Intro

--- Airship Deck/Battle ---

*Rain and lasswell atop an airship deck about to fight an enemy*

Rain:

Ah, the night sky. The stars, the moonlight...the flying monsters.

Lasswell:

Could you focus, Rain?

I'd prefer to avoid a crash landing if it's all the same to you.

Rain:

Something doesn't feel right...

Lasswell:

Indeed. Puny beasts like these keep a wirde berth of airships.

---

--- Battle End ---

Lasswell:

Was that the last of them?

???:

Please...

Rain:

...Hm?

???:

Please... Help me...

Rain:

...A girl's voice? But we're in the middle of the clouds...!

*Scene Break*

*A girl in a crystal appears in the air infront of Rain and Lasswell*

Rain:

Is that...a crystal!?

???:

Please... You must...help me...

Hurry...to the Temple of Earth...The crystal...will be shattered...

You are...our only hope...Without you...this world...will be lost...

*Crystal Girl disappears*

Lasswell:

Do my eyes deceive me...?

Rain! Have you taken leave of your senses? We have our orders!

Rain:

...And I haven't forgotten them. But I can't ignore a plea for help.

As a knight of Grandshelt, I'll do my duty!

Lasswell:

You haven't changed a bit since we were kids, huh?

Rain:

And you know me better than anyone. Which is why I know you'll come with me.

*Scene Break*

*Rain and lasswell plus soldiers in airship interior*

Lasswell:

New orders, men! We make for the Shrine of Earth!

Rain:

The change in course may be sudden, but rest assured our cause is true. Onward!

--- Forest/Shrine ---

*Rain and Lasswell are addressing their subordinates upon landing*

Rain:

Wait here, men.

Lasswell and I will investigate.

Grandshelt

Soldier:

B-but...sir!

Rain:

We know not what dangers lurk inside. I need you here, to keep our vessel safe.

Grandshelt

Soldier:

Aye! As you command, sir!

*Scene Break*

*Rain and lasswell come upon the shrine*

Rain:

So this is the Shrine of Earth...

Lasswell:

Rain. Are you sure this is wise? The two of us going in alone...

Rain:

I can't risk my men's lives for some flight of fancy, now can I?

Lasswell:

Bu you would risk your own. Which suggests that you believe that was more than an illusion we saw.

Rain:

All I can say is that illusion or not, that girl's tears looked real enough to me.

*Rain runs ahead into the shrine*

Lasswell:

Rain! At the very least, could you wait for me!?

---

*Rain and Lasswell enter the shrine*

Lasswell:

Everything seems in order..To my eyes, at least...

Rain:

...Then you may want to have your eyes examined, friend.

Lasswell:

Monsters!? Inside the temple!?

What of the barrier!? Has it been broken?

Rain:

The fiend standing before us seems to be nodding "yes."

Lasswell:

Take care not to cut yourself on that sharp wit, Rain.

Rain:

At any rate, it would seem our girl in the sky spoke true.

...Lasswell. Where can we find the crystal?

Lasswell:

In the shrine's innermost chamber.

---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

You have hidden wisdom, Rain. We are needed here, just as you said.

Rain:

See, Lasswell? It's just like i always say...

You can always trust a pretty face!

Lasswell:

Hmph. It is terribly well-hidden wisdom, isn't it.

--- Battle part 2 ---

Lasswell:

Rain, stay focused.

No one would deny that you're one of Grandshelt's finest. But physical prowess only goes so far.

You must develop discipline. I tire of always having to keep an eye on you.

Rain:

I would have thought that right now, you'd be keeping both eyes on our foes.

Lasswell:

O-of course I am! What kind of fool do you take me for!?

--- Battle end ---

Lasswell:

Rain. For once in your life, listen to me.

All the knights of Grandshelt look up to you. Your words, your demeanor... You must lead by example.

I don't like to dictate your behavior... It will be a relief for both of us when I no longer have to.

Rain:

Who said I wanted to be a role model?

If you care so much, you be the shining example!

---

--- Intro ends ---

--- Earth Shrine - Exit ---

Lasswell:

Rain... You are one of the most talented in our order. You know this as well as I.

But this willfulness...this apathy! Can you not see how it reflects on you!?

Everything you do convinces me I must watch you like a hawk.

Rain:

Could anything I do convince you to watch our foes instead?

---

--- Boss Battle ---

Rain:

Maybe this one will actually put up a fight.

Lasswell:

We must watch our foe's movement closely... and choose our tactics wisely.

Rain:

Looks like we're in for a shock each time we hit the thing!

Lasswell:

Then perhaps magic will better serve us. Rain, defend yourself!

Rain:

You got it!

---

--- Battle end ---

Phew! That one actually made me break a sweat.

Lasswell:

Indeed.

Rain:

But our path is now clear. To the chamber of the crystal!

---

--- Cutscene, Innermost chamber ---

*Rain and Lasswell come upon a man in armor standing infront of the crystal*

Lasswell:

Who goes there!? Step away from the crystal!

???(Man in armor):

If ignorance is a sin, then your sin is grievous indeed.

Rain:

What's that supposed to mean!?

???(Man in armor):

Seven long centuries of sin...And now it is time you atoned.

Lasswell:

Atone...? What is this madness?

*Man in armor charges up a magic ball*

Rain:

Lasswell! Watch out!

*Man in armor throws magic ball at Rain and Lasswell*

???(Man in armor):

...And so it begins. My hammer of vengeance shall crush this eternity of lies.

*Man in armor destroys the Earth Crystal and walks away*

Rain:

N-No... Stop...!

*Rain collapses alongside Lasswell*

???(Crystal Girl):

Take this power... the power of visions. The power...to stave off the darkness.

*Imbues rain and lasswell with power awakening them, then heals them.*

Rain:

Who...who are you?

???(Crystal Girl):

*Light shines upon Rain and Lasswell teleporting them out of the shrine*

Live. Live...and save this world.

*Screen fades to white, then to Rain and Lasswell outside the shrine*

Lasswell:

What in the world just happened?

Rain:

The power...of visions?

Grandshelt

Soldier:

Aaaaaaggh!!!

*Rain and lasswell run from shrine*

*Scene break*

*Rain and Lasswell come upon their destroyed airship and their men dead, with one barely holding on*

Rain:

These wounds! Be strong, man!

Soldier:

Ungggh... The man...in armor... He was...too...strong for us...

Rain:

O-open your eyes!

We'll find a healer! Just...stay with us!

Lasswell:

Enough, Rain... He's gone.

Rain:

Curses...! How could this all go so wrong...

Lasswell:

We must return to the castle and make a full report.

...And to see that our brothers get a proper burial.

Rain:

...You're right, Lasswell. Let's go.

---

--- Ladius Woods ---

*Entering the forest, Lasswell turns to face Rain*

Lasswell:

Rain.. Are you all right?

Rain:

..Yeah. Once we're out of these woods, we should head straight for Mitra village.

Laswell:

Before we do, Rain...there is something I should tell you.

It's about the power of visions... a power that is now ours.

Lasswell:

The memories and emotions of people housed inside crystals...

These are visions.

By summoning forth the visions of heroes of ages past and worlds distant...

...We can call upon their strength in battle.

But enough words. It is best you see this power for yourself.

*Rain begins to glow*

Go ahead, Rain. Try to summon a vision.

*Scene break to summon*

Lasswell:

I believe that qualifies as a success. It would seem we have gained a strong ally.

Rain:

Summoning visions... I never knew such a power existed...

Lasswell:

Indeed. But take heed: summoning a vision is only the first step.

*Managing parties tutorial appears*

Lasswell:

With this, the visions of the heroes you summon will lend us their strength.

This power is not ours by chance or whim. We must use it wisely, and to the fullest.

Rain:

Lasswell... Just how do you know so much about this? Visions and summoning and all...

Lasswell:

Sir Raegen taught me well. Yes, Rain...your father.

Rain:

That old codger? But why would he...?

Lasswell:

Codger!? That is no way to speak of your father, Rain!

Sir Raegen was one of Grandshelt's finest. A knight of true honor!

Rain:

Honor... indeed.

Lasswell:

When Sir Raegen first spoke to me of visions, I could scarce understand why he wanted me to know.

Perhaps he foresaw that we would one day wield this power...

Rain:

But where did he learn about these visions in the first place...?

Never mind. Worrying about such matters won't helps us now. We should get to Mitra, then hurry onward to make our report.

*Rain and Lasswell continue into the forest*

---

--- Ladius Woods - North ---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

Monsters here, too? What a treat.

Rain:

Something isn't right, Lasswell. The madness in their eyes...

Lasswell:

Do you think it's because of what happened to the crystal?

Rain:

That's precisely what I'm afraid of..

---

--- Battle part 2 ---

Rain:

Are we almost to mitra?

Lasswell:

About halfway, by my measure.

Rain:

Only halfway? My legs cry for mercy...They can Take no more!

We've no choice, Lasswell. You're going to have to carry me the rest of the way.

Lasswell:

...Or i could just leave you here.

---

--- Ladius Woods - Central ---

--- Battle ---

Rain:

Curses! Is there no end to them?

Lasswell:

Stay focused, Rain! If we fall here, the sacrifices of our men will have been for naught!

Rain:

I know, Lasswell... I know.

We must prevail. For them...and for our world.

--- Ladius Woods - South ---

*Rain and Lasswell are walking through the forest, and stop at a pond*

Lasswell:

You've grown comfortable battling alonside visions.

Rain:

Let me gues... More super-secret knowledge from my old man.

Lasswell:

...Indeed. Sir Raegen taught me much.

Rain:

...What a joke. He taught you all this and never said a word to me, his own son?

Lasswell:

Would you have Listened if he had?

Rain:

...Point taken.

--- Boss Battle End ---

Rain:

Fancy finding an ochu in these parts.

Lasswell:

If this, too, is a consequence of the shattered crystal, it bodes ill for our journey.

Rain:

Mitra's not far from here. We should hurry.

---

--- Town of Mitra ---

*Scrolling slide with name of town. Rain and Laswell entering town and a villager moving to talk to them*

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 want to show you.

*Screen fades to blacksmith*

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.

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

*Cutscene Ends into a new one with Rain and Lasswell walking through town*

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 lot 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...

*Screen flashes and Rain and Lasswell run towards a weird stone*

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!

*A portal opens and swallows Rain and Lasswell*

*Scene break to Rain and Lasswell appearing in a mysterious place.*

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:

Why me!? Pinch yourself, you fool!

*Screen flashes and Crytal Girl appears again*

???(Crystal Girl):

This...is the Farplane.

For those with the power of visions, a place of great trials... and greater blessings.

*Crystal Girl disappears*

Rain:

Great Trials...and great blessings? So is this Farplane place 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 mistkaen for stupidity...

Rain:

Cut me some slack, Lasswell. Anyways, it seems like we can come here anytime, so let's go back for now.

*Portal opens to take Rain and Lasswell back, Scene ends*

--- Dalnakya Cavern ---

*Cutscene of Rain and Lasswell walking up to the cave entrance and finding a person collapsed*

Rain:

Hey! Are you all right!? Can you stand!?

Villager:

Ungggh...My friends... My family... The goblins took them all...

Lasswell:

Goblins raiding a human village...? Preposterous!

It would seem the consequences of the crystal's destruction are even more grievous than we feared...

Rain:

Don't worry about your friends. We'll take it from here.

Lasswell:

Rain...! Our kingdom itself is in peril. If we don't hurry back to the castle...!

Rain:

I know. I know where our duty lies, Lasswell.

But don't we also have a duty to these people? Should we just leave them to their fate!?

Lasswell:

But...Rain! We are knights of Grandshelt! We have a duty to the greater good!

Rain:

Is it chivalry to turn a blind eye to those suffering before your eyes?

Does a knight of Grandshelt not live to serve the weak!?

You know this is so, Lasswell!

Lasswell:

You have the right of it...this time. Very well. We will rescue the villagers from the goblin's den.

Rain:

That's the Lasswell I Know! A knight of honor if ever there was one.

Lasswell:

I'm not doing this for your praise. If we're decided, let's get moving.

*Scene ends*

--- Dalnakya Cavern - Entrance ---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

Rain... You're really a softy, aren't you?

Rain:

Who's a bigger softy: the softy, or the softy who follows him?

Lasswell:

P-preposterous! Do not liken me to yourself!

Rain:

The villagers should be up ahead. Let's focus, shall we?

---

--- Battle part 2 ---

Lasswell:

More goblins!

Rain:

And in a goblin den of all places! What did you expect to find?

Lasswell:

I expected to find goblins. ...And a bit less of your cheek, if you don't mind.

Rain:

We're only halfway through, so brace yourself for more of both.

---

--- Battle end ---

Lasswell:

These goblins are definately fiercer than the garden variety.

Buy why would the crystal's destruction make monsters run wild?

Rain:

Another homework assignment for you when we get to the castle, eh?

Lasswell:

An assignment for us. And don't try to get out of it.

---

--- Dalnakya Cavern - Exit ---

--- Battle ---

Rain: Goblin is a cute-sounding word, isn't it? When you say it over and over.

Lasswell:

What nonsense are you talking now?

Rain:

Goblin. Goblin! You see what i mean? It's got a happy sort of tone.

Lasswell:

...I'm not participating in this conversation.

---

--- Battle part 2 ---

Rain:

Not like Lasswell. That's got a mean, hissing sort of sound, doesn't it?

Lasssssswell. Lllasssssswelll.

Lasswell:

What!?

Rain:

Why don't we we give you a nickname. Lass... Lassie... Welly... Welbow! No, just Welly. Good old Welly.

Lasswell:

I will not answer to...Welly.

--- Battle End ---

Rain:

Who, Welly? Oh, yes, I know Welly! I know Welly well. I know Welly...welly well indeed.

Lasswell:

I'll only warn you once. Stop this immediately.

Or else you too shall bear a nickname...my sweet little Rainikins.

Rain:

Nooo! I'll stop, I'll stop! Urgh...my whole skin crawled away.

---

--- Dalnakya Cavern - Demon's Lair ---

--- Battle ---

Rain:

Is it just me, or are there more of them than before?

Lasswell:

It's not just you. And they're getting stronger.

We must be nearing the inner caves.

Rain:

I hope the villagers are okay...

---

--- Battle end ---

Rain:

All right! That should be last of them!

Lasswell:

And the villagers are safe as well. We should really be moving along.

We've lost precious time, Rain. I would advise you not to be such a softy next time...

...If i thought you would listen.

Rain:

See, Lasswell? You know me better than anyone!

---

*Cutscene of Rain, Lasswell and villagers exiting cave then talking.

Villager:

I'm Free! Oh, thank the crystals! However can I repay you?

Rain:

No need for that. We're just glad we could help.

Lasswell:

I trust you can find your way home on your own. Duty calls us to the castle.

Villager:

O-of course! There is... just one small thing.

Not long ago, there was an eruption of light from Siren's Tower.

I don't know what it was but...I have a bad feeling you know?

You don't reckon the seal has been broken?

Lasswell:

You cannot be serious... We cannot afford another diversion!

Rain:

But what if this is also because of the shattered crystal?

And more importantly...

Siren's beauty is literally legendary!

How can we pass up a chance to meet her in the flesh?

Lasswell:

...I suppose we do have a duty to investigate. ...The seal that is.

Rain:

Oh, comme off it, Lasswell! Don't be ashamed to admit you want to check her out, too.

Lasswell:

I'll check you out with a fist to the head if you don't stop this at once!

*Scene ends*

--- Siren's Tower ---

*Cutscene inside tower*

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:

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

---

--- Siren's Tower - Lower Floors ---

--- Battle ---

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.

---

--- Battle end ---

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.

---

--- Siren's tower - Middle Floors ---

--- Battle ---

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.

---

--- Battle end ---

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!

--- Siren's Tower - Upper Floors ---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

Hah! In any case, it's all legend and hearsay anyway. For all we know, Siren may not be beautiful at all.

Rain:

Wh-what!?

Lasswell:

For all we know, its true form could be that of a man.

Rain:

N...no! No! Say it isn't so!

Lasswell:

Come now, Rain. I'm only teasing you.

---

--- Battle part 2 ---

Lasswell: I'm sure she's every bit the beauty you yearn for. So let's get moving, okay?

Rain:

You got it! Nothing shall keep me from my destiny!

Lasswell:

Though i suppose Siren could be a very beautiful man...

---

--- Battle end ---

Lasswell:

This powerful aura coming from above...

Rain:

Finally, it looks like we have our date with Siren!

Lasswell:

So this is the power of an esper...

Do we truly stance a chance against such might?

---

--- Siren's Tower - Top Floor ---

*Cutscene of Rain and Lasswell approaching 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 knight of Grandshelt.

No matter how fearsome the fore, we must fight with courage and honor.

*Cutscene ends*

--- Battle ---

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 what that means, Lasswell? It's time to show her what we've got!

---

--- Battle end ---

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...

---

*Cutscene after*

???(Siren):

Most impressive, brave ones.

???(Siren):

I am Siren. I am that which you human would call...an esper.

Siren:

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.

Shirtk not from this strength, and it shall illuminate the truth...

*Screen fades to white and back, showing siren as a statue*

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 walks away*

Lasswell:

Let me guess...

You completely repulse them with your gawking before they even have a chance to draw near.

*Rain walks away*

Rain:

You wound me, Lasswell. A crueler blow than any Siren dealt.

---

--- Dalnakya Plains ---

*cutscene of Rain and Lasswell talking in the rain*

Rain:

At last...the plains of Dalnakya.

Once we cross these, we'll be only a stone's throw from the castle.

Lasswell:

It seems like just yesterday when we cam here together. You, me...and Sir Raegen.

Of all his loyal retainers, His Majesty always trusted Sir Raegen above all others.

Rain:

He may have been a great knight, but that didn't make him a great father.

New marching orders from His Majesty? Off he'd go, without so much as a farewell.

Then one day he disappeared for good. As if he didn't hurt Mother enough...

Lasswell:

And yet deep down...you still believe. That Sir Raegen is alive out there...

Rain:

You bet I do. There's no way I'm letting him die until him a good punch in the face.

After all the pain he put Mother through... I owe the selfish old bastard that much.

*Rain runs off*

Lasswell:

How nice it must be...

*Lasswell walks off*

to have a father you care enough about to hate...

---

--- Dalnakya Plains - North ---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

it seems we have company...again.

Rain:

Monster this close to the castle? Where are the guards?

Lasswell:

I have a bad feeling about this. We should hurry.

---

--- Battle end ---

Lasswell:

Something isn't right. I fear for the castle...

Rain:

If we hadn't taken that detour to Siren's Tower, we'd be there already.

Lasswell:

Don't talk like a fool, Rain. You made the right decision.

We must press on, and focus on the task at hand.

Rain:

You're right, Lasswell. Forgive me...

---

--- Dalnakya Plains - Central ---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

Curses! How are we supposed to get anywhere with all these distractions!?

Rain:

Calm yourself, Lasswell. Getting all worked up isn't going to get us there any faster.

Lasswell:

I know... I know...and yet!

Rain:

I'm supposed to be the hothead, Remember? You're supposed to be reining me in.

Lasswell:

That was the arguement, wasn't it? Ahem...It won't happen again.

--- Battle end ---

Rain:

Grandshelt's defenses are strong. The castle will not fall easily.

Lasswell:

Yes... and that is our only consolation.

My brothers... Pray hold strong until our return...!

---

--- Dalnakya Plains - East Gates ---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

We're almost to the eastern gate!

Rain:

Lasswell!

From the castle! The stench of blood...and something burning!

Lasswell:

And look here...monsters lurking in the shadows.

Rain:

We've got this, Lasswell!

---

--- Boss battle ---

Rain:

Gaaaaaaaaah! Out of the way! Let us pass!

Lasswell:

Hear me, vermin! You'll lay not one fiendish claw on our castle!

---

*Cutscene of a castle and soldiers fighting each other with Rain and Lasswell approaching*

Lasswell:

Come, Rain! We'll take those foes and storm the gates!

Rain:

Wait, Lasswell!

We haven't the time to waste on a horde like that.

First we have to get inside and see that His Majesty is safe!

Lasswell:

As much as it pains me to admit it... you have a point.

Rain:

Fortunately for us, the gate still holds. We'll just have to enter the castle by another route.

Lasswell:

The tunnels!

Rain:

Exactly! They exit out to someplace north of the castle walls.

Lasswell:

Then let's hurrt there. The gate won't hold much longer.

* Rain and Lasswell run off, cutscene ends*

--- Grandshelt Catacombs ---

*Cutscene of Rain and Lasswell walking through the catacombs*

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 regimens.

*Lasswell walks off*

Lasswell:

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

*Rain follows*

Rain:

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

---

--- Grandshelt Catacombs - Entrance ---

--- Battle ---

Rain:

It's as if their trying to keep us from going inside...

Lasswell:

Ridiculous! Mere beasts can't reason like that.

---

--- Battle end ---

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?

---

Grandshelt Catacombs - Sewer ---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

Does the gate still hold?

Rain:

It's not just the gat that's 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...

---

--- Battle end ---

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...

---

--- Grandshelt Catacombs - Exit ---

Lasswell:

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.

---

--- Boss battle ---

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 end ---

Rain:

Phew! Looks like that's the last of them.

The stairs head will take us to the castle.

Lasswell:

I hope His Majesty is safe...

Rain:

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

---

--- Grandshelt Castle ---

*Cutscene of Rain and Lasswell walking around the halls with dead soldiers everywhere*

Soldier:

Ugh...

Rain:

Are you all right!? Steady on, man!

Soldier:

We tried to evacuate the people first...So the king...is still...inside...

Rain:

Don't worry. We will save His Majesty. It's time you got out of here as well.

Soldier:

Forgive us...For protecting the castle so feebly...

If the castle falls...it will be the end of Grandshelt...

Rain:

Have no fear of that my timorous comrade.

Soldier:

Wha...?

Rain:

...For as long as we have our soverign and our people, there shall always be a Grandshelt.

And we will keep our king safe, and our people, at any cost.

That is our duty, as knights of Grandshelt!

Lasswell:

Yes, quite. Do not despair yet, my friend.

Soldier:

Thank you, both of you...Then i leave the king in your hands.

Lasswell:

His majesty is probably in the throne room still. We should go to him.

Rain:

Then what are we waiting for!

*Rain and Lasswell run off*

---

--- Grandshelt Castle - First Floor ---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

Indeed. But how typical of our king...

To put his people's lives before his own... and to delay his own escape until the end.

Such courage...such compassion...There can be no greater honor than to serve him.

Rain:

You're right about that. We need to rescue him...and quickly.

--- Grandshelt Castle - Second floor ---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

But to think the invaders got this far...

Just what manner of foe are we dealing with?

Rain:

If you ask me...I'd say that creep in the dark armor has something to do with it.

Lasswell:

If so, I fear we have our work cut out for us.

Rain:

But now we have the power of visions on our side! Surely we'll triumph this time!

---

--- Grandshelt Castle - Throne Room ---

--- Battle ---

Rain:

The throne room's just ahead. Onward!

Lasswell:

Your Majesty! Are you Safe...!?

---

--- Boss battle ---

Lasswell:

Gah! What are these fiends!?

Rain:

Watch out, Lasswell! These are no ordinary foes!

Lasswell:

I know, but...! We have to protect His Majesty!

Rain:

That's right! And that's why they're going down!

---

*Cutscene of Rain and Lasswell coming upon the king*

Lasswell:

Your Majesty! Are you hurt?

King of Grandshelt:

Lasswell...and Rain...You've returned to us... I am unharmed, but my men...

*Rains walks over to the soldiers and shakes his head*

My loyal generals...They fell...protecting me...

*Rain and Lasswell bow in front of the king*

Lasswell:

I am sorry, Majesty. If we had only returned sooner...

King of Grandshelt:

No. I am glad enough the two of you survived.

Especially you, Rain.

If anything ever happened to you, I could never face Raegen again.

Rain:

Lasswell. We should escort the king to safety. We'll group with the troops outside.

King of Grandshelt:

Thank you both...I'm sorry to be such a burden.

*Rain and Lasswell move to support the king*

...Oh, and Rain. I have something for you.

Rain:

What is it?

King of Grandshelt:

Something that Raegen left with me. He wanted me to give it to you when the time was right...

I do believe...that time may have come.

*Cutscene ends as Rain and Lasswell help the king move*

---

*Cutscene of the castle in flames and Rain and Lasswell with the king outside*

Rain:

The castle...It's burning!

Lasswell:

Damn it...How can this be?

Rain:

Isn't that...!?

Lasswell:

Yes...and he is no longer alone. Look, Rain. There are more just like him!

We barely survived a fight with just that one man...What if they're all as strong as him?

Rain:

Brace yourself, Lasswell.

*Rumbling occurs as a hole appears and the Crystal girl comes out of it*

Rain:

That girl!

Lasswell:

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

King of Grandshelt:

Ah...

Could it be her? She who was sealed within the Earth Crystal all this time?

???(Man in armor)

You two...

Ahhh... And now you hold the power of visions.

Rain:

That's right. We won't be beaten so easily this time!

???(Man in armor):

Didn't I warn you before? About the crime of Ignorance.

Rain:

Seriously...Every time you open your mouth, you manage to piss me off.

???(Man in armor):

You stubborn weeds may grow to become thorns in my side, if I neglect to exterminate you now. So be it...

???(Man in armor):

Know that i am one of the Sworn Six of Paladia... Veritas of the Dark!

Veritas of the Dark:

Now die!

*Veritas throws another magic ball at the party, but is blocked by the Crystal Girl, shattering her crystal*

???(Girl)

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

Lasswell:

Such incredible power...

Rain:

Just what is this girl...?

Veritas of the Dark:

It matters not. We have done what we came here to do. Let us proceed to the next crystal.

*Veritas walks away as the other five teleport away, the screen then transitions to the party surrounding the girl on the ground who is wearing Rain's jacket*

Rain:

You saved us, didn't you?...Thank toy.

Fina:

I...am Fina...

Rain:

Fina? Your name is Fina?

Fina:

Yes, I...I don't remember...I can't remember anything else...

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.

*Cutscene ends*

--- Royal Capital Grandshelt ---

*Cutscene pans the city then shows Lasswell talking to a soldier*

Lasswell:

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

Grandshelt Captain:

Yes, sir! We will ensure their safety.

*Lasswell looks around*

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 walks off as the cutscene ends*

---

--- Fulan Pass ---

*Cutscene of Lasswell catching up to Rain on the road*

Lasswell:

Rain! There you are! Why did you take off without me?

Rain:

I'm going after them... Those armor-covered bastards... The "Sworn Six of Paladia."

Lasswell:

You reckless fool! Would you abandon your duties as a knight of the realm!?

Yes, we may have evacuated the castle and exterminated the monsters...

But now efforts to rebuild must begin. We must help those living in the castle and the town reclaim their normal lives.

Rain:

I'm sorry, Lasswell. But...I just can't stand it.

Carrying boards and patching walls when I know that we were powerless before that fiend Veritas...I can't stand it!

I've never felt like this before...I don't blame you if you're surprised. I'm surprised by it too.

That Veritas... He seemed wary of the power of visions.

So maybe I can stop him.

There are other who can help rebuild Grandshelt. You know that. But i've got to do this.

You do understand, right, Lasswell?

Lasswell:

...When they left, they mentioned they would make for the next crystal.

The closest crystal is the Wind Crystal On the continent of Dirnado.

We'll make for the Port of Lodin. We shall have to find a ship that is bound for Lanzelt soon.

Rain:

Lasswell... You mean you'll come with me?

Lasswell:

Of course.

Someone has to stop you from getting killed... And I just seem to be the only one available.

Rain:

Thank you, Lasswell. Thank you.

*Rain and Lasswell walk off, Fina appears then follows them and screen fades*

---

--- Fulan Pass - South ---

--- Battle ---

Lasswell:

If we follow the highroad, we'll reach the port town of Lodin.

Rain:

......

Lasswell:

Hm? Is something the matter?

Rain:

It's nothing. Let's press on.

---

--- Battle end ---

Lasswell:

The Sworn Six of Paladia...Just who-or what-are they?

Do they truly mean to destroy all the crystals?

And if so...to what end?

Rain:

We're caught in a web of mystery, my friend.

And the threads of that web spell out one word: shenanigans.

---

--- Fulan Pass - Central ---

--- Battle ---

Rain:

(What is she thinking?)

Lasswell:

Hm? Did you say something, Rain?

Rain:

What? No; nothing...

(How long does she intend to follow us...?)

Lasswell:

What is this mumbling!? If you have something to say, out with it!

---

--- Battle end ---

Lasswell:

Ah, of course. The matter of Fina...

When all this is over, there is much I would ask her.

Rain:

Well, you can ask her now. She's right here, you know.

Lasswell:

Just what are you getting at?

---

--- Fulan pass - Seasound Way ---

--- Battle ---

Rain:

Forget about it. Right now, we should focus on defeating our enemies.

Lasswell:

Since when did you become the voice of reason?

Rain:

If we don't take them out, who will protect the girl?

Lasswell:

The girl...? What girl? What are you going on about?

---

--- Battle end ---

Lasswell:

There. We should be safe...for now.

Rain:

Look! The port of Lodin lies just ahead!

Huzzah! Onward to Lodin! Onwaaaaaaaaard!

Lasswell:

Rain...we don't have an army. Who do you think you're shouting at?

---

--- Port City Lodin ---

*Cutscene panning city and name, then fading to show Rain and Lasswell walk inside, with Fina following and surprised by a monster*

Fina:

Ahhhhhh!

Lasswell:

Fina!? What are you doing here!?

Rain:

Lasswell! We've got to help her!

*Rain and lasswell run to help Fina, Battle*

Fina:

Th-thank you both...

Lasswell:

Rain. You knew she was following us?

Rain:

Yeah. Ever since we left the castle.

Lasswell:

Then why didn't you send her back?

Rain:

I assumed she must have some reason why she wanted to follow us.

Fina:

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

Lasswell:

You the girl who appeared to us in the sky, aren't you? I am grateful for the Vision's power, but...

We aren't going on a plesure cruise. You have to be prepared for a hard road.

*Lasswell walks off*

Rain:

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

*Rain and Fina walk off, cutscene ends*

---

--- Inferno Hollow ---

*Cutscene of Rain and Lasswell at entrance*

Lasswell:

Rain. Are you sure you're ready for this? To battle an esper of this nature?

Rain:

Would you feel better with more friends around?

Lasswell:

...Ifrit is more beast than esper.

It is no beauty like Siren, nor can it be reasoned with.

Rain:

Wait...seriously?

Lasswell:

...Did you learn none of the lessons required of aspiring knights?

Rain:

Oh yeah... Those... I never could concentrate on those...

Lasswell:

...And you still became a knight. Astounding. Truly astounding.

*Both walk off, cutscene ends*

---

--- Inferno Hollow - Entrance ---

--- Battle ---

Rain:

This heat! I'm Sweating buckets, Lasswell!

Lasswell:

And what do you want me to do about it?

If you can't take the heat, get out of the lava cave.

Rain:

Could you at least take off your jacket? It's make me sweat just looking at it.

Lasswell:

Nonsense. We're all hot in here. Just...deal with it.

---

--- Inferno Hollow - Flaming Road ---

--- Battle end ---

Rain:

Ifrit commands the power of flames, right?

Lasswell:

Indeed he does, for he is the esper of fire.

It seems you took in some of your father's lessons after all.

Rain:

So we're trudging through caverns of burning rock, filled hot lava...

...for the ultimate purpose of having scorching fireballs pelted at us.

Lasswell:

What's your point, Rain?

Rain:

I just think the jacket's a bit much.

Lasswell:

Enough about my jacket!

---

--- Inferno Hollow - Fire Beast's Lair ---

*Cutscene of Rain and Lasswell approaching ifrit*

Ifrit:

Hrrr... Who dares...Interrupt my sleep...?

Rain:

Oh, so you do talk!

That'll make things easier. Ifrit, we need your power!

Ifrit:

Hrrr... I hear nothing...nothing!

You there! If you can hear me, then strike me down together with these flames!

Free me from the cursed fires and I will lend mu power to your cause!

---

*Cutscene of talking after battle*

Ifrit:

Ah... The eternal seal of fire... It is gone...

Then as I promised, so will I do. I will be your strength.

*screen flashes white and ifrit is now a statue*

Rain:

What a well-tempered fellow...

Lasswell:

Really, Rain? Must you?

Ifrit was being sealed by those flames!

Rain:

You're right... That's just unsettling. Let's get out of here.

*Rain and Lasswell walk off, cutscene ends*