Scenario:Scathacha - Blood of Curse or Blessing

Blood of Curse or Blessing?

More monster rampages occur sporadically after the incident at the parade dress rehearsal, culminating in a clan of dragons descending on Alster. Scathacha leaves the island's defense to the crew while she seeks more information on the mastermind behind these attacks: True Dragon Medb.

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Monsters who were once friendly to mortals rampage through the castle on account of a spell that was cast upon them.

At the end of an unavoidable battle to protect the town and townspeople, those monsters lose their lives.

Since then monsters have been sporadically rampaging all throughout Alster Island.

Monster: Shigraaaah!

Villager: Aaaah! H-help!

Naoise: You okay? Spread the word—evacuate to the village meeting place!

Villager: Y-yes, sir!

Naoise: Evacuation forces, hurry to town and guide the people out. Combat forces, stay with me and capture the monsters.

Sentry: Yes, sir! After Naoise, everyone!

Despite working with the vestiges of Irestill's armed forces, militias from the towns and villages of Alster Island struggle to meet the threat.

The monsters going wild here are all under a spell, just as the ones in the castle town were.

Monster: Grurrrr!

Naoise: Don't let the monsters escape their cages. Deirdre will be here soon with a counterspell.

Sentry: I've got this! Those monsters can't bust out of their cages—it's for their own good.

Naoise: I appreciate it. Excuse me, but I'm heading to the evacuation center to confirm the number of injured.

Sentry: Understood!

Naoise goes to confirm the number of injured people and villagers; he also inspects the damage to farms and houses.

He listens to person after person speak fearfully of the spate of rampaging monsters.

Villager: Cheer up, old man. Those wounds of yours aren't so bad—you'll be back out in the fields in no time.

Old Villager: Mm, thank you. Even so, I want to know the meaning of all this ruckus.

Villager: They say the monsters went after the next village over. It's chaos all around. What in heaven's name is going on?

Villager: Y'know, I used to think that Deirdre's power and diplomacy were enough to keep those monsters in check...

Old Villager: I can't help but wonder if maybe this is our own doing. Bet we got Deirdre all stirred up.

Naoise: Sir, there's no indication that Deirdre has forsaken us in any way.

Old Villager: Naoise...

Naoise: Deirdre is as alarmed by this situation as any of us, and she's doing everything in her power to find a solution. Please refrain from casting your doubts on her.

Villager: I'm sorry, Naoise. I guess we got ourselves all worked up and said things about Deirdre we shouldn't have.

Naoise: No... I understand your uneasiness. I apologize that we weren't strong enough to prevent this damage to your village.

Old Villager: That's a mighty kind thing of you to say...

Sentry: Naoise! Deirdre has arrived!

Naoise: Understood! I'll be there right away.

Scathacha: ...

Scathacha: There are many spells that can alter consciousness, but for one to be this effective...

Naoise: Deirdre, how are the monsters?

Scathacha: Thanks to your swift action, none of their injuries are life-threatening. For that I have to thank you.

Scathacha: As for the spell... it has a multilayered structure. It won't be easy to remove.

Scathacha: Spells aren't my specialty. For now we should ease these monsters into a deep sleep and prevent them from rampaging. That will buy us some time to find a solution.

Naoise: Is that going to work?

Scathacha: It is. Watch me save these monsters—that's what's best for all of us at any rate.

Naoise: No, it's not that... I don't have any doubt that you'll help the monsters.

Naoise: What I'm asking is whether you're going to be okay.

Naoise: The monsters have been going wild in every corner of Alster Island all day and night.

Naoise: You've been going around to every last monster we capture and putting it to sleep. And without a moment's rest.

Scathacha: Humph, then that makes two of us. Your group hasn't been resting either.

Naoise: But we're not alone. We can split up the work. You, on the other hand...

Scathacha: There's nothing to worry about. Who do you take me for? I'm a true dragon and the protector of Alster Island.

Scathacha: Didn't I tell you before not to worry, that you're a thousand years too early to lecture me?

Naoise: ...

Scathacha: Humph!

Scathacha turns her eyes from Naoise to the sky. A moment later, her facial expression changes.

Scathacha: No! Naoise, gather up your troops immediately!

Naoise: Hm? What is it!

Scathacha: Don't tell me you can't see them! There's a clan of dragons on course for Alster Island!

Scathacha: Their numbers are too great for even me. We have to do something before they arrive. I'm going to let parliament know!

Naoise: All right! I'll hurry back to the Great Court with my forces.

Having returned to the Great Court, Scathacha informs the parliament about the clan of approaching dragons.

In order to protect the island, the parliament quickly reorganizes the troops in preparation for the attack.

Sentry: The sheer numbers!

Sentry: That giant black cloud covering the sky... It's made up of dragons!

Sentry: This... This might be the end of the world!

The dragons of the clan alight throughout Alster Island and run roughshod over any people in their way.

Within just a few moments, the entirety of the island becomes a battlefield, and the residents are forced to battle for their homeland.

Naoise: Evacuation is complete—we've split the noncombatants into groups and located them in walled towns.

Naoise: We can breathe a bit easy for now. Especially the people who volunteered to fight at parliament's request.

Seruel: Practically all of the men are out in field of war.

Seruel: Many people have surely been separated from their families and consumed by worry.

Seruel: As their commanders, we must match them in their love of the island.

Heles: Food shortages are certain if this battle continues much longer. Many of the fields have already been given up for lost.

Heles: Parliament is attempting to negotiate with other islands, though the result of those talks is far from certain.

Seruel: Sigh, it seems as if the problems are continuing to mount.

Seruel: I can only hope that we uncover the mastermind behind this attack and their location.

Naoise: They're assaulting us again and again without so much as making a demand. It's incomprehensible.

Naoise: What purpose could this havoc serve?

Scathacha: The purpose isn't clear.

Scathacha: But I have an idea of who the mastermind might be.

Naoise: Who is it... the one who's brought such suffering to Alster Island?

Scathacha: True Dragon Medb. She's able to use the Curse of Intoxication to alter consciousness and control others.

Scathacha: There are a number of related curses. Since I'm not particularly knowledgeable, it took me some time to identify this one.

Scathacha: But the number of spells that affect dragons is not at all great. There's likely no mistaking this.

Seruel: The True Dragon Medb? This is the first time I've heard the name.

Scathacha: That only makes sense. Even during the War, she chose to act alone.

Heles: Why would a true dragon such as her attack Alster Island now of all times?

Heles: Is there anything that you might know, Scathacha?

Scathacha: No, nothing.

Scathacha: To be honest, I wasn't particularly well acquainted with Medb. And I haven't the slightest idea what she could be after.

Naoise: Is that right?

Scathacha: Maybe there's been a misunderstanding, or maybe some event has angered her.

Scathacha: There's no way to find out unless we meet with her directly. But if she won't show herself, we'll need to hunt for her whereabouts.

Naoise: Is there a good way to do that?

Scathacha: Yes. The dragons are most likely the kin of Medb. They're sure to know her location.

Scathacha: We'll have to capture some of them and examine their memories. It will take some time and effort, but it's not impossible.

Seruel: Then please focus your efforts on that pursuit, Scathacha.

Seruel: In accordance with the request of parliament, I'll lead our forces to protect the island from the dragons.

Seruel: Unfortunately, there are limits to how much time we can buy.

Scathacha: Understood. I'll attempt to uncover Medb's whereabouts as soon as possible.

Scathacha: May we be victorious.

Blood of Curse or Blessing?: Scene 2

Scathacha returns from the front lines to visit the wounded in the infirmary. Despite having doubts about her own abilities, when she sees how much her visit lifts the spirits of the soldiers, it strengthens her resolve to stop Medb.

---

Seruel and Heles lead a group of soldiers across Alster Island along the ever-shifting battle lines; Naoise leads another.

Seeing the danger that they are in, (Captain) promises parliament that the crew will assist the island.

Young Soldier: Ooh...

Lyria: You're safe now! We'll take care of you right away!

Young Soldier: I'll be fine... Just take care of my pop's wounds...

Lyria: Don't worry! Everyone is going to get the help they need.

Vyrn: We brought you some water. Go on—wash off those wounds. They sure won't get any better while they're covered in dirt!

Young Soldier: Ah, I'm so sorry... Thank you... I'll be fine... Just take care of the others...

The airship moves from site to site to collect injured people and provide emergency assistance.

(Captain) carries the wounded onto the ship, while Lyria and Vyrn dash about providing first aid.

Lyria: (Captain), we're running out of beds. Could we return to the castle town for now?

Abiding by Lyria's words, (Captain) takes the injured people to the Great Court, which is now operating as medical facility for the public.

Elisheba: (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn! It's a great relief to see you're well.

Lyria: Hello, Elisheba!

Vyrn: Hey, we made a list of everyone's names and how they're hurt!

Elisheba: Well, thank you very much! That will be a great assistance.

Elisheba: Now please allow us to handle the rest. (Captain), I implore you and your crewmates to recuperate here for a while.

Elisheba and other attendants rush to take in the injured.

Lyria: Hm... It doesn't feel right for us to be the only ones with a nice room like this.

Scathacha: What do you mean? You've all just saved the island. Elisheba and the others would feel ashamed to not even give you shelter.

Vyrn: Hey, Scathacha!

Vyrn: Any luck poking around in the dragons' memories?

Scathacha: If I'm being honest, not much. Medb's Curse of Intoxication is a challenge indeed.

Scathacha: She went so far as to manipulate her fellow dragons with these spells... I don't know what could be going though Medb's mind.

Scathacha: That being said, I can draw out their memories given enough time. I hate to ask this, but please look out for the people on the island until then.

Lyria: Yes, Scathacha! We'll do everything we can!

After parting ways with (Captain), Scathacha, in the form of the true dragon, visits the injured in the Great Court.

Young Soldier: Wahoo! It's Deirdre!

Scathacha: Don't move. You'll exacerbate the wounds.

Young Soldier: Gee, getting hurt is the best! When I go back to the village, I'm going to brag to everyone how I met Deirdre.

Scathacha: Is that really worth bragging about?

Young Soldier: I'm from a tiny village out in the middle of nowhere. We'll have fun talking about this; trust me.

Scathacha: I regret that you won't be able to go home soon—that I allowed you to bleed.

Young Soldier: No, Deirdre... It's ridiculous for you to be apologizing.

Scathacha: Where's all your anger for me? I wasn't able to uphold the pact to protect your way of life.

Young Soldier: Uhhh... What's the best way to say this, Deirdre?

Young Soldier: Me, my pop, my grandpop... everyone back home works the fields.

Scathacha: Oh... You're suffering because I tore you away from your family and fields.

Young Soldier: Ah, no, no! That isn't what I mean.

Young Soldier: I mean it's thanks to you that my family and ancestors could live that nice, slow-paced life.

Young Soldier: You've protected this island for forever and a day. That's more than enough for us to be grateful for.

Young Soldier: And you bore the whole brunt of this. It's pathetic that when the island was in danger, we couldn't do anything to save it.

Scathacha: ...!

Young Soldier: But even we non-dragons have a trick or two up our sleeves. A wound or two doesn't mean much when you're fighting for your home!

Scathacha is speechless as she sees the young man smile.

She steps away in order to allow the attendants to treat the young soldier and then gazes at the room filled with injured people.

Scathacha: ...

Elisheba: Deirdre, thank you very much for visiting the injured.

Elisheba: You have surely raised the spirits of each and every one. And boosts to morale do much to help the ill and injured heal.

Scathacha: Help... I only wish that my blood could have been useful to treat them.

Elisheba: Your blood, Deirdre?

Scathacha: Yes. The blood of a true dragon has the power to restore life.

Elisheba: I have heard them—the tales of recipients of dragon blood who acquired great power and became heroes.

Scathacha: Those tales were likely true stories that were passed on though word of mouth.

Scathacha: All the same, the effects of restoration are different for each dragon.

Scathacha: The blood of some can heal wounds and alleviate illness, but the blood of others is too potent and could rob the recipient's life.

Scathacha: Unfortunately, we're in no position to test what effects my own blood might have.

Scathacha: And what a tragedy that is! The mortals, the monsters... the islanders are all suffering...

Elisheba: Deirdre...

Scathacha: I apologize for my moaning. The only thing left for me to do now... is to extract the memories from Medb's kin.

Scathacha: No matter what it takes, I'm tracking down Medb!

Blood of Curse or Blessing?: Scene 3

Naoise and Scathacha race to the island where Medb is discovered to be. Medb boasts that she attacked Alster in a bid to restore the dignity in a true dragon's power, a dignity she believes is lost due to Scathacha's fraternization with mortals. Enraged that simple vanity is the cause of casualties, Scathacha and Naoise do battle with Medb.

---

While they're racing battlefield to battlefield, (Captain), Seruel and the others receive instructions from Scathacha to assemble.

Scathacha: Thanks for your patience. I've finally uncovered Medb's location.

Lyria: Wow, you're amazing, Scathacha!

Heles: Excellent work, Scathacha. Where, then, is she?

Scathacha: On the Isle of Dragonhold, a tiny island shrouded in thick clouds.

Naoise: The Isle of Dragonhold. I've heard of that before. It's a ways out from Alster Island.

Vyrn: That's it then! Let's go board up and stop Medb in her tracks!

(Captain) begins to agree with the eager Vyrn, but Scathacha interjects.

Scathacha: (Captain) and everyone else, I'd like you to keep rescuing the injured.

Scathacha: The dragons are sure to attack the mortals while I'm heading to Medb. A lingering rescue force will be essential.

Vyrn: Oh... Oh yeah. That's right.

Seruel: When we consider the need to defend the island, it wouldn't do for us to leave either.

Heles: Only a very limited number of people are qualified to lead soldiers after all.

Scathacha: That's exactly right. I'll therefore head in Medb's direction alone.

Lyria: What! No, you can't! That would be dangerous.

Scathacha: Even if mortals were to accompany me, they couldn't fight in a battle of true dragons.

Scathacha: And besides... it would be preferable to resolve things as peacefully as possible. There's no need for a mob to stir Medb up.

Scathacha: Leave Medb to me. I'll put an end to her frenzy no matter what.

Lyria: Uh, but...

Naoise: Scathacha, I'm going to accompany you.

Scathacha: Weren't you listening to me? There aren't enough people who can lead the soldiers. Stay here on the island.

Naoise: Fewer and fewer soldiers are able to take part in battle. It will probably be necessary to consolidate our units.

Naoise: Isn't that right, Seruel?

Seruel: Yes. We're struggling to heal all of those who have been injured. A reorganization is probably our most realistic option.

Scathacha: But...

Naoise: I have experience battling true dragons. You know better than anyone that I won't hinder you.

Naoise: The battle we fought back then threatened Alster Island's very existence.

Naoise: Now that the island is facing ruin again, I'm going to make up for the foolhardy deeds of my past.

Scathacha: What foolishness, and now of all times!

Naoise: I thought you'd learned what a fool I was long ago.

Scathacha and Naoise stare each other down, neither willing to back down.

Elisheba: You have spoken well, Naoise. No less is to be expected from the child of Sir Uisneach and me.

Naoise: Mother...

Elisheba: Scathacha, I humbly request that you find it in your heart to take Naoise with you.

Elisheba: Focus and resilience are that child's saving graces. Surely he will prove useful as your shield.

Scathacha: Elisheba, this may well become a battle of true dragon against true dragon.

Scathacha: And if it does, I cannot promise your son will return alive.

Elisheba: That much I understand. But only by venturing life itself can he clear his tainted name.

Elisheba: I swore to abstain from meeting him until he truly repented for the crimes that destroyed his homeland.

Elisheba: In consideration of his mother, who was foolish enough to break her vow, please allow Naoise the opportunity to make amends.

Elisheba bows her head and pleads to Scathacha.

Scathacha: Insistency seems to span the generations.

Elisheba: Haha. The late Queen Mugain would often remark on my adamancy.

Scathacha: Naoise!

Naoise: Yes!

Scathacha: You can accompany me. Follow behind.

Naoise: My thanks, Scathacha.

Naoise and Scathacha head in the direction of Medb.

Seruel: Naoise, Scathacha. Please do take care.

Heles: I await your safe return. May the light of fortune shine upon you.

Scathacha: Yes. This is only a brief parting. Soon we'll meet again.

Lyria: Goodbye, Scathacha and Naoise!

Naoise: Please take care of Alster Island while we're away!

(Captain) and the others wave goodbye as Naoise mounts Scathacha and the two depart for the Isle of Dragonhold.

Scathacha: Who thought I'd ever have a mortal on my back.

Naoise: If I were able to pilot a skyskimmer, I would've traveled in one.

Scathacha: Humph, I expect some form of repayment for this. Hold on tight.

Scathacha: It's coming into view.

Naoise: Spherical clouds... And deep within them, the Isle of Dragonhold...

Scathacha: I've heard that the clouds surrounding the island carry an electrical charge. We have to cut through them though. Don't get knocked off!

Naoise: All right, understood!

With Naoise on her back, Scathacha furtively passes through the billowing clouds that seem pregnant with storms.

Naoise: ...!

Scathacha: Aagh!

Beaten down by the gusts, Scathacha alights on the tiny island. Here the air is calm.

Scathacha: Phew, at least we've arrived. Naoise, off my back.

Naoise: Ah, sorry. Right away.

Scathacha: My own true dragon form is perhaps too coercive. This calls for the humility of my mortal form.

Scathacha: Well, this island is tiny, but there's no shortage of hiding places. Time to hunt down Medb.

???: There's no need.

Naoise: ...!

Scathacha: It's been a long while, Medb. How many centuries have passed since our last encounter?

Medb: Who knows. I don't remember—why would I?

Medb: Your head is held high, male mortal. Who do you take me for? Kneel.

Naoise: My apologies. I am the knight Naoise of Alster Island, honored to make your acquaintance.

Medb: Humph, well. Who cares? This is meaningless.

Medb: So, Deirdre, don't you have something to say to me?

Scathacha: I do, and I will get directly to the point. Why have you brought harm upon Alster Island?

Scathacha: Have I done something to anger you? If I have, please allow me to apologize and make amends if necessary. But please instruct your kin to—

Medb: Sigh... Deirdre...

Medb: There was a speck in my eye, and I removed it. Nothing more.

Scathacha: What!

Medb: You're a slow one, aren't you? I suppose that's only to be expected from a lackey of mortals.

Naoise: What utter disrespect! Please take that back!

Medb: You're a nuisance, you see. There was Druj, who became little more than the mortals. There was Fafnir, who was vanquished by mortals.

Medb: And now there is Deirdre, who bows down to the mortals. Any true dragon should be embarrassed to have those weaklings condescend to them.

Scathacha: It seems like our opinions differ.

Medb: I don't care how much the mortals insult you three. But lamentably I'm a true dragon myself.

Medb: And if your status falls, then my status falls as well. It's a terrible thing to experience.

Medb: So, you see, that's why I had to show those dim-witted mortals...

Medb: Show them my greatness, my dignity, and my brilliance.

Scathacha: Are you serious? So the attacks on Alster Island were meant as a display of your power?

Medb: You know how mortals have a way of forgetting when they go too long without hearing screams. It's too annoying to let them live.

Scathacha: What pride! The hearts of true dragons and the hearts of mortals are one and the same.

Scathacha: Don't think that you can get away with walking all over others for the sake of your reputation.

Medb: Hm... You certainly seem to be enamored of that island. But it's an island like any other.

Medb: There's nothing special about the mortals who live on it. They might have a beauty of their own, but it's nothing that doesn't appear a few times each century.

Medb: Only someone as naive as you would cling to any of them, Deirdre.

Scathacha: The island's not like the others! No, there's not a single one like it.

Scathacha: Every living creature on that island is unique! They're all worthy of respect—every last one.

Scathacha: And you'd destroy that, you—

Medb: ...

Scathacha: Oof!

Medb: You nuisance.

Naoise: Scathacha!

Naoise: (I didn't even see her move!)

Medb: You don't understand a thing. The one worthy of respect is me.

Medb: It's the fault of the other true dragons for being so pathetic—for being so impudent as to consider themselves my kin. They forced my hand.

Medb: They failed to show me the proper respect, and they caused me endless problems. Are you truly that dim-witted?

Medb: You're an eyesore. Now be a good girl and die.

Scathacha: Humph! Medb, true dragon of hubris!

Scathacha: You're no less of any eyesore to me. Attack me, and you'll soon be writhing on the ground.

Scathacha: Naoise, I need your power! We're about to slay Medb for the sake of Alster Island!

Naoise: Yes, ma'am!

Blood of Curse or Blessing?: Scene 4

The battle with Medb is fierce—Naoise suffers a fatal wound in order to give Scathacha an opening to repulse Medb. Scathacha uses her blood to save Naoise's life, but it may drive Naoise mad as a side effect. If that were to ever happen, Scathacha promises Naoise that she will be the one to kill him.

---

Scathacha and Naoise battle furiously against Medb.

Medb: Enough, you wretches!

Naoise: ...!

Naoise dares to intercept one of Medb's attacks, the force of which rips through his armor.

Scathacha: ...!
Naoise!

Naoise: Aaaaaagh!

As Medb pierces his flesh, Naoise grabs onto her with his bloodstained hands and refuses to let go.

Medb: Wha—

Naoise: Sca... tha... cha... Now!

Medb: Die already! Get your filthy hands off me!

Scathacha: Meeeedb!

Medb: Aaaaaagh!

Medb: My... You hurt my face!

Scathacha: Oooooh!

Medb: Ack!

Medb flicks off Naoise during Scathacha's attack, then puts pressure on her face and steps back.

Medb: Aaaah! My... My beautiful face... I have to heal this right away!

Medb: ...

Medb glares fiercely at Scathacha but— preoccupied with the wound to her face—spreads her wings and begins to flee.

Scathacha: Medb! If you try to exact vengeance on me and my islanders, you'll have bigger problems than a wound on your face!

After shooting a look at the enraged Scathacha, Medb disappears into the clouds that cover the Isle of Dragonhold.

Scathacha: Naoise!

Naoise: Cough...

Scathacha: Naoise!

After just an instant of putting pressure on Naoise's wounds, Scathacha's hands are covered with blood.

Naoise: Ack... Sca... tha... cha...

Scathacha: No more talking! With my power, that wound—

Scathacha: (No! It would be more efficient to let my life force flow than to use magic.)

Scathacha: I am the True Dragon Scathacha! That wound... that tiny wound...

Naoise: Cough...

Scathacha: Naoise!

Naoise—covered in blood and growing pale—rests his hand on Scathacha's.

Scathacha: Naoise?

Naoise: Sorry... Looks like... I'm leaving you... sooner than I thought...

Naoise: ...

Scathacha: No, Naoise! No, don't close your eyes! Look at me!

Scathacha: Naoise!

As Scathacha's cries of agony reverberate across the tiny island, Naoise shuts his eyes.

Naoise: ...

Naoise: Sca... thacha...

Seruel: Naoise!

Naoise: Seruel? What are you doing here?

Naoise: I...

Seruel: Naoise! You're always... You're always making me worry in some way or another...

Heles: Naoise! This is the Great Court of Alster Island.

Heles: You were brought back here by Scathacha.

Naoise: By Scathacha...

Seruel: You were drenched in blood at first, but Scathacha's treatment was able to seal your wounds.

Seruel: Nonetheless, you slept for days, and it seemed that your rest might be eternal...

Heles: Seruel was practically inseparable from you, which presented us with no end of difficulties.

Heles: Allow me to call in Elisheba, (Captain), and the others. You are in charge for now, Seruel.

Seruel: Yes, Sister...

Naoise: ...

Vyrn: Phew! It's real good seein' you with your eyes open again.

Naoise: I heard that you all took turns caring for me. Sorry for causing you so much trouble.

Lyria: You didn't cause us any trouble at all. We were reeeally worried about you though. Right, Elisheba?

Elisheba: Haha! I know my child's strength more than anyone. No, no, I was without the slightest worry.

Vyrn: Huh, what're you talking about? We couldn't get a wink of sleep because you made us—

Elisheba: See, Vyrn! These apples have been peeled and carved into the shape of rabbits. Here you go—open wide!

Vyrn: Yahoo, apples! Mmmmph!

Naoise: Seruel and Heles, what happened to the dragons who attacked the island?

Heles: They suddenly ceased their attacks and retreated shortly before you and Scathacha returned.

Seruel: Since you all returned, the monsters have shown no signs of violence.

Naoise: Oh, I see. That's wonderful to hear.

Heles: For a while longer we plan to continue patrolling with volunteer soldiers, but in the near future we will permit the evacuees to return home.

Heles: It would be false to say that there was no damage. But soon we will return to normalcy.

Seruel: This is the fruit of your and Scathacha's dauntless efforts, Naoise.

Seruel: We're truly grateful.

Naoise: Such kind words are wasted on me.

The party members leave the room to allow Naoise some rest.

After seeing them off, Naoise quietly leaves the room and heads for the roof of the Great Court.

Scathacha: ...

Naoise: So this is where you were, Scathacha.

Scathacha: ...

Naoise: Scathacha?

Scathacha: How are you feeling? Are you well? How is the pain?

Naoise: Well, I'm better. But even then... I feel so good that I can't believe that I was seriously injured and unconscious for days.

Naoise: I imagine this is the result of your powers. Thank you.

Scathacha: Don't thank me.

Naoise: Scathacha?

Scathacha: Don't...

Scathacha: ...

Scathacha: When you were on the verge of death, I shared my blood with you.

Scathacha: This is the second time you've received my blood—though the first time it was merely splattered on you.

Naoise: That power of yours that was stored in my body... I thought that we used it all after we created your new vessel.

Scathacha: You're dreadfully incompatible with my magic.

Scathacha: And because of that, the magical powers from my blood were inert—you couldn't take them in. Not the first time.

Scathacha: The second time, though, I infused the blood into you to restore your life.

Scathacha: I don't know what effects my blood might have.

Scathacha: They say that the blood which flows in some true dragons can make demons of the recipients.

Scathacha: Have I really saved you? Maybe I've only given you a different sort of painful death.

Scathacha: I don't know... I don't...

Scathacha: But at that time... there was nothing else I could do.

Naoise: Scathacha...

Scathacha: ...

Naoise: Thank you.

Scathacha: ...

Naoise: There's no way that I could ever hope to express my thanks for reuniting with Seruel and Heles.

Naoise: I never thought back then that I'd be able to see my homeland once more.

Scathacha: Still though!

Naoise: Even if I end up striking the people down in times to come, that will be a sign of my own weakness.

Naoise: It won't be your fault, Scathacha.

Scathacha: Do you think I'll just accept that statement?

Scathacha: Slay the people! You?

Scathacha: That can't be! That could never be! Not unless my blood made you mad.

Naoise: Scathacha...

Naoise: If you insist on thinking this is your fault, then allow me to make one request.

Scathacha: What?

Naoise: If I ever go mad and stray from the path of righteousness, I want you to strike me down with your own hands.

Naoise: Not Seruel, not Heles, and not (Captain). You, Scathacha. I'm asking you.

Scathacha: ...

Scathacha: You have my word.

Scathacha: If you go astray, I will kill you.

Naoise: That's reassuring. In that case I have nothing to worry about.

Naoise: Isn't that right, Scathacha?

Together with Scathacha, Naoise smiles softly and looks down from the roof at the town.

A calm comes over the two as they gaze out on the landscape they protected. It seems that peace has indeed come.

And though it is fragile and could be lost at any time... there is peace upon the land.