Althea Valara

Previously...

KOLOBOS ISLE - LIGHTNING'S JUDGMENT - THUNDER SUMMIT OPENING

Lasswell: We've come this far. Are we ready to fight the esper Ramuh?

Rain: No problem. The people in town said this Ramuh was really wise, right?

Fina: So you think you can talk him into helping us? Like, if we just explain the situation to him, maybe he'll lend us his power?

Lasswell(...): You want to talk an esper into helping? If only it were that easy every time... He may be wise, but that does not mean that he will share our values. Espers are far more powerful than any human being. The powerful don't generally have much sympathy for the problems of the weak.

Fina(!): You mean....

Lasswell: I mean why should any esper care what happens to humans like us? We are like insects before them.

Rain(🎵): We may not be the same, but we still live in the same world, don't we? If our world is in danger, then the same must be true for them, too. Don't you think they want to protect it?

Lasswell(sweating): ...I certainly hope they do.

Fina: I'm sure they do! Let's try talking to Ramuh!

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

KOLOBOS ISLE - LIGHTNING'S JUDGMENT - JUDGEMENT BOLT 1

Ramuh: You come through my lightning barrier? Wretched humans. What would you do with my power?

Rain: You've noticed it, too, haven't you? This strange change in the world. We're going to stop that!

Ramuh: The human world is always changing. It matters not to me.

Rain: You live in this world. You'll share our fate!

Ramuh: Ridiculous. Do you weak humans fear destruction? Would you struggle in vain against the workings of the world?

Lasswell(!): The workings of the world? So you espers... would accept your own destruction if it was fated?

Ramuh: All creatures have a beginning. All creatures meet their end. I stay here. I watch the changing world. And I bestow judgment upon those who deserve it.

Rain: Like it has nothing to do with you! Then all of your power is as good as nothing!

Ramuh: The howling of powerless dogs... will be drowned out by my thunder! You dare to think that espers and humans are the same!? Know your shame and be struck down by my lightning!

Rain: Why!? Just listen to us!

Lasswell: Give it up! He's coming!

(Battle happens! Afterward...)

Ramuh: ...Impressive. So there are still some children of men who know of courage. I have seen what you are made of.

Lasswell(...): You were testing us?

Ramuh: I was. If all you sought was power... If there was evil in your heart... I would have rendered judgment, and struck you down with my lightning.

Rain: But we're not the ones that need striking down.

Ramuh: I see that. Any who would bring destruction to this world will not be allowed to continue. I am the esper of judgement. I will not neglect my duty!

Fina: Then you'll help us!

Ramuh: I have already stated your worthiness. Take my lightning... Use it for good.

(Ramuh turns to stone.)

Fina: Thank you... Thank you, sir.

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

KOLOBOS ISLE - LIGHTNING'S JUDGEMENT - JUDGEMENT BOLT 2

(The party approaches Ramuh's statue.)

Rain: This is where we met Ramuh. I feel like something called us here....

???: The time... has come.

(Ramuh turns to flesh once more!)

Ramuh: I have fought beside those with power. This is how an esper grows to greatness. As has been dictated, I will test you. Show me you are worthy of greater power. Children of men... If you wish to judge what is right... Then withstand my lightning!

(Battle happens! Afterwards....)

Rain: Ugh... Did we win?

Ramuh: I have seen your strength. It is my lightning that will bring down justice upon the wrongs of the world. Use my bolts as the hammer that forges the path of righteousness!

(The esper Ramuh evolved! Ramuh turns to stone once more.)

Rain: Don't worry, Ramuh. We will use your new power in a battle that no man could feel ashamed of.

Next entry...

Previously....

KOLOBOS ISLE - DON'T GIVE IN TO SADNESS - SHRINE OF DECAY OPENING

(The party enters the Shrine of Decay. They come to a stop as Rain gets a ! over his head.)

Researcher: ...The experiment is a success.

???: The power is even greater than we had predicted it would be. So quality components will raise the fighting power of our "weapons". Just as I'd theorized.

Researcher: But mass production remains an issue...

???: If we do not have enough corpses, then we'll have to make some. Shall we wait for the others to join us as we prepare for the experiment?

(The party enters the chamber as the researchers leave the area.)

Lasswell: What were they speaking of?

Emma: I... I know that man. My mother called him "the professor."

Fina: And what kind of "weapon" were those researchers talking about?

Lasswell: They spoke of.. quality components...

(A zombie enters from the west!)

Lasswell: Rain! Fina!

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

KOLOBOS ISLE - DON'T GIVE IN TO SADNESS - SHRINE OF DECAY 1

Emma: Mommy never talked to me about her research. I heard about the accident from one of her work friends. What could she have been studying in a place like this? It couldn't have been anything...bad... could it?

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

Emma: I heard stories about that professor. Scary stories. They say anyone who argued with him would be missing the next day. They say he was always talking with a man in dark armor.

Lasswell: Dark armor....!?

Rain: Sounds like we should pay this professor a visit.

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

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

KOLOBOS ISLE - DON'T GIVE IN TO SADNESS - SHRINE OF DECAY 2

(The party is walking further into the shrine. They come to a stop as Lasswell gets a ! over his head.)

Lasswell: What is that thing!?

(The party rushes forward towards the professor, who is standing in front of something we can't see yet.

???: Oh. So it is you all. How wonderful! I'm glad I released one of the strength-enhanced regular models. This will make for great data.

Rain: Who are you....?

???: Oh. How rude of me. You may call me Lazarov.

Dr. Lazarov: I was quite well acquainted with some of your men, you might say.

Rain: Our..men?

Dr. Lazarov: Yes, one of my assistants went all the way to Grandshelt to rob those graves. They were fine soldiers, after all. Even dead, they remain so.

Rain: You... You turned my men into....

Dr. Lazarov: You saw them, didn't you? The weapons that I created. Weren't they just delicious?

Emma: Did my mother die... for the sake of this man's research?

Dr. Lazarov: Hmm? I thought you looked familiar... You're the daughter of that woman who objected to my experiments, aren't you? You look just as impertinent as your mother did. Why don't I turn you into one of my weapons, like I did your mother?

Emma: Wha...

Dr. Lazarov: Oh, don't you worry. We said it was all just an accident. It was all covered up neatly.

(Emma takes a step back.)

Emma: Y-you.... You're horrible...

(Lasswell takes a few steps forward towards the professor.)

Lasswell: You are a monster!

(Lasswell and Rain draw their swords.)

Dr. Lazarov: Heh heh heh heh.. But I'm not the one you'll be fighting!

(Dr. Lazarov presses a button, and a panel slides up and smoke pours out as the screen goes white.)

(Editor's note: I'm pretty sure a battle occurs here, but it was not available in the replay through the Book of Recollection.)

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

KOLOBOS ISLE - DON'T GIVE IN TO SADNESS - SHRINE OF DECAY ENDING

(The party is looking around.)

Rain: Argh! Where did he go!?

Dr. Lazarov: What a surprise. It seems that body of yours holds quite a bit more potential than I'd expected. It seems Lord Veritas was correct, then.

Rain: Veritas!?

Dr. Lazarov: I suppose we'll meet again. I'll continue my research, and improve my creations, so that you might enjoy our next meeting even more... Heh heh!

Rain: Damn it! He got away!

Lasswell: I'm sorry, Emma... We failed to avenge your mother....

Emma: No... You fought as hard as you could. Thank you.

(Fina gets a ! over her head as she spots something.)

Fina: Hey! Everyone, look there!

(There is a woman laying on the floor. The party approaches her, led by Emma.)

Emma: ...It's her. My mom... She's still wearing the same ring that my father wore. I... I always worried, you know. I was afraid she might have been part of something really terrible... How stupid of me. I never needed to worry about that. My mom never would have followed the orders of a monster like that. You were amazing. You were the best. You really were, Mom... But... there's just one thing... One thing I can't forgive you for...

(Emma starts to cry.)

Emma: Why did you have to die? Why did you leave me? Mom.... *sniffle* *sniffle* Waahhhhhhhh! Moooooommmmmmmm!!!

(Rain, Lasswell, and Fina get (...) over their heads. Lasswell approaches Emma.)

Lasswell: Come, Emma. Say your farewell to your mother. Then we'll go.

Emma: ....OK.

Next entry...

Previously...

KOLOBOS ISLE - EMMA'S FEELINGS - KOLOBOS REEF OPENING


Rain: So Emma's mother actually died months and months ago....

Fina: Emma knew that, didn't she? Then why lie to us? Why say she was going to meet her mom?

Lasswell(...): She wasn't lying.

Fina: What?

Lasswell: She really did want to meet her mother. That was the truth.

Rain: She probably wanted to meet her all the more.... exactly because she was dead. Emma probably hasn't accepted it yet. Her mother's death.

Fina: For now, we just need to find Emma. I think we know where she'll be headed.

Rain: The ruins. I know.

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

KOLOBOS ISLE - EMMA'S FEELINGS - KOLOBOS REEF 1

Fina: Emma knows she won't find her mother at the ruins. But still, she's going there....

Rain: ....Yeah.

Fina: It must be hard to lose someone you love....

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

Lasswell: Death is not the end. Even in death, the people we care for live on... in our hearts and memories.

Fina: I see... I suppose you're right.

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

Fina: D-do you think Emma's okay? There are so many monsters....

Rain: She's not safe alone. We have to find her, and quickly!

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

Emma: Aiiieeeeeeeeee!

Fina: That voice! That was Emma!

Lasswell: We must hurry!

(Wave 4 commences, and leads to a boss battle against an Apatosaurus.)

Lasswell: Emma! Thank the crystals you're safe!

Emma: Lasswell!

Fina: Oh no! She's surrounded by monsters!

Rain: Guess we'll just have to clear the way.

(Battle commences. There is no further dialogue.)

---------

KOLOBOS ISLE - EMMA'S FEELINGS - KOLOBOS REEF ENDING

Lasswell: Emma! Are you all right? Are you unharmed?

Emma: Yeah.. I'm okay...

Lasswell: Good. Then we should be quick. We'll want to leave before night fals.

Emma: What? You're not dragging me back?

Rain: Dragging you back? Why would we? You wanted to see the ruins, didn't you?

Emma: You'll still come with me? Even after you found out about my mom?

Lasswell: Of course.

Emma: Th-that's the first time... The first time anyone's agreed.... I asked all kinds of people to bring me to this place.... But they all said the same thing. Your mother is dead. Going to those ruins won't change that. There's no point.

Lasswell: There is a point. And that is why we will go with you.

Rain: Come on, Emma. Introduce us to your mom.

Emma: Thank you.... Thank you all so much...

Next entry...

Previously...

KOLOBOS ISLE - WHAT IS LOVE? - GOLZAS WHARF OPENING

Emma: Once we get through here, we should arrive in Felicitas.

Lasswell: Really? Then let's push on. We'll take care of the monsters. Emma, you just keep yourself warm. You wouldn't want to finally meet your mother again with snot running down your face, now would you?

Emma: Hee hee... No, Lasswell.

Fina: Lasswell.... Tell me about your mother?

Lasswell: My mother? I'm afraid I have no more to say on that matter than you do, Fina.

Fina(!): You mean...you don't remember your mother either, Lasswell? Did you get amnesia, too!?

(Lasswell turns his back on her and shakes his head.)

Lasswell: No. That's not what I meant. I just meant that I have no mother.

Emma: Wha....

(Lasswell walks off. Once he is out of earshot, Rain speaks.)

Rain: Lasswell's parents were both killed by monsters. He was just a baby when it happened. He told me once that he doesn't even remember their faces....

Fina: I had no idea....

(Rain turns away and bows his head.)

Rain: That's just one of the reasons.... Why he's always pushing himself so hard for Emma's sake.... He knows he'll never be able to meet his own mother again, no matter what he might do...

Emma(...): Lasswell....

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

KOLOBOS ISLE - WHAT IS LOVE? - GOLZAS WHARF 1

Fina: Tell me, Lasswell. How did you go on after you lost your parents?

Lasswell: Huh? Where did that question come from, all of a sudden?

Fina: I was just... curious.

Lasswell: Direct your curiosity instead toward our foe.

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

Fina: ...Lasswell. About what I asked you before...

Lasswell: How I went on after I lost my parents? Rain's parents took me in. Rain's father, Sir Raegen... He and my father were close. In a way, Rain's parents were my parents as well.

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

Rain: Hm? Did you just hear something?

Fina: I heard it too! The sweet warbling of a songbird!

Lasswell: What your heard was the sweet warbling of a moogle eater.

Fina: A moogle eater? Are they cute like chocobos?

Lasswell: You'll just have to see for yourself.

(Wave 3 commences, and progresses to a boss battle against a Moogle Eater.)

Fina: Th-this is a moogle eater!? Why, it's not cute at all!

Lasswell: THat's just as well, because it's an evil-hearted brute.

Rain: Let's see if we can't make it even ugier. Come on, everyone!

(There is no dialogue after battle.)

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

KOLOBOS ISLE - WHAT IS LOVE? - GOLZAS WHARF ENDING

Lasswell: We beat the moogle eaters.... There should be nothing else standing between us and Felicitas.

Emma: R-right...

Rain: What's wrong? You ought to be happy! You might see your mom again in hours!

Emma: You're right...

Fina: I know you're probabably still worried. But it'll be fine! Don't worry! Let's reach the town and you'll see!

Next entry....

Previously...

KOLOBOS ISLE - WHY WE HELP - GOLZAS PEAK OPENING

Lasswell: Whether we are going to the ruins or to Felicitas...

Rain: We have to go over this mountain, huh? Phew.... This is not gonna be pleasant. Emma, why was your mother going to those ruins anyway?

Emma(...): Both my mom and dad study ancient ruins like those. They've discovered all kinds of amazing things together. But my dad died at one of the ruins that they were looking into... It was an accident, but... That's why my mom really wanted to put everything she had into discovering the secrets of these ruins. For him.

Rain: I get that... Then I guess we've got to give it our all, too! Huh, Emma?

Emma: Yup!

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

KOLOBOS ISLE - WHY WE HELP - GOLZAS PEAK 1

Lasswell: Looks like we have company!

Rain: All right! We need to keep Emma safe!

Fina: I'll protect you, Emma. Stay behind me!

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

Fina: But.... this feeling. It's so strange....

Rain: What feeling?

Fina: I've only just met Emma, and yet... I feel like I want to help her... from the bottom of my heart. But why? It's so strange....

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

Fina: I mean, it doesn't make sense.... Why do I care so much about a girl I barely know?

Rain: When someone needs you, it's natural to want to help them. That's just how it works. It's only human!

Fina: It's natural... and human? That's so interesting!

(Wave 3 commences, and progresses to the boss battle.)

Fina: Aaaahhh! Something's coming.... something big! It's a bird! It's an airship! No, it's...

Rain: ....A monster. And a fearsome one.

Fina: I-it is!?

Lasswell: On your guard everyone! Here it comes!

(The fight commences. Afterward.....)

Rain: All right. Time to press onward!

Emma: Are you okay? You aren't hurt!?

Lasswell: You needn't worry about us. Just don't do anything to put yourself in danger. Understood?

Emma: R-right... Thank you, Lasswell.

Next entry...

Previously...

KOLOBOS ISLE - IN SEARCH OF MOTHER - GHOST PORT KOLOBOS 1

Merchant: We'll go deliver our load then. Hope you don't mind waiting until we're ready to set sail again.

Rain: What choice do we have? Why don't we have a little look around?

(They leave the ship.)

Raihn: So this is Kolobos, huh? Pretty bleak.

Lasswell: They say it used to be bustling with men who came to dig up crystals, too... But it looks completely abandoned now.

Fina: I like being around people, but I don't mind this kind of atmosphere either!

(The party get ! over their heads as they hear a scream.)

???: Ahhhhhhhh!!!

(They run forward and see a girl.)

Lasswell: That girl is being set upon by zombies!

(Rain and Lasswell rush to the girl's side.)

Rain: Then we'll stop them!

(After the battle....)

Rain: Are you all right?

???(!): S-sure! And thanks!

Lasswell: What're you doing in a place like this?

???: My mom went to the ruins, and she never came back.... I thought maybe I could go get her...

Lasswell(...): Rain... This place is too dangerous for a child alone. Let's take her to these ruins.

Rain: Exactly what I was thinking.

Fina: Yup! Let's do it!

Lasswell: Child... What is your name?

???(🎵): I'm Emma! And I feel much safer already!

Next entry...

 Previously...

LANZELT - DIAMOND DUST - LANZELT MOUNTAINS OPENING

Fina: I feel it... A power... so great....

Rain(🎵): It seems like the local people think the esper Shiva is sealed here.

Lasswell: You actually bothered to gather information for once?

(Lasswell gets a ? over his head as Rain speaks.)

Rain: Of course! Shiva is supposed to be every bit as luscious-looking as Siren! They say she normally keeps her icy composure at all times, but.... If she really likes you, though, they say she'll be real sweet to you!

(Rain gets a ♥ over his head.)

Fina: Luscious...looking...?

Lasswell(grumbling): Fina... Just ignore him. The power that you felt is real. There is a powerful being here, called an esper.

Rain: Yeah, there is! So let's go get real close to Shiva!!

Lasswell: To battle her, you mean? Are you all right with this, Fina?

Fina: O-oh! Yes... This esper creature will help us? That sounds good to me.

Rain: Of course it does! So let's get going!

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

LANZELT - DIAMOND DUST - LANZELT MOUNTAINS 1

Fina: Tell me, Rain. What does it mean to be... sexy?

Rain: Sexy? Sexy is.. well, you know... sexy! Like.... a buxom lass! Just buxom all over. So many curves it makes you dizzy.

Fina: So you like women with.... curves?

Rain: You bet I do! Ah, to conquer such peaks! 'Tis the dream of any man whose heart pumps blood.

Lasswell: Pardon me while I check my pulse. Not all of us have tastes so... obvious.

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

Fina: Huh? So you don't like curves, Lasswell?

Lasswell: Can I remind you both that we're talking about an esper? We need her strength, not her.... curves.

Rain: Oh, come off it, Lasswell. Deep down, you too long to picnic on those soft, lush hills.

Lasswell: Come, sweet death.... Deliver me from this imbecile.

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

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

LANZELT - DIAMOND DUST - DIAMOND DUST 1

Shiva: Insolent humans... You know that this land belongs to me and yet you dare tread upon it?

Rain: Of course. We heard of your beauty... I mean. Your power. We heard of your power and were drawn to it. Wouldn't you rather come with us than stay in here all alone? I promise you'd have a good time.

Lasswell: Are you seriously trying to hit on an esper right in front of us?

Shiva: Begone from my sight! If you do not leave, I will freeze that burning libido of yours for eternity!

Rain: Well, at least I tried... But it seems like the tales are true. Normal methods won't work on this one.

Lasswell: Could you focus, Rain! She is coming!

(After the battle....)

Shiva: Krh! My ice was overcome? But it doesn't matter! I have my pride! I will not bow to a human's whims!

Fina: Please... share your power with us. I promise that we will treat it like the gift that it is.

Shiva: ...Hmph. Well, if you need it that much...

Rain: Huh? Wait. Does she seem way nicer to Fina?

Fina: Um... Miss Shiva? After our battle is done, we'll bring your back here. I promise. Pretty please?

Shiva: S-spare me your earnest tears! ....F-fine! My power is yours, girl.

Fina: Wow, really? Thank you!

(Shiva turns to stone. You obtained the esper Shiva!)

Lasswell: Well done, Fina. So Shiva's weakness is women...

Rain: Wh-what just happened.... What a rookie mistake...

Fina: Well, all that matters is that we now have Shiva on our side. Isn't that wonderful?

Lasswell: It is. Thank you. If you hadn't been here, Fina, I doubt Shiva would have joined our cause.

Fina: Hee hee... Any time!

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

LANZELT - DIAMOND DUST - DIAMOND DUST 2

Rain: This is... where we met Shiva, right?

....So you've come.

Rain: I know that voice....

(Shiva's statue turns flesh once more!)

Shiva: The time has come for my true awakening, as it has been promised. If you humans still seek greater power, then prepare to be astounded.

Rain: Just as harsh as ever... Don't you like me? A little kindness wouldn't kill you.

Shiva: I have no need to be kind to humans! However. A promise is a promise. If you would seek greater power, then defeat me once more!

Rain: If I win, will you be nicer to me?

Shiva: Be silent! Lest I freeze that tongue in your mouth!

(Battle commences! Afterwards...)

Rain: You are one tough lady, all right.... Have you gotten stronger?

Shiva: By battling alongside those with power, we espers can grow beyond our current limitations.

Rain: Oh? So you mean you got stronger because you decided to come with us, huh?

Shiva: Hmph. It will be up to you humans how you use this power. Be sure that you are equal to it, and that you don't get me destroyed.

(The esper Shiva evolved!)

Rain: Just as harsh as ever... huh? Not that I don't like that part of her.
 

Next entry...

 Previously...

LANZELT - TREASURE OF PALADIA - LANZELT RUINS OPENING

(There is the sound of mining, or of something ticking, in the Lanzelt Ruins. The sound stops as Veritas of the Dark approaches a statue.)

Veritas of the Dark: It lies somewhere in this cursed place.

(The screen goes dark. VoD summons a light, and there is the sense of swords cutting through the statue. A red light is all that remains of the statue as the light returns to the chamber.)

VoD: The sacred vessel of Paladia... This is what I have so long sought. With this, the barrier surrounding the crystals will tear like paper before me. This world will come to an end. The time has come for their return...

(The fires in the chamber begin to pulsate.)

VoD: Just you wait... My foolish brethren...

(He holds up the vessel, which glows with red light.

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

LANZELT - TREASURE OF PALADIA - LANZELT RUINS 1

Rain: They say this shrine was built ages ago... That modern scholars cannot explain its many secrets....

Fina: The people who built this place.. Where did they go?

Lasswell: The ancients? Nobody knows. Only that their civilization perished long, long ago...

Fina: A long-lost civilization? Hmmm....

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

Rain: These machines.. I've never seen anything like them.

Fina: And yet...

Lasswell: What is it, Fina? Are they familiar to you?

Fina: N...no. I've never seen them either. But it's strange... I feel somehow... drawn to them.

(Wave 2 commences and progresses to wave 3.)

Fina: Say, do you think machines have minds of their own?

Lasswell: A sentient machine....? I've never heard of one.

Fihna: Then it doesn't make sense. Why do they keep attacking us?

Lasswell: Maybe they were designed that way. By the ancients.

Fina: ....I see. That seems sad, somehow.. Don't you think?

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

Rain: We're almost to the core.

Fina: I feel it again... his presence. I'm frightened.

Lasswell: Stay strong, Fina. Fear leads to carelessness... and carelessness to death.

Rain: There's nothing to fear, Fina. We'll protect you... from anything.

Fina: Thank you....my friends!

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

LANZELT - TREASURE OF PALADIA - LANZELT RUINS 2

(It starts immediately with a boss battle against Veritas of the Dark.)

Veritas of the Dark: You riff-raff again. Weren't you supposed to be... dead?

Rain: Surprised to see us? Don't be. Tracking you here to the ruins was a piece of cake.

VoD: Hmph. Spare me your pitiful boasting, worm.

Lasswell: There... in your hand. That's what you''ve been searching for.

VoD: What insight. One so clever must also have realized...that this is where you die.

Fina: Hah! If anyone's going to die here, it's you!

VoD: It's past your bedtime, little girl. Sleep, now, a dreamless sleep, blanketed in darkness... For all eternity!

Rain: Lasswell, Fina! Here he comes!

(Battle progresses. You get him down to 1%, and he collapses on his knees.)

Lasswell: He is defeated!

Rain: Not yet....look!

Veritas of the Dark: Insolent fools. It is too late. The deal is already done. None of you are worthy to die by my hand. Yet you persist in irritating me.... So be it. I shall exterminate you like the pests you are.

(He stands. There is a flash of light, and he is surrounded by blue flames.)

Lasswell: Can it be....!? That wasn't his full strength?

Rain: Apparently not. Come on, Lasswell. This nut's gonna take some cracking.

(VoD uses Seal of Conviction, which does massive damage to the party. The scene drops out of battle. Rain and Lasswell lie on the floor, with Fina crouched near them.)

Fina: Rain! Lasswell!

VoD(...): Ridiculous. So you forgot all that you were.... and embraced this life of ignorance? It matters not. You will remember. And when that finally happens... and your eyes open... you will look down at where you stand and find that it is opposite them...

(Fina stands and faces Veritas of the Dark.)

Fina: ....What are you talking about?

VoD: ...Nothing. Nothing that matters.

(His flames go out as he leaves.)

VoD: All that matters now.... is destroying the crystals.

Fina: He's gone... Are we safe now?

(Rain and Lasswell stand.)

Lasswell: I can't believe it... I didn't think he was this much stronger than us...

(Lasswell walks forward a bit and bows his head.)

Lasswell: But.... why did Veritas let us live? Did he think us not even worth ending?

Rain: ....You may be right. Though I don't like admitting it... We were beaten utterly and beyond hope. But who cares why it happened... We survived. That is what matters. As long as we're alive, we can still fight back. So enough moping!

Fina: That's right! Let's do it! I'm sure you two can beat him!

Lasswell: You two are as optimistic as ever. But that light in you...might save us. All right. Then we return to Grandport, and we make for Dirnado, as we have long intended. If we seek out the crystals, we will meet Veritas again. Of that I'm sure.

Rain: Yeah. And when we do... We'll pay him back for today. 

(Rain gets a thumbs-up sign over his heads.)

Rain: As true knights of Grandshelt!

Next entry...

Previously...

LANZELT - NATURE'S FURY - LANZELT SNOWFIELDS OPENING

Rain(grumble): I don't ever want to climb another peak.

Lasswell: Well, then. Aren't you lucky, Rain? This tundra is flat and goes on forever.

Rain: Forever, huh? I hope not. I don't do so well with the cold.

Fina(🎵): I love cold weather! And hot weather, too, in fact. And cool weather... And warm weather!

Rain: So, basically... You're saying you love everything?

Fina: Yup! I guess I am!

Lasswell: Come on. Let's get moving if we ever want to get out of this snow.

-----------

LANZELT - NATURE'S FURY - LANZELT SNOWFIELDS 1

Fina: The snow! It's so white! Brrr... and cold!

Lasswell: This is no place for frolicking, Fina.

Fina: Rain! Lasswell! We should have a snowball fight!

Lasswell: Maybe on the other side of this real fight.

(Battle commences. There is no further dialogue afterwards.)

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

LANZELT - NATURE'S FURY - LANZELT SNOWFIELDS 2

Fina: Look! Snow is falling! It's so beautiful...

Lasswell: A snowstorm is the last thing we need. We should hurry onward.

Fina: Whatever can be wrong with snow? It's so delicate and pretty!

Rain: Monsters are bad enough, but at least you can fight your way past them... But there's no fighting the forces of nature.

Lasswell: Heed what Rain says, Fina. He has the right of it.

Fina: Got it! I'll stay on nature's good side!

(Battle commences. There is no further dialogue.)

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

LANZELT - NATURE'S FURY - LANZELT SNOWFIELDS 3

Fina: So this is the force of nature... It's amazing!

Rain: Lasswell! I see a light!

Lasswell: There's someone else up here? But are they friend...or foe?

Rain: Either way, if we stay here, we'll freeze to death. Let's go!

(Wave 1 commences, and leads to a boss battle against Flamesblade. Afterwards...)

Lasswell: What was that thing?

Rain: Whatever it was, we won, didn't we? Whew! I could use a good nap!

Lasswell: It was nice knowing you. Fina and I shall each snap a finger off your frozen corpse, as a keepsake.

Fina: Ew, no! I don't want anyone's frozen finger!

Lasswell: Then, Fina, every time his eyes start to close, you must give him a good, hard slap.

Fina: Leave it to me! KA-POW!

Rain: Ow! I'm awake! I'm awake, already!

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

LANZELT - NATURE'S FURY - LANZELT SNOWFIELDS ENDING

Rain: We've been walking a pretty long time. How much further is it to these ruins then, Lasswell?

(Lasswell stops and gets (..) over his head. Rain and Fina turn to look at him. Rain gets (...) and steps closer to Lasswell.)

Rain: We're not lost, are we?

Lasswell: We just got a bit turned around in that last snowstorm.

Fina(💡): Meaning...that we're lost, right?

Lasswell(grumble): ...Yes, you could say that.

(Rain looks around.)

Rain: There's a snow rat nest over there. That's the way we should go.

Lasswell: And why is that?

Rain: Snow rats' prey don't live on the tundra. They make their nests near its edge so they can venture out to find food. If we keep an eye our for nests, we should make it off the tundra. And hopefully to the ruins. It doesn't seem like there are many places to for prey to hide around here, other than those ruins.

Fina: Wow, amazing! You never let us down, Rain!

Lasswell(...): Indeed. Thank you, Rain. Next time I'll be sure to tell you right away if I lose my way.

Next entry...

Previously...

LANZELT - TO THE RUINS OF LANZELT - LANZELT LOWLANDS OPENING

Rain: What huge mountains... Just to be sure I've got this clear... We're going to WALK up these mountains?

Lasswell: Unless you're hiding an airship in your pocket. What other choice do you see?

Rain: What a joke...

Lasswell: If we make it over these peaks and then through the snowfields... We'll find the Lanzelt ruins.

Rain(...): Someone please tell me this is a joke...

Fina: Just joking!

Rain: Right! You were just pulling my leg!

Fina: Just joking!

Lasswell(grumbling): I'm not taking part in this nonsense. I'm going ahead. Consider it training, if it makes it any easier to accept.

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


LANZELT - TO THE RUINS OF LANZELT - LANZELT LOWLANDS 1

Fina: Hm?

Rain: What's the matter, Fina?

Fina: This feeling... Maybe it's just my imagination...?

Lasswell: We're in battle, Fina! Eyes forward!

(Wave 1 progresses to wave 2.)

Fina: No, I'm not imagining things. We're definitely being watched.

Rain: W-watched? Come on, you're creeping me out!

Lasswell: Creepy or not, these monsters are staring right at us.

(Wave 2 commences and leads to wave 3.)

Fina: No. That's not what I'm talking about.

Rain: Then what is it, Fina? You think there's someone else watching us?

Fina: Yes, watching us....or following us.

Rain: We're being stalked...?

Lasswell: Then we must be on our guard.

(Wave 3 commences and leads to a boss fight against three Purusas.)

Fina: Look, a big bear! It's so fluffy and cuddly!

Lasswell: I would advise against any...cuddling.

Rain: Unless you want to cuddle your way right into its stomach.

(Battle commences. Afterward...)

Fina; That sensation I had... It's gone.

Rain: So it was the bear's presence that you felt...

Lasswell: Your intuition saved us, Fina.

Rain: Feeling danger in the shadows... It's almost like you have a sixth sense.

Fina: All right! I've always wanted six senses! Hear that, fiends? If you think you can hide from me, think again!

Next entry...