Can I Call You My Friend?
To protect those dear to her, Grea begins training to control her dragon powers but is persuaded by the crew to take a break before she burns out. Before they leave to go into town, she asks the crew members to be her friends, to which they reply that they already have been since the beginning.
One day (Captain) and the crew visit a place called Mysteria Academy of Magic at Io's request.Once there they meet a young girl named Grea who is half dragon and half human.
It wasn't long before the students' shadow magic caused aberrations to overrun the academy.
Luckily the incident was resolved by the crew, Grea, and her friend Anne.
And so Grea begins practicing to gain full control over her powers.
A few weeks have passed since then, and now the crew is back at the academy again.
Continue 1
A few weeks have passed since the incident stirred up by the students of Mysteria Academy was successfully resolved.(Captain) and company have come back again for a visit.
Continue 2Vyrn: Whoa! This place looks almost as good as new!
Anne: That's because everyone's been pulling their weight around here! The reconstruction stuff is moving pretty quickly thanks to them.
Grea: It's still not exactly how it used to be though.
Grea: A lot of places are still falling apart. Like the classrooms...
Anne: Hehehe. I know I'm gonna sound weird by saying that's a good thing, but hear me out.
Anne: Isn't it nice to have class every day under the blue sky? Nothing like natural fresh air to keep you awake!
Io: Wow, sounds refreshing! Now that's what I call real-world education.
Anne: Jokes aside, some of the kids have been able to come up with new magic thanks to the no-ceiling classrooms.
Grea: If you're interested, why don't you come sit in on one of our lessons?
Vyrn: Now you're talking! If I can ace the class, maybe I'll finally get my claws on the secrets to casting lightning bolts...
Anne: Yep, yep. Pack that brain of yours with notes, and I'm sure you can do it.
Grea: ...
- What's wrong?
- What do you think, Grea?
Choose: What's wrong?Grea: Uh...
Vyrn: You're not your usual self. Are you feeling sick?
Choose: What do you think, Grea?Grea: Oh, um, yeah. You can do it.
Vyrn: Really? Well, if both of you believe in me, then I'm gonna sit in the front row...
Vyrn: Uh, you feelin' all right? You don't look so hot.
Continue 3Grea: Huh? No, I'm fine. Springy. I was just... thinking about something...
Lyria: About what?
Grea: About, like... How should I put this... There's something I've been meaning to talk to everyone about.
Grea: I want to be able to master my dragon powers.
Grea: So that even when I'm going all out, I won't end up losing control again...
Vyrn: That crazy buff dragon power of yours...
Io: What's the hurry? Do you really need it right now?
Grea: Who knows when something like before will happen again. I just don't want to have any more regrets when that time comes...
Anne: Well, I guess there could be some pretty awful villains out there who'd use this time to crush us.
Grea: And that'd be worse than last time.
Grea: That got me thinking again about what I'd have to do to keep everyone free from harm.
Anne: Hahaha... You sure are a stickler for promises, Grea.
Grea: Huh?
Lyria: You said you'd talk things over if anything was on your mind. You're really holding up your end of the promise you made.
Grea: Y-yeah... I could never break a promise I've made with people I care about.
Anne: Ahaha, you're such a good girl, Grea. The sweetest sweetie.
Grea: Hehe...
Vyrn: I don't know what Grea's talkin' about, but we'll lend a hand if she needs it!
Anne: I'm in, 100%! Nothing's gonna keep me away from you.
Io: I probably won't be able to do much, but I definitely got your back, Grea!
Lyria: Ooh, don't forget about me! Um... Um... I'll cheer for you!
- Just ask for whatever.
- I'll be your punching bag.
Choose: Just ask for whatever.Vyrn: Uh-huh! If you need something done, we'll get it done!
Lyria: Yep! Let's do it, Grea!
Grea: Thanks, you guys.
Choose: I'll be your punching bag.Grea: Haha, I don't know about that...
Vyrn: Heh. You'll be sorry if you underestimate (Captain)'s ability to take beatings like a champ.
Io: Why are you falling for it, you dopey lizard...
Grea: That was a joke, right? Hahaha... You're a funny one, (Captain).
Grea: Thanks, you guys.
Continue 4And so Grea begins practicing to gain full control over her powers.
But that's easier said than done.
Grea: Huff... Huff... Doesn't look like it's going to happen.
Grea: It always feels like I'm about to black out just before I unleash the dragon's power.
Vyrn: I guess doing it the normal way would be too easy.
Anne: Yeah... Hmm...
Anne: Okay! Pack it up! Let's go play!
Grea: Wha?
Io: Good idea! Let's all go play!
Grea: Why?
Vyrn: That's using the old noggin, Anne. It's good to take a break when you're up against a wall.
Anne: What Vyrn said. When things are at stake, take a break!
Anne: Besides, I want to go into town with you!
Lyria: Can I come too? Sounds like fun!
Grea: Um, okay then. I suppose we can go play...
Anne: That settles it then! Off we go—
Grea: Oh, um...
Io: What is it, Grea?
Grea: Um, there's something I want to ask you guys.
Grea: So... You know...
Grea: Will you guys be my friends?
Lyria, Vyrn, and Io: Um...
Grea: Ah... I guess not...
Lyria: W-wait a minute! No one said that!
Grea: Hm?
Io: It just caught us by surprise that you'd even have to ask.
Vyrn: We were friends a long time ago. It's not like we gotta be all formal about it, right?
Lyria: Uh-huh! From now on let's get to know each other even better, Grea!
Grea: Okay! Know each other even better... I can't wait!
A hint of blush spreads on Grea's cheeks as she flashes a sheepish smile.
With a nod of their heads, the party set off for the town.
Stand By Me
The party enjoy the sights of the town, when they're interrupted by reports of approaching monsters. The crew goes to investigate, allowing Anne and Grea to continue perusing shops and have a fun afternoon.
Grea and the others decide to take a break from her training to go into a town within Mysteria.
The storefronts and buildings that were once destroyed by invaders have been repaired by the townspeople.
Things are starting to feel lively again. As the crew enjoys looking this way and that, Grea anxiously hides behind Anne.
Lyria: Are you okay, Grea?
Grea: Mm... Just a little nervous... with all the people staring at me...
Vyrn: Huh, looks like we are drawing some unwanted attention...
Grea: It's all because of me. I'm probably spooking them...
(Captain)'s ears strain to catch what's being said by the people around them.
Worker 1: That one student at the academy is, uh, on another level if you know what I'm sayin'. Aw man, to be young again...
Worker 2: A sight for sore eyes if you ask me! I can feel all my fatigue just floating away...
Workers 1 and 2: Ouchy!
Worker 3: Keep that stupid talk to yourselves and quit causing trouble for her! Get back to work!
Vyrn: Hahaha! That ain't what I'd called spooked.
Anne: Hehe. You can come out now, Grea.
Io: Come out, come out! If anyone's afraid of you, I'll set 'em straight!
Grea: Th-thanks...
Grea is put at ease, and the party continues to walk around town.
They stop in front of a local boutique.
Io: Oh! That'd look cute on you, Grea!
Anne: Wanna try it on? I think it suits you too.
Grea: Really? Well, okay, if you all think so...
Grea: But I think these clothes would also look good on all of you too.
Lyria: Let's all go in and try them on then! Vyrn and (Captain) have to join us!
Vyrn: Wha? Why do we gotta do this?
Anne: Because we said so! Now in you go!
Grea: Hehehe...
After leaving the boutique, the party continue their outing, visiting the various shops and parlors in town.
Hunger pangs make their presence known, and the party finds a cafe.
Vyrn: Phew... That was rough...
Grea: You didn't like trying on clothes? I'm sorry to hear that...
Vyrn: Nah, there's nothing for you to be sorry about!
Io: Yeah, Grea. You don't have to apologize to that lizard for anything.
Vyrn: No, but
you do!
Vyrn: Apologize to me right now!
Grea: Hee-hee...
Smiles abound as the cheerful party sweep though the streets, when they suddenly overhear a conversation between some townspeople.
Worker 4: Didja hear? It just doesn't stop...
Worker 5: Yeah. Swarm o' monsters are closing in on us. Of course they'd pick the perfect time when we're in the middle of all this reconstruction.
Worker 4: Misery loves company. The guards are keeping watch right now, so we should be fine, but...
Vyrn: Hmm... That doesn't sound good.
Io: Should we pop out real quick for a peek?
Grea: I'll go if you go.
Io: We can handle this on our own. We're just gonna check things out.
Lyria: You two enjoy the rest of your time in the town. We'll be back before you know it!
Anne: All right, if you insist. Come on, Grea. Let's leave it to the pros.
Grea: Okay. Be careful out there.
Vyrn: Roger that! Let's go, (Captain)!
(Captain) nods and leads the others away.
Grea and Anne are left behind by the crew to continue enjoying the rest of their afternoon in town.
Stand By Me: Scene 2
Grea confesses that she's pushing herself to gain control of her powers because she fears losing those who are close to her. Anne, for the same reason, makes Grea promise to also protect herself as she would protect others. Their earnest moment is interrupted by monsters.
After making their rounds around town, Anne and Grea find a bench in the town square.
Anne: Did you have fun?
Grea: Yeah, I had a lot of fun. It was great getting to hang out with everyone.
Grea: But I still haven't achieved my goal of keeping my power under control. Is it really okay to be doing this right now?
Anne: Breaks are important too. Doesn't all that concentrating make you exhausted?
Grea: But I have to hurry up and figure this out.
Grea: Today's memories, everyone in the crew, you... I don't know if I can protect it all...
Grea: The thought of failing frightens me...
Grea looks down in sadness, trembling ever so slightly. Anne gently brushes Grea's hair.
Anne: You really are kind, you know that? You're always thinking about others first.
Anne: Can't say I blame you, since I'm in the same boat. I'm terrified of seeing anything happen to my precious Grea.
Grea: ...!
Anne: Make another promise with me. Just this once.
Anne: When push comes to shove, I want you to take care of yourself as you would do for anyone else. Everyone in (Captain)'s crew and I would be sad if you got hurt.
Grea: Yeah...
Anne: So you don't have to rush things, okay? We know you're already working super hard!
Anne: All that hard work would be pointless if you're knocked out from exhaustion.
Grea: Thanks... Anne...
The two girls look at each other and smile.
Panicked Yell: Run, everybody! Ruuun!
Grea: Do you think it's...
Anne: The monster swarm!
Screams fill the town as monsters from seemingly everywhere spill into the streets.
Anne: Grea!
Grea: Mm-hm. Let's fight back, Anne!
Stand By Me: Scene 3
Anne and Grea defeat the monsters, but more are on the way. Anne is injured protecting a townsperson, and Grea once again draws out her dragon powers; bolstered by her will and promises, she retains enough control to fight the monsters effectively.
Just as Grea and Anne take care of the last monster, (Captain) and company come rushing into the square.
Io: Grea! Anne! Are you two okay?
Anne: We're fine. How's the town holding up?
Io: A ton of monsters rushed us after we left you two.
Vyrn: We teamed up with the guards to try to keep them out of the town.
Vyrn: But it was like fighting a river. We couldn't handle that many of them.
Lyria: It looks like they surrounded the town before attacking.
Grea: So you're saying this isn't the only place in town with monsters? They're everywhere?
Io: Looks like it... We should split up and defend as much of the town as we can.
Anne: Sounds like a plan. We'll take this spot!
Vyrn: Gotcha! Don't bite off more than you can chew!
The other crew members split off to defend other areas of town, leaving the square to Anne and Grea.
Anne: Well then...
Monster: Groaaar!
Anne: Spirits! Shine your vanquishing light on the wicked!
Monster: Gurgh...
Monster: Grooar!
Grea: I guess they're not done yet. But neither are we!
Anne: You're no match for us! We won't let you mess up our town anymore!
Person in Danger: Aaagh!
Anne: A straggler? Hey, watch out!
Monster: Grooar!
Anne: Ungh—
Anne darts in front of the person who'd gotten lost in the chaos and takes a direct hit from a monster.
Grea: Anne!
Anne: Ugh!
Monster: ...
Anne: Run! Hurry!
Person in Danger: I'm so sorry! Thank you for saving me!
Grea runs over to Anne who has fallen to the ground after shielding the townsperson.
Grea: Anne! Are you okay?
Anne: I'm f-fine... It's just a scratch.
Anne: There's no time to worry about me. The monsters are regrouping.
Grea: ...
Anne: Grea?
Grea looks at the carnage around her, the fleeing people, and her wounded friend.
Grea: I have to protect everything... I have to use my power!
Anne: You can't! Grea, don't!
Anne is in a panic, but Grea looks down at her with a reassuring smile.
Grea: Don't worry, Anne. I won't lose myself this time.
Grea: I'll protect it all. The precious memories, Anne... Everything including myself!
Grea: I won't let you take them from me! Just you wait and see!
Grea: Haaah!
Monster: Grooar?
Grea unleashes a roar and in an instant annihilates the monsters circling the two girls with her overwhelming strength.
Anne: You did it... You figured out how to control your power!
Grea: I'll make everything right again with my own two hands!
With those words of determination, Grea heads into battle.
Stand By Me: Scene 4
Grea has learned how to partially control her dragon powers with the help of Anne and the crew. They can feel a renewed sense of faith coming from the young girl.
Grea makes a clean sweep of the monsters now that she is able to control her dragon powers.
She confirms that no more monsters remain in town before returning to Anne.
Grea: Anne! Are you sure your injuries aren't serious? How are you feeling?
Anne: Hehehe... I didn't know you cared. I'm fine. I told you it's just a scratch.
Grea: Oh, good... That's a relief.
Grea heaves a sigh. Now that the town is secure, the crew hurriedly returns back to the square.
Vyrn: I saw what you did back there, missy! You took out those monsters like nobody's business!
Io: Looks like you got a handle on your powers! Congrats!
Anne: Yep, yep! You're awesome, Grea! Now you can put a checkmark next to your goal!
Grea: Mm-hm. It's still not perfect though. I think what I did just now was more of a happy coincidence.
Grea: Like, if I tried it again right now, I think I'd end up losing it...
(Captain) notes how calm Grea is as she's making her observation.
Grea: Hee-hee... But that's okay. It's just like Anne said: Hard work is pointless if you're knocked out.
Grea: I'll take my time learning with everyone by my side.
Anne: Haha, good. I'll always be there to help you when you need me.
Lyria: We'll help you too!
Grea: Thanks, you guys.
Grea: I've come to realize so much with everyone's help. Thank you all so much for that.
Grea: I'd love to play with you all again if you have the time.
Lyria: Of course! We'll definitely make time, Grea!
Grea: Hee-hee... I'm looking forward to it.
Grea's smile glows like the sun.
Her doubts are no longer clouded; (Captain) and company can feel a warm sense of trust coming from the young girl in front of them.