A Small Step
The crew visits an outlying island and comes across a Crystalia girl, Erin. When (Captain) invites her to see the outside world, the rare smile on her face shows that something has changed within her.
The crew visits a remote island.
There they come across some Crystalia girls.
Crystalia are humanoid women possessing special organs known as hearts of ice that grant them the power of frost.
Even if they do not will it, Crystalia naturally exude cold air and freeze everything in their presence.
For that reason Crystalia avoid contact with others and their numbers have been in decline.
But somehow (Captain) discovers a way to suppress the frost.
(Captain)'s ability to do so earns the crew an invitation to the Ice Crystal Palace.
Vyrn: Whoa, check out this ice work! It's really well done!
Erin: Thanks...
Erin, one of the Crystalia girls, maintains a blank expression.
As a leader among the Crystalia, she naturally has many opportunities to engage with the crew.
Perhaps that is why she is so receptive to the crew despite her reclusive upbringing as a Crystalia.
Consequently the crew too is able to converse with her like a friend.
Lyria: Um, do you enjoy crafting with ice crystals?
Erin: Yeah... But just as a hobby.
Lyria: Ahahaha... Sounds like fun...
Erin: ...
Lyria: Um... I hope we're not being a nuisance, Erin.
Erin: ...?
Why would you even think that?
Lyria: Erm, well, you seem really cold today. Much more so than usual. So I thought you might be mad...
Vyrn: Yeah, I kinda got that impression too.
Erin: Umm...
Lyria: Is it because we're taking up your free time? In that case we'll just—
Erin: I'm sorry if I came across that way...
Lyria: Are you sure it's okay?
Erin: Yes. Truth be told I think rather highly of you all.
Erin: I thought I was being friendly, but...
Lyria: Whew, that's a relief.
Erin: I'm really sorry if I offended you in any way.
Lyria: Ahahaha. Don't worry, Erin! It was just a misunderstanding!
Erin: I'm glad we've cleared that up.
Erin: But I still can't believe you thought of me as cold...
Erin: My limited interaction with outsiders makes it difficult to know when I'm being too distant.
Erin: It's often said that the values of Crystalia very much differ from that of others.
Lyria: Huh? Limited interaction with outsiders?
Erin: That's right. I've never left the Ice Crystal Palace.
Erin: Naturally that gives me little opportunity to interact with anyone other than fellow Crystalia.
Vyrn: Whoa! You've never left the palace? For real?
Erin: Yes.
Vyrn: Erm... Haven't you ever wanted to see what it's like outside?
Erin: Never. I'm content living in peace and quiet in the Ice Crystal Palace.
Erin: Besides, humans and other non-Crystalia do not interest me.
Lyria: B-but you just told us—
Erin: Yes, I like you all very much.
Erin: As for why I like you... I don't quite understand it myself.
Erin: But I have no doubt that you yourselves are the reason.
Erin: I can sense something within me change just by being with you.
Vyrn: Hm, I get this strange feeling inside when you say that.
Erin: Sorry if I'm boring you...
Vyrn: Come to think of it though, we're kind of like total opposites!
Erin: I don't deny that.
Erin: But that's what makes this opportunity all the more valuable.
Vyrn: Huh? What do you mean by that?
Erin: If it's not a bother, I'd like you to tell me more about the outside world.
Vyrn: It's no trouble at all! But weren't you saying the outside world doesn't interest you?
Erin: Yes. I myself have no interest in what goes on outside.
Erin: But many of our youths travel out into the world as ordained by Crystalia law.
Erin: I wish to know about the places they visit.
Erin: I feel I should at least know that much.
Lyria: In that case we'll tell you everything we know!
Erin: Ahh, so those are the sorts of places they've been traveling to...
Erin: Thank you for sharing so much with me.
Lyria: Teehee. We're glad it helped!
Erin: As a token of my appreciation, I'd like you to have this frost ornament.
Erin: Will you accept it?
Lyria: Gladly!
Lyria: Wow! I don't think I've ever seen this animal look like this before!
Vyrn: Hmm... Yeah, it's a first for me too.
Erin: I'm sorry.
Lyria: Huh? Why are you apologizing?
Erin: I've only seen this animal in a book.
Erin: So I had to get creative for some parts I was unsure of.
Vyrn: So that means this animal ornament is...
Erin: An original creation of mine based off a drawing in a book.
Vyrn: Well, that explains why we've never seen one like it in the wild.
Erin: Yes, I suppose so...
Erin: So I take it you've seen this animal before?
Lyria: Yeah! We've definitely seen it on our travels!
Erin: Then can you please tell me what I've gotten wrong?
Lyria: Sure! I'll be glad to!
Lyria: Erm... For starters this part needs to be more furry... And the tail should be more curved...
Erin: Like this?
Erin: Like this?
Lyria: Perfect!
Lyria: By the way, Erin, this animal might seem fickle, but it warms up to people really easily!
Lyria: Oh, and it's sooo warm and fuzzy!
Erin: Warm and fuzzy...
Lyria: That reminds me! I've seen so many ornaments like this elsewhere.
Erin: Really? Consider me interested...
Lyria: Teehee.
Erin: What's wrong? Did I say something strange?
Lyria: No, I was just thinking you really love animals.
Erin: That's right. I do like cute animals.
Erin: But then again I've only seen them in books.
Lyria: Why don't we go see real animals together in the outside world?
Erin: Huh? You're inviting me?
Lyria: Yeah! She can come along, right, (Captain)?
- Of course.
- It's up to Erin.
Choose: Of course.Erin: Me? Go outside with all of you?
Lyria: We'd be glad to have you, Erin! But if you're not interested, that's okay too...
Erin: ...
Lyria: Umm, Erin?
Erin: I'm just a bit surprised. The idea of going outside to see animals never occurred to me.
Erin: But in this case...
Choose: It's up to Erin.Erin: Truth be told, I'm not too fond of the idea.
Erin: Some aspects of it would be great, but I can't stop thinking of all the problems that could come up.
Erin: I can't stand being embroiled in the needless conflict of others.
Lyria: Don't worry, Erin! We'll protect you if anything happens!
Erin: Well then, maybe...
Continue 1Erin: Teehee.
Vyrn: H-hey, what's with the sudden laugh?
Erin: It's nothing to concern yourself with.
Vyrn: Hm?
Lyria: Huh?
Erin: Nevertheless I'll give it some thought.
Erin: To think that I'd one day hold an interest in the outside world...
Erin: It must be the influence of the other Crystalia who've traveled beyond.
Erin: They make it sound so interesting.
Erin does not realize there's a smile on her face.
A small step it would be for most. But for her it is a large step.
Search for the Elusive Flower
Erin explains that ice crystal flowers cannot be picked without the help of Crystalia. Although reluctant at first, she eventually agrees to accompany the crew to the cave housing ice crystal flowers.
(Captain) and company take on an assignment to retrieve an ice crystal flower that only blooms on a particular remote island.
This brings the crew back to the very island where they first made contact with the Crystalia.
Vyrn: Hey, hey, what sort of flower is this so-called ice crystal flower?
Lyria: Umm, for one thing, it's made of ice just like its name.
Lyria: Melting it and then drinking it is said to cure most diseases.
Vyrn: Wow, that's amazing. Does something like that really exist?
Lyria: Well... The only thing the client's sure of is that it blooms on this island.
Vyrn: C'mon now, there's gotta be more info than that.
Vyrn: But if all we need is this ice crystal flower, the Crystalia might know something!
Lyria: Yeah, I bet Erin would know something!
Vyrn: Yep, especially considering how much she reads.
Lyria: Teehee. She learned how to make crystal ornaments by reading all sorts of books!
Lyria: Ah, that reminds me! Erin's crafted lots of flower ornaments too!
Vyrn: Oh yeah? I thought she just made animal ornaments all the time.
Vyrn: Anyway let's go ask her at the Ice Crystal Palace!
Lyria: Teehee, I'm so glad we get to see her again.
The crew passes through the frosty forest leading into the Ice Crystal Palace.
They ask every Crystalia on the way there about the crystal flower, but none have an answer.
Vyrn: Sigh... I guess Erin's our only lead.
Lyria: I wonder where she is though.
Erin: Oh, it's you guys...
Lyria: Erin! Long time no see!
Erin: Ah, yes. It's been a while since your last visit to the Ice Crystal Palace...
Lyria: Well, actually, we were away from this skydom for a while.
Erin: You were a big help last time. Thanks to your efforts, we've been able to live every day in peace.
Lyria: Teehee. I'm glad to hear that.
Erin: So what's the reason for this visit? Surely you're not here just to see our faces?
Lyria: Actually there's something we wanted to ask you...
Erin: Ask away, and I'll tell you what I know.
Lyria: We're on an assignment to find the ice crystal flower. Do you happen to know where it blooms?
The crew describes the particulars of the assignment as dictated by the client.
Erin: Ice crystal flower? This is the first I've heard of it.
Vyrn: Hmm... The client seemed really sure we could find it on this island though.
Erin: Just one question: from where did this client learn of the ice crystal flower?
Lyria: He said he learned about it from Crystalia he met during his travels.
Erin: Well, maybe it's just that I don't know.
Vyrn: Hm, what do you mean?
Erin: I mean the princess candidates that are sent out to travel learn a lot more about the skies than us.
Erin: So it wouldn't be at all surprising if they knew of the ice crystal flower.
Vyrn: Ah, so that's why the Crystalia here—
Erin: They wouldn't know. And the higher-ranking Crystalia are all out for the time being.
Vyrn: No way! Now we'll never find this ice crystal flower!
Lyria: Sigh, I guess that's it for the assignment...
Vyrn: There's gotta be something for us here. Without that flower, we're...
Lyria: Please, Erin...
Erin: All I can do right now is look into it for you.
Lyria: Thank you!
Vyrn: Yay! That'll be a big help!
Erin: Besides I couldn't possibly turn down a request from you.
Erin: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Vyrn: So about the flower...
Erin: It is as you said. The ice crystal flower supposedly blooms in the depths of a cave near here.
Erin: And I don't know the particulars, but you'll need the help of Crystalia to harvest it.
Lyria: Say, Erin...
Erin: No. I have no intention of leaving the Ice Crystal Palace.
Erin: Furthermore I don't even know your client. Why would I want to help them?
Vyrn: You know, we haven't even asked you yet.
Erin: Yes, but I can guess what you're thinking. If you must, I suggest you try asking other Crystalia.
Vyrn: Sigh, I guess there's no getting you out of here.
Erin: Yes... but...
Vyrn: Hm?
Lyria: Please, Erin! I want you to come with us! Who knows how long it'll be before I see you again?
Erin: ...
Lyria: And if we're lucky, we might even see some cute animals on the way there!
Lyria: So... Pleeaase come with us?
Erin: ...
Lyria: Pretty please, Erin?
Erin: Sigh... I don't have a choice, do I?
Lyria: So you'll—
Erin: I'll tag along for a bit.
Vyrn: Whoa, talk about a change of heart! You were so set on staying indoors only a moment ago...
Erin: I have my own way of going about things. What's more, I still owe you one.
Lyria: Yay! Thanks, Erin!
Erin: Well then, let's go see about this cave.
Erin: It's time to confirm if my feelings are true.
Vyrn: Hm? Did you say something, Erin?
Erin: No, it's nothing. Let's head out. The cave isn't too far from here.
Erin: Huff... Wheeze...
Vyrn: Hey, are you gonna be okay, Erin?
Erin: Y-yeah... I just... need a breather.
Monster: Grooar!
Vyrn: All right. We'll take out these monsters, then settle down for a break.
Lyria: Okay! Let's do this, Erin!
Erin: Right behind you.
Search for the Elusive Flower: Scene 2
A series of mishaps in the cave leaves Erin exhausted. Though she expresses regret in having come along, a tinge of joy shows on her face.
The crew finishes resting and enters the cave in search of the ice crystal flower.
Lyria: Ugh, it's so wet and dark in here.
Erin: Yes... The air's also stale, and the stench is strong.
Erin: It makes me sick. This is the type of place I'd rather not linger in.
Vyrn: Well, most caves are like this.
Erin: Don't tell me you people always... Ouch!
Lyria: Erin! Are you okay?
Erin: Yes, I'm all right. I just bumped my head on the cave ceiling.
Lyria: Watch out, Erin! The ground here's slippery.
Erin: Eep!
Lyria: Wh-what is it?
Vyrn: Hey, are you okay?
Erin: Ouch, that smarts.
Vyrn: Look at how high you fell from. Of course it'd hurt.
Lyria: Not good! Ooh, where's the medicine?
Vyrn: Ack! There's a swarm of bats coming this way!
Lyria: Eeek!
Erin: So that's a bat... It's not very cute.
Vyrn: No time to talk! We've gotta run now!
Erin: Ah!
Lyria: What's wrong, Erin? You've got goosebumps all over.
Erin: I felt something on my neck...
Lyria: Yikes! Was it a ghost?
Vyrn: Geez, a drop of water's nothing to fret over.
Lyria: Phew, I hope it really was just a drop of water.
Erin: So Lyria's afraid of ghosts.
Lyria: Gulp... Ghosts don't bother you, Erin?
Erin: Not particularly. In fact I'd like to see one.
Vyrn: What's that? You want to see a real ghost? Well, there's one right behind you—
Lyria: Eep!
Erin: ...?
Vyrn: Haha, just kidding... Wait, did you see that?
Erin: I see. So that's a real ghost.
Erin: Huff... Huff...
Lyria: Is everything okay, Erin? You're looking really pale.
Erin: Huff... Wheeze... Walking in a cave is so much more tiring than walking anywhere else.
Erin: Hearing about something and actually experiencing it for yourself... are entirely different things.
Vyrn: Isn't that obvious? Anyway you sure you're gonna be okay? You look like you're about to fall over.
Erin: Huff... Wheeze... I... don't know.
Erin: If I... huff... knew it'd be this hard, I'd have waited at the Ice Crystal Palace...
Vyrn: But you look really happy to be out here though.
Erin: I won't deny that. It's tough out here... huff... but it's refreshing at the same time.
Erin: Being able to see that bat was great... Huff... But I'd rather not see it again.
Lyria: Ahahaha... I guess bats aren't so cute, huh?
Erin: Yeah... And I didn't think they were the type to attack people.
Erin: I'd prefer to meet a cute animal next, if possible.
Monster: Graaar...
Erin: And I could do without these monsters too.
Search for the Elusive Flower: Scene 3
The crew retrieves an ice crystal flower thanks to Erin's help. Having had so much fun on the little adventure, she asks the crew to show her more of the outside world.
The crew defeats the monsters and delves farther into the cave in pursuit of the ice crystal flower.
Erin: We should be reaching the end of the cave soon.
Lyria: Isn't that it? I can see light shining in from outside.
Lyria: Wow! Look at all those sparkly flowers on the ground!
Vyrn: Sweet! So these are the ice crystal flowers!
Erin: This... is incredible. I never imagined them to be so beautiful...
Vyrn: But why is it so bright in here?
Erin: The ice diffuses the rays of light pouring in from the ceiling.
Erin: That's why the entire area looks well-lit.
Lyria: So that's why it's so sparkly!
Erin: I suppose it was worth coming out here... even if just to see this.
Vyrn: Well, enough with the science lesson. Let's pick the flowers and get back to the client!
Lyria: Ah, that's right! Sorry, I'm just going to take one.
Lyria extends her hands to pick a flower.
Lyria: Yikes!
Vyrn: Hm? What's wrong, Lyria?
Lyria: The flower melts away when I touch it!
Vyrn: No way!
Whoa, you weren't kidding!
Erin: They melt away without a trace... No wonder they're called ice crystal flowers.
Vyrn: Great, so we have no way of carrying it around.
Lyria: Now how are we going to get it to the client?
Vyrn: Erm... We'll just have to think of something...
Lyria: Ah! Didn't Erin say we need the power of Crystalia to harvest these flowers?
Erin: Indeed, I did. The records I found stated as such.
Lyria: What if only Crystalia can pick them?
Vyrn: Gee, Erin, I didn't know the secret to picking these flowers was cooperation!
Erin: Sigh... Fine, I'll try picking one to see what happens.
Erin reaches for a flower the same way Lyria did earlier.
Erin: Looks like you guys were right.
Lyria: Wow, it's true! The flower's not melting away!
Vyrn: Great, now we can get it to the client... Actually, how do we move it without it melting?
Lyria: That's right! It'll melt the moment anyone of us touches it!
Erin: Yes. Well, it seems to melt only when non-Crystalia touch it.
Erin: Which also means you should be able to transport it as long as you never make physical contact with it.
Erin places the flower in a basket and hands it to Lyria.
Erin: Just be careful not to touch it, and tell your client the same.
Lyria: Thank you so much, Erin!
Vyrn: Yeah, you helped big time!
Erin: Well, I guess we're done here. I'm gonna head back.
Erin: Gosh, am I tired...
Lyria: Sorry for asking you to come with us...
Erin: Don't worry about it. Besides I enjoyed the change of pace.
Erin: I won't deny it was tough though...
Lyria: Ahahaha...
Erin: But anyway...
Lyria: What's the matter, Erin?
Erin: If you ever have reason to visit this island again, come to the Ice Crystal Palace.
Erin: I'll gladly accompany you when that time comes.
Lyria: Huh?
Vyrn: Whoa! Are you for real?
Erin: Of course I am. Your influence must have rubbed off on me.
Erin: I have a hard time believing it myself, but I'm finding the outside world to be truly fascinating.
Erin: I don't plan on going out by myself or even going out very far.
Erin: But as long as I'm with all of you...
Lyria: Teehee, it makes me so happy to hear that!
Erin: So if the opportunity ever comes again, I want you to bring me along.
Erin: And show me how refreshing the outside world can be.
Lyria: Yes! We promise!
Erin: Teehee... Thanks.
Erin smiles at Lyria's enthusiasm.
Erin: (Traveling with this group could be fun. Something to look forward to in the future.)
In these words lie the proof that something has changed within Erin. And thus a new future and a multitude of possibilities have opened up for her.