Part 86: Tethys - Ewan, Marisa, Rennac

On the subject of Tethys, I'm kind of perplexed as to why the game designers gave her an affinity that boosts attack damage. It's good for whoever she supports, yes, but it's kinda useless for her.

Supports - Tethys

Ewan

Affinity: Light

Starting Points: 25
Points per Turn: 3
Turns to A Rank: 72

Attack: +1
Defense: +0.5
Accuracy: +5
Avoid: +2.5
Critical: +5

C Support

: Hey, Tethys! Check out my magic!

: Ewan! How many times am I going to have to say it? This isn't a field trip. Please promise me you'll behave.

: Oh, you don't have to worry about me. But since I'm here, I'd like to be of use. Otherwise I'm just in the way. You gotta let me do something.

: You have a point, but you're still too young.

: Too young? I'm not a child anymore! I can look after myself!

: What are you talking about? You're not a full-fledged mage, are you?

: Well, no, not yet. But someday I'm gonna be one of the best mages ever! These soldiers recognize my talent. That's why I'm here on the battlefield. Just watch me! You wouldn't say that I'm too young or inexperienced if you saw me!

: Wait! Ewan, wait up! Oh, he's gone... Only a child would say something like, "Just watch me."





B Support

: Hey, Tethys. You've been getting pretty chummy with that guy lately.

: What do you mean, Ewan? Who's "that guy"?

: You know, THAT guy. Look, he's right over there... And that guy waving his sword around... I'd say you've been a little too friendly with all of them!

: Too friendly? I wonder. I think chatting now and again is normal. Wait a minute... Ewan, are you feeling jealous?

: D-don't be stupid. That's not it at all!

: Hold on. You know, that man told me he found a frog in his boots the other day. And that man woke up to find half his moustache shaved off. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?

: N-no. This is the first I've heard of it.

: Really?

: Um, yeah...

: Ooh! It WAS you, wasn't it? Ewan, you can't do things like that. Even if it is kind of funny.

: But they're morons! All they do is get you to dance, and then they run around on the battlefield challenging each other to "contests of strength and valor!" They're dumb braggarts, and I was just taking 'em down a peg. But I'm not jealous!

: All right, all right. I'll keep your secret this time, but you must stop!

: They're the troublemakers, you know? Oh...OK. I got it. I'll leave 'em alone. But, Tethys?

: What is it?

: I'll always be here to protect you. I'm not too young for that! So instead of always helping those guys, dance for me once in a while. I know it'll make me stronger!

: Ewan...

: I'll see you later! You gotta promise to dance for me!





A Support

: It's not such a good idea for you to dance too close to the front lines.

: Hee hee! Thanks for worrying about me, Ewan. But are you sure it's not just the jealousy talking?

: Th-that's not it at all! It's dangerous! That's it!

: I'm sorry, I'm sorry. But you know, Ewan... Since you joined up with the army, you really have gotten stronger.

: I have, haven't I? So I'm no longer a novice, right?

: No, you've truly grown. I'm glad, but also a little sad.

: Hmm. So when I'm a full-fledged mage, you're gonna be sad?

: I guess so. A little sad, anyways. I'm so much older than you that I've always thought of you as a child. That's why I always thought I had to protect you.

: You know, at the beginning of all of this I really was treating it like a game. Then I saw the dangers you faced to help everyone. I knew I couldn't treat it like a game any longer. Battles threaten people's lives and need to end quickly. That's why I need to boost my powers. I want to help you and the others. I have to become a full-fledged mage to really do my part. So, don't be sad. I just want to protect you...

: Ewan...

: You've been looking after your little brother for so many years. Now it's my turn to return the favor. I mean, I am the man of the family. So from now on, I'm gonna be helping you out.

: Thank you, Ewan. Hearing you say that makes me very happy. It proves to me how much you've truly grown. But that doesn't mean you need to rush off on your own or anything. If I thought you didn't need me anymore, I would feel really sad.

: There's no reason to get all weepy. No matter how old I get, you'll always be my big sister. My one and only.



Marisa

Affinity: Ice

Starting Points: 10
Points per Turn: 2
Turns to A Rank: 115

Attack: +0.5
Defense: +0.5
Accuracy: +5
Avoid: +5
Critical: +2.5
Critical Evade: +2.5

C Support

: Say, Marisa, you're left-handed, right?

: How did you know that?

: Well, when you're carrying a sword, don't you always have it in your left hand?

: No, I can use either hand... But my left hand is stronger.

: So that's like a warning sign: left hand equals danger.

: Warning sign...

: So why is it you always sleep on your right side? You know you never roll over in your sleep? And even the slightest noise causes you to spring up. Do you ever really sleep?

: I have to do that. Otherwise I wouldn't survive.

: Wouldn't survive? You must be exaggerating.

: I sleep with my dominant arm up. That way, if I'm attacked, my good arm is ready to go.

: Huh... Do all sword fighters sleep that way?

: If your dominant arm is cut, you're at a disadvantage in battle. That means death.

: But doesn't your arm ever fall asleep? Aren't there times when you can't use it?

: No. My father trained me when I was a child, so that doesn't happen.

: When you were a child? How? Kids always roll around in their sleep.

: My father placed blunt swords at my sides when I slept to keep me from moving.

: Your father did that? But that's so dangerous...

: No, the blades were rounded and dull. And it worked. I don't roll over when sleeping.

: Wow, sword fighters have some intense training methods, don't they? I'm glad I was an average kid. I mean, I was poor, but at least I slept freely.





B Support

: Tethys. Are you right-handed?

: Will wonders never cease? You actually started a conversation.

: When you dance, you often begin by putting your right foot forward.

: Now I'm really amazed. I can't believe you noticed. But footwork in dancing has nothing to do with being right- or left-handed. Dancing is a way of expressing feelings through body movement. All of one's experiences are incorporated and displayed in the way one dances.

: Experiences? What kind of experiences?

: That, my dear, is my little secret. Mine may be a bit unique, though. My life's taken some odd turns, but it's because of them that I started dancing. And when I'm dancing, I'm happy.

: Hmmm. Your dances give people courage. Dancing suits you.

: Doesn't it, though? All the mercenaries tell me that, too. Now that you understand my dancing, you're truly a member of Gerik's team.





A Support

: Tell me, Marisa, have you ever thought about wanting to be reborn?

: Reborn?

: You know, coming back as someone else after you die? If you were going to be reborn, what would you like to be? Perhaps a beautiful dancer like me?

: I'm fine with being me. I can't imagine anything else.

: I thought that's what you'd say. Actually, I thought of lots of things, but really can't imagine any other life. I guess that means that in spite of all the hardships we've faced, we're really happy.

: I suppose so...

: Living in this age means that we face many bad things and then worse things. Yet... We're alive, so that means we also get good things and then better things, too. In tough times, I sometimes think I'd like to be reborn in another time, but the important thing is to not give up and to live your life to the fullest.

: When you die, life is over. There's no such thing as being reborn.

: Well, you may be right.

: We only get one chance. So all I can do is keep fighting.

: After all's said and done, you truly like who and what you are, right? We have completely different lives, but we have that in common. That and the same man, right?

: What?! What do you mean?!?

: You can't hide it from me. I guess I should ask, do you think you're hiding it?

: I-I'm hiding nothing. Nothing at all!

: What an interesting reaction. Youth is so cute.

: Wh-why are you smiling?! Ah...

: Don't be embarrassed. We're going to be around each other for a long time. We should talk.

: I've got to go!

: There's no need to run away. We may be rivals, but we're still friends.

: I'm not running away! I'm just...leaving!

(It's interesting how Tethys seems to like setting up Marisa with Gerik. Maybe she thinks the girl's stiff nature is funny.)



Rennac

Affinity: Dark

Starting Points: 5
Points per Turn: 1
Turns to A Rank: 235 (Yes, seriously)

Attack: +0.5
Accuracy: +5
Avoid: +5
Critical: +5
Critical Evade: +2.5

C Support

: Are you Tethys, the dancer who captivates all audiences?

: Who are you?

: Oh, you don't know me? That's so disappointing. I am Rennac of Carcino. I beg your indulgence...

: It's a pleasure to meet you, Rennac. However, I'm a bit busy at the moment. Perhaps we could talk another time.

: Is that so? Very well then. Another day.

: Yes.

: And perhaps I could have you dance for me and me alone.

: Hm? I will of course dance if you ask, but... For you and you alone? Are you perhaps attempting to woo me? If that's the case, you should stop. I've...

: No, no, that's not what I was intending at all. Yet many women who say they're not interested end up in my arms all the same.

: Well, if that's the case, maybe I'll keep my eye on you. If you turn out to be such a catch, I may rethink my stance.

: It's a deal then. I ask that you observe my conduct closely. Good day.

: Oh, dear... I think he took me seriously. I hope he doesn't get his hopes up too high.





B Support

: Ah, the beauteous Tethys. It's a pleasure to see you again. Well? Have I made an impression on you yet?

: Well... You seem to be...unobjectionable. Yet you've a long way to go, I think.

: That's a bit severe, isn't it? Is there something specific you desire?

: Oh, well...perhaps you could bring me something?

: Bring you something? A gift, is that it? Very well. What shall it be?

: Um...





A Support

: Oh.

: Tethys. I've been looking for you. You haven't been avoiding me, have you?

: Oh, of course not. Hee hee...

: The object you spoke of the other day? I have it here. Please take a look.

: Um. Oh, yes. That. Of course.

: You forgot what you asked for, didn't you?

: That's, that's...not true.

: OK, then take a look. Here it is.

: Ooh...

: What do you think?

: It's nice. Very pretty.

: It's as big as a fist. Notice how the red, white, and blue colors play across the surface of the gems.

: It really exists.

: Did you say something?

: No, nothing. Pay me no mind.

: Well, I brought it to you as promised. So this proves that I'm worthy, does it not?

: Yes. I now realize that despite your appearance, you're a very hard worker. Does that make you a good catch? Hmm...I'm still not convinced.

: Really? How disappointing. Is there something else you desire?

: Let me see... There is this...

(And that's the entire support. Tethys cons Rennac into bringing her some nice gems. Shows off his arrogance a little, I suppose, but it's otherwise kind of pointless.)