Scenario:Maria Theresa - Beyond the Trial
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Beyond the Trial
The Inchoate World unleashes his full power to overcome the trial that is the crew. A final showdown ensues.
Inchoate World: You've come.
By tracking the aura of the Inchoate World, the crew finally reaches the center of this realm.
The Inchoate World looks down on the crew as he speaks, a hint of surprise in his breath.
Inchoate World: How strangely comforting... Though you obstacles in my path normally fill me with disgust...
Inchoate World: Seeing you as a trial meant to be overcome fills me with pride and joy.
Inchoate World: The face of fate changes depending on your interpretation. And my interpretation has led me to birth a new world.
Inchoate World: You are nothing but nuisances now—stepping stones on my path to world creation... That is how I define your fates.
Maria Theresa: We're going to change that conclusion. My life is certainly not going to end here. After all, I'm...
Inchoate World: You're what?
Your flimsy little empire counts for naught in the face of an entirely new world.
Your flimsy little empire counts for naught in the face of an entirely new world.
Inchoate World: Do not forget you were robbed of everything simply for your title of empress.
Inchoate World: Why do you obsess over that title? Why cling to that destiny?
Inchoate World: In my new world, your destiny is yours alone to steer. Whatever position or fame you desire shall easily be yours.
Maria Theresa: Ruling over an empire for the sole purpose of pomp and circumstance only leaves you with a gaping void. I'd rather be playing house.
Maria Theresa: I do not care to lead whatever false empire you have in mind.
Inchoate World: So that is your justice... You would place even your own happiness on the scales, I see.
Inchoate World: The time has come to bury you all as wretched artifacts of the old world!
Fierce winds begin to blow around them, causing the various colors to converge on the Inchoate World.
As he is encased in what appears to be some sort of cocoon, Lyria audibly gasps.
Lyria: Watch out! The Inchoate World is getting stronger!
Inchoate World: You antiquated relics will become the cornerstone of the new world. For that is your fate; that is providence.
Inchoate World: You have no future beyond today. Your destinies end here. I shall wipe away your very souls from existence!
Beyond the Trial: Scene 2
The crew finally defeats the Inchoate World and returns to the Sky Realm. Maria Theresa is now prepared to take on her true mission: reclaiming the role of empress.
Inchoate World: Rgh!
Inchoate World: Impossible! I should be the one who decides destiny!
Inchoate World: All trials succumb before me... Your defeat here was supposed to mark the celebration of the new world's creation...
Inchoate World: But yet... how is it that mortals of the old world have bested me!
Maria Theresa: It's finished, World! What you consider to be justice is no more!
Justice: By the power vested in my name, I render judgment upon you!
The attack unleashed by the pair pierces through the Inchoate World.
Inchoate World: Gwaaah!
Inchoate World: Damn you... Damn you all! How could I lose...
Inchoate World: What of my new world!
His hands reach out, only to grasp at thin air. Cracks begin to form all over the Inchoate World's body.
Inchoate World: Guuuuh!
With a deafening roar, the Inchoate World lets out a flash of light followed by a harsh noise that stains the world white.
Maria Theresa: Mng... Where are we?
Vyrn: What happened to us? The Inchoate World's...
Now that the white light has subsided, the crew find themselves collapsed on the Grandcypher's deck.
The ominous sphere is no longer in sight, replaced by pristine blue skies stretching in every direction.
Lyria: I don't sense the Inchoate World anymore. And with the sphere gone, I guess it's all over?
Justice: I, too, no longer feel my connection to The World.
Justice: I believe it safe to assume he's done for.
Maria Theresa: It's really over then...
Maria Theresa gazes at the clear, blue skies before them.
Maria Theresa: Our showdown ended in victory. In stopping the creation of a new world, we protected the current one.
Maria Theresa: But my battle isn't over yet. In fact, it starts now.
Lyria: Theresa?
Maria Theresa: Haha, no need to worry about me. I'm referring to more of a personal battle that has nothing to do with The World.
Maria Theresa: Do you remember what I said when I first began traveling with you?
Maria Theresa: Taking back my rightful place as empress was always my true battle.
Maria Theresa: And it's time to get on with it now that the threat posed by The World is no more.
Maria Theresa looks down to get a good look at her own figure.
Vyrn: Seems like you kept your new look even though the inchoate guy and his giant floating ball went poof, Lady Assessment.
Justice: Battling The World has allowed Lady Theresa to fully absorb her new power.
Justice: In other words, Lady Theresa has made it her own. Thus she will continue to remain in this form.
Justice: It will be a fitting look for Empress Theresa, as it is a reflection of the justice in her heart.
Choose: You don't seem convinced yourself.
Maria Theresa: Haha, I should've known you'd see right through me, (Captain).
Maria Theresa: Being empress in appearance alone means nothing if I am not empress in actual practice.
Maria Theresa: It's time to use my new form—my new power—to take back what's rightfully mine.
Maria Theresa: It is for that reason I must fight. The vassals who pretended as if I'd never existed and everyone else involved with taking Loma from me will pay.
Maria Theresa: (Captain), if I may be so bold...
Maria Theresa: Won't you lend me your strength a while longer?
Maria Theresa: Of course, I promise not to get in the way of your travels. And you're free to forfeit your assistance if you ever feel the risk is too great.
Maria Theresa: So please...
Choose: Absolutely. Count us in.
Lyria: Yeah! We're sticking with you until the very end, Theresa!
Vyrn: That was the plan all along! You didn't even have to ask!
Maria Theresa: Ah... Thank you so much, everyone!
As if to mask the joyous tears forming in her eyes, her glowing appreciation shines brighter than the midday sun.
Monika's Voice: Hey! Is everyone okay?
An echoing voice calls for the crew.
Turning to the voice reveals Monika and Lecia leaning over the deck railing of their approaching airship.
Vyrn: Guess those guys came to check things out now that the sphere's gone, huh.
Lyria: Mm-hm! We're all safe and sound!
Seeing the others happily wave their hands, Maria Theresa heaves a quiet sigh.
Maria Theresa: Justice.
Justice: Yes, Lady Theresa.
Maria Theresa: No matter the outcome, I ask that you please watch over what's going to be the battle of my lifetime.
Justice: My justice lies with you. I swear by my name to bear witness to the path your justice takes you.
Though they've crushed the Inchoate World's ambitions and saved the Sky Realm, Maria Theresa has yet to fulfill her vow.
Determined to fulfill her true purpose in life, the Evoker looks up to the skies.