Scenario:Orchid - To Protect and Be Protected

To Protect and Be Protected

Once Orchid finally regains consciousness, she explains the events of the research facility to Orchis, the Black Knight, and Adam. Alspia then shows up, says that her colleague disappeared after the facility incident, and drops hints that she is not the golem researcher she appears to be. Adam alludes to knowing Alspia, drawing suspicion from the rest of the group, but before the discussion can go further, a messenger brings news of golems running rampant in town.

---

Orchid: Nngh...

Orchid: Where...

As Orchid slowly blinks awake and takes in her surroundings, she notices the presence of several people waiting at her side.

Orchis: Orchid!

Black Knight: You've finally woken.

Orchid: Orchis... Apollo...

Orchid: Why...

Adam: We found you unconscious in one of the sealed off research facilities and brought you back to the palace.

Adam: You were in a comatose state for three days. Do you sense any irregularities in your body?

Orchid: I'm okay.

Orchid: Sorry... I didn't mean to make you all worry.

Orchis: You don't need to apologize. I'm just glad you're safe now.

Black Knight: I realize you might still be disoriented, but I need to ask: what happened? Can you tell us?

Orchid: I...

At first, Orchid turns her head away in guilt, but she steels herself to speak soon after.

Orchid: I wanted to become stronger. So that I could protect everyone around me.

Orchid: Losing Orchis and Lloyd when Zwei attacked... I never wanted that to happen again.

Orchid: I trained with Apollo and did my best. But I still wasn't strong enough.

Orchid: Then I learned Parazonium existed. I thought it could give me the strength I needed.

Black Knight: Parazonium?

Adam: If that is the subject, I can offer a brief explanation.

Adam quickly describes the existence of Parazonium and the history of the related research facility.

Black Knight: I see. Orchid, how did you come to know of all that?

Orchid: The man working with Alspia told me.

Black Knight: Alspia? I've never heard that name before.

Adam: ...

Orchid: She's a golem researcher. The man with her is one too.

Orchid: He said that he wanted the combat data gathered from Parazonium if he let me have it.

Orchid: He also said we might be able to find something to make Lloyd move again, so I went with him.

Orchid: But he... he must have put Parazonium inside Lloyd.

Orchid: Lloyd went out of control, and I tried to stop him.

Orchid: When I used my threads to keep him from moving, I felt something flowing into my head. I don't remember anything after that.

Black Knight: So that's what happened.

Adam: This is only my own conjecture, but perhaps Parazonium was transferring its powers to you through the threads.

Black Knight: That would make sense. We only managed to calm you down after severing them.

Orchid: Is Lloyd...

Black Knight: He's fine. We have him secured in the storehouse for now.

Black Knight: He hasn't stirred while you've been resting.

Adam: I believe he may be keeping Parazonium's power under control.

Adam: It was only because of his assistance that we deduced the threads were the issue, after all.

Orchid: Oh... I have to make sure to thank Lloyd later.

Black Knight: Orchid, listen to me.

Black Knight: To yearn for strength is not a crime. But if you choose the wrong path to obtain it, you will hurt yourself and others, regardless of intent.

Black Knight: It was only pure luck that saved us from the worst outcome this time.

Black Knight: I knew something like this was bothering you. I should have spoken with you sooner, even if I had to force you to.

Orchid: I'm sorry...

Orchis: Orchid...

Black Knight: However, the blame is not entirely yours.

Black Knight: We need to find and interrogate the researcher who led you there and tampered with Lloyd.

Orchis: There wasn't anyone else at the facility by the time you and Adam arrived, right?

Orchid: I told him to run... so he wouldn't get hurt.

Black Knight: You said he works with someone named Alspia, did you not?

Black Knight: Adam, we need to find them both and bring them—

Alspia: Looking for me?

Alspia stands casually in the doorway as if summoned by the conversation.

Black Knight: Alspia, I assume. I knew I sensed something strange a moment ago. What happened to the guard outside?

Alspia: Hey, hey, no need to glare at me like that. I promise your guard pal's still alive.

Black Knight: Answer me. I don't care if you're a researcher of the kingdom—if you're here to hurt Orchid...

Adam: Please wait. This woman is—

Alspia: That colleague of mine you were chatting about? I'm looking for him too. He's been missing the past three days, y'see.

Orchis: Missing? And for three days...

Alspia: I've been keeping a careful eye on his movements for a while, but it looks like he played me real good.

Black Knight: You've been observing him? Aren't you supposed to be a golem researcher?

Alspia: Ah, about that...

Adam: Alspia, please refrain from saying anything careless.

Alspia: Oops! Sorry, sorry. Gotta rein in that blabbing habit of mine.

Watching the exchange between Alspia and Adam, Apollonia's eyes narrow in suspicion.

Black Knight: What is the meaning of this, Adam? Do you know her?

Black Knight: This is a situation involving Orchid. If you're hiding something from me, speak now.

Orchis: Adam, I would also like to hear an explanation.

Adam: ...

Erste Kingdom S.: W-we have an emergency, your Excellency! A large number of golems are running rampant in town!

Black Knight: What?

As the messenger pants with exertion, all attention in the room focuses on the new arrival.

To Protect and Be Protected: Scene 2

Alspia's second job comes to light: under Adam's jurisdiction, she secretly investigates the kingdom's internal affairs in order to weed out potential threats. Alspia deduces that the golems attacking the town are under the command of her colleague who wishes to possess Lloyd for himself. Orchid, determined to set the situation right, is finally able to control Lloyd and the overwhelming power of Parazonium after remembering her true goal—to protect the people important to her. She and Lloyd set off with the Black Knight to deal with the golem threat.

---

Adam: Calm down and give us the details.

Erste Kingdom S.: Yes, sir!

The soldier takes a deep breath and begins to report.

Erste Kingdom S.: Several golems suddenly turned violent in town.

Erste Kingdom S.: To make matters worse, the man suspected of being responsible for the chaos is currently leading a large group of golems toward the palace.

Erste Kingdom S.: The soldier who spotted him said he is demanding custody of Lloyd.

Orchis: If he wants Lloyd, then he's probably...

Alspia: That researcher bonehead, no doubt. Sheesh, what a pain in the neck.

Alspia: What do you wanna do? We may as well tell 'em what's going on at this rate.

Adam: It was never my intention to keep things hidden from them in the first place.

After a moment of consideration, Adam addresses the soldier.

Adam: Relay a message to all the troops currently stationed around town. If direct confrontation proves to be too dangerous, focus on evacuating the citizens.

Erste Kingdom S.: Yes, sir!

The soldier gives a quick salute and rushes out of the room.

Adam then brings his attention back to Orchid and the rest of the group.

Adam: What I'm about to say regarding Alspia should stay between us.

With a glance at the person in question, Adam begins to speak.

Adam: Under my jurisdiction, she is secretly investigating the ranks of our nation.

Adam: You see, our internal affairs remain susceptible to outside influence, even though the Holy Erste Empire has already been dealt with.

Adam: In order to secure Erste's future, any potential seeds of insurgence must be swiftly dealt with.

Adam: Which is why I've created an unofficial investigation unit to operate within our nation.

Adam: I scouted Alspia, and after confirming that she was trustworthy, offered her a position. She agreed, and here we are.

Black Knight: Hm. So that's why the guard didn't stop her.

Adam: The guard doesn't know who she really is. I only asked beforehand that Alspia be let through.

Orchid: So are you not really a golem researcher?

Alspia: Can't a gal have two jobs?

Adam: If we are to go into details, then I recruited her because she is a golem researcher.

Adam: Golems are still powerful beings, despite having lost to primal beasts before.

Adam: Many unsavory characters would stop at nothing to utilize golems for their own benefit.

Adam: A golem researcher would know best how to identify these unsavory characters and any wicked techniques they might use. That is why I sought to have Alspia help us.

Alspia: The way that guy reacted when he first saw Lloyd, I knew something fishy was up. Call it a researcher's intuition or whatever.

Alspia: I was trying to get some hard evidence before slamming down the hammer of the law, but he moved faster than I predicted.

Alspia: From what I've gathered, it seems like he was planning on taking Lloyd with him after shoving Parazonium inside.

Alspia: But that failed 'cause he ran off when Lloyd went berserk, and now I guess he's using brute force to accomplish his goal.

Black Knight: A coward who relies on others to do his dirty work. How pathetic.

Black Knight: I'll take care of him. Adam, you watch over Orchid and Orchis.

Apollonia turns for the door, but Orchid pulls her to a stop.

Orchid: Apollo. I'm coming too. This is all my fault, so...

Orchid: Let me fix this.

Black Knight: Orchid...

Black Knight: I understand how you must be feeling, but right now—

???: ...

The appearance of a large figure steals away the rest of Apollonia's words.

Black Knight: Lloyd? How did you get here?

Lloyd: ...

Orchid: Lloyd... You want to fight with me?

Lloyd: ...

For a brief moment, Lloyd appears to lower his head in a nod.

Orchid: Thank you, Lloyd.

Black Knight: Now hold on a moment. Lloyd still houses Parazonium inside his body.

Black Knight: We'll have a repeat of what happened at the research facility if you rely on his power.

Alspia: Weeell... Not necessarily. Everything would actually depend on Orchid.

Alspia: Parazonium probably spiraled out of control last time because it was overloaded by Orchid's desire for strength.

Orchid: So if I...

Orchid closes her eyes.

Orchid: (I want to be stronger... That hasn't changed.)

Orchid: (But Apollo's words helped me realize that recklessly seeking power won't help me protect the people I care about.)

Orchid: I won't let myself be manipulated by power again.

Orchid: I know now what's important. I'll protect the home that Orchis has shared with me.

Orchis: Orchid...

Orchid: Strength was never the end goal. What I really wanted was to protect us—our family.

Orchid: I won't make the same mistake twice. So Lloyd... Follow me.

Orchid reaches out and takes Lloyd by the hand.

As she makes contact, light begins to emanate from within Lloyd, enveloping Orchid's entire body.

The brightness is nearly blinding as Lloyd's physical form shifts in shape to support better the wishes of his companion.

Orchid: Lloyd is overflowing with power... and giving it to me.

Orchid: It's strange. My body feels so light.

Alspia: Looks like you've got it handled, eh? Color me impressed.

Orchis: Amazing! You really did it, Orchid!

Orchid: It's because I have you all here with me.

Orchid: Apollo, I can do this now. Let's go... Together.

Faced with the conviction in Orchid's eyes, Apollonia sighs in defeat.

Black Knight: All right. Just promise you won't leave my side.

Orchid: I promise.

Alspia: By the way, I did some maintenance on your pal and tuned some things up. He should move even better than before.

Orchid: Alspia... Thank you.

Alspia: Don't mention it. Least I could do for letting this mess get outta hand.

Alspia: Give that idiot hell for me, would you?

Orchid: Okay!

With Lloyd in hand once more, Orchid follows after Apollonia, and the two rush for town.

To Protect and Be Protected: Scene 3

The attacking golems are quickly dispatched by the Black Knight, Orchid, and Lloyd until only the researcher and his last golem remain. After asking the Black Knight to watch from the sidelines, Orchid and Lloyd are able to prove their growth by utilizing Parazonium and defeating the man and his golem. With the town safe and the culprit arrested, Orchid asks the Black Knight to honor a request.

---

Colleague: Lloyd! Where are you?

Alspia's colleague and his golems tear through town as they march steadily toward the palace.

Colleague: Give me Lloyd, or I shall destroy this place—

Black Knight: Raaah!

Golem: ...

Black Knight: Enough. That's enough spectacle for one day.

Colleague: Well, well. If it isn't the Black Knight. I was expecting you, but...

Colleague: You're not the one I want! Hurry up and show me where Lloyd is!

Orchid: You heard him. Let's say hello.

Lloyd: ...

Orchid: Tah!

Lloyd: ...!

Golems: ...

The rampaging golems stand no chance against Orchid and Lloyd's combined strength.

Orchid: Just one more enemy left to deal with.

Colleague: Oh, Lloyd! How I've waited for you!

Paying no heed to the loss of his golems, the researcher watches Lloyd like an overeager child.

Colleague: What beautiful form! What power! As I thought, you are the golem I've been yearning for!

Orchid: I'm not handing him over.

Colleague: I admit that was a skillful display, but his potential is wasted with you. The true depths of his power have yet to be utilized.

Colleague: I am more fit to draw that power out.

Colleague: At least, more than a girl who let herself be swallowed up by it once before.

Orchid: You're right that I let Lloyd down.

Orchid: But I will protect him. He is an important friend—not a source of power or a tool.

Colleague: Hehe, you're an amusing one. Very well. Let's decide once and for all who is fit to be Lloyd's master.

Colleague: Feast your eyes upon my masterpiece of a golem!

Stone Golem: ...!

Orchid: Lloyd...

Lloyd: ...

Orchid and Lloyd stand side by side to face their foe. Without looking away, Orchid addresses Apollonia.

Orchid: Just watch. Me and Lloyd can do this.

Black Knight: ...

Colleague: My golem may be inferior to yours, but underestimate us and you shall regret it!

Stone Golem: ...!

Colleague: Too slow!

A giant arm swings down onto Orchid, taking advantage of her blind spot as she dodges.

Orchid: Agh...

Black Knight: Orchid! Let me help—

The Black Knight grips her sword, but Orchid shakes her head in refusal.

Orchid: I'm okay. I have this now.

Black Knight: Orchid?

Colleague: Still acting brave? You really are so very amusing!

Stone Golem: ...!

Colleague: What?

With his eyes wide as saucers, the man gapes in disbelief as Orchid appears to predict his golem's every attack.

She and Lloyd nimbly dodge the onslaught and come away completely unscathed.

Colleague: Impossible... How is nothing hitting you?

Orchid: I have analyzed your movements. You won't touch me a second time.

Colleague: You've analyzed them?

Black Knight: So this is the power of calculation Parazonium possesses.

Black Knight: If the stories are to be believed, then Orchid truly can evade all of his attacks now.

Orchid: Lloyd. Time to finish this.

Lloyd: ...!

Stone Golem: ...

Colleague: B-but... My masterpiece...

Orchid: ...

Colleague: E-eek!

Colleague: Gah!

The man's attempt at running away is cut short by a multitude of threads wrapping around his body.

Orchid: I'm thankful for what you've done... I never would've realized what was truly important to me if you hadn't.

Orchid: I know now that I can protect the people I care about... and the home I care about... Together with Lloyd.

Soon after, soldiers arrive to take the researcher away, and quiet settles into the town.

Black Knight: Orchid. I'm going to join the troops and check for any casualties in the surroundings.

Black Knight: You must be tired from adjusting to an unfamiliar power. You should head back and rest—

Orchid: Apollo, I have a request.

Black Knight: A... request?

With determination burning in her eyes, Orchid explains what she wishes for.

To Protect and Be Protected: Scene 4

Days after the attack, the Black Knight obliges Orchid's request, and the two have a serious battle. They discuss their conflicting convictions before trading blows, and though the fight drags on with no clear winner, both Orchid and the Black Knight find themselves enjoying it. They are eventually stopped by Orchis and the others, and Alspia takes the opportunity to offer regular maintenance and tune-ups to Orchid and Lloyd. Filled with new strength and determination, Orchid swears to protect her Erste Kingdom family.

---

Orchid: Don't hold back. Come.

Black Knight: ...

Days after the golem incident, Orchid and Apollonia face each other on the training field once more.

They are here to complete the request that Orchid asked for.

Orchid: This isn't training. Show me your true strength.

Orchid: Let me prove that I won't only be protected by you anymore. I'll protect you too. I'll protect everyone.

Black Knight: ...

Black Knight: You've truly grown, not only in physical strength, but also in your conviction.

Orchid: Apollo...

Black Knight: But you will always be someone I strive to shield from danger.

Black Knight: This won't be a simple test of strength. It will be a clash of conflicting convictions.

Black Knight: If raising my blade is what it will take to keep you from harm's way, then so be it.

Black Knight: I'm sure the person you are now can understand such a contradiction.

Apollonia draws her sword and readies it without hesitation.

Orchid: Thank you, Apollo. We'll give you everything we've got.

The conversation draws to a close as Orchid readies herself as well.

The two watch one another in silence, but after a beat, Apollonia makes the first move.

Black Knight: Taaah!

Orchid: Lloyd!

Lloyd: ...!

Orchid reflexively commands Lloyd to receive the strike.

Orchid: (So this is what it's like to face Apollo's blade.)

Orchid: (This is the strength that's protected us for so long... The strength necessary to keep what you love safe.)

Orchid: (I have to focus. Now's not the time to be surprised or afraid.)

Orchid: (Lloyd is with me. We can take on Apollo, no matter how powerful she is!)

Orchid and Lloyd manage to ward off blow after blow, their stance and movements becoming more structured as time goes on.

Orchid: I know how you fight better than anybody else.

Orchid: Parazonium won't be necessary for me to analyze your actions.

Black Knight: I don't doubt that. You've been at my side long enough.

Black Knight: Ironic how the ones you wish to protect the most can prove to be the ones best suited to defeat you.

Orchid: Now it's my turn to attack. Go, Lloyd!

Lloyd: ...!

Black Knight: Impressive coordination. But something of that level isn't enough to—

Orchid: Lloyd, now!

Black Knight: What?

Lloyd sends Orchid high into the air where the girl unleashes a flurry of blows.

Black Knight: Not a bad idea, but relying on unusual techniques won't defeat me!

The knight swings her blade in a wide arc, deflecting Orchid's assault.

Orchid: I thought as much... You really are amazing, Apollo.

Black Knight: I didn't keep you all safe through sheer luck, you know.

Orchid: I know. I owe you a lot. It's thanks to you that I'm here today...

Orchid: So I'm asking you now... to face my full strength.

Black Knight: I wouldn't be here if I wasn't willing to.

Apollonia gives a brief smile, then settles into a defensive pose.

Black Knight: Come, Orchid!

Orchid: Okay!

The fight drags on with both participants reaching their limits.

Despite their exhaustion, however, they regard one another with cheer.

Black Knight: It's a strange feeling... I feel both overjoyed, yet saddened by the progress you've made.

Black Knight: Maybe this is what it's like to be a mother bird watching a young one fly the nest.

Orchid: Apollo...

Orchis: Apollo! Orchid! Are you both unhurt?

Orchid: Orchis? Why are you here?

Orchis: I heard you two were seriously fighting each other, and I couldn't help but worry...

Adam: Though it appears that both of you are healthy enough to keep going for who knows how long.

Alspia: Phew, what a show that was!

Alspia: By the by, Orchid, did you know you can still get even stronger?

Alspia: If we keep tuning Lloyd up, I'm willing to bet your guys' teamwork will be greater than before.

Orchid: Really?

Alspia: Of course! I've actually got a little proposition for you!

Alspia: I'd be willing to do the fine-tuning and maintenance—anything you guys need. In exchange, I'd like to have some of your data.

Alspia: Not a bad deal, if I do say so myself.

Orchid: So I can get stronger still...

Orchid ponders the possibility of future improvement as a smile spreads across her lips.

Orchid: Okay. You have a deal. I look forward to working with you, Alspia.

Alspia: Pleasure doing business with you.

Black Knight: An even stronger Orchid... I suppose I'll have to step up my own discipline as well.

Lloyd stands by Orchid's side once again—revived and improved by the power of Parazonium. Alongside him, a new comrade joins their ranks.

Taking in the loving family surrounding her, Orchid swears deep in her heart to protect them all.