A Mischievous Monster
On Rosetta's request, the crew drops by an island which Rosetta once visited with (Captain)'s father. During their conversation with the village chief, (Captain) and company hear a cry and run outside to find a monster cornering a little girl. However, to everyone's surprise, the monster leaves without inflicting any harm.
On the day of Halloween, (Captain) and crew are on the deck of the Grandcypher as they sail past a nearby island.
Rosetta: Hehe. The night breeze feels wonderful.
Rosetta: Hm? That island...
Lyria: It looks so bright and lively! Did that catch your attention too, Rosetta?
Rosetta: It does look fun, but that's not all I'm curious about.
Rosetta: I've been to this island before, a long time ago... Seeing it again made me feel a little nostalgic.
Rosetta: (Captain), do you think it'd be all right if we dropped by it?
Rosetta: This must be fate. Of course, if we have some urgent requests to take care of, we can come back another time...
Vyrn: Why not? I don't think anyone's in a hurry to get this cargo.
- Of course, let's go.
- Anything for you, Rosetta.
Choose: Of course, let's go.Rosetta: I'm sorry. I hope I'm not being too selfish and setting you back on your journey.
Choose: Anything for you, Rosetta.Rosetta: Oh my, what a lovely thing to say. I suppose I'll have to repay you in some way after this.
Continue 1Rosetta smiles happily at (Captain).
Rosetta: I appreciate it. Thank you for understanding.
Rosetta: It's been a long time since I visited the little ones on this island...
Rosetta: And what better opportunity to dress up for the occasion than this?
After docking at the port, (Captain) and company head toward the only town on the island. As they draw closer, they are delighted to find it brimming with the spirit of Halloween.
Lyria: Wow! It's even more festive than it looked when we were flying past it!
Rosetta: Apparently it's tradition in this village to make Halloween the grandest holiday of the year.
Vyrn: Figures... This is pretty crazy stuff for a village this size.
Rosetta: It's just as it was before. Hehe, this certainly brings back memories.
Rosetta: I wonder if the village chief and the others are doing well.
Lyria: So the village chief lives just down this road?
Rosetta: Yes, we should be able to see his house soon if we keep walking.
???: Hm? If my eyes aren't deceiving me... is that you, Rosetta?
Hearing her name from among the crowd, Rosetta turns to find an elderly man walking toward the crew.
???: Ah, it is you! Well, this is a pleasant surprise.
Rosetta: Chief! I was just looking for you. How many years has it been?
Village Chief: Over ten years, I believe. Time flies at incredible speeds.
Village Chief: As you can see, I've aged quite a bit. And you're as lovely as always.
Rosetta: Hehe, you flatter me. I'm glad to see that you're doing well.
Village Chief: So what brings you here? Did you receive a request from someone in the village?
Rosetta: Oh, no. We just happened to pass by the island, so I wanted to drop by to say hello.
Rosetta: We were just about to pay you a visit at your house.
Village Chief: Goodness, then we're lucky to have found each other on the way.
Village Chief: How would you like to stop by for a meal before you head off again? Everyone in your crew is welcome too, of course.
Village Chief: Hm? If I'm not wrong, could this be...
Rosetta: Yes. This is his child.
Village Chief: Ah, yes! You do resemble him.
Vyrn: You know (Captain)'s dad, Gramps?
Village Chief: Indeed. He's the hero who saved this very village, after all.
Village Chief: Now, I wouldn't want to keep all of you standing. Let's head to my house and we'll talk there.
At the village chief's house, the crew is treated to a luxurious feast.
Lyria: The food looks amazing... Are you sure it's all right for us to have all of this?
Village Chief: Please, help yourselves. There's no need to hold back.
Village Chief: Compared to what the young captain's father did for us back then, this is hardly anything.
Vyrn: You said somethin' about him saving the village, didn'tcha?
Village Chief: Yes. Many years ago, when this village was having some trouble with a monster...
Village Chief: The captain's father stopped in the middle of his journey and exterminated the monster for us out of good will.
Village Chief: That was when we first met Rosetta as well.
Vyrn: So you were here with (Captain)'s dad last time, Rosetta?
Rosetta: Yes... Hehe, quite a long time has passed since then.
As Rosetta fondly thinks back to her first visit, the village chief looks hesitant before speaking up again.
Village Chief: Rosetta, um... I wasn't sure earlier if it would be all right to inquire about this, but...
Village Chief: Seeing that you're not with your friend this time, could it be that he...
Rosetta: Oh, don't worry. We're merely traveling separately due to some circumstances.
Rosetta: It seems he's in Estalucia now. Our young captain here received a letter from him saying that he's waiting there.
Village Chief: Well, I'll be! Estalucia... Imagine that. I suppose I wouldn't put it past him.
Rosetta: Hehe, indeed. He's still as daring as you remember him to be.
Village Chief: I certainly hope I'll have a chance to see him again someday.
Village Chief: And then we'll sit around this table again... Oh yes, he sat exactly where (Captain) is seated now.
Vyrn: Whoa, seriously? Talk about coincidence!
Village Chief: Back then, we invited all the children in the village, and everyone had a great time.
Village Chief: I remember Rosetta being especially popular with the boys. They followed her around the whole time, hoping to get her attention.
Lyria: Rosetta's always welcome wherever she goes! Lots of people come to talk to her at the beach or in town.
Vyrn: Ya mean you've always been like this, Rosetta?
Vyrn: You haven't changed since over a decade ago, huh?
Rosetta: That's a secret. You shouldn't pry into a lady's past, you know.
Rosetta: Now, let's get started on this food before it gets cold, shall we?
Lyria: Yes, let's! It looks delicious!
Vyrn: Dodged the question, huh...
Vyrn: Oh well. I'm starvin' too, so let's...
Girl's Scream: Ahhh!
Vyrn: Cough, cough! Wh-what was that?
Rosetta: It came from outside! Shouldn't be too far from here!
Monster: ...
Little Girl: Hngh... Sniff...
The crew runs out of the house to see a monster swooping in on a frightened little girl.
Lyria: Watch out! Run!
Vyrn: Darn it! We won't make it in time!
Monster: ...
Before the crew can make a move, the monster turns around and runs, leaving the girl shaking but unscratched.
Vyrn: Huh? Did it just run away all of a sudden?
Lyria: Maybe we surprised it...
Vyrn: But it didn't seem like it was scared or anythin'...
Rosetta: ...
(Captain) and company look at each other in confusion.
All except Rosetta, who seems to be reminded of something as she looks into the distance, a thoughtful expression on her face.
The Warmth of Someone Close
The chief tells the crew about how a strange monster has been playing tricks on the village during the Halloween season in recent years. In return for the delicious meal they received, the crew decide to look into this mysterious monster.
The crew accompanies the little girl back to her house.
After safely seeing her home, they return to the village chief's house and resume their meal.
Village Chief: Dear me. I apologize for the interruption during your meal...
Lyria: It's not your fault at all! I'm just glad that the girl's safe and sound.
Village Chief: Thank you. But still, I...
Rosetta: Chief, could there be something going on that you haven't told us about?
Rosetta: You've been rather on edge since the incident just now.
Rosetta: If there's anything troubling you, we'd like to help. Only if you're all right with talking about it, of course...
Village Chief: Very well... Then allow me to explain.
The village chief pauses for a moment before continuing.
Village Chief: In recent years during Halloween, the monster you saw just now has been coming to our village from the forest to play tricks.
Village Chief: But the most it does are harmless tricks, and it's never attacked anyone...
Village Chief: Due to our financial circumstances, I'm afraid we haven't been able to request an investigation into the monster's behavior just yet.
Lyria: Harmless... tricks?
Vyrn: I guess it didn't run away 'cause we scared it.
Vyrn: But just because it hasn't hurt anyone yet, doesn't mean it can just do whatever it wants in the village, right?
Rosetta: Yes, it could turn savage at any given moment... and then it'd be too late.
Rosetta: (Captain), what do you think about taking up this investigation?
Rosetta: It can be in return for this delicious meal they prepared for us.
Lyria: That's a great idea! Then it wouldn't cost the village anything!
Vyrn: It'd put a dent in our crew's reputation if we just left without doin' anything in return! Right, (Captain)?
Village Chief: Oh, goodness... How could I ever thank you?
Village Chief: Then, if you wouldn't mind... I'd like to take you up on your offer.
- Leave it to us!
Choose: Leave it to us!The crew accepts the village chief's request and begins looking into the mystery of the mischievous monster.
The Warmth of Someone Close: Scene 2
The monster leaps out at Rosetta, but soon disappears back into the forest without leaving a scratch. Rosetta seems to be reminded of something and asks the others not to harm the monster. Together, the crew make their way into the forest where the monster awaits. To their surprise, Rosetta greets the monster like an old friend.
Lyria: Mister Mooonster! Where are you!
Vyrn: Heeey! Hurry up and come out!
(Captain) and company wander around the forest area in search of the monster in question.
Lyria: Come out, come out, wherever you are!
Vyrn: Lyria, we're not playin' hide-and-seek...
Lyria: Oh yeah... Ahaha.
Lyria: But are you sure it's okay for us to just exterminate it?
Lyria: I know it's a monster, but it hasn't done anything bad other than a few tricks...
Rosetta: Hehe. Kind as always, Lyria. I understand where you're coming from.
Rosetta: At the same time, it's a fact that it could be dangerous if nothing is done about it.
Rosetta: If only we knew what the monster was thinking...
Lyria: Then let's talk to it! Maybe if we communicate with it properly, we won't have to exterminate it!
Vyrn: Talk to it, huh... That's so you, Lyria.
Monster: ...
Lyria: Oh! There it is!
Rosetta: Seems like our talking got its attention. Now, what should we do from here...
Monster: ...
Vyrn: Hey, is it just me or does the monster keep staring at Rosetta?
Lyria: I wonder what it is about Rosetta that's attracting it?
Rosetta: ...!
The monster jumps at Rosetta without warning. However, it lands beside her and slides past without touching her.
Rosetta: ...?
Monster: ...
The monster glances at Rosetta one last time before disappearing into the forest again.
Lyria: Rosetta! Are you all right?
Rosetta: Yes... No need to worry about me.
Vyrn: What a weirdo! You can't tell me that monster's not dangerous. We gotta chase after it!
Rosetta: ...
Lyria: Rosetta? What's the matter?
Rosetta: Yes, let's head into the forest. But there's no need to be on guard.
Vyrn: Whaddya mean? Come on, that thing just tried to attack ya!
Vyrn: It just happened to miss back there, but you coulda gotten real hurt...
Rosetta: Please, I want you to trust me. Don't do anything to the little one just yet.
Vyrn: Hm...
Lyria: Well, if you say so...
Rosetta: Would that be all right with you, (Captain)?
- I trust you.
- I'll protect you.
Choose: I trust you.Rosetta: Thank you for putting your faith in me. I promise I won't put any of you in danger.
Choose: I'll protect you.Rosetta: Hehe, thank you, (Captain). I'm sure you will when the time comes.
Continue 1(Captain) and the others nod at Rosetta and follow her into the forest.
The crew slowly make their way down a dark path until they reach where the monster is lying in wait for them.
Monster: ...
Lyria: Over there!
Rosetta: I'll go. All of you wait here.
Vyrn: B-be careful, okay?
Rosetta takes a few steps toward the monster and stops just in front of it. She breaks into an affectionate smile.
Monster: ...
Rosetta: I knew it... It's been a long time, little prankster.
The Warmth of Someone Close: Scene 3
The identity of the monster is revealed to be the ghost of a little boy whom Rosetta and (Captain)'s father once chased from the village but let go. Rosetta apologizes to the ghost for having made him live through so many lonely years as a result. The ghost glows and disappears into the sky when Rosetta puts her arms around him, and she is reminded once again of the warmth of having someone close.
The crew is surprised by Rosetta's words.
Lyria: A long time?
Vyrn: Um, what's goin' on here?
Rosetta: Remember how the chief told you we once helped the village exterminate a monster?
Rosetta: This is who that monster was.
Lyria: Huh? Um, does that mean that...
Rosetta: This little one here has always loved playing tricks. The tricks were only for fun, but a few too many of them were played, which ended up causing trouble for the village.
Rosetta: When we found this out, we decided to allow a second chance. We let the little one go and pretended to have completed the extermination.
Rosetta: After having him promise not to cause any more trouble, of course.
Vyrn: Wait, you're sayin' you can make promises with monsters?
Rosetta: Oh, I'm sorry. I haven't told you yet, have I?
Rosetta: This little one isn't a monster. He's just a boy still at his rebellious stage.
Rosetta: Only... he isn't from this world.
Lyria: U-um, does that mean he's a... gh-ghost?
Vyrn: Hey, are you okay, Lyria? You're gettin' really pale!
Rosetta: That's just a costume, isn't it? Hehe, an endearing choice. Perfect for Halloween.
Rosetta: I know you kept our promise for a while, but you must have gotten lonely... That's why you went back to your tricks, didn't you?
Rosetta: You jumped out back there to scare us for fun. There was no malicious intent.
Rosetta: Isn't that right?
Monster: ...
Vyrn: Wh-whoa! Uh, did it just keel over?
Rosetta: He only took off the costume. We can't see him, but he's still close by.
Rosetta: Hehe. Are you trying to play hide-and-seek? You really are a mischievous one, aren't you?
Rosetta: All right, I'll play with you. Just for one game.
Rosetta: Roses...
Rosetta focuses her power as she sends rose petals fluttering around the area.
Rosetta: Hehe. Ah, there you are.
Rosetta uses her petals to locate the boy and walks over to his hiding spot, a playful smile on her lips.
Rosetta: Too bad. You couldn't quite trick me.
Rosetta: Now, won't you show me your true form? It's our long-awaited reunion, after all. It'd be a shame if we couldn't see each other.
At Rosetta's request, the little boy finally shows himself, his ghost form glowing faintly in the dark.
Lyria: Oh!
Vyrn: Whaddya know... Rosetta was right.
Rosetta: I'm so glad you finally showed yourself to me.
Mischievous Ghost: ...
Rosetta: Yes... There's something I have to apologize to you about.
Rosetta: Years ago, we thought it was the right decision to let you go... but now I know that was a cruel thing to do.
Rosetta: In the end, we made you live through all these years by yourself... You must have been so lonely.
Rosetta: I think I can understand how you feel, now that I've experienced something similar myself.
Rosetta: I'm very sorry...
Rosetta leans toward the little boy and gently wraps her arms around him, as if to dispel his solitude.
Mischievous Ghost: ...
Suddenly, the light shifts. The boy slips through Rosetta, floating past her before fading into the sky, like a petal carried away by the wind.
Vyrn: He disappeared...
Rosetta: ...
Rosetta: I don't sense him anywhere... I suppose this time, he really...
Lyria: Rosetta...
Rosetta: Oh dear. I'm sorry, it seems I got a little emotional. Perhaps it's the Halloween atmosphere.
Rosetta: Well then, let's report back to the chief, shall we? I'll need to apologize for what we did in the past as well.
Lyria: Y-you know—
Lyria calls out to Rosetta, whose steps are quick yet somewhat heavy with guilt. Rosetta turns to look behind her.
Rosetta: What's the matter, Lyria?
Lyria: Um, it might just be my imagination, but...
Lyria: I saw the little boy smiling when you hugged him.
Lyria: I'm sure he was playing all those tricks because he wanted someone to notice him.
Lyria: And he might have been hoping that if people notice... you'll hear about it from somewhere too.
Lyria: I think he was really happy that he could spend time with you at the end.
Lyria: So, um...
Lyria: Please don't feel bad about it!
Rosetta: ...
Rosetta: Hehe... You're right. He'd be sad to see me like this, wouldn't he?
Rosetta: (Was I able to save the little one from his loneliness?)
Rosetta: ((Captain) and the others came for me when I stayed behind on the island to protect Yggdrasil...)
Rosetta: (The tender feeling of having someone you love come close to you... I wonder if the little one was able to experience that same warmth from me?)
Rosetta: Thank you, Lyria. You too, (Captain), Vyrn.
Lyria: Not at all!
Vyrn: Hm? I don't really remember us doin' anything...
Rosetta: Oh, don't worry too much about it. I just felt like saying it, that's all.
Vyrn: ...?
Rosetta: Hehe...
Rosetta smiles as (Captain) and Vyrn exchange quizzical looks.
Thinking back on her invaluable experiences with the crew, Rosetta promises herself to always hold these precious feelings close to her heart.