Challenge Battle Mode (XC2)/Script

This page or section is incomplete. In other words, yes we know it's unfinished; we just didn't want to leave it blank in the meantime. You can help complete it. The editor who added this tag elaborates: Cutscene music, "funify" the direction maybe?

The following is the script of dialogue that happens around the Challenge Battle Mode.

Strange portal

The party happens upon a strange portal made of blue light.

Tora

Meh-meh?

Poppi α

Masterpon, is something wrong?

Tora

Tora see unfamiliar object, right over there...

Rex

D'you think that's the mysterious light Zuo mentioned...?

Pyra

It wasn't here before, that's for sure...

Nia

No, I imagine I'd have remembered.

Tora

But what is it...? Tora-senses are tingling...

Nia

If you're so curious, Tora, why don't you go check it out?

Tora

Meh-meh?!
N-no, Tora believe discretion is better part of valor. Curiosity kills more Nopon than Aligo... Maybe Rex-Rex check?

Rex

Me again? Blah...
Though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious myself...
Just like with salvaging, if you don't take chances, you'll never make it to the good stuff!

The scene fades to black for a moment. When it fades in again, Rex is standing right in front of the portal.

Nia

Right on, Rex! Go do your thing.

Rex

On it!

Pyra

Just please don't do anything reckless...

Really Feeling It

The party steps out of a blue portal into the Land of Challenge.

Rex

Whoa!
What is this place...?

They check their surroundings.

Tora

Very strange and mysterious, is what!

Pyra

This...may not even be Alrest.

Nia

Well... We'd better be on our guard...

Another portal appears opposite to the party. From it come Shulk and Fiora.

Shulk

Fiora

Wh-whoa!

Shulk

Where are we? This place...

Fiora

Shulk! Maybe we should turn back?
We don't even have our weapons...

Shulk nods in approval. As if on cue, Shulk's Monado I and Fiora's twin Knives appear into their hands.

Shulk

The Monado...?

Fiora

And my weapons too!

Shulk

I don't know what's going on, but I feel a little safer now...

Fiora nods.

Shulk

It's not the Bionis... But it's not the Mechonis either...
We're in unknown territory for sure...

Fiora

Hey, Shulk! Someone's over there!

The two have finally noticed the party standing a small distance away.

Shulk

Should we talk to them?

They both make their way toward the party, sheathing their weapons in the process.
On the other side, Poppi is the first one to notice them.

Poppi α

Masterpon! Humanoid lifeforms!

Tora

Their clothing style look funny...

Rex

What should we do?

Pyra

They look friendly enough...

Nia

But it's just so strange, running into people in a place like this.

Rex

Err... I'm not sure how to handle this...

Shulk

Looks like we've got a problem.

Fiora

It's good to help each other out. Tell us what's wrong.

Rex

Huh?
Oh... I... Uhm...
We popped up in this weird place. That's what's wrong...

Shulk

There is something strange about it, for sure...

Fiora

Hey, Shulk! Looks like we're in the same boat...

Shulk

Yeah, you're right...
We all came here unwillingly... I guess we are in the same predicament.

Nia

So you don't know what's going on either?

Shulk

Mhm. That's right.
I've no idea where this is, or why we're here...

Rex

Hmm...
We're all clueless, then.
Well, why don't we team up? We can check this place out together.

Shulk

Sounds good! Actually, I was about to say that myself.

Rex

My name's Rex.

Pyra

And I'm Pyra!

Nia

Call me Nia. Old furbag here is Dromarch.

Tora

Tora is Tora!

Poppi α

Please call Poppi Poppi.

Shulk

Haha! You're a lively bunch.
I'm shulk.

Fiora

And I'm Fiora.

Shulk

Good to meet you.

Rex

Ah, likewise!

The two shake hands.

Shulk

Awesome!
I have this great feeling that everything's going to work out fine!

Different worlds

Rex

Wow! Your world sounds way different from Alrest, Shulk. I can't even imagine!

Shulk

But they also have a fair number of things in common. It's so curious...

Fiora

In any case, now that we know what's what, we can start exploring this place in earnest.

Nia

Hm. Not that there's much to see here...

Rex looks around.

Rex

Shulk, Fiora, have you guys been here before?

Shulk

No, never.
Fiora and I were just walking, when suddenly we saw this odd light... It turned out to be a portal.

Fiora

And, Shulk being Shulk, he just had to stick his nose in and see what it was all about.

Shulk

Yes, sorry about that...

Mòrag has not joined the party yet:

Poppi α

Fate of Poppi and friends was similar!

Mòrag has joined the party:

Mòrag

What happened to us was fairly similar.

Tora

Tora also think like Shulk! Not care if curiosity killed Nopon, cannot stop self from touching things!

Zeke has not joined the party yet:

Poppi α

But it was Rex-Rex who activate portal, not Masterpon...

Zeke has joined the party:

Zeke

Wasn't it our chum who did the deed, though?

Tora

...Fact is irrelevant...

Shulk

So the portal you came through is over there somewhere?

Nia

Yeah. You came through a different one, then?

Shulk

That's right. It's just over there.

Shulk stares at an empty side of the Land of Challenge.

Pyra

I...can't see anything.

Nia

Same here.

Shulk

I suspected as much...
Each of us can only see the portal that we ourselves passed through.
We can't travel to your world, Rex, and you can't travel to ours.

Rex

So we can only meet here?

Shulk

It seems that way.

Poppi α

It decided then? We spend nice time chatting here?

Pyra

Ooh, shall I prepare some snacks?

Fiora

Oh, yes please, Pyra! I'd love a bite!

A voice comes from above the Land of Challenge.

???

That not such good idea...

Zeke

Who's there?!

Nia

The voice came from above!

Nopon Archsage

Over here.

The Nopon Archsage somehow got behind them.

Fiora

When did he...?!

Nopon Archsage

Is no big deal. Not for Nopon Archsage.

Shulk

Who are you?

Nopon Archsage

Nopon Archsage is great Nopon who, through endless training in many times and places, become sagest of sages.

Tora

Even though Archsage look even more littlepon than Tora?

Nopon Archsage

Such rudepon.
Despite appearance, Nopon Archsage is hundred million times age of Tora.

Rex

A hundred million? I'm not buying it.

Nopon Archsage

Friends believe or not, it not matter. But truth is truth, and truth is that Nopon Archsage make this place.

Shulk

You made this place?

Nopon Archsage

Indeedy!

Fiora

But whatever for?

Nopon Archsage

To pose, and witness overcoming of, combat challenges of unimaginable and frankly unbelievable difficulty.

Mòrag has not joined the party yet:

Rex

So you want to test our strength...?

Mòrag has joined the party:

Mòrag

He means to test our mettle, then...?

Nia

Strange hobby for a Nopon to have...

Fiora

Yeah. That doesn't sound very pleasant at all...

Nopon Archsage

Mehh...? That very upsetting to hear...

Tora

As long as can get reward, Tora have no problem with challenging challenge!

Nopon Archsage

But of course!
If friends can overcome challenges, Nopon Archsage will fork over treats commensurate with results.

Tora

Ooh, ooh, can Tora win rare tropical edition of Tasty Sausage?

Nopon Archsage

That was actually not very tasty, so Nopon Archsage liquidate stock.

Tora

Mehh? Tora come up with thing on spur of moment. Is really real product?!

Nopon Archsage

May not have that particular item, but still many other rare stuffs to give.

Zeke has not joined the party yet:

Tora

Tora wanna have go!

Nia

I'm a bit curious myself. Rex, don't you think we should try it?

Rex

I'm with you, Nia. And I love a good challenge!

Zeke has joined the party:

Zeke

Sounds interesting, eh, Mòrag?

Mòrag

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious...

Rex

Well then, it sounds like we're up to the challenge!

Pyra

Shulk, Fiora, what do you think?

Fiora

If it was Reyn, I'd probably say no way, but... Eh, I'm in!
You can't really get to know someone without having a few skirmishes together, right?

Shulk

If fiora's feeling it, I'm in too.

Tora

Super-duper!

Shulk

But the way you guys fight is different from how we do it in our world... Why don't we take on a support role?

Fiora

Good point.
It looks like we can summon our weapons at will. I guess that would make us like your world's Blades.

Rex

Wow, that's gotta be a nice skill to have.

Nia

Going into battle with Fiora sounds like it'd be a trip.

Fiora

Look forward to it!

Nopon Archsage

Well then! When friends feel ready, please give Nopon Archsage shout.
Then Challenge Battle can begin!

Exiting the Land of Challenge without the Alrest Linkring

Rex

We need to go back to Alrest now.

Shulk

Understood.
It doesn't look like we can go with you, so we'll just wait for you here.

Fiora

Take care of yourself, Rex.

Rex

Sure thing!
We'll be back soon enough I'm sure. Keep yourselves occupied, yeah?

Shulk

Will do, Rex. Get back safe.

After completing Dino Drama

Nopon Archsage

Shulk, Fiora... There something I have to give you.

Shulk

What is it?

Nopon Archsage

Look.

Item(s) Obtained: Alrest Linkring x1

Fiora

Some kind of funny-looking ring...?

Nopon Archsage

Strange it may look, yes, but it is extremely valuable.
It called Alrest Linkring. Archrare treasure of Nopon Archsage.
If friends have this, friends can travel to world of Alrest.

Rex

That's crazy. I never knew something like that even existed.

Fiora

You could've given it to us a lot sooner, you know.

Nopon Archsage

I never thought friends could make it this far. That is reason.
But friends showed something special. That deserve very special reward.

Rex

I guess that makes sense.

Fiora

Thank you, then.

Nopon Archsage

Come! Friends try on now.

Shulk turns around, finally able to see the portal leading to Alrest.

Shulk

Whoa... This is incredible!
I can see the portal that Rex and the others came through!

Rex

That means you'll be able to go back to Alrest with us!

Shulk

Nice one!

Nopon Archsage

However. There is special condition.

Fiora

Oh, yeah?

Nopon Archsage

It is not bodies of Shulk and Fiora that will travel to Alrest...
Only their spirits.

Fiora

Come again? How does that work...?

Nopon Archsage

It like a ghost thing.
Friends be on Alrest, but not actually exist there. In actuality, friends will remain right here.

Shulk

But we'll still be able to explore the world that Rex comes from?

Nopon Archsage

Very much so.
Friends able to see, eat, fight, speak... Can do most things just like normal.

Fiora

That sounds brilliant! Where do I sign?

Shulk

Yeah... I'm curious to experience that for myself.

Nopon Archsage

I very happy that friends happy.
I, Nopon Archsage, spend thousand years finding Alrest Linkring, so please not to drop in toilet accidentally.

Fiora

Shulk, Rex, it seems like maybe it'd be quickest to just try for ourselves. Shall we get going?

Shulk

Yeah, I reckon you might be right...

Rex

Let's go then!

After redeeming Nopon Summon, Pr.2

Nopon Archsage

Ah, Archsage see friends come bearing Nopon Summons, Pr.2! Is that meaning friend come prepared for anything?

Rex

Should I be worried...?

Nopon Archsage

New challenges "Otherworldly Fighter" and "Poisoned Paradise" are tough as nails! Need every preparation in book!

Rex

Otherworldly fighter...? Whoever they are, that does sound like a challenge...

Nopon Archsage

That one is self-explanatory. Friend try, friend understand. Hopefully friend enjoy!
But for Poisoned Paradise challenge, Archsage offer teensy bit of free advice.
Setting is this: poison monster appear suddenly in spring on certain island!

Rex

What kind of poison monster...?

Nopon Archsage

Name is Cloud Sea Befouler Ioth, and, true to name, he befoul pure spring so now it deadly and stinky!
No place in battle is safe! Have to combat poison and enemies! Challenge is very high-level tough one!

Rex

Well, all right, but is it even possible to beat...?

Nopon Archsage

Abso-doodly-lutely!
You see, Nopon Archsage has prepared special anti-toxin swamp combat gear for friends.

Rex

Oh, nice one! Does it work something like a salvage suit?

Nopon Archsage

Well, not quite. Salvage suit very constricting, cannot move freely, so not well suited for battle.

Rex

Yeah, you're probably right.

Nopon Archsage

Therefore, outfits that Nopon Archsage prepare not only mitigate poison, but also afford complete freedom of move!

Rex

And you'll just let us have them?!

Nopon Archsage

I would love nothing more! However, that got kiboshed by Orderly, who say best to trade for Flawless Noponstone...

Rex

Oh, I see... Trading it is, then...

Nopon Archsage

But though however! Nopon Archsage really want friends to get them! Definitely for sure!

Rex

All right, we'll do our best.

Nopon Archsage

But though however... Nopon Archsage ask friends please to not get too angry.

Rex

Huh? Why would we get angry?

Nopon Archsage

I mention anti-poison properties before, but material with that property actually terribly expensive in current market...
Nopon Archsage is of course big player, but even using all influence, could only lay wings on bits and scraps.
When make clothes for all friends...surface area per person turn out...somewhat small.

Rex

Small...? How small are we talking?

Nopon Archsage

About worth of swimsuit.

Rex

Swimsuit?!

Nopon Archsage

Indeed. Swimsuit.

Rex

So Pyra, Nia, and all the other guys would be wearing...swimsuits...?

Nopon Archsage

Rex's interest is piqued?

Rex

Well, I mean, uh, maybe, I guess, but...

Rex

No, what am I saying?! They'll strangle me if they find out!

Nopon Archsage

Please to calm Rex's self. Surely will be fine.
Saying word "swimsuit" is just slip of tongue for Archsage... Correct term is "special anti-toxin swamp combat gear"!
If not wear, then take poison damage. Is quite fearsome damage, as well.
Friends would die in ten seconds, tops.

Rex

I'm still not sure everyone will be on board with this...

Nopon Archsage

It only way to clear challenge. There no way around.

Rex

...Right, fine.
We'll do our best to collect Flawless Noponstone so we can get the special anti-toxin swamp combat gear...
...Then I'll do my best to convince everyone to actually put on the special anti-toxin swamp combat gear...
...And then we'll do our best to take out that Cloud Sea Befouler Ioth!

Nopon Archsage

That is all that Nopon Archsage ask for!
Knowing Rex, is just matter of time before challenge crumple like wet tissue durng allergy season!

Nopon Archsage

For sake of Rex, probably best to not mention that determined combatant can clear challenge even without gear...

Rex

Did he just say something?

Encounter

A portal appears, from which Elma exits. She is at the edge of what appears to be the Urayan Stomach's Cobalt Cliffs. It is nighttime and the Titan's weather is Night incense, leading to Saffronia petals fluttering in the air. Elma takes in the sights.

Elma

Incredible... What a stunning view...

She looks at a nearby Saffronia.

Elma

Is that...
cherry...?
Yes... It really is.
From the country he loved so much...
Where did all this data come from...?
And such a wide-open battlefield, too. Very realistic for a simulation...
I'm pretty impressed.
That Nopon trader really gave me a good deal on this.

A second portal appears right behind Elma, from which the party comes out.
On Elma's side, the party resembles a bunch of Prone.

Elma

Prone...
I see. So you're my enemies then.

The party still hasn't noticed Elma.

Elma

Only this many though? I'll have to tell him to crank up the difficulty next time.
Fortune favors the bold. I'll ambush them with some ranged Arts...

Elma propels herself toward the party then slides, gunning them down while passing them by.

Elma

Sliding Slinger!

She turns around and fires another salvo.

Elma

That put a dent in 'em. I'll move in and keep the rhythm going!

Her two guns change to swords. She slashes them around, throwing shockwaves at the prone-looking party.

Elma

Hundred Shells!

A X-shaped shockwave hits a Prone, Rex's pained grunt coming out of it as he falls to the ground.

Elma

That voice-?! It doesn't match Prone data...
Is the simulator bugging out? Seems best to clear them out quickly..

Despite the earlier beating, the party prepares for the second round as the scene ends.

After completing Otherworldly Fighter

Elma has arrived at the Land of Challenge with the party.

Elma

Gah-!
What is this place?!

Rex

Are... Are you OK?!

Elma

You're...not Prone...?

Rex

Uh, yeah, about that... What is that word you're using, "Prone"? You're saying it like it's a race, or something...?
I know Gormotti, Ardainians, Tantalese and so forth, but I've never heard of a "Prone"...

Mòrag

Nor do I, I'm afraid. I do not recall ever hearing of them.

Elma

But until just a moment ago, you looked just like Prone... Just like my mortal enemies...
I thought this was a battle simulation. You're telling me it's all real? Was this that trader's plan all along...?

???

Friend very perceptive!

The Archsage waddles in.

Rex

Whoa! Where'd he come from?!

Nopon Archsage

Friend sound startled like 10-ton gorilla with fancy name appear from nowhere and start playing electric guitar.

Pyra

Mr. Archsage, respectfully... So it was you that arranged this?

Nopon Archsage

Indeedy-doodle! Nopon Archsage capable of do almost anything in pursuit of entertainment!

Nia

That's a weird thing to boast about...

Elma

I did wonder why a run-of-the-mill trader was calling himself the "Nopon Archsage"...
And anyway, what kind of strange tech did you put in that battle simulator?

Nopon Archsage

Oh, nothing much... Just little trick for spirit away consciousness of Elma to this here Land of Challenge.

Elma

So my real self is still in New LA, inside the simulator?

Nopon Archsage

Very much yes. I glad we sort this out so quickly.

Elma

You said it's my consciousness, but it feels like my whole essence is here... What's your end-goal...?

Nopon Archsage

Very good question! Answer is simple - to realize ambition of Nopon Archsage and make lifelong dream come true!

Rex

Dream? What dream?

???

Could it be...to make Elma, and me, and you, Rex, meet face-to-face?

Shulk and Fiora arrive.

Nopon Archsage

It is as Shulk say! Is dream of everyone to see Shulk and Elma in one place together!

Nia

Who the heck is the "everyone" in that sentence...?

Elma

I can't believe this. All the machinations, just for this...?
...No. I forget myself. First, I should apologize to all of you.
I mistook you for enemies and attacked without provocation. The fault lies with me entirely. I hope you can forgive it.

Rex

Relax, there's nothing to overlook! It was all just a big misunderstanding.
My name's Rex. What's yours?

Elma

I'm Elma... A member of BLADE, a private military outfit based in NLA, the human colony on the planet Mira.

Nia

Uhh... So what you're saying is, you're...a Blade?

Elma

Oh, um, yes... You know about BLADEs?

Dromarch

Know about them? Dear madam, we are Blades! Blades, and Drivers, that is.

Elma

Wait, wait. What does driving have to do with it...?

Poppi α

But only Poppi is artificial Blade! Please to remember!

Elma

N-no, hold on, I'm getting confused...

Shulk

It appears to me that the word "Blade" may have different meanings in Rex's and Elma's worlds...

Nopon Archsage

But that exactly why it so delightful!

Elma

Right, let's get things straight then. In my world, "BLADE" indicates the organization.
And in yours, it's a...species? Race? Is that correct?

Gramps

You're not a million Titanpeds off, but you're not quite on the money...
When a person touches a Core Crystal, the life form that is born in that instant, that is a Blade.

The scene fades to black for a moment. When it fades in again, the varied Blades from the party are shown.

Elma

A life born from a crystal, then...? And they come in all different shapes?

Fiora

Hey, Elma... I've noticed you're not surprised at Gramps and Dromarch speaking.

Elma

Right, well... Maybe I'm just used to it. Many different races call Mira home...
Weirder still, we can all communicate freely. Some ascribe it to conscious interference by some unknown party...

Shulk

Your planet, Mira... It's the first time I'm hearing about it. Your world certainly seems different from ours.
The Bionis and Alrest were relatively similar in comparison.

Rex

Definitely! At first I just thought you guys came from some humanoid Titan that I'd never heard of.

Elma

Hold on. There's something I want to check.

Tora

Wh-what is problem...? Why friend Elma looking at Tora like Tora eat Elma's breakfast...?

Nia

Don't you dare say that like it's not something you'd ever do, Tora.

Tora

But Tora just meet Elma! When Tora have time to go to other world and eat someone's breakfast?!

Elma

The speech pattern definitely matches... You said your name was Tora? Are you friends with a Nopon called Tatsu...?

Tora

Meh-meh-meh-meh?!
That absurd! Tora not have any friends called Tatsu!

Elma

Hm... Fine, then. It seems I've got the wrong Nopon.
The Tora I know was smaller, anyway. And a far sweeter child...

Tora

Memeh... Tora cop to being larger than most Nopon his age, but never thought sweetness would be put to question...

Easy there, Tora... I know it's a sore subject, but we really need to hurry this conversation along, all right?

Brighid

You pronouce it "No-pon"? Over here, we say it with a short vowel... Are the creatures themselves similar?

Elma

The appearance and mannerisms are the same. I can't really see any major differences on the whole...
Well. It might support the hypothesis that my world is different somehow... And it might be a little late to say, but...
Rex, and you, Shulk... I'm ready to accept that you and yours are not simply virtual simulator entities.

Pyra

Well, that's a relief! And it's just a step away from being friends.

Fiora

Pyra's right! After all, it didn't take us long to ally with Pyra and her friends, either.

Elma

Yes, I certainly get that impression...

Nopon Archsage

Meh meh! This exactly the scene that Archsage write so many stories about and post to Argentum notice board!

The scene fades to black for a moment. When it fades in again, Rex walks up inbetween Elma and Shulk.

Rex

For an Archsage, he's sure got some kiddy-like dreams, eh?

Nia

You could say that again...

Nopon Archsage

You not make fun of dreams of Archsage!
Dream of Archsage is chance for friends! Great chance to earn much experience and get awesome loot!

Elma

This is an enticing proposition...but I do have my duties as a BLADE colonel to perform.
I can't afford to spend hours on end stuck in a simulator.

Nopon Archsage

That is problem that is barely problem! Nopon Archsage have already tweak relative timestream flow rate setting.
For one day that pass in this realm, time elapsed on Mira is precisely 270 milliseconds.

Shulk

"Milliseconds"...? Did he just make up a unit there?

Elma

In other words, I could spend an entire year here, and only lose ten seconds on the other side?

Nopon Archsage

Just so! Perfect for training self! Also, Archsage deeply impressed by arithmetic skills. No need to train those.

Elma

Yes, I can appreciate the usefulness. And, er... Thank you?

Nopon Archsage

So, what Rex think? Want to borrow strength of Elma, just like did with Shulk and Fiora?

What will you do?

Make Elma your ally

Rex

Of course! You can never have too many friends!

Elma

...Then it's decided. From now on, I'll be at your command.
Looking forward to it, Team Rex.

Leave Elma be

Rex

Uhm, well... It sounds great in theory, but we don't really know Elma that well yet...

Elma

I think mutual understanding comes with time. Fighting side by side is the best way to get to know someone.

Rex

I... I guess so?

Elma

...Then it's decided. From now on, I'll be at your command. Looking forward to it, Team Leader Rex.

Elma

And you, too...teammates.

Exiting the Land of Challenge without the Alrest Link Relay

Rex

We need to head back to Alrest for a while.

Elma

Understood.
I'll wait for you here, then.

Rex

We'll be back, promise. Hope to see you soon!

Elma

Sure thing. Good luck out there.

After completing Elma: Redux

Nopon Archsage

Friends clear that challenge also? Ohoho, that is big deal! Truly! Archsage revise opinion of friends!

Rex

How many revisions is that now...?

Nopon Archsage

Meh! Friend stop this backtalk at once, otherwise friend not get this treasure that Archsage prepare!

Rex

Treasure? Do you mean...?

Nopon Archsage

Behold, is gift from Archsage!

Item(s) Obtained: Alrest Link Relay x1

Elma

This looks like...an augment for my ground gear armor...? Where did you get that?

Nopon Archsage

Friend shouldn't sweat small details. Should focus on important point, which is awesomeness of Alrest Link Relay!

Rex

Is it the same sort of thing as the rings that Shulk and Fiora got?

Elma

Care to explain?

Nopon Archsage

If friend equip this, can leave this realm and travel to world of Alrest.

Elma

I'd be able to help Rex and the others on their quest, is that right?
While my body remains in New LA... Interesting! An opportunity to cross swords with new peoples and enemies!

Rex

Er, there's more to Alrest than fighting. I could teach you about salvaging, too!

Nopon Archsage

Seeing friends happy warms cockles of Nopon Archsage. New fiction story is brewing within head.
Also, Nopon Archsage spend two thousand years finding Alrest Link Relay, so please not to drop-

Elma

There will be time for talking later. Let's go try this thing out!

Rex

Sounds great. Next stop - Alrest!

Dino Drama is completed:

Nopon Archsage

...Nopon Archsage spend five hundred years working on that joke and only got to use one time...