Scenario:Rei - Eternal Mother
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Eternal Mother
During Anre and Eahta's visit to the Suo family's estate, Eahta and Rei have a chat about the true purpose of power. Rei explains that she uses hers to bring about a better future for the children of the skies.
Some time after the disturbances kicked up by Nehan and Mugen come to a close, the Suo family receives a visitor.
It is Anre of the Eternals. He starts off by bowing his head in apology.
Anre: I'm really sorry for all the trouble we caused, Rei.
Rei: ...
Anre: I knew full well how much you despise the Astrals and the Seven Luminary Knights, and yet...
Rei: I don't mind, Anre. I was more than satisfied with the explanation you gave me.
Rei: Besides, I had been concerned about Stardust Town for quite some time now.
Rei: I took a back-seat approach so as to not exacerbate matters any further.
Rei: It was ultimately your decision to involve me that saved so many innocent children. For that, I thank you, Anre.
Anre: Haha, you're much too kind. Honestly, I should be the one thanking you.
Anre: Somehow I feel as if my words aren't enough... If only there were some other way to express my gratitude...
Rei: Ahaha. Really, I'm telling you it's okay.
Rei: But if you insist, I wouldn't mind taking that mustache off of you.
Rei: The mustached look just doesn't suit you... You're so much more handsome without it.
Anre: Ohoho... You flatter me.
Rei: You're going to have to let me trim it sometime. But more importantly now...
Eahta: ...
Rei: Zanba... No, I believe you go by Eahta now? What brings you here?
Anre: Ah, yes. He—
Eahta: You interest me.
Rei: Oh, is that so? I didn't take you to be the type to express interest in others.
Rei: But perhaps the experience of raising a child has changed you.
Eahta: O everlasting one for whom time holds no meaning.
Rei: That's quite the long title.
Eahta: What is your path in life?
Rei: My path?
Eahta simply nods, waiting for her to continue.
Rei gives it some thought, then looks straight into Eahta's eyes.
Rei: ...
Rei: Hm, now I see the intent behind your question.
Rei: You have the might to possibly conquer the heavens themselves, yet you use it purely for yourself—constantly striving to reach the lofty pinnacle of true strength.
Rei: And you're wondering how I, possessing similarly great power, choose to use my gift.
Eahta: Indeed.
Rei: You could have said that more plainly, you know.
Eahta: Words are but autumn leaves murmuring in the wind. Utter them too heedlessly, and they will wither away into the silence of the night.
Rei: Haha, are you some kind of poet? What an interesting child you are. Fine, I'll tell you.
Rei: In all my years, I've only ever used my power for the purpose of a singular goal.
Rei: To rid the world of the sheer chaos that plagues it and lead it toward a more righteous path. It is what I live for.
Eahta: What is it that you consider righteous?
Rei: The skies have been tainted ever since the time of the War. We have never truly recovered.
Rei: The first step in realizing my goal is to ensure that people of all walks of life across every island learn to respect each other.
Rei: But for that to happen, education is paramount. And education cannot happen unless more basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter are being met.
Rei: Until I realize this ideal, however long it takes...
Rei: I may very well use my powers in violent ways. Provided that doing so will bring us closer to the utopia I envision, I won't show any mercy.
Rei: If the need should arise, I wouldn't be averse to using the relics of the Astrals either.
Anre: ...
Eahta: So you wish to protect our glorious world itself, I see.
Rei: The sky is essentially a glass of water, with some of the glass shards having chipped and fallen inside.
Rei: Attempting to remove those shards would likely cause the water to overflow.
Rei: But even with those shards, it remains a beautiful container nonetheless. I never tire of looking at it. I exercise due caution not to fracture the glass, of course.
Rei: So that we can have a world where children no longer have to suffer and cry.
Anre: You haven't changed in the slightest. No matter how years and months pass, you continue to stay your course.
Eahta: I see that the passage of time has not dampened your strength of heart and soul.
Eahta: Most magnificent indeed.
Rei: I hope that answers your question.
Eahta: A meaningful exchange it was. Thank you.
Anre: I'll be going too. I'm glad we got to meet today. Till next time.
Rei: Don't forget what I said about your mustache, okay?
Anre: Ahaha, I'll sleep on it...
Rei: Heh, I'm looking forward to seeing you clean-shaven. Stay safe, Anre.
Rei: Hm...
Rei: Of course there's no reason for me to stop...
Rei: I'm shouldering the burden of my entire clan after all.
Rei: I will lead my children to a better future, as a mother should.
In the now empty room, Rei reminds herself why it is she does what she does, renewing her conviction.
Eternal Mother: Scene 2
One day, Rei and Asha visit a grandma in her home. This grandma is the descendant of a child that Rei saved long ago, and who once tended to Rei the way Asha now does. ReiIn-game mistranslation; should instead be Asha. watches with curiosity at their heartfelt exchange.
Rei and Asha call on an elderly citizen in her home one day.
A mere glimpse of Rei at the doorway sparks immense joy in this grandma, who readily welcomes in her visitors.
Grandma Gemma: It's been so long, Mama. When was the last time I saw you...
Grandma Gemma: I can hardly remember...
Rei: It was one year ago, on this very day.
Rei: I'm sorry I couldn't drop by more often... You must have felt so lonely.
Grandma Gemma: No, no, not at all! I consider myself blessed to even be able to see you once a year, Mama.
Grandma Gemma: If only I could get around the way I did in my prime, I'd visit you every day... I hate to admit it, but there's no beating old age.
Rei: ...
Rei: I came with a gift for you today. Asha, if you would take it out.
Asha: Yes, Mama.
This is for you, ma'am.
This is for you, ma'am.
As per Rei's orders, Asha hands the elderly lady a bouquet of blue flowers.
Grandma Gemma: How kind of you, miss. I guess you're one of my little sisters in the family.
Asha: That's right. It's a pleasure to meet you.
Grandma Gemma: My, aren't these golden dewdrops?
Grandma Gemma: After all this time, you remembered my favorite flowers...
Rei: No loving mother would ever forget her child's favorite things.
Grandma Gemma: "Child"? What child speaks with such a gravelly voice and has this many wrinkles?
Rei: No matter how much your physical appearance changes, no matter how many years pass by, there's one thing that'll remain constant.
Rei: The fact that you'll always be my precious little child.
Grandma Gemma: Mama...
Grandma Gemma: I wouldn't even be here today if you didn't save my ancestor during the time of the War...
Rei: Both your ancestor and you have done so much to help me. I'm the one who should be grateful.
Grandma Gemma: Thank you, Mama... So much time has passed since I retired...
Grandma Gemma: I'm afraid I'm not of much use anymore, but I hope you'll take up the mantle and be a good girl for Mama.
Asha: Of course, Sister. I certainly will...
Grandma Gemma: Haha. Quite the serious one, aren't you? It's okay to let loose sometimes.
Asha: You are many years my senior, Sister. I wouldn't want to be rude.
Rei: Being far too earnest is your one fault, Asha.
Grandma Gemma: My, how rare of you to tease a child, Mama. I can already tell she's your favorite. You're lucky to have a good one by your side.
Grandma Gemma: I'm almost jealous. I wish you would've teased me a bit more back in the day.
Rei: What a thing to say! I'll tease you all you want right this second if you'd like.
Grandma Gemma: Oh, really? Then...
Grandma Gemma: Maybe we can put it off till next time.
Rei: ...
Rei: Sounds good to me.
Asha: ...?
Grandma Gemma: Hey, Mama? Is it okay if I hold your hands?
Rei: I've quite spoiled you, haven't I. Here you go.
Grandma Gemma: Haha. Your hands are as warm, beautiful, and gentle as ever, Mama...
Grandma Gemma: I can't count the number of times you've saved me with these hands...
Rei: ...
Grandma Gemma: I hope you'll continue to give light to children as you did for me.
Rei: Rest assured, that was always the plan.
Grandma Gemma: Glad to hear it, Mama.
Grandma Gemma: As much as I'd love to chat with you all day, it wouldn't be fair to others to have you all for myself.
Grandma Gemma: Thanks again for the visit, Mama. I love you.
Rei: I love you too... my dear child.
As Rei and Asha leave the house...
The grandma waves goodbye with a genuine smile.
Grandma Gemma: I'll be going soon.
Rei: Have a safe trip.
Asha: ...?
Eternal Mother: Scene 3
Rei dreams of a memory from her time during the War. Her entire clan sacrificed themselves so that Rei, with their combined power and life spans, would be able to survive and carry on the torch of the clan. For centuries now, she's been saving children all over the skies and serving as their mother.
Some time after the meeting with the grandma...
Rei dreams of a fond yet loathsome memory from long ago.
Rei: (A dream of the War again... As much as I hate it, this memory's also very nostalgic...)
Rei: (The Astrals subjugated those with great power in the skies in an attempt to strengthen their reign...)
Rei: (They came after us too, seeking to utilize the magical power in our eyes...)
As the War escalated, Rei's clan began to fear the possibility of being enslaved by the Astrals and becoming a threat to the skies they'd always called home.
They placed their bets on Rei, transferring all their power to her to avoid the worst possible outcome.
Rei: ...
Rei Clansperson 1: Our power is far too valuable to be lost to the skies forever...
Rei Clansperson 1: Yet at the same time, our naturally delicate bodies are not the most fit for fighting.
Rei Clansperson 1: Before the Astrals can capture us to further rain destruction upon all, we're going to transfer our collective power and life spans unto you.
Rei Clansperson 2: Please use those kind, gentle hands of yours for the sake of the skies... to save, protect, and guide its children to a brighter future...
Rei: I will... I promise it!
And thus Rei inherits the power and life spans of her fellow clanspeople. She goes on to defeat innumerable Astrals and save countless war orphans, assisting many wounded along the way.
The children who find grace under Rei's care, wanting to make their foster mother's dream a reality, eventually form the Suo family.
These children would entrust their ardent wish to their children before passing on and leaving Rei behind, a tradition that has continued to present day.
No matter how many generations passed, Rei would love every child equally, hoping that they could pursue a nobler world together.
This would continue on for decades, centuries, and even millennia...
So that Rei can fulfill her clan's dying wish, and so that the lost children of the skies have a place to call home.
Rei: (...)
Rei: (Raising children is but a mother's duty. It shouldn't sadden me.)
Rei: (Nor should seeing them pass...)
Rei: (For now and evermore, even should my extended life span come to its natural end one day...)
Rei: (I'll continue to fulfill my duty as a mother...)
Rei: (...)
Eternal Mother: Scene 4
Rei and Asha attend the funeral of the grandma they visited days earlier. Asha notices the sadness in Rei's eyes and apologizes for having to upset her in the very same manner some day. The two share a touching moment.
A few days have passed.
The entire Suo family is attending the funeral of the elderly grandma Rei visited only days prior.
Others begin taking off at the ceremony's end, but Rei and Asha remain standing still.
Rei: ...
Asha: ...
Asha: This was really sudden.
Rei: It was.
Asha: Mama... Did you already know she didn't have long?
Rei: ...
Asha: I see... So that's what you two meant when—
???: Excuse me...
Asha: You're...
Rei: Oh, you're her son. My, how you've grown.
Grandma's Child: Mama... Long time no see.
Rei: Haha, you're technically not my child. It's okay if you'd rather not call me that.
Grandma's Child: No, you've helped me time and again, Mama. Please, I insist.
Grandma's Child: Thank you for coming to the funeral. I'm sure my mother's happy you're here, wherever she might be right now.
Grandma's Child: There's just one thing I wanted to give you... It was my mother's final wish to make sure you got this actually...
Rei: Hm, what could that be?
The grandma's child hands Rei a small box.
Grandma's Child: I have a family gathering to get to, so I'll take my leave now... Till next time, Mama.
Rei: See you later. And please give your family my regards.
Rei opens the box handed to her.
Inside is a golden dewdrop, the grandma's favorite flower.
For just a split second, Rei seems to hear the voice of the departed grandma.
Grandma Gemma: Wherever I end up, my heart's always with you, Mama.
Rei: ...
Rei: No matter how old you get, you just can't leave your mama, can you... I really have spoiled you.
Rei: Like I said, there's nothing to worry about.
Rei: It's a mother's job to make sure her children eventually stand on their own two feet...
Asha: Mama...
Asha: I hate to say it, but one day I'm going to bring you just as much sadness—
Rei: Bad Asha.
Asha: Ouch...
Rei: It's nothing to concern yourself over. I'm fine, really.
Asha: But...
Rei: Haha, ever the serious Asha. Just like a certain someone I used to know.
Rei: I still have a long way to go with you and the others...
Rei brings Asha in closer and gently brushes her hair.
Taking in the warmth rushing through her hand, Rei vows in her heart to lead Asha through a fulfilling life.