Previously...

LANZELT - FRIEND IN THE FIRST - LECHIOS HILLS OPENING

(Rain and Lasswell are walking in Lechios Hills.)

Lasswell: The thieves must be hiding out somewhere among these dunes. (Grumbling) But how do we find them? Among all these hills...

Rain: Look for wagon tracks, I guess.

(Rain walks further on. Lasswell questions him as he follows.)

Lasswell: What makes you think that they would be using a wagon?

Rain: The thief we saw in the desert said that they had nabbed some girls, didn't he? If you wanted to sneak several girls away against their will and don't want to arouse suspicion, you'd need a wagon.

Lasswell (?): But...there must be tracks from dozens of wagons covering these hills.

Rain: Look for tracks with many hoof prints surrounding them. Then follow them. Those girls would have been valuable. They would have had guards around the wagon to keep them safe.

Lasswell: ....I see.

(The two walk further on and head in different directions as they search the area.)

Rain(...): Here!

(Lasswell turns and heads to Rain.)

Rain: See? Just like I said it would be.

Lasswell(...): It's...amazing. Your instincts are as infallible as ever. They always have been. Not only gifted with the sword, but even gifted in mind...

Rain: Ha ha ha! Just lucky, my friend. You give me too much credit.

Lasswell(...): No... You don't give yourself enough. There is a difference between you and I, and it is gaping and vast. No amount of effort on my part will overcome it. And... it is all because...

(Lasswell gets as ! over his head and turns away. Rain looks at him quizzically.)

Lasswell: Nothing... Never mind me. Come on. Let's follow these tracks.

(Lasswell walks off.)

Rain: What the heck? If you've got something to say, spit it all out, would you?

(Rain follows after Lasswell.)

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

LANZELT - FRIEND IN THE FIRST - LECHIOS HILLS 1

Rain: Lasswell. I just don't get it. Why do you always talk like that? I've never tried to be better than you...

Lasswell: ... And yet you are. That's what makes it so unbearable.

Rain: Huh? What do you mean by that?

Lasswell: Enough idle chatter. We have to find Fina.

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

Rain: Fina's close by... I can feel it.

Lasswell: What makes you so sure?

Rain: Just call it a hunch.

Lasswell: ...

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

Rain: There's more and more of them.... If these are the lookouts...

Lasswell: Yes. Their hideout must be close by.

(Wave 3 commences, and progresses to a boss fight.)

Rain: If you value your lives, you'll release those children... All of them.

Bandit: Hah! That's tough talk for a pair of dandies.

Lasswell: Despicable knaves... You'll pay for your crimes in blood!

(The fight commences. There is no dialogue after winning.)

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

LANZELT - FEIEND IN THE FIRST - LECHIOS HILLS ENDING

(The two walk towards the hideout. Girls are escaping it as they approach. One of them is Fina.)

Rain: Fina! Thank the gods! Finally!

Fina: Rain! Lasswell!

Fina(🎵): Oh! You have to hear this!

(Lasswell gets irritated as Fina says this.)

Lasswell: Foolish girl! Must you continue to act without thought to those around you?

(Fina gets as ! over her head as Lasswell speaks.)

Lasswell: Do you have any idea how much you made Rain worry about you?

Fina(...): I'm sorry... But....but... They were just....so pretty....

(She steps forward and gives something to Rain and Lasswell, who get ! over their heads and turn to look at each other.)

Rain: These are...heathaze blooms...

Fina: Oh, good! I was afraid I might be wrong!  Lasswell, you said these would make our journey easier, no? I want to be your friend... So I wanted to do something not for myself, but for you....

Rain(..): So that's why you wandered into the desert alone...

Lasswell: Fina. I'm sorry. I spoke unfairly. And I swear to you... From this point hence, my actions will be for you as well. We are companions....and friends.

Fina: Thank you, Lasswell. That makes me...so happy.

Rain: Hey, Lasswell. Why don't you have a little sip? Of the nectar from this bloom.

Lasswell: What?

Rain: You've been pushing yourself awfully hard. You look like you're ready to keel over.

Fina(🎵): Is that so!? Then you must have some, Lasswell! Here! Drink up!

Rain: Don't hold back, Lasswell.

(Lasswell turns to look at the two of them.)

Lasswell(...):...If you insist.

(He's enveloped in a regenerative haze as he sips the nectar.)

Lasswell: ...Hmm. It would seem to be as effective as the rumors say.

Fina(💗): Wonderful! I'm so glad I could finally do something to help!

Lasswell: Thank you, Fina. You have my gratitude.

Fina(🎵): Anytime! I'm part of the team now, right? Rain? Lasswell!

(Fina has joined the party!)

Next entry...

 Previously...

LANZELT - THIEVES OF THE DESERT - ZADEHL ESTERSAND OPENING

(Rain and Lasswell enter the Estersand.)

Rain: Ho! A bazaar!

Lasswell: Perfect! I'll get us some water. You wanted me to think ahead, didn't you?

(Rain heads further in as Lasswell approaches the bazaar. Rain comes to a stop in a few steps and gets a ! over his head.)

Rain: Look at that getup...That fellow's a thief or I'm no knight.

(Rain approaches the men.)

Rain: Mind if I ask you something, friend? Have you seen a girl pass through here?

Thief(...): Can't say as I have. Your lover run off on you or something?

Rain: I'll be the one to ask questions. Did you see her or not?

Thief(...): I don't have time for this. Let's go and find some fresh pickings. These girls we got before didn't cut it.

(The men walk off as the thief says this.)

Rain: Those girls you got before...?

(Rain gets (...) over his head, then turns as Lasswell approaches.)

Rain: Lasswell!

Lasswell: I got the water. We're going after them, aren't we?

Rain: Damn right!

(The two run off after the thief and his men.)

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

LANZELT - THIEVES OF THE DESERT - ZADEHL ESTERSAND 1

Rain: Drat... Fina's nowhere to be found. The bandits must have gotten her...

Lasswell: And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse...

Rain: I wouldn't say that. Now instead of combing the desert, we can just go to their hideout! But still... We need to move fast.

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

Rain: It hasn't been long since she went missing. We still have time to save her!

Lasswell: An excellent plan...except we don't know where this hideout is.

Rain: We should find one of their stooges and rough him up a bit... You know, interrogate him.

(Wave 2 commences. It ends without further dialogue.)

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


LANZELT - THIEVES OF THE DESERT - ZADEHL ESTERSAND 2


Lasswell: Urgh....

Rain: Lasswell? I knew it... you've made yourself ill.

Lasswell: I'm just a bit fatigued. That is all. You needn't worry about me. Fina, on the other hand....

Rain: Right.

(Wave 1 commences. It progresses to wave 2 without dialogue. After wave 2 is vanquished...)

Rain: A bandit! Lasswell! This is the chance we've been waiting for!

Lasswell: Indeed! Whatever it takes, we can't let him escape!

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

LANZELT - THIEVES OF THE DESERT - ZADEHL ESTERSAND ENDING

(Rain and Lasswell have a bandit cornered.)

Rain: Well then. You ready to tell us where your hideout is? Or do you really want to suffer even more pain?

Lasswell: It would be wisest to confess now. We will have the truth from you one way or another. You won't like the other.

(The thief gets ! over his head as Lasswell says this.)

Thief: F-fine! I'll talk! I'll talk so back off!

Lasswell: ...As you will.

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

Lasswell: Ugh.

(He kneels. Rain turns to look at Lasswell.)

Rain: Hey! Lasswell? You look terrible. Are you all right?

(Lasswell stands again.)

Lasswell:...I said I was, didn't I?

(He turns and walks off.)

Lasswell: If you're worrying about me...shouldn't you worry about Fina?

Rain: Right... Right!

Next entry...

Previously...

LANZELT - WHAT OF FRIENDS? - LANZELT ESTUARY OPENING

Lasswell: I thought there was a village along this river somewhere...

(Fina stops walking and gets (...) over her head.)

Lasswell: Once we find it, we'll lay by enough stock to see us through the desert.

Fina: Lasswell...Have you and Rain always been together like this?

Rain: Well, yeah...we've been friends since we were boys. We were raised together.

Fina(?): Since you were boys?

Rain: Oh yes. We got into all kinds of trouble together.

Lasswell(grumble): Though Rain was to blame for most of it.

Fina(...): Friends...for so long... I can't imagine.

Rain: Well...what are we standing around here talking for? Let's hurry to that village and find a nice inn with feather beds!

(Rain and Fina walk off. Lasswell stands still and gets (...) over his head.)

Lasswell: So...Friendship is alien to her.... What a sad life.

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

LANZELT - WHAT OF FRIENDS? - LANZELT ESTUARY

Fina: Hey, what does it mean to be companions? Or....friends?

Fina: Rain...? Lasswell...? You guys!

Rain: Wh-what? Well...I've never really thought about it.

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

Lasswell: There are times when we act not for ourselves, but for the good of another. Those who move us to act so... These are our companions...our friends.

Fina: Hmmm...Can you give me an example?

Lasswell: An example...?

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

Fina: So, Rain. Could you act for Lasswell's good over your own?

Rain: You bet I could! Isn't that right, Lasswell?

Lasswell: That is....heartening to hear.

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

Fina: And Lasswell,... You're always looking out for Rain.

Lasswell: Say what you will about him, he is destined for greatness. I can only hope that one day his maturity may match his skill with a blade. He has the trust of our king, and our people. He must acquire the wisdom and grace...

Rain: ...to be worthy of their esteem, right? You can't turn it off, can you Lasswell?

Lasswell: Worry not, friend. I will continue to train you.

(Wave 4 commences, and progresses to wave 5 without dialogue. After wave 5....)

Fina: To act.. Not for yourself but for another.. If you can do that... that means you have a friend?

Lasswell: That's the long and short of it, yes. Unless the other person is a real ingrate, I suppose. But I can only imagine.

Fina: I understand... I think.

(Battle progresses to the boss fight. Afterward...)

Rain: The village is in sight. We should stop and rest.

Lasswell: Let us do just that. But we must take care not to tarry... Understand, Fina?

Fina: Y-yes.

Next entry...

Previously....

LANZELT - FINA'S CURIOUSITY - DESERTED HIGHROAD OPENING

(Rain and Lasswell are walking in the deserted highroad. Lasswell stops and gets (...) over his head. Rain stops walking as Lasswell speaks.)

Lasswell: We barely step off the boat and already she is causing trouble.

Rain: Come on now. Give her a break. She's lost all her memories, hasn't she?

Lasswell(grumble):...Rain. Don't you think you're being a bit too easy on Fina?

Rain: Huh? Am I really?

Lasswell: Yes. I suppose like attracts like. Not that it's any surprise....

Rain: What is that supposed to mean?

Lasswell: Just that you are rather like Fina in some ways. It's no surprise to me that you react to her emotionally.

Rain(?): I'm like Fina? How do you figure?

Lasswell: Fina has lost her past and is now trying to discover who she is... Didn't you also become a knight to learn what had happened to Sir Raegen and better understand your own past? Basically you two are both searching for something great in your lives.

Rain: You know... I wouldn't give up the sword if I were you. I don't know that you've got what it takes to be a psychic. (He turns his back on Lasswell.) The only reason I'm helping Fina is because I feel like helping her.

Lasswell(...): As you like. Then shall we go and help her? (Rain turns back to face Lasswell as Lasswell continues.) At least I can say that currently, you are in search of one thing, and that is Fina. I don't think I'm wrong there.

(The two head off.)

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

LANZELT - FINA'S CURIOSITY - DESERTED HIGHROAD 1

Lasswell: Still, whyever did Fina go dashing off after that chocobo?

Rain: Cut her some slack. Everything in this world is still new to her, you know? Don't you remember the first time you saw a chocobo? I bet you were just as excited.

Lasswell: Preposterous! Imagine me, losing my senses over a bird!

(Wave 1 of battle commences, and proceeds to wave 2 without dialogue. After wave 2 is vanquished....)

Rain: Even so, when it comes to chocobo... Don't you remember, Lasswell?

Lasswell: Ah, yes... We used to chase them around when we were growing up. You'd get carried away with it, and end up lost in the forest.

(Battle progresses to wave 3, but doesn't commence.)

Lasswell: Of course... now I remember. One time, when we stopped and looked around, we had absolutely no idea where we were. We were scared...frightened....reduced to tears.

Rain: Did you have to bring that up?

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

Lasswell: There we stood, lost in despair...Until Sir Raegen came to our rescue. I was so happy...

Rain: You don't say? I remember wishing the old man would mind his own business. But that's me. I guess for some people, there's nothing like seeing a friendly face. That's why we have to go and find Fina.

Lasswell: ....Right, let's do it.

(Wave 4 commences and proceeds to wave 5 without dialogue. After wave 5 is done...)

Lasswell: This isn't good....

Rain: What's wrong?

Lasswell: They say that chocobo eaters lurk in these parts... And despite the name, they're actually not so particular about their diet.

Rain: Curse it all! We have to find Fina, and soon!

(Battle progresses to wave 6 but doesn't commence.)

Rain: Did you hear that!? That was a chocobo's cry!

Lasswell: It came from up ahead...and it sounded scared.

Rain: Fina's in danger! We have to hurry!

(Wave 6 commences, and progresses to wave 7.)

Rain: Then again, if Fina can still wield the power she used at Grandshelt Castle...

Lasswell: ...she should be able to handle a chocobo eater or two. However, she has shown no sign of that power since. Which might mean...

Rain: ....That she's lost it...along with her memories.

(Wave 7 commences, and proceeds to the boss battle.)

Lasswell: Gah! I knew it! A chocobo eater!

Rain: Fina!? Fina, are you safe!?

Fina: Rain! Lasswell!

Rain: Thank the crystals! She's safe!

Lasswell: All right! Let's make short work of this one.

(The boss battle commences. There is no dialogue after it ends.)

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


LANZELT - FINA'S CURIOSITY - DESERTED HIGHROAD ENDING

Fina(...): Um... I can explain.... I saw a fantastically odd bird in town.  So I followed it and then I ended up.... Well.... I'm very sorry....

(Rain and Lasswell look at each other.)

Rain: That "odd bird" was a chocobo. They are cute, aren't they?

Fina(💗): They are! And they have such a funny sort of smell, too!

Lasswell(irritated):This is not a laughing matter! We left in such a hurry to follow you that we haven't brought enough food and water to make the journey safely!

Fina: Th-then I don't need to eat!

(Her stomach growls.)

Fina: Oh...! That's not... It wasn't...

Rain: Heh... Ha ha haha ha!

Lasswell(grumble): ...We'll have to hope that one of the villages we pass through has enough food to spare a bit for us as well.

(Lasswell walks off.)

Fina: ....Sorry.

(Fina and Rain follow Lasswell.)

Next entry...

Previously...

Chapter 1, Part II

LANZELT - GIRL FROM THE CRYSTAL - PORT CITY LYDIRA EVENT

(Fina runs into town with Rain and Lasswell following behind. They stop and look around shortly into town.)

Rain: We've made it to Lydira at last.

Lasswell: We'll be on foot from here to Grandport. We should prepare well while we're here. A desert lies between us and our goal.

Rain(grumble): Crossing a desert on foot, huh? I could do without that. I vote we find another route.

Lasswell: I wouldn't be so hasty. That desert is home to the precious heathaze bloom.

Fina(?): Heathaze bloom? What's that? Can we eat it?

Lasswell(grumble): Many would probably try to. It is a very rare bloom with layers of petals of every color. The nectar of these blooms is said to be the best of restoratives. If we can obtain some for ourselves, we will have one less thing to worry about on our journey.

(Fina spots something, gets a ! over her head, and runs off. The other two don't notice.)

Rain: You may be right. I suppose we should at least fill our food and water stores before we go, though.

(Rain turns towards where Fina was standing.)

Rain: ...Wait. Where did Fina go?

(Lasswell turns in the same direction as an older lady approaches.)

Lady: Are the two of you friends with that pretty little thing? That young lass who came with you two? I saw her follow a chocobo straight out of town. Even though we've had a spat of monster attacks on the roads of late! You boys should go after her smartish.

Rain: Come on, Lasswell!

(The two run off.)

Next entry...

Previously...

GRANDSHELT ISLES - DEPARTURE - PORT CITY LODIN 1

(Rain and Lasswell make their way into Port City Lodin. They are followed by Fina, who stops just outside of town. She gets an (...) over her head as a monster approaches her from behind.)

Fina: Ahhhhhhhh!

(Rain and Lasswell get ! over their heads and turn back towards the city's entrance.)

Lasswell: Fina!? What are you doing here!?

Rain: Lasswell! We've got to help her!

(The two run back out of town and face the monster. Afterwards...)

Fina: Th-thank you both....

Lasswell: Rain. You knew she was following us?

Rain: Yeah. Ever since we left the castle.

Lasswell: (grumble): Then why didn't you send her back?

Rain: I assumed she must have some reason for following us.

Fina: Um... Please! Take me with you! I swear I won't be any bother to you!

Lasswell(...): You are the girl who appeared to us in the sky, aren't you? I am grateful for the power of visions, but... We aren't going on a pleasure cruise. You have to be prepared for a hard road.

(Lasswell heads back into town.)

Rain: Hold on, Lasswell... At least give her a chance to explain....

(Rain and Fina follow Lasswell into town.)

-----------

GRANDSHELT ISLES - DEPARTURE - PORT CITY LODIN 2

Lasswell: Here. I've bought passage for us on the next ship leaving for Lydira.

(Rain takes the ticket. The two turn to look at Fina.)

Lasswell: ...You're still here, are you?

Fina: You and Rain are going after those six men clad in armor, aren't you? I....I also want to stop them.

Lasswell(...): I thought you had lost your memories. What reason could you have to undertake a challenge like this?

Fina(...): Just a feeling...burning in my heart. Something in me is screaming out...that those six must be stopped. And... I want to know. Who I am. What I was doing under the castle. Why I had such mysterious power.

Rain(...): I think it's fine, Lasswell. For Fina to come with us.

Fina: Rain...

Lasswell(grumble): Fine. Just... Don't come crying to me if you end up regretting this.

Rain(🎵): Ha! Glad to have you on board, Lasswell!

Fina: Rain... Thank you.

Rain: Then it looks like we'll be a trip from here on out. The more, the merrier. Right, Fina?

Fina: I hope so, Rain!

(The ship gets underway. Lasswell approaches Rain on the deck. Fina is elsewhere.)

Lasswell: ...Would you mind explaining to me exactly why you let Fina come along with us?

Rain: Why? Because I couldn't say no.. Not when a pretty girl asks me nicely. And besides that, we owe her. Fina gave us the power to call on visions.

Lasswell (...): Which is precisely why I am concerned. She is not an ordinary girl.

Rain(...): Well... She was sealed up beneath the castle, wasn't she? Must be a reason.

Lasswell: But the seal was undone... by those armored men. The fact that she has no memory of who she was means that she could have even been their ally, you know.

(Fina appears as Lasswell says this last sentence.)

Fina(🎵): Rain! Lasswell! So this is the sea...! It's the largest pond I've ever seen! And even with water as far as the eye can see, you can't drink a sip of it! It's saltier than you would believe!

(Rain and Lasswell get (...) over their heads.)

Rain: ...Yes, I know. You didn't?

Fina: Wh-what? You mean... everyone knows that? (...) I...I'm sure that I must have known it too, before I lost my memory!

(She runs off.)

Rain(...): No matter who she might have been, we can't just abandon her now, can we? (Rain gets a thumbs-up sign over his head.) Not if we are true Grandshelt knights.

Lasswell: Hmph.

Rain: Besides... having her along will brighten things up. Nothing more depressing than two men traveling alone.

Lasswell(...): You and your boundless optimism.

Next entry....

Previously...

GRANDSHELT ISLES - SWORN SIX OF PALADIA - ROYAL CAPITAL GRANDSHELT 1

(The scene opens to the castle burning. Rain and Lasswell lead the King out of the castle.)

Rain: The castle... It's burning!

Lasswell: Curse it all...! How can this be?

Rain (!): Isn't that...!?

Lasswell: Yes... and it would seem he is no longer alone. We barely survived a fight with this one... What if they're all as strong as him?

(Rain and Lasswell draw their weapons as the black-clad armored man approaches.)

Rain: Brace yourself, Lasswell!

(The scene shakes as a hole appears in the castle grounds! The girl in the crystal appears!)

Rain (!): That girl!

Lasswell: It's the same girl that we saw on the airship. What is going on here?

King of Grandshelt: Could it be...? That which was sealed within the Earth Crystal.. was it... this girl?

(The black-armored man gets a (...) above his head.)

???: You again... And now hold the power of visions.

Rain: That's right. We won't fall so easily this time!

???: I gave you fair warning. Your ignorance is your sin.

Rain: Why is it that every time you open your mouth, I feel like punching someone in the face?

???: You stubborn weeds may grow to become thorns in my side, if I neglect to exterminate you now. So be it... Know that I am one of the Sworn Six of Paladia. The Veritas of the Dark!

(He summons a ball of darkness!)

Veritas of the Dark:

(He hurls the ball towards Rain and Lasswell! The girl in the crystal stops it, her crystal shattering in the process.)

???: This man is our last hope... We will not allow you to harm him!

Lasswell: Such power...!

Rain: Just who - or WHAT - is this girl!?

Veritas of the Dark: Bah... no matter. Our work here is done. The next crystal awaits.

(The girl flashes light as Veritas of the Dark strolls off. The scene shifts. The girl is draped in Rain's kilt and kneeling on the ground.)

Rain: You saved us, didn't you? .... Thank you.

Fina: I... am Fina...

Rain: Fina? Your name is Fina?

Fina: Yes... I think. But my name... is all I can remember.

Rain: She's... lost her memories? Is it because of us? Because she used that power to save us?

Lasswell: We should take both the girl and His Majesty to the medics at once.

Rain: ...You're right. Let's go.

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

GRANDSHELT ISLES - SWORN SIX OF PALADIA - ROYAL CAPITAL GRANDSHELT 2

(The scene opens in front of the statue in the Royal Capital. Lasswell is talking to some soldiers. Rain is nowhere to be found.)

Lasswell: .. Then we leave His Majesty and the girl in your hands.

Grandshelt Captain: Yes, sir! We will ensure their safety.

Lasswell: Now where has Rain gotten to? I don't see him anywhere...

Grandshelt Captain: If you mean Commander Rain, he headed to the west gate some time ago...

Lasswell (...): That fool... Where does he think he's going at a vital time like this?

(Lasswell heads for the west gate.)

Next entry...

Previously...

GRANDSHELT ISLES - CASTLE RUSH - GRANDSHELT CATACOMBS OPENING

Rain: Come on! We have to get to the throne room as quickly as we can!

Lasswell: These tunnels are like a maze. Don't lose your way.

Rain(🎵): Who do you think you're talking to? I know these tunnels like the back of my hand. I always snuck down here to escape from your tedious training regimes.

Lasswell (grumble): When we've made it through this, my first task will be to place a guard by the entrance around the clock.

Rain (!) Are you sure? That, uh... doesn't sound like a very efficient use of resources.

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

GRANDSHELT ISLES - CASTLE RUSH - GRANDSHELT CATACOMBS 1

Rain: It's as if they're trying to keep us from going inside...

Lasswell: Ridiculous! Mere beasts can't reason like that.

(first wave commences, and leads to second wave which starts without dialogue. After 2nd wave is killed...)

Rain: Look at their movements. It's like they're being controlled by someone... or something. Where they appear, the timing of their attacks... It's almost... strategic.

Lasswell: You're suggesting there's someone pulling the strings?

Rain: I'd bet on it. The only question is... who?

(Battle progresses to 3rd wave but doesn't start yet.)

Lasswell: Does the gate still hold?

Rain: It's not just the gate that has kept Grandshelt Castle standing all these years... It's the strength of the knights who defend it... in service of their liege and their countrymen. Even if the gate falls, the castle will not. Our brothers-in-arms will see to that!

Lasswell: Let us hope so...

(Third wave commences, and progresses to a Boss Battle against a shark. After it is dead...)

Rain: I feel a strange sensation coming from below...

Lasswell: I feel it, too. This vague yet undeniable sense of foreboding...

Rain: I just hope we're not walking into a trap...

(Battle progresses to a fifth wave, but doesn't start.)

Laswell: We're almost to the center. Steel yourself, Rain. This won't be an easy one.

Rain: I know, Lasswell... I know. Let's deal with them and get back to the surface... quickly.

(Fifth wave commences, then proceeds to another boss fight, this time against an Architeuth.

Rain: What the...!? Is this their leader or something!?

Lasswell: A giant... squid?

Rain: He's a long way from home. Let's send him back to the sea, Lasswell!

(Battle commences. After the boss is vanquished..)

Rain: Phew! Looks like that's all of them. The stairs ahead will take us to the castle.

Lasswell: I hope my lady is safe...

Rain: It's quiet... too quiet. We should be wary.

Next entry...

Previously...

GRANDSHELT ISLES - LUNATIC VOICE - SIREN'S TOWER OPENING

(Rain and Lasswell enter Siren's Tower. Rain gets a (...) over his head and turns to speak to Lasswell.)

Rain: Lasswell... Do you feel that?

Lasswell: This does not bode well. I feel an unearthly power coming from the top of the tower.

Rain(🎵): Then what are we waiting for? Let's go and introduce ourselves!

Lasswell (!): You're actually serious, aren't you?

Rain(🎵): Of course I am! We don't want to be rude, right? Great beauties can have great tempers.

(Rain runs off. Lasswell grumbles.)

Lasswell: Why do I have a feeling this won't end well...?

(Lasswell follows after Rain.)

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

GRANDSHELT ISLES - LUNATIC VOICE - SIREN'S TOWER 1

Lasswell: There were never monsters in this tower before... To think the effects of the shattered crystal have been felt this far...

Rain: But look on the bright side! A legendary beauty has returned to our world.

(Wave 1 of battle commences. It proceeds directly to wave 2 without further dialogue. After wave 2 is vanquished...)

Lasswell: Rain. You need to understand this. Siren is an esper. She's not a rose in bloom. She's more beast than human.

Rain: Oh, Lasswell. Is there no romance at all in that cold heart of yours? Monster or maiden, if she's beautiful... there's nothing to worry about!

Lasswell: Famous last words.

(Battle progresses to wave 3, but doesn't commence.)

Rain: Out of my way, fiends! We have a date with Siren!

Lasswell: They say Siren has the power to charm any man. But I never though I'd see someone fall under her spell before even meeting her.

Rain: Hm? Who are you talking about?

Lasswell: Just a starry-eyed fool I happen to know.

(Wave 3 commences, and progresses to wave 4 without dialogue. After wave 4 is killed...)

Rain: Talk about a tough climb.... But I must stay strong... I'm coming for you, my fairest!

Lasswell: I hate to burst your bubble, but you do realize your fairest is going to try to kill us?

Rain: Don't you get it, Lasswell? That's what makes it so romantic!

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

GRANDSHELT ISLES - LUNATIC VOICE - LUNATIC VOICE 1

(Rain and Lasswell approach Siren.)

Rain: This is no ordinary foe we face... This is an esper. But still... We can't give up hope before the fight's begun!

Lasswell: ...Indeed. We are knights of Grandshelt. No matter how fearsome the foe, we must fight with courage and honor.

(Battle commences.)

Lasswell: Look sharp, Rain! Here she comes!

Rain: And she's every bit as beautiful as I imagined.... She looks like the type who likes her men strong and rugged. Know that that means, Lasswell? It's time to show her what we've got!

(After battle is over.)

Rain: My fairest! To look upon your face once more...

Lasswell: I'm just glad we're still standing. And we owe it to the power of visions.

Rain: ....And to that girl who gave us the power, huh?

Lasswell: Above all, we owe it to Sir Raegen. Without his knowledge, we would be lost.

Rain: If you say so....

???: Most impressive, brave ones.

(Rain and Lasswell get ! over their heads.)

???: I am Siren. I am that which you humans would call...an esper. To wield great power requires great power of one's own. Such is the way of the world. Oh, how long have I waited for a worthy opponent to withstand my power without giving in to fear. And so I share my power with you. Shirk not from this strength, and it shall illuminate the truth...

(Siren turns to stone. The power of Siren is now yours!)

Rain: An esper offering her powers to us....? Somebody pinch me!

Lasswell: We've been entrusted with a great gift. We must use it wisely.

Rain (♥): Don't you worry, Lasswell. I know how to handle strong women.

Lasswell: Let me guess.... You completely repulse them with your gawking before they even have a chance to draw near.

Rain (sweatdrop): You wound me, Lasswell. A crueler blow than any Siren dealt.

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

GRANDSHELT ISLES - LUNATIC VOICE - LUNATIC VOICE 2

(The two approach Siren's statue.)

Rain: This is where we first met Siren....But it feels... different somehow.

(Siren becomes flesh once more!)

Rain (!): Siren!?

Siren: The time is nigh... The time for my powers to reach heights unimaginable... And so I ask of you... are you worthy of this power?

Rain: What's happening!?

Lasswell: Here she comes!

(Battle commences. Afterwards...)

Rain: Phew! Somehow, we came out on top...again.

Lasswell: And I thought her powers were great before.... Siren! What is the meaning of this?

Siren: By sharing our journey with humans, our powers evolve and grow.... You have grown besides me, brave ones. You have proven yourselves worthy of this power.... And so I offer it to you.

(Siren evolved!)

Rain: So espers mature and grow through their experiences... just like us.

Lasswell(...): And yet, if we seek to wield these heightened powers... we must prove ourselves worthy.

Rain: Simple enough, I'd say. And that's how I like it!

Lasswell: ....Tell me something I don't know. And yet, you speak true. There's no need to overthink matters. If we believe in our own strength, the espers will doubtless respond in kind.

Next entry...

Previously...

GRANDSHELT ISLES - GUIDING THE JOURNEY - TOWN OF MITRA 1

(A villager gets a ! over his head and approaches Rain and Lasswell as they enter the town of Mitra.)

Villager: I saw that, you two. You took care of that pesky ochu for us, didn't you? Come with me, there's something I'd like to show you.

(Rain and Lasswell go with the villager to the forge.)

Villager: The name's Gylbart. I run the forge here in Mitra.

Rain: The forge?

Gylbart: Aye, the forge. You're standing in it. This is where you can slap together new weapons and abilities, assuming you have the recipes and components you need. The forge is yours to use as you'd like. Consider it a thank-you for getting rid of that ochu.

(The crafting tutorial appears.)

Gylbart: I'll give you some things you can start practicing with. Give it a try sometime.

(You get the recipe and components to make a Bronze Knife.)

Lasswell: That was quite generous of him.

Rain: It was. If we can make our own weapons, our way back to the castle should be a lit easier to tackle.

Lasswell: The way still lies ahead of us, though. Which path do we take?

Rain: I've been thinking about that myself. The shortest route would be the one that goes through Dalnakya Cavern...but...

(There's a flash of light! The two run towards the Farplane stone, which suddenly appeared.)

Lasswell: This wasn't here a moment ago, was it!? What do you think it is? It looks as if it's causing some sort of distortion!

(There's another flash as the two disappear.)

-------------
GRANDSHELT ISLES - GUIDING THE JOURNEY - FARPLANE 1

(Rain and Lasswell find themselves in the Farplane. An ! appears over their heads as they look around.)

Lasswell: What in the...what is this place?

Rain: I've got it. It's obvious! It's a dream...it has to be! Give me your cheek, okay? I'll give it a good pinch.

Lasswell (irritated): Why me!? Pinch yourself, you fool!

(A flash of light, and the girl in the crystal appears. The two turn to look at her.)

???: This...is the Farplane. For those with the power of visions, a place of great trials...and great blessings.

(The Farplane tutorial appears: in the Farplane, you will find the Dimensional Vortex, from which you can access dungeons full of special quests that will pit you against powerful enemies.)

(The crystal disappears. Rain and Lasswell get (...) over their heads as they turn to look at each other.)

Rain: Great trials...and great blessings? So is this Farplane a good thing, or what?

Lasswell: A blessing in disguise, perhaps...let us proceed with caution.

Rain: Hey, if these trials will make us stronger, what are we waiting for?

Lasswell: At times, your optimism could almost be mistaken for stupidity...

Rain(🎵): Cut me some slack, Lasswell. Anyway, it seems like we can come here anytime, so let's go back for now.

(They teleport out of the Farplane.)

Next entry...