Atelier Sophie 2 Part #23 - A Dream Everlasting

Part 23: A Dream Everlasting

Update 20: A Dream Everlasting

Beginning of the End

At this point, the most comical banging and thud sound effects play as Sophie’s trying to get her stuff together at the very last minute.

I only have a little bit left! Don’t rush me!

Honestly … Were you to tidy up after yourself on a regular basis, this would not be an issue.

And quite the wait it was … That being said, where has the other me run off to?

Ahaha, she told me that I was taking too long, so she went off to say her goodbyes …

My goodness, that child has no patience either.

Yep, I guess some things never change …

Anyway, we’re going to see Kati and Pirka first, right? C’mon, let’s get a move on!

Ah! Sophie, wait for me!

Fast travel has been revoked for the ending, so I have to take the scenic route to the Commercial District so Sophie and Plachta can say their final goodbyes to Kati and Gnome, and then Pirka.

Farewells: Kati and Gnome, Pirka

Welcome Sophie, Miss Mayor.

Not that I hold that title anymore, mind you.

Eh, it’s fine. Once a mayor, always a mayor … or something like that.

They’ve all safely departed Roytale. Everyone sends their thanks and best wishes.

That goes for us too. But, yeah, think of us as the representatives of the Crystal Sparkle Pavilion regulars.

Well that’s good to hear … Was everyone smiling when they left?

Oh, yes. They were all grinning from ear to ear.

I am pleased to hear it. I rather enjoyed my time as their mayor.

The two of you are leaving soon, right?

Yeah … That’s why we’re here. To say goodbye …

Ah, figures … Well, I guess the curtain’s about to close on our roles, then.

Indeed.

Ugh, time to go back to that world, huh. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m downright depressed. This place was a super cozy little hideaway … And I got to shove off most of my work onto Gnome, too.

*Sigh* … You’re going to be in for such a tough time.

Ahaha! You two never change.

Indeed, but that is to be expected of Kati and Gnome.

Oh …

I really did have a great time here. Things got a little rough towards the end, sure, but I wouldn’t trade a second of it.

Quite so. Both the experiences I had here and the feelings they evoked will stay with me forever. Those memories alone are worth their weight in gold.

Indeed … I agree.

Yeah … I’ll never forget any of this. So, let’s be sure to meet again someday …

Yes, we will meet again!

See you around, Sophie, Plachta.

Sophie, are you alright?

Yeah. I’m not gonna cry.

Let’s take in one last look of the completely empty Crystal Sparkle Pavilion before moving on.

So, finally got all your ducks in a row? You’d better, ‘cause it sure took you long enough.

Please direct any and all grievances you may have to Sophie …

Ahahaha …

Well, I can’t take it all with me. I’ve got all the important bits, though. Literally and metaphorically …

Pirka …

I trust that you have already said your farewells to Alette?

Oh, sure. We’re no strangers to that sort of thing, so …

Huh?

Well, I mean … we’re merchants, right? And Alette’s a traveling one, to boot. Parting ways with people we’ve grown close to is just part of the job. We said hello and goodbye to each other every single day, so either of us could leave this world at any time.
that’s a hell of a line, amplified by knowing that since everyone’s going home to their separate time periods, that these goodbyes are almost certainly going to be final. And “Like When We Were Kids” playing really helps accentuate the emotion delivered in this line and for most of the farewells.

If anything, it’s the start of a whole new beginning.

Hmm, you really think so? I don’t know, parting like this still gets me down …

Heheh, the longer you spend on the road, the more you’ll start to get it.

And she is gone.

Yeah … I hope her travels bring her nothing but happiness …

I can’t calm down! I don’t see Plachta or Ramizel anywhere … I wonder if they’ve gone and left already …

I highly doubt they would do that … Ah. Shall we inquire with Elvira? Were anyone to know their whereabouts, it would be her.

Oh, yeah! That’s a great idea! Let’s head over to the Dream Tree!

… Honestly, how many times must I tell her to calm down … Well, I suppose it cannot be helped. Slow down, Sophie! If you rush like that, you will only fall flat on your face!

Farewells: Team Erde Wiege

Oh! Sophie! Plachta!

Alette?! Everyone?!

C’mon, we’re Team Erde Wiege all the way. We gotta say our final goodbyes!

Although … you could have made an effort to get here earlier.

Well, it’s not like we planned to meet like this. It just happened.

Such is the power of the bonds of friendship.

Yeah, but more importantly … Sophie, take a look at that!

The Dream Tree looks so healthy now …!

Um, yeah … It’s kinda embarrassing, really …

There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Ellie. This is great!

I know I’ve commented on their dynamic many times, but damn if Rami doesn’t look like Ellie’s mom in this shot.

This does mean that we can depart from this place without any lingering worries.

Yep, true that.

We can’t leave unless we know for sure that Elvira’s alright, you know.

Everyone … Thank you so much. I’m really glad I created Erde Wiege, because it meant I could meet all of you! So, promise me that you’ll take care of yourselves …

Alright, looks like I’m kicking things off. I’m not a fan of this kind of mushy stuff.

Alette … I had a lot of fun, too! And I don’t know where I’d be if it wasn’t for all your help …

Ehehe … Aw, that’s sweet of you to say.

Still fixin’ to make a whole bunch’a money when ya get back?

Figures … Don’t you go doin’ anythin’ rash, though. On account of ya being kinda clumsy an’ all.

Wh-what’s got you acting so serious all of a sudden …? You’re kind of freaking me out.

Hehe. Olias, you are concerned for Alette’s well-being, aren’t you?

‘Course I am, we’re pals. I wouldn’t get a wink of sleep if anythin’ happened to her.

Hmm, so that’s how it is. Alright, I promise to be careful. So, don’t you worry about me!

Alright. Ya take care, kiddo.

You too, Olias.

Huh, guess I’m the next one up …

Oi, oi. Don’t you go makin’ those faces. Though, I know how troublin’ it must be to part ways with the greatest bodyguard you’ll ever meet.

You sure changed your tune quickly …

Can ya blame me? I don’t gotta worry half as much about you guys. Knowin’ that kid’s safely on her way means I can hit the road, too.

Olias …

Diebold, thanks for havin’ my back.

Why, you’ve stolen the words right out of my mouth. It was an honor to fight by your side.

Farewell forever though this may be for Olias and Diebold, the bromance shall live on in our hearts and theirs.

Hey, I’m the one who should be thanking you! You helped me out quite a lot.

We’ve certainly known each other for a long time … But, you’re going to be alright now, aren’t you?

Indubitably. I shan’t allow myself to be hobbled by regret any longer.

Diebold?!

What are you …

You are splendid alchemists. It was an honor to protect such immensely talented individuals.

No, we have only just begun. I plan on bringing smiles to the faces of countless more people.

Me too! I want to make a whole bunch of people happy!

Heheh, I see. It is the spirit that sets you both apart.

We will …! Thank you very much, Diebold!

Thank you. I wish you safe travels.

Well then, it is my turn next.

Oh … Um, Plachta … I …!

Don’t worry, Sophie. There is no need for you to tell me what happens to my physical form. Besides, I’ve already made up my mind …

What is it?

We are free to choose whether or not we retain our memories of our time here, yes?

W-well … Yes. No one's bothered to ask about it, though …

Plachta, you don’t mean …!

Well, there we have it: it’s not that Doll Plachta didn’t completely recoup her memory from 500 years ago, it’s that her memory of Erde Wiege was erased upon her return to the real world.

What! You can’t be serious! You’re really going to forget any of this happened?!

I will not forget …

The trials that are about to befall me will surely be trying. But, if I can keep my feelings from this place with me, I will not fail. I have faith that I will continue onward without becoming disheartened.

We have to! I can’t even imagine a future where we don’t meet! We’re absolutely fated to meet up later!

Agreed. We shall see each other in the future, Sophie.

Believe me, transcribing this last stretch of Young Plachta’s goodbye was really difficult; there were times I had to pay very close attention to catch the nuances between how Yuka Iguchi voices Doll Plachta and how she voices Young Plachta.

Mm, a fine answer. Then again, I had no doubt that you would reach the correct conclusion.

I hope you will remain well … Please take good care of Sophie.

And the same to you. Please provide Sophie with the utmost support going forward.

Uh, you both know that I can look after myself, right?

You may begin saying such things once you have learned to properly tidy up after yourself.

Well said.

Hah … You really are two peas in a pod …

Heheh. That should go without saying …

Indeed. You could hardly expect us to be different. After all, you are me …

… And I am you …

Well, then. I must say goodbye for now. Let us meet again in the future.

Oh …? Huh …?!

When Ellie said that you are my granddaughter, I just couldn’t wrap my head around it.

Well hey, if Rami could handle Ellie all this time, what kind of brat could she possibly be unable to handle once she becomes an actual mom?

Actually, I hardly feel like I’m cut out for marriage in the first place …

That’s not true at all!

Because you’re amazing, and wonderful, and you’re my favorite …!

You knew this was coming the moment you started following this LP, didn’t you?

I won’t have a single regret, even if I don’t get to finish watching you grow up. How could I? Not when I have a grandchild as adorable and spectacular as you are.

Grand … ma …

Monika, Oskar, and everyone in Kirchen Bell were so nice to me, but whenever I was alone, all I could do was try not to cry …!

I wanted to be just like you, so I tried my hardest to push through, kept my tears inside, and made it this far …!

This is so unfair …

I know it is. I’m the lucky one here, because I get to watch over you forever. The time we spent in this place was so precious to me. And I know the time we will spend together in the future will be too.

Yeah … Definitely …!

Even if I saw this coming from before I even began the game–Ramizel’s line up there, “I won’t have a single regret, even if I don’t get to finish watching you grow up”, stood out when it was first featured in a promotional video–I still found myself struggling to bite back tears as Sophie finally said everything that had been left unsaid to her grandmother. And the way they switched to “Even if the stars disappear after dawn” for this scene? That track has been inextricably linked with Sophie’s second parting with Ramizel in my mind ever since I first finished this game. I’ll link the track again, just because it did a phenomenal job setting the mood.

Do you feel a little better now?

Yeah, I’m okay.

Well, then … Until we meet again. Plachta, I’ll be counting on you to look after Sophie.

Naturally. Sophie is in safe hands. And, in return, please do make sure to locate me.
Locate her as in locate the reference book Young Plachta is fated to become, and which Sophie’s late grandmother happened to have lying around her atelier at the start of Sophie 1.

Hehe! Of course!

Take care, Elvira.

I will. Thanks, Sophie. Thanks for saving everyone, and for making sure that I won’t ever be alone again.

And then there was just Ellie and Rami, the two original habitants of this world.

So, last but not least …

I’m not leaving just yet.

What?! But, there’s nobody left …!

I’d thought it would’ve been obvious. I still have things to do here!

You do?

I’m talking about you, you know! You’re shutting this place down, right?! And that means reclaiming your power by going back to visit ALL the Dream Cores, doesn’t it?!