Tidings
While investigating Avalon, Siegfried and Maleagant run into the crew and learn that King Carl has been injured. Nonetheless, Siegfried chooses to continue the investigation for the kingdom's sake. They head to a cave deep in the mountains.
Siegfried: Sigh...
Maleagant: Surely your letter is not so difficult to pen as to warrant such beleaguered sighing.
Siegfried's pen stills at the sound of Maleagant's voice, and he looks up at his travel companion.
Siegfried: Hm? Was I sighing?
Feendrache is in the midst of war against the allied nations of Albanorum and Hibergreif.
As battle continues on the front lines, Siegfried is on a quest to discover the truth of Avalon—the island where Feendrache and its neighbors are situated—which had been lost to time.
To find his answers, he journeys forth from the royal capital, with Maleagant as his companion for the road.
Maleagant: You're only writing a report to send back to the capital, are you not?
Siegfried: Indeed. However...
Siegfried: This report has very little value in itself, I'm afraid. Our investigation has borne no fruit thus far.
Maleagant: That's... true.
Though neither can be said to be an avid conversationalist, the silence that falls over them feels heavier than usual.
But it is given little time to settle in.
Vyrn: Hey, I found 'em! Over here!
Lyria: Siegfried! Maleagaaant!
A short burst of light footsteps accompanies the voices, and not a moment later, Siegfried and Maleagant find themselves with visitors.
Siegfried: Ah, it's you, (Captain). You came much earlier than I expected.
Siegfried: Apologies, but could you wait a moment? I'm not quite done writing my report.
Vyrn: Forget that! Listen, we got an emergency!
(Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn are the messengers between Siegfried and Feendrache's court, tasked with delivering intermittent reports.
But this time, the news they bring is clearly dire.
Vyrn: Something's come up! Ya gotta hear this!
Siegfried: What's the matter?
Lyria: Oh, the king... King Carl's in terrible danger!
Siegfried: What! Has something befallen His Majesty?
(Captain) hurriedly fills Siegfried in on the riots that had occurred in the capital mere days earlier.
Upset Citizen: Yeah! We're not the ones to blame for this war, or for what Feendrache did in the past!
Irate Citizen: The state's to blame! All the rulers sitting pretty up in their ivory tower are the ones doing this!
Sylph: Please... everyone, you can't...
Furious Citizen: We'll show those in power that we've had enough!
Lyria: We haven't been able to figure out why yet, but Sylph and the people in the capital have been acting really strange.
Vyrn: The king managed to use some magic passed down in the royal family to stop Sylph from going berserk, but not before he got hurt himself...
King Carl: Due to their age, many of them only now exist in fragments, or are quite difficult to decipher...
King Carl: However, I discovered that they spoke of a warding spell that can resist the influence of the evil force here.
King Carl: It may only be for a short while, but we might be able to halt its influence, all the same.
Sylph: Sniff... Hngh!
Sylph: Wraaagh!
King Carl: Hrgh!
Siegfried: His Majesty's wounded?
Siegfried: How does he fare? Please, tell me!
Vyrn: Um...
Lyria: He's regained consciousness... but apparently he's not doing too well.
Vyrn: We heard he can't even get outta bed. He's been restin' in his room ever since.
Lyria: Doctors are taking care of him around the clock, and Lancelot's been checking on him lots, at least...
Siegfried: I see...
Siegfried's lips harden into a frown as an austere shadow falls across his face.
Siegfried: Your Majesty...
Vyrn: Hey... D'ya think maybe you should head back for now? To see the king.
Lyria: Yeah! I'm sure he'll perk right up when he sees you!
Siegfried takes a quiet moment to mull over their suggestion, but ultimately shakes his head.
Siegfried: No, I don't think I will.
Siegfried: Even if I returned, seeing as Lancelot and the doctors are already attending His Majesty, I'm afraid I'd be very little help.
Vyrn: Uh, but still...
Lyria: Are you sure you don't want to go back?
Siegfried: I am. Please deliver my report back to the castle, as agreed. I'll be done in a moment.
Realizing his decision is firm, the worried crew quietly stands by. The scratch of Siegfried's writing hangs in the air as he finishes penning his letter.
Siegfried: There. That should do.
Siegfried: Apologies for the trouble, but I ask that you see my message delivered to His Majesty.
Vyrn: 'Course! You got it.
Siegfried: And... please, watch over him and the capital both.
Bidding each other farewell, (Captain) heads back to the capital.
Siegfried: ...
Siegfried and Maleagant once again return to the road, but now, a gloomy pall hangs over the former.
Maleagant: Worried for your king, are you?
Siegfried: That obvious, am I...
Maleagant: Then you should have returned to his side, as the skyfarers suggested.
Maleagant: Despite everything, you are still a knight of the kingdom. Do you not have a duty to your liege when he lays in mortal peril?
Siegfried: I can't deny that...
Siegfried glances at Maleagant for a brief moment before continuing along the road.
Siegfried: But a knight is not only sworn to his king. He serves his country.
Siegfried: Besides, I'm certain that my fretting is unlikely to offer any solace to His Majesty. He'd be beside himself with distress.
Siegfried: So, rather than satisfying my desire to be by his side, I must do what I can for Feendrache.
The words that slip haltingly from Siegfried are doubtlessly directed not at Maleagant, but nevertheless, the Vallant listens attentively as a silent witness.
Siegfried: Still...
Siegfried: If, on the off chance, His Majesty should fall while I cannot be by his side...
Siegfried balls his hand into a tight fist, arm trembling from the tautness of his grip.
Siegfried: Then I would have failed my liege lord not once, but twice.
Maleagant finds himself unable to respond to Siegfried's quiet anguish, the knight's voice steeped in an indelible sorrow.
Trading very few words, they continue along their way in silence when Siegfried comes to a sudden stop.
Siegfried: Hm...
Maleagant: What is it?
Siegfried: Over there. It's well-hidden beneath the undergrowth, but the road forks into another path.
Maleagant: A path, you say?
Maleagant traces Siegfried's line of sight to the side of the road and peers at the bushes.
Maleagant: Ah, you're right.
The narrow path is buried so deeply under foliage that it would have been impossible to spot without careful scrutiny.
Maleagant: It leads deep into the mountains... and it's more of an animal trail than a path for men.
Siegfried: Where do you suppose it leads? Wales is in this direction—perhaps somewhere near its borderlands?
Maleagant: If I recall correctly...
Maleagant scours the corners of his expansive memory, thinking deeply.
Maleagant: No, it couldn't go all the way to Wales. There ought to be another path winding through the mountains with which it merges.
Maleagant: If my memory serves, that path should come to a cave along its way. But it has always been nothing more than a nest for beasts.
Maleagant: At any rate, there is little reason to pursue this path. Other than the cave, there is naught of interest; it is a desolate, abandoned place.
Siegfried: I see. A cave, eh?
Maleagant: Does that interest you?
Siegfried: A bit. Might we travel this way awhile?
Maleagant: Very well. It's not as though we're guaranteed to find anything of note even if we follow the highway.
Thus the two work their way deep into the mountain brush, following the trail.
Siegfried: It doesn't seem like anyone's taken this path in a long time.
Maleagant: I'd be surprised if even voles still used it.
Pushing through the tangle of undergrowth, they steadily make their way deeper into the mountains.
Following the path for what seems an eternity, their climb finally comes to an end.
Maleagant: We've found it...
Opening into the earth before them is a rather unremarkable hole; more a small, unobtrusive affair than a grand chasm.
Siegfried: There really was a cave here. Your memory is quite formidable.
Maleagant: ...
Perhaps. But the monsters I recalled have not come out to greet us.
Siegfried: Indeed. I didn't sense anything dangerous as we climbed the mountain either, but...
Siegfried: ...
Siegfried peers intently into the inky cavern. For reasons inexplicable, the hairs on the back of his neck are raised in trepidation.
Maleagant: ...
Do you still wish to enter?
Siegfried: Yes. Let us go at once.
And so, setting aside their apprehensions, the pair step into the darkness of the cave.
Hope
Inside the cave, Siegfried brandishes a dagger gifted by King Josef to fend off a pack of violent rabbits. Weakened by his curse, he falls into a nearby spring. Meanwhile in the capital, a report from Siegfried reaches the bedridden King Carl.
Having entered the cave, Siegfried and Maleagant find the passage so narrow, it is nearly impossible to walk alongside each other.
As they make their way deeper into the cave, they find the ceiling steadily rising higher and higher, until it eventually opens to the sky. Shafts of light pierce the murky gloom.
Maleagant: What great luck that a fire is unnecessary in this darkness... but it certainly is a tight fit.
They have yet to sense any monsters waiting in the dim confines of the cave.
But Siegfried takes the vanguard as is his wont, despite the unsettling prickling in his skin.
Siegfried: This tight space makes it difficult to swing a sword...
Muttering to himself, Siegfried draws a dagger from his belongings.
The dagger glitters dully in the darkness, reflecting what little light shines down from above. Maleagant peers at it through the gloom.
Maleagant: That dagger... I've seen you use it on occasion.
Siegfried: This... was a gift from His Majesty, King Josef.
Maleagant: Ah, I see.
Maleagant nods in understanding at Siegfried's brief explanation.
Though the dagger is hardly ornate, its exemplary craftsmanship exudes an air of dignity. It is otherwise not a weapon well-suited to Siegfried.
But as the weapon had been bequeathed to him by Josef, Siegfried's habit of keeping it close at hand is of little surprise to Maleagant.
Siegfried: When His Majesty was still of sound body, I'd been injured in combat with forces from another country, and—
Siegfried: Hm?
The narrow confines eventually give way to a slightly wider cavern and, with it, the sound of water.
Maleagant: A spring, here? It appears to lead somewhere.
Maleagant takes a step forward to examine the spring.
Siegfried: Watch out!
Siegfried grabs Maleagant's shoulders and shoves him.
Maleagant: ...!
Something slices through the space where Maleagant had been, tearing through Siegfried's sleeve.
Maleagant: What was that!
Maleagant: A rabbit?
Siegfried: It appears we're surrounded.
Maleagant: Why are there so many rabbits here? Do they nest in this cave?
Siegfried: Wait... These are no ordinary rabbits.
The shredded remnants of Siegfried's sleeve sway as he swings his dagger up into a battle-ready stance.
Killer Rabbit: ...!
The rabbits' maws open wide to reveal rows of sharp fangs, their glint reminiscent of knives.
A tense moment passes as the combatants size each other up.
Siegfried: ...!
Hraaagh!
Dagger clasped tightly in his hand, Siegfried swings back at the leaping rabbit.
But his effort avails him naught with so many enemies. Rabbits rush him from every direction, taking the place of any cut down.
Siegfried: Hngh!
Nor can he draw on his full strength in the cramped confines, the curse still gnawing through his deteriorating body.
Siegfried: Ghk! Hrng!
Eyes failing in the darkness, Siegfried counters the barrage through instinct alone. But between the rabbits' numbers and their small statures, he finds himself hard-pressed to parry them all.
Having the advantage of size, the rabbits freely dash about the cave, their speed keeping him from tracking their movements.
Siegfried: Urgh!
Maleagant: Back down, Dragonslayer! I need no protection. Get behind me; you can't be straining yourself!
Siegfried: But I—
Siegfried: Gah!
Maleagant: ...!
Dragonslayer!
Siegfried: Ghk... Cough!
Siegfried struggles to swim toward the surface of the spring.
Siegfried: Ghlp!
But the water weighs heavy on him and his legs fail to kick, as though entangled in something deep.
Then, through the dim murkiness of the water, he catches sight of Josef's dagger sinking into the black depths.
Siegfried: (No! Wait!)
Overcome with desperation, Siegfried reaches for it with all his strength. But before his fingers can make contact, his consciousness is enveloped by the spring's dark embrace.
Meanwhile, in the capital.
King Carl: Hm...
Lying in the makeshift sickbed on the floor of his chambers, King Carl sifts through the newly arrived report.
King Carl: It seems they haven't found any new leads.
Lancelot: That's a shame...
Having personally delivered the report from (Captain), Lancelot can only nod.
King Carl: Oh? There's one more page.
King Carl: Hm? Why, this is...
Reading through the letter, King Carl's eyes gradually widen until he finally lets slip a small chuckle.
King Carl: Haha...
Lancelot: What is it, Your Majesty? Was something amusing in the additional report?
King Carl: Ah, this isn't another report or anything of the sort. It's more of... a letter.
Lancelot: A letter? From Siegfried?
King Carl hands the letter to Lancelot, whose eyes are wide with surprise.
King Carl: You ought to read it as well, Lancelot.
Lancelot: Are you certain, Your Majesty?
King Carl: I am. Please, do read it.
Lancelot: Then, by your leave...
Lancelot begins to read with bated breath, a sense of wonderment filling him as he traces the lines.
Lancelot: ...
Siegfried: (Captain) and the crew apprised me of the rioting that consumed the capital.
Siegfried: They told me of Your Majesty's heroic sacrifice to save Sylph. I could not be more proud of the liege lord I am honored to call my king.
Siegfried: But all the same, I am deeply ashamed I cannot be by your side.
Siegfried: I understand this may be impudent of me, knowing that you act with love and resolve for Feendrache...
Siegfried: But I pray you treat yourself with the same love. There is none so dearly irreplaceable as you among the hearts of the people and, indeed, myself.
Siegfried: I believe you will return to good health, and so I swear to carry out my sworn duty.
Lancelot: I see...
A small smile graces Lancelot's lips as he finishes reading.
Lancelot: As you say, this is most certainly a letter.
King Carl: And quite the letter it is, don't you agree?
Bereft of strength and yet unable to move from his bed, King Carl still manages to breathe a quiet chuckle.
King Carl: Siegfried... has changed, hasn't he.
Lancelot: Yes. He really has.
King Carl: You know, I'd never interacted with him directly when he was captain of the Order of the Black Dragons.
King Carl closes his eyes, thoughts drifting back to another time.
King Carl: But even when I saw him from afar, he seemed awfully challenging to approach, much less befriend.
Lancelot: Yes, I thought so as well. Even when I was appointed vice-captain, I felt he was beyond my reach.
King Carl: I can imagine.
Their conversation lapses into silence for a moment as the two muse over bygone days.
Lancelot: I do feel he's been more willing to rely on me of late, and I'm quite glad for this...
Lancelot: But I can't help but think that he'll fall into his old ways when a situation becomes dire.
Lancelot: If a time should come when he truly needs a hand, I'm afraid he'll refuse to seek help. He'll just fight on, alone.
King Carl: Mm-hm. He's quite a difficult person. Or, rather, I suppose "awkward" would be more accurate.
Lancelot: Awkward, you say?
Not expecting to ever hear that word attributed to Siegfried, Lancelot breaks into a quiet laugh.
King Carl: Haha...
Shaking with mirth, King Carl gently closes his eyes.
King Carl: Yes, Siegfried's a changed man. But even knowing that, I must admit I'm still surprised he wrote that letter.
Siegfried's correspondence softly rustles in Lancelot's hands.
King Carl: He... truly does care for me, doesn't he?
Lancelot: Why of course, Your Majesty.
King Carl: Yes...
Lost in thought, King Carl quietens. He blearily looks up at the ceiling, eyes struggling to stay open.
King Carl: There's no questioning Siegfried's loyalty to Feendrache, and I trust him from the bottom of my heart.
King Carl: But there was still a part of me that feared he did not truly serve me; that his heart was still with my brother, Josef.
King Carl: In fact, I was certain of this, Lancelot.
Lancelot: While I cannot speak on his behalf, Your Majesty, I assure you—
But before Lancelot can finish speaking, King Carl shakes his head.
King Carl: Forgive this fool for uttering such nonsense, Lancelot. I'm afraid the pain has addled my good sense.
Lancelot: There's naught to forgive. I am the captain of your knights; you can always rely on me.
Lancelot: Please, be at ease.
A gentle smile accompanying his words, Lancelot bows deeply and takes his leave.
Hope: Scene 2
Siegfried, submerged in the spring, faces a younger version of himself. The alternate Siegfried questions his choices, accusing him of growing weaker by forming bonds. Visions of comrades past and present appear, hurling words of condemnation at Siegfried.
Siegfried: ...?
Siegfried wakens to find himself in a strange, pitch-black space, instead of the pool he had drowned in.
Siegfried: Where am I? It's dark... I'm not even sure I can see my own hands.
He opens and closes his hands directly in front of his face, straining to see through the impenetrable darkness.
Siegfried: I recall falling into the spring...
Siegfried: ...!
Siegfried: ...
Having instinctively shut his eyes to shield them from the blinding light, he slowly opens them.
???: ...
Siegfried: Hm?
???: Hah.
???: Spare me the vacancy, Siegfried.
Siegfried: Who are you?
???: Don't play dumb. Your eyes may be compromised, but your vision hasn't fully faded, has it?
???: As you can see, I am you.
The younger man standing before him is none other than Siegfried himself, before he had become a knight—save for his lips, twisted into a cruel mockery of a smile.
Siegfried: I see. You're what I used to be.
Siegfried?: Hahaha!
Siegfried?: That's right. I am as much "Siegfried" as you. I am you, and you are me.
Siegfried?: I know everything about you, down to your very core. In fact, I can tell exactly what you're thinking this very moment.
Siegfried?: Before you crossed paths with Josef—before you became a knight—you were nothing but a pitiful beast. You scorn me.
Siegfried: What?
Siegfried?: And you believe your life's greatest blessing was meeting Josef, thereby being put on the path to knighthood in Feendrache.
Siegfried: ...
Of course I do. My life had no meaning until the day I met him, and it was only then did I truly begin to live.
Siegfried?: That's the way of it, is it?
A stifled chuckle escapes the man's throat.
Siegfried: I don't see the humor.
Siegfried?: Heh. I merely thought your words awfully rose-tinted and cherry-picked.
Siegfried?: Back then, you took Josef's offer simply because you felt like it, remember?
Siegfried: Heh... Interesting.
Siegfried: All right then. I'll become a knight.
King Josef: Then it's decided. You'll return to the royal capital with me.
Siegfried: Guess I'll be imposing for a while.
Siegfried?: But you regretted your thoughtlessness nigh immediately. And don't tell me you've forgotten how things were even after you were hauled off to the capital and registered in the order's roster...
Hagen: Well, look what the cat dragged in. I thought it reeked of beasts in here, but I guess it was just Siegfried.
Sarcastic Knight: The stench is sure to make our drinks taste awful.
Derisive Knight: Sir Hagen, did you hear? Apparently Siegfried slayed another pack of monsters all on his own.
Sarcastic Knight: He acts alone so he can hog all the glory. If he likes being by himself so much, he shouldn't have joined a knight order.
Derisive Knight: I guess there's no hope for someone not descended from knights or nobles.
Siegfried?: Every last knight screeched and howled like a common jackal, though their bite was no fiercer than a pup's.
Although the man speaks as if he can see clear through the Dragonslayer's heart, Siegfried does not yield to the goading. His gaze is steady as he studies the man.
Siegfried: ...
What are you trying to say?
Siegfried?: Stop feigning innocence, Siegfried. Or are you simply afraid to look the truth in the eye?
Siegfried?: Whatever you may claim to have gained in your insipid, carefree life, it is not an achievement made without sacrifice.
Siegfried: Sacrifice, you say?
Not fully understanding the intent behind the man's sweeping claims, Siegfried probes him, but his questioning is cut short.
Siegfried?: You remember what Josef said, don't you?
King Josef: Surviving through countless harsh circumstances has given you strength, but also left you accustomed to solving issues on your own.
King Josef: That independence is your strength, as well as your weakness.
Siegfried?: He was right in a way.
Siegfried?: But he didn't truly understand.
The man shakes his head dramatically, making a show of his disdain.
Siegfried?: The noble solitude you once held; the wellspring of your might...
Siegfried?: All that was lost when you bent your knee to Josef.
Siegfried: ...
The man continues his monologue as if reciting a long speech, ignoring Siegfried's piercing glare.
Siegfried?: A beast tamed by the hand of man loses the wild-born strength that sets it apart from the rabble.
Siegfried?: And the one who stole your fangs and dulled your claws was none other than your beloved Josef!
Siegfried?: Siegfried... what a pitiful man.
Quietly listening to the man masquerading as his former self, Siegfried finally sighs softly.
Siegfried: You are the one deserving pity. You know nothing.
Siegfried?: Oh?
Siegfried: You say I've become weaker, trading my strength for the bonds I share with others.
Siegfried: I disagree.
Siegfried: The rule of strength is not the only measure by which the world is gauged.
Siegfried: I learned this when I became a knight. Say what you will, but I believe there is great meaning to my life.
In spite of Siegfried's rebuke, the thin smile on the man's lips remain.
Siegfried?: Do you really think that? Can you truly claim to have no regrets?
Siegfried?: Even though that choice led you to drink of the true dragon's blood?
Siegfried: Huff... Huff...
Gunther: Siegfried! I'll fight with you!
Siegfried: No! You focus on finding a way to take the others and escape!
Gunther: But... If I do that, you'll...
Siegfried?: The milksops meant to support you only aided in granting you your grievous wound. Am I wrong?
Siegfried?: Their presence led to the warping of your flesh against your will, and eventually, your body was seared by its curse.
His words are laced with an undercurrent of poison and vitriol, but Siegfried is unable to deny the glimmer of truth buried within the spite.
Nevertheless, he simply shakes his head.
Siegfried: I will not blame others for the circumstances that befell me.
Siegfried: Nothing has ever been the fault of my liege, my comrades, or my friends. Everything that has befallen me came of my own choices.
Siegfried: When I fought Fafnir, and nearly perished...
Siegfried: That too was simply because I lacked the power to secure a better outcome. Everything lays with me.
Siegfried?: Heh... Hahahaha!
The man laughs hysterically, unable to contain his amusement.
Siegfried?: Exactly! You see? That's what I mean, Siegfried! You are a man who stands alone!
Siegfried?: In the end, you thought you would solve everything yourself. That you solely could!
Siegfried?: And even should your efforts be in vain, then you would shoulder the burden of your failure all by yourself.
Siegfried?: You had convinced yourself of this.
Siegfried: ...
Siegfried?: You have nothing you can say. This is who you are. At your core, you have never changed.
Siegfried?: Spin your platitudes about attaining a life purpose or forging bonds.
Siegfried?: Go on, play at being man! Wear his skin! It will not change what you truly are.
Siegfried?: You are a pitiful beast, shamefully half-formed in every degree but your foolishness.
Siegfried?: And lest you're unaware... the people you call friends and comrades have long known your true nature.
Kriemhild: I was afraid, Siegfried.
Siegfried: Kriemhild!
Kriemhild: Your strength... terrified me. Because I knew that, in the end, you didn't need anyone by your side.
Kriemhild: If the mood struck, you might simply choose to abandon everything and leave us all behind.
Kriemhild: Deep down, I knew you would.
Kriemhild: That's why I decided... I needed to distance myself from you. I prayed Gunther would cut himself away from you as well.
Siegfried: ...!
Gunther: I was aware that you saw me—that you saw us all—as pests. Weak, insignificant, powerless pests.
Gunther: You didn't need anyone. Not even me.
Siegfried: No, that's not true!
The fact that these are visions of the dearly departed, and not truly his friends from bygone days, does not escape Siegfried's notice.
But despite this knowledge, their desolate words still find purchase in his heart, and he can't help but deny them.
Siegfried: Gunther!
Gunther: When I left the royal capital, did you miss me? Were you lonely once I was gone?
Gunther: ...
Of course you weren't. You forgot about me not a day later. Why concern yourself with a fool who'd abandoned his duty and country?
Siegfried: No, you're wrong! That's not true at all, Gunther! I... I've never forgotten you!
King Josef: Siegfried... I had personally selected you for knighthood...
Siegfried: Your Majesty!
King Josef: I taught you all I knew, gave you much and more... and, believing in you, made you the captain of the knights who would protect our kingdom.
King Josef: But in the end, protecting me was beyond your power.
Siegfried: ...!
King Josef: You are a strong man, Siegfried. But strength alone holds no value if it avails you naught in your greatest time of need.
Siegfried: Your... Majesty...
These are not the words he knew of the late king—a man Siegfried loved and respected from the bottom of his heart, who served as his guiding star.
And yet, Josef's damning accusation pierces Siegfried to the core.
The pain is one with which he is all too familiar: These words are not Josef's, but his own—ones he has grieved over countless times.
The Three: ...
The three sway and flicker like specters, phantoms come to haunt him from his long-lost past.
Siegfried: ...
Man's Voice: How sad, Siegfried.
Man's Voice: You were made captain of the Order of the Black Dragons, but in the end, you were ill-suited for its demands.
Man's Voice: A failure of a man, seeking a mockery of true strength, running the blood of a dragon through your misshapen body...
Man's Voice: And yet, despite losing the people you dared to keep close, you still can't even die.
Man's Voice: A shame, don't you think? Considering you have already decided you would like to meet them in death.
Man's Voice: It's hard, isn't it, Siegfried... to be consigned to nothing but loss.
Lancelot: Siegfried... Why?
Siegfried: Lancelot?
Lancelot: Why didn't you tell me? No matter how damning the scene had been, I would've helped if you had confided in me.
Lancelot: I trusted you and your words more than my own eyes.
Lancelot: If you had just said you needed me, then I would have done everything in my power to dispel the lies that were cast over you.
Lancelot: But you never said anything. You disappeared, leaving me in the dark!
Clenching his fist, Lancelot fixes his gaze on Siegfried. His eyes are not bright and determined as usual, but filled with a dark despair from earlier days.
Lancelot: Do you have any idea... how overwhelming my pain and anguish were? You don't, and you never will!
Lancelot: Siegfried!
Siegfried: ...!
Lancelot, I...
???: Humph. You reap what you sow.
Siegfried: ...!
A curt voice rings out from behind Siegfried, despite the lack of a palpable presence.
Percival: You hardly ever think to share your thoughts or impressions.
Percival: Did you expect people to understand you, even if you never put your thoughts to words outright?
Percival: Or did you simply think it fine if your feelings were never made known?
Crimson eyes pierce straight through Siegfried, their glare cold and unforgiving.
Percival: Your reticence may be a facet of your personality, but by the same coin, it is nothing more than neglect.
Siegfried: Percival...
Just as he had been unable to deny the sentiments of the other visions, Siegfried finds himself assenting once more.
Lancelot: ...
Percival: ...
Lancelot and Percival had once stood alongside Siegfried as his chosen adjutants.
But no longer are they by his side. Siegfried grits his teeth against their condemnation.
Siegfried: I...
Man's Voice: You told yourself you would resolve everything on your own—that you were the only one who could. You would shoulder every tragedy alone.
Man's Voice: In the end, however, you were nothing more than a craven fool, too scared to ask for help.
Man's Voice: You ran from everything, consumed by the mad notion of self-sacrifice and martyrdom.
Man's Voice: How ludicrous, Siegfried.
Vane: Hey, Siegfried...
Siegfried: Not you too, Vane!
Vane: You're strong, Siegfried. Way stronger than the rest of us.
Vane: I bet it'd be a load off your shoulders if we just let you fight alone, too.
Vane: As long as you're around, there's no problem that can't be solved.
Vane: Haha... Even if I tried to help, I'd just drag you down.
Siegfried: No, Vane... Don't talk like that. You mustn't dismiss yourself or your contributions!
Man's Voice: When you gained these companions, did you enjoy your tepid, half-hearted friendships?
Man's Voice: Or did you enjoy being saddled with burdens? Perhaps you felt having people depend on you awakened you to newfound strength.
Man's Voice: But that, too, was fleeting. Now your body is ravaged by your curse, and no longer can you fight alone.
Man's Voice: Have you learned how it feels to be the mewling kitten that needs protection? You do, and that is why you seek their help.
Man's Voice: But this sentiment is merely superficial.
Man's Voice: Should your power return to you, you would leave them all behind once more, and fight alone.
Man's Voice: I know you would, Siegfried.
The man's mocking words echo through the darkness, yet Siegfried can do nothing but clench his fists ever tighter.
Hope: Scene 3
As Siegfried struggles against the physical and mental attacks of his younger self, his former comrade Gunther arrives to save him. This helps Siegfried realize the importance of friends. Subsequently, Lancelot, Percival, Vane, and finally (Captain) join the fight.
Siegfried: ...
The surrounding landscape blurs once more, shifting back to the first vision drawn by Siegfried's look-alike.
Spread before him is the grassy field he beheld when he first met Josef.
Siegfried?: What's the matter? Nothing to say this time?
Siegfried: ...
I suppose I do.
Reflecting on the series of accusations that had been paraded before him, Siegfried finds himself shaking his head in disdain.
Siegfried: Some things, I wish I could close my eyes and forget. Or, if I could go back and change everything...
Siegfried: But all of these experiences were necessary for me.
Siegfried: I must believe they were.
The man sneers at Siegfried's words, spoken as though the latter were half trying to convince himself.
Siegfried?: Then let us test your conviction.
Siegfried: What?
Siegfried?: None of your experiences mattered if they failed to make you stronger. But enough talk.
The man draws his greatsword, brandishing it at Siegfried.
Siegfried?: Spout your idyllic nonsense all you will. See how they avail you when you're cut down, Siegfried!
Siegfried: Ghk!
Siegfried?: You poor, cursed beast! You blunted your fangs to pose as man and yet, you still could not become one!
Siegfried?: I have heard your convictions and all you claim to have needed, and I renounce them all!
The greatsword arcs through the air with an impossible swiftness, its crushing blow aimed straight for Siegfried.
Siegfried: Ghrk!
Siegfried?: Hahaha! What's the matter, Siegfried?
Siegfried?: You needn't hold back, considering you are your own enemy!
Siegfried?: I am you. The strength you once had, but lost.
Siegfried?: But you're hardly a match for me, given how worm-eaten your enervated might is!
Siegfried: Gwaagh!
Gunther: ...
Siegfried: ...!
Gunther!
Gunther pulls Siegfried to his feet, lending him his shoulder as he wordlessly fixes his gaze on the latter.
Siegfried: Ah... This brings me back, Gunther.
Siegfried: I've lost count of how many times you've helped me—you were always so supportive.
Gunther's expression softens at Siegfried's heartfelt words.
Gunther: Come on now, Siegfried... I was well-aware of your shortcomings too, you know.
Gunther claps a friendly hand on Siegfried's shoulder and stands at his side.
Gunther: Sure, you were rough, but I already knew you were socially inept on a certain level when I extended my friendship.
Siegfried: No... I shouldn't have taken advantage of your kindness.
Siegfried: I thought I had to be stronger than everyone else.
Siegfried: I became fixated and failed to help others come into their own strength.
Siegfried: I never realized that mindset would cause so much discomfort and anxiety in the people around me.
Siegfried glances at Gunther's profile as he readies his own sword.
Siegfried: Even now, I... still don't know how to apologize to you all. But still...
Siegfried takes a deep breath to center himself, deciding to lay bare his inner thoughts.
Siegfried: I have always needed all of you, heart and soul.
Siegfried: You taught me how to laugh and enjoy the company of others. How to connect with the disgruntled knights under my command.
Siegfried: Though I was the captain of the order, you were always the shining paragon of a leader to me.
Gunther: Man... you were awful at following my lead, then.
Gunther's tone is exasperated, but gentle and lined with good humor. For Siegfried, it is so comforting that it hurts.
Siegfried: ...
You're not wrong.
Siegfried manages a quiet laugh. A crushing pain weighs heavy on his chest, but a soothing warmth courses through him in equal measure.
Siegfried: I was as ignorant as a newborn babe. I learned how wonderful it is to spend time with others from you and the others.
Siegfried: I truly owe this all to you.
He swallows back the rest of his words—the truth that he didn't want to lose his friend.
Gunther: Ugh, geez! Okay, okay!
Gunther laughs, keeping his eyes trained on the enemy.
Gunther: We should have talked more, you and I.
Gunther: I mean, sure, we shared drinks and shot the breeze plenty of times, but it wasn't nearly enough... and we should've had more honest, earnest talks too...
Gunther: But it's far too late for regrets. I guess it's not all bad, though.
Gunther: At least now, I'll always be here to give you the push on the back you need.
Siegfried: ...!
Siegfried rushes his opponent, urged on by Gunther's words and the hand on his shoulder.
Siegfried: Hroooah!
Siegfried?: Oof...
Siegfried?: It'd be a shame if this ended so easily.
Siegfried?: How about this, then!
Siegfried: Huff... Ghk!
The series of unrelenting strikes quickly disorients Siegfried.
Siegfried?: What's wrong? You can't win if you stay on the defensive!
Lancelot: We'll see about that!
Percival: You'd be remiss to discount us.
The flurry of attacks is cut short by two figures—one blue and the other red—stepping between Siegfried and the man.
Siegfried: You two!
Percival: So, what's the plan? Don't tell me you still intend to fight alone.
Siegfried narrows his eyes at the heated question.
Siegfried: You're right. Back then, I didn't understand that fighting meant entrusting yourself to others.
Siegfried: But you all taught me that.
Siegfried: And I don't believe I was the only one who changed. We learned how difficult it was to trust in one another, but at the same time, how wonderful it was to do so.
Siegfried: That's why...
Percival: Heh...
A spark appears in Percival's eyes like a flickering flame, and a wry smile comes to his lips.
Percival: Not a bad speech for a man of few words.
Percival glances to Lancelot at his side expectantly.
Lancelot: ...
Haha!
Lancelot laughs under Percival's and Siegfried's gazes, breaking the tension.
Lancelot: I've been waiting for so long for you to say that, Siegfried.
Lancelot: I've long since grown from being the vice-captain who trailed after you in your shadow, who did nothing but admire you day in and day out.
Siegfried: Yes... I've known that for a long time as well.
Percival: Now, you can stay back and hide in our shadows.
Percival: Let's go, Lancelot!
Lancelot: Got it!
Siegfried?: ...
Siegfried?: Are you happy with this, Siegfried?
Siegfried?: Is this really how you want to fight your battles?
Siegfried?: Tell me!
Siegfried: Gwah!
The man swings at Siegfried with a heretofore unseen level of viciousness. Siegfried locks into a defensive stance, preparing to take it head-on.
Vane: Rroooah!
Just before the man's strike lands, broad shoulders come into view, protecting Siegfried from the blow.
Siegfried: Vane!
Siegfried: I knew you would come to save me again.
Vane: Siegfried... I really do look up to you so much.
Siegfried: I know... But I also know that every time you tell me that, you're hiding your frustration at your own shortcomings.
Siegfried: I understand how you feel now.
Vane: ...
Siegfried: But listen, Vane... That day, when I lost my vision to the curse...
Siegfried: I didn't know how to tell you this, but when you stood there by my side, your voice and presence brought me comfort like nothing else.
Vane whips around to look at Siegfried, then flashes him a smile.
Vane: Yeah. Thanks for telling me, Siegfried.
Vane: If that's how you feel, then I swear no bad guy'll keep me down. I'll always come to save you—I promise.
Vane: And you'll help too, right, (Captain)?
Siegfried: (Captain)?
Prompted by Vane's words, Siegfried turns to follow his gaze. There, he finds (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria.
Hope: Scene 4
Siegfried initially acts as a decoy, but the crew reproaches his self-sacrificing mentality, encouraging him to work with (Captain) to defeat his younger self. Back in reality, he awakens in Maleagant's care, ready to resume the investigation with newfound determination.
Siegfried: I should've known... you'd all come for me.
The sight of (Captain) brings a smile to Siegfried's lips, and he sighs in relief.
Siegfried: Now that you're here, I know I'm in good hands.
Vane is curiously vanished when Siegfried turns back to his opponent, but his determination does not waver.
Siegfried: Please, lend me your strength.
Vyrn: You got it!
Lyria: Of course!
(Captain) rushes to Siegfried's side in solidarity with his entreaty.
Siegfried: Unfortunately, it seems I still can't move as I'd like.
Vyrn: Yikes, that curse is no joke.
Siegfried: Indeed. But more importantly, his focus is on me alone.
Siegfried?: ...
Siegfried turns his gaze to the man, who, shrouded by an unsettling silence, is observing the knight in return.
Siegfried: I will strike at him first and keep him from moving.
Lyria: W-will you be okay doing that?
Siegfried: Heh... There's no need to worry. Even should an arm be severed from my body, I swear he will not touch a hair on your head.
Siegfried: So (Captain)... I want you to take advantage of the opening I give you, and strike him down—
- Not a chance!
Choose: Not a chance!(Captain)'s objection is so fierce that Siegfried nearly jumps in surprise.
Siegfried: What?
Lyria: (Captain)'s right! That's not an option!
Vyrn: Yeah! Yeesh, you're asking for some real bonkers stuff, pal!
Siegfried: But at this point, that's our surest path to victory.
Lyria: Even so... we're not taking it! Right, (Captain)?
(Captain) doesn't hesitate to agree.
Vyrn: Like, we all know you're heckin' strong, Siegfried.
Vyrn: And believe me, we get that you're just trying to protect us...
Siegfried: No, that's not it. I'm asking for this because I trust in you three.
Siegfried: (Captain), I know you'll be able to defeat him if you get an opening.
But with a shake of the head, (Captain) interrupts Siegfried once more.
- What about you?
Choose: What about you?Siegfried: Me?
Lyria: Don't you understand, Siegfried?
Lyria: Just like how you treasure us and all your friends...
Lyria: We treasure you too.
Vyrn: We know you don't wanna see anyone get hurt.
Vyrn: But we don't wanna see you hurt either!
Siegfried: But, I mean...
Siegfried begins to speak, ready to explain that he understood their sentiments.
He knows he understands. But he realizes with a start that his actions painted a different picture.
Unable to continue objecting, his words die on his lips.
Vyrn: We know you're different now. You don't believe you gotta do everything by yourself, like you used to.
Vyrn: But you sure have a long way to go, if you ask me.
Vyrn: Even if we won and got everything dusted 'cause of your sacrifice...
Vyrn: Don't think for a second any of us would be celebratin'!
Lyria: We cherish you, and so do a lot of people.
Lyria: And I think that's proof that, even though you hurt and suffer, you've learned to cherish lots of people too.
Lyria: So...
Lyria and (Captain) look at one another, then turn to Siegfried with smiles.
Lyria: You should face yourself and accept who you are as a person! And learn to love yourself too!
Siegfried: Love myself, huh?
Siegfried: ...
That's a very difficult request.
Vyrn: Welp, it won't get any easier just thinkin' about it!
Lyria: We'll help you!
Vyrn and Lyria smile. Sword drawn, (Captain) takes up a battle stance beside Siegfried.
Siegfried: All right. Let's do this together, then.
The two dash forward, shouting as one.
Siegfried: Hrraaaagh!
Siegfried?: Ugh...
The world is awash in a sea of white. The man is on his knees, defeated by (Captain) and Siegfried's combined attack.
Siegfried?: So your idyllic nonsense brought you strength after all.
Siegfried: If there's anything I'd agree on with you, it's that.
Siegfried: I... want to be strong. For the sake of this country, that gave me a place in the world when I had none.
Siegfried: For the sake of my companions, who believed in me and my strength.
Siegfried: But most of all, for myself and the side of me brave enough to accept that I cherish them in return.
Siegfried: That's why I must be strong. This is my deepest desire.
Siegfried?: ...
Hah.
The man begins to laugh as though he had finally found deliverance, the corners of his lips curling into a casual smile.
Siegfried?: Then that is your cross to bear.
Then, little by little, the shade of his past self fades away.
Siegfried: Yeah... Bear it I will.
Maleagant: Hey... Get... of yours... Dragonslayer!
Siegfried: ...!
Siegfried: Maleagant?
As Siegfried slowly pulls himself up, Maleagant, who had been trying to rouse him, breathes a sigh of relief.
Maleagant: Finally! You came to...
Siegfried: Where are we? What happened to me?
Maleagant: You fell into the spring in the cave. Its waters appeared to flow outside, so you must've been pulled out here by the current.
Siegfried, still soaking wet, looks to his side at the flowing creek.
Siegfried: I drifted here, then.
Siegfried: You came searching for me all the way out here, did you?
Maleagant: It is my role to attend you on this journey, after all.
Maleagant: I cannot rightly declare your death without first confirming you've breathed your last.
Siegfried: That's true.
Siegfried smiles bemusedly at Maleagant's comment when the latter extends his hand, a familiar object nestled in his grip.
Maleagant: Here, take it. It's important to you, right?
Siegfried: ...!
His Majesty's dagger!
Siegfried: I thought it lost to the spring's depths. Did it drift out here with me?
Maleagant: No... To tell the truth, just before you woke, those crazed rabbits came bearing it.
Maleagant: But that reminds me... were you not wounded during the fight? You haven't a scratch on you. Are you already healed?
Siegfried: Hm?
Prompted by Maleagant's observation, Siegfried takes a moment to examine himself, but finds not a single trace of the attack.
Nor did any of the injuries he sustained from the man with his face remain, all of them gone as if nothing had ever happened.
Siegfried: That appears to be the case.
As Siegfried mulls over the strangeness of the situation, Maleagant studies him, deep in thought.
Siegfried: What's the matter?
Maleagant: The Cauldron of Annwn...
The words are unfamiliar to Siegfried. He looks to Maleagant for an explanation, running the words over his tongue.
Siegfried: Annwn? A cauldron?
Maleagant casts his gaze to the skies.
Maleagant: It is a legend from the days of Avalon. Even most among my people do not recall its existence.
Maleagant: It tells of a bewitched cauldron somewhere on this island, when it was still called Avalon.
Maleagant: Said to be a panacea for all ills, there is no wound it cannot heal, nor blight it cannot cure. It was said to even revive the dead.
Siegfried: I see... so the "cauldron" was actually a small spring.
Put off by the severity of Siegfried's tone, Maleagant's shoulders sag as though drained of energy.
Maleagant: Well, that's how it usually goes with stories like that.
Shrugging off the disappointment, Maleagant gives Siegfried another once-over, carefully inspecting him for any remaining injuries.
Maleagant: I knew it. Your eyes have yet to heal.
Siegfried: Yes... So it seems.
Maleagant: I suppose even the legendary cauldron cannot cure wounds given in retribution for a broken oath.
Maleagant rises to his feet, sighing.
Maleagant: At any rate, you'd best do something about those sopping wet clothes. You'll catch your death.
Siegfried: Right. I'll do that.
Siegfried: There, this should do.
Siegfried changes his armor, completing his new ensemble with Josef's dagger. The moment he fastens it, he feels a strange sense of renewed purpose.
Siegfried: Maleagant.
Maleagant: Hm?
Siegfried: You said it was a mere legend...
Siegfried: But I believe that spring truly is a place where a person can be reborn.
Maleagant blinks in confusion, not fully grasping the meaning of the knight's comment, but Siegfried does not elucidate. Instead, he simply offers his companion an easy, gentle smile.
