Scenario:Sara - Beyond the Sands

Beyond the Sands

The crew arrive at their destination. They encounter Yusuf and a priest named Nasir, who tell the crew about the trouble brewing on the island. The crew head to Yusuf and Nasir's village to replenish themselves.

---

Graphos has become so weak that he is no longer able to respond to Sara's calls.

In order to find a way to save Graphos, Sara, (Captain), and the others make their way to Sable Island, Sara's homeland.

Lyria: It's so different than last time... I don't see anyone around.

Vyrn: They were callin' it the town of glittering sand and everything too! Hard to believe a tourist attraction can turn into a ghost town just like that...

Jin: The desert island that's in trouble... Looks like they really were talking about Sable Island.

Sara: Trouble...

Volenna: Anyway, let's head to a nearby town and assess the situation first.

Townsman: H-hey! You over there!

Lyria: Eek!

An angry voice startles Lyria and Sara. (Captain) steps defensively in front of them.

Townsman: We don't have time for strangers. Hurry up and get outta here!

Volenna: I am no stranger—I'm from this island. We heard there was an uproar here. What happened?

Townsman: You came by airship... That means you've already abandoned this island, haven't you! You might as well be a stranger! Get out!

Behind the man, other townspeople gather nervously with knives and hoes in hand.

Townsman: If you won't get out yourselves, then we'll make you! We're serious, you hear!

Sara: Um... I have to get to the castle to—

Townsman: I don't care what you have to do! Just get lost! Get lost, now!

Sara: ...

Jin: (By the looks of them, they're just regular people... It wouldn't be hard to drive them away.)

Jin: (But if they resist, I can't guarantee that no one will get hurt. What should we do, (Captain)?)

Unsure of what to do, (Captain) is about to suggest retreating to the ship in the meantime when they hear a voice.

???: Hooold on!

Sara: Oh! It's...

???: Whew, made it just in time... Hey, these people are with us! We're gonna bring them back to our town!

Townsman: Wha... Did you call these people here? Don't tell me you're planning to...

???: No! That's not what's going on here at all!

???: Yusuf, I'll take care of this. You lead the priestess and the others out of here.

Yusuf: Thanks, Nasir! This way, everyone!

Townsman: Hey! Are you just gonna run away without any sort of explanation? Cowards!

Vyrn: First you want us out, and now you want us to stay! What's your deal!

Nasir: Please, calm down. I understand the cause of your tension, but why act so brash?

Townsman: Ugh... But, Reverend...

As the priest Nasir occupies the townspeople's attention, Yusuf, Volenna's former subordinate in the guard, quietly leads (Captain) and the others away.

Yusuf: Sigh... As a citizen of Sable Island, I'm sorry for the trouble.

Lyria: Not at all! Thank you for saving us. It's been a while, Yusuf!

Yusuf: It has been a while since you saved Sable Island for us. I'm glad to see that all of you are doing well.

Sara: Um... Is the priest back there going to be okay?

Yusuf: He'll be fine! Nasir's one heck of a smart guy, so he's probably got the people calmed down by now.

Jin: The townspeople seemed awfully wary of strangers... Did something happen?

Yusuf: Well... You see, Sable Island has divided into factions.

Volenna: Factions? I assume one of them is the holy order that oversees the priestess...

Jin: With Sable Island afflicted by Manawydan's floods, the holy order that oversaw the sand god and the priestess was indispensable to the island...

Yusuf: Yes... But the power that the holy order held began to weaken after the disasters ceased.

Yusuf: The people's trust in the head of the holy order, Lord—no, Omar, shattered once his corrupt intentions came to light.

Volenna: I see... Originally, the towns and villages of Sable often fought over the island's scant resources—especially water.

Volenna: The holy order had united them, but I suppose once the power of the order weakened, conflict erupted again...

Yusuf: It is as you say, Captain Volenna. Now there are two factions: the establishment faction headed by the long-standing holy order, and the reformation faction comprised mainly of younger priests.

Yusuf: There are also people who don't trust priests in general, so the disputes between the towns and villages are only worsening...

Sara: How terrible...

Vyrn: Oh, here comes the peacemaker priest!

Nasir: I apologize for the uproar. Rest assured, the townspeople have given their consent and understanding.

Volenna: I assume what they've given is not their consent, but their trust in your judgment.

Nasir: That means there is still some validity to these clothes.

Nasir: The attitude of the townspeople is what has resulted from the growing distrust toward the holy order and its corruption. As a priest, I offer my apologies.

Sara: Is it really because of the priests... that the people of this island can't get along with one another?

Yusuf: Priestess, there are those who are putting in the effort to get along with their fellow citizens.

Yusuf: That's the reformation faction that's supported by young priests like Nasir who are running around to mediate between people...

Nasir: Yusuf, let's wrap up the conversation here and start heading back to our town. Everyone must be tired from their journey.

Yusuf: Oh, that's right. I'm sorry I ended up talking so much.

Lyria: That's all right. I'm glad you told us about the situation!

Yusuf: You're too kind. No matter what, as former members of the guard, we are always here to assist the priestess and her friends.

Yusuf: Rest assured. I swear on the honor of the former guard that I will protect your ship as well, (Captain)!

Vyrn: That's a relief to hear! Right, (Captain)?

Nasir: In any case, I'm sure you will need water and food provisions. Will you come with us to our village before you continue your mission?

Volenna: That would be much appreciated. You have my thanks, Nasir, Yusuf.

(Captain) thanks the two, and the crew follows Yusuf to his village.

Sara: Um... Nasir?

Nasir: Yes? Is something the matter, priestess?

Sara: Well... I'm not sure if it's my place to say, but... I'm very thankful that there are priests such as yourself who are working toward bringing the island together.

Nasir: I hardly deserve your words, priestess. After all, I am but one of the many people on this island who were content to let you priestesses sacrifice yourselves for our safety.

Nasir: For you to come back, priestess, only to see your homeland in such a state... I am incredibly ashamed.

Sara: Nasir...

Nasir: Sable Island is a poor region. The order speaks of this extreme poverty as something honorable, but that is nothing but self-aggrandizement.

Nasir: When people starve, they will grow desperate. Distrust and suspicion stem from poverty.

Sara: And the more they fight, the more desperate they'll become...

Nasir: You never know what will happen tomorrow. That's what they begin to think, and eventually they'll only able to think about their immediate benefits. It is a terrible thing...

Nasir: Thanks to this uproar, all the revenue we had begun to earn from tourism has stopped coming in. We must think of another method...

Sara: ...

Sara: (There are so many good people on this island... So why?)

Beyond the Sands: Scene 2

Nasir explains to the crew that Graphos was a sand spirit who had a spell cast on him so that he could defend the island from disasters. Sara and the others decide to split up to look for Omar and to sneak into the castle's archives to find more information on Graphos.

---

Vyrn: Umm... Don't you get the feeling that the people in the village are avoiding us?

Vyrn: Nobody's makin' eye contact, not to mention they're all shuttin' their windows and doors on us...

Yusuf: I'm sorry... Ever since the dispute over water sources with the next village over, the villagers here have gotten more suspicious of outsiders.

Yusuf: They're good people at heart. Please, just think of them as incredibly shy.

Jin: I see. Shy, huh? Haha, we could learn a few things from your positivity, Yusuf.

Nasir: Positive, or out of touch with reality... He's been like this ever since he was young.

Yusuf: Hey! There you go again, acting like my older brother just because you were born a little earlier than me.

Nasir: I'm not just acting—I am your older brother. Or have you forgotten where you grew up?

Sara: Huh? I didn't know you were brothers... But Yusuf is an Erune, and Nasir's...

Yusuf: The guard is comprised of people who've lost their families to disaster, including myself.

Yusuf: Until I became old enough to join the guard, I grew up with Nasir at his house and his parents took care of me.

Lyria: Wow! So that makes Nasir your older brother!

Sara: Hehe, Lyria's right. You don't have to be related to be family... right, Volenna?

Volenna: Yeah. Just accept the fact, Yusuf.

Yusuf: Well... I can hardly object when the priestess and Captain Volenna say otherwise.

Vyrn: Phew... Finally, a place to relax, thanks to you guys!

Nasir: My pleasure; I'm happy to be of help. Now, if I may ask, what brings you to Sable Island?

Sara: Well, you see... Graphos is feeling very unwell, and we can no longer communicate with him...

Yusuf: The sand god is unwell?

Sara: Yes... So we're hoping to find some clues on how we can help Graphos feel better...

Nasir: So you came back for the sand god...
As it turns out, I used to work at the castle archives.

Nasir: If I remember correctly, according to some books I read there, the sand god is a spirit conceived from the sand.

Lyria: Oh! A spirit? But Graphos feels more like a primal beast to me...

Nasir: Feels like a primal beast? What do you mean?

Sara: Lyria can sense the power of primal beasts.

Nasir: I-I see! The sand god... A primal beast...

Volenna: Nasir, is there anything else you remember from the books that you can tell us?

Nasir: Yes... A single sand spirit took pity on the people suffering from disasters caused by the primal beast Manawydan, and decided to offer its help.

Nasir: The holy order laid a spell on the spirit, and the spirit was reborn into a sand god... Still, this being did not fully amount to a primal beast.

Nasir: Through the sacrifice of a priestess's life, the sand god channeled its power and at long last put a temporary seal on the primal beast.

Sara: Spirit... A spell...

Jin: So this spell that you speak of... Is that what's giving Graphos power similar to that of a primal beast?

Nasir: After the War, it is said that a small number of Astrals remained in the sky realm—the spell may have something to do with them as well.

Sara: The Astrals...

Sara: Does that mean only the Astrals will know what's wrong with Graphos?

Sara: We'd never be able to make it to Estalucia in time!

Lyria: Sara...

Volenna: Nasir... Are there no other records about Graphos other than what you've read?

Nasir: Since the castle archives contain historical records from over hundreds of years, there may be other helpful materials.

Nasir: The bookcases in the back may have books with information on the spell that was laid on the sand god...

Jin: In that case, we should hurry to the archives. We don't know how long Graphos will last...

Volenna: The problem is whether they will let us see these books or not...

Sara: Huh? What do you mean, Volenna?

Volenna: The spell that changes a spirit into a sand god is essentially the foundation of life on this island... In other words, it's a symbol of their power.

Volenna: If it really is related to the Astrals, then the books that prove this would be extremely valuable and never to be taken out of the archives.

Yusuf: Since resentment toward the Astrals still exists, if the records were to be leaked, it would most definitely be the downfall of the holy order.

Yusuf: Not to mention, getting permission to see the archives is hard enough as is...

Vyrn: Geez, what're they being so stingy for! Everyone on this island owes their lives to Sara!

Nasir: A shameful situation indeed...

Jin: We can't afford to just stand around and wait. If we cannot do it through formal means, then we will do it through informal means.

Sara: Informal... means?

Jin: Yes. For example, sneaking into the archives ourselves and taking the necessary books on Graphos.

Lyria: H-huh? Isn't that... stealing? Hngh... but it's true that we don't have many options...

Jin: It may not be the most honorable act, but we have no other choice. We can always return them to the archives after.

Nasir: In that case... Jin, allow me to accompany you. It would be difficult for you to search for the books yourself.

Jin: Nasir! While I would very much appreciate your help, considering your position, wouldn't this put you in an unfavorable situation...

Nasir: This is for the sand god and the priestess. As a priest and a citizen of this island, to give whatever support I can is only what's right.

Nasir: However, the real issue at hand is whether the materials we are looking for actually exist.

Vyrn: Yeah, they might not have recorded it in the first place. Even if they did, there's a chance that the records are already lost, from a fire or something...

Volenna: But we don't know if there are any other sources of information we can turn to...

Sara: Hmm...

Sara: (Graphos... Sand god... Primal beast... Oh!)

Sara: Volenna, I was thinking... Lord Omar might know something about Graphos.

Volenna: You're right, that's possible... After all, it was Omar's family that protected Branwen's urn.

Volenna: Which means... Omar might know about the primal beasts on this island, and about Graphos.

Sara: Right... Okay!

Sara: I'll go find Omar!

Vyrn: Wha! Isn't he the main culprit for all the awful things that happened to you, Sara?

Volenna: Vyrn's right. You don't need to go, Sara. I'll—

Sara: This is about Graphos. I can't just let everyone else do the work.

Sara: After all, that's why I came to this island... So I'll go talk to Lord Omar too.

Volenna: Sara...

Seeing Sara's clenched fists shake ever so slightly, Volenna reaches out and clasps them in her own hands.

Volenna: All right. With things the way they are, I have no right to stop you. I'll take you to see Omar.

Sara: Okay!

Yusuf: I know where Omar is being kept! I'll take the two of you there. Looks like it's the revival of the guard!

Vyrn: Well, guess we better get ready to head to the castle then, (Captain)!

(Captain) and the others fill their water jugs and go over a sketched map of the castle before setting out from the village.

Yusuf: According to one of the soldiers, the special forces that worked for Omar are now in charge of part of the castle's defense.

Yusuf: They're snuggling up to the establishment faction to protect themselves, so we can't ask them for help. We'll have to be careful.

Volenna: So Omar's once-trusted retainers are now lackeys of the establishment faction and responsible for keeping Omar in his place, huh... How ironic.

Jin: Well then, let's split into two teams. Sara, stay alert.

Sara: I will. Jin, Nasir, (Captain), Lyria... You be careful too!

Lyria: I'll see you later, Sara! Let's find a way to save Graphos together!

Sara: Yeah!

Jin, Nasir, (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn wave goodbye to Sara and head toward the archives. Sara grips Volenna's hand tightly.

Sara: Volenna, Yusuf! Let's go!

Sara looks down the dark hallway with strong determination in her eyes.

Beyond the Sands: Scene 3

Omar tells Sara that the islanders are to blame for their woes because they refuse to take responsibility. When interrupted by soldiers from the special forces, Volenna and Yusuf cover Sara's escape. Sara rejoins the crew, and they retreat from the castle.

---

Omar: Who is it.

Sara: Lord Omar... It's me, Sara.

Sara lets go of Volenna's hand and goes to stand at Omar's bedside.

Omar: So it's you, the last priestess of Sable... Have you come to laugh at me after failing to fulfill your purpose?

Sara: Lord Omar, it's Graphos. He's feeling unwell.

Sara: Do you know why he might be feeling like this? Please tell me if you know of a way to help him.

Omar: I suspect it's his life span.

Sara: Life span?

Omar: Exercising his power against a primal beast for so long has deteriorated his body, slowly chipping away at his life.

Sara: No!

Omar: It could also be because he has lost his purpose of protecting the people of the sand, thus losing his purpose in life.

Sara: Graphos doesn't exist only for the benefit of Sable Island!

Omar: Perhaps that is the spell—no, the curse that was laid upon him, that he can only live for the sake of the island.

Sara: A curse...

Sara: No... Such a terrible thing... can't be true.

Sara: We've come all this way, away from disaster and free to do all the fun things we want. Graphos... Oh, Graphos!

Omar: Both the sand god that kills the priestess in order to protect the people, and the priests that commit acts of evil in order to let the people live, have become dispensable garbage to this island.

Omar: All that is left is to throw out the garbage and erase it from memory. Ignorance is bliss, after all.

Volenna: Hmph, you speak of ignorance, but you were lost in your thirst for power, conducting your evil deeds as if they were for the people of this island.

Omar: Does anyone act without hope of recompense? Not that we ever got much from the sand god aside from murdered priestesses on our consciences.

Sara: It wasn't Graphos who did it! It wasn't Graphos—it was all of you!

Omar: You are correct. The holy order and the people killed the priestesses in order to continue living on the very land in which their bodies were buried, without a thought of searching for other possible means.

Omar: People are weak and afraid of change—forgetting danger once it has past. They fear pain, but pay no attention to that of other people.

Sara: ...

Omar: Think back to Branwen's tale. The fact that monsters continue to appear in this world is evidence that man's evil intentions are endless.

Omar: If the people here cannot control their malice, freedom on this island is but an unattainable dream. Still, they turn their eyes away from this.

Volenna: You, the very embodiment of malice, have no right to say this!

Omar: Ah, yes... that's it. You are but one of the people of Sable, refusing to see your own crimes.

Volenna: It's no use, Sara. Let's leave—

Yusuf: Those footsteps... It's not just the castle guards. How...

Volenna: Yusuf! Bar the door! Come, Sara!

Sara: O-okay!

Volenna smashes the window frame with her sword. She lifts Sara over the sill and sets her on the ledge outside.

Volenna: Don't look down! Walk along the bricks and get out of here. Look for (Captain)!

Sara: Huh? But what about you and Yusuf?

Volenna: This window isn't big enough for us to escape from, much less with our armor. Don't worry, the soldiers won't be able to chase after you from here.

Sara: Then how will the both of you escape!

Yusuf: Captain! The door won't hold much longer!

Volenna: Go, Sara!

Volenna jumps away from the window. She and Yusuf turn to face the soldiers that begin to surge into the room.

Soldier: Capture 'em but don't kill 'em!

Yusuf: Damn! The special forces!

Soldier: Heh, there're still supporters of the establishment faction, you know. Especially the old folks in the countryside...

Yusuf: ...!
You don't mean our village...

Volenna: Yusuf!

Yusuf: Gragh!

Sara: Volenna! Yusuf!

Sara: (It's my fault... It's all my fault...)

Sara: (There's nothing I can do... There's never anything I can do...)

Branwen: Sara...

Sara: Huh?

Branwen: Sara!

Sara: Branwen! Why are you here?

Branwen: This way, Sara... Over here...

Sara: O-okay!

Sara follows Branwen's beckoning and jumps down to where she is.

Branwen: Sara...

Sara: Did you come to save me, Branwen? Thank you...

Branwen: Mm...

Branwen nods in affirmation and begins to move, holding Sara tightly in her arms.

Lyria: I'm so glad we were able to get the books! Now we just have to wait for Sara and the others!

Vyrn: They sure are taking their time... We knocked out a few soldiers so we really need to get goin' before they find us.

Jin: Perhaps they had a few things to discuss that are taking more time than expected. I hope Omar's not saying anything insensitive to Sara...

Lyria: Huh? This feeling...

Branwen: Ly...ria...

Lyria: Oh! It is you, Branwen! Good evening!

Sara: Lyria!

Lyria: Sara! How come you're with Branwen?

Sara jumps from Branwen's arms and flings herself into Lyria's. She tells them about Volenna and Yusuf's situation.

Jin: So Volenna and Yusuf are...

Lyria: (Captain)! We have to go help them!

(Captain) nods at Lyria and is about to break into a sprint when Nasir steps in the way.

Vyrn: Hey, outta the way, peacemaker priest!

Nasir: Priestess. The special forces said specifically to capture them, but not to kill them—am I correct?

Sara: Y-yes!

Lyria: Captured... That means they're being kept in a dungeon, right? Nasir, do you know where that might be?

Nasir: I do know where the dungeon is, but I don't think that is where they are keeping Volenna and Yusuf.

Jin: What do you mean, Nasir?

Nasir: Considering the people most likely to rescue the two of them would be the guard...

Nasir: I doubt they would place them in the dungeon—a place that the guard knows the way to. The special forces know that the dungeon is where the guard would head first.

Jin: I see... So you're saying they're most likely being kept in a place that is harder to locate than the dungeon.

Nasir: Exactly. And with so few of us, it would be nearly impossible to search the castle for them.

Sara: That's true...

Jin: It must be the castle guards! They're coming this way!

Vyrn: Guess we don't have a choice. We gotta take out these guys and leave this place, (Captain)!

Though anxious to rescue Volenna and Yusuf as soon as possible, (Captain) and company make the decision to withdraw from the castle in the meantime.

Beyond the Sands: Scene 4

Volenna, Yusuf, and Omar are sentenced to death, and the crew rushes to their rescue. Spurred by her anger, a hidden power awakens inside Sara, prompting the islanders to finally realize their mistakes. The newfound power helps to restore Graphos, and together Sara and Graphos leave the island for a brighter future.

---

(Captain) and company retreat from the castle and hide at a house in Brillet, along with the members of the guard who have been watching over the Grandcypher for them.

Sara: Excuse me, Nasir...

Nasir: Ah, Priestess! I just finished reading over the books we took with us from the archives.

Sara: Oh!

Nasir: Unfortunately I cannot provide much assistance for the rescue of Volenna and Yusuf, but this, on the other hand, is within my expertise.

Sara: I'm sorry... Yusuf was kind enough to help me, and now...

Nasir: Priestess... Please don't say that. I'm certain he would prefer to hear words of appreciation from you instead.

Sara: Nasir... Why are you and Yusuf so willing to help me?

Nasir: You see... Before his family was hit with disaster, Yusuf had a younger sister who was about three years older than yourself, I believe.

Sara: A younger sister...

Nasir: Just like members of the guard, the priestess is also chosen from those who have lost their families to disaster while still in their infancy.

Nasir: If Yusuf's younger sister had survived, she might very well have been chosen to be the priestess.

Nasir: To Yusuf, the priestess is an existence that he holds close to his heart.

Sara: I didn't know...

Nasir: And what Yusuf holds close to his heart, I hold to mine as well. Because we are brothers.

Sara: Nasir...

Sara: Let's bring back our family—your younger brother, and my older sister.

Nasir: Yes. Together with the sand god.

Nasir: I believe there was a time when you felt unwell from not being able to control the power of the sand god. Is that correct?

Sara: Oh, yes! Branwen helped me by taking a part of that power with her.

Nasir: I see... With Manawydan sealed away, the power became too much...

Nasir: I think perhaps the part Branwen took was the core of the spell which turned Graphos into a sand god.

Sara: Then, if Branwen returns the power she took before, will Graphos feel better?

Nasir: If we do that, then it will be a burden on your body instead, Priestess. It will become a never-ending cycle...

Sara: Oh... That's true. Hngh... What should we do...

As Sara and Nasir ponder together, (Captain) and company burst into the room.

Lyria: Sara, we're in trouble! Big trouble!

Sara: Lyria! What's wrong?

Jin: A sudden proclamation was made at the castle... Omar, Volenna, and Yusuf have been sentenced to death!

Sara: Sentenced to death? But why!

Jin: For attempting to murder the sand god and the priestess, saviors of Sable... and for causing disorder on the island! It's complete madness!

Nasir: What deceit! Is this how far the establishment faction has fallen!

Vyrn: Anyway, we gotta hurry up and save them!

Jin: Fortunately, or should I say unfortunately... now we know they'll be at the execution site.

Jin: (Captain), let's ask the guard for their help and make haste!

Yusuf: Ouuuch... Captain Volenna, are you all right?

Volenna: A few scratches is nothing. Make sure you retain your energy, Yusuf.

Soldier: What's the point in saving energy? You're gonna die anyway. C'mon, let's get you lot executed!

Omar: This island has become too dependent on making sacrifices. Anyone can become the next scapegoat—the special forces are no exception.

Soldier: Shut up! Hurry up and walk!

Omar, Volenna, and Yusuf are taken to the execution site, where a multitude of islanders await them.

Townsman: It's Lord Omar... and the guard...

Sara: Volenna! Yusuf!

Nasir: (Captain), our guards are positioned and ready!

Jin: Well then, let's move according to plan. We'll attack right when they finish reading out the charges.

(Captain) and company nod at one another, keeping silently to the shadows as they wait for the right time to attack.

Soldier: Fellow islanders! We are here today, suffering from what those thirsting for power through the sacrifice of the priestesses have done!

Sara: ...!

Soldier: Omar, who dwindled away the island's wealth under his deceitful mask as high priest! And the guard, who murdered priestess after priestess! These are unforgivable acts!

Soldier: It is time! As atonement for the sins committed against the priestesses, we must come together as one and—

Sara: That's enough!

Branwen: Sa...ra?

Lyria: This power... It's incredible! Is this... Sara?

Townsman: Is that... the priestess?

Sara: The holy order isn't what killed the priestesses! It's not why this island has fallen into such chaos!

Sara: It's everyone who keeps pushing the blame on someone else... It's everyone on this island!

Volenna: Sara...

Sara: You're always waiting for someone to come save you! Just how much are you going to burden other people?

Sara: Even if there's a shortage of water, even if the land is dry and barren... in the end, you're the ones who decided to live here, no matter how hard it gets!

Sara: The fault is on each and every one of you! You need to take responsibility for this island yourselves!

Townsman: Priestess...

Quivering under Sara's fiery gaze, the crowds part to make way for her.

Omar: Sara...

Sara walks up to the execution platform and directs her power at the restraints binding Volenna and Yusuf.

Sara: ...!

Sara: ...!
Graphos!

Graphos: ...!

Volenna: Graphos! You...

Sara: Volenna, Yusuf. Let's go.

As she leads Volenna and Yusuf away from the platform, Sara notices all of the islanders' attention now focused on her.

Townsman: Priestess... please forgive us. Please, save us...

Sara: No.

Sara: I won't forgive you. None of the priestesses up until now will forgive you.

Sara: If you want to be saved, then you need to save yourselves. Stop relying on other people.

Sara: We won't sacrifice our lives for the sake of this island! Not me, and not Graphos!

The islanders hang their heads in shame as Sara and the others walk away without turning back.

Townsman: What have... we done...

Omar is astonished as he looks out from the platform at the people standing in the plaza, remorse on each of their faces.

Omar: Will things change? Will things finally change... after all this time?

Omar: After all this time!

Vyrn: Hey, why don't you guys stay on our ship until all the commotion dies down?

Nasir: Thank you, but with the strong impact of the priestess's words on the people, now is our chance to reform the island for the better.

Yusuf: After all, we need to take responsibility just like all the other people on this island. We have to do our best!

Sara: Yusuf, Nasir... Thank you for everything that you've done.

Nasir: We are the ones who should be thanking you, Priestess. You granted this island the opportunity to change.

Yusuf: Don't worry about us here. Enjoy your journey with the sand god and Captain Volenna.

Graphos: ...!

Volenna: Looks like Graphos has made a full recovery.

Jin: But how?

Nasir: Most likely, that magic the priestess used earlier has been slumbering inside her since birth. Because the sand god was always by her side, she simply never needed to awaken it.

Nasir: Perhaps the priestess's strong emotions released that power, and it replaced the spell that had been sustaining the sand god.

Lyria: Now that you mention it, Graphos feels a lot less like a primal beast now...

Sara: But... wouldn't that mean that if I die, so will Graphos? Graphos... are you okay with that?

Graphos: ...!

Sara: Yeah... You're right! From now on, we'll always be together!

Sara: Along with Volenna, Lyria, (Captain), Jin, Vyrn, and Branwen!

Volenna: Yeah... We'll always be together.

Branwen: ...!

Prompted by (Captain), Sara and Graphos take Branwen by the hand, and together they board the Grandcypher.

Sara: This time, it's goodbye for real... Goodbye to what was once my home—our home!

The young citizens of Sable—the fate of the island now resting on their shoulders—send off the crew. With this, the priestess is finally free from the island of the dunes.

The skies gleam with promise as Sara sets off toward the future—one that she has won for herself at last.