Scenario:Vira - Where Fate May Lead

Where Fate May Lead

Vira and Katalina visit Albion at Katalina's suggestion, reminiscing about old times as they take in the sights. A mural of Luminiera prompts Katalina to bring up something she's been meaning to tell Vira, but at that moment they are enveloped in a dazzling light.

---

Katalina: Being here sure takes me back. This place hasn't changed at all.

Vira: It certainly hasn't. The days I spent with you here feel like they were just yesterday.

Katalina and Vira stroll the familiar streets of Albion together.

Katalina: Just being able to see the sights with you like this was enough to make it worth stopping by.

Vira: (Thank goodness. I'm glad Katalina seems to be enjoying herself.)

Vira: (I was a little surprised when she made the suggestion though...)

A few days prior, Katalina had made a sudden proposition.

Katalina: What do you say we drop by Albion?

Vira: What? Where is this coming from?

Katalina: Well, you know how we visited your home the other day?

Katalina: That got me thinking about the past, and I thought it might be nice to spend some time reminiscing.

Vira: Ah, so that's what brought this up.

Vira: (I wouldn't have expected this. Our memories of Albion aren't exactly all bright and cheerful...)

Katalina: That's not the only reason though...

Vira: ...?
Did you say something?

Katalina: Oh, no. It's nothing.

Katalina: So... what do you think? If you're too busy, I won't force the issue.

Vira: Of course I'll accompany you. There's nothing that could possibly take precedence over my dear Katalina.

Thus Katalina and Vira make their way to Albion.

In order to avoid encountering anyone they know, they decide to visit in secret.

Katalina: Oh, I remember this restaurant. It's just the same as back then.

Vira: You used to take me here quite often.

Vira: The first time I visited, we sat at the third table from the window and shared a whitefish terrine.

Katalina: Really? I'm impressed you remember that far.

Vira: Naturally. All the memories I shared with you are etched firmly into my mind.

Vira: Would you like me to recite them all as proof?

Katalina: N-no, there's no need for that. I'm not sure I'd be able to tell if they were accurate or not in the first place...

Katalina: Anyway, I'm starting to get hungry. And it's just about time for lunch.

Katalina: Since we're here, why don't we have a meal together like we did back then?

Vira: That's a wonderful idea. However...

Vira: I actually had something else in mind. Could I ask you to indulge me just this once?

Katalina: ...?

Vira: Here you are, Katalina.

Katalina: Thanks.

After relocating to the military academy, the pair enjoy the sandwiches that Vira had brought along.

Katalina: Here we are at the academy, eating sandwiches side by side. Hehe, it's just like old times.

Katalina: You always come prepared—I had no idea you'd even gotten permission from the chancellor for us to visit. I can't seem to stop relying on you.

Vira: Please don't worry about that. I do it because I want to.

Katalina: Still, I appreciate it. To tell you the truth, I was wondering what sort of reason I could give when asking for permission myself.

Katalina: I was a little embarrassed to ask if we could visit just because I wanted to take a trip down memory lane.

Vira: That's so very like you. I assumed that might be the case, so I took the liberty of asking on your behalf.

Katalina: You always see right through me, don't you? It's impressive, to say the least.

Vira: Hehe. Thank you very much.

Vira: But in that sense, you're the same way.

Katalina: Hm? What do you mean?

Vira: Once back when we were students, spending time together just like this, you told me something...

Vira: You said that in the future, I would be surrounded by people. Do you remember?

Katalina: Yes, I do. And it turned out to be true.

Vira: I never dreamed my connection with the crew would last as long as it has.

Katalina: I'll have you know my prediction was right on the mark. It's all because of who you are.

Vira: No, not at all.

Vira: I was only able to forge those relationships because you were there with me.

Vira: You're the most important person in my life, just as you always have been.

Katalina: It's a little embarrassing hearing that to my face, but... thank you, Vira.

Katalina: Well, what do you say we take a walk around campus? We'll end up running into students if we don't wrap up while they're still in class.

After finishing their lunch, Katalina and Vira take a leisurely walk around the school building.

As they talk fondly of days gone by, Katalina comes to a sudden stop.

Katalina: This mural...

Following Katalina's gaze, Vira turns to see a piece of artwork depicting the figure of Luminiera.

Vira: What about it? We used to pass it every day when we were attending the academy.

Katalina: Ah, well... It's just...

Katalina: The land of Albion has long prospered under the benevolent watch of Luminiera...

Katalina: And I was just wondering what she'd think if she could see it in person.

Vira: Who exactly?

Katalina: I knew I'd have to tell you myself at some point. Maybe now is the time.

Vira: Katalina?

Katalina: It's related to your roots as well—

The moment Katalina speaks, the pair are suddenly enveloped in a dazzling light.

Vira feels her consciousness gradually begin to fade, as though it is being drawn in by the radiance.

Where Fate May Lead: Scene 2

In a world of memories, Vira comes face-to-face with Albion—Luminiera's first pact keeper and her own ancestor. Albion challenges Vira to a duel, doubtful that she is capable of protecting Katalina—Ares's descendent—but Vira's unwavering feelings change her mind.

---

Vira: ...

Vira: Is this... the arena? How did I get here?

Vira: When that mysterious light appeared, I felt my consciousness slipping away...

Vira: ...!
Where's Katalina!

Vira looks around in a panic, frowning as she realizes there isn't a single sign of life anywhere.

Vira: Strange... I never had many opportunities to come here, but it seems abnormally quiet...

Woman's Voice: That's because this is a world of memories.

Hearing a voice behind her, Vira spins around to see a woman standing there.

???: Don't worry. I'm not going to attack you without warning.

Vira: Who are you? You... look a lot like me...

???: It would be more accurate to say that you look like me.

Albion: My name is Albion.

Vira: Albion? That's the same name as this island...

Vira: Wait! Then you must be—

Albion: You're quite perceptive.

Vira: You're Luminiera's first pact keeper. The one who colonized this island...

Vira: But I couldn't possibly have any memories of you, not even of your appearance.

Vira: However, earlier you said this is a world of memories. Does that mean they belong to Luminiera?

Albion: That may be partly true. But the majority are those of Katalina and another...

Vira: Katalina! Please tell me—is she all right?

Albion: Yes, she's merely sleeping.

Vira clutches her chest with relief upon learning that Katalina is safe.

Vira: But why are we here in this place? Do you know?

Albion: As I'm nothing but a memory myself, I'm afraid I can't say for sure, but...

Albion: Actually, considering your capacity for insight, this would probably be easier if you knew the truth.

Albion: Could I ask you to close your eyes?

Vira: ...?

Though not without her reservations, Vira shuts her eyes as instructed.

The instant Albion reaches out to touch her forehead, a rush of memories come flooding into her mind.

The memories are those of the innermost teachings experienced by Katalina.

A woman named Ares who resembles Katalina... She speaks of Albion as her most faithful knight to whom she entrusted everything.

The way Albion looks at Ares... Vira's chest tightens as she realizes it's a different emotion from respect.

For a moment she is hit by a pang of sympathy, but then an even more shocking revelation shakes her to her very core.

Ares tells Katalina that she is "the child that met all her expectations."

She then goes on to explain about Albion... Although her words are not clear, Vira nevertheless understands their meaning.

Eventually the memories come to an end, and Vira slowly opens her eyes.

Vira: ...

Albion: You've proven yourself to be surprisingly perceptive. I'm sure you've already grasped a great deal.

Vira: The reason the two of us look so similar is because I'm your descendent... Is that right?

Albion: You seem to be at a loss.

Vira: Yes... I can't deny that.

Vira: But even so, I'm filled with a happiness that transcends words.

Vira: Katalina and I have shared a connection since long ago, haven't we?

Vira: I've never before now thought the word "fate" fit more perfectly.

Albion: I'm glad as well—glad that you happened across Katalina, within whom Ares's blood flows.

Albion: But at the same time... it's frustrating.

Albion: I can't help but think that if only this body had a physical form, I would be able to protect Katalina.

Vira: Are you saying... I'm not fit to protect her myself? That's how it sounds to me.

Albion: I have no doubt your feelings for Katalina are genuine.

Albion: But I'm proud to say that my feelings for Ares are even stronger.

Albion: Ares and I needed each other more than anyone else in the skies. Can you say the same?

Albion: You need Katalina, but does she need you?

Vira: ...!
Well...

Vira: (Thinking back, I'm always being helped by Katalina...)

Vira: (She mentioned that she relies on me as well, but to what extent, I wonder?)

Albion: ...

Albion: Draw your blade, Vira.

Vira: What?

Albion: I want to test your skill.

Albion: I need to know if you are truly worthy to stand beside Katalina, Ares's descendent.

Albion: This must be the reason why I've appeared before you.

Albion: Come, Vira. Show me your conviction.

Vira: Gladly!

Vira unsheathes her blade and closes the distance between herself and Albion in an instant.

Vira: Haaah!

Albion: I commend your swordsmanship. I sense no hesitation from it.

Albion: Now I suppose it's my turn.

Albion: Hyah!

Albion approaches Vira and commences her attack, moving deftly from side to side.

Vira: (I saw this fighting style in those memories! She distracts her opponent with her movements while—)

Albion: It's one thing to understand it, but quite another to contend with it.

Vira: ...!

Vira: Ngh!

Having been slow to react, Vira is blown away by Albion's swift strike.

Albion: I must say, I'm a little disappointed. Considering you've seen my fighting style in action, I expected better from you.

Vira: (I can see how she was Luminiera's first pact keeper. Her words weren't simple bravado...)

Vira: In that case, I'll use all the strength at my command!

Vira: Luminiera! Lend me your power!

Vira calls out to the primal beast, but there is no response.

Vira: Why? Luminiera, what's wrong!

Albion: It's no use. This world belongs to you and I alone. Luminiera cannot hear you.

Vira: ...!

Albion: You're not the type to give up simply because you've lost your trump card, are you?

Refusing to relent for even a moment, Albion resumes her assault.

Vira: Ngh!

Vira manages to deflect all of her blows, but not without great effort.

Vira: Huff... Puff...

Albion: You're certainly not weak. All it took was a few exchanges of blows to see that you have talent.

Albion: But you still don't stand a chance against me. My experience on the battlefield far exceeds your own.

Albion regards Vira with pity before speaking once more.

Albion: Don't you find it... painful?

Vira: What do you mean?

Albion: I'm sure you're already aware of my unspoken feelings for Ares...

Vira: ...

Albion: Isn't it strange? We're both in the same position, suffering from unrequited emotions.

Albion: Do you wish to remain at your loved one's side even if your heart's desire isn't granted, as I did?

Vira: If my desire isn't granted?

Vira: Hehe... What a foolish question.

Albion: How so?

Vira: I used to be completely dead inside. I spent my days wandering an ashen wasteland, unable to find any meaning in my life.

Vira: It was Katalina who brought color to my world.

Vira: I was sure it was fate. Though at the time, it may have been no more than a cliche.

Vira: But after seeing those memories, I've come to realize that my encounter was fate in the truest sense.

Vira: Now that I have such certainty, how could I possibly find it painful? Nothing could give me greater joy.

Albion: I see. It seems I've misjudged you.

Albion: In that case, there's no need for any further discussion. Let's settle this.

Vira: Yes. Let's.

Vira: Haaah!

Vira: We may be descendants of you and Ares, but Katalina is her own person, as am I!

Vira: No matter what obstacles I may face, I wish to spend my every remaining moment at Katalina's side.

Vira: I won't let anyone take that away from me!

The force of Vira's full-on attack knocks Albion's sword out of her hand with ease.

Albion: A magnificent performance. Is this the result of your conviction?

Albion: If you can exhibit such power for the sake of your beloved, it seems my worries are unfounded.

Vira: Why did you ease up? It's clear you had no intention of guarding against my attack.

Albion: I didn't intend to ease up. I merely wished to see your resolve for myself.

Albion: In the end, I'm nothing but a memory. No matter how strong my desire to protect Ares's progeny may be, there's nothing I can do.

Albion: So whatever happens, please stay by her side—the side of the person most precious to you...

As Albion vanishes, Vira's vision fades along with her, until all is pure white.

Where Fate May Lead: Scene 3

After awakening, Vira tells Katalina about her experience. Katalina confesses that she wants Vira to follow her own path, free from fate, but Vira makes it clear that her feelings for Katalina are her sole motivator. Touched, Katalina privately vows to protect Vira's smile.

---

???: ...!
Vira!

Vira: Is that... Katalina?

Katalina: Vira! Are you all right?

Vira: ...!
I'm back?

Katalina: Thank goodness! You're finally awake!

Katalina: What in the skies happened? It looked like you were having some sort of nightmare...

Vira: Well...

Vira: Actually, may I ask you something? Did anything strange happen just now?

Katalina: As a matter of fact, yes... I apparently lost consciousness as well until just a moment ago. I feel perfectly normal though.

Vira: I see. Well, I'm relieved you're all right.

Vira: I've had a rather... interesting experience. Would you mind if I told you about it?

Katalina: Not at all... But tell me, does it have anything to do with that thing in your hand?

Vira: What?

Vira looks down at her right hand to see an axe held tightly in its grasp.

Vira: Certificus...

Vira: (How peculiar... I've never seen this weapon before, and yet somehow I know its name...)

Vira: (Perhaps it's the result of Luminiera's power? But that's not all. This presence I sense is... hers.)

Katalina: Vira?

Vira: Katalina. First allow me to apologize.

Vira: I've witnessed the memories of what you experienced during the innermost teachings.

Katalina: ...!

Katalina: I see. So you must have seen Ares and Albion as well...

Vira: Yes.

Katalina: Then I suppose I have nothing more to hide.

Katalina: The real reason I wanted to visit Albion was to show Ares this place.

Katalina: She no longer retains her soul in her current form, but I wanted to do what I could to repay her.

Katalina: Our visit to your hometown really is part what gave me the idea, but I'm sorry I wasn't completely honest with you.

Vira: There's no need for you to apologize. If anything, I'm grateful.

Vira: Through this experience, I was able to learn that the connection we share was forged long ago—that our meeting was fate...

Vira: Just knowing that is the greatest joy I could possibly imagine.

Katalina: Fate...

Katalina: In all honesty, I'm happy we have this mysterious connection as well.

Katalina: But at the same time... I'm worried. Worried that my existence will be a hindrance to you.

Katalina: After all... your life is your own.

Katalina: It's not determined by any sort of destiny, much less ties from the past.

Katalina: When you find what you truly desire someday, I want you to follow your own path, free from the shackles of fate.

Vira: Katalina...

Vira: I think you're misunderstanding something.

Katalina: Vira?

Vira: The word "fate" merely functions as something of a tailwind for me.

Vira: I'm not bound by it, by any means. I simply act according to my conviction and what I see with my own eyes.

Vira: That hasn't changed since the moment we met. I adore you, Katalina, from the bottom of my heart.

Katalina: ...

Vira: I apologize for prattling on so long. We ought to be returning to the ship.

Vira: And I know you said you feel fine, but since you did lose consciousness, you should probably see a doctor just to be safe.

Katalina: R-right...

Vira: Let's be off, Katalina.

As she watches Vira turn to walk away with a smile, a voice pops into Katalina's mind—

A memory from out of a dream.

Vira's Voice: No matter what obstacles I may face, I wish to spend my every remaining moment at Katalina's side.

Vira's Voice: I won't let anyone take that away from me!

Katalina: ...

Katalina: (Vira never ceases to amaze me.)

Katalina: (She made her choice perfectly clear in response to Ares's and Albion's feelings...)

Katalina: (I can't afford to hesitate or gloss over things any longer either.)

Katalina clenches her fist tightly, as though attempting to grasp something unseen.

Katalina: (I'm not concerned with following in my ancestors' footsteps. I just want to respond to Vira's feelings, like Ares once did for Albion.)

Katalina: (I don't know what I can do. But even so...)

Vira: Hehe. Is something the matter, Katalina?

Katalina: (I'll do whatever it takes to protect the smile of this precious person who said she wanted to be by my side...)

Katalina: No... Nothing at all. Let's go, Vira.

As Katalina feels her heart stirred by Vira's determination, the two set out walking side by side.

What will come of their feelings for each other, only time will tell.