virginia's furniture is made from bright, high-quality material."
Virginia: I feel as if I'm the last piece of the puzzle...I'm going to
miss this place.
Jet: Whoa! It's pretty clean in here. Better not touch anything
though. I don't want to hear it from her later.
Gallows: It's so comfy here. Cleanliness is the way to go!
Clive: Even if this is the leader's room, this is still a lady's
room. I'd better just mind my own business.
---------------------------------------
Where: The living room of Tesla's house
Inspect: The grandfather clock
---------------------------------------
"An old grandfather clock. The polished wood surface gives off a
solid, imposing sparkle."
Virginia: I remember when Daddy used to lift me up so I could wind
the clock...
Jet: This probably ain't worth much as an antique, but all these
stains must have their own story to tell.
Gallows: I remember a fairytale where someone hid from a bad wolf
inside a clock. I wonder if it looked like this?
Clive: This clock must have watched over the family for a long,
long time. That is a wonderful thing.
************
[Greenlodge]
************
----------------------------------
Where: The house interior
Inspect: The fireplace/hearth area
----------------------------------
"A small, stone fireplace. The white cinders inside are still warm."
Virginia: There's still some embers left. It feels nice with the cold
weather outside.
Jet: I bet that man made this fireplace, too...A Jack of all trades...
Gallows: Ahhh...To live quietly in your own customized pad...Ahhh...
What a life...
Clive: Hmm...A spider web...Spiders prey upon harmful insects, so I
am debating whether I should remove it.
***********
[Yggdrasil]
***********
-------------------------
Where: Malik's lab
Inspect: Large test tubes
-------------------------
"An attractive blonde woman is submerged in liquid. Her eyes have a
blank stare..."
Virginia: I kinda understand how he feels...But I still think its
wrong to try and resurrect the dead.
Jet: The sound of this liquid circulating is driving me nuts! AHHH!
Gallows: I'd hate to see his earlier work...
Clive: This is some formidable technology...How advanced is this
wisdom of Hyades?
-----------------------------------------
Where: In the room with the large console
Inspect: The console
-----------------------------------------
"A large console is placed in front of a strange, organic-looking
sphere, floating in some kind of liquid."
Virginia: I have no idea what it is, but I sense evil from it...
Jet: (My head's still spinning...These flickering lights aren't
helping any...)
Gallows: Hmmm...I guess growing up in Baskar makes you skeptical
about technology...
Clive: A formidable artifact...Even with this, our forefathers were
unable to accomplish their goal...
**************
[Fila del Fia]
**************
----------------------------------------
Where: The generator room
Inspect: The console [once it's glowing]
----------------------------------------
"The computer appears to have controlled the floating city. Any useful
data has been deleted."
Virginia: I think it's great that somebody actually had a dream to
build a floating city...
Jet: The splendor of the past is now just a forgotten artifact...How
hopeless...
Gallows: So the people of the past incorporated demon technology, huh?
I wonder what kind of relationship they had...
Clive: This must have been the main control center. Its sturdy
construction was probably designated to withstand a fall.
***********
[Laxisland]
***********
--------------------------------------
Where: The inn or ARMsmith shop
Inspect: The cannon in the back corner
Inspect: The cannon in the ARMs Shop
--------------------------------------
"A large-bore artillery piece. It seems to be more than just a model."
Virginia: So shiny! I wonder if it still works?
Jet: This piece of iron is crude compared to our ARMs, but I bet it
would pack a punch. Maybe they use it to keep dragons away.
Gallows: Looks a bit smaller than a Sandcraft's main gun. Either way,
I'd love to shoot it!
Clive: It looks like it's well-maintained. With the cannons and
solid stone walls, this is quite a militant town...
-------------------------------------------------------
Where: Outside
Inspect: The barrels and boxes near the abandoned shack
-------------------------------------------------------
"Barrels and crates jam the door shut. They seem to be stuffed wit
books about outer space."
Virginia: Hey, this is an old issue of Mu & Lemura Monthly! This
person must sure love astronomy!
Jet: Magazines about space-men and aliens...Lots of pages are
cut out. Maybe he's put 'em up on his walls.
Gallows: Mu & Lemuria Monthly? You can't read stuff like that in
Baskar. It's forbidden!
Clive: Each page is just as wrinkled...I've glanced over this
before, but this guy must love the subject.
------------------------------------
Where: Outside
Inspect: The makeshift grave markers
------------------------------------
"A graveyard consisting of lonely name placards. Not one grave has
flowers."
Virginia: The wood's badly rotten. It's so sad when nobody comes to
pay their respects.
Jet: Every single one of them must've believed they would come out
on top when they went to face the dragon.
Gallows: What a sad sight from the start! I get the point already...
Dragons are bad news.
Clive: Judging by the shape of the mounds, it looks like they're
buried on top of each other. There must be so many...
************
Ballack Rise
************
------------------------------------------------
Where: In the room with all the rolled-up papers
Inspect: Papers in the barrels
Inspect: Papers under the large white picture
------------------------------------------------
"Rolls of paper lie in disarray. Each one is a slightly
different version of the Ballack Rise blueprint."
Virginia: Blueprints...So, this is where it all started...
Jet: I never would've guessed they planned out this sprawling
mess.
Gallows: Must be cool to be able to do this kinda stuff.
Clive: The handwriting is more telling than the plans...You can
see that the writer was very educated.
-----------------------------------------
Where: Inside the room with the bunk beds
Inspect: The small cabinet in the corner
-----------------------------------------
"Inside the tastefully crafted drawers, miscellaneous things
like perfume bottles and a silver frame are displayed."
Virginia: Could this be their son? I feel like I've seen him
before...
Jet: So this kid in the picture owns that telescope on the roof...
He looks like he's havin' a blast.
Gallows: What am I doing scrounging through some lady's drawers?
Well, the damage's been done.
Clive: So...making a display with various household objects is
another way to decorate a room...
*****************
[Gunner's Heaven]
*****************
-------------------------------------------
Where: Begucci's Room
Inspect: The large tapestry behind the desk
-------------------------------------------
"His Highness the Duke is portrayed with a lofty, composed
expression."
Virginia: Wow...For some reason, I just can't look it in the eye.
Jet: What a huge painting...I feel sorry for the artist.
Gallows: Wow, what a piece! They sure did a nice job on the mustache.
It looks so real it's scary!
Clive: His portrait adorns the whole wall. I'd hate to see myself
like that every morning if I were in his shoes.
-------------------------------------------------
Where: Begucci's Room
Inspect: The Oriental-style lamp near the tapesty
Inspect: The accordioned fold-out dressing shield
-------------------------------------------------
"Who could be maintaining all this? There is not a speck of dust on
Duke Begucci's furnishings."
Virginia: Well isn't he neat and tidy? I bet he'd have a fit if I
got my grubby hands on them.
Jet: Somewhat neurotic, extremely tacky, tasteless yet delicate. Not
my kind of guy.
Gallows: That spear back at my village was weird, but this takes the
cake.
Clive: I don't see that kind of furniture often. I wonder where he
collected all these things?
-------------------------
Where: Begucci's Room
Inspect: Ornate bookshelf
-------------------------
"The books on the shelf sport titles that mention corruption, beauty,
destruction, angels, and blood."
Virginia: Looks like we have different tastes in reading material.
Whew...What a relief!
Jet: The pictures are pretty cool, but in a real fight, blood ain't
this pretty.
Gallows: Did he finish all these? I wouldn't read this trash for a
bazillion Gella.
Clive: Well, look at this...I read that series in class when the
teacher wasn't looking.
------------------------------
Where: The arena
Inspect: The locked portcullis
------------------------------
"The stench of monsters emanates from within. You can almost feel
their cold glare upon you."
Virginia: I can hear the howls of all kinds of different monsters in
there. I'd best stay clear of the bars.
Jet: The monsters inside sure look bad, but they're not what makes me
so uncomfortable about this place.
Gallows: Ugh, what a horrible stench! How does that wacky duke keep
them all corralled up here?
Clive: So, they spend their days fighting...If I understood
monster-tongue, I'm sure they'd have some sad tales to tell.
**************************
[Cradle of the Metal Gods]
**************************
--------------------------
Where: In Malik's mini-lab
Inspect: The tube
--------------------------
"A large culture pod. The contents are empty, but it appears to have
been used only moments ago."
Virginia: I think I saw this device at Yggdrasil...That means this
room is controlled by...
Jet: ... This sickening feeling...I know I've experienced it before...
Gallows: Oh, man...I know there's a fine line between genius and
insanity, but these guys are just plain crazy!
Clive: It's still moist. I wonder what was cultured hee, and where
are the contents now?
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Millennium Puzzle Hints |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ MPH4 /
\_______/
First time doing a Millenium puzzle:
[DIDACTIC POINT: Blocks of four colors, mysteriously placed on a
mysterious platform. Welcome to the Millennium Puzzle, the ultimate
challenge of mind over matter. Let me explain...Eliminate blocks of
the same color by placing them next to each other. Move blocks by
pushing and pulling them. Unfortunately, all of your precious tools
are useless here. You have two choices: Complete the puzzles, or jump
off the platform to exit. Each time you complete a puzzle, you'll
receive a prize appropriate to the puzzle's difficulty. Good luck,
puzzle-solver!]
#01: You can't just eliminate any block. Keep in mind how many are
left!
#02: Even if you eliminate three of the four blocks, there will still
be one left. Obviously, this will not count.
#03: If you run out of space behind you, you cannot pull the block
any further. Try moving the block differently.
#04: Eliminate the blocks in combos by breaking up the heap of blocks.
Just keep chipping away at them.
#05: First, eliminate three blocks. Then you'll be ready to solve the
puzzle.
#06: You must first bring the blocks to the same height as yourself
in order to move them. Confirm the block's location before you
start.
#07: Decide which color you want to eliminate first. Once you've
done that, just look for the best way to go about it.
#08: Even though you can't move blocks high above from side to side,
you can still knock them off.
#09: Even though you can climb down, climbing back up is impossible.
Watch your step.
#10: There might be more blocks hidden from view. Don't forget to
rotate the camera.
#11: Same-colored blocks are eliminated by placing more than two
of them together. Count all the blocks before you begin.
#12: Brute force will only go so far. Be open to trying to move the
blocks in a new way.
#13: Eliminating one block can cause a chain reaction and wipe
everything out. But it's not totally necessary.
#14: You already know that putting two blocks of the same color
together will eliminate them. But don't forget that they can
be put together vertically as well as horizontally.
#15: Puzzles are solved before you know it. After all, it's only a
game. But you still need to get it right.
#16: It's natural to think differently when you find a new point of
view. Even in a puzzle moving blocks, will everything stay the
same when something new comes up?
#17: Some say it pays to wait. Others say look before you leap. Just
don't forget you have to move to make progress.
#18: Who was it that said, 'Looking for a shortcut can lead you
astray.'
#19: If you had to choose between food you like or food you hate,
which would you eat first? In other words, it may be best to get
the tough tasks out of the way first.
#20: Pushing...pulling...Life is full of repetitive chores. And that
is the secret to success.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Much Obliged To: |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ MOBT /
\_______/
-Andvareel, for passing the script-writin' torch to me on this one.
I don't think I would have started up if he hadn't let
me know he had moved on to figuring out the game's
mechanics. Very appreciative!
-Split Infinity / Cat Nip, for taking time out of his own day to get
me videos of the end when the text scrolls
by itself. Not only did it save hours and
hours of resetting, but since my PS2 is on
its last leg, he may have saved a life,
too. Much obliged!
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Anti-thanks, De-thanks, Non-thanks, and Unthanks To: |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ HAHA /
\_______/
-Auto-scrolling text, slayer of enthusiasm
-Backtracking
-References to "flying" and "wings"
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Things You Can Help Me With / Things I will Update |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ TIWU /
\_______/
-Roykman Dialogue
-Ellen Dialogue (I think I forgot some she first goes into her house)
-Florina Dialogue (I started the sidequest late; might've forgot some)
-Character Observations (e-mail me the answers or where it is, and I
will put it up.)
-Kaitlyn Book Dialogue (May add this all at once, 'though Andvareel
already has the book stuff scripted, so it
might not be necessary)
-Martina (Where does she go after the Nightmare Castle collapses?)
-Books (E-mail me if you find some I forgot)
-NPC Stuff (E-mail me if the lists are wrong, etc.)
-Grammatical Errors (I know I made some; tell me where they are and
you can go on my Wall of Grammatical Correctness.
Seriously. I'll make one.)
-The Credits (...aren't anywhere in here! I'll fix this in the future,
I swear!)
-Other Stuff That I Can't Think Of (E-mail me about it as long as it's
relevant)
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Sites That Can Host This: |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ STCH /
\_______/
* Gametalk.com
* GameFAQs.com
* MyCheats.com
* Neoseeker.com
* Supercheats.com
* Honestgamers.com
* Cavesofnarshe.com
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
| Update History |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ UPHI /
\_______/
11-10-05 Initial entry.
01-19-06 Updated borders so they don't look so shabby.
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
Wild ARMs 3 (c) Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Guide copyright (c) Shotgunnova 1997-2008 (and counting!)
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+/
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