Part 103: Second Chances in Another World

Entry 95: Second Chances in Another World

Having defeated Victor and Victoria, the party scales Eternia Central Command.



The Council of Six's Chamber is empty. There is no sign of Braev. Yay, we won by Default! Braev would be proud.



If we attempt to enter the fourth crystal's chamber at this point, we're blocked by Tiz and Ringabel repeating the suggestion to see the sage.



That leaves us with all of...one option. The sage.



Never can tell how much the sage knows. Hopefully he'll think to offer Agnès some Airy-free time.



Fine and plump and pleasantly jiggly.

The sage is more openly lecherous, but aside from that the conversation's the same as before, minus the hints about multiple worlds.

The party's welcomed into the house, where instead of chatting about the past the sage gets right to the point:



Yes...

Well, this is quite astonishing. To think such events were even possible. Very well, then, I will spare you the details and keep this simple.

Bingo! The sage tells Agnès to pick one companion to go into the cave down south for a meeting. He goes on ahead to wait for us.



Nah.



Agnès picks Tiz as planned and the party heads to the cave entrance.

It's no fair! Tiz gets to have all the fun.

I am sorry, Airy. I hope you can understand.

Go on, get going already!

We'll be back soon.

Give the master my regards.

Once inside the cave, Tiz and Agnès head down towards the sage.



They loot another blue chest en route. Wonder if this belonged to Yulyana way back when?



The sage is at his usual spot and starts off envying Tiz, same as before.

You're not ready to lay down and die yet. We know.

Do you?

And I'm the very image of the angel you encountered one thousant eight hundred eighty years ago.

Oh, I see. I've already spoken of such matters, have I?

Now, tell me, why have you two come to me again?

I wanted to be alone with Agnès.



Oh, Tiz.

Oh ho, you little devil, you!

Huh?

Oh, no! I didn't mean it like that! At least in the way I think you're thinking.

Tiz, was it? I thought you a lost cause, but it seems you've some fire inside you! Ho ho ho! Look, she's blushing. Put the girl out of her misery with a big kiss on the lips!

Please, I'm trying to be serious here!

Tiz...

No, I'm telling you, I really didn't mean it like that!

Then what did you mean?



He did? When was this?

Just a short time ago. I'm the only one he's told so far. But he wanted me to tell you something in private. Something he remembered.

In private? I did not think Ringabel to be the sort of man to distrust his comrades.

I believe he has his reasons.

But what could he possibly remember that would warrant such secrecy?

Before we get to that, I'd like to ask the sage about that angel he encountered.

Of course. I will tell all that I know.

Did the angel mention anything to you other than the crystals?

Other than the crystals? Hmm... Yes, I believe her words were, "I was deceived by the Evil One."

Her voice was heavy with regret.

The Evil One...

This Evil One used deceit to drive the four crystals out of control.

We've heard of the method to do this: The Grand Ritual.


DeRosso mentioned it as the reason Braev pushed to invade Eternia. The Crystal Orthodoxy's attempt at the ritual left the earth crystal unstable, which was why the white magic cables were attached: as a way to safely siphon off excess power caused by the ritual.

But what does the Grand Ritual have to do with the party? We've been using a safe ritual to awaken the crystals, guided by Airy--

Guided by Airy.



Every time we enter a new version of the world, we appear at the same time and place: In Caldisla, just after the Great Chasm's opened...

......

And was this a hypothetical future she saw?

No, the angel and her two comrades had stood before that evil in battle that day... It was after her allies were slain that the creature boasted of what it would do.

She spoke to me with lifeless eyes drowned in tears.

What then?

As the angel faded before my eyes, she said to me...

"Deliver unto me this pendant when next I return to you. And should I appear before you with the Evil One, hesitate not to do what you must to us."

Agnès touches the blue stone around her neck.





That pendant is the first thing you see when you boot up the game, during the AR movie.

And was this Evil One the angel spoke of with us when we first came to you?

...Yes, I dare say so...

Then--!

I could not do it. I could not, knowing I would have to slay you, vestal. Precious girl...

Last time we were here with the sage, he'd been on the verge of telling us something. He apparently couldn't even bear to tell Agnès her life was at stake.



Stop, I wish to hear no more!

Agnès...

I cannot bear to hear of matters so dreadful. For if what you say is true, then I...

Forgive me. I never wished to put you in this position... But I cannot believe Ringabel would lie to me. Not about something like this. That's why--

You trust Ringabel, then?

...I do.

When the party was in danger before the fire temple way back in Chapter 3, almost everyone pitched in and risked their lives to save the others.



There was only one member of the group who wanted to abandon everyone.

I trust you all.

...Very well. Then I shall trust in him, too.

Thank you.

We ought to be returning to the others now, Sage.

You be careful, now. Ahh, and before you go... There is another matter--one Lord DeRosso and I have studied this last millennium.

Were you aware that should a crystal be destroyed, it will eventually regenerate?

What? Truly?

So long as its core remains, it can grow once more through the power of mortal hopes and dreams. The passing of thousands of years will see it grow to its original size and power.

And this crystalline core you speak of?

You need look no further than the pendant around your neck, my dear.

What? This stone!?

Ho ho ho, a rather fine gift, wouldn't you say? I'm so delighted to see you kept it safe.

Sage...

Now, I must leave you, but not without a word of advice. Have the courage to think and act on your own.



Our choices are limited by the confines of the gameplay, but is there anything we can do? Or is it solely up to the party?

The sage disappears, leaving Agnès and Tiz to return to the others.



A short hike later and Edea and Ringabel are waiting patiently. Airy, not so much.

Thank you.

That old fart hasn't filled your head with strange thoughts, has he, Agnès?

......

Airy, you... You needn't worry about me. He did me no harm.

But I'm a cryst-fairy! Bound body and soul to the vestals! Of course I worry!

And yet, you've been pushing me away lately.

Cryst-fairy or not, you've no right to interfere in another's love.

What?

Wait, what!?

Ringabel has finally learned to use his powers of distraction for good.



What!?

So, Tiz, how was it?

Uh...

...fine. Couldn't have gone better.

Couldn't have gone--! What's going on between you two? Come on, Agnès, out with it!

......

Heh heh heh, say no more, Tiz.

No, do say more! What's going on here!?

Yes, inquiring minds want to know!

Agnès and Tiz, are you two really...

No, that's not--

Yes, that's exactly it, isn't it, Agnès?

You mustn't encourage them, Tiz...

Mission accomplished: Airy is now focused on romantic gossip rather than potential world-ending plots.



With the party regrouped, it's time to... to...



What are we going to do? If only we had more time to think... We've even run out of Eternians to beat up.



What's this? Another side quest? At the sage's, no less.



Edea notices a paper on the Sage's desk.

What's this?

It's written in his hand.

"I await you at the chamber of the Council of Six, in the land where all began." --Conjurer Yulyana

Perfect! We'll take it!



One jaunt across the ocean later, the party is back in Eternia Central Command. They pause on the way to the top to loot another blue chest.



The sage is deep in thought when the party arrives.

......You came.

I've already taught you all I know. Now it is time for us to part. You must go forth guided by your own will. To learn who you are, what you are capable of, and what you can endure.

The sage didn't call us here just for a speech. Right?



Yes.

Very well. We will begin with an alternate fate for Ringabel.

A man laments alone in Edea's chamber. Go to him.

Ringabel's alternate fate, huh? One guess who that might involve. But what's the sage up to?



Sure enough, the party finds Alternis doing his daily vocal exercises.

I made a vow, and yet... Aaaaaaaaagh!!

Alternis! What's happened to you!?

I swore... Vowed to protect... Why, then!? Arrrrrragh!

Are you alright!?

Am I...alright? ...Yes. At least, now I am.

None of it matters now. Whatever happens... Let my body be rent in two and the world come to an end... I care not! But, why... Tell me... Tell me! Why...?



That explains three out of the four. Tiz died, Edea died, and Ringabel/Alternis has been driven mad due to Edea's death.

...Aaaaaaaaaaaagh!!!

So in this world, Edea is...

Alternis...

Alternis is so far gone he doesn't even acknowledge the presence of our Edea.



But he does catch sight of Ringabel.

Huh!? Y-you're...! You're...me. You're me from back when I had nothing.

I dared to ask for something, then lost all I'd found... And now you've come to end me. Very well. Nothing remains for me... I'll die by your hand, or any other.

No, Alternis, listen!

It's no use. He's blind with grief! Here he comes!



The party beats down Alternis until finally, he backs off.

The putrid reek of decay, muddy waters, hunger, scorn... My earliest recollection always starts there--abandoned by my mother at a tender age.

I've always been alone, for as long as I can remember. Always dancing on the razor's edge between life and death.

This repeats a lot of what he told us in the first world, in case you missed the in-battle dialogue.



At a young age, I gained the powers of darkness, and hatred was my sustenance. Then one day, my sword of hate and rage was turned aside by one who wielded a kind and just blade.

The templar saved me. He gave me a righteous rebuke. A kind family. I vowed to serve him and no other. I would lay my life down for his ideals, stake my being upon protecting those he loved. And yet...! And yet I failed.

Alternis...

I've no more need for this... This power couldn't even protect Edea...

...Are you so sure? Without darkness, you'll...

It's too late. All of it... I can't return to the forces. To the council... It matters not. Take it. Take it, and go in my stead. Do this for me.

......

Alternis takes off his armor, gives it to Ringabel, and leaves. Where he goes from here is anyone's guess.

After Alternis is gone, the sage appears.



There is nowhere else you can call home. Nowhere left to return. The templar who took you in despite your dark past, those who accepted you as family... The one you love. All are denizens of another place. A world that is not your own.

But with the departure of your counterpart in this world, you may now remain here if you so choose. There is a place here for you. What will you do?

I...I don't...!

...You need not decide right away. Think upon it.

Now, here is an alternate fate for Edea.



If the Edea of this world is dead, Alternis isn't the only one who'd mourn.



It also explains why Braev wasn't busy running the Duchy.

Aaaaaaaaaugh!

Edea...!! Ohhh...



...!? Edea...

...No. I know who you are! How dare you come here in the guise of my daughter!

Between Alternis and Braev's scenes, there's an implication that the Edea of this world was different from ours -- at least enough to make those closest to her skeptical.



The party beats up Braev, taking care not to cause serious damage this time.



He drops Ise-no-Kami, Edea's sword.



Braev's single-minded reliance on expressing relationships through fighting continues. It's a miracle he didn't challenge Mahzer to honorable combat on their wedding day.

We heard you'd perished. Oh, your father and I were beside ourselves...

Your sword was sent back to us. To remember you by. I cannot express the joy! Edea, my daughter, lives!

I'd given up hope that you'd ever return to us.

And to think she would defeat me! Truly, the girl is her father's daughter!

Your father saw the promise in you, more than anyone. He rested his dreams on your perseverance. And when word came of your passing... Oh, he grieved you more than any.

Father...



You're completely inept at social relationships that don't involve smacking each other with weapons?

No, I...

I understand, Father. And let me ask your forgiveness for being the willful child that I am.

And you, Alternis! It was you who brought Edea back safely to our side!

I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Ever have you been a boon to this family.

Oh, no... I'm not--

When was the last time we enjoyed a meal together? Tonight, let us dine as a family.

I don't remember the last time...

This is the first time anyone (besides Alternis himself) has acknowledged recognizing Ringabel's face. There are two main possible circumstances here:

Mahzer and Braev recognized Ringabel in the first two worlds but just assumed Edea's dug up an exact twin of Alternis to hang around with. Or--



Mahzer and Braev are different here. Maybe in the previous worlds they hadn't seen Alternis's face in years, while in this world the family was closer and had more casual no-helmet time.



The sage appears and the party pulls away from Braev and Mahzer to speak with him.

Edea, Ringabel, you two may remain here in this world... These roles are yours to take, should you so choose. A life of peace awaits. Of family. And, for a once-grieving mother and father, a life of comfort, free from loss.

What will you choose, Edea?



Ringabel's glancing over at Edea. There's a non-zero chance his choice would depend on her choice.

You needn't be hasty. Think upon it. Now, for you, Agnès.

In a remote village west of Florem lives a maiden in fear of her appointed task and the enemy on her heels. Go to her.

The sage directs the party towards a certain hidden location in the wilds of Florem.



Getting there requires going through Twilight Ruins again.



Twilight Ruins' blue chest. Yoichi's bow is a weapon found in many Final Fantasy games, likely referencing the sharpshooting archer Nasu no Yoichi.



At the hidden village beyond, we find Olivia, vestal of water and Agnes's only friend growing up. No surprise she's in Agnès's trial.

Olivia...

When I went to see you, the witch Victoria and that man Victor attacked... You tried to protect me, and...and... I thought I would never see you again.

I'm overjoyed to see that you yet live. Thank you. Thank you...

Olivia, I...

Promise me. Promise you'll never leave my side again.

In the first world she sacrificed her life to save Agnès from Victor and Victoria. In the second world she was killed in an accident before we'd even arrived.

This time, Agnès has a chance to make up for all those failures.



That is, if it's not already too late.

That voice...

Einheria!

The wind vestal is already dead. That leaves only you, Olivia! All hope of reviving your precious Crystalism is lost. The end is plain to see.

We now have confirmation on all four of the party members in this world: three out of the four dead and the last is a depressed wreck.



Mephilia and Artemia come alongside Einheria. Not only are the three sisters together, Mephilia and Artemia sound not completely insane!

Nowhere to run...

You heard them. Now, surrender at once or face the consequences.

Einheria! And both of your sisters in tow...

So... You've come, Edea. You've made it clear you intend to defy us at every turn. ...So be it. Prepare yourself!



The sisters may have their sanity, but we're not making friends that easily.



This is probably the hardest battle so far. None of the three are weaker than when they were separate, so you have all three barraging you with attacks at once. It's a damage race to get them down one at a time.



Mephilia has the lowest HP, making her an easy first target.

Mephilia! You've done enough. Withdraw!

I suppose I've...no choice but retreat.

Shortly after is ranger Artemia.



Artemia! It's too much for you! Fall back!

Hate retreat...but Artemia go.

Last is valkyrie Einheria.



...You've grown strong, Edea.

Dialogue varies slightly depending on the order they're taken down to account for each sister's style of speech:



But the gist remains the same. The sisters are watching each other's backs and care about their lives, abandoning their previous stance of victory or death.

Once all three sisters retreat from asterisk space:



I'm fine...

Artemia take over from here. No one get by.

No. We go together. I'll not lose my sisters over that philanderer's orders.

I am impressed, Edea. Though we fall back now, I will settle this score someday.



Mephilia starts up a spell--



And teleports the sisters away. All considered that was about a best case scenario.

Einheria...

Since this version of Einheria places her sisters above the Duchy, she'll probably be pleased to find out we've already taken care of DeRosa.



......

I'm...I'm scared. So scared.

Olivia...

Don't you leave me, Agnès! Say you'll stay with me! It will be the two of us together from now on. We'll fulfill our appointed task together. We're friends after all.

We'll be fine so long as we have each other. I need no longer be afraid.

......

Agnès...

The sage appears again. The party steps outside to speak with him in private.



For Agnes, it would just be an excuse to stay together with Olivia.

It is not as she imagines it... Still, it is a road you may choose, should you so wish.

Agnès, this world's vestal of wind has passed on. But you may remain here as Agnès Oblige, friend of Olivia. What will you do? Will you choose a restful life together?

I...I need...

...You need not answer now. At last, we come to you and your fate, Tiz. In a ruined village, there is a young lad in a daze. Go to him.

At this point, we know who's waiting for Tiz. We still don't know the sage's true purpose. What does he have planned for the party at the end of this?



With the Eternians out of the way, soon it will just be us, the crystal, and one decision. Will the party be willing to face it? Or will they take another way out?


Next: A job and a final mission.

--

Event Viewer
Main Scenario:
Another Yulyana
You and One Other
The Odd Fairy Out
Old News
A Promising Young Lad
The Evil One
The Courage to Disobey
Good News

Sub-Scenario:
Before the Final Temple
Yulyana Awaits
The Sage's Ordeal
The Dark Knight Laments
In My Stead
The Templar Mourns
Alive and Well
Never Leave My Side
The Sisters' Retreat
Best of Friends