Night Pareidolia/Story
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Spoiler Alert! These tabs contain full Event cutscene scripts with major spoilers about the plot and characters. View these tabs at your own discretion. |
Night Pareidolia - Opening
Sometime after the last clash with Navis, the Accordants have their brief period of peace interrupted by news from Tikoh and Cupitan. Elsewhere in the skies, Navis is setting their mysterious plans in motion.
Morilynn: I can remember my own birth.
Morilynn: The moment I gained consciousness, when I became mere metal no longer...
Judah: ...
Morilynn: I saw Judah crying.
Morilynn: Even now, I don't know whether it was because he was happy or because he was sad.
Morilynn: Being a newborn baby, maybe my concerning lack of crying was the cause.
Morilynn: Whatever the reason, I just wanted to see him smile.
Lodi: It's time for work, Morilynn.
While sleeping on the hard rocks of a windy plateau, Morilynn's dream is suddenly interrupted by Lodi's rough shaking.
Morilynn: Whoa there, no touchy.
Lodi: Don't be silly. Your power to bestow death on those you touch has never worked on me for some reason.
Morilynn: That's not it. What I mean is... that was lewd.
Lodi: ...
Huh?
Huh?
Morilynn: Even objects can get embarrassed. You should treat me more gently.
Lodi: I'm going now.
Morilynn: Lead the way, please.
Morilynn: Do you have any memories of when you were born?
Lodi: No... I don't think anyone does, as a general rule.
Morilynn: Yes, I'm sure you're right. However, I do remember.
Morilynn: Though, since I'm Thalassinus through and through, it's unfortunately more accurate to call them records than memories.
Lodi: ...
Unfortunately, huh. You always say you want to become a person, but honestly I'm jealous of you.
Unfortunately, huh. You always say you want to become a person, but honestly I'm jealous of you.
Morilynn: Are you sure you won't make that pact with me? I'll even cut you a deal. How's sixty-forty sound?
Lodi: That won't be necessary. We're almost at the end.
Lodi: With this next job, the world will be saved.
Morilynn: ...
Morilynn: (The one who truly wants salvation is...)
Sometime after the incident on Ovuque Island, as some Accordants receive startling revelations...
Others are spending their time aboard the docked Grandcypher, unaware of the developments that are unfolding.
Kolulu: Whew... That just about does it!
Kolulu: Thank you for helping me clean, you three!
Vyrn: I mean, we didn't really do anything. It was pretty tidy before ya even started, to be honest.
Lyria: Have you been cleaning Troue's room every day?
Kolulu: Yes, I have. It just feels wrong to do nothing...
The last time the crew had clashed with Navis, the main personality hidden inside Troue revealed himself to be the organization's Auditor Nulla, Felix, leading to him switching sides.
Vyrn: You said Manamel usually cleans with ya, right? That's more helpful than I'd expect her to be.
Kolulu: Ehehe... Yes, she's always here to watch over Vegalta and me!
Lyria: Watch over?
Manamel: I'd just make a bigger mess trying to help. Standing here and doing nothing is the best way for me to contribute.
Kolulu: That's what she said.
Vyrn: Why'd she sound so proud of it, though...
Lyria: She's out investigating a lead she found on her sister, right?
Kolulu: Yes, she was quite excited about it. She's on her way to Ovuque Island, according to the letter she sent!
Vyrn: Oh yeah, Muscle Lady wrote sayin' she met Manamel on a ship goin' there.
Lyria: Tikoh and Cupitan left to reinvestigate the ruins there a while ago, didn't they? I think they should be back soo—
Feather's Voice: Oh no! Randall's having another leaking accident!
Lyria: What!
The group runs up to find Feather and Ragazzo watching Randall hold his nose.
Randall: Don't say leaking, you idiot! It's called a nosebleed!
Ragazzo: No worries 'bout the mess. I just got my arm outfitted with this baby...
Feather: Whoooa! It cleaned up all the blood instantly!
Vyrn: Randall, are ya okay?
Kolulu: His price seems to be growing steeper... Doesn't it?
All Accordants must pay a price to use their Horoscopes, and both Feather's and Randall's take significant tolls on their bodies.
Randall: Yeah, but there's no point complaining about it. I hate to worry you all, though.
Feather: ...
It's all my fault for impulsively seeking power. "Price" really rings true when it's this steep...
It's all my fault for impulsively seeking power. "Price" really rings true when it's this steep...
Randall: Hey, don't get all soppy on me. You start acting like this every time the topic comes up.
Feather: ...
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Randall: ...
Seeing Feather become dejected, Randall purposefully starts to speak cheerfully.
Randall: Anyway, Ragazzo! When did you get your arms modified like that?
Ragazzo: Huh, good question... I think it was right around when they added the salmun cooker. Or was it after the flowers?
Vyrn: All the engineers like Nicholas, Galadar, and Mahira are coming up with new ideas all the time, after all. No wonder ya lost track.
Not wanting Ferdinand, the man who raised him, to commit any more sins, Ragazzo had pushed him to the bottom of the skies with his own hands.
Shortly afterward, he had allowed Feather and Randall to cajole him into joining the crew.
Nereus: By the way, he doesn't yet know that Ferdinand is still alive.
Kolulu: Excuse me... Do you still have "Skyfaring for Dummies: Joining Your First Crew"?
Ragazzo: What! How do you know about that?
Kolulu: Fiorito said she saw it in your jacket pocket while doing laundry.
Ragazzo: Why that little... I told her to keep quiet about that kinda stuff!
Lyria: What are you two discussing? Let me join the conversation!
Ragazzo: Don't worry about it! There's nothing worth talkin' about.
As Ragazzo breaks out into a cold sweat and starts scratching his head with his mechanical hand...
Tikoh & Cupitan: We're back...
Ragazzo: Hey there! Nice timing, you two!
Tikoh: Yeah? Well, I guess it's good for us that you're all here.
Cupitan: There's something that we need to tell you.
In a forbidden space filled with blank white furnishings, the crackling of a fire penetrates the otherwise total silence.
A man is standing by himself before it, burning a bundle of papers.
Judah: ...
As the sheets are thrown into the flames one by one, they reveal not records of his esoteric research, but rather portraits of a woman.
The fire crawls up the papers, slowly turning them into ashes.
Judah: ...
That ends it.
That ends it.
Judah: Or perhaps it had never even begun.
Nereus: Indeed. A story is something that spreads like wildfire and eventually burns out.
Nereus: Will the flames seem to you like they are wailing in lament or laughing in madness?
Nereus: Please, tell me what your pareidolia reveals.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 1: Perturbation - Episode 1
Before the Accordants can process Tikoh's claim that Ferdinand is still alive, Fiorito arrives alongside the supposedly dead Lavirita with her own host of revelations. She reports that her father and Manamel's sister are Chairmen and that Manamel switched sides, forcing Lavirita to step in and save her.
Feather: Ferdinand...
Randall: Is alive?
The information that Tikoh and Cupitan have brought leaves their crewmates dumbstruck.
Ragazzo: Don't be stupid!
Ragazzo: I... I did him in with my own hands!
Tikoh: There were stelae on Ovuque Island that documented Navis's history and ideals.
Tikoh: "The observant ones claim Argo was born without a core, splitting into twenty-three pieces at the moment of genesis."
Tikoh: "That's twenty-three sacrificial weapons—bringing them together in their consummate states to manifest Argo is our goal."
Tikoh: Sacrificial weapons... These must be the Horoscopes.
Tikoh: "By granting Argo a core and a purpose of our choosing, its extraordinary capabilities—"
Tikoh: Would allow it to grant a single wish?
Tikoh: "World domination, soul purification, resurrection of the dead, spatiotemporal breakthrough, travel between worlds—nothing is impossible."
Tikoh: Could this be what Navis is gathering the Horoscopes for?
Tikoh: And in the list of Navis's inaugural members, I found his name.
Tikoh: It's not clear exactly how ancient those stelae were, but there's no question that they're older than he should be.
Cupitan: And what's more... I finally remembered.
Cupitan: Ris and I didn't kill just anyone that day. It was Ferdinand.
Ragazzo: You're telling me he's come back to life before?
Cupitan: I don't want to believe it either, but that's the only thing that makes sense.
Ragazzo: ...!
Feather: Ragazzo...
Ragazzo: There's no damn way... Then, what the hell did I...
Fiorito: Ferdinand's alive, no doubt about it.
Fiorito appears before the group, and from behind her emerges another figure.
Lavirita: Regrettably, the man is quite tricky to dispose of.
Randall: Fiorito! And hold up, you're...
Kolulu: Lavirita! Did you come back to life too?
Lavirita: Long time no see, everyone—though I suppose we were never formally introduced. Yes, I am indeed Lavirita.
Lavirita—Auditor Quinto and the Accordant for the Bird Eye.
Having fallen in battle against Fiorito as part of Navis's plans, he was supposed to be dead.
(Captain) and the others prepare to fight, but Fiorito quickly raises a hand to stop them.
Fiorito: Hold on, it's all right. Lavirita's not an enemy. In fact, he saved—
Fiorito: Ugh...
Fiorito puts a hand on her abdomen, which is wrapped in bloody bandages.
Feather: Whoa, are you okay? What happened?
Lavirita: I administered first aid, but Dr. Tikoh will have to take it from here.
Cupitan looks closely at Lavirita as he helps Fiorito lay down on a couch.
Cupitan: I don't see any hostility in him. In fact, this kind shade of orange is...
Lavirita: I'd prefer to keep my privacy, if you don't mind. How much will that cost me?
Cupitan: Oh, I'm sorry! It was just such a pretty color...
Vyrn: And how're ya planning to pay her off in the first place? Didn't Muscle Lady get all your savings?
Lavirita: Hehe, who's to say?
Though surprised by the turn of events, the crew members decide to trust Lavirita for the time being and turn their attention to Fiorito.
Tikoh: You were slashed right in the stomach, but it looks like it didn't reach your organs. I should be able to heal you up fine.
As Tikoh gets ready to treat her, Ragazzo approaches Fiorito.
Ragazzo: So, what was that you said about Ferdinand being alive?
Vyrn: And where's Manamel? We thought she was with ya.
Fiorito: ...
Fiorito: We might not ever get to see Manamel again...
Following the instructions written in Lavirita's letter, Fiorito had happened to meet Manamel on the way to Ovuque Island.
Upon heading to the arena together, they each see a completely unexpected face on the stage.
Manamel: Sister!
Fiorito: Da... d?
The Two: ...
Manamel: Sister! Sister, Sister, Sister!
Manamel joyfully takes off towards Nereus, but something else flies at her even faster.
Vegalta: ...!
Manamel: V-Vega! What're you doing?
Nereus: Perhaps Vegalta wanted a hug too.
Manamel: Sister! I've missed you so much!
While the two embrace each other, Fiorito finally manages to open her mouth.
Fiorito: Dad... Why're you here?
Fiorito: That woman's really bad news... You need to get away from...
Ferdinand's Voice: Allow me to explain.
Audaciously making use of the fly system, Ferdinand lowers himself onto the stage from above.
Ferdinand: Judah is actually a very good friend of ours. He's one of us Chairmen, you see.
Fiorito: ...!
Judah: ...
I didn't know you'd arrived.
I didn't know you'd arrived.
Ferdinand: How could you hold a meeting without me? Have I fallen out of favor with you two?
Judah: We were just being mindful of your condition.
Ferdinand: In that case, there's no need to worry. The growing pains were quite stimulating, but they're just fond memories now.
Fiorito: ...
Look at me, Dad. Wasn't Navis supposed to be the enemy?
Look at me, Dad. Wasn't Navis supposed to be the enemy?
Ferdinand: Why, Fiorito. You've seen how our constellations determined the paths of all your fellow companions, haven't you?
Ferdinand: Are you sure that deep down, you don't grasp the situation?
Fiorito: I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to my dad.
Judah: ...
Fiorito: Dad!
Fiorito: You're...
Morilynn: Stay away from him.
Morilynn: That's not your dad anymore. He's my Judah now.
Fiorito: Grh!
Fiorito: (That's right, I can't let myself be touched!)
Morilynn: You flutter around so gracefully, Miss Macho... Or rather, Fiorito.
Morilynn: However, I happen to have a daily routine of studying moths as they flutter about.
Fiorito: Crap—
Having anticipated Fiorito's movements, Morilynn reaches their hand out toward her.
Fiorito: Sphairai... I devote my entire being. Let my spirit bloom!
Morilynn: Hmm, it seems I only hit your gauntlet.
Fiorito: (...?
What was that I just felt?)
What was that I just felt?)
Morilynn: But how long can you keep that up? No matter how long a game of tag goes, the chaser never loses.
Fiorito: I'm not here to play with you. My dad and I have something to—
Fiorito: Argh!
Manamel: Could you pipe down? I'm trying to have a moment here.
Fiorito: Mana... mel?
Manamel: If you're going to fight my sister-boo's friends, then I'm obviously your enemy now.
Manamel: So would you, like, mind disappearing somewhere? Shoo, shoo!
Morilynn: Don't worry about us, Manamel. I'll finish her off.
Morilynn: Now...
Crouching down and opening Fiorito's pouch, Morilynn takes out a book.
Morilynn: "The Roses and the Prince"... This sure brings back memories, doesn't it?
Fiorito: Huh?
Morilynn: Well, don't worry about it. You're going to wither and die here, after all.
Morilynn: Oh?
Lavirita: Come along now, Fiorito.
Fiorito: Lavirita!
Lavirita: I just threw a magic item that spreads darkness around itself, somewhat like a smoke bomb. It's quite pricey, you know?
Lavirita: However, I have no guarantee that Morilynn's senses work the same way ours do. We should make a quick exit.
Fiorito: B-but!
Lavirita: We can talk later. For now, just run like your life depends on it.
Fiorito: ...
All right.
All right.
Ferdinand's Voice: My, are you leaving already?
As Lavirita takes Fiorito by the hand and leads her away, a voice rings out from the unnaturally dark arena.
Ferdinand's Voice: How unfortunate. But considering what's happened here, I'm sure that we'll meet again quite soon.
Morilynn: ...
After being guided to Lavirita's skyskimmer, Fiorito manages to escape from Ovuque Island alive.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 1: Perturbation - Episode 2
Lodi's singing, which has the ability to satisfy specific emotions, starts playing throughout the ship. After Manamel appears and reveals that she brought him there, they both suddenly retreat. A new member of Navis named Wakudoki then shows up without drawing a hint of suspicion from the crew. Meanwhile, Judah is starting something with Felix after showing disapproval of Ferdinand's hastiness.
Everyone: ...
Manamel's reunion and betrayal, Ferdinand's resurrection, and the survival of Judah and Lavirita...
Faced with too many revelations to keep up with, the crew members struggle to figure out what to say.
Lavirita: I'm sorry to interrupt your confusion, but I would like to add some context.
Lavirita: I had heard about the connection between Fiorito and Judah from a certain source of mine.
Lavirita: However, as you know, it was planned that I would die in order to harmonize the Bird Eye.
Lavirita: Though in the end, I won a sort of bet and survived.
Randall: Oh yeah, you don't have that gun anymore. Did Navis take it?
Lavirita nods and spins around on the spot, showing that he doesn't have the Horoscope on him.
Lavirita: In any case, I decided to convey the time and place of a meeting between Chairmen to Fiorito with a letter.
Vyrn: Why didn't ya just tell us about it in that cell instead of goin' to so much trouble?
Lavirita: I couldn't let it affect the constellation, and I wanted Fiorito to see the truth and decide for herself.
Fiorito: You did?
Cupitan: You must really care about her.
Lavirita: ...
You overestimate me. It was just the whim of a man facing death.
You overestimate me. It was just the whim of a man facing death.
Feather: Are you sure about that? You followed her to the arena to watch over her, didn't you?
Lavirita: I was just gathering information on Navis. I won't be able to safely conduct my business while they're still around, after all.
Randall: Yeah, sure. How are you still alive, anyway?
Lavirita: Well, that's because—
Lavirita's answer is interrupted by a sound that nobody was expecting.
Singing Voice: Let us go
To the end of the skies
To the end of the skies
Kolulu: This singing! It's Lodi!
Tikoh: Cover your ears, everyone!
Though the crew members attempt to block out the sound of Lodi's voice, it is being piped through the Grandcypher's speaking tubes at a tremendous volume.
Vyrn: Is he in the communications room?
Manamel: That's right.
Kolulu: Manamel!
Kolulu: Thank goodness! You've come back to us!
Tikoh: Be careful, Kolulu! She's probably the one who led him there!
Manamel: Right again, obviously.
Kolulu: ...!
Kolulu: But why? How could you do this!
Manamel: Do what? Help out my sister-boo?
Manamel: Didn't I make it clear that she's everything to me, that she's my god? I was only ever with this crew in order to gather information on her.
Kolulu: Yes, we're well aware that she's important to you!
Kolulu: But don't you have memories with us too now? Look, I have the lipstick you lent me right here—
Manamel: ...
Vega.
Vega.
Kolulu: ...!
Vegalta knocks away the lipstick in Kolulu's hand and floats right in front of her eyes, its tip pointed at her forehead.
Manamel: Keep your head down and be quiet. You understand what'll happen if you move, right?
Lodi: Chemistry! Did you enjoy my surprise concert?
Lodi: Oh, you're covering your ears. I guess we can skip the stage banter then.
Cupitan: Those wolves! They belong to Ris!
Lodi: See you all next time, my princesses!
Lodi and Manamel jump onto the wolf's back and dash away, disappearing from sight.
Vyrn: Huh? Why'd they leave?
(Captain) quickly runs off to confirm the state of the Grandcypher and safety of its crew.
However, there doesn't seem to be anything odd about the ship.
Randall: What did they even come here for?
Lavirita: Lodi's Horoscope, Parashu, gives his singing the ability to satisfy specific emotions of those who hear it, if memory serves.
???: Oho! Wouldn't Cupitan's Rainbow Bow be able to detect the changes he made to any emotions?
Cupitan: Huh? Who are you?
???: Oh, don't worry about it. Now, go on!
Cupitan: I can't see anything. There isn't a significant shift in color, so he might have made a very small change.
???: Right, right... In that case, I'll look into it too!
Vyrn: Oh, thanks... Wait, hold up.
Feather: Have we met? I don't remember you being in the crew.
Lavirita: This is Wakudoki, one of Navis's Messengers. A lowly underling, in other words.
Wakudoki: Hey, don't just let the cat out of the bag on me!
The unfamiliar witch takes out a bow and holds it high above her head.
Wakudoki: Shekhinah Bow! Tell me about this airship!
Wakudoki: Oho! Not even this bow's analysis is letting me understand it!
Randall: Why's that make you sound happy?
Wakudoki: If I don't understand it, that means the joy of discovery awaits me!
Wakudoki: I want to see it all, hear it all, learn it all! Doesn't knowing things feel good?
Ragazzo: What are you, a curious five-year-old?
Wakudoki: F-five?
Wakudoki: Five-year-olds are said to barely be able to stay focused long enough to properly brush their teeth, you know?
Wakudoki: It's definitely important to get kids familiar with learning from a young age, but forcing it comes with nothing but downsides.
Ragazzo: What're you talking about?
Lavirita: Must you always bring up such silly bits of knowledge? Nobody can see what you're trying to say.
Wakudoki: My point is I'm a lot older than that, so I can focus as long as I want!
Wakudoki: And on that note, I'm gonna go try analyzing this place in more detail!
Tikoh: That's one hectic witch.
Choose: We should keep looking too.
Everyone nods at (Captain)'s words and starts inspecting the Grandcypher further.
In Stella Island's old observatory, three people hold a meeting within the astronomy observation room.
Nereus: It seems they discovered the stelae on Ovuque Island.
Ferdinand: They made it all the way into those ruins? But that place is so precious to us!
Ferdinand: We should advance our constellations to their final stage... In fact, we have no choice.
Judah: ...
Don't be hasty. The stars are not yet aligned.
Don't be hasty. The stars are not yet aligned.
Ferdinand: In all of Navis's long history, the constellations have never collapsed like this before.
Ferdinand: I know you're worried about your daughter, but it's time to steel ourselves and get the ball rolling.
Judah: Nobody's talking about our pawns. I'm just worried about the practicality...
Ferdinand: Don't push yourself too hard. You're just a regular mortal, after all.
Judah: ...
Judah: What do you think, Nereus?
Nereus: There is no point in debating anymore. Ferdinand's constellation is already in motion.
Ferdinand: Indeed it is. Didn't we all welcome the fourth Chairman together?
Nereus: The story's final chapter has begun... I have no objections to the timing.
After the meeting, Judah returns to his own room.
Judah: ...
???: Welcome home, Judah.
Judah: ...!
Morilynn: Welcome back, Judah. That sure took you a while.
Judah: ...
Morilynn: Judah?
Judah: Right... Sorry to keep you waiting.
Morilynn: In any case, today's the day we'll finally be taking Fiorito's book here and...
Felix: Hello there, Lynn.
Morilynn: Oh? I thought you had been at a Chairmen meeting. Should I take this as solid proof of infidelity?
Morilynn: And you chose a beauty parlor for your date? So, you're already close enough to show him your wet hair...
Felix: Don't treat your coworkers like secret lovers. I'm just here because Judah called me.
Felix: As for the hairstyle... I just wanted to get rid of Troue's annoying bangs. This is more to my taste.
Judah: I have a matter to attend to with Felix. You'll be working under Nereus for a while.
Morilynn: ...
Is this for Fiorito's sake?
Is this for Fiorito's sake?
Judah: ...
Judah: Though I value you and Felix as subordinates, there's nobody in this world that I trust.
Felix: Hehe, how very scientific of you. Even Lynn seems more like a proper person in comparison.
Morilynn: Are you insulting Judah right in front of me? Do you want a friendly handshake?
Felix: What, that's how you want to kill me? I'd imagine going for the classic crazed stabbing would be much more satisfying.
Judah: I don't have time to watch you two play. Let's go, Felix.
Felix: Roger that.
Morilynn: They're gone...
Morilynn starts speaking to the moths gathered around the light.
Morilynn: Hello there, friends. Tell me, have you ever wanted to become butterflies?
Morilynn: If I could get Judah to read this book to me, I'm sure I would change.
Morilynn: I'm sure... that I'd become a person.
Pulling out the book they'd taken from Fiorito, "The Roses and the Prince," Morilynn quietly stares at the cover.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 1: Perturbation - Episode 3
As the crew members prepare dinner, Lavirita reveals that Nereus had brought him back from the brink of death, but only after she agreed to pay a price. After hearing that Navis might not want to let any Accordants die, Randall suggests that they should simply have other crew members fight to avoid harmonizing their weapons. Lavirita agrees, but silently considers how Navis might counter that.
Despite thoroughly searching the ship, the crew fails to find any hints about what the Navis members might have done.
Everyone: ...
Everyone: ...
Seeing how tired everyone is, (Captain) suggests they have dinner.
Splitting up into groups, they start preparing their meal.
From a nearby meadow rings out the pleasant sound of firewood being chopped, punctuated by a decidedly different noise.
Tikoh: Haaargh!
Tikoh: Screw you!
Tikoh: I'm gonna kill you!
Ragazzo: Whoa, Dr. Tikoh, that's enough!
Ragazzo: Keep choppin' that thing and we'll have nothing left but wood chips.
Tikoh: Whew... That made me feel a bit better.
Tikoh: All right, your turn. Go ahead and let it all out.
Ragazzo: ...
Yeah, I guess I will.
Yeah, I guess I will.
Taking the axe from Tikoh, Ragazzo grips it tightly with his mechanical hands.
Ragazzo: Damn it all!
Tikoh: Wow!
Ragazzo: You sorry sack of crap!
Tikoh: Well done. Were you imagining that the log had his face?
Ragazzo: No... I was imagining it had mine.
Tikoh: Huh?
Ragazzo: When you said Ferdinand might be alive...
Ragazzo: I... I was glad for a second. Just a little bit.
Tikoh: ...!
Tikoh: I'm sorry, I...
Ragazzo: Don't apologize. It's my fault for being so pathetic.
Ragazzo: I'm such a damned idiot!
Meanwhile, in the Grandcypher's kitchen, Feather and Randall are cutting vegetables.
Feather: Ragazzo must feel really conflicted.
Randall: There's no way we can make him kill his father twice. We're going to take Ferdinand out ourselves.
Feather: Yeah, absolutely!
Randall: But if he can come back to life, just beating him won't be enough.
Feather: Navis wants to collect all twenty-three Horoscopes and get their wish granted, right?
Randall: Their wish, huh. I don't even want to think about what those Chairmen might be wishing for.
Lavirita: If you want to destroy their constellations, there's one way to do it immediately.
Lavirita appears carrying a tote bag filled with poultry and herbs.
Feather: Hey, thanks for going shopping for us! Did you get a good deal?
Lavirita: I'm always more than willing to pay a fair price for quality goods.
Feather: Oh yeah? I assumed you'd be all about haggling and stuff.
Lavirita: The price didn't seem to be fair enough for me, so I convinced the shopkeeper to reduce it by about a third.
Randall: That doesn't sound very willing to me!
Randall: And speaking of willing, I'm surprised you agreed to go buy groceries for us. You're real quick to make yourself at home, huh?
Lavirita: ...
Perhaps, but I'm much more surprised at you nonchalantly entrusting me with your shopping.
Perhaps, but I'm much more surprised at you nonchalantly entrusting me with your shopping.
With a bemused smile, Lavirita starts unloading the food from his bag.
Lavirita: One way to ruin Navis's plans would be for all the Accordants to kill themselves.
Randall: Huh?
Lavirita: I haven't yet told you about why I'm still alive, have I?
Lavirita: Once you hear what happened, I believe you'll see what I mean.
Lavirita: ...
Lavirita: After you and the other Navis members left that arena on Ovuque Island, I was lying on the ground, not quite dead, but fated to become so soon.
Lavirita: Until my visitor arrived, that is.
Nereus: Sphairai's blows have taken a great toll on your soul, it seems.
Nereus: You will most likely perish within a few minutes.
Lavirita: I knew it... You're going to save me...
Nereus: ...
You agreed to your role in this constellation because you predicted my actions?
You agreed to your role in this constellation because you predicted my actions?
Lavirita: No, it was just a hunch... Navis manipulates the fate of the Accordants, but never kills them...
Nereus: You're close. But having lost the Bird Eye, you are no longer accordant.
Nereus: What is important here is actually the presence of a name.
Lavirita: As always... your words make little sense...
Lavirita uses what remains of his strength to take out a magic tool that creates a blade of mana.
Suddenly, he points its tip at his own throat.
Nereus: ...
What is the meaning of this?
What is the meaning of this?
Lavirita: It means... that I want to make a deal.
Lavirita: How much... will this be worth to you?
Nereus: You do realize I'm saving your life, correct?
Lavirita: However, that is because you want me alive... If I'm to fulfill that need, I would like to be compensated...
Lavirita: You'd better hurry up, or... I'll soon die, right?
Nereus: ...
Nereus: Your madness is magnificent. That is exactly why the constellation went awry.
Lavirita: After that, I accepted my reward and was healed by the power of the Nereus Staff.
Feather: Wow, you wanted to make a deal even as you were dying? That's crazy greedy!
Lavirita: Hm, being called that with such unfiltered honesty is surprisingly refreshing.
Randall: So you're saying that since they don't want us dead, we can foil their plans by dying?
Lavirita: Yes, I suppose I am. That said, I still don't know the precise reason they kept me alive.
Randall: Well, we're obviously not going to kill ourselves, but I bet there's a hint in there somewhere.
Feather: ...
Randall: Feather?
Feather: Oh, sorry! Don't worry, I'm definitely not going to do that, but...
Feather stares at his Horoscope, the Lion Khan Claw.
Feather: I was the first one of us to become accordant.
Lavirita: That isn't true, is it? Cupitan, Tikoh, and several others had done so long before you.
Feather: Maybe, but this started here with me.
Feather: I wanna be strong... Stronger and stronger!
Lion Khan Claw: ...
Feather: You mean... you can help me get stronger?
Feather: If I had just stuck to my convictions and kept fighting with only my fists...
Randall: Come on, wallowing in regret isn't your style. Let's think about what we can do right now.
Randall: For instance... harmonization only happens when Accordants fight each other, right?
Randall: We should just let the other crew members fight Navis. There are some ridiculously strong people around here, after all.
Lavirita: ...
Indeed, that sounds like an excellent idea to me.
Indeed, that sounds like an excellent idea to me.
Lavirita: (I had thought of that myself. So how does Navis plan to...)
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 1: Perturbation - Episode 4
Fiorito is unable to process her father's betrayal. At dinnertime, she recalls their meeting and is confused by Morilynn's reaction to her book. That night, Cupitan goes out on the deck and unexpectedly meets Tristette. The Auditor claims that she might not be herself anymore and leaves Cupitan with a certain warning.
Dinnertime arrives, and everyone assembles in the mess hall.
Lavirita: I've prepared sauteed chicken breast for our main dish today.
Lavirita: We also have several side dishes and two types of soup, as well as dessert.
Lyria: Wow, it all looks so tasty!
Ragazzo: Wait, are we sure none of it's been poisoned or anything?
Randall: Don't worry, we were making everything alongside him.
(Captain) sits down at the table and takes the first bite with a smile.
Choose: It's delicious!
Tikoh: Yeah, this is pretty good. Do you like cooking?
Lavirita: No, not particularly.
Ragazzo: This guy can do anything, from piloting airships to training monsters. Annoys the hell out of me, honestly.
Ragazzo: Hey Fiorito, what do you say we tell them stories about him being creepy to keep his ego in check.
Fiorito: ...
Ragazzo: Fiorito?
Fiorito: Huh? Did you say something, Ragazzo?
Ragazzo: No, it's nothing... Something on your mind?
Ragazzo: Oh, of course there is. Sorry, I went and forgot my delicacy.
Cupitan: You've been fighting Navis in order to avenge your dad, after all.
Fiorito: ...
Young Fiorito: Dad... Dad!
Fiorito: Yeah... Yeah, but I still haven't heard what he has to say!
Fiorito: I'm sure he has a good reason... Maybe Navis is just using him!
Feather: Fiorito...
Fiorito: ...
Sorry, I'm being stupid.
Sorry, I'm being stupid.
Fiorito: Dad is... No, Judah is a Chairman.
Kolulu: Why must everyone leave us...
Kolulu's muttered lament causes everyone to desolately hang their heads.
Seeing that, (Captain) decides to change the topic.
Choose: What could Morilynn's deal be?
Vyrn: Good question. Whatever it is, Fiorito must've really stepped on their toes at some point.
Cupitan: Morilynn said before that they're not a person.
Morilynn: I'm sorry. I don't have a Horoscope—I am one. A weapon in people's clothing, you might say.
Morilynn: Thalassinus... My power is to subject those who come into contact with me to nature's inevitable mandate, bestowing upon them ultimate death.
Lavirita: My understanding is that they were artificially infused with a soul as an experiment.
Lavirita: Auditor Primo... And Judah's agent, if I am not mistaken.
Lyria: You first met them at the Holy Night Machomania, right?
Fiorito: Yeah... At least, I'm pretty sure I did...
Morilynn: "The Roses and the Prince"... This sure brings back memories, doesn't it?
Fiorito: (What in the skies did they mean by that?)
Though the crew members try to distract themselves with less serious topics, they find no peace of mind in it.
They decide to meet again in the morning to discuss their next move.
That night, Cupitan comes onto the deck and stares out into the stars.
Cupitan: (Ris... I knew you were still alive.)
Cupitan: (There's no way I wouldn't have been able to tell if you were really dead.)
Cupitan: (But why...)
Tristette: Don't come after me.
Cupitan: ...!
Looking up, Cupitan sees someone land on the deck riding a wolf—the very person she was just thinking about.
Cupitan: Ris? Is that really you?
Tristette: What, are you confused because I don't have my mask? My allergies disappeared, so I got rid of it.
Cupitan: Why aren't you coming to me? Why are you still with Navis?
Tristette: ...
I might not be me anymore.
I might not be me anymore.
Cupitan: Huh?
Tristette: I'll tell you just one thing. Keep close to (Captain).
Tristette: Your power is gonna be needed.
Cupitan: Ris, wait!
Without so much as a glace back over her shoulder, Tristette disappears into the darkness.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 2: Wavelength - Episode 1
Phantomblooms suddenly appear all over the Grandcypher, putting to sleep everyone except for the Accordants and (Captain)'s group, who were handed Prism Arrows beforehand. Wakudoki, who nobody had found suspicious due to Lodi's song, reveals that she had done it with her replica magic. She then uses it to eject the conscious crew members from the Grandcypher, allowing Ferdinand to fly off with it.
One night has passed since the return of the Accordant crew members and Lodi's perplexing attack.
Over unpopulated grassy plains rolls the sound of a beautiful singing voice.
Lodi: Sailing to the promised land
Morilynn: One day soon.
Lodi: I know we'll get there in the end
Morilynn: Together.
Lodi: Our story goes on evermore to skies never seen
Connect the dream
Connect the dream
Morilynn: Yay, woohoo. And now applause, clap clap clap.
Lodi: ...
Could you please stop pretending to be an audience member when I practice?
Could you please stop pretending to be an audience member when I practice?
Morilynn: Come on, it's fine. What does it even cost you?
Lodi: It costs me my concentration. Your attempts to sing along are distracting.
Lodi: Why do you always want to watch me practice? You must be tired of hearing me, right?
Morilynn: Since my options are "I'm not" and "no," I'm going to go with "no."
Morilynn: I find listening to you sing very pleasant.
Lodi lets out an exasperated sigh as Morilynn happily dances around.
Morilynn: Aren't you concerned about Nereus at all?
Lodi: What do you mean?
Morilynn: She's gone off with Manamel and left you all by your lonesome, right?
Lodi: Ah, I see... You want to know if I'm jealous about that, like you are about Fiorito.
Lodi: No, I'm not. I don't feel anything.
Morilynn: Oh? Might this udon-colored illumination be...
Lodi: It looks like the spell's activated. We should get going.
The light gets stronger and stronger, until finally...
It fades, leaving behind a landscape being taken over by a strange white.
Morilynn: Wow. This place looks like toast with too much mayonnaise on it now.
Lodi: What's with all the food analogies? It's not like you can even taste anything.
Morilynn and Lodi turn their gaze to the massive ship docked at the edge of the plains.
Aboard the Grandcypher, the Accordants had only just gathered to talk about their plans.
As the light fades, they look down to find themselves surrounded by white flowers.
In barely a second, the whole ship has been turned into a flowerbed.
Crew Members: ...
The crew has only a moment to panic before all but the Accordants fall into a deep slumber.
Feather: What the heck is going on?
Tikoh: These flowers... No, I think they're technically mushrooms. Their spores are probably putting everyone to sleep.
Randall: But we're all fine. The ones still awake... are all Accordants.
Lavirita: Or former Accordants, it seems.
Choose: Hey! Is everyone all right?
Kolulu: (Captain)! We are, but what about you?
Vyrn: We're fine! (Captain), Lyria, and me got saved by the skin of our teeth.
Cupitan: I handed them Prism Arrows as soon as that light appeared.
Cupitan: I thought the arrows might help protect their minds from the effect of these flowers.
Cupitan: (This must have been what Ris meant about my power being needed.)
As an unnatural silence rules over the Grandcypher, (Captain) bends over and picks one of the flowers.
Choose: These are phantomblooms.
Fiorito: Phantomblooms?
Lyria: They're the strange flowers that were blooming all over the island where we met Troue.
Vyrn: They're loaded with poison that makes ya see illusions. Troue started gettin' amnesia every day 'cause he fell in a hole full of 'em.
Ragazzo: If you were on an island covered in these things, wouldn't you all have fallen asleep?
Vyrn: Nah, (Captain) was wide awake even after getting poisoned.
Vyrn: Woulda died if it wasn't for Troue, too. Like I said, they made people see illusions.
Lyria: Because of that, almost everyone else on that island had already passed away...
Tikoh: But all our crew members are sleeping, and their heart rates seem normal. It sounds like (Captain) experienced something else entirely.
Lavirita: Though the nature of these phantomblooms is indeed intriguing...
Lavirita: More importantly, I'm assuming that you were the one who spread them, Wakudoki.
Wakudoki: Oho?
Cupitan: Oh my, the witch from yesterday. I didn't know you were still here.
Feather: What do you want? We're kind of busy right now.
Seeing the crew casually talk to Wakudoki makes Lavirita come to a realization.
Lavirita: I see. The emotion that Lodi satisfied yesterday was the feeling of wariness about intruders.
Lavirita: That's why nobody was concerned about an unfamiliar witch showing up.
Lavirita: You infiltrated the ship yesterday in order to prepare to use your magic, right?
Wakudoki: Oh no, you found me out! I guess the fact that you knew me already made Lodi's song less effective on you.
Lavirita: That's the Shekhinah Bow. Why did they give that to you, a mere Messenger?
Wakudoki: I became the fourth Chairman! How else would I have gotten it?
Lavirita: What!
As everyone tilts their heads in bewilderment, Vyrn notices Wakudoki carrying something under her arm.
Vyrn: Is that... a model of the Grandcypher?
Wakudoki: That's right! A perfectly detailed replica of the Grandcypher and this island!
Wakudoki: If I just scatter some phantomblooms on it like this...
Wakudoki: Oho! That becomes reality! Wacky, right?
Tikoh: Wait, so you're the one who put all these phantomblooms on the ship?
Wakudoki: Absolutely! When I mess with the model, the real thing is affected too. This is my special technique, replica magic!
Tristette: Stop your stupid bragging and get on with the plan!
Lodi: My music's effect could disappear any second, you know?
Morilynn: Do you think she just likes walking on the risky side?
Feather: It's you guys!
Ragazzo: Hah, you've got some guts to just show up here!
Randall: Get off our ship! Don't think you can waltz in here like you own the place!
Ferdinand: I regret to inform you that we can. It's you who will have to leave.
Tikoh: Ferdinand!
Tikoh explodes with emotion at the newly arrived Chairman as he descends from the ceiling, but Wakudoki makes her move.
Wakudoki: Whap!
Bringing the Grandcypher model up to her face, Wakudoki flicks at a very specific part of it.
Suddenly, the floor under the party is blasted away with a deafening crash, ejecting them onto the island.
Lavirita: Guh... What an inventive way to use replica magic!
Kolulu: Oh no! The Grandcypher!
The crew looks up to see their airship pulling away from the island's edge.
Powerlessly, they watch as Navis flies off with it into the skies.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 2: Wavelength - Episode 2
After calmly analyzing the situation, the crew members realize that Navis took the Grandcypher to bring about fights between Accordants and decides to split up to look for information. Realizing that the crew members aren't coming, Ferdinand encourages the Auditors to go wherever they wish. Meanwhile, Nereus and Judah advance their own plans.
Having lost the Grandcypher to Navis, (Captain) and the others are now stranded on the phantombloom-covered island.
They head for the nearest town, but find that the flowers have put all the residents to sleep.
Randall: Those jerks! Not only did they steal our airship, they went and got all these innocent people involved too!
After suppressing their anger, the crew members finally turn to Lavirita.
Fiorito: Why did I never hear anything about this Messenger friend of yours?
Lavirita: We were just old acquaintances. Her extraordinary curiosity makes her a wonderful information broker, you see.
Lavirita: In fact, she was the one who let me in on the relationship between you and Judah.
Fiorito: Wait, really?
Lavirita: It's truly a surprise to me that she was made a Chairman and became accordant with a Horoscope.
Tikoh: And the Shekhinah Bow isn't a constellation weapon like ours. It's one of the planet weapons.
Ragazzo: Those were mentioned in the ruins, right? Stuff about how they already had ten planet weapons and only Chairmen can use them.
Feather: Does that mean they're really strong?
Lavirita: Wakudoki's replica magic appears to be much more potent than it used to be.
Placing his hand on his chin, Lavirita starts to speak as he analyzes the situation.
Lavirita: It requires her to thoroughly investigate the nature, structure, and history of whatever she wants to use it on and then create a precise replica.
Lavirita: But anything that is too large, too complicated, or has too convoluted a history defies replication.
Lavirita: She once explained it by saying that just seeing curry wouldn't be enough to let her replicate it.
Kolulu: Recreating the Grandcypher must have been difficult indeed...
Fiorito: Does that mean the Shekhinah Bow's ability is something that helps her research things?
Lavirita: I must imagine so, considering what she said to us.
As they contemplate their situation, phantombloom fluff floats around them.
Tikoh: It looks like these people are just sleeping for now. Nothing else is wrong with them medically.
Tikoh: But I can't say what long-term exposure will do to them.
Vyrn: We've gotta get back the Grandcypher and our crew fast!
Lyria: I can still sense the primals that were left on the ship. They haven't gone far!
As everyone starts thinking about taking the fight to Navis, Cupitan shakes her head.
Cupitan: I understand why you want to hurry, but we should think about this calmly.
Cupitan: What do you think Navis wants to accomplish by stealing the Grandcypher and putting everyone but Accordants to sleep?
Vyrn: What they want to accomplish?
Feather: Well, they know we'll go after them to get it back...
Randall: Ah, I see. Those guys really are underhanded, huh?
Feather: What do you mean?
Ragazzo: Navis's goal is to make Accordants clash in order to harmonize and recover the Horoscopes.
Ragazzo: In other words, they're trying to lure us all somewhere to fight.
Kolulu: So if we merely charge ahead, we'll play right into their hands?
Tikoh: ...
This could be an opportunity for us.
This could be an opportunity for us.
Tikoh: Up until now, Navis has always been one step ahead.
Tikoh: But this time, we know what they're trying to do.
Cupitan: I agree with Ti. Navis is probably being so forceful because they feel they have little other choice.
Lavirita: I see... You're certainly right that there's no need to walk into their trap.
Lavirita: But what exactly do you imagine we could do instead?
Cupitan: We need more information. I don't object to reclaiming the Grandcypher, but we need to prepare first.
Tikoh: I want to find an antidote for these phantomblooms. This won't truly be resolved until we wake everyone up, after all.
Randall: I think we should look into the Chairmen. Figuring out the bosses' goals and weaknesses could help us wrap this up faster.
Fiorito: ...
Feeling that they can finally fight Navis on an even playing field, the crew members decide to split up.
Hope fills their hearts as one group leaves to investigate the phantomblooms while another focuses on learning about the Chairmen.
Two sisters are walking hand in hand through a certain small town.
Manamel: I haven't been here in, like, forever!
Nereus: Nor have I. The last I saw of this place was when the Aquatic Acolytes fell apart and I left.
Manamel: Did you leave on that hot, rainy day because you had to do work for Navis?
Nereus: ...
I'm sorry that I left you behind, Manamel.
I'm sorry that I left you behind, Manamel.
Manamel: Oh em gee, it was so sad! It's only thanks to Vega that I was able to push through.
Nereus: I didn't think that those two... that our parents would take their own lives.
Nereus: I had believed that losing the Aquatic Acolytes would make them rethink what was important to them.
Manamel: ...
They weren't that strong.
They weren't that strong.
The two girls look around as they walk through the moderately busy shopping district.
Nereus: Are you feeling nostalgic?
Manamel: Not at all. I barely ever left the house, just like you asked.
Nereus: Neither am I, to be honest. I hardly remember anywhere except the place the Aquatic Acolytes gathered.
The two meet each other's eyes and quietly laugh, then head toward where their home used to be.
Manamel: What wish do you want to have granted by gathering Horoscopes?
Nereus: You certainly don't beat around the bush. How cute of you.
Manamel: Heheh!
Nereus: Well... I suppose my goal is in the gathering itself.
Manamel: Really? Why is that?
Nereus: Hehehe... That I must keep secret, even from you.
Meanwhile, two figures stand in a dark basement cell that's been hidden by a magic circle.
Lying on the ground before them are several dozen unclothed people.
Felix: Wow! You've really gathered people of every kind!
Felix: But I thought you didn't need to do any more research into potential Accordants.
Judah: These are for research into phantomblooms. There are still some things I need to verify.
Felix: I see. Only you have access to them, after all. Your mastery of phantomblooms is vital to maintaining the balance of power between the Chairmen.
Judah: Did you use the Gift of Visions again? You're learning too many things you don't need to know.
Felix: Don't be unreasonable. Your phantomblooms were tightly connected to my case, weren't they?
Felix: And you always keep the most important info hidden from us anyway.
Felix: What exactly do you plan to wish for when you manifest Argo?
Judah: The same thing I always have. World peace.
Felix: Haha, you have some gall to claim that while looking at this hellish scene!
Felix: Anyway, these experiments aren't what you really brought me here to help with, right?
Judah: ...
On the Grandcypher, members of Navis are listlessly awaiting new developments.
Tristette: It doesn't really seem like they're coming, huh?
Morilynn: What a shame. And after we went and made party crackers to greet them with...
Wakudoki: Oho! I taught them how to do it! Did you know shaping them like cones makes the sound louder?
Lodi: Don't use the ship's supplies without permission.
Ferdinand: ...
Ferdinand: All right, let's give everyone some free time.
Tristette: Huh?
Ferdinand: It doesn't seem like (Captain)'s crew is willing to walk into our little trap here.
Ferdinand: There's no denying that the constellation has already gone awry.
Ferdinand: However, the stars are always pulled toward each other.
Ferdinand: Now, off with you. I want you all to go wherever you wish.
The Auditors leave, and Ferdinand goes to the bridge to gaze out at the sky.
Ferdinand: No matter how many times I've let out my first cries, I've never been born into a world free of conflict.
Ferdinand: I have to make it myself, even if it takes thousands of years and millions of sacrifices.
Ferdinand: I'll create a world where we all can live together in peace, where we're all family...
Ferdinand: Oh?
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 2: Wavelength - Episode 3
Fiorito visits her childhood home with Lavirita to investigate Judah, where they find a hidden basement and discover the diary of Morilynn, who had been held there. Recorded in it is their secret conversations with Fiorito, the despair that came from their parting, and Morilynn's fervent desire to become a person. As Fiorito is wracked with guilt over betraying them, Morilynn appears and attacks her.
The crew has split up to investigate Navis and learn how to foil their plans.
Tikoh and Ragazzo are looking into Ferdinand's return.
(Captain), Vyrn, Lyria, Cupitan, and Kolulu are traveling to the island where Troue once lived to find out more about phantomblooms.
Randall and Feather have decided to hold down the fort in the town they decided on as the rendezvous point.
Finally, Fiorito and Lavirita are visiting Fiorito's hometown in order to investigate Judah's situation.
Lavirita: This abandoned pile of scorched rubble and timber is the remains of your childhood home, then?
Fiorito: I guess nobody ever cleaned it up. We're pretty far from the village after all, and it's not like they're expanding.
Fiorito: ...
Now that I think about it, I guess we were out here to keep a low profile.
Now that I think about it, I guess we were out here to keep a low profile.
Lavirita: Let's organize what we know.
Lavirita: When you were young, Judah claimed to be an archaeologist and kept Sphairai in your house.
Lavirita: One day, Navis instigated a friend of your father's to set your home on fire and steal it.
Lavirita: However, that had all been a part of the constellation intended to make you an Accordant.
Lavirita: And I'd imagine the fire destroyed all the related evidence as well.
Fiorito: ...
We'll find something. There's got to be some kind of hint here.
We'll find something. There's got to be some kind of hint here.
The two start looking through the wreckage, but struggle to find anything not burned beyond recognition.
Finally, they find just one object that survived the flames.
Fiorito: Look!
Lavirita: A small picture frame? Let me wipe the soot off.
Lavirita: Hm, a portrait of a woman. But based on the skill of the painter, it hardly seems like it would have much value.
Fiorito: It doesn't, at least not in the way you see it. It's a painting of my mom.
Fiorito: That really takes me back... It was always on display in the living room in this flowery frame.
Lavirita: It seems to be quite durable. Your father must have treasured it very much. Is your mother, er...
Fiorito: ...
Dad would always say that she's right by our sides.
Dad would always say that she's right by our sides.
Lavirita: I see...
Lavirita: Oh?
Receiving an alert from one of his magic items, Lavirita touches the ground.
Lavirita: There seems to be a magic circle here. One to hide a secret basement, I would imagine.
Fiorito: Wait, stairs? I didn't know anything about these...
The two descend the damp staircase into a gloomy room illuminated only by four faintly glowing stones affixed to the ceiling.
Bookshelves line the walls and an unassuming desk and chair sit untouched by time in the otherwise empty room.
Lavirita: Oh my, look at this notebook! It seems to detail Judah's research.
Lavirita: Hmm? This seems to be research into mythology. I don't think there's anything about Horoscopes.
Fiorito: He was an archaeologist, after all. Dad... Judah liked stories.
Lavirita: Call him however feels most natural. Nobody will criticize you for it.
Fiorito: ...
Yeah, sorry.
Yeah, sorry.
Lavirita: I suppose this notebook was just part of his cover, then. Still, we might as well take it with us.
Fiorito: ...
Suddenly, a moth comes into the room and flutters near Fiorito's face.
Making its way past the Accordant, it lands on the desk as if to indicate something.
Fiorito: Is this...
Fiorito walks up to it and opens a specific drawer, in which she finds a single book waiting for her.
Fiorito: A diary.
Lavirita: Judah's?
Fiorito: No, it's Morilynn's.
Lavirita: What!
Fiorito: Morilynn was locked in this basement.
Fiorito: The whole time I was living upstairs without a care in the world, they were down here.
Fiorito: That's right... How did I forget?
Fiorito turns the slightly damp pages as she reads the childish handwriting.
In them she finds a record of jealousy and resentment.
Morilynn: Today, I helped Judah with his experiments. I saw a lot of blood and mud.
Morilynn: Judah doesn't smile. I found three moths.
Morilynn: I climbed on top of the bookcases to look at the moths and found a crack in the ceiling.
Morilynn: I put my ear up to it and heard a little girl playing and Judah laughing.
Morilynn: I guess that must be Judah's real daughter.
Morilynn: I want to see Judah smiling too.
The next day, Morilynn makes use of the chair and bookcases to reach the ceiling again.
Young Fiorito's Voice: Hey, Dad! Read me that book today!
Judah's Voice: "The Roses and the Prince" again? All right, if you insist.
Morilynn: ...
Judah's Voice: Your rose is different from the others. It's truly special.
Morilynn: A story about taking notice of love... How very wonderful...
Morilynn: Yes, Mister Moth, I know. It wasn't meant for—
Morilynn: Footsteps! Judah's coming!
Morilynn: Oh no, my toe hit Mister—
Judah: What were you doing? Why is the chair on top of the bookcase?
Morilynn: Nothing... No reason.
Judah: ...
Judah: I have an errand I must attend to.
Morilynn: I see. Have a good trip.
Morilynn: Oh no...
Morilynn runs to the moth, only to find that it has been reduced to a slightly foul-smelling paste.
Morilynn: I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...
Morilynn: ...
What do I have to do to become a person?
What do I have to do to become a person?
Morilynn: What do I have to do to become your child...
Young Fiorito's Voice: Is someone there?
Morilynn: ...!
After hearing a voice from the crack, Morilynn climbs back up to it.
Young Fiorito: Hey, Dad! I'm tidying up while you're gone but found a hole under the...
Young Fiorito: Oh wait, he's gone, so... I'm the only one here.
Young Fiorito: Hmm... I could've sworn I heard a voice though...
Morilynn: I'm here.
Young Fiorito: Wah! I knew it!
Morilynn: (I shouldn't do this... I'm not allowed to talk to anyone but Judah...)
Young Fiorito: My name's Fiorito! What's yours?
Morilynn: I'm, well... I'm Falaina.
Unsure of what to do, Morilynn blurts out the name they had given to the departed moth.
Young Fiorito: Hey, Falaina, do you wanna hear me read a book?
Morilynn: Huh?
Young Fiorito: Dad's always reading to me, so I want to read to him too!
Young Fiorito: But first, I want to practice! Could you tell me if I say anything weird?
Fiorito picks her favorite book and starts reading it to Morilynn.
Young Fiorito: "Then the prince turned to the helmsman. 'Even if we look up at the same sky...'"
Morilynn: (It's "The Roses and the Prince"!)
Morilynn: (She's reading it for me! Just for me!)
Young Fiorito: Whew... How was it?
Morilynn: Thank you very much. It was wonderful.
Young Fiorito: Really? Do you think Dad will like it?
Morilynn: ...
Yes, I believe he will.
Yes, I believe he will.
Young Fiorito: Yay! Let's do this again later, Falaina!
Morilynn: I'd like you to keep the fact that we talked a secret from your dad, Fiorito.
Young Fiorito: Huh? Okay, sure!
Morilynn: As I should have expected from Judah's daughter. She's a good, kind girl.
Morilynn: ...
I wish she had been bad.
I wish she had been bad.
From that day onward, Fiorito would constantly talk to her underground friend when her father was gone.
They read more books, played word games, and talked in secret nearly every day.
Young Fiorito: Can you not leave the basement?
Morilynn: That's right. I have to stay here.
Young Fiorito: Aww... I wish we could go outside and play tag and stuff together.
Morilynn: Playing tag with me would be quite dangerous though.
Young Fiorito: Really? But Dad says I might be the fastest girl in all the skies!
Morilynn: ...
Young Fiorito: I actually barely ever go outside either.
Morilynn: What?
Young Fiorito: Dad stops me whenever I go to play in the village.
Young Fiorito: He buys books for me and plays tag when he's not too busy, but...
Young Fiorito: Anyway, that's why I'm so happy I can talk to you, Falaina!
Morilynn: Right... So am I.
Judah: Right then... Let's start your regular inspection.
Morilynn: Of course, business as commonplace. Let's get down to inspection, like a fastidious lamplighter.
Judah: ...
You seem to be developing quite the character, Morilynn.
You seem to be developing quite the character, Morilynn.
Morilynn: My, what a compliment. I felt that one in my bones... Or should I say my blades?
Judah: ...
Young Fiorito: I'm trying to find the door down to you!
Morilynn: I don't know if that will work. It might be hidden with magic.
Young Fiorito: It'll be fine! The rose-growing prince was able to find things that couldn't be seen too!
Young Fiorito: We're gonna play tag together one day! That's a promise!
Morilynn: Hehe, sounds like a great time. Make sure that you have some gloves ready.
However, the very next day...
Young Fiorito: I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Falaina...
Morilynn: Fiorito?
Some kind of putty is placed in the crack, sealing it.
Morilynn: Judah...
Judah: I've told Fiorito to be a good girl and not talk to the person under the floor anymore.
Morilynn: I'm sorry for disobeying your instructions...
Judah: ...
You misunderstand the situation, Morilynn.
You misunderstand the situation, Morilynn.
Judah: Fiorito is soon going to fall into the depths of despair.
Judah: But if she learns the truth about me, she'll find herself in even greater darkness.
Judah: Even if you were to become my child, there would be no happy ending awaiting you.
Morilynn: ...!
Judah: If I've made myself clear, then put the thought out of your mind.
Morilynn: But... you smile when you're with her.
Morilynn: I... just want to see that as well.
Judah: ...
Judah: ...
Involving yourself deeply with others just creates opportunities for misfortune.
Involving yourself deeply with others just creates opportunities for misfortune.
Judah: I had wished for you to become an object that could form no connections...
Morilynn: ...!
Morilynn: It's true that my connection with Fiorito only led to misfortune for me.
Morilynn: The joy of our meeting was overwritten by the sorrow of our parting, and even that gave way to the painful waves of jealousy and envy that ripped their way through my throat...
Morilynn: I just want... to become a person.
Closing the diary, Fiorito brings her trembling hand up to cover her face.
Fiorito: It's... my fault...
Morilynn: "The Roses and the Prince"... This sure brings back memories, doesn't it?
Fiorito: It's all because I broke my promise that Morilynn ended up...
Lavirita: Let's get some fresh air, Fiorito.
Fiorito follows Lavirita to the surface as he leads her by the hand, but...
Morilynn: Hello, hello.
Fiorito: ...!
Lavirita: Morilynn! Why are you here!
Morilynn: It seems even I can get hunches.
Morilynn: Have you finally remembered the pitiful child beneath the floor?
Fiorito: I'm so sorry! Back then, I was just so scared of making Dad hate me...
Morilynn: ...
Yes, I understand that.
Yes, I understand that.
Morilynn: But that's fine. I just need you to pay me back.
Lavirita: ...!
Fiorito, watch—
Fiorito, watch—
Morilynn: Wither.
Fiorito: ...!
With one quick movement, Morilynn's hand reaches out to touch Fiorito's exposed abdomen.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 2: Wavelength - Episode 4
(Captain)'s group heads to the island where they met Troue, and in the castle there they find Lodi and Tristette waiting for them. Meanwhile, Randall is watching Feather regret his decision to become an Accordant as they spar. Feather tries to break his own Horoscope, but Ferdinand appears and declares that it is impossible.
(Captain)'s group takes Lavirita's skyskimmer to the island where they met Troue.
Seeing the phantomblooms dominating its landscape immediately sparks a discussion among the crew members.
Kolulu: It looks just like all the other islands we passed...
Yesterday the phantomblooms had seemed confined to the island where the Grandcypher was docked, but that situation has now changed.
Cupitan: More and more islands are becoming like this...
Vyrn: What the heck are they after? If they wanted to make the Accordants fight alone, they could've just put our crew to sleep.
Choose: Maybe they're worried about backup.
Lyria: That's a good point. We have friends and acquaintances all over the skies, after all.
Satisfied with that explanation, the crew members start exploring the fluff-filled island.
Walking through the completely still forest, they see no traces of civilization but for the occasional collapsed building.
Cupitan: (Captain), make sure you don't let go of the Prism—
Lyria: Wah!
Lyria suddenly loses her footing, but (Captain) quickly moves to catch her.
Lyria: Thank you! I didn't realize there was a hole there...
Vyrn: And no wonder ya didn't. It's filled to the brim with phantombloom fluff.
Kolulu: Wait, a hole with phantomblooms?
Princess Celine: Two years ago, he fell into a pit filled with phantomblooms and lost consciousness. He inhaled their poison the entire time until he was found.
Kolulu: Could it be?
Kolulu quickly descends into the hole and finds a shiny piece of metal.
Kolulu: This looks like it was a part of Troue's armor!
Vyrn: Then this must be the hole they found him in.
Cupitan: So this is where Troue came from... Though he was Felix before that.
Kolulu: ...!
Cupitan: He must have been brought to this island as part of a constellation.
Cupitan: I think they needed him to meet Princess Celine and receive Durandal.
Kolulu: It was most likely arranged by Fiorito's father, Judah.
Kolulu had heard from Fiorito what Judah looks like and remembered the vision she was shown on Ovuque Island.
Kolulu: ...!
Who's that man?
Who's that man?
Felix: That's one of Navis's Chairmen. My direct supervisor, actually.
Felix: He's also the one who started this fire. The one who killed your loved ones.
Vyrn: Yeah, since it's lookin' like Felix works for Judah.
Lyria: Why do you think Felix felt the need to hide behind Troue?
As they consider Troue's situation, the crew members head for the old castle where he had once lived with Princess Celine.
Upon opening the rusty doors, they are greeted by something unexpected.
Lodi: Hey there, my princesses! We meet again!
Kolulu: Lodi?
Tristette: Holy cow, I followed him on a whim and you actually showed up...
Lodi: Whoa there, no talking during the concert!
Tristette: Tsk... I'm your costar, idiot.
Cupitan: Ris!
Tristette: Ugh, you always run into the one person you don't wanna see. What's up with that?
Feather and Randall are back on the island where they lost the Grandcypher, guarding the crew's rendezvous point.
Feeling compelled to spend their time doing something, they head just out of town to spar.
Feather: Haaah!
Randall: Whoa!
Feather: The way I threw that punch was dependent on my Horoscope, wasn't it?
Randall: Well, yeah. You've gotta consider the extra reach those claws give you.
Randall: I've been training to get the most out of my weapon too these days. That's just what makes sense.
Feather: But these things are seeds of disaster! We can't let ourselves rely on them!
Feather: Huh? The Lion Khan Claw just came back to me?
Randall: Damn it... It's almost as if they really are curses!
Looking at his Horoscope with a pained look, Feather continues.
Feather: This weapon represents my weakness.
Randall: Huh?
Feather: I got too focused on becoming stronger and lost sight of what's important to me.
Randall: Feather...
Feather: All right, let's get back to sparring! This time, we'll fight like we don't have these things!
Feather: Raaagh!
Randall: ...
Randall: (What is this feeling...)
Feather: Haaah!
Randall: (I know it's no time to be thinking about stuff that doesn't matter, but my heart won't shut up about it...)
Randall: (This isn't fun at all!)
No matter how much he tries to get his head in the game, Randall can't get over his feeling of disquiet.
Feather: Huff... Huff...
Randall: Let's call it quits here. We don't want to get too tired to stand guard.
Randall: ...
Randall looks at the Horoscope attached to his leg, Joyeuse.
Randall: (It's true that I got this from that suspicious woman.)
Randall: (But the one who made the final decision was...)
Feather: Waaah!
Randall: Geez! What the hell's your problem?
Feather: They're collecting Horoscopes, right?
Feather: Then why don't we just break them ourselves, before Navis can recover them?
Randall: Huh? Yeah, that would work if—
Feather: Haaah!
Feather starts rapidly slamming his fists into the ground.
Feather: Damn it! Not even a scratch!
Randall: Cut that out! You're going to turn this place into a doughnut field!
Feather: A doughnut field?
Randall: Just forget about that part.
Randall: Anyway, I've already tried. But our Horoscopes are durable like you wouldn't believe.
Randall: I'm pretty sure you'd need enough power to flip an island over to break it.
Ferdinand: You're quite right. It's utterly impossible to destroy your own Horoscope.
Feather & Randall: ...!
Ferdinand: After all, they're blessings, not curses. Since you wished for them, you have no place breaking them.
Feather: Ferdinand!
Ferdinand: It seemed like you wouldn't show up, so I decided to come to you.
Ferdinand: And since Ragazzo and Tikoh aren't here, I'll be able to really enjoy this...
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 3: Recurrence - Episode 1
Tikoh and Ragazzo are at Ovuque Island to find clues on Ferdinand's return. Ragazzo searches his memories with Ferdinand, but finds himself with mixed emotions as tears spill out. Meanwhile, Fiorito is in a heated battle with Morilynn. Enraged, Morilynn unleashes their power and reaches for Fiorito.
Tikoh and Ragazzo are at Ovuque Island to look for clues that can tell them more about Ferdinand's return.
Stepping into the ruins, the two examine the stelae once more.
Tikoh: Here, at the top of the list of founding members.
Ragazzo: "Ferdinand"... The letters have the same quirks as his handwriting. He must've carved 'em himself.
Ragazzo: Hm? Is this... a picture of a ship?
Tikoh: You're right... I was so distracted by the words that I missed it.
Ragazzo: Heroic-looking people sailing on a huge ship... It's like a scene from some sort of myth.
Ragazzo: There's a title for the drawing.
"Argo Navis, the Legendary Ship."
"Argo Navis, the Legendary Ship."
Tikoh: Are the things they're holding Horoscopes? I'm guessing Argo Navis is the ship's name.
Ragazzo: A ship full of Horoscopes... This has got to be depicting what Navis wants in the end.
Next, Tikoh and Ragazzo look into the place where Cupitan and Tristette had killed Ferdinand when they were young.
Tikoh: There's a skeleton here. Cupitan said this is where she'd found Taming Sari too.
Ragazzo: There's no doubt that he actually died once. I guess Taming Sari's power isn't evading death.
Tikoh: It could be resurrection... or rather, reincarnation.
Though the two try their best to make sense of their findings, they are unable to uncover any more clues.
Tikoh: There must be some sort of weakness to his power, maybe a condition he has to meet.
Ragazzo: That's what we'll have to assume. Otherwise we've got nothin' to work off of.
Tikoh: Ragazzo... Do you think you can tell me about your memories with Ferdinand?
Ragazzo: Wha?
Tikoh: For example... I'm pretty sure the Asclepius Rod responds to my wish to save people's lives.
Ragazzo: It definitely does. You saved my life, after all.
Tikoh: Don't you think we might be able to find a hint to Taming Sari's power if we look at how its wielder spends his time?
Ragazzo: You've got a point.
Tikoh: I understand you'd rather bury those memories... but it would really help.
Ragazzo: Hey, no biggie. I'll start from the beginning then.
Ragazzo: ...
Ragazzo: ...
...Gh...
...Gh...
Tikoh: Ragazzo?
Ragazzo: Huh...
No words come out. Instead, large tears spill out from Ragazzo's eyes.
Ragazzo: Sniff... Wha...
Rrg, why am I crying!
Rrg, why am I crying!
Ragazzo: What's wrong with me! This is so pathetic...
Tikoh: I'm sorry, Ragazzo! That was insensitive of me!
Tikoh: Thanks for trying. It's all right.
Ragazzo: ...
Tikoh: When you're ready, let's go back to where the others are.
When Ragazzo rubs his eyes with his artificial hands, Tikoh holds out a handkerchief.
The man's shoulders tremble like that of a child as his emotions flow out uncontrollably.
By the scorched remains of a house near a small village, Morilynn's fingertips brush Fiorito's stomach.
Fiorito: Rrg... Ah...
Decay immediately begins to spread on Fiorito's body like ripples in the water.
Lavirita: Pardon me!
Fiorito: Urgh!
Morilynn: Wow... To think you'd cut open your own friend's stomach like that. You're as cold as ice.
Lavirita: Desperate times call for desperate measures. You left me no choice but to carve out the decaying part to save her.
Morilynn: So meddlesome. Maybe I'll start with you then...
Fiorito: Hey, you're up against me. Leave Lavirita out of this.
Lavirita: Fiorito! But you're...
Fiorito: Thanks, Lavirita. Still, I can't let anyone else do this.
Fiorito uses Sphairai to block Morilynn's deadly touch. Morilynn nimbly evades Fiorito's counterblow.
Morilynn: All this time, I've never failed to be by Judah's side.
Morilynn: While you were spending such carefree days, not knowing a single thing!
Fiorito: ...!
Fiorito uses her fist to swiftly shave off any parts of her body that Morilynn touches.
Morilynn: Rather reckless, aren't you? I can practically see your bones.
Fiorito: I'm sorry...
Fiorito: You were a precious friend to me, Morilynn—or rather, Falaina.
Fiorito: But somehow, I forgot all about you...
Morilynn: You don't have to apologize. You just have to admit it.
Morilynn: Admit that you're not Judah's daughter.
Fiorito: Huh?
Morilynn: I mean, it's true. Judah only had anything to do with you because he was following the constellations.
Fiorito: Even if I were to admit something like that... you wouldn't get anything out of it, Morilynn.
Morilynn: ...
Morilynn: I definitely can't forgive you.
Just then, phantomblooms appear, covering the area as fluff dances in the air around them.
Morilynn: Thalassinus... Ring around the rosie, a pocket full of thornies!
Fiorito: ...!
Their arms... can stretch?
Their arms... can stretch?
Fiorito finds herself unable to dodge in time as Morilynn's arms lengthen, whipping toward her like vines.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 3: Recurrence - Episode 2
A mysterious white rift stops Morilynn's attack. Suddenly, Wakudoki appears and takes Morilynn away with her. Back at the castle, Cupitan and Tristette face off against each other while Kolulu contends with Lodi. Kolulu tells him that she wants to talk to the real him. Meanwhile, Randall picks up on something in the middle of his battle with Ferdinand and turns to attack Feather instead.
With no way out, Fiorito watches as Morilynn's fingertips lunge toward her chest.
Fiorito & Morilynn: ...!
Without warning, a small, white rift opens between Fiorito's chest and Morilynn's fingers.
Fiorito: What... was that?
Morilynn: Thief. Stole the words right from my mouth.
Morilynn: You're guilty of multiple thievery charges. It's time I laid judgment on you—
Wakudoki: Okay, stop right there!
Morilynn: Oh?
Wakudoki lands in front of Morilynn, holding a small replica of an island covered in phantomblooms.
Wakudoki: The phantomblooms have been scattered, so why don't we call it a day and leave the fight for another time?
Morilynn: Please move aside, Little Miss Rookie.
But when Wakudoki uses her fingers to pick up a part of the replica island in her hand, Morilynn is flung into the air, ground included.
Hopping on her broom, Wakudoki flies over to Morilynn to seat them behind her.
Wakudoki: Oho! I'm so curious about how these two will end up. I wanna see it all, hear it all, learn it all!
Wakudoki: But it wouldn't be good for me if Ferdinand's foolish efforts have a not-so-foolish ending.
Lavirita: Wakudoki! What is your objective?
Wakudoki: Why, it's never changed. You should know already!
Wakudoki: I just want to know everything!
Fiorito & Lavirita: ...
As the two figures soar off into the sky, Fiorito and Lavirita can do nothing but watch them fade into the distance.
At the old castle on the island where Troue once lived, (Captain) and company are facing off against Lodi and Tristette.
Cupitan: ((Captain)! Please go ahead without us!)
Kolulu: (We'll take care of things here. There must be a clue about the phantomblooms hidden somewhere in this castle!)
When Cupitan and Kolulu signal with their eyes, (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria run toward the inner chambers of the castle.
Tristette: Not so fast!
Monsters: ...!
Cupitan: Prism Arrow... Let this be a prayer to the child of caprice, and link us to a hueless dream!
Tristette: Tch!
Cupitan: Let's talk, Ris.
Tristette: ...
Follow me. I'll deal with you.
Follow me. I'll deal with you.
Lodi: Whew... Now it's just the two of us.
Kolulu: Lodi...
Lodi: Finally, you can listen to my song as much as you want!
Lodi: O Parashu! Forge yourself into an axe to sever my ego!
Lodi: Song for the World!
Kolulu: Urk...
Lodi: And that should completely wipe away any hostility you had!
Kolulu: ...
Lodi: ...
What's going on?
What's going on?
Kolulu: I didn't feel any hostility to begin with.
Kolulu: All I wanted to do was talk... with the real you!
Lodi: The real... me?
Kolulu: My friend said you saved her!
Kolulu: You claim to be empty inside... but that's not how I see it!
Lodi: It's nothing but PR. Everything is for the sake of the producer!
Brandishing Parashu like a hatchet, Lodi raises it above Kolulu's head.
Kolulu: Gwah!
Lodi: Chemistry!
Don't tell me you haven't learned how to properly handle Gisla yet!
Don't tell me you haven't learned how to properly handle Gisla yet!
Lodi: After all the trouble I went through of amplifying your intense emotions!
Kolulu: I refuse to rely on the power of Horoscopes!
Lodi: Suit yourself!
Lodi gives Parashu a twirl before grabbing it again. He resumes his song, projecting his voice.
Kolulu: ...!
Lodi: I don't particularly enjoy silencing my princesses, but I'm left with no choice!
Lodi: There is no real me. I am nothing but a vessel for the producer.
Kolulu: Rrg... Ah...
As Lodi's voice drifts into her ears, Kolulu finds her consciousness slipping away.
Feather: Rraaah!
Ferdinand: Oho!
Randall: Hraaah!
Ferdinand: Haha...
Feather and Randall continue directing their attacks at Ferdinand, but the Chairman fends them off easily.
Ferdinand: Why are you not unlocking your Horoscopes' true power?
Randall: Who would go out of their way to use the Horoscopes after knowing about your plans?
Ferdinand: I wonder. Perhaps it's merely that you haven't yet adapted to their usage.
Randall: I'm not falling for your flimsy taunts.
Ferdinand: Pretending to be tough is all well and good, but you only got away before because of Tikoh's surprise attack and Ragazzo's betrayal.
Ferdinand: You know deep down, Randall, that without the Horoscopes... things truly are not in your favor at all.
Randall: ...!
Feather: Damn it!
Ferdinand: Hah!
Feather: Grah...
Feather: I'm not done yet!
Randall: (Ferdinand... He can even fight us head-on?)
Randall's gaze naturally falls on Feather.
Feather: Haaah!
Randall: (He's not smiling...)
Randall: (Wait, what am I thinking about? Who in their right mind would be having fun fighting at a time like this?)
Shifting his legs back into position, Randall steps on a large crack running along the ground.
Feather: Then why don't we just break them ourselves, before Navis can recover them?
Randall: (This must be from one of those blows... In the end, the Lion Khan Claw didn't get a single scratch.)
Joyeuse: ...
Randall: Hold on...
Feather: Hrg! Hah!
Ferdinand: Nice to see you with so much energy. Getting hit would incur quite some damage, although I'm afraid I'm getting rather bored.
Ferdinand: Would some intense pain push you to unleash the Lion Khan Claw?
Feather: ...!
In one swift movement, Ferdinand closes the distance. Slipping in front of Feather, he makes a swing with Taming Sari.
Randall: Hraaah!
When Randall wedges his leg in between Feather and Ferdinand, there is a flash of light, blowing up a cloud of dust and fluff.
Feather: Ran... dall?
The kick had sent Feather flying. He looks up at Randall, dazed.
Ferdinand: What... do you think you're doing? Why did you attack Feather?
Randall: Get up, Feather...
Feather: Wait! What do you think you're—
Randall: Still got the strength to blabber, huh?
Randall: We'll see how long that lasts.
With a bold smile, Randall aims another kick straight at his friend.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 3: Recurrence - Episode 3
In the forest outside the castle, Tristette explains to Cupitan that most of her body is gone, now merely being compensated by Slarnd, and tells Cupitan to kill her. Back near the town, Randall ignores Ferdinand and continues to attack Feather. Letting out his true feelings, he unleashes Joyeuse's power.
Cupitan and Tristette emerge from the castle and turn to face each other.
As white fluff dances across the dim trees of the forest, the scene can be seen as either one of hope from the heavens—or of despair for the impending end of the skies.
Tristette: Howl, Slarnd!
I'll tear those wings right off of you!
I'll tear those wings right off of you!
Cupitan: Prism Arrow... Surrender to this maiden of faith, and pierce through with her chromatic devotion!
Tristette: Give me all you've got, Cupitan!
Cupitan: Why are you doing this... We don't have to fight!
Tristette: You're so damn annoying! Just shut up and fight!
Cupitan: What did you mean when you said you might not be yourself, Ris?
Tristette: Tch... Why're you even asking? Take a look at the color of my heart.
Cupitan: ...!
Cupitan: (Nothing's changed since... It's murky and pitch black...)
Cupitan: But... the shading's...
Tristette: Looks something like me, doesn't it?
Cupitan: What does it mean? It's still you, but...
Tristette: You remember what happened that day?
Tristette: Ah... Aaahh...
Cupitan: Noooo!
Tristette: When Morilynn touched me, my body started rotting right in front of you.
Cupitan: Right... But that's all healed now, right?
Tristette: Course not, stupid.
Tristette: Right now, my body's being supplemented.
Cupitan: Supplemented?
Tristette: The part that rotted hasn't come back. But with Nereus's power, Slarnd's making up for what my body's missing.
Tristette: Most of what you think is me... is actually Slarnd.
Cupitan: No way... But...
Tristette: I know what you're gonna say. Sure, I'm still standing right here in front of you.
Tristette: But the lips that touched yours that day... They're gone, rotted off of me.
Cupitan: ...!
Tristette: To be honest, I have no idea what I might end up doing.
Tristette: I'm only carrying out my role as an Auditor of my own free will because I prefer that to being controlled...
Tristette: But what if it's not even my will? I can't tell anymore!
Tristette: So, Cupitan... Just kill me! I want you to do it!
Cupitan: ...!
Tristette continues to come closer, step by step, until Cupitan finally lifts her bow.
When Randall unleashes another kick, Feather manages to block it despite his confusion.
Randall: Look sharp!
Feather: Haaah!
Feather doesn't hesitate to counter Randall's kicks.
Randall: Heh, not bad.
Feather: What're you doing, Randall? Ferdinand's right there!
Randall: Like I care.
Randall: I said I wouldn't tell you how I became accordant with Joyeuse. You remember?
Feather: Of course!
Randall: Well I still don't plan to, but I'll let you in on why I wanted to become stronger.
Randall: Because you won't have a clue unless I tell you straight up.
Ferdinand: Are you going to ignore me?
Feather & Randall: Shut up!
Ferdinand: Gwah!
Feather: Just tell me, Randall! What's your reason for becoming stronger?
Randall: Come on, just tell you?
Randall: I don't think so! If you want to know that badly, then feel out the situation yourself!
Randall: That's what we've been doing by crossing our fists and legs up until now!
Feather: Urg... How are your kicks... so heavy!
Randall: Are they getting through to you?
Randall: I wanted to be your equal, your rival—one you wouldn't feel ashamed of.
Randall: You're the sun in my life... and I'm the sunflower that chases after your light.
Feather: Randall...
Randall releases attack after attack, but Feather continues to take them head-on, refusing to budge.
Randall: What I'm saying is, whenever you're feeling down, I can't play my part either!
Randall: That's all I wanted to say! The reason why I haven't been able to get into anything is because you're not enjoying it!
Randall: Sorry, I guess I'm the one who's been thinking too much!
Feather: Hey, what're you getting so pumped up for? It's kind of creepy.
Randall: Yeah, well, I don't want to hear that from you!
Randall puts some distance between himself and Feather before reaching down to stroke the glimmering brace on his leg.
Randall: Thanks, Joyeuse, for keeping me company while I chased my convictions.
Randall: And with that... I won't be needing your help anymore.
Joyeuse: ...!
Randall: Joyeuse... Kick off the ebony eagle and soar to the blue yonder!
Feather: Rrg... Why are you tapping into your Horoscope?
Randall: You don't have to worry about a thing! I'll make sure of that!
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 3: Recurrence - Episode 4
(Captain) and company are searching the castle for an antidote that can be used on the phantombloom's poison. Suddenly, a figure of the island's king appears. A scene from the past plays out, from which the crew learns that Judah had spread the phantomblooms and robbed the country's people of their existence. Meanwhile, Feather awakens his fighting spirit in response to Randall's strikes and finally accepts the Lion Khan Claw as part of his power. When Feather and Randall recognize each other to be their ideal opponent, their Horoscopes harmonize.
While Cupitan and Kolulu are fighting, (Captain) and the others move as fast as they can around the castle, searching for clues on the phantomblooms.
Lyria: This room must be Troue's bedroom...
Vyrn: Hey, (Captain). Troue helped neutralize the poison when you got some of it in your body, right?
Lyria: Maybe we can find the details on how to make the antidote in this room!
But the task proves far from simple. Failing to find anything helpful, the three grow disheartened, glancing absently out the window.
Celine's gravestone can be seen on a small hill in the distance.
Vyrn: Come to think of it, didn't Princess Celine say somethin' about the phantomblooms?
(Captain) thinks back to what Celine had told them about finding phantomblooms in the underground depths of the island ten years ago.
Celine's father, the king, had called the flowers "dreamblooms" and tried to sell them to other parts of the skies.
He bred the phantomblooms until they were all over the island, giving his people visions. Eventually, everyone but the princess—who was hidden away in the castle—perished.
Lyria: The king's plan failed, destroying the country itself...
Vyrn: But don'tcha think it's weird? The king shoulda known that the poison from the phantomblooms was dangerous.
Vyrn: The whole story of Navis findin' the flowers underground and deciding to use them is fishy too.
Their doubts lingering, the three visit the king's bedroom next.
Lyria: It's no good... I was hoping we'd be able to find a diary or something, but the drawers and shelves are all empty.
Vyrn: They probably cleared 'em out. Darn, it felt like we were so close...
Flustered King: Why?
Lyria: Huh?
Just then, they spot a shadowy figure through the fluff of the phantombloom.
Flustered King: Why are my people dying one by one after seeing the phantomblooms' visions?
Flustered King: Those blooms are entirely different from the ones you give me!
Vyrn: What the... That's the king from the portrait, right?
Choose: The Gift of Visions!
(Captain) realizes that the phantomblooms are showing them a vision of the past, much like Troue's ability.
Flustered King: The phantomblooms you give me grant such sweet dreams...
Flustered King: I can no longer live without them... That's why I've gone to such great lengths, and at such risk!
Judah: You said you wanted to fill this island with phantomblooms. I granted that wish for you.
Judah: Well, I suppose the hallucinogenic effects from this particular experiment came out slightly strong.
Vyrn: Hey, that's... Judah!
Lyria: So the king was involved with Navis!
Flustered King: Experiment? You're a monster for letting all of us die like this!
Judah: Though the effects of the phantomblooms I gave you have been altered, their essence is the same.
Judah: In exchange for granting dreams, the phantomblooms rob one of their existence.
Flustered King: What do I do now! How can I explain this to everyone?
Judah: I couldn't care less. Simply say you found the flowers deep underground.
Flustered King: Are you sure you don't care? I'll tell the people about you!
Flustered King: And about the mad boy called Felix whom I helped rescue!
Judah: Are you sure you don't care? I thought you wanted this.
Flustered King: The ph-phantomblooms...
Judah: Several years down the road, Felix will encounter your daughter.
Judah: Leave Durandal with your daughter. The weapon is one that seeks a hero. Its bestowment from a royal family will lead Felix to become accordant with it.
Flustered King: V-very well! I will do as you say!
(Captain) and company remain still as the white fluff settles around them.
Vyrn: The phantomblooms were planted by Navis all along... They made the king so reliant on it he had no choice but to listen to whatever Judah said.
Lyria: He said something about phantomblooms robbing one's existence.
Lyria: What if the people who were put to sleep by the blooms... end up the same way as the people on this island?
Feeling their anxiety growing, the three continue their investigation.
Phantombloom fluff dances in the field as Randall directs a powerful kick at Feather with Joyeuse's unlocked power.
Feather: Stop it, Randall! What if our fight makes us harmonize?
Randall: You don't need to worry about a thing! Focus on me...
Randall: Otherwise, you'll lose.
Feather: Gwaaah!
Feather: Heheh... Hahaha!
Feather: Ooh, that stings! You're not holding back, Randall!
Randall: That's what I wanted to see! That smile!
Feather: ...!
With a fearless grin on his face, Randall raises his leg once more, tauntingly displaying Joyeuse's magnificent shimmer.
Randall: What do you think of this pose? Is it lame?
Feather: Nope! Honestly, I've always thought Joyeuse suited you!
Randall: Hah, I thought so. I've grown pretty attached to it.
Randall: Joyeuse... represents my conviction.
Feather: Your Horoscope's... your conviction?
Randall: The Lion Khan Claw? Representing your weakness? No way!
Randall: I mean, just look at how you're standing! You can't look any cooler!
Feather: Wha!
Randall: Come at me, Feather!
Feather: (I want to get stronger... I want to be strong and fight against strong people.)
Feather: (And right now... there's someone who's incredibly strong in front of me!)
Lion Khan Claw: ...
The Lion Khan Claw emits an intense light, just as it had before.
Feather: Haha! Hahaha!
Feather: Huh?
Feather: (Why did I get so caught up about convictions or using my bare fists anyway?)
Ragazzo: And you're just in this to get stronger? You're one crazy dumbass!
Feather: That's right! Since the beginning, all I wanted was...
Feather: Lion Khan Claw... Forsake the sheep of old and become the lion of this day!
Randall: Heh! Finally awake, huh?
Feather: Sorry about that, Randall! I've made you wait long enough!
Feather: You too, Lion Khan Claw... Thanks for holding out for me!
Feather: You're not a curse at all! You've supported my wish all this time...
Feather: You're my personal cheerleader!
Randall: What?
Randall: Ridiculous and reckless as always, aren't you? Just as you should be!
Feather & Randall: Haaah!
Hraaah!
Hraaah!
Ferdinand: Haha, simply wonderful! The Horoscopes are resonating with each other!
Ferdinand: But what is Randall intending to do?
Feather: Haha, that force! Each strike is so fast and precise!
Randall: Your punches are getting sharper and quicker too!
Feather: You know, finding someone strong to fight... it doesn't have to be you!
Randall: Hey!
Feather: But, Randall! I've always wanted it to be you!
Randall: ...!
Feather: I feel like all this time... I've been waiting for this moment!
Exchanging blows faster than the naked eye can see, the battle is like a playful scuffle as their laughter fills the air.
At one point in the mix, Feather's bare leg connects with Randall's bare fist.
Randall: Heh, so this is what they call harmonization? Feels kind of nice!
Feather: I'm not even close to done! Let's go, Randall!
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 3: Recurrence - Episode 5
Feather and Randall's fight intensifies. Before Ferdinand can stop them, both of their Horoscopes shatter from the clash. With his wish dashed to pieces, Ferdinand leaves; the Auditors follow suit, halting their respective battles. In one of the towns filled with phantomblooms, the sleeping people vanish one by one—all the while, a large phantombloom somewhere in the skies slowly turns black.
Feather: Hahaha!
Randall: Heheh!
Ferdinand: How long are the two of you going to continue this for?
Feather: Hey, Randall! We can definitely go for three days more, right?
Randall: Just three? I don't mind keeping you company until you're satisfied!
Ferdinand: ...!
No... Any more than this, the Horoscopes will...
No... Any more than this, the Horoscopes will...
Feather & Randall: Hraaah!
Ferdinand: Stooop!
In that moment, the Lion Khan Claw and Joyeuse shatter completely.
Feather: Huh? The Lion Khan Claw's...
Randall: Whew... That didn't take long.
Ferdinand: No! The Horoscopes... My wish!
Randall: You said it before yourself.
Ferdinand: You're quite right. It's utterly impossible to destroy your own Horoscope.
Randall: I'm not surprised it was impossible. After all, we only ever get hurt when we fight against other people!
Feather: I get it now! You kept pushing me so we could break our Horoscopes!
Randall: You said the Horoscopes can grant our wishes. Didn't you, Ferdinand?
Randall: Looks like you were right! Our wish to destroy our Horoscopes has come true!
Ferdinand: Hrrg...
Ferdinand: Aaaah!
Feather: H-hey, the guy ran away crying!
Randall: Leave him. Now that he can't gather all the Horoscopes anymore, his wish is done for.
Feather and Randall gaze quietly at the remaining particles of light from their Horoscopes.
Randall: It's a strange feeling. I wanted my Horoscope gone, and yet...
Feather: Thanks for everything, Lion Khan Claw...
Nereus: You wretches!
Feather & Randall: ...!
Nereus: How dare you... How dare you destroy my...
The woman's sudden appearance startles Feather and Randall. Nereus begins beating them with her staff relentlessly.
Feather: It... doesn't exactly hurt... but what're you doing?
Manamel: Sister! They're going to be here soon!
Nereus: Urk...
Leaving the stunned Feather and Randall behind, Nereus and Manamel vanish without a trace.
Feather: Look. The phantomblooms where Nereus was standing... They're turning brown.
Randall: Oh yeah... They're withering.
Feather: What do you think she came here for?
Randall: Who knows... But it serves her right.
Ragazzo: Hey, you two! What happened here?
Tikoh: You've got scratches all over you! And where are your Horoscopes?
Feather: Tikoh! Ragazzo! Randall said he was a sunflower!
Cupitan tightens her grasp on the Rainbow Bow as Tristette approaches her.
Just as the two are about to clash...
Tristette: Hngh!
Tristette: G-gah...
Cupitan: Ris! What's the matter, Ris?
Nereus: It must be painful... Your brethren—the Lion Khan Claw and Joyeuse—have been annihilated.
Cupitan: Y-you're...
Nereus: This Auditor will come back with me. Nothing matters here anymore, after all.
Nereus swings her staff, and Manamel and Tristette disappear along with her.
At the same time, Lodi also vanishes, bringing an end to the fight.
In a town overrun with phantomblooms.
Residents are fast asleep, each person dreaming of a different story.
These nameless individuals fade out of existence, unbeknownst to anyone.
Eerie Phantombloom: ...
As the people disappear one by one, the petals of the phantombloom turn black.
The flower lurks in a nameless place, as if amassing something much greater.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 4: Dissipation - Episode 1
(Captain) and company gather at the town once more, resting while they can before tackling the issues at hand. Fiorito is thinking about Judah when Ragazzo and Lavirita join her. The three come together to support one another as they struggle to find answers to their own uncertainties.
The crew members withdraw and gather once more at the phantombloom-ridden island where they lost the Grandcypher.
Together, they retreat to an island untouched by the blooms and begin to share their findings with one another.
Their expressions brighten when they hear about the successful destruction of the Lion Khan Claw and Joyeuse.
Tikoh: All twenty-three Horoscopes need to be gathered in order to manifest Argo...
Kolulu: Does that mean Navis's evil plans have fallen through?
Lyria: That's amazing, you two!
Feather: I had no idea what was going on when Randall forgot all about Ferdinand and came flying at me!
Ragazzo: ...
Randall: What's wrong, Ragazzo? You look like something's bothering you.
Ragazzo: Ah, well... It's just that the way you said Ferdinand was fighting seems weird to me.
Tikoh: The way he was fighting?
Ragazzo: He's a cautious man. He wouldn't want to approach close-combat nutcases like you two if he could help it.
Ragazzo: So that got me thinking... Why didn't he use Taming Sari to put up a barrage?
Ferdinand: Hah!
Tikoh: That's true... He kept his distance before, too.
Feather: I mean, if he can revive himself, he should be okay even if we took him out, right?
Ragazzo: Sorry... I didn't mean to rain on everyone's parade.
Fiorito: Well, it's a good reminder that not everything's over. We haven't gotten the Grandcypher back yet, and the phantomblooms are still spreading.
Lyria: Right... It seems more and more islands are getting taken over by the blooms.
Vyrn: I thought things were wrappin' up, but we haven't stopped 'em yet, huh?
Cupitan: In the end, we couldn't find the antidote to the phantombloom poison...
Lavirita: If we dismantle Wakudoki's replica, we should be able to nullify its influence on reality.
Randall: All we have left to do is find the Grandcypher and fight with all we've got.
Choose: Let's rest up for now.
Though there are still matters left to deal with, the current lull in activity is a much-needed opportunity for the crew to recuperate.
Nodding at (Captain)'s suggestion, they head out into the streets.
Fiorito's steps are unsteady as she walks toward a dimly lit corner of town.
Fiorito: ...
Morilynn: You don't have to apologize. You just have to admit it.
Morilynn: Admit that you're not Judah's daughter.
Fiorito: (No...)
Young Fiorito: You know, whenever I hold this book, I think of you, Dad!
Judah: Haha. Well, in Dad's case, just breathing makes me think of you.
Fiorito: (Dad wasn't always lying... I don't believe it.)
Girl's Figure: Morilynn's right.
Fiorito: ...!
Girl's Figure: You didn't know anything about Dad's terrifying side.
Girl's Figure: All this time, Morilynn's the one who's been supporting him.
Fiorito: That's why I want to hear it from Dad himself!
Fiorito: I want to know what his wish is, and why he didn't tell me anything...
Girl's Figure: Come on. You know the one who burnt Kolulu's hometown to the ground was Judah, right?
Fiorito: ...!
Girl's Figure: He's at fault for what happened to Troue's island... and for what happened to you.
Girl's Figure: No one's saying it out loud because they're being nice.
Girl's Figure: There's nothing to argue about. Judah's an existence that needs to be erased.
Fiorito: No way... But I...
Girl's Figure: Why don't you learn a little from Ragazzo? That's what you should be doing.
Fiorito: From Ragazzo?
Girl's Figure: You need to take responsibility as Judah's daughter... and kill him.
Girl's Figure: That's the only thing you can do that Morilynn can't.
Fiorito: ...
Fiorito unconsciously reaches out to touch her flower-patterned pouch.
Fiorito: Oh...
Fiorito: (Morilynn took away "The Roses and the Prince"...)
Before long, Fiorito finds herself at the library, searching for a specific book.
Fiorito: Ack, it's on loan...
Ragazzo: Looking for this?
Fiorito: ...!
Fiorito: Ew, why're you borrowing my favorite book before me? You're such a creep.
Ragazzo: I could ask you the same, Miss I'm-So-Miserable. What're you planning to do with this book?
Fiorito: What do you mean "what"?
Fiorito: ...
Read it, I guess.
Read it, I guess.
Ragazzo: Heheh! That is what books are for!
Fiorito: Just hurry up and hand it over! This has nothing to do with you!
Ragazzo: Whoops, sorry but lending library books to someone else isn't allowed. Gotta follow the rules, you know?
Fiorito: Then return it first so I can borrow it—
Lavirita: Quiet down, both of you. This is a library, you know.
Fiorito & Ragazzo: Creep!
To Fiorito's and Ragazzo's horror, Lavirita appears seemingly out of thin air. With somewhat teary eyes, the Harvin leads the two outside.
Lavirita: That was a rather cruel reaction, considering I've been watching over the two of you so diligently.
Ragazzo: I have to say, the weird gentleman act is the freaky part.
Fiorito: If Tristette were here, she'd be rubbing salt in your wounds right about now.
Lavirita: Indeed... Unfortunately, that was how the majority of our regular meetings played out in the past.
Fiorito: So where're you taking us?
Lavirita: Seeing there is a debt I have yet to repay you, Fiorito, I thought to do that now.
Fiorito: Me? What did I do again?
Lavirita: You helped me place money in front of my parents' grave.
Ragazzo: I don't have anything to do with that, so I'm free to go, right?
Lavirita: No, I'd like it if you joined us too. The more hands, the better.
Ragazzo: ...?
I guess I've got some time to kill.
I guess I've got some time to kill.
Fiorito: Gather 'round, gather 'round! We've got all sorts of knickknacks from the far reaches of the skies!
Ragazzo: You never know where you'll find Lavirita's! Catchin' us here means it's a damn lucky day for you!
In a corner of the shopping street, Fiorito and Ragazzo are working hard at a small trading post.
Lavirita: Fiorito. Ragazzo. Look more lively, please.
Fiorito: How is this repaying your debt!
Lavirita: I'm giving you a chance to acquire valuable skills and experience—for free, even.
Fiorito & Ragazzo: I'm going to murder you...
Lavirita: Ah, here comes a customer.
Fiorito & Ragazzo: Welcome!
Lavirita: Haha. The two of you certainly are earnest workers.
They continue toiling away at Lavirita's shop until night settles.
Lavirita: Splendid work today. Allow me to treat you to dinner tonight.
Fiorito: So why're we here helping you make money?
A smile playing at his lips, Lavirita begins pouring water into their cups.
Lavirita: Tell me. What was the price of our featured product at Lavirita's today—the polished gems with magic properties?
Ragazzo: 9,980 rupies, if I remember correctly. Making the price hover at four digits instead of five was sneaky of ya.
Lavirita: I bought those gems in a different region at five hundred rupies each.
Fiorito: Are you showing off your business tricks?
Lavirita: I'm merely pointing out the essence of trade. The value of an item changes depending on the place and the person.
Lavirita: The same concept could apply in other areas. For example, a villain can commit heinous crimes... and still remain a precious and irreplaceable father for someone.
Fiorito & Ragazzo: ...!
Lavirita: The variation in relative values can also be seen as differences between absolute values.
Lavirita: I... let my parents die. To me, atoning for that is my absolute. It is my reason for living.
Lavirita: And yet... I realized something from watching the two of you.
Lavirita: I realized that I was merely continuing to run away... so that I can be forgiven.
Lavirita plays with the bag of rupies earned that day.
Lavirita: Your absolutes are different. You're thinking not for yourselves, but for the other person.
Lavirita: That's the reason the both of you suffered... and to me, that is so pure and bright.
Lavirita: The dull gleam of these coins can never compare to that sort of radiance.
Ragazzo: Come on, you're exaggerating.
Ragazzo: If a dad takes care of his child, it's the job of a son to do what he can for his dad too.
Lavirita: Simple logic. Very befitting of you, Ragazzo.
Ragazzo: ...!
Ragazzo: Right... No need to think so much about it. Just do what you can do.
Fiorito: ...
Young Fiorito: You need to take responsibility as Judah's daughter... and kill him.
Young Fiorito: That's the only thing you can do that Morilynn can't.
Fiorito: (Just do... what only I can do for Dad.)
Lavirita: Haha, here's our food. Almost nothing beats a bit of gluttony after a day's work.
Lavirita: Ah, yes. I made sure to order some chicken breast as well, so help yourself to that, Fiorito.
Looking somewhat more relaxed, the three proceed with their well-deserved evening meal.
Ragazzo: Whew, that was a lotta food... Guess it's time we head back.
Lavirita: Young people certainly have staggering appetites. I never expected a meal to deplete all of the day's earnings...
Fiorito: I talked it over with Rosa and we decided to make it a cheat day! It's been a while since I ate as much as I wanted!
Rosa: ...!
Fiorito: Oh yeah. Lavirita, you said all you thought about was yourself...
Fiorito: But I'm pretty sure it's the opposite. You need to think more about yourself.
Lavirita: Excuse me?
Ragazzo: Haha, that's what I was thinkin'! You're always busy following up on your teammates behind the scenes.
Ragazzo: Now that you've died once, you should let yourself be reborn into a life where you work for yourself.
Lavirita: I see... An interesting proposition.
Lavirita tilts his head back to look up at the night sky, tracing his finger along the stars.
Lavirita: My star sign. Rupies.
Fiorito: Wha?
Lavirita: Haha...
A cheerful smile can be seen on Lavirita's face as he draws a new constellation for himself.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 4: Dissipation - Episode 2
While the crew is recuperating in town, Felix returns to Judah as the figure of Ferdinand comes back from its battle with the Accordants and shape-shifts back into its true form: Durandal. The real Ferdinand is being held captive under Judah's watch. With his preparations complete, Judah opens up a white rift and disappears into it.
At (Captain)'s suggestion, the crew makes a trip into town. Kolulu stops at a store on one of the shopping streets.
Kolulu: Wow! This cloth can clean oil stains just by wetting it with water?
Kolulu: What a magical cloth... I could buy one of these with my pocket money and...
Feather: Hold up! Are you sure about that?
Lyria: This cloth is for the kitchen. That might not be what you want, Kolulu...
Kolulu: Oh! You're right, I'm looking for something to clean the floor with!
Kolulu: Huh? Are all of you here because you're looking for cleaning supplies too?
Randall: Yeah... Let's go with that.
Kolulu turns her back on the crew to return the kitchen cloth to the shelf.
Kolulu: When we get back to the Grandcypher, I have to tidy up Manamel's room too.
Vyrn: We'll help too, just like last time.
Kolulu: Hm... I think I'll ask for just (Captain)'s and Lyria's help this time.
Feather: Why though! Are we not allowed to go in or something?
Kolulu: Well... I'm afraid there's only a handful of people who've been preapproved by Manamel to enter her room.
Randall: Ah, gotcha. That sounds like Manamel all right.
Kolulu: She can be particular about things, like categorizing her lipsticks by brand or color-coding her closet.
Kolulu: There'll be plenty of organizing to do for sure!
Choose: You know her well.
Choose: I never knew that.
Kolulu: Ehehe... Since we've been hanging out more recently, she's been letting me borrow her makeup and things.
Kolulu: But don't you have memories with us too now? Look, I have the lipstick you lent me right—
Manamel: ...
Vega.
Vega.
Kolulu: ...
Will I ever get a chance to return her lipstick?
Will I ever get a chance to return her lipstick?
Lyria: Kolulu...
(Captain) and Lyria take Kolulu's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Once Kolulu is done with her shopping, the crew goes outside to enjoy the breeze.
Kolulu: ...
Kolulu gazes at the spear in her hands, her expression meek.
Kolulu: Gisla was found stuck in the bundle of blankets I was wrapped in as a baby.
Feather: Oh yeah?
Kolulu: I don't know my real parents, but Gisla's kept me company all these years.
Kolulu: It proved especially useful when rummaging through the mountains of trash!
Vyrn: R-right... I feel kinda sorry for it...
Kolulu: But why did this spear choose me specifically?
Lodi: Chemistry!
Don't tell me you haven't learned how to properly handle Gisla yet!
Don't tell me you haven't learned how to properly handle Gisla yet!
Kolulu: I heard that Gisla is a weapon of revenge... and that anger becomes its driving force.
Kolulu: But I... just want to spend my days smiling and laughing together with everyone.
Randall: ...
Randall stands up and stretches his leg, now bare and without its armor.
Randall: Joyeuse helped me reflect and face myself.
Randall: You're a kind person, Kolulu. A personality like yours might not seem like it'd suit a weapon like Gisla...
Feather: But there's gotta be a reason why you became accordant with it. Isn't that right, Randall?
Randall: Yeah. And, well... you'll find out eventually. No need to get too caught up about it.
Kolulu: ...
Late that night, Tikoh and Cupitan return to their lodgings thoroughly exhausted.
The two sit in the lobby of the inn, enjoying cookies Cupitan had baked and Tikoh's freshly poured coffee.
Cupitan: After (Captain) told us to take it easy...
Tikoh: Yeah... I couldn't help opening a clinic for the day. So many people from the town came—I'm not sure whether I should be happy or not as a doctor.
Cupitan: But I guess spending a normal day like this is refreshing in and of itself!
Tikoh: That's true. Thanks for helping out as my assistant and nurse, Cupitan.
The two exchange a small smile and clink their cups together in celebration.
Tikoh: Are you... feeling okay, Cupitan?
Cupitan: No different than before. I just need to keep finding a way to help Ris.
Tikoh: ...
Tikoh: You know, the cells in a person's body are constantly getting replaced through processes called apoptosis and mitosis.
Tikoh: You and I are different from how we were yesterday, both physically and mentally.
Tikoh: So, in Tristette's case... even if she's different, I'm sure... she's still Tristette.
Cupitan: Thank you, Tikoh. I believe that too.
Cupitan: Anyway...
Cupitan manifests a yellow arrow with her palm and puts it in Tikoh's hand.
Tikoh: A yellow arrow... Like the one from when we first met.
Cupitan: It's an arrow that will help soothe your heart, although I try not to use it too often.
Tikoh: Back then, you offered to listen to what I had to say, didn't you?
Cupitan: Yes, but we switched immediately after. I was even more... unsteady than you.
Cupitan: Actually, I'd say you're pretty steady, Ti. A steady, jet black color of hatred!
Tikoh: Ahaha... You might be onto something.
Just then, they hear footsteps coming down from the stairs. A figure slowly approaches them.
Ragazzo: ...
Tikoh: Ragazzo?
In the cold darkness, Ferdinand staggers forward with his head in his hands.
Ferdinand: My... noble wish... My sublime purpose of saving everyone...
Judah: ...
Ferdinand: The Horoscopes will never be complete... It's... the end.
Judah: Felix.
Felix: Roger!
The figure that was Ferdinand a moment ago shifts into that of the Horoscope Durandal.
Or rather, Durandal returns to its original form.
Judah: Durandal's transformations are unfailingly precise.
Felix: Thank you very much!
Felix: But I wonder why I couldn't send an entire league of Taming Saris flying back there.
Judah: The number of daggers Taming Sari can generate depends on the number of days Ferdinand has been alive.
Felix: Ahh, I see. Unfortunately, even Durandal doesn't have the capability to cover those kinds of values.
Felix: Now that I think of it, didn't you have test subjects in the basement here? Where have they gone?
Judah: Don't ask what you already know.
Felix: Ehehe.
Felix: Despite your mortality, I always thought you were the most cunning out of all the Chairmen.
Judah: Cunning... Well, I'm certainly thinking much further than this fool.
Ferdinand: ...
Judah: I did everything in accordance with your constellation—or rather, Durandal did.
Judah: Waging battle is not a valid option. What's more, two Horoscopes were destroyed in the process.
Judah: Now neither you nor Nereus should have anything to say about it.
Ferdinand: Judah... What... are you...
Judah: The preparations are complete. My astrology will be the one to manifest Argo.
When Judah extends his hand, a white rift appears in the air.
Judah and Felix proceed into the white space and vanish, taking Ferdinand with them.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 4: Dissipation - Episode 3
Morilynn and Lodi look back on how they first met and their relationship with each other. Meanwhile, Tikoh and Ragazzo return to the crew to share the findings from their investigation on Ferdinand. They explain that Ferdinand possesses the power of rebirth, through which he can be reborn to a relative of someone he kills.
In an old, abandoned church, two Auditors are speaking with each other.
Lodi: Ferdinand has been defeated. From here on out, we'll be following Judah's constellation—the producer has agreed to this too.
Morilynn: Things are about to get busy. Or maybe we'll be here twiddling our thumbs.
Lodi: Are you not interested in finding out what Judah's wish could be?
Morilynn: You haven't heard anything about Nereus's wish either, have you, Lodi?
Lodi: No... I haven't. We have no need for wills of our own.
Morilynn: ...
Morilynn: Remember the first time I suggested we form a pact? It was in this very church.
Lodi: I don't want to remember. The awful taste of the throat drop that day is going to come back to me.
Morilynn: Come on, it's nice to think back every now and then. It's how we started, after all.
Among the musty smell of the church, memories from once upon a time surface.
After the young Fiorito joined Navis, Morilynn finally emerged from the basement.
While accompanying Judah, the first person Morilynn met outside was one of Nereus's subordinates, Lodi.
The two were waiting in a church while Judah and Nereus had a meeting.
Morilynn: Nice to meet you. I'm Morilynn. I'd love for us to become friends, as children do when their parents are busy talking with one another.
Lodi: You're Thalassinus, aren't you? You don't have parents.
Morilynn: I'm only imitating. To become a person, you have to start from the demeanor.
Lodi: I don't care... I don't want to be friends.
On another day.
Morilynn: We can be great friends, you know.
Lodi: ...
Morilynn: You're doing your best because you like Nereus, aren't you?
Morilynn: I'm the same. I'm devoting my every day for Judah's sake.
Lodi: ...
Morilynn: Are you trying to be an inorganic object by starting from the demeanor too?
Morilynn: Fine. I'm not going to tell you if I find any moths.
Judah: We're leaving, Morilynn.
Morilynn: Peekaboo... I don't see you...
Judah: What do you think you're doing?
Morilynn: I wanted to give you a smile and a remedy to cheer you up.
Judah: ...
Morilynn: Judah. People are a lot less friendly than I'd expected.
Morilynn: Lodi won't talk to me about anything.
Judah: I don't blame him. I'm the same, after all.
Morilynn: ...
Can I not be a replacement for Fiorito?
Can I not be a replacement for Fiorito?
Judah: What?
Morilynn: Ever since you left the house behind... you haven't smiled at all.
Morilynn: Maybe I... No, I can definitely be more cheerful and energetic, just like Fiorito—
Judah: If that makes you happy, then do what you want.
Morilynn: ...!
Morilynn: After that, I just couldn't say anything to Judah.
Lodi: What're you telling me this for?
Morilynn: For what indeed? I have no idea.
Lodi: ...
Lodi: You're quieter than usual. It's easier to be with you this way.
Morilynn: That's so mean, I might just cry... I've got no tears to shed though.
Lodi: Well, I meant...
Lodi: Unlike me, you have a personality so unique it's irritating. Not to mention, it's annoying seeing you think about someone so much.
Lodi: You have no need to act as somebody else.
Morilynn: Huh?
Morilynn: Oh... It's time for one of your jobs.
Lodi: You're seeing the idol Lodi in concert for the first time today, aren't you?
Lodi: Just watch... You'll understand just how goofy acting as someone else is.
Lodi: Thank you, my princesses! Let's make some chemistry!
Morilynn: Whoooa!
After the concert, Lodi returns to the church with Morilynn.
Lodi: What did you think? Knowing how I am normally, doesn't the idea of acting turn you off?
Morilynn: Oh, yes. Very much so. I'm completely turned off.
Morilynn: Your concert, Lodi! It was amazing!
Lodi: ...
What?
What?
Morilynn: After watching a performance like that, I'd be a goofy goof to think that I could act like you!
Morilynn: Your singing went straight through my heart... Nothing compares to the kind of expression actual people are capable of.
Lodi: Didn't you think it was gross, since it's so different from how I usually am?
Morilynn: Not really.
Lodi: I... see.
Lodi: ...
Preparing his breathing for another song, Lodi looks straight at Morilynn.
Lodi: Let us go
To the end of the skies
To the end of the skies
Morilynn: Wow!
When Lodi finishes his first song, Morilynn claps merrily.
Morilynn: I'm so lucky to have this all to myself. Thank you.
Lodi: Let us go
To the end of the skies
To the end of the skies
Morilynn: Oh?
Morilynn: Getting an encore was a very nice surprise.
Lodi: Let us go
To the end of the skies
To the end of the skies
Morilynn: Huh?
Lodi sings the song again and again.
Despite the initial delight, Morilynn grows increasingly puzzled by the situation.
Morilynn: Um... Are you practicing for your concert, Lodi?
Lodi: Let us... go...
Morilynn: It's all right, Lodi. I had plenty of fun already.
But even as his voice becomes hoarse, Lodi continues singing.
Fifty times. A hundred times. Hundreds of times. Several hours pass with Lodi still singing.
Lodi: Ah... Rng...
Morilynn: Lodi... Your voice can't take it anymore...
Morilynn: Why're you doing this? What happened?
Lodi: As long as I can make someone happy... exhausting myself is fine.
Morilynn: Huh?
Morilynn: Of course it's not fine. If you tear yourself up like that and give a piece of yourself to everyone, eventually you'll disappear.
Lodi: It's all right even if I disappear. There's no meaning to my existence.
Lodi: If I follow what the producer says... even someone worthless like me can contribute something to these skies.
Morilynn: ...!
Morilynn: Is that why you're following Nereus's orders, Lodi?
Rummaging through their pockets, Morilynn produces something from within their clothes and offers it to Lodi.
Morilynn: Here, I'll give you a piece of candy. It's supposed to be good for your throat.
Lodi: I don't like food.
Morilynn: Then think of it as medicine.
Morilynn half-forces the throat drop into Lodi's mouth.
Morilynn: Good that I copied one of the chummy ladies in town and had some candy with me.
Lodi: ...
Morilynn: I get it now. We're the same.
Lodi: We're different, right down to our roots. I hate myself, whereas you like yourself.
Morilynn: Only our roots are different. I think the flowers we produce are the same.
Morilynn: I want you to learn to like yourself.
Lodi: I don't. I couldn't care less about myself...
Morilynn: If you can't cherish yourself, then I'll cherish you.
Lodi: ...!
Morilynn: In return... I'd like you to cherish me too.
Morilynn: That'll be the pact between us. A win-win situation, don't you think?
Lodi: ...
Lodi: ...
I don't want to.
I don't want to.
Morilynn: Oh, come on!
Lodi: No matter how many times I told you I didn't want to make that pact, you kept suggesting it.
Morilynn: But you started talking to me a lot more after that.
Lodi: ...
You're imagining things.
You're imagining things.
Morilynn: Judah's calling.
Lodi: Let's go. It's time for our final moment on stage.
Around one week has passed since the confrontation with Ferdinand.
With the town as their temporary base, (Captain) and company are making preparations to take back the Grandcypher.
Just then, Tikoh and Ragazzo return from their investigation, looking solemn.
Tikoh: Ferdinand's Taming Sari... We know what its power is now.
Feather: Huh! You do?
A while ago, Tikoh and Cupitan were talking in the lobby of the inn when someone approached them.
Ragazzo: ...
Tikoh: Ragazzo?
Ragazzo: Hey, Dr. Tikoh. Mind listening to a few memories I have to share?
Ragazzo: Memories from the times I spent with Ferdinand after the two of us met.
Tikoh: Are you sure? There's no need to push yourself.
Ragazzo: My heart might be protesting, but it doesn't change what I've got to do.
Ragazzo: When I pushed him off, letting him fall to the bottom of the skies... I thought it was for his sake. That's why I did it.
Ragazzo: I need to carry that out. So, if you'll listen to me...
Ragazzo began sharing his experiences.
Watching his father stargaze. Searching for stars together with him. Being partners in crime.
He talks about everything he can remember—about himself, and about every trivial thing in his memory.
Ragazzo: That's everything I have.
Tikoh: Thank you...
Cupitan: Waaah!
Ragazzo: Whoa... What's with the blubbering!
Cupitan: Sniff... Iz okay... Dun mind meee!
As Cupitan continues wailing, Tikoh takes a moment to gather her thoughts.
Tikoh: From hearing your story, it's clear to me that, in his own way, he was acting based on his own ideas of reason.
Tikoh: For example, his attachment to family must be due to his belief that familial ties are the most important.
Ragazzo: I know it's incomprehensible to the average person, but even when he was murdering people... he genuinely felt sad while killing them.
Tikoh: Yeah... That's what bothered me too.
Tikoh: His belief that life is valuable is real. Despite this, he still killed innocent people who had nothing to do with his plan.
Ragazzo: Now that I think about it... there would be regular times when he did that. Somehow, I came to see them as events that came naturally.
Tikoh: Family... Life... Regular killings...
Tikoh: Could it be that...
Afterward, Tikoh reevaluated all of the accidents and happenings from different places that she thought could be related to Ferdinand.
Tikoh and Ragazzo then decided to visit a particular victim's household to hear their side of the story.
Tikoh: We went to a village to visit a woman who said she gave birth to Ferdinand... and we had a talk with her.
Kolulu: Huh?
Tikoh recounts the woman's tale of how she had given birth to the baby that was Ferdinand, and her retelling of what he himself had said at that time.
Fiorito: Rebirth? You're saying... he's born again from someone related by blood to a person he kills with Taming Sari?
Randall: But you're saying there's a limit of two hundred and eighty days after he robs someone of their life, huh? And that's why he killed periodically.
Lyria: Rrg... I feel sick to the stomach...
Tikoh: How... can we kill that thing for good?
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 4: Dissipation - Episode 4
In the midst of the people disappearing, Lyria suddenly detects the absence of the Grandcypher. The crew looks into Judah's research and realizes that the Grandcypher is to be used as a base for the manifestation of the primal beast Argo. Meanwhile, Judah is hidden within a place between dimensions called the blank space. Eventually, the captured Ferdinand manages to send a message to Ragazzo. Just as the crew is scrambling to find a way into the blank space, Manamel appears.
The next day, Lyria feels an abrupt change. She frowns, looking perplexed.
Lyria: I don't sense the Grandcypher anymore...
Vyrn: Wha? How?
Lyria: It's like it suddenly disappeared, just like that...
Feather: We've got a disappearance here too!
Randall: We were observing the phantombloom-infested island from the watchtower...
Randall: That's when we saw people vanish into thin air, leaving no traces behind.
Lyria: Is that...
Judah: In exchange for granting dreams, the phantomblooms robs one of their existence.
Fiorito: What's happening right now? I thought Navis's plan already fell through.
Cupitan: I have a bad feeling...
Tikoh: Could there be something that we're completely overlooking?
Lavirita: ...
Fiorito: That book... Isn't that my dad's notebook from the basement of my old house?
Lavirita: Yes. I've been reading over it thoroughly.
Fiorito: Didn't you say it only contained archaeological material like tales and myths?
Lavirita: Indeed. However, it seemed like his research into those things was too in-depth and that gave away the camouflage.
Lavirita: More precisely, it smells like money. There may be value in this ship's myth...
Tikoh: Ship?
Lavirita: It's the subject of research in this book. To be exact, it's about a tale of heroes sailing on a ship.
Ragazzo: Wait a minute... Wasn't there a picture of a ship on a stela we saw at the Ovuque ruins?
Lavirita: A picture... Would it be this one?
Tikoh: No doubt about it! It's the adventures of Argo Navis, the legendary ship...
Choose: Could it be!
A possibility forms in (Captain)'s mind before anyone else's.
Within a tranquil, white room, petals resembling tongues unfold, revealing a mouth that hangs agape.
Eerie Phantombloom: ...
Reflected within the glowing sphere of blue is the image of a town overridden with phantomblooms, its residents nowhere to be seen.
Felix: The energy collection device seems to be functioning smoothly.
Judah: It's not energy. It's called dust—or more accurately, existability.
Felix: I believe comprehension is more important than academic accuracy.
Ferdinand: Urg... Ah!
Felix: Ahaha! Ferdi sure is lively even when he's all tied up.
Ferdinand: Gaaah!
Felix: Not so fast!
Felix: ...
Pleasant dreams.
Pleasant dreams.
Felix: No matter how many times you try, with my Gift of Visions, I'll never let you harm your own body.
Felix: It'd be too much trouble if you were to be reborn as a baby.
Ferdinand: Judah! Why are you doing this to a fellow Chairman? Not very nice of you...
Judah: I'd hate to have you get in my way. After all, my constellation is incompatible with your astrology.
Ferdinand twists his body around nervously.
Ferdinand: Where... is this place?
Judah: I call it the blank space. An impenetrable strip within space—or if you will, a hidden threshold between dimensions.
Ferdinand: Your little secret base, hm? You've certainly concealed it well.
Judah: But of course. Only those in my bloodline who possess a certain magic are able to access this place.
Judah: The Hearth is my family's research facility, used for the purpose of manifesting Argo.
Ferdinand: Such conceit... You realize manifestation is not possible without gathering the Horoscopes!
Judah: Fundamentalism is fine in itself, but it's time you accepted the truth.
Judah lets the blindfold around Ferdinand's eyes slide ever so slightly and points to something outside a small window.
There, the Grandcypher is resting in its full magnificence.
Ferdinand: That's... (Captain)'s ship!
Judah: Yes, the ship on which heroes sail... You understand what I'm inferring, don't you?
Ferdinand: You mean... you plan to make their airship the base for Argo Navis?
Judah: According to my astrology, the words from the ruins are not literal, but a metaphorical expression typical of ancient myths.
Judah: The primal beast Argo is supposed to materialize with a base—the twenty-three Horoscopes—and energy from their harmonization.
Judah: In other words, the ritual will succeed if we possess a base that conforms to that of the myth and secure the required energy.
Ferdinand: The narrative is literal! You weren't there to witness it!
Judah: You yourself are merely accepting the observer's information as the absolute truth.
Ferdinand: ...!
Ferdinand: It's true that, similar to the Horoscopes, the Grandcypher stands at the center of a compatible story. Perhaps the ship is suitable as a base.
Ferdinand: Still! It's impossible to obtain energy that can rival that of harmonization—
Judah: Have you forgotten? Scattering the phantomblooms was part of your constellation.
Ferdinand: Phantomblooms? They just show us who can become an Accordant, right?
Judah: The true nature of the phantomblooms is something much more savage. It robs the existence of all, save the Accordants themselves.
Judah: As we speak, the existences of the people who dwell in these skies are disappearing one by one...
Judah: Everything is collected into the genesi—the origin of all phantomblooms.
Ferdinand: Abominable! How could you sacrifice the precious lives of so many people, all for the purpose of your absurd experiment?
Judah: ...
It matters not. This is all to fulfill my wish.
It matters not. This is all to fulfill my wish.
Ferdinand: ...
Ferdinand: Haha...
Judah: What is so funny?
Ferdinand: I see you're getting impatient, Judah. You're usually more cautious than this.
Ferdinand: You talk so confidently, but you haven't unraveled why the phantombloom's poison loses its potency only on the Accordants, have you?
Ferdinand: Your interpretation of the ruins and understanding of the genesi's energy are nothing but hypotheses and deductions.
Judah: ...
Ferdinand: Despite still being in the preparation stages, you were forced to put your plan into action.
Ferdinand: Why? Because if my constellation were to be completed and a final battle took place... your precious daughter's life would be in danger.
Judah: ...
When Judah glares at Ferdinand, small cracks begin to form within the hidden space.
Sure enough, Ferdinand does not fail to notice the minute rifts in the air.
Ferdinand: Hah!
Judah: ...!
What are you doing?
What are you doing?
Ferdinand: You control this space, don't you? It seems the space distorts according to your condition.
Ferdinand: I scattered Taming Sari and aimed my daggers toward the fractures.
Ferdinand smiles and turns his attention to just past a fissure Taming Sari managed to infiltrate.
Ferdinand: As my son... you'll come save me, won't you?
Meanwhile, (Captain) is explaining the situation and other concerns at hand to the crew.
Cupitan: So Navis's objective wasn't a showdown against the Accordants... but to obtain the Grandcypher?
Tikoh: No way... Are they planning to recreate the Argo Navis using the Grandcypher?
Lavirita: A backup plan in the case that they are unable to gather all twenty-three Horoscopes. Or perhaps, this was their true intention all along...
Ragazzo: Th-that's...
Just then, a single dagger comes flying out of nowhere and lands at Ragazzo's feet.
Tikoh: Taming Sari!
Ragazzo: What's going on here?
Ragazzo bends down to pick up the all-too-familiar dagger.
Ferdinand: Ah, Ragazzo. How've you been?
Ragazzo: ...!
Ferdinand!
Ferdinand!
Ferdinand: Phew... I'm glad I was able to connect to you. Sorry to trouble you so suddenly.
Ferdinand: To be frank, I'm in a bit of a tight spot right now. Let me show you...
Ragazzo: You've been captured? And behind you's...
Ferdinand: Unforgivable behavior! How could he use your precious airship for his own purposes?
Ferdinand: Such self-centered people are absolutely revolting!
Ferdinand gives Ragazzo a brief rundown of his situation and Judah's plan.
Ferdinand: Once the giant phantombloom turns completely black, it will be too late.
Ragazzo: Hey, wait! Where are you anyway?
Ferdinand: That's the problem. Judah called it the "blank space"—a place only those in his bloodline with the right magic can access.
Ferdinand: In any case, you have to save me! You can do that, can't you, Ragazzo?
Ragazzo: ...
Feather: Ragazzo? What's the matter?
Ragazzo shares the new information he received through Taming Sari with the rest of the crew.
Randall: That guy... I can't believe he has the audacity to ask for your help. That's over the top even for a joke!
Ragazzo: It's okay... I won't waver anymore.
Feather: Ragazzo!
Tikoh: We'll kill the man for good. But I'm worried about the ship... We need to put a stop to Judah's plan first.
Randall: Yeah. At this rate, every single person in the skies is going to disappear.
Kolulu: How are we going to get to this blank space though?
???: Well, there's one way.
Kolulu: ...!
Recognizing the voice immediately, the crew turns.
There, they find Manamel standing in front of them.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 4: Dissipation - Episode 5
Manamel had pretended to switch sides, infiltrating Navis to gather information after realizing Nereus was only using the body of her sister Nacylein. Manamel informs the crew about the Nereus Staff's all-knowing and all-powerful ability relative to the Horoscopes and that Nereus is currently in the blank space. She hands Fiorito a piece of hair from Nereus, in hopes that Fiorito can open a door to the blank space—a place that only those of Judah's bloodline can access.
Manamel: I'm so sorry!
Kolulu: Huh?
Manamel promptly drops to her knees, bashing her head firmly against the ground in apology.
Manamel: I'm sorry, Kolulu! What I did to you was horrible!
Kolulu: Manamel? Um... Are you okay?
When Manamel raises her head, the captain walks over to clean the blood from her forehead and wipe the tears from her eyes.
Manamel: I was... infiltrating the enemy. I followed Nereus in order to get information out of her.
Tikoh: Infiltrate! You mean you were acting as a spy? But... what about your sister?
Manamel: Nereus isn't my sister-boo.
Cupitan: Huh!
Manamel: Well, to put it exactly, the body is my sister-boo's but the inside isn't.
Manamel: Anyway, I knew right away that it was someone else pretending to be my sister-boo!
Fiorito: Does that mean you pretended to fall for it even back at the arena?
Manamel: Yep, I did.
Manamel: I should apologize to you too, Fiorito. I had Vega avoid your vitals, but I'm sure it still hurt...
Seeing Manamel back and apologizing profusely, the others breathe a sigh of relief.
Kolulu: I'm so glad! I thought... we wouldn't be able to spend time with each other again...
Manamel: Hngh... It was... really tough!
Manamel: Sigh... Now that I've gotten to know all of you, I don't know how to fly solo anymore.
Vyrn: Hey, don't say it like it's our fault!
Fiorito: So what's the one way you know to access the blank space?
Manamel: Right. Where do I begin...
Manamel: First, I'll share what I've found out about Nereus.
Manamel had been walking with Nereus in the town the two of them had grown up in.
The two reached the house where they were born and found it looking exactly as it did before. They opened the door and stepped in.
The ceiling of the living room remained warped by weight and imprinted with rope marks, a vivid reminder of what once transpired.
Manamel: This is where Mom and Dad hanged themselves.
Nereus: Yes, the day the Aquatic Acolytes disintegrated. It seems somebody came and took care of the bodies.
Manamel: ...
Manamel: Sister, I'd love to have some of the butter cookies you used to bake for us.
Nereus: That takes me back... You loved those, didn't you?
Manamel: Since we're back home, I want to have some again! Pretty please!
Nereus: Hehe. Oh, all right. I'll go buy the ingredients for them then.
Manamel: Whew...
Manamel: The fact that the Chairman's pretending to be my sister-boo means that my becoming accordant with Vega was rigged.
Manamel: If that's the case, then there might be a clue somewhere in this house...
Vegalta: ...
Manamel makes to investigate the inside of the house, but Vegalta begins to float around the marks on the ceiling, as if to point out something.
Manamel: Vega?
Manamel: This has nothing to do with Mom and Dad. Rather than looking after my sister-boo and me, they put the Aquatic Acolytes first...
Vegalta: ...!
Manamel: Huh?
When Vegalta bashes itself against the ceiling, a piece of paper slips out from between the boards and comes fluttering down.
Manamel: What is this? A... letter?
Manamel recognizes the handwriting in the letter to be her father's.
Manamel's Father: It's been decided that we're hanging ourselves today.
Manamel's Parents: Haaah!
Hrooogh!
Hrooogh!
Nereus: My devotion to the Aquatic Acolytes was an act? When did you find out?
Manamel's Mother: Hrgh... We should have realized sooner that you weren't Nacylein!
Nereus: Nacylein... Though that is the name of this body, it's nothing more than an empty word for me.
Manamel's Father: Just who are you! When did you come into our family?
Nereus: There is no need for you to know.
Nereus: Because tonight... I will be having you hang yourselves in front of Manamel.
Manamel's Father: What... did you say?
Nereus: As long as we reach the right ending, it matters not whether you were truly devoted to the Aquatic Acolytes either.
Nereus: If you want Manamel to be kept alive... you'll do as I say.
Manamel's Parents: ...!
Manamel's Father: We decided to write down the truth about that woman in this letter.
Manamel's Father: We were weak. Nothing changed even when we stood up against her.
Manamel's Father: Nacylein. Manamel. Our beloved daughters...
Manamel's Father: We love you so much.
Manamel: What... is this...
Manamel: Did they hide this letter in the ceiling... right before killing themselves?
Manamel's entire body trembles from the weight of the unexpected truth.
Manamel: Mom and Dad weren't... weak at all.
Manamel: I didn't know anything about them...
Nereus's Voice: Manamel, I'm back.
Manamel: ...!
Nereus: I'm glad the lady at the corner store is still as lively as ever.
Manamel: ...
Nereus: Is something wrong?
Manamel: No... Nothing.
Manamel: And then, earlier today.
Manamel: The blank space, was it? Are you going to go to where Judah is?
Nereus: Yes. I will go to witness the fulfillment of the constellation.
Nereus: As it may be dangerous there, I'm afraid this is where we'll part ways, Manamel—
Manamel: ...!
Catching the Chairman off guard, Manamel flings Vegalta straight at Nereus.
Vegalta: ...!
Nereus: Manamel? What are you...
Manamel: I won't let you go!
Manamel breaks out into a run, picking up the fallen Vegalta and swinging it at Nereus.
Nereus manages to narrowly dodge the attack, the tip of the blade passing just in front of her eye and nose.
Nereus: Hehe, it seems you've grown up. You're even able to swing your dagger yourself.
Manamel: Don't pretend to be my sister! You messed up my sister-boo... and my family!
Nereus: So you know...
Nereus: But that's rather cruel. The fact remains that I've watched over you all this time.
Despite Vegalta losing its power, Manamel grasps it tightly, preparing to fight.
Manamel: The Nereus Staff possesses the power to manipulate and interfere with the Horoscopes...
Manamel: It can also teleport, but only to places that involve a Horoscope.
Manamel: Basically... it's all-knowing and all-powerful when it comes to Horoscopes. Am I right?
Nereus: Impeccable insight. This should be in line with your expectations of it then.
Nereus: O Nereus Staff, mock the absent god.
Manamel: ...
Manamel: And with that, Nereus went off to the blank space, and I came here.
The Crew: ...
The crew are astonished, their mouths hanging open.
Randall: All-knowing and all-powerful for Horoscopes, huh?
Feather: Somehow... that makes a lot of sense.
While the crew is still digesting the news, Fiorito raises her hand.
Fiorito: Er, so... what's the way to get to this "blank space"?
Manamel: Oh, right. Here, I was thinking this could work.
Tikoh: Is that... a strand of pink hair?
Manamel: It's Nereus's hair. I cut it off with the tip of Vegalta's blade earlier.
Manamel: If only Judah's relatives can access the blank space, then that means you totally can too, Fiorito.
Manamel: And this strand of hair should be able to act as a guide for us to reach the right place.
Fiorito: Huh? I can... what?
Manamel: Open the door, duh! The door to the blank space!
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 5: Eccentricity - Episode 1
Fiorito fails to access the blank space until a mysterious boy appears with advice, prompting her to confront her feelings and resolve to trust her father. Her doubts cast aside, Fiorito successfully opens the door to the blank space where the Navis members await—but the boy has vanished.
At Manamel's urging, Fiorito tries to open the door to the blank space.
Fiorito: Open sesame!
Fiorito: Tear asunder!
Fiorito: Fssh! Pssh!
Feather: Huh? You think we can really shadowbox our way into some threshold between dimensions?
With Nereus's hair gripped in her fist, Fiorito punches at empty air, but she only succeeds in giving her muscles a light workout.
Fiorito: Nope, nothing's happening! I just don't have the power!
Lavirita: Actually...
Lavirita: I've been wondering, Fiorito. About the white rift that opened in front of you before...
Lavirita: Could that have been the very power needed to open the blank space?
Fiorito: That was definitely weird, but I was just kinda acting on instinct at the time.
Tikoh: Did anything out of the ordinary happen before it appeared?
Lavirita: Hmm...
Lavirita: Now that you mention it, Wakudoki had used her replica magic to fill the area with phantomblooms.
Ragazzo: Phantomblooms, huh? Maybe that's the trick to making it work.
(Captain) and company relocate to a field abundant with phantomblooms, where Fiorito resumes her attempts.
Despite even sparring to recreate the conditions of a real battle, the blank space still shows no signs of opening.
Fiorito: No dice. At this rate, it's hopeless—
Boy: Um, excuse me...
Tikoh: Hm? Where did you come from? You shouldn't be here—it's dangerous.
Cupitan: Could he be lost? Here, I'll use a Prism Arrow to protect him from the phantombloom poison—
Boy: ...!
Lyria: Oh my!
Suddenly, the boy plays a piercing note on the flute held in his hands.
Boy: S-sorry! I just wanted you to listen to what I have to say.
Boy: You're trying to get to an impenetrable segment in space using magic passed down in your family, right?
Fiorito: Huh? How'd you know that?
Boy: In that case... your feelings toward your ancestors are probably the key.
Boy: If an ancestor seems too distant, a closer relative might work. Like... maybe your mother?
Fiorito: My mom died right after I was born.
Boy: I'm sorry... I'll go die too...
Tikoh: Don't say things like that so casually!
Boy: R-right...
Fiorito: Still... a close relative, huh? I'll give it a shot.
Fiorito conjures up an image of Judah within her mind.
Fiorito: I've been thinking about it forever. What's my role in all this?
Fiorito: Maybe I oughta follow in Ragazzo's footsteps. Find the resolve to make the call and take out Judah.
Fiorito: But deep down... I wanna trust my dad!
Girl's Figure: Are you serious?
Girl's Figure: That beloved dad of yours was plotting everything from the start, you know.
Fiorito: I mean, I'm not all that different. When I first joined the crew, I did it as a spy.
Fiorito: But even though (Captain) and the others had every reason to doubt me, they still gave me their trust.
Fiorito: Their faith in me was like a shining beacon of hope in my life!
Lyria: Fio...
Fiorito: My dad might really be nothing more than a heartless criminal, rotten to the core.
Fiorito: Maybe I'm wrong to even think of him as my dad, just like Morilynn said.
Fiorito: But even so, I choose to trust him!
Fiorito: That's the one thing only I can do as part of this crew.
Fiorito clenches her fists tightly and looks to the faces of her companions one by one.
Fiorito: Refusing to trust others and shouldering everything alone... It reminds me of how a certain somebody operated in the past.
Fiorito: But thanks to you guys, I've learned that's not the way to do things.
Casting aside her doubts, Fiorito pushes against the heavy door within her heart.
Fiorito: (Wait for me, Dad. I'll hear you out. And if it comes down to it, I won't hesitate to knock some sense into you!)
The door open with a dull sound, revealing a white rift in front of the group.
Ragazzo: Looks like that resolve of yours made an impact, Fiorito.
Fiorito: Whew... Guess this means I finally have the chance to face him now, huh?
Fiorito: Thanks a bunch, kid! I never could've done it without your help—
Kolulu: Hmm? Where did that young lad go? He was just here...
Though puzzled by the boy's disappearance, (Captain) and company turn their attention back to the rift before them.
Fiorito: (Morilynn... I need to settle things with you too.)
Everyone: ...
Steeling themselves for their own personal battles ahead, they take the plunge into the blank space.
Wakudoki: Oho! It's finally time for the grand finale! I wanna see it all, hear it all, learn it all!
Lodi: Intruders are on their way. How should we position ourselves?
Wakudoki: Huh? I dunno. Just pick whatever spot you like, I guess.
Tristette: You're a Chairman, aren't you? Try acting like it for once.
Wakudoki: Meh, I only took the job as a formality to get my hands on the Shekhinah Bow.
Morilynn: Judah's keeping an eye on the Hearth, and Nereus is off doing her thing... You must have a lot on your plate, Wakudoki.
Wakudoki: On that note—you're all dismissed! Everybody scatter! Go, go!
Tristette: Ugh, she's beyond stupid...
Lodi: We should move out too.
Morilynn: Wait, Lodi. I wanted to ask you something.
Morilynn: Once this battle's over... what do you say we talk seriously about that pact I brought up before?
Lodi: ...
Morilynn: Oh, wait. Is that one of those flag things you're not supposed to say?
Lodi: ...
I'll... consider it.
I'll... consider it.
Left alone, Morilynn looks up at the stars plastered above and smiles faintly.
Morilynn: Well then, Fiorito. Let's end this, shall we?
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 5: Eccentricity - Episode 2
(Captain) and company arrive at Judah's research facility where the Grandcypher is docked, but Lodi and Tristette block their path until Kolulu and Cupitan step forward as their respective opponents. When Kolulu pleads with Lodi to recognize his own worth and intercepts a strike from his Parashu with her Gisla, their Horoscopes unexpectedly resonate.
After passing through the white rift, (Captain) and company find themselves in an eerie, otherworldly field.
Vyrn: Whoa. This place is seriously creepy.
Lyria: Yeah. The air feels really strange, like it's standing completely still. Not that I can see it or anything though...
Struggling under the weight of an indescribable pressure, they gaze at the phantombloom fluff drifting through the air.
Kolulu: Look over there! It's the Grandcypher!
Ragazzo: And that humongous building next to it must be where the Hearth is.
Within this space where all sense of distance is lost, (Captain) and company set out toward the Hearth. But suddenly...
Lodi: Welcome to the final performance!
Tikoh: Lodi!
Lodi: O Parashu! Forge yourself into an axe to sever my—
Kolulu: Oh no you don't!
Lodi: Princess, please! You can't just barge onto the stage like that!
Kolulu: (Captain)! I'll keep Lodi occupied, so you all go ahead!
Tristette: Tch. And here I was hoping we could knock this all out in one shot.
Cupitan: Ris!
Tristette: Well? Get your butts moving. I've only got business with Cupitan anyway.
Despite their reluctance, (Captain) and the crew hurry on toward the Hearth, entrusting matters to Kolulu and Cupitan.
Cupitan and Tristette quietly turn to face each other amidst the ethereal landscape.
Tristette: So, you ready to kill me now?
Cupitan: Well... I've been thinking through a lot of things. Like where I'd build your grave after I took your life.
Tristette: I don't need one of those. Who's even gonna visit it aside from you?
Cupitan: I also wondered if I'd spend the rest of my days with (Captain) and the crew after you were gone.
Tristette: Sounds fine to me.
Cupitan: Hmm... Actually, no. I don't think I can do it.
Tristette: Huh?
Cupitan: You don't get to be the only one with a say in this.
Cupitan: If we're not allowed to live together, or even die together...
Cupitan: Then I want you to kill me.
As Cupitan unleashes her true power, Tristette follows suit.
Tristette: C'mon, shouldn't I get dibs since I called it first?
Cupitan: Hehehe. You still don't understand, do you?
Tristette: ...!
A black Prism Arrow?
A black Prism Arrow?
Cupitan: Once this hits you, you'll be overcome with an irresistible urge to kill me.
Tristette: What the hell, Cupitan! That's playing dirty!
Cupitan: Tell me, Ris. How long do you think you can dodge?
Meanwhile, Kolulu and Lodi are locked in an intense confrontation at close range.
Desperately chasing Lodi down, Kolulu grabs hold of him to prevent him from singing.
Kolulu: Huff... Puff...
I won't let you get away!
I won't let you get away!
Lodi: Argh! What a ridiculously simple tactic!
Lodi: I can't believe I'm asking this, but why not just use earplugs or something? It worked for that friend of yours!
Kolulu: If I did, then I wouldn't be able to hear you!
Kolulu: I want to talk to you, Lodi!
Lodi: You're still going on about that?
Abandoning his attempt to flee, Lodi swings his axe at Kolulu with full force.
Kolulu: Oh n—
Kolulu: Oww...
Lodi: Talk about stubborn! Being hardheaded might be your price as an Accordant, but I think you've taken it the wrong way.
Lodi: Guess there's nothing for it! I'll just have to keep striking until something gets through.
Kolulu: Ngh! Urgh!
Kolulu: Lodi! Doing this won't bring you contentment!
Lodi: What did you say?
Kolulu: Even if you follow Nereus and make everyone in the world content, there'll be nothing waiting for you in the end!
Kolulu: A Horoscope's sign represents a desire, right? Meaning the one you truly want to make content is—
Lodi: Shut up!
Kolulu: ...!
Lodi: Why do you keep meddling in my life? How I treat myself is for me to decide!
Kolulu: W-well, that may be true...
Kolulu: But still... every time you put yourself down, it leaves me with this nagging feeling in my chest.
Kolulu: Refusing to stand by and ignore it is my choice to make!
Lodi: ...!
Lodi: What would you know! You've always had a clear sense of who you are. Someone like you could never understand!
Lodi lifts Parashu overhead and strikes with all the strength he can muster.
Kolulu: Hrgh!
Kolulu reacts instinctively, using Gisla to block the attack.
Kolulu & Lodi: ...!
Lodi: What! Our Horoscopes... are resonating?
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 5: Eccentricity - Episode 3
Upon learning that Lodi had been unable to value himself until Nereus gave him worth as an idol who fulfills others, Kolulu unleashes Gisla's power out of anger at his self-neglect. Within the research facility, Lavirita confronts Wakudoki while Fiorito faces Morilynn, allowing (Captain) and company to press on toward Judah and the Hearth.
Lodi: From as early as I can remember, I was traveling the skies, singing wherever I went.
Lodi: Lala-la-laaa...
Crowd: ...!
Lodi: Guh... Ugh...
Woman: That was amazing! Your singing really touched my heart!
Elderly Man: What a captivating performance! You truly have something special, young man!
Lodi: ...
Nereus: You are mistaken.
Nereus: It's not that he has something. Rather, it's that he has nothing at all.
Lodi: ...!
Elderly Man: H-how rude! Apologize to Lodi at once!
Lodi: That was my first encounter with Nereus—my producer.
Lodi: From that day forward, no matter where I performed, she was always there in the audience.
Lodi: Or perhaps... she had been there all along.
Nereus: ...
Lodi: She never said a word to me, never tried to recruit me. She simply listened to my songs.
Lodi: One day—for the first time ever—I spoke to another person of my own accord.
Lodi: Thank you... for always supporting me...
Nereus: You need not express sentiments that aren't genuine.
Lodi: ...
Nereus: Whenever you sing, I only hear this constant refrain—
Nereus: "Who am I? Why am I here?"
Lodi: ...!
Nereus: Those timeless questions about existence—the ones children ask openly and adults brush aside, pretending they have all the answers.
Nereus: But the truth is, no one really does. And that's precisely why your songs strike a chord in people's hearts.
Lodi: Even without the answers, the audience members go on living just the same.
Lodi: Through my travels, I've come to understand. They manage to find some measure of worth in themselves and their daily lives.
Lodi: But as for me... no matter how hard I search, I can't seem to find it for myself.
Nereus: Well then, Lodi. Shall I give you that worth?
Lodi: Huh?
Nereus: Take this.
Lodi: When I took hold of Parashu, it transformed into a microphone.
Nereus: Even if you lack worth yourself, you can still offer something to the world.
Lodi: It's okay... to be worthless?
Nereus: There's no reason to rush. Your time will come, eventually—
Lodi: Chemistry! Good day, my dear princesses!
Lodi: (The ache in my chest... is gone.)
Lodi: (When I sing for the audience, I don't feel... suffocated.)
Nereus: This is just as it should be. Your cup may be empty... but I am here to fill it.
Lodi: I am an empty, flawed creation. And that's why I'm able to stand on stage as an idol—
As Parashu and Gisla ricochet off one another, Lodi and Kolulu stand opposed with weapons at the ready once more.
Kolulu: That vision just now...
Lodi: Being subjected to prying eyes isn't exactly a pleasant feeling, you know.
Kolulu: ...
Lodi.
Lodi.
Kolulu raises Gisla and glares sharply at Lodi.
Kolulu: Something is bubbling up deep inside me... like a pot simmering on the fire.
Lodi: Heh. Rage, perhaps? Have you finally realized your position as Gisla's Accordant?
Kolulu: Yes. I'm absolutely furious right now.
Kolulu: There's one thing I can't bring myself to forgive. It's not traitors or criminals—or even the one who took my parents from me!
Kolulu: It's people who neglect themselves! Who call themselves empty and throw their own worth away!
Lodi: What? Wait... you're angry not for your own sake, but for mine?
Lodi: Hahaha! How naive can you be? You're living in a fantasy world!
Kolulu: Every time you put on that fake smile, something precious within you keeps slipping away, piece by piece!
Gisla: ...!
Kolulu: Gisla... I finally understand the reason behind our meeting.
Kolulu: I'll use your voice to make Lodi hear me loud and clear!
Kolulu lifts her spear high, letting the words that surface in her heart burst forth.
Kolulu: Gisla! Devour my rage and cry out with all your might!
Lodi: ...!
She's unleashing its power now?
She's unleashing its power now?
Kolulu: Gwaaah!
Meanwhile, (Captain) and company enter the building to find themselves in what appears to be a large research lab.
As they venture further, laboratories and corridors repeat in succession, forming something of a labyrinth.
Lavirita: Each room has its own distinct characteristics. This massive structure appears to have been created by connecting the laboratories of researchers across generations.
Fiorito: Across generations, huh? So you're talking about, like... my dad, grandpa, and so on, right?
Vyrn: Wait, does that mean they were plannin' to have Muscle Lady take over the research here someday too?
Fiorito: Guess I'll need to ask my dad about that on top of everything else.
They continue pressing forward, but the scenery remains unchanged no matter how far they go. Finally, Tikoh notices something.
Tikoh: The instruments here look just like the ones we saw in the first room.
Randall: Dammit, they've got us going in circles! Is this some sort of ploy to keep us away from that so-called Hearth?
Lavirita: ...
Ragazzo: What's up with that thing? Is it detecting magic or something?
Lavirita: Say, Feather. Could I ask you to destroy that shelf holding all those devices?
Feather: I'm on it!
Randall: Cough, cough! I can't believe how easily you went along with that!
Feather: Wait, was that bad?
Lavirita: No, it was perfect. In fact, please keep wreaking havoc.
While the others look on with baffled expressions, Feather continues smashing his way through the room.
Wakudoki: Oho! Stop that right this instant!
Randall: What the! You're the fourth Chairman!
Suddenly, an incredibly flustered Wakudoki bursts out from beneath the floor.
Lavirita: This room is actually a product of Wakudoki's replica magic.
Lavirita: You can tell because the magical energy here is slightly different from that of the first room we entered.
Fiorito: So she's just been whipping up rooms in our path and linking them together?
Lavirita: Precisely.
Lavirita: However, if you destroy a room created by replica magic, the original will be destroyed as well.
Wakudoki: Judah's going to blow a gasket at me for this! Seriously, cut it out already!
As (Captain) and company prepare for combat, Lavirita steps forward alone.
Lavirita: Leave this to me. If you proceed underground, you should eventually reach the Hearth.
Ragazzo: But I could see the ship's sails from where Ferdinand was. Wouldn't that mean the Hearth is above us?
Lavirita: The building seems to be structured in such a way that one must pass through the basement in order to reach the upper floors.
Lavirita: After all, our witch friend here isn't exactly subtle. I imagine she's guarding the most important location with single-minded devotion.
Wakudoki: I-I don't know what you're talking about!
Lavirita: Now then, everyone. I'd like you all to continue through the opening Wakudoki emerged from.
Reluctantly agreeing to leave Wakudoki and Lavirita behind, the crew heads underground.
They descend into yet another research lab that appears identical to all the others, save for a passage in the back leading upward.
A lone figure stands before it, eagerly following the fluttery movements of a passing moth.
Fiorito: Morilynn.
Morilynn: Took you long enough. It's almost over now, you know?
Upon spotting the crew, Morilynn steps aside to the left, as though inviting them to pass.
Tikoh: What are you playing at?
Morilynn: By all means, go right ahead. It's not like you have any chance of stopping Judah either way.
Morilynn: And besides, I have some matters to discuss with Fiorito.
Fiorito: ...
Fiorito: (Captain), I know I've already asked you for so much... but could you stop my dad for me?
Choose: You got it!
Choose: Take care of yourself!
After watching (Captain) and company disappear into the passage, Fiorito turns to face Morilynn.
Morilynn: Are you finally ready to admit that you're not Judah's daughter?
Fiorito: ...
Fiorito: I... I trust my dad.
Fiorito: I'll talk to him myself and make him knock off all this shady business.
Morilynn: Is that because you and your crew fancy yourselves heroes of justice?
Fiorito: No. It's because I'm his daughter.
Morilynn: ...
I see.
I see.
Morilynn's high heel strikes the floor with a sharp click.
Morilynn: In that case, it seems I have no choice but to take you on.
Morilynn: Time to flit into the fray.
Fiorito: Haaah!
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 5: Eccentricity - Episode 4
Tristette withdraws from her battle with Cupitan at Slarnd's command and reveals that destroying Argo will kill her, forcing Cupitan to choose between saving the world or Tristette. Elsewhere, Fiorito falls to Morilynn's power despite her attempts at reconciliation, but when Fiorito extends a hand regardless, their Horoscopes begin to glow.
Cupitan: Take this arrow, Ris!
Tristette: Like I'm gonna let that hit me!
Tristette desperately dodges the jet-black arrows fired by Cupitan.
She then snatches it from the ground and holds it firmly between her fingers.
Tristette: Heehee! Now it's my turn to use this thing!
The two fighters clash head-on, each determined to make the other deliver the killing blow.
Until finally, whether caused by a moment of misjudgment or a deliberate choice not to dodge...
Tristette: ...!
A black flash of light streaks through the air, striking Tristette squarely in her abdomen.
Cupitan: Huff... Puff...
Tristette: Ngh... Urgh...
Cupitan: Please, Ris.
With every hair on her body bristling, Tristette fixes her sights on Cupitan, who holds her arms open wide.
Tristette: Whew...
Cupitan: Ris!
Tristette: Sorry, Cupitan. Looks like this is where I bow out.
Tristette: My true form—Slarnd—wants to pull back.
Cupitan: ...!
Tristette: Guess my mind and body being split up means the power of your Prism Arrows can be cut off too.
Tristette: Anyway, seems I can't kill you after all.
Cupitan: No!
Tristette climbs atop a wolf she had summoned and turns her back on Cupitan.
Tristette: If you destroy Argo or the Horoscopes, this version of me'll probably drop dead on its own.
Tristette: But... otherwise the world's gonna be the one to fall apart instead, right?
Cupitan: ...!
Tristette: Sorry. You gotta make the call, Cupitan.
Tristette: What's it gonna be? Kill the world, or kill me...
Cupitan can do nothing but stare in stunned silence as Tristette rides away.
Elsewhere in the underground research lab, Fiorito faces off against Morilynn, all the while carefully managing the space between them.
Fiorito: Hup!
Morilynn: Wow. Your close-combat skills are as impressive as ever.
Morilynn: In that case... let's work on our social distancing, shall we?
Morilynn leaps backward, their arms extending like vines.
Fiorito: I've seen that trick before!
Morilynn: ...!
You're certainly quick on your feet!
You're certainly quick on your feet!
Fiorito: All that sparring with my fist pals is paying off! I can do this with my eyes closed!
Morilynn: Then let's see how you deal with this—a blind attack from your blind spot.
Fiorito: Wha! Your legs can stretch too?
Fiorito: (It's all or nothing!)
Morilynn: No way!
Fiorito: I've got you now!
Morilynn: Guuuh!
Fiorito counters with a swift punch, striking directly at the core of Morilynn's soul.
Fiorito: ...
Fiorito: (...?
What was that I just felt?)
What was that I just felt?)
Fiorito: (So it's true. Morilynn's soul really is...)
Morilynn: Look at you, shamelessly countering with Judah's power to open the blank space.
Morilynn: You're quite the show-off. It's like cotton candy with a bitter aftertaste.
Morilynn bites their lip and stares fixedly at Fiorito.
Morilynn: Please stop.
Fiorito: Huh?
Morilynn: Don't steal Judah away from me.
Morilynn: It's finally my turn... My chance to become a person!
Fiorito: Ngh!
Morilynn unleashes a barrage of attacks, which Fiorito barely manages to withstand using the power of the blank space and Sphairai.
Morilynn: I'm the one who's supported Judah all this time!
Morilynn: I may not even know whether I'm his son or his daughter... but I'm still more his child than you are!
Fiorito: I think so too.
Morilynn: What?
Fiorito: You've always had his back as an Auditor... No, as something much more real than that.
Fiorito: Goes without saying, you're every bit his kid.
Morilynn: Then—
Fiorito: But that doesn't change the fact that he's my dad too!
Morilynn: ...!
Fiorito: There's no real reason for us to fight over him, right?
Fiorito: Even though we're not related by blood... we're still siblings!
Morilynn: Siblings?
Fiorito: Do you know what Dad's wish is?
Morilynn: ...
Fiorito: Let's listen to what he has to say. As his children, that's something only we can do.
Fiorito: Together, we'll stop him—the two of us.
Instead of offering a handshake, Fiorito thrusts out her fist.
Morilynn: ...
Morilynn: Yes, Fiorito. You're absolutely right.
Morilynn: Now that I think about it... there's no rule saying he can only have one child.
Fiorito: Morilynn...
Morilynn: I want to do my part too... for Judah's sake.
Responding in kind to Fiorito's gesture, Morilynn makes a fist and gingerly holds it out.
But their fist extends past Fiorito's, coming to rest against her chest instead.
Fiorito: Huh?
Morilynn: Gotcha.
Morilynn: Don't you understand? You're a beautiful butterfly... while I'm just a moth flitting about in the depths.
Morilynn: There's no way the two of us could be his children all the same.
Fiorito: Guh... Augh!
Fiorito collapses onto the floor, a black rot spreading from her chest.
Treading on the pool of liquid that had once been her heart, Morilynn crouches down to gaze at her as the stench of decay fills the air.
Morilynn: ...
Young Fiorito: We're gonna play tag together one day! That's a promise!
Morilynn: I told you, didn't I? Playing tag with me would be dangerous.
Morilynn: Whether a sister or a brother...
Morilynn: If possible, I would've liked to become one too.
Fiorito: ...
Morilynn: ...?
Fiorito slowly reaches out with her right arm just as it starts to crumble away.
Morilynn: Such remarkable determination, even in your final moments.
Her fist then gently unclenches to stroke Morilynn's cheek.
Morilynn: Huh?
Morilynn: ...
Morilynn softly places their left hand atop Fiorito's.
At that moment...
Morilynn: ...!
This light—
This light—
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 5: Eccentricity - Episode 5
Kolulu defeats Lodi and vows to stay with him until he learns self-worth, winning him over with her sincerity. Meanwhile, Fiorito and Morilynn harmonize with their weapons, and Fiorito embraces Morilynn, thorns and all. After reconciling like siblings, Fiorito asks Morilynn to take care of Judah before collapsing.
Kolulu lets out a feral cry and swings her spear in Lodi's direction.
Kolulu: I'll keep fighting! I won't stop... until you promise... to take care of yourself!
Lodi: There's no point trying to change me! Our value systems are skydoms apart!
Kolulu: Our perspectives may differ, but at the core, we're the same!
Lodi: ...!
Morilynn: Only our roots are different. I think the flowers we produce are the same.
Kolulu: Tally-hooo!
Lodi: Gwah!
As Lodi falls from Gisla's swift strike, Kolulu reluctantly points her spear at him.
Kolulu: Lodi. You said earlier that I've always had a clear sense of who I am, yes?
Lodi: Well, it's true, isn't it?
Kolulu shakes her head, her mind drifting back to days long past.
Kolulu: Just like this spear, I was tossed away, left to be salvaged from a garbage heap.
Kolulu: Thanks to my mother and father who took me in, as well as my encounter with (Captain) and the crew, I came to know so much joy.
Kolulu: But even now... on nights when I can't sleep, I find myself thinking.
Kolulu: I was the same as trash. A worthless being discarded by my birth parents.
Kolulu: That's why... I understand those feelings of emptiness you have—painfully well!
Lodi: ...
Kolulu: I'll help you find it.
Lodi: Find what?
Kolulu: Something you can truly enjoy from the bottom of your heart!
Kolulu: Like eating stew with friends, experimenting with fashion, or playing hide-and-seek!
Kolulu: I've come to realize that all these things are fun precisely because I get to experience them with everyone!
Lodi: I don't like food, my producer handles my wardrobe, and no one would ever find me if I hid.
Kolulu: Then we'll try something else! Searching for scrap metal in a trash heap takes patience, you know.
Lodi: How absurd. What if we don't find anything?
Kolulu: Well, I'll stick with you until we do!
Lodi: ...
Morilynn: If you can't cherish yourself, then I'll cherish you.
Morilynn: In return... I'd like you to cherish me too.
Lodi: (Why did that pact pop into my head just now?)
Kolulu: It's time to stop following Nereus's every command!
Kolulu: Now, on your feet! One, two, three!
Ignoring Kolulu entirely, Lodi relaxes and lies flat.
Kolulu: Whaaat!
Lodi: You really don't match Gisla at all.
Lodi places Parashu beside him and lets himself sink into the ground like a stone.
Lodi: (Maybe I'll bring up the terms of the pact next time I see Morilynn.)
Despite his best imitation of an inanimate object, something unmistakable stirs deep within him.
The moment Morilynn takes Fiorito's hand, a red glow erupts between them.
Morilynn: ...!
Though Morilynn hastily lets go, the light only intensifies until it encompasses both of them entirely.
Morilynn: What's... happening?
Fiorito: Good question.
Morilynn: ...!
Fiorito: ...
Morilynn: ...
Fiorito: This is... harmonization!
Morilynn: A costume change, it seems. To our signature colors—red and green.
The fighter adorned with rose blossoms and the attendant wrapped in thorned vines step back to face each other.
Morilynn: No need for words. Let's settle this once and for all.
Fiorito: Our first sibling spat?
Morilynn: It's already far too late for that.
Morilynn: Thalassinus... Harbor the great breath within, and tell the tale of our verdant bond!
Fiorito: Sphairai... Harbor my entirety within your soul, and reveal our crimson bond!
With little conversation between them, the pair draw out the full power of their Horoscopes.
Fiorito & Morilynn: Haaah!
Together, their forms appear akin to a magnificent rose in full bloom.
Fiorito: Guh!
Morilynn: ...!
Morilynn: What? But why?
The thorns enveloping Morilynn's body pierce violently into Fiorito's own, staining the verdant green with blood.
Fiorito had drawn Morilynn into a firm embrace, as though accepting them in their entirety.
Morilynn: You planned from the start... to take the hit?
Fiorito: I heard from Lavirita... that there's no biological difference... between a moth and a butterfly...
Even as the thorns sink deeper into her flesh, Fiorito only holds Morilynn closer.
Fiorito: I've sensed it... through Sphairai... No, to be honest, since the moment you and I met...
Fiorito: Our souls... are so much alike...
Morilynn: My soul was given to me by Judah.
Fiorito: That's true... But then... why does it feel that way?
Fiorito: I guess maybe it's because... we share the same dad...
Morilynn: There's nothing the same about us.
Morilynn: I'm no more than an object! Judah is my creator, not my parent!
Morilynn: I knew it all along! I had no right to come between a father and his real child!
Morilynn: Fiorito... I'm so sorry!
Fiorito: I owe you an apology too... I'm sorry...
Fiorito: Take care of Dad for me... okay?
Fiorito: I'm glad I got to play with you one last time... Falaina...
Morilynn: ...!
Fiorito?
Fiorito?
Morilynn: Fiorito... Sis!
As Fiorito collapses, her strength utterly spent, Morilynn reaches out to her.
Morilynn: I can... touch her?
Despite Morilynn's hand touching her cheek, Fiorito's body does not rot away.
Morilynn: The one who stood in Judah's way—the greatest obstacle I could imagine—is no more.
Morilynn: Yes, this is how it should be. Now his wish will finally be realized—
Glancing down, Morilynn spots something that had slipped out of Fiorito's pocket...
Morilynn: ...!
A book, lying there on the ground.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 6: Fusion - Episode 1
Morilynn returns to the Hearth to find that (Captain) and company have already been defeated by Judah. With Argo's manifestation at hand, Morilynn unleashes their power against Judah's planet weapon to uncover his true wish, while Nereus observes calmly from afar under Manamel's watchful eye.
At the innermost part of an austere research facility stands the Hearth, where the steadily darkening genesi resides.
There, Morilynn climbs a ladder to emerge before Judah.
Morilynn: I've returned, Judah.
Judah: Morilynn. What's the status of the remaining intruders?
Beside Judah stretches a pool of brilliant crimson, with the lifeless forms of (Captain) and the crew strewn about.
Morilynn: Impressive as always, Judah. It seems you've already dealt with them all.
Judah: Naturally. You've witnessed my combat prowess in the past, haven't you?
Morilynn: Yes. I've been by your side the whole time.
Judah: ...?
Ferdinand: Morilynn! You have to stop Judah!
Ferdinand: The genesi is almost completely black! If Argo manifests, then—
Felix: That's enough from you. Pleasant dreams.
Ferdinand: Rrrgh!
Near the enormous Hearth, Felix keeps watch over a tightly bound Ferdinand.
Ferdinand: Felix! Don't you understand? Argo can grant even the most horrifying wish—
Felix: Hehe! Knowing Judah's cunning and ruthlessness, his wish is bound to be something spectacular!
Felix: I'm so excited! I can't wait to see what happens!
Within the Hearth lies the genesi, now almost entirely blackened.
Judah: As Ferdinand says, Argo will soon manifest.
Judah: The long-held desire of my bloodline will be fulfilled. And my own wish as well.
Morilynn: Could I ask just one thing?
Morilynn: If your wish comes true... will you finally be able to smile?
Judah: What?
Morilynn: The moment I was born—when you imbued me with a soul—you were crying.
Morilynn: I've stayed close to you all this time, hoping for just one thing—to see you smile.
Judah: ...
Judah: That won't happen.
Morilynn: I see.
Upon hearing Judah's answer, Morilynn adopts a fighting stance.
Judah: What is the meaning of this?
Morilynn: It's my rebellious phase, Judah. My first time asserting myself.
Judah: ...!
I don't believe it... Thalassinus has been harmonized?
I don't believe it... Thalassinus has been harmonized?
Morilynn: Won't you share your wish with me?
Morilynn: Together, we can come up with something that brings a smile to your face.
Morilynn: Like waking up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed every morning, getting super lucky with prizes, or having moths land right on your fingertips...
Morilynn unleashes the power of Thalassinus, changing into their thorn-wreathed form.
Judah: Whatever your actions, I have no intention of telling you anything.
Morilynn: Then I'm afraid I'll have to stop you. Fiorito entrusted me with this task as her last wish, you see.
Judah: ...
Morilynn: The planet weapon Asura. Its power is—
Judah: Evoca.
Spirits: ...
Judah: I'll put an end to this rebellious streak of yours right this instant—
In a corner of the impenetrable space, a figure quietly observes the image projected by the Nereus Staff.
Nereus: Judah's research never ceases to amaze. Combining Asura's ability with pseudo-accordance in order to utilize multiple Horoscopes...
Nereus: Luna... Can your hidden vessel truly contain this fate?
Manamel: Found you.
Nereus: Oh?
Nereus: You managed to locate me using my hair? The bonds of family certainly are remarkable.
Nereus: But your friends are in dire straits right now. Shouldn't you be rushing to their aid?
Manamel: I'm here to keep an eye on you. That's how we divvied up the jobs.
Nereus: You'll find it terribly dull watching me. This is Judah's constellation, after all.
Manamel: You said before that your goal is to collect the Horoscopes, right?
Manamel: But the Lion Khan Claw and Joyeuse have been destroyed. So what's your plan now?
Nereus: There's no need for concern. Though it was indeed an unfortunate turn of events...
Nereus: But just as Judah and his kin have spent so many ages scheming, I, too, have had ample time to prepare.
Smiling serenely, Nereus speaks in a tone as calm as the surface of a tranquil sea.
Her composed profile offers no clues as to her true intentions.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 6: Fusion - Episode 2
Healed by Thalassinus, Fiorito joins Morilynn in confronting their father, only to be devastated when Judah reveals he killed her mother for an experiment. Though shaken, Fiorito is encouraged by Ragazzo and (Captain) who have recovered thanks to Tikoh, and she stands with Morilynn to fight once more.
Spirits: ...!
Morilynn: Hup!
Skillfully dodging the Horoscope-wielding shadows' attacks, Morilynn encircles them in thorny vines.
Spirits: ...
Morilynn: Wow. No effect, huh?
Judah: These spirits aren't alive. Your ability won't work on them.
Morilynn: Whoa there!
Morilynn: I've figured out their attack pattern. Now I can plan my counter—
Judah: Hyah!
Morilynn: ...!
Judah suddenly emerges from behind one of the spirits to slice through Morilynn's thorns.
As Morilynn stumbles and falls, Judah points the tip of Asura's blade directly at them.
Judah: This is the end.
The blade closes in, looming right in front of Morilynn's eyes.
Fiorito: Haaah!
Fiorito: Sorry I'm late, Morilynn!
Morilynn: Fiorito!
Morilynn: How are you even here? Did you come back to haunt us?
Fiorito: Beats me. All I know is when you touched me, I felt this huge surge of power.
Judah: The true essence of Thalassinus lies not in the bestowal of death, but of life.
Judah: Living things rot away at its touch due to an oversupply of vitality... but it seems you've managed to harness that energy.
Fiorito: Thanks, Morilynn. For stopping our dad.
Morilynn: No thanks necessary—if you're willing to help me, that is.
Judah: Fiorito. Don't tell me you're going through a rebellious phase too.
Fiorito: That's right! As siblings, we're in this together!
Crew: ...
Fiorito: (It's okay. They're still alive.)
Fiorito surveys the Hearth, quickly piecing together the situation.
Genesi: ...
Fiorito: Argo can grant any wish, no matter how crazy or impossible it sounds, right?
Fiorito: Like... reviving the dead, for example.
Fiorito: Is your wish... to bring Mom back to life, Dad?
Judah: ...
Fiorito: I always thought it was strange.
Fiorito: Among the charred remains of our house, I only found one framed picture of her.
Fiorito: But we had tons more of them on the walls before, right?
Fiorito: And every so often, a new one would show up... You were painting them yourself, weren't you?
Morilynn: Does that mean Judah took the other portraits when he left?
Fiorito: Dad never said anything, but his feelings for Mom must've been—
Judah: Hmph. Your speculation couldn't be more off.
Judah: I killed that woman myself... as fodder for an experiment.
Fiorito & Morilynn: ...!
Judah: Why can't you see? The version of me that you two believed in never existed from the start.
Judah: At the very least, you should be familiar with how I treat my test subjects, Morilynn.
Morilynn: Well...
Fiorito: No... It can't be...
Fiorito: Does that mean... you really did...
The Eurytos Bow and L'arc Qui ne Faut hover around Judah as though forming a wall between them.
Morilynn: Those bows! When did you achieve pseudo-accordance with them?
Judah: The two of you understand nothing. You have neither the need nor the right to know.
Fiorito: Reticolo di Rose!
Morilynn: A wall of roses to act as a shield? At this density—
Fiorito: Gwah!
Judah: The armaments I command are all classified as planet weapons.
Judah: They can't be overpowered by the harmonization of two mere constellations.
Spirits: ...!
From beyond the swirling rose petals, the spirits advance with weapons at the ready.
Choose: Haaah!
Ragazzo: You're going down!
Morilynn: ...!
It's you!
It's you!
Ragazzo: Sorry 'bout that! Guess we overslept!
Fiorito: (Captain), Ragazzo! How are you moving?
Judah: ...!
Tikoh: Huff... Puff...
Judah: The Asclepius Rod...
Tikoh: Urgh!
Ragazzo: Dr. Tikoh!
Tikoh: It's just a scratch... Don't worry about me... Focus on dealing with him...
Teeth clenched, (Captain) determinedly turns to confront the spirits head-on.
Ragazzo: Thanks to Feather and Randall leading the charge, we got off with just minor injuries.
Ragazzo: They might've blindsided us before, but there's no way we're falling for that same stunt again!
(Captain) and Ragazzo work together to lure the spirits away from the others.
Ragazzo: You gotta talk things out with your old man, Fiorito! You too, Morilynn!
Judah: Pathetic fools. Why should any of this concern mere observers like yourselves?
Choose: Because we believe!
Judah: What?
Ragazzo: We don't trust you one damn bit! You're so slimy, it's disgusting!
Ragazzo: But for whatever reason, Fiorito says she trusts you—and we trust her!
Fiorito: ...!
Choose: Face your own daughter!
The heartfelt plea reflects not only Fiorito's feelings, but (Captain)'s as well.
The captain understands all too well the fear and uncertainty of continuing to believe in and long for a father who left during childhood.
Fiorito: That's right! I can't be second-guessing myself now!
Fiorito: I'm gonna keep believing! That's the strength you guys helped me find!
Morilynn: Think I could join in on the chaos too?
Fiorito: You bet! As your sister, my friends are your friends too!
Fiorito: All right... Let's do this!
Deflecting what light arrows they can while enduring the rest, the pair charge straight at Judah.
Fiorito & Morilynn: Haaah!
Judah: Krgh!
Rose petals and thorns intertwine, crashing furiously into Asura.
At that moment, the Horoscopes once again erupt with a brilliant burst of light.
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 6: Fusion - Episode 3
The clash between Judah and his children causes their Horoscopes to resonate, revealing a glimpse into Judah's past and inspiring Fiorito and Morilynn to fuse into a new form. As the blank space grows unstable, Nereus writes a letter, smiling at the prospect of her desires coming to fruition.
The memory of a lone traitor, buried deep within the darkness...
Judah: The first life I ever took was my father's.
Young Judah: Yaaah!
Judah's Father: Urgh!
Judah's Father: Foolish boy... You failed to hit... my vitals...
Judah: For generations, the head of my family has served as a Chairman of Navis, striving to fulfill a sacred wish.
Judah: To ensure absolute secrecy, tradition dictated that once all knowledge was passed to the successor, the predecessor must be killed by their own child.
Young Judah: Ah... Aaahh...
Judah: The weapon my father entrusted to me—Asura—felt impossibly heavy. My whole body trembled violently as I gripped it.
Judah: All I could perceive in that moment was the sound of my own teeth chattering and the warmth of his blood dripping onto my hands.
Judah's Father: Next time... make sure to finish the job...
Judah: Finish the job.
Judah: See it through to the end.
Judah: That is my...
Fiorito: What... was that?
Morilynn: Judah's... memories?
Judah: Resonance... What an infuriating phenomenon!
Judah: Just a little more! It will all be over soon!
Fiorito: Don't go ending things on your own! This conversation's not over yet!
Morilynn: Thank goodness. If our Horoscopes are resonating, that means there's still a chance for our feelings to reach him.
Morilynn: Just like in this beautiful story.
Morilynn takes out a book with a single vine, taking care not to pierce it with thorns.
Morilynn: "The Roses and the Prince." Through his time spent with the prince, the helmsman came to realize his own feelings of love.
Fiorito: We're gonna make you spit out how you really feel, Dad. Whatever it takes!
As Fiorito and Morilynn join hands, a flurry of red petals and green leaves swirls around them, forming an enormous whirlwind.
Within the vortex, the feelings they share for their father unite as one.
Fiorito & Morilynn: ...
Judah: Where is Morilynn?
Judah: Wait. This sensation...
Morilynn: Wow, we fused. How neat is that?
Fiorito: Well, a rose without its thorns wouldn't make the cut, y'know!
Morilynn: The cut, you say? That's a pretty sharp pun.
Fiorito: I-I didn't make it on purpose! Anyway, we don't have time for these garden-variety jokes!
Judah: To think that of all people, it's you two who would come together as one.
Judah: But I won't let you meddle any further.
Meanwhile, Manamel excitedly watches the image projected by the Nereus Staff.
Manamel: It's happening! They fused! This time they'll finish him for sure!
Manamel: Huh? Am I shaking from nerves?
Nereus: It's not you trembling—it's this space itself.
Nereus: As an impenetrable strip in space, this place is one where stories cannot reach. Conceptually, it is a domain that remains unobserved.
Nereus: With so many eyes now upon it, this sort of instability is inevitable.
Nereus: At present, the space is in such a fragile state that even the slightest hesitation from its master could cause it to collapse. I wonder if Judah is in danger.
Manamel: Huh...
Manamel: Wait, you wonder?
Manamel turns to see that Nereus is no longer watching the image, but instead is seated among the phantomblooms penning a letter.
Manamel: The phantomblooms... They're withering?
Nereus: This space rejects me. I am an intruder here, after all.
Manamel: So what's with the letter-writing all of a sudden?
Nereus: Why else would anyone write a letter if not to reach someone with it?
Nereus: Hehe. Sentiments that were once shunned by the world may soon be delivered at last...
Night Pareidolia - Chapter 6: Fusion - Episode 4
While Judah continues to conceal his true feelings, believing trust only leads to weakness, Fiorito and Morilynn challenge him with the joy they've found in their connections with others. Assigning Felix to deal with Ragazzo and (Captain), Judah merges with his six weapons, but his children remain undaunted and face him head-on.
Having fused via harmonization, Fiorito and Morilynn launch a fierce assault with rose fists and thorny vines.
Fiorito & Morilynn: Grande Rosa della Sconfitta!
Judah: Guh!
Judah attempts to counter using Asura and his bows, but can barely manage to defend himself.
Judah: Evoca!
Spirits: ...
Ragazzo: Don't even think about it!
Judah: Huff... Puff...
Fiorito: I couldn't care less about our family's ambitions. All I wanna know is your wish, Dad.
Judah: Did you somehow not see the bloodshed I brought forth?
Fiorito: What about it? As a former Auditor, I know better than anybody about all the awful stuff you've done.
Morilynn: Won't you place your trust in us and share your story?
Judah: Trust... Trust, you say?
Judah: Trusting others only leads to weakness! That's the legacy I inherited from my father... and the conviction I must uphold!
Morilynn: Judah, you said before that involving yourself deeply with others just creates opportunities for misfortune, right?
Morilynn: I guess it's true that if I'd kept to myself, my heart never would've felt all prickly like these thorns.
Morilynn: But if I hadn't met Lodi, Fiorito, or the others, this rose inside me would've never blossomed!
Fiorito: As for me, I've spent my whole life as a rose blooming alone, never believing in anyone.
Fiorito: But I've learned something, Dad. When you trust and rely on others, love follows.
Judah: ...!
Fiorito: My friends have shown me how beautiful it is when all sorts of flowers grow together!
Morilynn: Now then, Judah. Allow us to show you too!
In seamless harmony, Fiorito and Morilynn swing at Judah with all their strength.
Fiorito & Morilynn: Pugno della Grande Rosa!
Fiorito: Did we get through to him?
Spirits: ...
Fiorito & Morilynn: ...!
Fiorito: What! But those shadow things were just—
Felix: Good grief. You need to get your act together.
Ragazzo: Sorry... Fiorito...
Judah: Felix...
Felix: Apologies for disobeying orders. But at this point, Ferdi's a secondary concern, wouldn't you say?
Judah: Indeed. I'm counting on you to handle the observer.
(Captain): ...!
Felix: It seems you're my playmate now, (Captain).
Troue: (Captain)? Are you... there?
Choose: Troue!
Felix: Damned hole in a donut. No one invited you.
Felix: Anyway, let's refocus. It's time for our final game.
Judah: That fusion of yours... Yes, if all the Horoscopes derive from the same entity, such a transformation is conceivable.
Judah: How intriguing... I'll have to test this myself.
Fiorito: Huh?
Judah: Four Horoscopes... together with Exitosus, which stands as Asura's counterpart...
Judah: Asura, heed my command.
Judah casts Asura into the air, and the six Horoscopes come together, forming a rotating ring as they envelop him fully.
Judah: ...
Fiorito: H-he fused with his weapons?
Judah: I trust no one. Hence, I would never allow myself to merge with another person.
Despite Judah's overwhelming aura, Fiorito and Morilynn remain unfazed, facing him without a hint of hesitation.
Morilynn: Wow, Judah with six arms. Looks like he could embrace just about anything now.
Fiorito: Meaning he's ready to receive whatever feelings we throw at him, right?
Judah: Enough nonsense. I will crush you so thoroughly that not even a sliver of hope remains.
Morilynn: Well, we're not giving up until we hear the truth.
Isn't that right, Fiorito?
Isn't that right, Fiorito?
Fiorito: You bet! And after that, we're gonna have you make it up to us big-time for these past ten years!
Fiorito & Morilynn: So get ready!
Night Pareidolia - Ending - Episode 1
Judah is defeated by Fiorito and Morilynn, and as the blank space collapses, he reveals that Morilynn's soul once belonged to his beloved wife. Explaining that he had been fighting to prevent them from inheriting both the mission of destroying Argo and the sins of the family, Fiorito and Morilynn choose to accept Judah's burden and stand by him.
Judah: Gwaaah!
Struck to his core by Fiorito and Morilynn's rose-infused attack, Judah lets out an anguished cry.
As the arms behind Judah disappear, the entire blank space is bathed in a brilliant white.
Morilynn: Where... are we?
Fiorito: Is this... my house? It looks just like it used to.
Fiorito suddenly finds herself inside a house filled with the scent of books, sitting on a sofa with Morilynn.
Judah: This really takes me back.
Fiorito: Dad!
Judah: There's no need to be on guard. Everything is already over.
Judah: Mind if I sit down?
Fiorito: Go ahead.
Judah: Thanks.
Fiorito and Morilynn simultaneously shift to opposite sides of the couch, making room for Judah to sit in the center.
Morilynn: So this is what's above the ceiling of that basement. It's kind of surreal.
Fiorito: Um, does this mean we're... dead?
Judah: This isn't our lives flashing before our eyes, though the phenomenon is similar.
Judah: With the blank space completely collapsing, we'll soon be returned to the real world. This is like a fleeting dream before that occurs.
Morilynn: What happens to your plan now?
Judah: Nothing—it failed. The energy of the genesi can only be sustained within the blank space.
Even as he speaks of failure, Judah's expression appears calm, as though a heavy burden has been lifted from his shoulders.
Fiorito: Will you tell us your story now, Dad?
Judah: Yes. Though I'm not sure where to begin...
Morilynn: The head of your family has served as Chairman across generations in pursuit of a single goal, right?
Morilynn: What was that goal?
Judah: To put it simply—world peace.
Fiorito: World peace?
Judah: Long ago, after gathering the ten planet weapons on Stella Island, Navis was established as a research committee.
Judah: At its inception, mortals and non-mortals from a myriad of backgrounds—including the skies, the stars, and beyond—came together to participate as members.
Judah: That much was written on the stelae in the ruins, yes?
Tikoh: "Once we've amassed ten sacrificial weapons, we will formally declare ourselves a research committee."
Tikoh: "The Argo Navis—home to those malcontent with all political forces who have come together in their collective wish to conquer madness—will embark on its maiden voyage from this land."
Judah: The initial members were nonconformists, paranormals, prodigies—essentially, those who had veered from conventional paths.
Judah: The two most prominent among them were the observant one and the Accordant for Taming Sari.
Fiorito: In other words...
Judah: Exactly. The woman now going by the name of Nereus, as well as Ferdinand.
Judah: Between their persistence and immortality, it was only a matter of time before they reached Argo.
Judah: But the true nature of their wish was far too incomprehensible.
Judah: When the three-Chairman system was established, our ancestor stepped forward for the position with a plan in mind.
Judah: They resolved to outmaneuver the pair by manifesting the primal beast Argo and altering its purpose to "self-destruction."
Fiorito: S-seriously?
Judah: Argo's transcendent power is not something mankind is meant to wield.
Judah: It seems our ancestor came to this conclusion after witnessing the extraordinary might of the Horoscopes firsthand.
Morilynn: So it wasn't just some selfish wish—there was a genuine ideology behind it.
Judah: However... in their effort to oppose that pair of anomalies, our family descended into madness as well.
Judah: In truth, there were many others aside from our ancestors who attempted to stop Ferdinand and Nereus.
Judah: But in order to operate without being discovered by those two, an extreme rule came to be imposed...
Judah: And by the time a few centuries had passed, apparently only our family had survived.
Fiorito: A rule, huh? You mean kids being forced to kill their parents, like that messed-up scene we saw...
Judah: Our entire family has committed countless atrocities—myself included, of course.
Judah: To secure funding, we cultivated addiction to altered phantomblooms, bringing ruin to multiple nations in the process.
Judah: Through the selection of Accordants and experimentation with Horoscopes, we've reduced more skydwellers to mere "records" than the current population of the Sky Realm.
Judah: What a cruel irony. We set out to achieve world peace but have instead driven the world to the brink of crisis.
Judah: And yet, because everything stands on the foundation of those sacrifices, we have no choice but to carry on.
Judah lowers his gaze, staring intently at his hands.
Judah: After inheriting the blank space, phantomblooms, and research philosophy from my father, do you know what my first struggle turned out to be?
Fiorito: First? I'm not sure...
Judah: It was related to you, Fiorito. My successor.
Fiorito: ...!
Young Judah: For a plan spanning generations, securing successors is absolutely essential.
Young Judah: My predecessors used phantombloom addicts, disposing of them once their purpose had been served. But...
Young Judah: ...
Judah: I'd been told the blank space and phantomblooms had come about by chance, but there were too many uncertainties surrounding them.
Judah: Thus, I tried to advance my research while relying on them as little as possible.
Mysterious Woman: Wow, what a fascinating experiment!
Young Judah: ...!
How did you get in here?
How did you get in here?
Mysterious Woman: Hmm, I see... You're trying to bring a Horoscope to life by imbuing it with an artificial soul, aren't you?
Mysterious Woman: Then you can employ it as your successor, eliminating the need for that bizarre rule.
Young Judah: Who are you?
Prima: I'm Prima, Accordant for the Rainbow Bow.
Judah: Although Prima was unable to produce Prism Arrows, she had a remarkable ability to perceive the color of people's hearts.
Young Judah: (She knows about my family's plan. I have to eliminate her.)
Young Judah: Haaah!
Prima: It's useless. I know exactly what's going on in your head.
Young Judah: Take this!
Prima: Too slow.
Young Judah: I'll finish you!
Prima: Not going to happen.
Young Judah: I give up. How can I get you to die?
Prima: Let's see... Maybe if you make me fall in love with you first?
Young Judah: Wh-what are you talking about!
Prima: You have to kill your spouse once a successor is born, right? In that case, just marry me.
Prima: Oh, but no experiments for a while, okay? This place reeks of death.
Judah: For the first time in my life, I formed a relationship with someone other than my father... and learned what love is.
Prima: I have no idea what's going on in your head.
Judah: Is that so?
Prima: I mean, to think you'd actually propose to me.
Judah: You accepted, didn't you? That makes you just as incomprehensible as I am.
Prima: Hehe. Such a bright, adorable little baby—like a flower in bloom.
Judah: ...
Yes, she is.
Yes, she is.
Prima: Come on, don't look so gloomy, Judah. I've already made peace with what's coming.
Judah: ...
Judah: Dammit! The theory is sound, but I just can't create a suitable replacement for the soul!
Judah: Am I really going to have to kill Prima? By my own hand?
Nereus: Shall I offer some advice?
Judah: You!
Nereus: Your daughter's natal chart shows potential.
Judah: What are you implying?
Nereus: Well, why not try using Fiorito's soul?
Judah: ...!
Judah: I found myself thinking that if I could just avoid losing Prima, that was all that mattered.
Judah: And so... I placed little Fio into the Hearth.
Judah: But the moment I activated the device—
Prima: Aaahhh!
Judah: Prima! What are you doing here!
Prima: Forgive me, Judah...
Judah: Prima, get out of there! There's still time to escape!
Prima: You know, that day we met, I had actually been sent by Ferdinand to spy on you.
Judah: ...!
Prima: But when I saw the complex and beautiful colors of your heart... I couldn't help but believe it was fate.
Prima: Was it because of this bow? Or perhaps...
Prima: Please, Judah... Take care of Fio—
Judah: Urgh...
Judah: Uwaaahhh!
Judah: Prima's soul was compatible, and the experiment was a resounding success.
Judah: The blame lies entirely with me. If I had simply seen my job through to the end, Prima would have never been involved.
Morilynn: Um... Judah?
Morilynn: Does this mean Prima's soul is...
Judah: That's right. It resides within you.
Morilynn: ...!
Judah: The soul that inhabits you—inhabits Thalassinus—once belonged to a mortal. My wife.
Morilynn: I was... your wife?
Morilynn: Then... the reason you were crying when I was born was...
Judah: You likely witnessed me cursing my own foolishness.
Fiorito: So the reason my soul and Morilynn's felt so similar is because we're mother and daughter...
As Fiorito and Morilynn reel in shock, Judah continues to speak in a low voice.
Judah: On that day, my wish was decided.
Judah: That the two of you would be spared from inheriting the burden of our family's fate...
Fiorito & Morilynn: ...!
Judah: And that everything would be put to an end in my generation, with Argo laid to rest. Such was my desire above all else.
Judah: But I couldn't stop the other Chairmen's constellations, and I ended up dragging you both into the mayhem that ensued.
Judah: I accomplished nothing, left behind nothing—only built a mountain of sacrifices and failures!
Judah: I'm sorry... truly.
Fiorito: It's okay.
Morilynn: We forgive you.
Judah: ...!
Judah's decades of anguish, the memories of his family's transgressions—all are accepted with remarkable ease.
Judah: Wh-what... are you saying?
Judah: I'm not asking for forgiveness! These aren't sins that can be forgiven in the first place!
Fiorito: That's true.
Fiorito: But when it comes down to it... the time we spent together was real, right?
Judah: ...!
Morilynn: You kept me isolated because you didn't want me to feel the pain of losing someone I cared about, right?
Morilynn: And I couldn't even see that love for what it was. Guess I've still got some growing up to do.
Judah: Fio... Those days I spent with you were precious beyond measure.
Judah: And Morilynn... Maintaining a cold demeanor in front of you was so painful it felt like my heart was being torn apart!
Judah: But none of that excuses my actions!
Fiorito: Yeah, nobody else in the world is gonna forgive you, whatever your reasons.
Fiorito: But hey, at least your own daughters can stick around, right?
Morilynn: What she said. Though I admit I'm still processing the fact that I was your wife too...
Judah: Fio! Morilynn!
Fiorito: Hey, Dad. Could you do us just one favor?
Morilynn: We'd like you to read us a story. You know—our favorite one.
Judah: ...!
Judah finds himself holding a familiar book in his hands—one he had read aloud countless times before.
Judah: "We may be looking up at the same stars, but we are all reminded of something different."
Judah: "What about you? What are you reminded of?"
All Three: Haha!
The three happy family members look at one another, their faces awash with tears and joy.
Watching Figure: ...
With this, one man's long battle comes quietly to an end.
Night Pareidolia - Ending - Episode 2
After everyone is ejected from the blank space, Nereus divulges that she created Lodi as a base for manifesting Argo and destroys Morilynn to confirm his emotional awakening. Nereus then uses Lodi and the genesi to recreate the primal beast, but as she prepares to inscribe her wish, Ferdinand suddenly appears and declares his own instead.
As the white light fades, Fiorito, Morilynn, and Judah find themselves in a meadow blanketed with phantomblooms.
Around them, everyone who had been in the blank space, including (Captain)'s crew and the Navis members, lie scattered on the ground.
Tikoh: What happened?
Grandcypher: ...
Kolulu: The Grandcypher! It's safe and sound!
Genesi: ...
Wakudoki: Oho! That energy stuff is disappearing!
Lavirita: It appears the battle has ended in our favor.
Lavirita: Now then, Wakudoki. Kindly dismantle the replica, if you please.
Wakudoki: Um, about that... I kinda left it in the blank space, so I don't have it on me right now.
Lavirita: Wakudoki! What in the skies were you thinking!
Wakudoki: Erm, about the mysteries of life?
Lavirita: You are unbelievable! That attitude is precisely why you're always—
Fiorito: Jumping straight into a fight, huh? You two've got way too much energy.
Judah: Morilynn, if you would.
Morilynn: Safety protocol, right? Got it.
Morilynn places a hand on the ground, causing the phantomblooms to wither and disappear.
A short distance away, Lodi and Nereus watch the scene unfold.
Lodi: ...
Nereus: What is it?
Lodi: Huh? What is what?
Nereus: You were smiling.
Lodi: Smiling?
With a puzzled expression, Lodi reaches up to touch his own cheek.
Lodi: It might be easier to have you listen to my song.
Lodi: I don't think anything I sing now will sound the same as it did before.
Nereus: I see. It seems you've finally gained your own sense of self.
Nereus: It's been a long road to reach this point.
Lodi: Say, Producer... Would you be willing to share your wish with me someday?
Nereus: My wish?
Lodi: I only made it this far because you were there to guide me.
Lodi: Up until now, I've just been following orders, doing whatever I was told.
Lodi: But going forward, I want to help fulfill your wish—this time through my own free will.
Nereus: That's wonderful to hear. Those words are the ultimate reward for any producer.
Nereus: But why wait for "someday"... when I can show you right now?
Smiling, Nereus swings her staff.
Lodi: What?
Those present watch in stunned silence as Thalassinus falls heavily onto the grass.
Fiorito: Morilynn!
Manamel: Nereus! You—
Nereus: O Nereus Staff, mock the absent god.
Everyone: ...!
With the exception of Lodi, all the Accordants suddenly go limp and collapse to the ground.
Nereus picks up Thalassinus and casually tosses it at Lodi's feet.
Nereus: Step on Thalassinus and destroy it.
Lodi: ...
Huh?
Huh?
Nereus: That is your producer's wish. You will help me fulfill it, won't you?
Lodi: I... I...
Lodi: I don't want to...
Nereus: Hehe...
Laughing softly, Nereus places a hand on Lodi's shoulder.
Nereus: In that case, I shall do it myself.
Lodi: No—
A sound like shattering glass echoes faintly in the air.
Lodi: Ah... Aah!
Nereus: How anticlimactic.
Morilynn: ...
Huh?
Huh?
Lodi: Morilynn!
Reverted to human form, Morilynn lies motionless on the ground, distorted and broken like a toy discarded after play.
Lodi: Morilynn, hang in there! I'll figure out a way to fix you somehow!
Morilynn: Lodi? Are you... crying?
Lodi: ...!
Morilynn: That's good... After all... objects don't cry...
Lodi: There's nothing good about this!
Lodi: I know, let's make that pact! I've decided to accept your offer!
Lodi: I'll cherish you! And you'll cherish me too, okay?
Lodi: I'll take sixty percent... no, eighty... even one hundred percent—it doesn't matter!
Morilynn: If you take a hundred... there won't be anything left... for me...
Lodi: I'm perfectly fine with that!
Lodi: So please—live! You have to listen to me!
Lodi: Everything's finally crystal clear! I feel like I can start a whole new life now!
Morilynn: That does sound... nice... but right now...
Morilynn: I want to... hear you sing...
Lodi: Sing?
Morilynn: Did you know? Your songs... sound different every time...
Morilynn: I never get tired... of listening to you rehearse...
Lodi: Okay, I'll sing! I'll sing for you! So stay with me and listen!
Lodi: Let us go...
To the end of the skies...
To the end of the skies...
Morilynn: Huh? Do you need a... throat drop? Your voice... isn't coming out...
Lodi: ...!
Don't tell me your hearing's already...
Don't tell me your hearing's already...
Morilynn: Your singing... is so wonderful... I've always...
Morilynn: No... all this time, it was you who I—
Lodi: Morilynn!
Tiny green particles of light drift upward, vanishing into the sky.
Lodi: What the hell... This can't be happening...
Lodi: Why, Producer? How could you do this!
Nereus: You're furious, are you not? Heartbroken, I imagine? Surely you must loathe me, yes?
Lodi: Answer me!
Nereus: Very well. Allow me to enlighten you.
Lodi: Guh!
Nereus pierces Lodi with her staff, and a red emblem emerges from his body.
Manamel: That mark! It belongs to the Aquatic Acolytes!
Judah: It can't be! Then that Auditor of yours is...
Nereus: Precisely. You and I had the same idea.
Nereus: Lodi is a base for Argo Navis—a puppet of my own creation.
Lodi: What... are you saying?
Nereus: No doubt you must be thrilled, Lodi. You've been a mere object from the very beginning, just as you always wanted.
Lodi: No, that's impossible! I... I'm...
Nereus: Have you ever seen your parents' faces? What was your childhood like? Does eating and sleeping ever leave you satisfied?
Lodi: That... That's not...
Nereus: Don't you think it's strange that you failed to die when you touched Morilynn's hand?
Nereus: The reason I had you work with Thalassinus was so your life could be sustained by it.
While everyone remains frozen in shock, Nereus turns her attention to Judah.
Nereus: Judah, your idea of using a story-laden vessel as a substitute base for Argo Navis was quite clever.
Nereus: But what a shame. Simply having a story prepared doesn't make for a complete book.
Judah: A... book?
Nereus: What you need is a cover. Argo Navis's essence lies in creation—a miracle capable of bringing new worlds into existence.
Nereus: And this miracle is mirrored by myths where something comes from nothing...
Lodi: Wait! You made me capable of emotions... for that?
Nereus: Exactly! Those tears you shed are the most magnificent cover I could ever imagine!
Nereus spreads her arms wide amidst the phantomblooms, as if reveling in the moment.
Nereus: It brings back memories, doesn't it? This field of phantomblooms stretching out endlessly before us...
Judah: So you used my plan involving phantomblooms to your own advantage...
Nereus: Indeed. I'm unable to cultivate them myself, after all.
Nereus: To pave the way for this moment, I provided your ancestors with both the blank space and genesi.
Judah: ...!
Nereus: I admit, when you turned away from using the blank space and phantomblooms long ago, I wondered how things would play out...
Nereus: But enough talk. It would be a pity if all the dust you worked so hard to gather were to vanish.
Genesi: ...
Dark tufts pour out from the genesi, engulfing Lodi entirely.
As the airship fades from view, various patterns of all shapes and sizes materialize around Lodi.
Shrouded in light, his figure appears simultaneously divine and ominous.
Tikoh: That's... the primal beast Argo?
Nereus: Thanks to you all dancing so madly, the constellations were destroyed, and we reached a particular error—this irregularity.
Nereus: Argo's functions have been successfully restored. As long as all the Horoscopes are collected down the line, there should be no issue.
Nereus: All that remains is to inscribe a wish... here.
The emblems layer upon one another to form an opening that resembles a maw, prompting Nereus to extend her hand toward it.
But just as her fingertips touch the entrance...
Ferdinand: Step aside.
Ragazzo: ...!
Ferdinand!
Ferdinand!
Amidst a silence so profound it feels as though time has stopped, Ferdinand suddenly appears, reaching out from behind Nereus.
And then—he plunges his hand into the emblem.
Ferdinand: I wish for us all to become family.
In response to Ferdinand's wish, Lodi's body begins to radiate heat and light in all directions.
The phantombloom fluff swirls upward like a swarm of winged insects, amplifying the crimson glow.
And with this, the world begins its transformation.
Drawing in not only all those who stand in frozen disbelief, but the very fabric of reality itself.
The End?
Night Pareidolia - Ending - Episode 3
This small area of text could also be considered a blank space, could it not? The boy is powerless to act. He is like a wandering specter unaware of its own death, a cicada husk that has lingered until winter, a cluster of stars that once formed a constellation. Someday, I shall reclaim the ice flute he possesses. It is, after all, a fragment of our memories.
Within the blank space—a world before observation where no stories dwell...
A young boy plays his flute alone.
Boy: ...!
Boy: Sigh... I just can't get the hang of this. It's supposed to sound a lot prettier.
Setting his instrument aside, the boy plucks a phantombloom growing at his feet.
Boy: To think she bypassed the world's rules to reach some quasi-Argo without even gathering all the sacrificial weapons...
Boy: It's like cheating the system, or brute-forcing it at best. Guess her madness won out in the end.
Boy: B-but either way... Even if it wasn't perfect, tampering with the story worked, and that wish was granted.
Boy: Urgh... What in the skies is she planning? And what should I do about it?
Twirling the phantombloom between his fingers, the boy exhales softly.
The flower's fluff drifts upward into the air, scattering as the cap and stem fall away.
Phantombloom?: ...
Boy: The seal of the observer—one who bears witness to all stories...
Boy: I-I'm being watched too. This is a big responsibility, but I've got to give it my all!
Boy: But my stomach hurts today, so I'll start tomorrow... No, the day after!
The thwarting of Judah's plan, Nereus's pseudo-manifestation of Argo, and Ferdinand's wish...
After glimpsing this abnormal state of the world, can normalcy ever be restored?
Nereus: But what defines abnormality? Has this realm of skies bearing a diminutive sea ever been truly normal?
Nereus: Constellations change with the ages. Though the movement of the stars remains constant, they are reshaped by people's circumstances and perspectives.
Nereus: The observer finds in their pareidolia whatever they wish to see.
Nereus: Is that not true of you as well?
Nereus: In a world warped by observation, is there any meaning to our everyday lives?
Nereus: Keep watching with me a while longer, until this story burns itself out.
To be continued...
