Part 54: Chapter 31: Part 1- Chorus of the Bells

Chapter 31: Part 1- Chorus of the Bells

Computer, resume recording.

Confirmed.

While we were coming up with ideas as to where to find information on Ayatane, we stopped for a while in Platina. Lyner's been Grathmelding, so I decided to show him some of what I can do.



Really? You can make something like that?
I invented Grathmelding, so I am the only one who knows how to make this item.
If you'd like to learn about it, I'll teach you.
Alright! I'd love to!
I see. Then, I'll go get some materials.
...Natural Ice, Freeze Dry, and a healing item?
You'll see. Let's begin.
......
...It's done!
...Well, Lady Shurelia? May I ask you something...?
Yes, what is it?
I've been thinking... why did you make a rabbit?
Because I like rabbits...
I mean how can you make this from food...?
That's simple...
Through the miracle of mother nature and Grathnode Crystals.
Miracle is a convenient word. People use it whenever they can't find an answer to a question.



Instant death!?
Don't be scared. When you shake it, it makes a cute "Myu" sound.
Isn't it so cute that you kind of don't want to use it?
Since I know that it's a deadly weapon, it doesn't look cute any more...

I don't know quite why but I just love bunnies, what can I say? I had something else to tell Lyner, something more important.



Lady Shurelia? What's going on?
Well Lyner... can I say something selfish?
Sure... I guess.
Well...
......
Well, I...
......
I want to talk to you... like I'm your friend.
Lady Shurelia... how can that be!?
...Lyner... can I tell you how I feel now?
Of course.
...I...
I've been living alone since the end of the Second Era. That's several hundred years...
During the First Era, I had a father figure with me. During the Second Era, I had friends who helped restore the world.
...But during the Third Era... I've been alone this whole time. I didn't have anyone to talk to...
......



...I get it. That's why you kept everything strictly business...
...Yes.
But, I can't stand it anymore. As I traveled with you, I started to feel again...
I'm tired of being alone...
Lady Shurelia... I'll always be with you. Don't worry.
Thank you, but that's not enough. I want to be a little closer to you.
That's why I want to talk to you like we're friends... only when we're alone, of course.
......
I see. I think it'll be awkward to talk to you casually in some situations. But as long as we're along, it should be fine.
But, we should keep it a secret. Just you and me.
Thank you...
......
Well, I'll speak to you casually...
I haven't spoken casually for a long time, so I may mess up. Please don't laugh at me.
Alright. But I thought you are going to talk more casually.
Well... it's difficult to switch right away...

I'm not sure Lyner's totally comfortable with it, though, after we talked for a while.



Why?
Because, you're still my superior!
If Dad finds out, I could even be executed.
I'll tell Leard, so it won't be a problem. Don't worry.
But, I don't think that's the real problem...
...You won't do it for me?
This time... I just can't. I'm sorry.
......
But... if a little more time passes... I'm sure circumstances will change. Please wait until then...
...Circumstances will change? You mean...?
Well in many ways... it's not that I'm thinking that hard, but...
...So you said all that without much thought... but really... in your own weird way... things may change.
I could take naps with you, go out to all kinds of places...
Not as an administrator and Knight of Elemia... but as equals...
...Yeah, you're right. I also hope that day comes soon.
......

We decided to ask Mei Mei if she knew anything about Ayatane's whereabouts. My worst fears were confirmed, sadly.



You're so energetic today.
Yes. I'm full of Symphonic Energy today.
I'm glad! I have something to ask you.
Has Ayatane tried to access any gates recently?
Huh? Ayatane...? Copy that... I'll look it up.
......
I found it! He has accessed the A3 Dividing Wall. And, recently, too...
What!? Where does that connect to?
...The Plasma Bell.
Plasma Bell!? No!
Lady Shurelia...? What's wrong?
...What's going on?



If it's destroyed, the continent will fall.
There were two Plasma Bells...
But, one was destroyed by Mir.
There used to be more land beyond the Tail of Reminiscence.
Skuwat Village, where Aurica used to live, and Falcon's Claw are all that remains of it...
Parts of the shattered continent were attracted to the other Bell.
You mean...
Sure sounds like it...
Let's hurry to the Plasma Bell! We have to get there before it's too late.
Wait a second! I have a favor to ask you, if you're going to the Plasma Bell.
My little sister guards the Plasma Bell...
Her name is Kanade. I need you to give her this pendant.
We were separated right after we were born. We've always worked at different locations, so I haven't seen her since.
I want Kanade to know that I'm still alive...



It was late when we got done with Mei Mei, so we took a break before we headed for the Plasma Bell. Lyner saw something there he really shouldn't have.



Huh, why not?
Because, those are... um...
......
There's a lot of top secret info about the tower... so you can see them either!
(I wonder if that's true...)

He kept asking questions that really shouldn't be asked.



Me and Mei Mei...?
Well, it's just that you said something weird in your sleep, so I got curious...
No, you're wrong! Don't jump to any weird conclusions!
It's just that, um... we have the same taste in books...
What kind of books?
Hey!? That's...
...Top secret information about the tower.

That could have been... awkward. We headed out to the Plasma Bell to stop Ayatane.



I wonder why... Ayatane came to the Plasma Bell...
Isn't it obvious? He wants to destroy it!
But, why would he want to do that?
What are you talking about? We have to defeat Ayatane before he destroys the world!
...Right.

The path to the Plasma Bell is a long trek inside the Tower, and we had to take a break. Lyner had an announcement to make. He thinks he understands Tastiella's question now. I'm not so sure about his plan, but it's the best we have.



Is there a way to save Mir?
What!?
...Lyner?
Did you ever hear yourself!?
I used to think that she was a monster who only wanted to destroy the world.
But I've been to so many places and heard so many stories that I realized something.
Mir isn't trying to destroy the world.
She just has an insanely strong hatred of Humans. So...
Lyner, we're all fighting to save the world.
Yeah, I know.
But... I don't think that defeating your enemies is the only way to solve the problem.
We can defeat every enemy in our way... but that won't really change a thing.
I've fought many enemies who I didn't even know. Falss, Bourd, Ayatane...



If I knew those things, I may have been able to avoid fighting them...
......
I finally figured out the answer to Tastiella's question.
The number one reason why we fight...
I'll answer that question through my actions.
I want to create a world where Mir and Ayatane can live with us.
...And how likely is that?
Huh? I... don't... know... hahaha!
You are too reckless...
Lady Shurelia is right. We can't do this. It's impossible.
No. I'm not going to stop him.
...What?
I said he was reckless, but I believe in him.
Me, too. I want to live in a world where everyone is happy.
Aurica!?
Well, I don't have a choice... I'll stick with you until the end.



In other words, we're all right behind you.
So, you can do whatever you want to. But, just don't get us all killed.
Thanks... you guys.
Now that we know what to do, we have to hurry...
Before Ayatane does something we'll all regret.

I still can't say I think this plan work out in the end, but for some strange reason I believe in Lyner. If there's anyone who can make a plan this crazy work it's him. I just hope we get to the Bell in time, if Ayatane's found a way to get past Kanade, we may be too late...

To be continued...