Althea Valara

Previously....

OLDERION FEDERATION - RAIN'S DREAM - AQUAPOLIS OLDERION 3

(Child Rain stands in front of the crystal.)

Rain: It's... it's beautiful. I've never seen one so big...

(HE steps closer to the crystal. Fina appears inside it.)

Rain: Huh?

???: Augggggh!

Raegen: Rain!

(The scene flashes white. Rain and Raegen stand in front of the crystal. Fina is gone. Rain's arm is glowing.)

Rain: What... What is this!? My aarm... !?

Raegen: So... you reacted to the crystal's power. You... really are...

Rain: Dad! Dad, help me! I'm scared!

(Raegen slowly walks off.)

Rain: Where are you going!? Dad! Dad, wait! Daddy! Don't leave me here alone!

(The dream ends. Rain wakes up in a bed, alone.)

Rain: That same dream... again...

(Lasswell bursts into the the room.)

Lasswell: Rain! Come at once! The city is....!

(The scene shifts outside to show the city flooded. Fina stands on the steps above the water, with Lid, Elle, and Nichol nearby.)

Rain: What.... is this?

Lasswell: Your guess is as good as ours. When we woke this morning, this is how we found it.

Lid: It doesn't look like any kinda natural phenomenon. Maybe a water pipe burst somewhere?

Elle: This is the aquapolis! The aquapolis does not have problems with its plumbing!

Rain: Which means...

Nichol: ...That this must be an attack. There is no other credible explanation...

(A soldier rushes in from the west.)

Olderion Soldier: Monsters! There are monsters in the new market!

Elle(!): In the new market!? How can they be there when the gates haven't even been breached?

Rain: Who cares! Let's just get there at once!

Previously...

OLDERION FEDERATION - THE RIGHT CHOICE - AQUATIC COVE ENDING

(Fina is walking alone in the Aquatic Cove. She overheard Nichol and Luka talking.)

Nichol: Luka... So you truly intend to...

Luka: Please do not look at me that way, brother. It isn't like you. As the Water Priestess, all I can do is my duty. As for what that duty entails... I have no intention to do anything unless it is completely necessary.

Nichol(!): Eavesdropping, are you? Not a very admirable habit.

Fina: I... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to eavesdrop...

(Nichol turns his back to Fina, nods, and walks away.)

Luka: It's all right, Fina. What is it you came for?

Fina: Oh, um... Lasswell sent me. He wanted me to tell you that we are stopping for the night here.

Luka: Thank you for letting us know. I'll be sure to pass the message along to my brother.

Fina: Um... And I won't tell anyone what I heard, either! Not that I heard anything!

Luka(...): Fina, may I ask you a question?

Fina: What?

Luka: This is a favorite of my brother's. If you could save only one life, or one hundred lives... which would you choose? As for me.. I admire the kind of people who would choose a single life over all others. Those who live here among the waters all feel duty bound to protect our family... which is perhaps the reason I feel so strongly about it. If I had to give up all that I had for the sake of another... I would rather do so for a single special person than for the all the other people in the world. Do you have anyone like that? A special someone?

Fina: A special someone?

Luka: Yes. Someone you love that much.

Fina(!): L-love!? I, um.... I don't really know anything about that. I mean. H-how do you know for sure if you love someone?

Luka: Hee hee.. Don't worry. When it happens, you will know. And it will surely happen, Fina. Someday...

Fina: D-do you really think so? (Someone.... I love...)

Next entry...

Previously...

OLDERION FEDERATION - ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES - OLD OLDERION 1

Rain: They just keep coming... We'll never stop battling at this rate!

Olderion Soldier: News from the scouts, sir! More invaders have been spotted in the north!

Elle: In the north!? Arsha!

(Elle runs off.)

Nichol: Elle! Wait!

Rain: Hey! Are you really going to let him go out there alone?

Nichol: If I leave now, the line will not hold for long. If it is breached, many civilians will die.

Rain: I know that... but... he's your little brother!

Nichol: Yes. He is. Faced with a choice between saving one life or one hundred lives... you must choose the hundred. That is creed of the tactician. Elle knows that as well as anybody. (That, and... he should be able to survive long enough for me to reach him...)

Rain: That's ridiculous. If the choice is to save one person or a hundred people... then save both! That is the creed of a Grandshelt knight!

(Rain rushes off after Elle.)

Nichol: Rain, wait! We cannot afford to lose you as well.

Lasswell: Fear not. I will make up for his loss. He can save that one life. I will save the hundred.

(Lasswell draws his weapon.)

Lasswell: We are knights of Grandshelt, after all!

--------------

OLDERION FEDERATION - ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES - OLD OLDERION 2

(Elle stands before Arsha. Monsters are advancing on them.)

Elle: Are you okay, Arsha!? I'll keep you safe!

(Rain rushes in and draws his sword!)

Elle: Rain!? What are you doing here?

Rain: I don't doubt that you can protect Arsha on your own, Elle. But the sooner we sort out this little mess, the sooner we can go back and help Nichol.

Elle: "This little mess"? Do you realize what we're up against?

Rain: What are you worried about? Pray disentangle your undergarments, brave Elle, for with both of us fighting together, we'll have this taken care of in two shakes of a trained lamb's hoof.

Elle: ...You're trying to make it sound trivial so I don't lose my nerve, is that it?

Rain: I don't think so. I'm just being my usual self, I promise!

Elle: Hm... fine then. Seems like I owe you an apology. I was pretty rude to you when we first met. You're a knight. And you can use the power of visions. I guess I was jealous. But now it's time I was honest. So thank you, Rain. I'm really glad you came after me.

Rain: Thank me if you like... but not until we're both out of this place in one piece. Well, two pieces. One piece each, I mean.

Elle: All right, I get it. Arsha! Watch this! I will protect you!

Arsha: Are you all right, Elle? Your sword hand is shaking...

Elle: N-never fear, my love! I am merely trembling with excitement for the coming battle!

----------------------

OLDERION FEDERATION - ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES - OLD OLDERION ENDING

(The party is all back together by Nichol.)

Nichol: It seems we managed to keep the city safe.... somehow. But... it is only a matter of time until the next attack occurs.

Elle: Damn it... Why is this all happening now...

Luka: It is the water. The defilement of our holy waters must be causing this. We should hurry to the lake and see for ourselves what has befallen the water god...

Nichol: Luka is right. But if we bring any soldiers with us at this critical time, we may imperil the city by thinning its defenses....

Rain: Then why don't we escort you there?

Nichol(...): You still have not told us what it is that brought you here to Olderion.

Rain: We want to go to the Water Shrine.

Nichol(?): The Water Shrine?

Rain: This may sound hard to believe, but right now, there is a mysterious group of people out there who are traveling the world, destroying the crystals.

Luka: But the Water Crystal... I have placed a barrier upon the shrine. It will repel any intruders.

Rain: Well, that... is just another reason that we need to keep you safe.

Nichol: I see... So these villains will also come to attack my sister.

Lid: But in that case... if Luka goes to the lake, wouldn't that be playing right into their hands? Like, this could all be a big setup, you know? So they can ambush you!

Luka: Nonetheless, I must go. I am the Water Priestess. Such is my duty.

Nichol: (Strawberry-brain is right, though... This could indeed be a trap. If these villains of Rain speaks think to entrap us... we shall have our surprise ready for them.)

Elle: Brother, you should go with Luka, too. We will keep the aquapolis safe. And... You can trust Rain. Arsha and I will both vouch for him.

Nichol: Elle... I understand, Elle. The city is in your hands, then.

Next entry...

Previously....

OLDERION FEDERATION - THE THREE SIBLINGS OF OLDERION - TOKKLE COAST 1

Lid: What the heck!? How are we able to breathe underwater? Could this be...?

Luka: Yes. It is my power.

Lasswell: Who would've thought the water priestess could hold such power?

(Wave 1 of battle commences. There is no further dialogue.)

---------

OLDERION FEDERATION - THE THREE SIBLINGS OF OLDERION - TOKKLE COAST ENDING

(The party emerges from the water.)

Lasswell: Well, we at least managed to make it to the coast unharmed.

???: Brother! Luka!

(The party turns and the scene shifts to show a man standing with two soldiers.)

???: Luka... What a relief to see that you're all right!

Nichol: Elle? What are you doing here? You are supposed to be guarding the aquapolis.

Elle: The monsters breached the walls, brother! The soldiers left in the city can't hold them off much longer. That's why I came to call you back!

Rain: Sounds like trouble. We should hurry back to the city.

Elle: What? And just who are you?

Lasswell: Custom decrees that one introduces oneself before demanding the name of another, young man.

Elle: ...I'm Elle. A Warden of the Waters, and younger brother to Nichol and Luka.

Rain: I'm Rain; this is Lasswell. If it's monsters you need ridding of, we'd be happy to lend a hand. That's sort of our thing.

Elle(...): We do not need your help. This is Olderion's concern, not yours! Nichol and Luka are all that we need! Or do you think our city so weak that we rely on passing strangers to protect us?

Nichol: Elle, what have I told you. Do not let your emotions take the reins. Let reason guide you. This is the prime rule of strategizing. Time is of the essence, is it not? In such a situation, would rejecting an offer of help be a wise tactic?

Elle: Y-yes, brother. I mean, no, brother. I mean... I understand. I will guide you to the city. Please... follow me.

Next Entry...

Previously...

OLDERION FEDERATION - THE STRATEGIST NICHOL - ARGUS PLAINS OPENING

(Rain and Lid are standing on the ground next to an airship.)

Rain: We were lucky, weren't we, getting to borrow an airship in Dilmagia. The army's not so bad after all. They weren't that tough to convince.

Lid: Only because you're Knights of Grandshelt. Those soldiers were gawping at all those medals hanging off your chest like pasties; don't you doubt that for an instant.

Rain(?): You think so? I rather had the impression it was you they were gawping at, Lid.

Lid: Me? (Now that I think about it, though, that was kinda weird... Why would they lend us a valuable airship so easily?) (I may have told Rain it was only 'cause they're Grandshelt Knights, but I feel like there's something else going on here...)

Rain: But are you sure you're all right to come with us, Lid? You've got your workshop to worry about, don't you?

Lid: It's fine; don't worry about it. I wanna find out more about the first Cid, see? And I can't just forget about the Invincible either, now can I? And besides... If we catch up to the Invincible, probably we'll find him too.

Rain: Him? You mean your brother?

Lid: Yeah. That guy. Me and him, we're like two airships made in the same workshop. Maybe they've got the same basic design; same kinda parts and all... but no two airships are exactly alike, you know what I mean? The hum of their engines and the quirks in their steering... And over time, those little things have a big effect, and those two shops become more and more different.... Even so... I never expected the differences would end up this big...

Rain: Yes... The two of you don't seem much alike. I think I understand what you mean. After all... I've been stuck with Lasswell since I was a kid, too.

Lid: Yeah. You guys do seem more like brothers than just old friends. Lasswell is definitely the older brother type, huh. Always worrying and looking out for you.

Rain: It's just as you said: things change with time. Lasswell hasn't always been like that.

Lid: What, seriously? He wasn't?

(Lasswell passes by on the deck of the airship as Rain speaks. He gets a ! over his head as Rain talks about him.)

Rain: Lasswell says I'm destined to be the greatest knight in Grandshelt. I don't know... Maybe he really believes that hearing that would make me happy. He's a serious fellow, but sometimes he hasn't a clue.

(Lasswell gets (...) over his head at this.)

(Fina approaches Rain and Lid on the ground outside the airship.)

Fina: Look! There's a bunch of people over there!

(The scene pans way down to show an army fighting monsters. One of the soldiers has fallen.)

Lid: Those are Olderion soldiers.

Rain: They look like they're having a hard time, too. Let's go and give them a hand!

(Rain, Fina, and Lid rush off. Lasswell, who has come down from the airship's deck, gets a (...) and shakes his head, then rushes off after the others.)

---------------

OLDERION FEDERATION - THE STRATEGIST NICHOL - ARGUS PLAINS 1

Lid: Olderion soldiers! It is I, Lid, the hero who saved you all!

Rain: Do you really have to introduce yourself like that?

Lid: If you save people, they usually give you a reward, right? Like money, or gold, or... or money.

Rain: ....

(Wave 1 of battle commences. Afterwards, the scene drops out of battle. A man approaches with two soldiers, and speaks to the party.)

???: You two are Grandshelt knights, or at least you appear to be. Your strength is impressive; quite formidable. Unfortunately, strength without subtlety is totally in vain, like an apatosaurus trying to do embroidery. If I may say so, you fight like fools.

Lid: Hey, what!? You guys were getting beaten into a fine paste until we showed up. And we're the fools?

???: A fine paste...? Perhaps it seemed that way to an interloper with a headless turkey's sense of strategy. We were luring all of our enemies to a single location, to eliminate them in one blow.

Lid: Excuse me? headless turkey!? And, just exactly who are you supposed to be, huh?

???: Of course; how remiss of me. My name is Nichol. I am one of Olderion's tacticians... and a Warden of the Waters.

Lasswell(!): A Warden of the Waters?

Lid: Lasswell? You actually know who this jerk is?

Lasswell: I have heard that Olderion's Water Shrine has a protective barrier upon it, maintained by a priestess who is chosen from among the elite Wardens of the Waters.

Lid: Why would one of those wardens be here fighting, then?

Nichol(...): The waters that flow through the Aquapolis Olderion are so beautiful and clean that they also serve as the holy water in our rituals.

Lasswell: It is said that the sacred purity of those waters is also the reason that Olderion is never beset by monsters.

Nichol(...): This is true. Yet recently we have found that are waters are being defiled, from somewhere outside the city..

Lasswell: Defiled? What was happened?

Nichol: I fear that something may have befallen the Water Priestess as she offered up her prayers at the headwater.

Rain: Oh.... So you all are on your way to check on the Water Priestess, then?

Nichol: That is correct. So I trust you will forgive us for continuing on our way at once.

(Nichol and the soldiers walk off.)

-------------

OLDERION FEDERATION - THE STRATEGIST NICHOL - ARGUS PLAINS 2

Nichol: ...Hold on a second.

Rain: What is it, Nichol?

Nichol: It's nothing about me. Why are you all following us?

Rain: Don't fret. Good company makes the road shorter, I heard.

(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)

Nichol: Please do not joke. You're just going to get in our way.

Lasswell: As long as you're with us, we're stronger. Surely the same goes for you all, as well.

Nichol: ...Then by all means, do as you please.

(Wave 2 of battle commences, and leads to wave 3.)

Nichol: It's thanks to the waters of Olderion that we've been able to prosper as we have.

Lasswell: People can prosper anywhere, so long as they don't have to worry about monsters attacking.

Nichol: That's why if our water is even the slightest bit impure, it sends everyone into a panic.

Fina: There don't seem to be many places like that, though.

(Wave 3 of battle commences. There is no further dialogue afterwards.)

-----------------

OLDERION FEDERATION - THE STRATEGIST NICHOL - ARGUS PLAINS ENDING

(Nichol looks around in all directions.)

Nichol(...): Has the front line moved on so far already? I do not see any sign of the main force....

(He shakes his head.)

Nichol: This is doubtless because of your ham-handed interference ruining our strategy.

(Lid shakes her head at this.)

Lid: Well, excuse us! IF it makes you feel better, I'm genuinely sorry that we ever tried to help you.

Nichol: The power you used during that battle, though... In my position as a tactician, I often study the methods used in wars and battles of the past. There are records of warriors using the power of such visions. Though they are rare.

Lasswell: And your records... what do they tell of this power?

Nichol: Those who bring warriors forth from crystals... are servants of the darkness. Pawns used by demons. That's how they are described in our records.

Rain: Darkness? Demons? Wh-what kind of strange books were you reading?

Nichol: You must tell me... How did you come to obtain this power?

(Rain and Lasswell look at each other. Both get (...) over their heads.)

Lasswell: How? That is not a simple question to answer.

Rain: Yes, it mightn't go over well if we tell him that a magical naked girl in a crystal appeared out of nowhere and told us to save the world. He seems like a real hard-ass.

Nichol(...): I can hear you, you know. And you are absolutely correct that I will not be taken in by such an under-cooked mishmash of worn out storybook clichés....

(Nichol gets ! over his head and runs off.)

Rain: Hey! What is it? What's wrong!?

Lasswell: Rain. There is a ship there. Or did you not notice? Nichol appeared to be heading in its direction.

(The four rush after Nichol.)

Next entry....

Previously....

DIRNADO - THE IDENTITY OF THE VERITAS - GALEBREAK 1

Lid: The Wind Shrine should be just beyond this barrier.

Lasswell: Surely, Veritas of the Heavens will be waiting for us there.

Rain: I don't know who he is or what he wants, but I do know that we have to put a stop to him.

(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)

Rain: You don't need to involve yourself in this fight, Lid. Go ahead and search for the crystal you need.

Lid: What are you talking about? We came here together, so we're sure as hell gonna take on this Veritas together.

Rain: but Lid...

Lid: Don't worry your pretty little head about it, Rain. Good company makes the road shorter, right?

(Wave 2 of battle commences, and leads to wave 3.)

Lid: You gotta understand, I wanna find out who this Veritas is, too!

Lasswell: That dwarf said he saw the villain's face under his mask, isn't that right?

Lid: He sure did. I can't imagine what could have made him so terrified...

(Wave 3 commences, and leads to a boss battle!)

Lid: It couldn't be... This... this ain't the typhon, is it!?

Rain: You know about this thing?

Lid: It's the legendary monster that attacks airships! All technicians know about it! The first Cid dedicated his life to protecting the Wind Shrine, to try and appease it, see?

Lasswell: Legends are only stories. Right now we must focus on the real enemy before us, whatever it is!

(Battle commences! There is no dialogue afterward.)

--------------

DIRNADO - THE IDENTITY OF THE VERITAS - GALEBREAK ENDING

(The four are standing outside the barrier. Bodies lay strewn across the ground.)

Fina: This is... terrible... How could anyone...

Veritas of the Heavens: Wretched fools.

(The party gets ! over their heads!)

Veritas of the Heavens: When those who crawl upon the earth dare to reach for the heavens... death is the only suitable reward.

Rain: That's enough! Just... enough out of you! Who the hell do you think you are, anyway!?

Veritas of the Heavens: Must I repeat myself? You should look upon the heavens with awe... Lowly creature of the dirt that you are.

(Rain looks around in all directions, searching for Veritas.)

Rain: Well you're a coward; that's what you are! Stop hiding and show yourself!

(The four run forward. Rain draws his sword.)

Rain: I'll bring you down to earth, you thug! You're lower than dirt, you hear me!? And that's where I'll put you!

Lasswell: Rain! Calm yourself!

Rain: You expect me to stay calm in the face of this butchery!? These damn people... A human life is worth no more to them than an insect beneath their feet! Isn't this why we're hunting them!? To stop them from destroying more lives!? So why... Why do we have to witness a scene like this again...

(Rain bows his head.)

Lid: So that's what all this was about, huh? That's the reason you're all on this journey?

(Lid paces back and forth a few times.)

Lid: I guess that settles it, then. I hope you've got some deep pockets, 'cause I've just made this a long-term engagement. I'm sticking with you guys! And... when I finish my airship, I'll take you on it anywhere you want, see?

Fina(!): You will? Really, Lid!?

Lid: You bet. So listen, Rain... pull yourself together! We're gonna stop them, ain't we? Ain't we?

Rain: Then what are we waiting for!?

Lid: Then we can't go falling to pieces here can we? We'll settle this once and for all at the Wind Shrine!

(Lid has joined the party!)

Next entry...

Previously...

DIRNADO - PLACE OF DREAMS - AIRSHIP FACTORY OPENING

(The party enters the airship factory.)

Lid(🎵): *whistle* Boy, this takes me back! I've got so many memories in this old place...

Fina: But... there's no one here.

Lid: Yeah, this place was abandoned a long time ago.. The Mobreeze factory's duties were all taken over by the shipyard in Dilmagia, see?

Lasswell(...): Lid. I don't think that I need to tell you that we have no time for diversions...

Lid: I know, I know! Don't you worry about it, hairdo. If we cut straight through this factory, we'll come out way ahead of our enemies. Like I told you, lickety-split! Take it easy and let me lead will you? I know this place like the back of my glove!

-----------------

DIRNADO - PLACE OF DREAMS - AIRSHIP FACTORY 1

Lid: Hey, look, look! Here it is! This is the room I told you about. Where they keep the portrait of the first Cid!

(The other three step closer to the portrait as Lid moves out of the way to let them approach.)

Lid: What do you say to that? What a sight, huh!

Fina: Oh, it really is amazing, Lid!

Lid: It's just like I remember... No, even better'n that...

(They stop in front of Cid's portrait.)

Lid(♥): He's the coolest... the toughest... the ultimate..... the very first Cid! There's a lot nof old stories about the first Cid. He was the father of airship technology, and the first human to ever befriend the dwarves...

Lasswell: Lid, I truly am loath to intrude on your recollections, but... if we tarry much longer, this shortcut will hardly qualify as a shortcut.

Lid: Ah, gee! You're right, Lasswell; I'm sorry.

(The other three leave. Lid steps in front of Cid's portrait one last time.)

Lid: Well, Cid... I gotta be going. Wish me luck!

-------------------

DIRNADO - PLACE OF DREAMS - AIRSHIP FACTORY 2

Lid: What the heck is this!? What is this airship doing here? This place was decomissioned forever ago!

Rain: I've never even seen an airship like this one...

Lid: What is... going on here?

(The scene pans to show dwarves working on the airship. The party approaches.)

Fina: And there are dwarves here. I wonder what they're doing!

Dwarf: .....

(Lid steps forward and looks around at the dwarves.)

Lid: I don't recognize him from the forge... He must be from some other village.

Dwarf: .....

Lid: Hey, what's the deal with the airship?

Dwarf: .....

Lid: Why are you building something like that in this old place? Hey... did someone bring you here? Did they force you?

Dwarf: Nothing like that. I work here of my own free will. For the sake of that great man. This ancient airship, the Invincible... We unearthed it from the ground here. It is powered... by the Heart of Babel!

Lid(!): The Heart of Babel!? No kidding, the Heart of Babel? .... I don't know what that is, actually, but it sure sounds powerful!

Dwarf: And it may be, but the blasted thing won't move. We've never gotten the Invincible off the ground. The Heart's power is sealed by a crystal.

Rain: Sealed by a crystal?

(Warning sirens sound!)

Dwarf: Ah, that'll be the security systems, then, since you lot are trespassing. This place is about to give you everything it's got. I'd run for it if I were you. Just my opinion.

(Lasswell gets a ! over his head.)

Rain: Ahhh... point taken, but it looks like it's already too late for that.

(Battle begins!)

Lid: Aw heck, this shortcut of mine turned out to be a real turkey. I'm awful sorry, guys!

Lasswell: Lid, this is no time to be offering discounts! We must focus on getting out of here safely!

Lid: Y-you got it! I'll guide us to the exit and that's a pr--Heyyy, who said anything about discounts!?

(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)

Lid: What was up with that airship just now? Seemed like it was called the Invincible... some airship from forever and ever ago! But did they even have airships back then? Boy, is my curiousity every piqued!

Rain: Let's worry about that later, Lid. We have enough on our plate for now.

(Wave 2 commences. There is no further dialogue.)

----------------

DIRNADO - PLACE OF DREAMS - AIRSHIP FACTORY 3

???: Well, well, well... I'd assumed some unusually large rats had gotten in and triggered the security system.... But it was you? Lid.

Lid(!): Evan!? What are you doing here?

Evan: You took the words right out of my mouth, kid sister. (...) Don't tell me... it's you and your friends here? You're the ones causing so much trouble for Lord Veritas?

Rain: ... LORD Veritas? So you're working for him, are you?

Evan: Oh, no, pal. You can only answer questions with questions when you're the guy in charge. Anyway, your presence here tells me all I need to know. I will not let anyone interfere with Lord Veritas's plans. Come, guardian!

(The scene shifts up to show a tank rolling out of the hangar.)

Lid: Wait! Evan! You don't have to do this!

Evan: Have to? Ha ha ha! Of course I don't have to. I choose to serve. You could join me, Lid. Working for Lord Veritas... to help achieve his goals... It's the greatest honor any true airship engineer could dream of.

Lid: Wh-what are you talking about, Evan? What happened to you?

(Mechabo enters from the west.)

Evan: Ha... Don't tell me... you're still stuck on that childish fantasy of mass producing airships?

Lid(irritated): It is not childish! You go to hell, Evan!

Evan: So that's how it is. I guess that's that, kid sister. This is where we part ways for good.

Rain: Damn it! Everyone.... we've got no choice but to do this!

(Batttle begins!)

Guardian: You shall not pass! Defensive protocol, activated.

Lasswell: W-what is this thing!?

Rain: Watch out, everyone! It's differently equipped from the others we've taken out so far!

(You take the Guardian down to 1%.)

Guardian: Count 1...

Lid: This guy doesn't look like he's messing around!

(The scene drops out of battle. The gun on the machine is glowing.)

Rain: Here it comes!

(Mechabo dashes in front of the gun, taking full brunt of its charge!)

Lid: Eeyaaah! Mechabo!

Fina: No!

Lid: It... it protected us...

Lasswell: We have Mechabo to thank for our lives. It was truly a worthy creation.

Lid: Mechabo... Thank you.... I'll fix you up in no time, see? ...I promise.

Rain: Lid...

Lid: I can't forgive this. Even if he is my own brother, this is too much! In fact, he ain't my brother anymore! Next time I see him, I'm gonna punch him halfway to the Farplane!

Guardian: Target detected: Time to recharge cannons: fifteen minutes and counting.

Lasswell: Lid, it appears as though we ought to move on from this place.

Lid: Then follow me!

(They run forward.)

Rain: Is that a mining cart?

Lid: Climb aboard! I'll have us out of here in a blast, lickety-split!

\(Battle occurs on the mining cart! The astute will recognize the song from Final Fantasy VI's similar scene.)

Rain: Just when we thought we were safe.... It seems we won't be allowed to leave so easily.

Lasswell: .....

Rain: What's wrong, Lasswell? You don't look well.

Lasswell: No, no, don't you worry about me. I'm not afraid.

Rain: I didn't say you were afraid. Are you suggesting I'M afraid!?

(Wave 1 of battle occurs.)

Lasswell: Come on now, Can't we slow this thing down just a little bit!?

Lid: Sure; pulling that lever oughta slow us down some.

Lasswell: It's no good! The brakes are shot!

Fina: Oh no!

Rain: Watch out, everyone! If this rail car gets attacked, it'll send us flying!

(Wave 2 of battle occurs.)

Fina: Wheeeeee! Faster, faster, faster!

Rain: Fina! This is not supposed to be fun!

Lid: OK, all set! The brakes are fixed!

Lasswell: Take care not to fall off, everyone! We should be out of this very soon.

(Wave 3 of battle occurs. There is no further dialogue.)

---------------

DIRNADO - PLACE OF DREAMS - AIRSHIP FACTORY ENDING

Lid: All right! Let's go! Let's split those licketys!

Lasswell(...): Go... to where, Lid? You cannot mean to pursue your brother?

Lid: Cid created the first airship because he loved the skies. he didn't make airships to be used as weapons of war. Technology is supposed to help people, not kill them. That's why... I am gonna beat Evan. But I'm gonna beat him my way, not his, see? I'm gonna perfect a mass production airship model and prove him wrong! Which is just another reason we need to get to the Wind Shrine on the double! Besides... I promised to be your guide, didn't I? And I ain't no kind of guide if I don't get you where you're going! Although, I gotta say... this has turned into a bigger job than I originally signed on for. An ordeal, I'd call it.

(she gives a thumbs-up.)

Lid: So when we do finally get to the Wind Shrine... I'll be expecting a big fat bonus for all my trouble, you got that?

Rain: I'm sure we can manage something. After all... we are getting a private escort from none other than the future Cid herself.

Lid: Rain...

(He nods at her, and the party sets off.)

Next entry...

Previously....

DIRNADO - BROTHER AND SISTER - WINDY HEIGHTS (WEST) OPENING

Fina: So, Lid... Won't you tell us more about your brother?

Lid: What about him?

Lasswell: Is he as money hungry as you are?

Lid(!): Oh, you bet he is! Boy, let me tell y-- Heeeyyy! Money hungry!? Me!? So we both like to make a few gil, who doesn't? You don't need money, mister Grandshelt Knight? I suppose you got that fancy armor for free, huh? Just found it in a treasure chest in some back alley, did you? Sure you did! I'll bet.... I'm nothing like my brother, okay!?

Lasswell: ...I seem to have spoken thoughtlessly. Forgive me, Lid. I did not mean to make you shout.

Lid: Wha... Who was shouting! I wasn't shouting! This is just the way I talk! So EXCUUUUSE me, mister perfect breeding! Mister... blue eyes! Mister hairdo!

(She heads off.)

Lasswell: What in the world...? Can someone please explain to me what I said wrong?

----------------------

DIRNADO - BROTHER AND SISTER - WINDY HEIGHTS (WEST) 1

Lid: I love, love, love money.... But I'd never through away my dreams to obtain it,, see?

Lasswell: I... I see. I do see!

Lid: And that's why I ain't nothing like my big brother!

(Wave 1 commences, and leads to wave 2.)

Rain: You're telling us he gave up his dreams in pursuit of wealth?

Lid: ....That's right. He found out he could make a whole lot of money as an airship technician with the military, so up he signed. Now all he does is make war machines. But I'm different from my big brother. I'll never give up on my dreams.

(Wave 2 commences, and leads to wave 3.)

Rain: Sounds like quite a lot happened between you and your brother.

Lid: Oh, so you wanna hear all about my brother and me, huh? Well, it ain't gonna be cheap. It'll cost the equivalent of a knight's yearly salary. How about it?

Rain: That's a bit rich for my blood. More to the point, why would a story even cost money?

(Wave 3 commences, and leads to wave 4.)

Lid: My brother wanted to become a Cid.

Rain: Cid...The name bestowed on only the most outstanding airship technicians.

Lid: We used to go to the Mobreeze airship factory all the time together. They had displays there for all the Cids from previous generations...

Fina: ...Lid looks so sad when she talks about her brother.

(Wave 4 commences. There is no further dialogue.)

Next entry....

Previously....

DIRNADO - AIRSHIP TECH LLID - INDUSTRIAL CITY DILMAGIA 1

(The three enter Dilmagia.)

Lasswell: That must be the shipyard. Perhaps they'll allow us to borrow a vessel.

(They approach a person in the shipyard.)

Lasswell: I would speak with the person in charge here. We have need of an airship.

???: Then I'm afraid you're fresh out of luck. These airships are military property. We can't lend them out to just anyone.

Fina(grumbling): B-but, why not!? You have so many of them here!

Rain: Might I ask to whom I'm speaking?

???: The name's Lid. I'm in charge here, and for good reason. I'm the best engineer Dilmagia's got.

Lid: Why, they'll be calling me Cid in no time flat!

Fina: "Cid"...? Why would they call you that?

Rain: It's a name they bestow on all master engineers. The tradition dates back for generations.

Lid: Heh... you know your history. Not bad for a sword-swinger.

Lasswell(...): So even the future Cid doesn't have the authority to lend us one little airship?

Lid(...): H-hold on... It's like I said... I'm no Cid yet.

Rain: Too bad for us, I guess... Looks like we're hiking our way to the Wind Shrine.

(Lid gets ! over her head as Rain says this.)

Lid: H-hold your chocobos! Did you just say... the Wind Shrine?

(Rain gets a ? over his head as Lid continues speaking.)

Lid: That sigil on your armor... You're knights of Grandshelt, aren't you? In that case, I'm going with you!

Rain: Coming with us...? What are you talking about!?

Lid: The crystals I need to get my latest masterpiece off the ground are in that shrine. If you'll fight off any nasties, I can show you the quickest route there!

Lasswell: If we're going to travel on foot, we could use a guide...

Rain: Fair enough. Very well, Lid. You show us the way, and we promise to keep you safe.

Lid: Sounds like we have a deal.

----------

DIRNADO - AIRSHIP TECH LID - INDUSTRIAL CITY DILMAGIA 2

Fina: Um, Lid? About that... creature with you...

Lid: This little fellow? Ain't he adorable? This is Mechabo, my very own mechanical chocobo. I built him myself!

Fina: You built it from scratch!? Why... that's amazing!

Lasswell: So what you're saying is... you built a toy chocobo.

Lid: A toy!? Mechabo! Let's teach him a lesson!

(The metal chocobo pecks Lasswell!)

Lasswell: O-ouch! Watch where you stick that beak! Aaaaahhhh!

(Lasswell backs up, then begins to run as Mechabo chases him.)

Lid: Well, I think somebody's learned their lesson. Make fun of my dear Mechabo, and you're in for a world of hurt.

Lasswell: I... I am sorry. It is no toy. It is... an impressive technological achievement.

Lid: You bet he is! All right, Mechabo. You can forgive him now.

(Mechabo pecks Lasswell again. Lasswell backs up.)

Lid: Wh-what's this? Oh dear, we seem to have a...malfunction.

(Lasswell begins running again as Mechabo chases him.)

Lasswell: Bah! I take it all back! Get this confounded contraption away from me!

Next entry...

Previously....

DIRNADO - FINA'S MEMORIES - BALLEN PASSAGE - ENTRANCE

Lasswell: So you don't remember anything?

Fina(grumbling): No... I'm sorry... It's as if I had a dream.... A dream I know was very important, but... I can't remember anything else about it.

Rain: Well, don't beat yourself up over it. It'll come back to you before long.

(Lasswell looks around.)

Lasswell: Meanwhile... Is this the Dirnado mainland we stand upon?

Rain: It sure is! ...Er, I think?

Fina(!): Look, a cave! And all those supplies... Could someone be inside?

(The three approach the cave.)

Lasswell: This is no mere cave. It's a tunnel.... and it leads somewhere.

Rain: If someone is making tunnels, this place might not be the no man's land we thought it was. Well, there's only one way to find out!

---------------

DIRNADO - FINA'S MEMORIES - BALLEN PASSAGE - ENTRANCE 1

Rain: I'm sorry, Fina. We didn't mean to leave you on these strange shores all alone.

Fina: Please don't worry. I'm fine.... truly. Besides... I knew the two of you would come for me.

(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads to wave 2.)

Lasswell: Clearly, Fina's lost memories hold some secrets.... Whatever could they be...?

Fina: 🎵Secret memories inside of me! Oh, Whatever could they be?🎵

Lasswell: ...At least someone's in a good mood today.

(Wave 2 commences, and leads to wave 3.)

Lasswell: Aldore and Hess...

Rain: The names that Fina mentioned... I've never heard them before.

Fina: To tell the truth... neither have I.

Lasswell: And yet... you said them. Curious indeed.

(Wave 3 commences, and leads to a boss battle.)

Rain: Aldore and Hess. This stuff is gonna keep me awake... What's Veritas really up to? Who are Aldore and Hess? Our journey is just one puzzle after another.

Lasswell: That's why we can't let fiends like these get the better of us!

Rain: You said it! I want answers so badly, I'm pretty much unstoppable until I get them!

(Battle begins! Afterward...)

Rain: Heh... That was a tough one...

Lasswell: I achingly concur. Talk about a backbreaking fight...

Fina: Oh, Lasswell! You've broken your back!? We must get you to a healer at once!

Lasswell: ........Rain, it's your turn to explain. I'm too tired to bother.

Next entry...