Ice Queen
In the midst of a raging blizzard, a horde of monsters attacks the Grandcypher. A mysterious girl appears and freezes the entire horde in a flash of white. However, before they can say anything to her, the crew is blown off the Grandcypher. When they come to, an ice sprite named Inej pleads for them to save the mysterious girl named Filene.
The Grandcypher has found itself in the thick of a raging blizzard.
Deeming the conditions too hazardous to continue travel, (Captain) docks the airship at a nearby island to wait out the storm.
Lyria: Hmm... Doesn't look like the snow's letting up anytime soon.
Vyrn: I'd say it's even worse than it was before... Heck, the Grandcypher might get buried at this rate!
(Captain) and the others continue to monitor the weather outside, but the storm shows no signs of fading.
Lyria: Hm? Did you hear something just now?
Vyrn: It was probably just the wind, right?
(Captain) and Vyrn peer out the window to get a better look outside.
The sound of a monstrous roar is unmistakable this time. Cautious looks of concern cross their faces.
Vyrn: So, uh... I'm guessin' that was a monster. Think it's close?
Vyrn: It'd be really bad if the ship got attacked now... We should probably go check it out.
Monster: Grr...
Lyria: Whoa! Where'd all these monsters come from?
Vyrn: Uh-oh... If they've set their sights on the Grandcypher, we're in trouble!
(Captain) draws a blade to fend off the horde of monsters, which has its sights set on the captain.
Monster: ...!
Vyrn: Crud... The snow's too thick—I can't even see where they're comin' from!
Using the howling white snow to their advantage, the monsters begin pelting fireballs toward the Grandcypher, forcing (Captain) to take cover.
Monster: ...
Vyrn: Lyria, behind you!
Lyria: Whoa!
Without hesitation, (Captain) leaps in front of Lyria to deflect an incoming fireball.
However, the battle suddenly takes an unexpected turn.
Lyria: They're... frozen?
In the twinkling of an eye, the monsters are frozen solid. An icy whirlwind begins to form before the crew.
???: ...
Lyria: Wait, who...?
Emerging from the snow is a young horned woman with a large tail and ice-cold eyes.
Vyrn: Who's that supposed to be? And what's she doin' in the middle of this blizzard?
Monster: Groooar!
Vyrn: Watch out! There's more of 'em!
???: Freeze.
With a swift movement of her hand, the wave of monsters comes to a frozen halt.
Vyrn: Whoa... She just made ice cubes outta those monsters like it was nothing!
Lyria: Um... Thank you for the help! Can I ask your name?
???: Your words... They're warm.
???: However...
Vyrn: Hey! What's happening!
As she lets out a faint whisper, the blizzard intensifies to a point where (Captain) and the crew are barely able to stay grounded.
???: I hate the warmth.
Lyria: Huh? S-sorry! I can't hear you over the wind!
???: Don't... come any closer.
With those words, another snowy squall blasts the crew at full force.
Vyrn: Whoa, whoa! Hey... this ain't funny!
Lyria: You guys... I don't think I can hold on much longer!
Lyria: Aaaahhh!
The storm proves too powerful for the crew to resist as they're blown off the Grandcypher deck.
???: ...
Before losing consciousness, the last thing the captain can see is the lone back of a young woman.
Vyrn: ...ey. Hey! (Captain)!
Lyria: Oh, thank goodness! You're finally awake.
Vyrn: I was gettin' worried there for a second. You feelin' okay, buddy?
(Captain) reassures the others with a firm nod before getting back up.
???: Aha! So you're finally awake!
An unfamiliar voice calls out, and with it an unfamiliar figure appears amongst the usual suspects.
Lyria: Yes! Thank you for your help back there.
Lyria: Um...
Inej: Oh, where are my manners! You can call me Inej!
Lyria: Nice to meet you, Inej. I'm Lyria! And these two are Vyrn and—
Inej: (Captain), right? And likewise!
Vyrn: After you got knocked out, Inej here helped us find the Grandcypher. I dunno what we would've done without her.
Vyrn: We might've ended up turning into ice cubes ourselves...
Inej: By the by, what were you guys doing in such a frigid place anyway?
The crew explains the attack during the blizzard and the mysterious girl who intervened.
Lyria: But the storm blew us away before we were able to ask her anything...
Vyrn: What was her deal, anyway! First, she saves us, and then she literally blew us off!
Inej: Oh, Fillie... That girl was probably Filene.
Lyria: Filene? Is she your friend?
Inej: Yes, you could say that.
Inej: B-but please don't think too ill of her—she's merely doing what she has to, you see!
Vyrn: H-hey, relax!
Lyria: That sounded like...
Vyrn: More monsters! Hoo boy... Here we go again.
Inej: It can't be!
Another monstrous roar echoes throughout the skies as a look of panic comes over Inej's face.
Inej: Those monsters... They're after Filene!
Inej: (Captain)! Do you think you could wield your blade once again?
Vyrn: Did you say they're after Filene? Aren't they just monsters doin' monster things?
Inej: Sorry. There's no time to explain. But if we don't act soon, Fillie's gonna be in danger!
Recognizing the gravity of the situation and seeing the urgency in Inej's eyes, (Captain) responds with a resolute nod.
- You can count on me.
Choose: You can count on me.Vyrn: Heh-heh! You did us a huge solid earlier—now it's our turn to help you back!
Lyria: Yeah! And there's no way we'd leave someone who's in trouble!
Inej: You all... Thank you so much!
Inej: Okay! Let's get going right away—I can show you where Fillie is!
Inej takes the lead as (Captain) and the crew make their way into the wintry landscape.
Why is the mysterious girl known as Filene being hunted?
(Captain) and company take a step into the swirling white snow in search of answers.
Frozen Fate
Inej tells the crew about Filene's duty as guardian of the island's seal: containing a monster known as the Infernal Firefiend. If the seal breaks, Filene intends to sacrifice her own life to keep it intact.
Inej guides (Captain) and company to Filene's supposed location.
However, their progress is impeded by yet another pack of monsters.
Monster: Groooar!
Vyrn: Yikes... There's no end to 'em, huh? What are they, anyway?
Inej: Flame scions.
Inej: Fillie's been fighting all by herself to keep them contained to this island.
Vyrn: All by herself? What do you mean?
Inej: ...
Inej nervously grips her hands before reluctantly opening her mouth to speak.
Inej: Do you know of the Infernal Firefiend?
They shake their heads no, unfamiliar with such a name.
Inej: The Infernal Firefiend is an ancient evil that was born on this very island.
Inej: Long ago, the Great Frostwyrm watched over this island, coexisting peacefully with the skydwellers that lived here.
Inej: But some skydwellers began to resent the Great Frostwyrm.
Inej: To hunt down the Great Frostwyrm, they sought a forbidden spell, creating the fiend.
Vyrn: So that's what caused the fiend to attack?
Inej takes a moment and nods solemnly.
The Infernal Firefiend's powers could not be controlled, causing great calamity to the island as it burned continuously for three days.
Inej: Seeking more kindling for its flame, the fiend created flame scions to reduce the skies to cinders.
Inej: To prevent the inferno from spreading any further, the Great Frostwyrm sacrificed itself to seal away the fiend.
Upon seeing the destruction done by the flame scions, Inej's expression turns grim as she takes a moment of silence.
Inej: But the Infernal Firefiend's flames aren't quelled so easily.
Inej: The seal's might was able to contain the fiend itself, but not resilient enough to prevent its scions from trickling out.
Vyrn: So that's why it seemed like there was no stoppin' em... This Infernal Firefiend thing was the one causing them to attack.
Inej: The guardian of this island has a duty to watch over the Great Frostwyrm's seal and ensure the fiend's scions can spread no farther.
Inej: The girl who assumed the role was none other than Fillie, the Great Frostwyrm's daughter.
Inej: She wasn't born as a human nor a dragon, but as a half-blood of both species.
Inej: Even though she's not a pure-blooded dragon, her icy powers are stronger than anyone else.
Inej: Ever since skydwellers last lived on this island, Fillie's been fighting here... all by herself.
Inej: The Great Frostwyrm entrusted me to watch over her, but... I couldn't do anything else for her.
Lyria: Inej...
Inej: The seal's grip on the Infernal Firefiend grows weaker by the day—it's certainly too much for Filene to handle all by herself.
Inej: But she told me this one day.
Inej: "I finally understand... this is my life's purpose."
Lyria: Her life's purpose? Surely that can't be it.
Inej: If the seal ever breaks, Fillie's only choice would be to follow in her mother's footsteps.
Inej: She plans to fulfill her duty and protect the skies from the fiend's scions until the very end—at any cost.
Inej: Even if reinforcing the seal comes at the cost of her own life.
Vyrn: Her own life?
Vyrn: Don't tell me she's thinkin' of sacrificin' herself!
Inej: The worst part is, she's completely okay with it!
Inej: But I have to find another way... before...
Lyria: So this is what you meant when you asked for our help.
Lyria: We can't let her story end with such a sad ending... not like this.
- Let's help her.
Choose: Let's help her.Inej: You'll... you'll really help her?
(Captain) responds heartfully with a sympathetic nod.
Inej: Thank you... Thank you so much!
Overjoyed by the crew's offer to help, Inej suddenly breaks into tears.
Lyria: I-Inej!
Vyrn: H-hey! Cool it with the waterworks!
Inej: I'm s-sorry... You've all just made me... so happy...
Inej: Hehe... It really was a blessing that you came to this island!
Tears still in her eyes, she happily starts flying circles around the crew.
Vyrn: That settles it, then! Let's get a move on!
Lyria: We're on our way, Filene! Just you wait—
The celebratory moment is cut short when the blizzard suddenly intensifies before (Captain) and the crew.
Filene: ...
Inej: Fillie!
The deafening silence is broken only by the bitter cries of the wind.
The mysterious girl stands before the crew once again, with eyes cold enough to draw the very warmth from their breaths.
Frozen Fate: Scene 2
(Captain) and company try to offer Filene their help in defeating the fiend to free her from this duty. However, she refuses, believing it to be her sole purpose in life. Before she is able to drive the crew away, a flame scion suddenly attacks from above.
Appearing before the crew for a second time, Filene icily stares daggers at (Captain) and the crew.
Inej: Um, Fillie! Great news, I've found some—
Filene: Inej... step back.
(Captain)'s body stiffens as Filene's wintry aura intensifies.
Filene: I thought I told you... Don't come any closer.
Lyria: Wait, Filene! We're here because we wanted to talk with you!
Lyria: Inej told us everything... You've been defending the seal on this island all by yourself!
Lyria: And so, um... We just wanted to see if there was any way we could help you, so please!
Filene: Unnecessary.
Keeping the conversation short, Filene blasts the crew with another wave of cold.
(Captain) is ready for it this time and swiftly dodges the brunt of the frosty attack.
Vyrn: Geez... She ain't having any of it, huh?
Lyria: Listen, Filene! We can talk about this!
Filene: Irrelevant.
(Captain) and the crew feel their blood run cold as Filene manifests several ice blades pointed directly at them.
Filene: All that matters... is my duty as guardian.
Valiantly resisting the cold, (Captain) deflects the icy onslaught.
Lyria: You've dedicated your life to fighting all by yourself... You can't let it end here!
Filene: This is... my life's purpose.
Filene: This... is all I have. All I... ever had.
Filene manifests another spiral of wintry wind and blasts it toward (Captain) and the crew.
Vyrn: But are you really okay with that? I mean, surely there's more you're meant to do in life, right?
Filene: Then tell me... what, exactly?
(Captain) feels the air go cold before a pale-blue blade flashes before the captain's eye.
Vyrn: Look out, (Captain)!
(Captain) parries the attack just in the nick of time.
Filene: I had no one to teach me... No one to answer me... No one to... touch me.
Filene: I can only trust... what I know to be true.
After having her attack deflected by (Captain)'s blade, Filene lands softly on a patch of frosted snow.
Lyria: Filene!
Filene: Freeze.
The crew braces for another attack as Filene readies her weapon.
However, the standoff is interrupted by another sound.
Flame Scion: Groooar!
Lyria: Filene, behind you!
Filene: ...!
Inej: Fillie!
Inej's cry is too late—before she can react, a fiery claw swiftly comes down on Filene from above.
Frozen Fate: Scene 3
(Captain) deflects the flame scion's attack just in time. Upon hearing the captain's proposal to defeat the Infernal Firefiend, she finally decides to accept the crew's help. Together, they make their way to the sealed domain to defeat the fiend once and for all.
Flame Scion: Groooar!
Inej: Fillie!
Filene: ...!
The set of fiery claws is caught by (Captain)'s blade.
Flame Scion: Groooar!
Making quick work of the flame scion, (Captain) immediately checks to see if Filene is hurt.
Filene: Why?
Filene: Why... did you save me?
- You don't need a reason to help people.
Choose: You don't need a reason to help people.Filene: I... don't understand.
Vyrn: You don't gotta have any special reason—it's just something we do wherever we go!
Lyria: That's right! We're all stronger when we help each other!
Lyria: So you don't have to bear this burden all by yourself!
Filene: ...
Inej: Fillie... I believe in them.
Inej: I'm sure with (Captain)'s help, we can find another way for you!
Filene: I don't understand...
Filene: Another way? I... No, this is the only way.
- We can defeat the fiend—together.
Choose: We can defeat the fiend—together.Filene: Defeat?
Lyria: If we can defeat the Infernal Firefiend for good, you won't have to keep fighting it by yourself any longer!
Vyrn: Yeah! And that way you'll be free to live your life on your own terms!
Filene: The fiend...
Filene: Even the coldest of winters is not enough to quell its flames.
Filene: But... I've never considered fighting it.
Lyria: We'll be right by your side, Filene! You won't have to bear this burden by yourself anymore!
Lyria: It might seem impossible by yourself. But when we work together, anything is possible!
Filene: ...
Filene's expression softens for the first time since their encounter as she takes a better look at (Captain).
Filene: I... I still don't understand.
Filene: However... For some reason, I've decided to trust you.
Vyrn: That's all we're askin'. So come on—let's go show that hothead we mean business!
Inej: The fiend has yet to be awakened from its slumber in the sealed domain.
Inej: Normally we wouldn't be able to approach it because of the seal. But now that Filene's with us, just maybe...
Vyrn: All right! Sounds to me like it's time to give that monster an overdue wake-up call!
Choosing to believe in (Captain)'s words, Filene joins the party—the time has come to take out the Infernal Firefiend once and for all.
Frozen Fate: Scene 4
The party breaks the seal containing the Infernal Firefiend to confront it in battle. In its death throes, the fiend unleashes a final blast that sends Filene plummeting down a great crater. However, (Captain) and the crew manage to pull her to safety just in time. Inej later convinces Filene to join (Captain)'s crew on their journey.
Infernal Firefiend: ...
With Filene by their side, the crew makes their way to the sealed domain. Beyond the dense wall of ice, the unmistakable silhouette of a monster can be seen.
Despite its adamantine construction, numerous cracks have speckled the wall with fiery cavities.
Inej: The damage is even worse than before... I don't think it's gonna hold for much longer.
Vyrn: That won't be a problem if we take care of the monster inside, right?
Lyria: Okay, Filene... It's up to you.
Filene: ...
A pale light begins to emit from Filene's body, causing the wall of ice to resonate.
Slowly but surely, the frozen seal begins to thaw before them.
Infernal Firefiend: ...!
A blistering heat surges out from within the seal, taking (Captain) and the others by surprise.
Inej: Eeep! ! It's... so hot!
Vyrn: We've already made it this far—there's no turning back now, you guys!
Infernal Firefiend: ...!
Filene: Freeze.
Filene creates an icy patch for (Captain) and the others to stand on as they take begin their attack on the Infernal Firefiend.
Infernal Firefiend: ...!
Filene: ...!
Just as the monster begins to writhe from its wounds, Filene freezes its legs in place to prevent it from running rampant.
However, the ice barely holds for a second before the fiend breaks free.
Filene: Not on my watch...
Filene continues slowing the fiend down with icy blasts as (Captain) and the crew inflict more damage.
Inej: Wow! They're really holding their own against the Infernal Firefiend... You can do it!
Infernal Firefiend: ...!
Dark magic suddenly begins to amass from the fiend's mouth before unleashing a great flame upon the crew.
Filene: Ngh!
Filene quickly materializes a shield of ice around the crew to fend off the wave of fire.
Inej: Fillie!
Lyria: Filene!
Infernal Firefiend: ...
Filene: ...!
- Filene!
Choose: Filene!Filene: ...!
Inej: Hang in there, Filene... We've got your back!
(Captain) and Inej take hold of Filene's hands, helping to keep her spear upright against the incoming flames.
Filene: Why?
Inej: I told you, Fillie. We're all here... to help you!
Inej: I never wanted for you to bear this burden, Fillie... Let us help you!
Filene: ...!
Inej: And just know this...
Inej: You're not alone!
Vyrn: Whoa! What the...
Lyria: Inej... She's glowing!
Filene: Impossible.
The dazzling light soon fades to reveal a beautiful dragon clad in ice where Inej once stood.
Inej: (Captain)... Fillie...
Filene: That voice... It can't be.
Vyrn: Is that really you, Inej?
Inej: Yes... It looks like Fillie's father entrusted me with this power.
Inej: But I had to wait until someone with her best interests at heart would appear.
Filene: ...
Filene directs her attention toward the captain.
Infernal Firefiend: ...
Recoiling from the bitter cold, the fiend lets out a monstrous roar and begins to charge another fiery blast.
Inej: Don't worry.
Inej: With our powers combined, nobody can touch us!
Filene: Okay...
Filene: Let's do this... together.
Filene readies her weapon alongside (Captain), with newfound trust for the captain.
Infernal Firefiend: ...!
Inej: You've done enough damage! Filene won't be held back by you any longer!
Inej: Yeeeargh!
In her frost-clad dragon form, Inej blasts the fiend with a frosty aura, imprisoning its legs with chains of ice.
Infernal Firefiend: ...!
Inej: Fillie! (Captain)!
Filene: This will... finish you!
Filene and (Captain) take the opportunity to land a direct strike on the fiend.
Filene: Haaah!
The ice holding the Infernal Firefiend in place shatters to dust upon the impact from (Captain) and Filene's attack.
Inej: Pant... Pant... It's over.
Vyrn: Yeah! That's what I'm—
Filene: ...!
Filene: Wait... Not yet!
Infernal Firefiend: Groooar!
In its death throes, the fiend unleashes a final blast of fire toward the crew.
Filene: ...!
Filene pushes (Captain) to safety at the last second, taking a direct hit from the subsequent explosion.
The impact sends Filene's limp body plummeting into a massive crater created by the blast.
Filene: ...!
As the light slowly fades from her vision, Filene stretches her arm toward the sky.
Filene: (Ah...)
Filene: (Just as I thought... I couldn't...)
- Don't give up!
Choose: Don't give up!(Captain) grabs Filene's hand right before she loses consciousness.
Filene: ...!
The ground beneath (Captain) and the others begins to crumble as they hold on to Filene's hand.
Lyria: Just... a little... more!
Filene: Your hands... they're warm. Your warmth... I hate it.
Filene: So please... let go of me.
- I'm not letting go of anybody.
Choose: I'm not letting go of anybody.Filene: ...
Inej: There's no way we're letting go of you here, Fillie! So you'd better not give up on yourself!
Filene: O... Okay!
Inej: It's all about timing, everyone! All together now—on three!
Working in tandem, (Captain) and the others combine their strength to pull Filene up.
With a great heave, they pull Filene out of danger just in time as the ground beneath them gives way to destruction.
Inej: Is everyone okay?
Filene: I'm fine.
Filene takes (Captain)'s hand to pull herself up before taking a look at the group that risked it all to save her.
Filene: Inej... Lyria... Vyrn... (Captain).
Filene: Thank you.
Vyrn: Heh-heh! Don't even mention it!
Lyria: That's right. We helped you because we wanted to!
Inej: Hngh... Fillieeee!
With tears of relief in her eyes, Inej embraces Filene tightly in a warm hug.
Inej: I'm so glad, Fillie! I really am! I was so worried... for so long!
Filene: Sorry... for worrying you.
Lyria: Hehe... We really did it, Inej!
Vyrn: All in a day's work, right?
Tears of joy are still streaming down her face. (Captain) and the others stand back to take in the precious moment.
Vyrn: Looks like the blizzard's over. Guess we'd better get ready to clear out soon, huh?
Having returned to the Grandcypher, (Captain) and the crew make preparations for take-off.
Lyria: We didn't even get to say goodbye to Filene... I wonder where she went?
Vyrn: Who knows? Both of them vanished without sayin' anything.
Lyria sighs and drops her shoulders, downcast about their sudden parting.
Meanwhile, two figures stand in the distance with their eyes on the Grandcypher.
Filene: ...
Still as the frozen ground beneath her, Filene stands silently as she watches (Captain) and the others.
Inej: Fillie... Is this really what you want?
Filene: What?
Inej: Are you okay leaving (Captain) and the others like this?
Filene: Yes.
Filene's cold expression doesn't change. However, Inej flies in front of her and angrily puffs her cheeks in protest.
Inej: Fillie... You can't lie to me!
Filene: Lie?
Inej: You really wanted to join (Captain) and the others on their journey, didn't you?
Filene: ...
Inej: Listen, Fillie... You're free now. So it's about time you started acting like it.
Inej: The Infernal Firefiend is really gone... There's no reason for you to stay anymore!
Inej: Not only that—you've found people willing to stay by your side, even in the face of danger!
Inej: I'm sure if you joined them, you'd be able to go anywhere you wanted!
Filene: ...
Filene averts her gaze in an attempt to deflect the question.
Filene: I just...
Vyrn: Hey! I think I found 'em!
Lyria: Oh, thank goodness! Filene, I wanted to talk with you some more before we left!
Filene looks up in response to a familiar pair of voices.
To her surprise, she sees (Captain) standing before her once again.
Filene: Why... did you come back?
- Won't you join us?
- We couldn't just leave you like that.
Choose: Won't you join us?
Choose: We couldn't just leave you like that.Lyria: I wanted to at least see you one more time before leaving.
Lyria: And if it's all right with you, we'd love to have you join us on our journey!
Filene: ...
Filene pauses for a moment before answering.
Filene: I... hate the warmth.
Lyria: What do you mean?
Filene: Warmth eventually turns cold. Everyone eventually leaves.
Filene: But your warmth... hasn't gone cold. I can still feel it in my heart.
Filene: Perhaps your warmth... won't grow cold. Perhaps... I may grow to like it.
Filene: If I join you... do you think I'll find out the reason?
(Captain) sincerely responds with a heartfelt nod.
Filene: I see.
Filene then shifts her attention toward Inej.
Filene: Would it be all right if... she joined me as well?
Inej: Fillie!
Lyria: Of course! We'd be more than glad to have both of you on board!
Vyrn: Heh-heh! Sounds like the Grandcypher just got a teensy bit livelier!
Pleased with Filene's decision, (Captain) extends a hand to welcome her to the crew.
Although apprehensive at first, Filene slowly extends her own hand to accept the captain's welcome.
Filene: Thank you, (Captain).
Filene allows the captain to take her hand, and the two exchange a handshake.
Filene has joined (Captain)'s crew on their journey across the skies. Just what discoveries await her on the pale blue horizon?
For now, she takes a final look at the island that once held her captive for so long.
As it fades into the distance, the snow-covered island glimmers gently as if to bid farewell to the young girl departing on her first journey.
White Chocolate Cake
Truffles
