Part 93: Syrene - Gilliam, Moulder, Vanessa

While the votes are still coming in, let's move on to Syrene. She's got a number of characters from Frelia she can chat with, so let's take a look-see.

Supports - Syrene

Gilliam

Affinity: Thunder

Starting Points: 20
Points per Turn: 3
Turns to A Rank: 74

Defense: +1
Avoid: +5
Critical: +5
Critical Evade: +5

C Support

: Gilliam, long time, no see.

: Syrene...It's been a while. You look great.

: Likewise, Gilliam...Heh.

: What is it, Syrene? Is there something on my face?

: Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it. You're still one of the best-looking men in Frelia's army.

: You know I hate it when you tease me. What is that smile about? You're making me very nervous.

: You were with me on my first mission as one of Frelia's pegasus knight elite. Do you remember?

: Was I really? I hardly remember. I have a tough time picturing the famous Syrene as a green recruit. That really was a long time ago.

: Oh, really? What do you mean by that?

: Oh, nothing. Nothing. Just that you've always been one of Frelia's finest warriors.

: Gilliam... This mission matters more to me than that first mission did.

: I understand. Much more hangs in the balance if we fail.

: We won't fail. I won't allow it!

: Don't be a hero.

: Thanks, Gilliam. I'm grateful that you're here with me.





B Support

: Gilliam, how are you doing?

: Everything's fine for now, but-- Syrene? You look pale. Are you feeling unwell?

: I'm fine, Gilliam. Don't worry about me.

: ...

: ...

: ...Syrene. People come to you when they need advice, right?

: They do, yes. Why do you ask? Don't tell me you need some advice from me.

: Yeah. Can we talk?

: Oh...well... Of course.

: People come to talk to me, too. Must be...the wisdom of age or something. But I don't know what to say. What do you do if you have no advice to give?

: That happens all the time. But I've learned something... People feel better as soon as they let it out. They just want you to listen. We're fighting a war. It's only natural that people get scared and need comfort.

: Do you...get scared?

: ...Gilliam. Is this all just an attempt to probe me for my problems?

: Oh, er, don't be--

: Don't worry. If I ever have any problems, I'll be sure to come to you.

: ...I'm always here.

: Thanks, Gilliam.





A Support

: Gilliam! I'll be right there!

: Syrene! Don't be a hero!

: ...Gilliam, you're always telling me to be careful... You know full well I watch over everyone. It's what I do. But you... You're the one who always watches over me.

: Syrene...

: You know why I stay close to you? Just to hear you say that.

: ...

: Gilliam...

: Is that...all you want to hear me say?

: What do you--?

: Syrene... When this war is over............Let's get married.

: ...Gilliam!

: Don't answer now. When this war is over... When we get back to Frelia... Wait until then, will you? Wait until then to tell me.

: Gilliam... You needn't wait that long. You already know my answer. ...But if that is what you want, Gilliam, then yes! I will wait until the war is over before I give my answer! Gilliam... Good luck.

: Syrene... Good luck to you.

(I really like this support, since it shows that Gilliam isn't so much surly as he's socially awkward. It's a fun direction to go for a guy who looks like him.)




Moulder

Affinity: Anima

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

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

C Support

: Father Moulder, you look tired. We've been asking so much of you lately...

: Don't worry about me. I'm rather more worried about you, Syrene. You had only just been transferred to this unit when we left Frelia. I'd imagine it must be odd not having any familiar faces around.

: I've already learned everyone's name and field of specialization. Don't worry about me.

: Impressive. You've been paying attention.

: To beat your enemy, know your allies. Without knowing the skills of your own men, you can never win a war. I don't want to die just because I didn't know what to expect from my troops.

: I was worried about how well you were integrating into our group. You seem to have matters well in hand, though. I'm proud of you, Syrene. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me anytime.

: Thank you, Father Moulder. I do appreciate your thoughtfulness.





B Support

: Syrene, you said you'd already learned everything about our little band. Did anyone in Frelia go over the details with you before you left?

: No, Father. Things were rather hectic in Frelia before we left, as you know. Everything I have learned, I've learned on the job, so to speak. People...confide in me, and I learn by observation.

: Interesting. So, even though you're new, they know they can confide in you?

: Yes. The ladies seem most comfortable speaking to me.

: I understand. Even a man of the cloth is still, at heart, a man. It must reassure them to know that there is another woman to whom they can speak. There are many women among us. If I cannot be "father" to them, please, care for them as a mother.

: With all respect, Father, I refuse to minister to their needs as a mother would. I am still young and unworthy. I prefer to speak to them as a sister.

: Ha ha ha ha... Yes, of course. Please excuse me. Help them, then, as a sister would.

: Yes, Father! Now, may I have a word with you? As their sister?

: I beg your pardon? Me? What? Has someone...complained about me?

: Well, I'll let you know the day after next new moon.

: Must I wait until then? Is it so terrible that I needs must prepare myself for the news?

: Rest easy, Father! It's only a suggestion, not criticism.

: Hm... What could it be?





A Support

: So... Last night was a new moon. And that means today is the day. I've been going mad wondering, Syrene. What is your suggestion?

: Ah, right you are, Father. It is indeed the promised day. Well, then. On behalf of everyone, I have two words for you. Father Moulder?

: Y-yes...?

: Happy Birthday!

: What? Birthday? Oh... Oh, yes! Why, today is my birthday, isn't it? But--

: It is a fine tradition to celebrate one's birthday, Father. In a war, uncertainty surrounds us every moment of every day. Instead of worrying about tomorrow, let us celebrate life today. That should encourage us all to keep going, wouldn't you say?

: Yes, indeed. To share the joys of life is very important. Thank you, Syrene. In this chaos, I would have forgotten my own birthday.

: You exhaust yourself caring for others, but you pay no attention to yourself. We are all so grateful to you, Father. So many different people came up to me to ask how we could show that gratitude. You are a man of great virtue, and an inspiration to us all.

: I am touched... At my age, I thought all my happy birthdays were well behind me. I'm a little embarrassed at that...

: You must remember to take care of yourself, Father. And thank you.





Vanessa

Affinity: Anima

Starting Points: 20
Points per Turn: 3
Turns to A Rank: 74

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

C Support

: Captain Syrene!

: Vanessa! How are you? I was worried about you!

: I'm fine, ma'am. Thank you for your concern. Glad to see you doing well too.

: Vanessa, you know you don't need to talk like that when we're alone.

: But we ARE on duty.

: Let me put it this way, then. This is an order from your captain! When we're alone, you are to speak to me as if we are at home.

: Yes, ma'am!

: Vanessa. Sigh. Did you listen to a word I said?

: Y-yes.

: Ha ha ha! Yes, that's it! Oh, by the way, I have something for you.

: What is it?

: Here you go. Father wanted me to give it to you.

: But this is... The war god Fale's amulet!

: Yes, this is a battle amulet. I received one before I left home, too. You were summoned so suddenly that Father didn't get a chance to give it to you. And Mother wanted to tell you, "Never be apart from this amulet."

: But...

: She also wanted you to relax and do your best. And to get a good night's sleep always.

: Well, I do try.

: Maybe others don't notice, but I know you too well, Vanessa. I know you don't get enough rest when you feel overwhelmed with responsibility. But, to be at your best, you need to take care of yourself, OK?

: Yes, ma'am--I mean, Sis.

: I'll be right by your side tonight, so just relax. You need a good night's sleep.

: Thanks, Sis. I sleep better when you're around.





B Support

: Captain... I mean, Sis.

: You look better, Vanessa. Did you sleep well?

: Yes. First time in a long time. Thank you, Sis.

: I've been meaning to ask you...

: Yes?

: You don't seem to have much appetite lately.

: Well, I've just been--

: I told you, Vanessa, I know you too well. So, who's the lucky guy?

: What?! That's just crazy! I don't know what you're talking about!

: You know I can tell when you're lying. Plus, you not eating is a dead giveaway. I mean, when's the last time you said no to a cookie? It's not a criticism. One of your most charming qualities is how you can outeat anyone. It's because of someone special, isn't it?

: Well, um...

: But, Vanessa, first and foremost, you have to take care of yourself. I'll support you no matter what, but no one is worth losing your health over.

: Thank you, I guess. I'll do my best... Sometimes I think that if I were more like you--you know, a great knight, an attractive woman, and just all-around perfect-- I'd have a better chance with him...

: Hmmm. That didn't sound as pathetic in my head as it did out loud.

: Don't be silly, Vanessa. You may not know it, but I'm sure that person likes you for who you are.

: Do you really think so? I've always wanted to be like you. You've always been my role model. But, I feel like whenever I finally catch up to you, you're already gone. You've already moved on. I'll never catch up with you, no matter how hard I try.

: I'm very proud of you, Vanessa. And as your older sister, I recognize your talent more than anyone else. You should be more confident.

: I feel better after opening up to you. It's hard not to compare myself with you, but I have to get past that.

: That's the spirit. And remember, you have to take care of yourself.

: Yes, I know. As always, thanks, Syrene.





A Support

: Hi, Syrene. Thanks for talking the other day.

: Are you feeling better now?

: Well... It's not that easy, but I quit comparing myself with you.

: You might not know this, but there's something about you I've always envied.

: About me? What do you mean?

: You have an inner fortitude that I will never be able to match.

: Inner...fortitude?

: Do you remember when Father collapsed? Mother and I were so panicked that we didn't know what to do. You were the youngest of us all, but you gathered nuts in your small hands and went to the village to sell them. Then you came home with medicine for him.

: Well, I don't know what to say.

: When you face a difficult circumstance, your true self emerges. You were very young, but had the presence of mind and ingenuity to help Father. You comforted me and Mother, and you rescued Father. I've always respected your strength, and wished for some of it myself.

: But...you were the one who joined the Knights at such an early age, and it was you who supported our family.

: I emulated your strength. I wanted to support my family like you did. It's always been my goal. And I respect you more than anyone else. I wish you could be as confident in yourself as I am of you. No matter what, you'll always be all right.

: All right, then. I have to tell you! The person I love is--

: Wait, Vanessa! Wait until the war is over to tell me. When everything is over, bring him home. I'll go home a little ahead of you, and wait for you two with Father and Mother. We'll make your favorite meal... Is that enough to convince you?

: Yes. I'll do my best... For this war and also for him.

: That's my girl. Don't worry. You'll be all right.