Main Quests/Story/Chapter 63

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Phantagrande Skydom - Former Capital Mephorash

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Act 1: Girl in Blue - Chapter 63: Boundless Joy - Episode 1

(Captain) and company hurry toward the Grandcypher to escape Agastia. Adam—who'd stayed behind to defend the airship—expresses his gratitude to the gang and reveals that he is a golem, then his functions cease. They bring him to Mephorash, where the Black Knight begins a showdown against the crew to decide Orchis's fate.

Vyrn: Whew... I thought we were toast for real this time.

Rackam: Heh! Don't you always think that?

Vyrn: Hehe, now that you mention it... Guess I do!

Katalina: I don't think anyone would have expected things to turn out this way.

Katalina: We should be glad that the job is done, and that no lives were lost.

Black Knight: ...

Orchis: ...

Having valiantly thwarted Freesia's devious schemes, the crew takes a moment to let out a sigh of relief.

However...

Lecia: Hm? Did you hear that?

Imperial Soldier 1: Over here! I've found the intruders!

Imperial Soldier 2: What! They have the prime minister? Your Excellency, are you all right!

Imperial Soldier 3: You fiends! What have you done!

Rackam: Oh boy... Looks like breaking the reactor woke the kids up.

Imperial Soldier 3: Call for reinforcements and a medical team! The felons have the prime minister, and she's in critical condition!

Eugen: Hah!
Yeah, we've got a felon here, all right!

Rosetta: Well, it's simply wonderful seeing them back to their old selves again.

Io: They should be thanking us! We're the ones who saved the world while they were out cold!

Black Knight: But to those soldiers, we're nothing more than criminals who infiltrated the capital and destroyed Erste's core.

Orchis: That is... what we did though...

Rackam: Meh! Who cares about their thanks anyway—I like 'em more this way! Just like old times!

Rackam: Now who's up for some well-deserved R & R! We're headin' back to the Grandcypher!

(Captain) and company breeze through the soldiers with ease and swiftness, escaping the Tower.

Sierokarte: I'm so glad you're all safe!

Monika: Looks like you all managed to bring down that reactor thing!

Lecia: Siero! Monika! Are you two all right? Are you hurt?

Tzaka the Great: Worry not. Our battle is nothing compared to what you have been through.

Monika: The Crew of Enforcers... Port Breeze skyfarers... Valtz Duchy...

Monika: The people of Auguste too... It's thanks to all of you!

Tzaka the Great: And to the destruction of the reactor.

Tzaka the Great: Because of that, our troops are making a speedy recovery. Good fortune to us all.

Sierokarte: The imperial soldiers are waking up too though...

Eugen: Well! We've done what we came to do! Don't see any point in staying.

Time to go.
Time to take over Erste!

Choose: Time to go.

Vyrn: Yeah! We should get going before this gets any messier!

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Time to take over Erste!

Lyria: U-um, t-take over what?

Monika: Hahaha!
Didn't know you had it in you, (Captain)! Now that's what I call ambition!

Lecia: M-Monika! (Captain)! Don't say stuff like that—this is serious!

Tzaka the Great: I advise that a withdrawal would be the wisest decision...

Tzaka the Great: The crisis has been averted, and it is time to leave the rest to the people of this land.

Continue 1

Sierokarte: Roger that! We're getting out of here!

With that, Sierokarte turns to a skyfarer beside her.

Sierokarte: Could I trouble you to pass the word on? Make sure everyone gets the message!

The skyfarer goes off to relay the message to others who'd come to aid the island.

Rackam: All right, not a moment to lose! Next stop: the Grandcypher!

Rackam: Not that I don't trust that general, but I'm anxious to see if the Grandcypher's still in one piece.

(Captain) and company withdraw from the battlefield and rush through Agastia.

Different groups head off in different directions toward their own ships, while the crew heads beneath Agastia—to the Grandcypher.

Arriving at the port beneath Agastia, the crew witnesses a peculiar display.

All around the Grandcypher, a circular array of soldiers lie stacked atop each other.

Adam: ...

Upon its deck stands but one man. Though wounded he may be, he stands firm and resolute.

Black Knight: I don't believe it... You actually defended an entire airship all by yourself.

Rackam: Thank you, General.
We really owe you one.

Adam: No need for thanks, Rackam. I'm just doing my duty.

Lyria: But your wounds... You really risked your life to keep the Grandcypher safe...

As the crew display their gratitude toward the bruise-ridden Adam, they notice something from his wounds...

Orchis: Your body...

Adam: This body... isn't human.

Adam: I was created at the height of Erste's golden age...

Adam: The culmination of golem research that has since been lost, the epitome of the time's golem technology... That is what I am.

Orchis: A... golem...

Adam lowers his head in silent affirmation.

Rackam: Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're a what now?

Adam: I want to thank you again, on behalf of all of Erste...

Adam: Thank you... All of you... Today you saved more than you will ever know.

Adam: You have saved all that is precious to me, all that I wished to protect.

(Captain) and company exchange looks with a hint of embarrassment.

Adam: And Orchis...

Orchis: Me?

Hearing her name called out of the blue, Orchis looks to Adam in surprise.

Adam: I... wish I could stay longer, to guide you till the end of the path...

Adam: But... it seems my time is coming to a close...

Black Knight: Adam. What's wrong?

Adam: Her... it's all... for her... I...
Please...

Adam: ...

Lyria: Wha...

Lecia: G-General?

Lecia calls out to Adam. But try as she might, he does not answer.

Io: Oh no...

Orchis: ...

Eugen: H-hey! Adam! Adam! If this is a prank, I swear...

Adam: ...

Rackam: Adam... No...

Rosetta: ...

Katalina: Rgh...

Vyrn: He gave his life... to save our ship...

In the midst of the solemn silence, the Black Knight raises a proposal.

Black Knight: (Captain)... can you bring us to Mephorash?

Lecia: Mephorash? If I recall, that's—

Black Knight: The capital of the what was once the Erste Kingdom... In a time when golems brought Erste into a golden age...

Black Knight: That's where this man should rest...

Black Knight: And that's where it all started... Everything that made me who I am...

Black Knight: That's why it has to be where you and I end this.

Orchis: ...

Lyria: ...

The crew acknowledges the Black Knight's request. Upon laying Adam in a cabin bed, the ship silently embarks.

As they reach their destination, the crew sees chaos erupting around Ravi Island.

Echoes of the upheaval in Agastia had reached the island, spurring an uproar. The crew weaves through a gap in the chain of ships and lands safely on Ravi Island.

In stark contrast to the mayhem of battleships around the island, Mephorash City itself seems as peaceful as they last left it.

Eugen: I reckon this town doesn't get much of any news from the outside.

Black Knight: Who would have known. It looks like the blockage actually ended up protecting the city.

The crew make their way to the heart of the Mephorash, to the old capital's palace.

Lyria: Huh?

Vyrn: Hm? What's wrong, Lyria?

Lyria: I thought... I heard a girl laughing.

Black Knight: Are you saying there's someone else here besides us?

Lecia: Well, with what happened at Agastia, they could be reinforcing the fortresses and strongholds with troops, but...

Black Knight: But a little girl? Civilians aren't allowed on these grounds.

Lyria: B-but I know I heard it! I think...

However there were no signs of anyone else in the castle, nor do they find any clues as to what Lyria heard.

They find a room in the palace suitable for Adam to rest, and lay him down.

Rackam: He was a good man... I can't ever repay him...

Rosetta: We've done what he wanted us to do, I know it.

Rosetta: Let us have moment of silence... May he rest in peace...

The room is still and calm. Heads are gently bowed, and some hold hands in prayer.

After a long silence, Orchis turns to Lyria with a look of determination.

Orchis: Lyria... Come with me...

Lyria: ...?

Orchis brings Lyria away from the others before continuing.

Orchis: Lyria... There's something I want to ask you.

Lyria: Ask? Me?

Orchis: This is... my first and last wish...

Orchis: Please, do it for me... Not for Orchis... but for me...

Lyria: Wha... Huh?

Orchis: ...

The Black Knight brings the crew to the palace's great hall and turns around to face them.

Black Knight: I believe all of you know what I meant when I said we would end this. This is about Orchis, as it always has been.

Black Knight: Within Lyria lies the key to bringing back Orchis... The old Orchis.

Katalina: You want to use Deus Ex Machina.

Black Knight: That's right.
But Lyria, and all of you included, are opposed to that.

Black Knight: It seems we are at an impasse, one that can no longer be overcome by words. You know it too, don't you, (Captain).

The Black Knight's words sends chills through the air. Everyone can feel the tension mounting.

Lyria: Why... Why does it have to be like this?

Lyria: Can't you accept Orchis for who she is right now?

Orchis: ...

Black Knight: To be honest, I can no longer bring myself to call her a "doll."

Black Knight: However, even so, I must bring her back...

Black Knight: For the people of this city, for her resting parents, for the person I once was...

Black Knight: I am who I am... And I will not—can not—break the oath I made to myself.

Black Knight: And even if not for that... I simply want to see her smile again.

Orchis: ...

Black Knight: I would be lying if I said I don't have any second thoughts about this.

Black Knight: Know that this is not easy for me.

Black Knight: In honesty, I can no longer choose. Whichever road is taken, I lose one or the other, when I wish to lose neither.

The Black Knight fixes a fierce gaze on (Captain).

Black Knight: But... Without choice, one cannot move on.

Black Knight: So help me... Show me which is stronger: that which gave birth to this black armor, or that which built this armor up.

Black Knight: Show me, and I will be at peace with whatever may come of it.

The Black Knight reveals a crystal of dark essence and pours its energies into herself.

Eugen: No! That's—

Black Knight: Dark essence. Though I will not use all of its power.

Katalina: She's finally gone and done it.

Rosetta: It looks like this is going to be the real final battle for us.

Io: It's painful to have to do this... But I'm not backing down!

Lecia: We may be past the point of talking her out of it...

Lecia: But if this battle helps to put her at ease, I won't give it any less than my all!

Rackam: I always knew it might come to this one day...

Eugen: Apollo... If this fight is what you really want... Then I'm not gonna sell you short.

Lyria: Orchis, we're going to fight against the Black Knight for you.

Lyria: We're doing this for you! We don't want you to go!

Lyria: So please—

Orchis: ...

Vyrn: We've been though a whole lot, but I guess to her, this is really important...

Vyrn: Let's do this, (Captain)! It's time to pull all out the stops!

Black Knight: En garde! This may not be a fight between good and evil...

Black Knight: But it is a fight of wills!

Act 1: Girl in Blue - Chapter 63: Boundless Joy - Episode 1: Scene 2

Orchis is prepared to sacrifice herself so that her body may be returned to the real Orchis. However, she is saved when her spirit energy is placed into a golem Adam created, now assuming the name of "Orchid." Elsewhere in Oarlyegrande, a man called the True King contemplates the peace and stability of all skydoms.

(Captain) and company are able to drive back the dark essence and defeat the Black Knight.

The Black Knight hardly looks resentful, but rather relieved as she accepts her defeat.

Black Knight: I guess... I've lost.

Black Knight: But... allow me to thank you, (Captain).

Black Knight: Up until now... Even until this very moment, you truly stuck by me.

Black Knight: And now... and now I can...

Despite a trace of hesitation in her face, the Black Knight hardens her resolve.

But, as if to defy her resolution, a dignified voice echoes out.

Orchis: Lyria...

Lyria: Orchis... Why? I can't do it... I can't.

Orchis: Please... Lyria.

Lyria: I can't! Because I... I just...

Lyria: Orchis! Please, just reconsider!

Katalina: What's wrong, you two?

Orchis: I'm sorry, Lyria...

As she murmurs the words, Orchis reaches out for the crystal on Lyria's chest.

Lyria: No! Orchis!

Black Knight: !

Orchis: I, in the name of Arqus, call upon you, Deus Ex Machina, to activate.

Lyria: Primal beast, Deus Ex Machina, activation request acknowledged...

Black Knight: It can't be... Stop! Orchis!

Orchis gazes steadily at the Black Knight while being slowly consumed by the light.

Orchis: I'm sorry...

Black Knight: Wait! Stop! Orchis!

Orchis: Primal beast, Deus Ex Machina... Leave your transitional state...

Orchis: And dwell within me!

!

As her consciousness falls into darkness, Orchis begins to reflect on her feelings.

Orchis: Who... am I?

Orchis: I always thought it was strange... that I'm a doll... but not quite a doll.

Orchis: That I am Orchis... but not quite Orchis.

Orchis: But... even I have a purpose. She gave me one...

Orchis: My purpose... To become Orchis.

Orchis: At first... I didn't understand. So sometimes, she'd get frustrated with me...

Orchis: And then sometimes, she'd smile at me...

Orchis: But that smile was for Orchis... Not me, but for her.

Orchis: But I... I loved her gentle gaze...

Orchis: And as we traveled together, she began to change.

Orchis: It was as if... her eyes were truly looking at me.

Orchis: There were even times when she called me Orchis...

Orchis: But... I changed as well. I became completely selfish...

Orchis: I wanted her to see me, not Orchis.

Orchis: I didn't want her to lose the ambition and hope I could see, twinkling in her eyes as she tried to get Orchis back...

Orchis: I didn't want to just take. I wanted to give back...

Orchis: But it can't be both ways... If I become myself, it means she must give up on her dream...

Orchis: But I... can't be Orchis anymore.

Orchis: And if she'll only ever see me as Orchis, not as I truly am... Then I... I...

Orchis: When I discovered the reason I was born, I just knew... my wishes would never come true.

Orchis: So... if there is anything I can sacrifice to make the two of them happy... I'll give it all to...

???: I see... So that is your decision.

Orchis: ...

???: Thank you... For making such a difficult decision for her sake.

Orchis: Nothing was ever mine in the first place... I'm just returning it all. Back to how things were then...

???: But then you were born... And here you are now, in fact.

???: You see... I love happy endings. Where everyone is together and smiling.

???: That's why... I just can't let you be.

Orchis: But... my body...

???: It's all right. After my existence became unstable, I made a friend I could talk to.

???: I was utterly helpless... but he made arrangements for me, you see.

???: He may be a bit grumpy and look a little scary, but he is very dependable and kind.

Orchis: ?

???: Well... So... Umm...

???: Hmm... It seems that both of us being Orchis may be a bit inconvenient...

Orchis: If you're here... then I won't be Orchis anymore.

???: I see... Then, how about this?

???: Someone told me once that "Orchis" is said differently in another skydom...

The young girl speaks the name aloud.

???: This is just a gift to another me, who will soon be reborn.

Orchis: This is... my new name?

???: Yes. You will call yourself this from now on.

Orchis: Mmm...

???: Ah, and one more thing... I'll let you have that cat plushie.

???: It seems you're much more fond of it than I ever was.

Orchis: Thank you... I'll take good care of it.

???: Haha... Well then, it's almost time. See you...

???: ...

Lyria: Orchis! I'm so glad! I thought we'd failed...

Black Knight: Orchis...

???: ?

Her head a bit foggy, she awakens and looks around.

Her gaze falls upon a familiar young girl, lying perfectly still. She yelps in surprise.

???: Huh? My body... What's happened to me?

Io: Actually, it seems General Adam had a body prepared all along.

Lyria: I heard something... when Deus Ex Machina was activated.

Lyria: It was Orchis's voice... or rather, the voice of another Orchis...

Lyria, who'd heard the voice of Queen Orchis, was guided to a room in the palace.

Since General Adam was a false being, a golem in Human form...

He was able to bridge a connection to Queen Orchis, who'd transformed into spiritual energy.

And as a request from Queen Orchis, General Adam created one golem of elaborate quality.

The golem was kept in that room, quiet and undisturbed.

Rackam: Gee whiz... We were on pins and needles.

Rackam: Listen, Orchis... You don't need to go sacrificing yourself anymore...

???: No.

Rackam: Huh?

???: I'm not Orchis... I'm not Orchis anymore.

Io: Huh? W-well then...

???: She gave me... a new name.

Orchid: It's "Orchid." I want you to call me that from now on.

Orchid proudly gazes upon herself, the proof that she is no longer someone's substitute.

Lyria: Orchid!

Orchid: Mmm...

Orchid nods and approaches the Orchis lying still.

Relief washes through her face upon hearing Orchis's slow and gentle breathing.

Orchid: Thank you, Orchis...

Orchid walks over to the Black Knight, who can do nothing to hide her downcast expression.

Black Knight: Orchid... Orchid, you say?

Black Knight: Sorry, Orchid... But when I think about how I treated you, I could never apologize enough.

Black Knight: And... because of your sacrifice, I...

Orchid: Then say it... Say "thank you."

Black Knight: !

Orchid: I am... so grateful for everything that's happened.

Orchid: I never... never thought it would end up like this...

Orchid: But I'm so... so happy I can be here right now.

Orchid: No matter the circumstances in which I came to be... I'm truly here.

Orchid: So, Apollo...

Black Knight: ...

Orchid: From now on... I want to be with you. To always be by your side.

Orchid: Going forward... I want you to see me, not as Orchis... but as me!

The Black Knight appears baffled upon hearing those words.

Black Knight: Ah... If that is your wish, then I'll stay with you forever.

Black Knight: Never... Never again shall I lose something so precious...

Black Knight: We'll always be together... Orchid.

Orchid: Mmm...

Orchid gives a huge smile in approval.

Katalina: So... I suppose that settles that?

Eugen: By golly, my daughter's sure got a hard time being honest with herself...

Lyria: I'm so glad...

Orchid: Ah...

Orchid turns at the sound of Lyria's voice, as if she suddenly remembers something.

Orchid: Lyria... Io... There's something I've wanted to ask you, but I couldn't until now.

Orchid: I'd always thought... that I'd disappear one day...

Orchid: But now things are different. So... I want to ask.

Orchid's expression turns serious as she takes a quiet breath.

Orchid: Lyria... Io... Will you... be my friends?

Lyria: We've been friends all along!

Io: Of course! What are you saying all of a sudden?

After getting the response from Io that she'd hoped for, Orchid shows some relief.

Orchid: I'm glad...

Lyria: We've been friends all along... And we'll continue to be friends forever, Orchid!

Orchid: Yeah...

Orchid smiles at Lyria's words.

And her smile, although awkward, is bursting with a gentleness and joy indiscernible from any young girl. To never be mistaken for a doll.

(Captain) and company set off into the wide blue yonder, on a new path on their journey across the sky.

And from a small corner in the city, two people watch as (Captain)'s airship disappears into the horizon.

Drang: Well! This is just wonderful! Right, Sturm?

Sturm: Hmm... Our job is to protect our client, not grant their wishes.

Sturm: But, well... After this, our client won't be getting into much trouble, I suppose.

Drang: Oh! Sturm, you! You should really loosen up at times like–

Drang: Ouch! Sturm! Everything's resolved! Don't make me an unnecessary victim!

Sturm: Relax... It's just the sword tip.

Drang: What are you thinking! The sword tip is the most dangerous part!

After (Captain) and company escape the Tower, Drang and Sturm continue to watch over them from the shadows.

They'd followed them to secret Ravi Island, but always stayed just out of sight as they kept watch.

Sturm: So... Drang. What shall we do now?

Drang: Good question! And I've been thinking actually...

Drang: For now, we can say for sure that she won't be needing us anymore.

Sturm: Yeah... You're right.

Drang: She'll be off starting anew with Queen Orchis and Orchid.

Drang: And since Queen Orchis is real royalty, with her lineage and all...

Drang: It'll be best if us suspicious-looking folks keep our distance, no matter how they might feel...

Drang: Ah, yes! And we've worked pretty hard for the pay we got, right?

Sturm: You think... so?

Drang: Of course! Absolutely! I'm telling you! We were some really busy bees, don't you think?

Sturm: Yeah, well... I won't argue with that.

Drang: Right, right! So we'll just take a break from all this for a while. Take some time to relax, eh?

Sturm debates with her feelings a bit before her expression suddenly turns gentle.

Sturm: Hmm... Well, I suppose that's not so bad every now and then. Let's hold off on taking jobs for a while.

Sturm: The Erste Empire has practically fallen... And with that, the skydom should become a bit more peaceful, I suppose.

Drang: Hmm... I'm not so sure about that.

Sturm: What?

Drang gazes up into the distant sky. Even now, somewhere in the endless blue, a few sparks remain that may someday set the world ablaze.

???: So this is what's become of Erste...

???: Your Majesty, to what degree shall we exact punishment upon the Black Knight?

???: No... That shall not be necessary. Methods aside, the Black Knight has put an end to that woman's recklessness.

???: If Akasha had been summoned as she had wished, the destruction caused would have been unfathomable.

???: Not only Phantagrande, but our Oarlyegrande, and countless other skydoms would suffer.

???: The Black Knight has prevented that calamity. Yet you hail her not as a hero, but instead condemn her to be punished?

???: My lord, if I may be so bold... Prime Minister Freesia's schemes were flawed to begin with.

???: Furthermore, in the unlikely event that Your Majesty would befall any risk of harm...

???: One such as I, or the Blue Knight, would have disposed of the Prime Minister ourselves. The Black Knight is not to be mistaken as a hero.

???: ...

???: That is supposition. In reality, the one who has accomplished the deed is the Black Knight.

???: One must not live in assumptions and make light of what is truth, knight.

???: Yes, Your Majesty. Forgive me for my presumptuousness.

???: Hmm, but it seems there shall be some disorder throughout Phantagrande for some time.

???: It seems I have acquired a habit of charging you with duties of great responsibility, but I believe it is not beyond your capability.

???: ...

The man in blue armor lowers his head in acknowledgement.

???: And it seems Loki has once again broken away and disappeared.

???: Yes, Your Majesty. We have therefore sent word to every region to be on guard.

???: Hm... Then send out another message.

???: This time... to be on guard for a crew with a small red dragon and a young girl of blue...

???: And their captain, the child of that... that man...

???: By your will, my lord.

???: The Black Knight has yet to be seen since. Her whereabouts are unknown.

???: And while we're on topic, I don't recall you mentioning in your reports that your beloved daughter travels with the crew in question.

???: It even seems that she is a vital member of theirs. Why didn't you report this? Don't tell me even you have let your emotions defile our sacred responsibility.

???: ...

???: Humph... Very well.

???: But never forget, we are the Luminary Knights. To bring His Majesty's will to fruition, we must never waver.

???: The Black Knight has broken the code, and for that she must be expelled from the Luminary Table. Don't you agree?

The knight in golden armor turns around, expecting an answer, but there is no longer anyone to be found.

???: Sigh... He never changes.

???: The time is nigh; it is almost complete... Until that time comes, I must prepare the way.

???: Just as His Majesty wills...

To the uncharted skies. And to fate, heroic skyfarers rise.

Their story continues.

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