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Script of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Chapter 3

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The third chapter of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Our Own War, takes the group through a submerged Titan as Rex learns just how serious the matters he's stepped into are.

This page is divided into sections based on the Events Theater. Scenes not in the Events Theater (such as story quests or unvoiced dialogue) are shown as italic headers and given unofficial titles.

Well Met by Akhos[edit]

Somewhere deep in the Cloud Sea, the Monoceros pulls into an underwater hangar, surfacing in a fairly featureless room. Presumably this is the Torna headquarters.
Jin walks off the ship onto the dock. Someone unseen is waiting for him.
Offscreen man
Welcome home, Jin.
Malos and Sever become visible following Jin.
Jin
Hey, Akhos.
Akhos is a guy with glasses wearing a similar-looking outfit to Jin and Malos. He speaks like he knows too much and likes bragging about it.
Akhos
I hear the Aegis awakened. Nasty shock for you?
Or was it...?
Of course, my script showed how everything would play out from the start.
A moth-like Blade floats down from the ceiling. She speaks like a punchable face.
Moth Blade
Sure, you say that once it's all over and done with.
It's easy to act smug when hindsight's on your side!
Akhos
Shut your mouth, Obrona!
Obrona
(quick and sarcastic)
I'm shaking to my core.
Akhos swats at Obrona. She's likely his Blade.
Malos
Where are the other two?
Akhos
Mikhail's inspecting the Ardainian "factory"...
And my beloved sister is out hunting, as always.
I'm sure she'll have found plenty of Drivers to chew up and spit out by now.
Malos
She likes to hunt, all right.
Not sure we can use all of those Core Crystals though...
Jin
Do we know where the Aegis is right now?
Akhos
Have no fear, Jin!
Of course we know her whereabouts!
Obrona?
Obrona
Yeah, yeah...
Obrona holds up a cluster of yellow light that expands into many motes that surround the group. Visible in the cloud are Titan shapes - Gormott, and two others. Akhos points at the big goat.
Akhos
Hm! It seems they're currently traveling away from the urban area of Gormott.
Malos
Leaving the town? But there's nothing out that way...
Akhos
Perhaps they're on their way out of Gormott itself.
Oh, and...
Jin
What?
Akhos
It seems a certain shipment has set out.
Malos
The Core Crystals heading to Indol for cleansing, huh? How pious of them...
Shall we handle them?
Jin
I can deal with that myself. You concentrate on the Aegis.
Akhos
Understood.
Well, I am looking forward to clapping eyes on the Aegis...
By the way...what of Nia?
Jin
You know where she is?
Akhos
Yes. Look. This dot here.
He points to a blue light shining more brightly than the rest. Also bright near it are two red ones and a yellow one.
Akhos
Without a doubt, this is Dromarch's wavelength.
It seems they're traveling together with the Aegis.
Jin
With the Aegis?
He emits a small "huh" as he gives it some thought.
Jin
Do as you see fit.
Akhos
Understood. You don't need to ask me twice.
Jin turns and starts to walk away.
Malos
Right then. We're gonna take the Monoceros.
Jin
Hm. As you wish.
Malos
Hey!
Don't do anything too reckless.
Jin pauses for a moment, but doesn't respond and keeps going. The ether map fades as everyone else boards the ship.
It's morning in Gormott. The party of Rex, Pyra, Nia, Dromarch, Tora, and Poppi are getting ready to set out. Rex pulls a round device out of his pocket.
Tora
What is that?
Rex
A Cloud Sea compass.
A must-have for salvagers. It's sort of a map of the Cloud Sea.
If you do this... And this...
What's the date today?
Pyra
Um... Amathatober 5th, 4058.[1]
Rex
OK! So now we put the date in...
See?
Tora
This is very clever.
Gramps
Looks like Gormott is the closest country to the World Tree right now.
Rex
All we need is a ship...
Dromarch
The army has every ship in town in its grip.
Nia
*sigh* We're kinda stuck...
Pyra
Seems that way.
Gramps
Sorry I'm no use now...
Rex
I know, I know. But I'm all out of ideas.
Tora
Rex-Rex need ship? Tora have good idea!
Rex
You do?
Tora
There is ship builder living at Gormott Titan's bum-bum!
Old friend of Tora's Grampypon. He called Umon!
Maybe he help if we tell him what's what!
Rex
Sure, it's worth a shot! Let's get going.

Thought of a Long Rest[edit]

Rex has a thought before they take a step.
Rex
Hey, Tora... The place where this Umon guy lives isn't affected by the Cloud Sea tides, is it?
Tora
Hmm? Why Rex-Rex ask?
Rex
Well, I noticed the Cloud Sea's been pretty low ever since we went off to save Nia. It's still low now, right?
I was worrying that depending on the situation, we might be forced to find a different route.
Gramps
Rex has a point. The Cloud Sea tides can have a marked effect on the areas you are able to traverse.
Sometimes the Cloud Sea may allow you to swim to places that were once out of reach...
But equally it can submerge previously reachable areas, halting your progress.
Rex
Exactly. So I was wondering whether we need to worry about any of that where we're going now.
Tora
That make sense!
But is no problem. Path to shipyard of Umon not affected by Cloud Sea at all!
Rex
That's good to know.
If it was somewhere we could only reach at high tide, we'd have to rest up somewhere until the clouds rise.
Gramps
That doesn't sound so bad to me.
Frankly, I'd welcome a well-earned rest at an inn while we wait for the tide to change.
No offense, Rex, but your helmet isn't always the most comfortable abode!
Rex
Yes, yes...you can always have a stretch and a lie down next time we visit the inn at Torigoth.
Tora
For now though, we go to shipyard of Umon!

Umon the Shipwright[edit]

Without much trouble, the gang gets to a cabin built on the edge of the Titan and let themselves in.
Tora
Hellooo! Umon! Umon?! Where is Umon?
A Nopon appears. No one elsee is around, so it's probably Umon.
Umon
Who is that? Who is noisy while I do my work?
Tora! This big surprise!
Tora
Long time no see, Unclepon!
Umon
Yes! Long time! About one whole year?
Tora
Yes, about that!
Umon
You became very big in one year, Tora!
Tora
Yes, Tora not littlepon anymore.
Umon
And Tora have lots of sidekicks!
Tora
Rex-Rex and friends are not Tora's sidekicks! They are real friends, Umon!
Rex-Rex! Meet Unclepon Umon!
He did great research with Grampypon! He is great builder of ships!
Rex
Hello!
Pyra
Greetings.
Dromarch
At your service.
Umon
I see! Tora's friends! Tora has lots of friends. Very good!
Tora has become fine biggipon.
Tora
(slightly embarrassed)
Hehehe!
Umon
Well, Tora. Did you need Umon's help for something?
Tora
Well, we wanted to borrow a ship. From Unclepon Umon!
Umon
A ship? But there are lots of ships in Torigoth!
Why hike all the way to bum-bum to see me?
Tora
Oh...erm...well...
Umon
Tora run out of gold, hmmm?
Tora
Umh... Yes! Tora spend all the gold on artificial Blade!
Tora flat broke, like penniless pancake.
I wanted to go on a little boaty-jaunt to, ah... nearby place. But no money to go on boat!
Nia
(quietly to Rex)
Hmmph. I hope Tora can keep track of all of these fibs he's telling...
Rex
(same back)
There's no other option.
We can hardly tell him what happened in Torigoth, can we?
Nia
Yeah, I guess you're right...
Rex
So long as we get a boat out of this...
Umon
Artificial Blade, eh? Was this what Tora's Grampypon was working on?
Poppi α
My name is Poppi. Pleased to meet Unclepon.
Umon
Yes! This it!
This pretty mighty! Tora take after Grampypon indeed!
Oooh, well... How can I refuse Tora now?
Tora may use Umon's ship but there is problem.
Tora
Wh-what is problem?
Everyone turns towards the ship in the dock: a whale-shaped Titan about as large as Gramps once was, with a wood-and-metal hull built on top of it.
Umon
You see, ship not quite ready just yet.
Not much left to do! But work stop, because no building parts.
Rex
That's the only problem?
Umon
Correct! But that is big problem. Big like sea or mountain.
Rex
You mean, all you need is some parts, then you can finish the ship?
Umon
It just as you say, friend.
Rex
So, if we go and find the parts, then you'll...
Umon
Of course! I make ship ready. Then you borrow!
Rex
Thank you! Come on everyone, let's go!
Tora
Yay! Let's go find ship ingredients!

Umon's Ship[edit]

Main article: Umon's Ship
Eventually, the boat is ready.
Umon
Latest and greatest Umon vessel is ready and raring to go!
Feel free to depart any time!
Set sail for the World Tree?
Set sail
Umon
Have a good trip, friends! Take care, Tora!
Not yet
Umon
No need to rush. Take all time you need with preparations. This ship will always be waiting for friends.

Depart for the World Tree[edit]

Umon's ship is complete. The party has already boarded.
Tora
So now we borrow Unclepon's boat!
Rex
Thanks, Umon! We owe you!
Umon
Indeed! Enjoy your boaty-jaunt!
The ship heads out.
The ship sails across the Cloud Sea.
Rex
So that's the World Tree...
The camera looks up to see the trunk of the World Tree, which looks like a collection of conjoined trunks and several side branches. It isn't touching the Cloud Sea around it - the sea instead appears to descend out of sight, leaving a hole.
Nia
Wow, I've never seen it so close before...
Rex
Me neither, to tell you the truth. But it's just as awesome as I'd hoped.
Seen from lower down the trunk, the Cloud Sea descending around it looks like a waterfall.
Nia
The current's really strong... Fall in that, and you're a goner.
Rex
It's great that we made it this far... But how do we get over there?
Any ideas?
Pyra is staring forward with some concern.
Rex
Pyra?
Pyra
We...
Rex
Huh?
Pyra
(urgently)
Rex! We need to leave! We can't stay here!
Rex
What, why? What are you talking about, Pyra?
The sea shakes. The head of a giant purple robotic serpent appears from the sea.
Pyra
Ophion looks down at the puny boat below it (maybe that cyan light on the head is an eye?) and "roars".
Rex
Ophi-who?!
Pyra
Quick!
Rex flings the wheel hard starboard.
Rex
Uh? Gotcha!
The ship turns around and speeds away. Pyra looks back with some...sadness?
Pyra
(quietly)
Ophion! Stop this!
What's wrong? Can't you hear me?
It can't be!
Ophion slaps its tail on the sea's surface, sending the ship away at higher speed. It decides this is a good enough scare and turns away, arching up and down across the sea as it goes back to the Tree.
Rex
What was that? Thought we were done for!
Rex then goes "?!" as he realizes no one was looking where they were going: a country-sized Titan has appeared in front of them, its toothy mouth rising up from the waters and coming towards them.
Rex
Is that...
Gramps
Uraya's Titan!
It's already too late; the ship is caught in the cascading sea going into the giant whale's mouth.
Rex
This is NOT good!
Ack! Here it comes!
The ship loses contact with the sea and tumbles.
Everyone
Aaah!
Uraya disappears back under the surface.
Everyone
Aaah!
It's dark. The light through Uraya's teeth is visible in the distance. Rex grumbles and gets up. He can make out a pool of water with some wreakage in the darkness. He takes out a light, turns it on, and attaches it to the front of his belt.
Rex
Pyra! Anybody!
Pyra
I...I'm here.
She is indeed over there.
Rex
You hurt?
Pyra
No, I'm fine.
Nia and Dromarch are over to the left.
Nia
Ach, ow.
Tora and Poppi are somewhere on the right.
Tora
Meehh...
Rex
Looks like we're all OK...
The group convenes.
Gramps
Except for the fact that we now find ourselves in the belly of the beast.
Tora
The beastie's belly?
Gramps
This is the inside of the Urayan Titan.
Tora
Meh meh!
Gramps
Look.
He points them towards the distant light through the teeth, and the junk sitting in the pool nearby.
Tora
Tora think this not nice place.
Rex
Is that how we're gonna end up?
Nia
Hey, Rex! Don't jinx us!
Dromarch
Everyone. Shouldn't we try to get out of here?
If I recall, the Urayans live towards the beast's back.
There must be a way up there.
Nia
Yeah. Can't hang around here, for sure.
Poppi α
Over there.
Nia
Huh?
There's a tunnel across the cavern, away from the pool.
Poppi α
Poppi see something over there. Someone coming this way.
Nia
For real? Maybe you're just seeing things.
Poppi α
Poppi is certain. Something is flickering over there.
Rex
Flickering...you say? Some kind of ghost maybe?
Nia
S-shut up! There's no such thing!
Rex
(too smug)
Nia! You're not scared, surely?
Nia
D-don't talk nonsense, Rex! I'm not a kid!
Rex
(way too smug)
You're scared! At last. Something Nia's scared of.
Nia
Just you watch... Hey! Where's Pyra?
The astute viewer will have noticed that Pyra's been absent since before Tora said "this not nice place".
Rex
What?
Nia
Pyra's missing.
Rex
Uh... But she was right here. Pyra? Pyra?!
Pyra appears out of nowhere right next to Rex with a fireball in her hand.
Pyra
Hey, what's up?
Rex
(WHOA)
Aaah!
H-hey, what's the big idea?! Don't wander off like that!
Pyra
Nothing really. I was just taking a look around.
What's the matter?
Nia
(yeeesss, revenge)
Heheheh.
Rex
What's so funny?
Nia
Oh, nothing...
Rex
(growling)
Titan's foot!
Pyra takes her fireball, makes it bigger, and hangs it in the air. It's much easier to see now.
Gramps
Oh! Things are looking brighter already.
Poppi α
Poppi can help too.
Poppi activates her hi-beams (white lights shooting out of her eyes).
Tora
Now even more brighter!
Nia
You two are certainly earning your keep.
*Sigh* I wish I could say the same for old Dromarch here!
Dromarch
Apologies, my lady.
Rex
See? Not so scary when you can actually see. Let's find the exit!
Tora
Poppi α
Yeah!
The tunnel towards the Kingdom of Uraya is no brighter than the first cavern.

Enter Vandham[edit]

The party reaches Jebbas Cavern. It's notably lighter in here than the previous tunnels.
Nia
There's some kinda dim light...
Gramps
If I remember, the Urayan Titan has a translucent hide...
I bet that'll be the light filtering through.
Rex
So the Titan must be above the clouds now?
Gramps
I dare say!
Pyra
If we can make it to the source of the light, maybe we'll find a way out of here.
Gruff voice
Hold it!
Looking up, there's a group of Urayans and Blades on higher ground. In the middle is a very large man with a cross-shaped scar on his face and way too many pouches on his armor. He jumps down from the high ground with too much ease for his body type, quickly followed by his bird-like Blade, his two pals, and their two Blades. His name is Vandham.
Vandham
Looks like a bunch of mushes I ain't seen yet.
You gotta have pretty damn bad luck, ending up in a Titan's guts like this.
...Huh? That Blade...
He's spotted Pyra. At this point we can guess what happens next.
Vandham
An emerald Core Crystal!
Rex gasps. He's figured it out too.
Vandham
Bwahahahaha! So the rumors are true!
Rex
Huh? What rumors?
Vandham
The tale that every Driver worth his salt knows. The legendary Aegis.
Folks been saying she just woke up from a 500 year nap.
Wouldn't have thought she'd show up with a pencil-neck shrimp like you for a Driver, though.
Rex
You think I don't have what it takes?
Vandham
Nah, I mean... Maybe you could handle a normal Blade.
But a greenhorn like you with a beaut like her? Don't kid yourself.
C'mon boy. Hand her over to a grown-up.
Rex
This crap is getting old.
Leave her alone!
Vandham
Y'got heart, kid. I like that.
Yew, Zuo, you take care of the others. I wanna squash the kid.
Yew is on Rex's right. He takes out his spear.
Yew
Heheh. Leave it to us, boss.
Zuo has an axe.
Zuo
We'll take real good care of 'em.
Vandham takes up his weapon, a pair of scythes.

Out of Juice[edit]

The fight is ongoing. Vandham is advancing on Rex.
Vandham
What's the matter? Are you the Aegis or aren't ya?!
Pyra blocks a strike for Rex.
Pyra
Huh?
Something feels different...
This man, he's...
The two push away.
Vandham
That all ya got, mate? Pathetic.
He motions to bring it on.
Rex
We'll show you! We'll show you what me and Pyra are made of!
Rex flings a projectile at him. He sidesteps it without effort.
Rex
He dodged?!
Vandham
Course I did, kid. Any slower, you'd bore me to death.
Rex
How about this then?
He fires some more.
Vandham
Hmph.
Vandham steps back while dodging every shot.
Pyra
Rex, wait! I can't supply power this fast!
Vandham steps back into the cavern wall. Rex is not listening to his partner.
Rex
Nowhere left to run! Eat this!
Rex readies another attack. Pyra looks beat. Vandham smirks. Rex's sword shorts out and goes inert. He lets out an "Uh?".
Vandham
Playtime's over. Take this!
Vandham lunges at Rex. Rex just stands there.
Rex
Ah!
The screen goes white as the scythe gets to Rex's head. When it fades, Vandham is still.
Vandham
Hah! If you're a Driver, you're a new one for sure.
Drivers, see.
Vandham has stopped his weapon just short of Rex's neck. He could've killed him right there and didn't.
Vandham
We borrow our Blades' energy... channel it into our weapons...
And let rip with an Art!
He steps back.
Vandham
But you gotta be careful - there's a limit to it.
If you go in all bull-headed like that, kid, even that Aegis of yours...
He points out that Pyra is resting on all fours and panting heavily.
Vandham
is gonna run out of energy before long.
Rex
(wait but aren't we fighting)
W-what...?
Yew and Zuo have also stopped fighting.
Nia
H-huh?
Vandham
The name's Vandham.
I run a little firm out of the nearby village.
Rex
A..."firm"?
Vandham
Come on!
I'll treat you to some grub as thanks for letting me take a whack at the legendary Aegis!
Bwahahahaha!
He's turned and started to walk away, presumably to lead them onward. Pyra is up beside Rex.
Pyra
Just then... I realized while we were fighting...
The rest of Vandham's group has rejoined him in moving on.
Pyra
I sensed from the very start that he didn't mean us any real harm.
Rex
Hm, he sure is a strange old goat, that one...

Justice Busters[edit]

The group passes through an open gate in a narrow passage.
Vandham
Helluva story.
So you headed to the World Tree to reach Elysium, but got swallowed up whole instead?
You got some crazy luck.
Rex
So, er, what were you doing back there, then?
They stop moving. Some buildings can be seen about.
Vandham
Y'know, this Titan... It ain't too fussy about what it eats.
I went down there to see if anything we might need in the village washed up.
But mostly I only found your sorry mushes.
Rex
Yeah, sorry about that...
The view steps back to more widely see the village.
Vandham
Here we are. Welcome to Garfont. Ain't much but it's home.
Pyra
The village has a lot of children.
Tora
Lots of Drivers and Blades here too!
Vandham
We're in the business of dispatching Drivers and Blades all across the world.
Most of the kids are war orphans. Took 'em in while on the job.[2]
Dromarch
So you're saying that you take them under your wing.
Yew
Just till they're able to make it by themselves.
Zuo
Some of 'em might grow up to be Drivers, like ourselves.
...But then others might become tailors.
Vandham
It doesn't matter what they wanna do with their lives. We leave it up to them to decide.
Yew
Aye. Us "Justice Busters" just wanna help.
Nia
Good eggs, huh?
Vandham
You said it. I've been called worse.
Come on. Let's eat! All this egg-talk is making me hungry.
He leads the group onward. Rex stays back a bit. He seems to like the idea of this place.

A Meal at the Tavern[edit]

The group gets to Vargel Tavern.
Guldon
Hey, look who's here!
Food's on the table. Don't you worry about the cost. Eat as much as you like!

The Driver of the Aegis[edit]

The party has sat down to eat. The near table hosts Rex, Pyra, Gramps, Vandham, and Vandham's Blade Roc, while the others sit at the far table.
Pyra
I'm going to get some water. Vandham?
Vandham
(already with nine empty mugs)
Cheers love! Gimme a beer!
Pyra
Beer? Coming right up!
Rex isn't eating like everyone else. Instead, he looks concerned.
Vandham
What's up? The grub don't suit you?
Rex
So do you fight in wars too, Vandham?
Vandham
You got a problem with mercenaries?
Rex
Are you trying to get us to join up?
Vandham
Hah! Shrimps like you? We're not THAT desperate.
Relax.
Rex
OK. Good to know.
Vandham
Hmmm...
Rex, you're a salvager, ain't ya?
Rex
Yeah.
Vandham
You musta fished out your share of military supplies, right?
You fine with that?
Rex
Nah. I don't wanna get involved with it.
Vandham
It's all the same.
Compasses, valves for ether stoves... Armies need all these things.
That bread you're eating? It's made from ruska flour. Supplied by the Ardainian government.
This world's full of war.
Don't matter if you're a soldier or not. As long as you're alive...
...you're in the war, some way or another.
Don't you think?
Rex
Um, I...
Vandham
Life can be cruel. Crueler than you know.
That's why I set up this little band, so I could protect the people I care about.
Rex. You're the Driver of the Aegis.
The whole world's gonna try and scalp you, you realize that?
How ya gonna live, when you got everyone gunning for ya?
It'd be easy to run. All you'd need to do is ditch that girl.
Pyra is over there, presumably out of earshot, working the beer barrels.
Rex
...
Vandham
Hmmm...
Vandham gets up.
Vandham
C'mon! Gotta get ready!
Rex
Wh-where are we going?
Vandham
Just follow me, kid!
He and Roc head off. Rex doesn't know what to make of it.

A Stay in Garfont[edit]

The rest of the group has gotten up.
Nia
He said to follow him, but I'm not seeing him anywhere...
What an annoying old guy.
Pyra
Where do you think Vandham went?
Rex
I guess we just explore the village and hope we run into him?
Pyra
Good idea. It's always best to get the lay of the land when you arrive in a new place.
Dromarch
Besides, didn't he say we should "get ready" for something?
Nia
He's not exactly big on explaining himself, is he?
Rex
There's quite a few shops around here, so let's stock up on anything we need while we look for him.

The Only Blade You Need[edit]

Vandham and Roc are waiting by the Garfont Rear Gate.
Roc
You sure know how to keep a guy waiting, rookies.
Poppi α
Very sorry for wait!
Tora
Is fault of Vandham for rushing off ahead...
Vandham
Hahahah! Sorry 'bout that.
I guess you've already seen him when we fought earlier, but let's introduce ourselves properly, shall we?
Roc
I'm Roc, Vandham's Blade.
Pleasure to meet you all.
Rex
The pleasure's all ours!
Pyra
I noticed you used an unusual style of weapon?
Roc
Yeah, they're called Dual Scythes. Even around here, I never met anyone but Vandham who can use them.
Tora
Wow. Big man very amazing!
Vandham
Hahahah!
Roc
Don't flatter him too much. He'll let it go to his head.
Poppi α
Vandham only have one Blade then?
Vandham
Yeah, pretty much.
I know most Drivers have a few, so they can change up their strategies in battle, but me, Roc's all I've ever needed!
Tora
Big man really is amazing...
Vandham
Hahahah!
Nia
Sounds to me like you just can't be bothered to think up more than one strategy, eh, old man?
Vandham
Gahahah!
Well, now that we all know each other, let's get down to business.
Dromarch
He just dodged the question...
Gramps
An expert dodge, to be sure...

Bound for the Blowhole[edit]

The scene starts with everyone oddly further from the gate than before.
Vandham
We just got a job to go check out some kinda crazy energy effect. Somewhere up around the blowhole.
Whaddya say? Fancy bein' a mercenary for a day?
Rex
Um, OK? But, I mean, we don't work for free...
Vandham
Don't worry, kid, you'll get paid.
Everyone starts heading towards the gate.

Roc's Power[edit]

Past the Cleansing Spring, the party encounters some sort of storm of wind ether occupying the passage forward. Rex gasps at the sight of the weird obstacle.
Vandham
An ether miasma. Take it this is your first one.
Rex
Ether miasma?
Vandham
It's a load of poisonous waste products spewed from the Titan's guts.
Y'know when you get gassy? Kinda like that.
Nia
Erm, is there a way through this thing?
I can't see any way round it.
Vandham
Hey. No fear.
Vandham draws his weapons.
Vandham
Roc, mate! You're up!
Roc uses his Miasma Dispersal skill. The miasma vanishes.
Rex
(oh huh cool)
Miasma's died down!
Vandham
Heheheh![3]
Yup, nothing to it. Let's roll!

Ardun Situation[edit]

The group approaches the Great Blowhole. There's a lone Ardun standing around.
Vandham
An Ardun... Just what we need.
Vandham
Rex, any good with that anchor?
Rex
Yeah, I get by.
Vandham
Hand that here.
Rex nods and takes the device off his forearm, handing it to Vandham.
Vandham
Now watch.
He smirks, takes aim, and fires. Just before the shot reaches the Ardun, he yanks the reel up. The anchor spirals around the beast's hind leg. Vandham pulls it back and the animal is tipped over.
Rex
Awesome! I never thought of using it that way!
Vandham
The trick is to pull it taut at just the right moment.
He tosses the anchor back.
Vandham
Now you try!
The Ardun is sensibly angry at them now.

Driver's Duty[edit]

They've gone and killed the Ardun. That was really necessary.
Vandham
You got it after seeing it once. Not bad, kid.
Rex
(both proud and sheepish)
Heheheh.
Vandham
Listen up, kid. Drivers use Arts.
But that doesn't just mean using the powers your Blade gives you.
There are Arts that use your own strength, or take advantage of your enemy's.
There are all sorts.
A Driver's job is to be smart with his Arts, and protect his Blade.
Rex
Protect my Blade?
Vandham
Yeah. It's a two-way thing, kid.
You gotta be aware of the power comin' out of her.
Don't waste it, channel it through your Arts, and protect her.
If you can do that, then you're a true Driver, kid.
Rex
'A true Driver'? I don't know... Am I ready?
Vandham
'Course you are.
That thing from before? Took me five years to learn that.
Rex
Five years?!
Vandham
Yeah. But you saw it once, then you aced it like it was nothin'.
And, you got Nia and Tora in tow. Those guys are pretty handy.
Kid, you got a bright future.
Nia
I think I'm gonna spew.
Tora
Biggipon has scary face, but he very nice!
Vandham
Bwahahahaha! Sussed me out, furrypon!

Strange Biology[edit]

At the Soulcrown Summit, the party finds a dead Titan, much like the one of Umon's ship.
Vandham
Like I thought...
Rex
A Titan?
So that weird power effect they clocked... Maybe this is the cause?
Vandham
Yeah, sure looks like it.
Gramps
I'll hazard it wasn't death by old age, either.
Might have been an accident... On the other hand, it might have been attacked...
There's a noise off to the side.
An Arachno approaches. It's accompanied by a demonic-looking humanoid with a Core Crystal - a Rare Blade.
Vandham
Hey, look! Seems like this Titan dying off has stirred up something else!

Burden of Memory[edit]

The Arachno is dead. The Blade alongside it glows blue and fades away, leaving behind a Core Crystal, black and dull.
Rex
The Blade returned to its core...
Pyra
So that monster was in resonance with the Blade...
Tora
Tora cannot resonate, stinky monster can resonate. Not fair!
Poppi α
But Masterpon have Poppi...
Tora
Oh, Poppi!
Vandham
If a Blade loses its Driver, it winds up like this.
Rex
So, is it, like...dead?
Vandham
Nah! The crystal'll start glowing again after a bit of time. Then a new Driver can resonate with it.
But...
Rex
There's a but?
Vandham
Its memory will be totally zapped.
It'll be reborn as a new Blade. Won't remember a thing.
Rex
Yeah? That's pretty rough...
To have all of your past wiped out like that...
Pyra
(looking off to the side)
But memories can be...painful as well. They can be a terrible burden.
And, a Blade can live forever, as long as the crystal exists.
It's just as well. Eternity is a long time to collect bad memories.
Rex
Pyra...
Pyra
I'm sorry.
I was just thinking, sometimes being able to forget is a...blessing.
Vandham
C'mon! Let's get finished up here!
Vandham goes over to the dead Titan. He sticks his arm in as it starts to glow blue and fade. When he comes back, he's got a fresh Core Crystal in his hand.
Rex
That's...
Tora
A Core Crystal!
Rex
What?!
Vandham
Well, that where they come from. Out of Titans.
This one's brand new and ready to resonate. Like a big steak, right before you take that first bite.
It'll probably end up buddying up with a bunch of Drivers...
Every time the Driver dies, it'll forget everything and return to its core. Eventually it'll resonate with a new Driver.
Drivers dyin', Titans dyin'... The Blade just keeps on livin' through it all...
It's a never-ending cycle. An eternal history.
As mortals, we'll never be able to understand.
Rex
It's incredible.
Pyra steps over to the fading Titan, clearly sad for it. Rex then thinks about how he arrived in the room where Pyra was sealed on the Ancient Ship.
Rex
But... Pyra already had a body when we found her...
Could her old Driver still be alive somewhere?
Perhaps...

Pain Shared, Destiny Entwined[edit]

The party has returned to Garfont and is resting in the Training Ground. While Tora is having Poppi help him practice punching with his tiny hands for some reason, Vandham is deep in thought.
Rex and Pyra are both holding what's implied to be cotton balls on a stick dipped in some sort of medicine, and are trying to help each other apply it to their wounds.
Rex
Owowowowow...ah...
Pyra
Hey, hold still. I thought you were a tough salvager, Rex!
Rex
Gimme a break. Pain is pain, isn't it?
How about you? Are you hurt?
Pyra
Don't worry, it's just a scra—
He pokes her arm with the swab.
Pyra
Ouuuch!
Vandham gets up and approaches.
Pyra
That was on purpose! You were hurting me on purpose, weren't you? Well?
Rex
I wasn't, honest! I was just rubbing the lotion in...
Pyra
Rex! You rubbed it too hard! It hurts, see!
She retaliates halfway through speaking.
Rex
Waaah!
Vandham
Hey, you two!
Gimme a look at that!
He takes an inspection of them. They both have cuts on their left arm and right thigh, both in the same place and direction.
Vandham
(baffled)
What is this...
Haven't seen this before...
Dunno why a Blade would be stuck with a bunch of wounds...
And they're exactly the same as Rex's!
At this point, it comes out (presumably, since it's offscreen) that Pyra gave Rex half her life force and Core Crystal.
Vandham
Incredible. Never heard of such a thing.
Rex
It's all true.
Vandham
I just thought it was an accessory.
Rex
Vandham, that's not my style.
Vandham
Blades are supposed to heal up right away, no matter what the wound.
If the crystal's in one piece and the Driver's alive, nothing can touch 'em.
So why's she all bashed up?
Rex
(unconcerned)
That's just how the chips fell. It is what it is.
Vandham
What it is, is a problem.
It means, if one of you kicks the bucket, you both do.
Rex
You told me that a good Driver always protects his Blade.
So that's what I'll do. I'm gonna protect her.
Vandham
Easier said than done, kid.
Rex
Listen.
Pyra... She saved my life, brought me back from the dead. So I won't die again!
I've got to live, for her sake! Until we get to Elysium, at least.
We can make it together.
Vandham
Rex, you mean...
Akhos
Going to Elysium? I can't let that stand.
Everyone looks over halfway through the line to see that Akhos and Obrona are both suddenly here.
Akhos
It won't do. A bunch of amateurs stealing the show?
The script exists for a reason!
Nia
Akhos!
Rex
![4]
Akhos
Please speak only when you're spoken to, traitor.
Obrona
Traitor traitor traitor!♪
Nia, you're one of the baddies now. You villain!
Teeheehee!
Nia
I didn't betray anyone!
Akhos
Then why do you stand with them? You think that is where you belong?
Nia
But, I...
Vandham
Hmph. Who are these goons?
Rex
Torna. They're trying to get their hands on Pyra.
Vandham
Torna?!
Nia
Akhos! Just tell us what you're here for!
Akhos
Well, the Aegis, of course.
I just had to come and see the leading lady with my own eyes.
Nia
Jin put you up to this?
Akhos
Well deduced. Oh, by the way...
His orders were to deal with you in whatever manner I see fit.
So you know what that means.
Nia
He wouldn't... You're lying!
Akhos
Why the surprise? Did you think he would still care about you?
Oh, to live in your reality...
At this point the subtitles would say "Grrr!", but the noise Nia emits is so cat-like they chose to hide it, for it could not do the sound justice.
Akhos
Well, well. Your part in this play is coming to an end.
So! Time for you to shuffle off the stage.
Vandham
Hnngh![5]
Rex
What's wrong?
Vandham
I know the name Torna. They've taken the lives of too many Drivers.
Including some of my crew. Good people.
Rumor says it's because they're collecting Core Crystals. So, if this Akhos is one of them...
He turns to the side and yells at Yew and Zuo, who have been there for some time now but not done anything.
Vandham
Yew! Zuo! Get everyone out of the village!
Yew
Zuo
Yes, sir!
Vandham
(back to Rex)
You ready?
Everyone draws their weapons.
Rex
Ready!
Pyra
Got it!
Nia
Thanks for this.
Rex
No problem!
Nia
It'll be tough. His Blade, Obrona... She can manipulate the ether in the air.
It lets him counter elemental attacks by generating fields of the opposing element!
Vandham
Finally, a decent opponent for a change! Let's go!

Too Many Bit-Players[edit]

The fight is presumably ongoing, though there is yet no indication of it.
Akhos
(starting calm but becoming manic)
Such an honor! Sharing a stage with the legendary Aegis!
He lunges forward and knocks Pyra into the wall.
Pyra
Argh!
Rex is sitting on the ground over there.
Rex
Ugh!
Akhos looks over, confused.
Akhos
Huh? Why would the Driver...
Obrona
It seems...that they're taking each other's damage, somehow.
Akhos
Ah! So that means that the Aegis...
Is a mere mortal right now...
In that case, a little more damage, and she'll be easy to deal with!
He chases her along the wall a bit, then spins around and smacks her. He then makes a cross-slash with his blades that should really be causing visible damage but doesn't.
Pyra
Aaaaaah!
She slides down the wall.
Rex
Pyra!
Rex tries to get up but fails and flops onto the ground. Akhos smirks before bringing an attack down at Pyra's slouched head, but a wind-like shield blocks it and pushes him away.
Akhos
Hnngh!
Vandham
Kids these days, I swear! Can't leave you alone for a minute!
Vandham walks into frame with one of Roc's scythes held up.
Rex
Could use a hand!
Vandham
Leave it to me. I'll take this dog down!
Vandham spins and produces a cyclone, but it doesn't visibly do much to Akhos before vanishing. He passes the scythes to Roc, who does a more continuous and effective job.
Obrona
Gyaaaaaah! What's happening?!
Obrona, not anchored to the ground, starts to spin around in the cyclone.
Akhos
What? The ether flow's disturbed!
Gah. How am I supposed to deflect now?!
Vandham
You and your fancy moves. You lack grit.
Akhos tries to advance, but Dromarch leaps at him and forces him back.
Akhos
Urgh! Just too many of these bit-players...
My interest has waned. Obrona! Perhaps it's time for another tale.
He turns away. Obrona mumbles and follows.
Obrona
Sure, sure...
The two leap up the cliffs and easily get away.
Vandham
Tch.
The group generally glares at the exit. Pyra staggers forward and collapses.
Rex
...
Pyra!
He hurries over to her.
Rex
Pyra! Pyra!
He lifts her a bit. She's unconscious.
The scene skips ahead. Pyra has been placed in a bed in the Harghalgh Inn. The rest of the party is huddled around. Rex steps outside the room; Vandham is in the next one.
Vandham
How is she?
Rex
She's not badly hurt. Dromarch thinks she just needs rest.
Vandham
That's good to hear.
Rex
(downcast)
Maybe...I used too much power again...
Vandham
Hey, Rex...
Rex looks back up and goes "Hmm?".
Vandham
Know what the difference is between me and that Akhos fella?
Rex
Well, he's a bad guy, trying to get Pyra...and you're...not?
Vandham
Hehe! Thanks for the vote of confidence, kid.
What if I told you that we weren't that different?
Rex
Huh?
Vandham
My crew at the village, we think we're fighting for justice.
But, a just fight? I'm tellin' you now, there's no such thing.
What people call justice? It's just an excuse to fight. War is war.
The more you stand up for yourself, the more people wanna fight you.
Before you know it, you're in a war.
Listen. All I'm saying is, we got our fight, and he's got his.
Rex
But what he's doing is-
Vandham
Yeah, it's bad. But war ain't about right and wrong. Power. That's all it is.
And power can take many different forms. It depends on the heart of its wielder.
If we don't use our power, just 'cos we're scared of it, we're done for.
As for who's right and who's wrong... No one knows for sure.
So, all we can do, is protect what's important.
Rex
I think I understand.
Vandham
We all got our own war, kid.
Rex
My...war?
It is now the next morning. Having slept in separate rooms, the girls' half of the party reconvenes with the boys' half in the lobby.
Pyra
Good morning!
Rex
Pyra! Feeling better?
Pyra
Yeah! I slept so much!
Rex
Good. Glad to hear.
Pyra
Also...Nia's got something to talk to you about.
Rex
She does?
Pyra
Yeah. Go ahead, Nia.
Nia
Ah, erm...
I... Rex...I want you to come help me.
Rex
Erm, come where?
Nia
To Vandham. I need to tell him about my past with Akhos and all that lot.
Rex
Ah, sure. If you'd like me to, I will!
Nia
Thanks...
Pyra
Nia originally said she was going to go alone.
But I said maybe it'd be better if you went along too.
Nia
Er... Maybe I should explain... Vandham... He kind of scares me a bit...
Rex
Haha... I get it!

Difficult Conversation[edit]

Vandham is out at the Training Ground. The party approaches. The time is still exactly 7:00am (no matter how long it took the player to get here).
Vandham
Oh, it's you guys? What got you out of bed so early?
Rex
Nia?
Nia
Thanks for yesterday. You saved our skins.
Nia
That guy, Akhos, I mean... I wanted to tell you about him, you see...
Thing is, we used to be...
Vandham
Being a mercenary... You meet all kindsa different folks.
Nia goes "...Huh?". This is not going as expected.
Vandham
Your country, family, money... People got plenty of reasons to fight.[6]
Like fightin' for a special girl. I see that a lot. Though not every girl has a strange crystal in her chest, eh?
Rex
Y-you mean Pyra? W-we're just...
Vandham
Nia, you're with these guys right now. That's what matters.
Nia
But...aren't you...
Vandham
Anyway. Rex, weren't you saying you wanted to get to Elysium?
Rex
Yeah... But we hit a snag...
With a monster like that in the way, it's impossible.
No Guild ship's getting close to it without going down.
Vandham
Well, I've got an old mate. In the Urayan capital.
Got a feeling he might know a way through.
Rex
Really?!
Vandham
Yeah. I gotta go there anyhow. So I could introduce you.
Rex
Vandham! Thank you!
Vandham
Nah! It's destiny or something. Don't sweat it.
Get your stuff together and meet me by the village entrance.
Vandham and Roc head off.

Setting Out for Fonsa Myma[edit]

The party rejoins with Vandham at the gates.
Vandham
Just letting you know, it's a good way to Fonsa Myma from here.
Plenty of monsters out there on the road. Make sure you've got yourselves all kitted up before we head out.
Are you ready to depart?
Yes
Vandham
All set? Then let's get our backsides over to Fonsa Myma, pronto!
Not yet
Vandham
Take your time. Just gimme a shout whenever you're ready.

Watching from the Shadows[edit]

The group readies to leave.
Vandham
Time to head out. Yew! Zuo! Take care of this place, yeah?
Yew
Nae worries. Leave it to us, Boss!
Zuo
Boss. You're in a good mood somehow!
Vandham
Hehe, I guess so. Well, take care!
They exit the gates.
Cleverly hidden behind a nearby rock, a pair of hooded figures watch the party pass by.
Aboard an Ardainian Titan ship, alarms are blaring. Soldiers are firing their rifles at Jin, but he casually strolls forward, destroying them all without visibly moving. He turns a corner to see a group of Drivers and Blades, which he also teleports through without apparent effort, killing the Drivers and causing the Blades to revert to inert cores. Jin reaches a door and slices it open, revealing a room full of glowing Core Crystals. Explosions rock the Titan ship as it falls into the Cloud Sea.

Bringer of Chaos[edit]

The party reaches the Cobalt Cliffs. It isn't long before a voice echoes out from nowhere.
???
Ha ha ha! Looks like all the chat about the Aegis was true!
Rex
Who're you?
The two hooded figures from the previous scene appear in front of the group. The one with a comically large sword on his back is the speaker, while the one with the big round glasses stays silent.
???
That's a heavy burden you have there. Sure you're up to it, pipsqueak?
See sense, step aside and let the big boys take charge.
From this point forward, it is assumed that every line by this diabolical masked man is accompanied by a dramatic pose (which his partner perfectly mimics) and matching sound effect.
???
C'mon. Yield the merchandise!
Rex
Huh? What? Vandham, do you know this guy?
Vandham
Never seen him in my life.
???
Bah!
The two assailants throw off their hoods.
Everyone
![7]
The man has a patch over his left eye, while the woman must be a Blade because her shoulders are lightbulbs.
Rex
Wait...are you...
???
(yep, they got it)
Heh.
Rex
...Uh...
The man is clearly hurt by no one immediately recognizing him.
???
You really are a bunch of rinky-dink, bogus, two-bit, no-mark Drivers, aren't you?
He approaches the camera dramatically.
???
Behold the mighty...
Zeke!
Von!
Genbu!
Bringer of Chaos!
At this point he's spitting on the lens. He eventually pulls back.
Zeke
Mostly known as Zeke. And often addressed as...THE ZEKENATOR!
Behold my Blade! Pandoria!
He takes up his sword and brandishes it appropriately.
Zeke
And this is my sword, the Purple Lightning Dreamsmasher! If you want a taste, come and get it!
The music pauses while Rex contemplates this information.
Rex
We're good.
He starts to keep on walking. The rest of the party follows.
Zeke
Good?! No?!
W-wait...
The music continues as Zeke and Pandoria dash back in front of them with superhuman speed.
Zeke
Wait! You barbarians!
Nia
This guy... I'm tired of him already.
Zeke
Gah! You think you lowlifes can lick the three of us?
Nia
Three of you? I count two. Lost someone?
Zeke
Huh? Oh, get a load of this...
Our beloved mascot...
Turters, reveal yourself!
He reaches into his open coat to pull out...nothing.
Zeke
...Huh? Turters? Turters?! Turters, where are you, boy?
Turterrrrs!
Pyra looks down to see a small turtle at her feet, approaching her.
Pyra
Oh!
She picks him up. He fits right in her hand.
Pyra
Hello, little guy! How are you? What are you doing, out here all alone...?
Zeke is on all fours searching for his companion. He spots what Pyra's doing.
Zeke
Ah-ah-ah! Turters!
He skedaddles at her and stops.
Zeke
Handling a man's turtle!
He snatches Turters and skedaddles right back to Pandoria's side. With their mascot rescued from Pyra's clutches, they fawn over him.
Rex
...He could have just grabbed Pyra there. Why'd he go for his turtle instead...?
Nia
Ugh. What an idiot.
Zeke
Gah...!
Zeke puts Turters back safely away.
Zeke
Listen, whatever.
She'll be mine soon enough!
Got a problem with that? Then come at me! And don't hold back!
He gives them a confident smirk.
Nia
What! Is this guy for real?
The party prepares to fight. zekes_super_cool_battle_transition_effect.mp4

Watch Your Step[edit]

The party has succeeded in not being immediately defeated by Zeke von Genbu, Bringer of Chaos, the most evil Driver in Alrest. He gets pushed back.
Zeke
*pant* *pant* *pant* G-good try. Not bad.
B-b-but!
Zeke
Wipe yourselves down and get ready for my super-ultra-mega-move!
Nia
(completely disinterested)
We're waiting with bated breath. For your super-duper-whatever.
Zeke
(yesssss)
You asked for it!
Hyaargh!
The Purple Lightning Dreamsmasher is charged with lightning. Rex grunts at the power. Zeke holds it aloft as the effect intensifies.
Zeke
Bringer of Chaos!
Ultimate Lightning Fury Slash!
He leaps into the air and strikes the ground, the electricity forming a across it. No one is within the attack's reach. Zeke makes a derisive snort that says "so, you understand my true power now?". Then the ground starts to shake.
Pyra
Erm...
Zeke
Whoa-!
The ground fragments under Zeke and Pandoria's feet before completely giving way; a big chunk of cliffside shatters and collapses.
Zeke
Whoaaaaaaa...!
Pandoria
Gyaaaaah!
The two fall down to the ground way below. No one is particularly concerned about it. Rex goes "whoa".
Rex
Wh-what just happened? They...
Nia
Ugh. What an idiot.
Vandham
Don't see that everyday...
Nia
Come on. That's enough nonsense.
Nia starts to lead the party onward.
Dromarch
Indeed.

Rampant Tensions in Fonsa Myma[edit]

The party reaches Fonsa Myma. As they approach, they take note of a Titan ship docked at the Gwendle Repair Dock.
Dromarch
War with Mor Ardain is looking more and more likely by the day.
Vandham
Looks like they've expanded the military program. That's a lot of warships...
Poppi α
These ships look different to normal ships.
Vandham
Yeah, we don't muck about with our Titans much. No need for it.
Urayans like things pretty natural.
Rex
I've seen Urayan ships before, back in Argentum.
It's like the total opposite of how the Ardainians use them.
Dromarch
That could be one reason they're always at each other's throats.
Gramps
They've been like cats and dogs for a long time...
Nia
Well, from where I stand, the Ardainians are worse. All that metal's just bad taste.
Gramps
It's easy to think that way, but you're not considering how the Titans themselves feel.
Nia
Huh? Don't all those modifications hurt?
Gramps
When Titans live with humans, that's just the way it is.
Nia
Hmmm...
Gramps
I used to have a hut on my back, and a crane stuck where the sun doesn't shine.
I never complained, not even when Rex fired up a grill on my shoulders.
Rex
Hey, you used to like that!
Gramps
Mm... Well, yes, I did like that...
In fact, I miss it...
Rex
If I did that now, we'd end up with roast Titan!
Gramps
Indeed!
Pyra
Teeheehee!

Spoils of War[edit]

In the streets, the party finds a lineup of people in front of a table staffed by soliers.
Rex
What's that?
Vandham
It's a distribution center. The government tries to ration out what little resources they have.
In practice, it's just first come, first served.
At the head of the line is a young girl.
Distributor
OK. That's the last one for today.
She reaches out to take the offered item (it's not exactly clear what it is), but some jerk shoves her aside.
Pyra
Ah!
Pyra decides to get involved. The jerk rationalizes himself to the child.
Domko
Come on! I'm a soldier! Been busting my gut for this country!
That should be going to me. Not the likes of you!
The girl looks all sad.
Domko
Uh? Don't look at me like that! Respect your elders, you snot-nosed brat!
Pyra steps in between them. Rex follows.
Pyra
Are you OK?
What do you think you're doing? She's just a child!
Domko
What?!
H-huh? Who the hell are you?
Nia
Rex... This isn't our business. Leave it!
Rex grumbles and ignores her.
Rex
Being an adult isn't just about barking orders. Sometimes you need to help someone weaker!
The assailant's beast-form Blade arrives to back him up. He's determined to fight.
Domko
Shut your face! You don't know what the hell you're talking about!

Mister Vandham[edit]

The jerk is summarily beat up.
Domko
*pant pant* Wh-who are you?
He then finally realizes who he's looking at.
Domko
Th-the color of that crystal! You're...! Waaaaah!
He turns and runs. Presumably in fear, but Gramps seems to think otherwise.
Gramps
Not good. He'll be bringing others before long.
Vandham
The rumors about Pyra must have traveled pretty far. Even grunts like him have heard 'em.
Pyra
Sorry... I guess I should have used the cloak...
Poppi α
But who spread rumors?
Vandham
From what I hear, it's some fancy-pants Nopon merchant.
Rex
A Nopon merchant...?
The girl they stepped in to defend walks up.
Girl
Excuse me, Mister Vandham?
Vandham
Uh? Oh! Well, if it isn't Iona!
You grew a fair bit! How's Grandpa Cole doing?
Iona looks at the ground.
Vandham
Ah... Not too good, then.
Rex
Who's this?
Vandham
Uh? Ah, this is Iona. That old friend of mine takes care of her.
Pyra steps forward and leans down.
Pyra
Hi, Iona. Great to meet you!
Vandham
C'mon. Let's beat it before those soldiers show up.

Trip to the Theater[edit]

Vandham brings the party to the Mymoma Playhouse.
Dromarch
(interested)
Hmmm.
Is this some kind of theater?
Vandham
Yup, it's a theater, all right.
The guy we're here for leads the troupe here.
Rex
Ahh. Actors, eh.
Vandham
...And right now...
Vandham leans in to read a poster on the wall.
Vandham
...they're in the middle of a show... Well? Wanna take a quick peek?
Dromarch
"The Heroic Adventures of Addam." Might be interesting.
There is a subtle worry on Pyra's face.
Rex
I've never been to the theater before.
Tora
Neither has Tora!
Vandham
Let's do it! Nice and quiet though. Looks like it's pretty packed today.
Rex
OK!
The caption for Tora's "Meh meh!" is hidden for some reason. The party heads inside.
It's not that packed inside really, there's enough stools for everyone to sit in the back row.
An Ardainian man is serving as the play's narrator.
Narrator
And I saw at that time that the powers of darkness had engulfed almost everything!
The stage comes onscreen. The front half of a boat sits on the left side, with strips of white material billowing across it representing the Cloud Sea.
Narrator
People and Titans alike were drawn into the abyssal vortex!
The apocalypse was upon us! The end was nigh!
But then! Despite the wounds all over his body, the great Addam stood...
"Addam" appears on the boat, dressed in spiky white-and-red armor covered in randomly-colored mosaic tiles. A low-quality thunder sound plays.
Addam
O Architect! Grant me power!
He holds up a sword in the same style as his armor.
Addam
Power to banish the dark! Power to illuminate the world!
More storm sounds play. After a cut, the clouds are gone, replaced by a trio of scarecrow-like monsters with glowing eyes making vaguely threatening motions. Addam hops off the boat and readies to fight. An actress dressed like a stereotypical angel, blonde with a white dress, is then lowered from above, hanging above the boat in center stage.
Addam
Lo! Loyal servant of the Architect! The Aegis!
O Aegis! Bless me with your power! Bring light upon the world!
The Aegis scatters a handful of yellow confetti. The monsters moan and fall down, surrounded by paper flames.
Narrator
Thus, they defeated the darkness.
But at a terrible price!
Three great continents sank beneath the sea of clouds forever.
The boat is gone, and a backlit door is now center statge. The Aegis is lying on the ground, with Addam behind her.
Addam
Servant of the Architect! By thy power, the world is saved!
For the gift you have granted us, we are eternally grateful.
I shall spread thy legend far and wide! May your name live on for eternity!
He picks her up and walks towards the door as the curtain comes down. Applause. Pyra is not applauding. Rex is somewhat concerned about this.

Minoth[edit]

Vandham is taking the party backstage.
Nia
Hey.
Rex stops and turns to her.
Nia
Kind of awkward, right?
Rex
What was awkward?
Nia
I mean, that play...it was about Pyra. Must have been kinda bizarre for her, eh?
Rex
I dunno... I guess?
Nia
Maybe you should go and make it right.
She continues on.
Rex
Make it right? How?
Nia
Idiot. Figure it out yourself!
Rex
Huh? What am I supposed to-?
He turns around to see Pyra right there.
Rex
Err, umm...so the theater...
Pyra
(clearly fake enthusiasm)
Wasn't it incredible?
They had the cloth moving just like real clouds! How do you think they did that?
Rex
Huh? ...Ah... Yeah! The clouds were pretty cool...
They were so...cloudy?
Gramps punches him in the back of the head.
Rex
Ow!
Gramps
What are you saying, bonehead?
Rex
There's no need for that! I don't know what to say in a situation like this!
The scene moves to a room filled with books and boxes. A hooded man is there. Presumably, this is the Cole that Vandham brought them to see.
Vandham
Comin' in, old fella!
The whole party enters at once.
Vandham
Crikey! Still collecting the junk, are ya?
Cole turns to show that he's an older man. He speaks with the same accent as Jin and Malos.
Cole
Watch it, you bruiser! Don't make fun of a man's hobbies!
Vandham
Some greeting for your old comrade!
Nia
Comrade?
Vandham
Yeah, I was a freelancer, before the firm got going.
Believe it or not, me and this old fella tore up a good few battlefields in our day.
Cole
We sure did. And thanks to that bleeding heart of yours, we almost never got paid!
Vandham
Hahaha! Says the guy in the theater troupe! You can't be raking in much dough either.
Cole
Hmph. Well, what can I do for you, friend?
Vandham
Cole, you're old, ain't ya?
Old enough to know...how you cross over to the World Tree... Get to Elysium, I mean.
Cole
Elysium? But why? Why would you want to go there?
He takes a closer look at Pyra.
Cole
That Core Crystal! You... You're...
So, the Aegis is back amongst us... Who is your Driver?
Rex
I am.
Cole
You? But you're so young...
Vandham
How about it, old man? Do you know the way or not?
Cole
Hmmm...
I dare say if you've trekked all the way here to ask me, you've already tried going yourselves?
Rex
Yeah... But we couldn't make it.
Cole
No wonder. No one can get to the tree while that thing's guarding the way there.
It won't let anyone past.
But...a long time ago, there was a man who went up the tree. Met the Architect, too.
Rex
There was...? Really?
Cole
Yeah. I'll wager anything he's got an idea how to get there again. You should try asking him.
Rex
Who was it?
Cole
...
Rex
Please, tell us! I've got to get to Elysium, no matter the cost!
Cole
Well, I can tell you. But first I'd like to have a word with her, if I may.
With the Aegis, I mean.
Rex
With Pyra?
Pyra
Of course.
Cole
Please, through here.
Cole takes Pyra into the next room. It's presumably his bedroom, with its bed and many filled bookshelves.
Pyra
Mister Cole, right? You wrote that play, didn't you?
Cole
I hope it didn't stir up any painful memories...
Pyra
No... Some of them are...good memories.
Cole
Heh. You know, you're not very convincing. I'm sorry, I really am.
I just wanted people to know about that time.
Show people how we were back in those days... Really get it across to them...
Will you be using it again? That power...
Pyra
I don't know yet.
Cole
I just don't know if this world can take it a second time.
Pyra
I know that. I'd never use it if there was another way.
This is what I hope for... But...
Cole
That man's the only one who knows how to get to where you're going.
Do you think you can make it to him?
I just wanted to make sure.
Pyra
We can. I mean, it's my destiny.
Cole
Yeah...
That boy who's with you...
Pyra
His name's Rex. He's a good person. With a kind heart.
Cole
Reminds me of a certain someone...
Pyra
Heh.
Cole
OK then. I'll help you out.
Pyra
Thank you... Minoth!
Cole
Minoth... I'd almost forgotten that name...
They return to the room with the others. Cole goes to his desk.
Cole
Now then, where did it get to...?
Cough! Hargh![8]
Iona
(concerned)
Grandpa!
Vandham
Old man! You OK?
Cole
(coughing constantly)
I'm fine... I'll be fine in a second...
Seriously, don't mind me...
Vandham
Nah, we'd better call it a day, old timer.
Rex
(sighing nod)
...
Vandham
I'm sorry, fella.
Cole
(still coughing)
Yeah, OK. But come back again tomorrow, will ya?
There's something I want to give you.
He bends over in another coughing fit.
Vandham
Come on. I know a place we can rest.
Rex looks concerned for Cole as they leave.

For Old Time's Sake[edit]

The party reaches the Folmarie Inn.
Dellin
Well if it isn't Vandham! It's been a while.
Today's stay's on the house, for old time's sake. Now get yourselves some rest!
Rest here?
Yes
Dellin
Make yourselves at home.
No
Dellin
Off for a wander? Well, come back whenever you're done.

Surprise Visit[edit]

It's late at night. Cole has gotten over his cough and found what the was looking for: some sort of edgeless dagger with a gem or crystal in the hilt. He then realizes that Malos and Akhos have appeared in the room.
Cole
Well, I'll be... It's just one blast from the past after another today.
Malos
You probably guessed, but we're not here for a reunion.
Cole
Just as well. The Aegis's gone already.
How disappointing for you, "comrade".
Malos
Hmph. Still an asshole.
Akhos
...Despite the years taking their toll.
I'll wager all the doctors in this town are quacks, and all the Blades are blunt.
Iona is not in bed. Instead, she is listening at the doorway.
Akhos
(trying to be a smooth talker)
Obrona and I... We could fix that stagnant ether flow with a minimum of bother.
What do you say? You could still have a lot of good years ahead of you!
I mean, I won't deny there'd be a certain quid pro quo involved.
But old man, just think of the benefits!
Come, can't you lend us your expertise here?
Do so, and you could live for a long, long time.
Cole
You know, friend, I'm not as attached to my life as I used to be. Maybe I've had enough!
Akhos
Your little lost souls will be simply inconsolable.
Cole
The kids? No, they're strong.
Akhos goes "Tch." and decides to lose his cool.
Akhos
This is becoming a farce. A horrendously clichéd one at that!
Break a leg!
The two leave. Cole considers the dagger again.
Malos and Akhos exit the theater. They're about to go elsewhere when Malos notices something.
Malos
Hm? What's that?
They turn around. No one is visible, but presumably they've spotted Iona.
Akhos
Hey, don't be shy. You heard everything we said, didn't you?
Iona comes out to meet them.
Iona
Can you... Can you really help Grandpa?
Akhos
Why of course.
We can help. That is, if you can help us. Can you do that, for your grandfather?
Over in the inn, Pyra and Nia are asleep. Pyra's having her dream of Elysium.
Pyra
(bothered)
This is... You can't come here.
Malos is leaning against the tree.
Malos
Charming! So you're making the rules now, huh?
Pyra
You didn't come here to talk about the old days, did you?
Malos
Heh.
We've snatched Minoth's little brat.
Pyra
No!
Malos
Meet me at the place of your awakening. You remember it, right?
Pyra
...
Malos
Oh, and come alone.
Nia wakes up to see Pyra's bed empty.
Nia
In the loo? I guess?
She makes to go back to sleep, but someone knocks on the door.
The whole party rushes out of the inn to find an exhausted Cole with the inn's proprietor, Dellin.
Vandham
Old man! What happened?
Cole
Iona... She's gone! It must've been...them!
Rex
Who's "them"?
Cole
After you went, Malos...and some other guy paid me a visit.
Rex
Malos was here?
Nia
Who was the other guy?
Cole
Didn't catch his name. But he had red glasses.
Nia
That's Akhos! But what would he want with Iona?
Rex
Wait! Nia! Where's Pyra?
Nia
Sh-she wasn't there when I woke up...
What? No one's seen her?
Rex
Pyra... Maybe she realized what was going on with Iona?
Cole
Well, knowing those two... It's not unthinkable.
Nia
That girl! Trying to save her on her own?
Rex
Where's she gone? Didn't she leave a note?
Nia
No. I'd have noticed!
Cole
I know where... I think it could be Olethro Ruins.
Rex
Olethro Ruins?
Cole
It's where Addam led his army of resistance from. Five hundred years ago.
It's the place where the Aegis woke up, too.
Rex gasps; he seems to think this makes sense.
Cole
It must be that Malos is trying to lure her down there! I'm sure of it!
Rex
Cole! Tell us how to get there!
Cole
It's at the top of the Great Stairway.
Rex
Vandham!
Vandham
(to Dellin)
Hey! Fella! Take care of this old man for us.
Dellin
Y-yes!
Rex
Let's move! If we go now, maybe we can catch up to her!

Confrontation[edit]

It's still midnight. Pyra arrives at the great stone amphitheater of Olethro Ruins. She sees Malos and Sever waiting for her.
Malos
So lame. How long are you going to stay in that form?
Pyra
That's none of your concern! I am who I am! Where's Iona?
Malos
Akhos is the meanest son of a bitch I know.
He nods his head towards a point behind Pyra. She turns around to see Iona unconscious on one of the upper benches. Akhos and Obrona are watching from a different direction.
Obrona
Heeheehee! Son of a bitch!
Akhos
Hmph. I still think we should have sent them a finger or something.
But you know best.
Malos
You know what we're after, don't you?
Pyra
Jin...
Is he on your side too?
Malos
I exist for his benefit. That's all I'm gonna say.
Pyra
Really...
She glares intensely at him.
Malos
Let's end this. Now.
With Sever's blade in hand, Malos starts to swipe wind projectiles at Pyra. She blocks them, but each one breaks her barrier and she has to conjure a new one.
Rex, on his way, feels Pyra's pain in his shoulder.
Rex
Agh!
Gramps
Rex!
Rex
I'm OK. But Pyra's fighting alone!
He looks up the rest of the long stairway.
Rex
She's close, though! Really close!
He resumes running.
Pyra is running out of breath.
Akhos
Well, well. I see I'm not the only son of a bitch.
Malos
Still defiant, I see. Just give it up, girl!
Think you can do it alone?
Handle that power?
Pyra finds some reserve focus.
Pyra
I won't use that power! And I won't let you use it either!
She conjures a fireball about five times her height.
Akhos
Hmmm? You seem to be doing nicely without your Driver.
Malos
Hmph. It's like you don't know who you're dealing with!
Malos steels himself. Pyra throws the fireball at him, but he easily breaks it before it arrives.
Pyra
...
Malos
You can't beat me like that!
Rex
...But maybe I can!
Rex appears from above ready to strike.
Malos
The kid?!
Sever blocks the attack and pushes Rex off.
Pyra
Rex!
The rest of the party arrives.
Pyra
Everyone!
Rex
Vandham, take Iona!
Vandham is already holding her.
Vandham
Gotcha!
Rex
We'll take care of these guys!
Malos growls.
Akhos
Well, it's come to this.
...Hmph! Needs must!
Obrona! Do them in!
He leaps to Malos's side.
Obrona
Thought you'd never ask!

Exit Vandham, Enter Mythra[edit]

Regardless of how long the player spent on the fight, it is still the middle of the night.
Akhos
I must admit, I've enjoyed playing my part in this hackneyed tale, but...
Obrona
Teehee! Time for the final act?
Obrona swirls high into the air and releases a red wave of energy, leaving the air full of red particles.
Rex
Uh? You're bluffing...
He runs in.
Pyra
No! Rex!
He swings at Akhos, but he catches the sword's casing.
Rex
What?!
Akhos
You see, Blades draw their power from atmospheric ether energy.
They send their power to the crystal, where it manifests...
But...what if we were to interrupt the flow?
He closes his fist for very necessary dramatic effect. The affinity link between Rex and Pyra turns red and breaks.
Vandham
Shit...
Don't look good!
Nia
Damn! The power's draining out of my weapons!
Dromarch
It's no good! I can't transfer power, my lady!
Poppi α
Masterpon! Poppi feels funny!
Malos lunges forward.
Malos
Hah!
He cuts a slice of wind at the group. Dromarch takes most of it as they scatter.
Rex
Why won't you guys leave Pyra alone?
Akhos
Isn't it obvious? We want the power of the Aegis for ourselves!
He gives Rex a lazy whack.
Akhos
It's Jin's desire...
...to erase all of humankind from the world!
Nia
What?!
Nia steps in front of Rex and starts fighting Akhos herself. Pyra looks sad at what Akhos said as she blocks Malos' attacks.
Nia
Did Jin seriously say that? "Erase all of humankind?"
Akhos
My, my. Surely you knew. Better than anyone.
You know what humans are really like.
Nia
Uh?!
She's sufficiently surprised that she just kinda stands there.
Vandham
Nia! What're you doing?
Vandham grabs her and pulls her out of Akhos' way, with Roc also stepping in.
Akhos
You've seen the capital.
You've seen the ships, weapons, soldiers... All poised to invade Mor Ardain...
Rex is still dueling Malos over there. Tora is nowhere in sight.
Akhos
Doesn't it make you want to laugh?
Every corner of the world is defiled by such vermin.
Malos
But that's nothing new. They haven't changed a bit in 500 years!
No wonder Father abandoned them!
Pyra pushes Sever away as Rex does the same to Malos. Rex is looking out of breath.
Pyra
No. The only thing that hasn't changed is you.
Father didn't want us to wipe out innocent life!
Malos
Why did he make us then? Get real!
That's what we're for. To descend on the world and eliminate these pests!
Malos shouts and brings forth a huge dark aura around himself, like the small one he made in his hand a few times before. Sever's a wind-type Blade, and everyone is still in Obrona's anti-ether field - clearly something else is going on.
Vandham
What...?!
Is that power coming from his Blade?
Nia
It's too...
Malos either runs out of juice or gets himself back under control.
Malos
Playtime's over. Let's end it! Akhos!
Akhos
Agreed!
Malos smacks Rex and Pyra into the wall. Poppi flies out of the smoke and tries to hit him with Tora, but Sever blocks it and sends them into the wall.
Tora
Poppi!
Obrona
Teeheehee!
Obrona fights with Roc. Akhos smirks at Nia.
Akhos
How very noble! Next!
Dromarch flies in from the side and takes the hit.
Nia
Dromarch! Bastards...!
Obrona
Over heeere!
She appears behind Nia and punches her out.
Nia
Urgh!
Rex
Nia! Tora! Damn!
Rex runs back into the fight.
Gramps
Stop, Rex! It's no good!
Sever gets in the way and smacks him back down.
Rex
Waaaaaah!
Pyra
Rex!
Malos casually steps into frame and punches her in the gut. She crumples.
Malos
(big sarcasm)
Hmph. Hitting girls isn't as much fun...
Akhos
Malos, you're the icon of chivalry.
Pyra
M-Malos...
Vandham
You're not getting her!
Vandham is about halfway up the stands, presumably outside the anti-ether field. Above him, Roc sends a barrage of feathers at the enemy.
Malos
Urgh! An attack from the outside?!
He has little trouble cutting down the few shots that get near him.
Rex
Vandham!
Akhos
(also blocking everything)
Ah! The lunk is back.
But, that peashooter won't help you.
Even if you hit, it'll barely register.
Vandham
Bloody idiot!
Think I don't know that?
He leaps back into the fray, taking Roc's scythes on the way by.
Vandham
Are you ready, Rex?! Another lesson for ya!
Something else you can do with a Blade!
Vandham takes the two scythes and stabs himself in the torso with both of them. Rex gets out half a "wha?".
Vandham
(fighting the power)
Guaaagh!
Malos
What...? Bastard!
Akhos
He's channeling the energy from his weapon through his body...
Vandham
(getting used to it)
Yeah! Nothin' you can do to stop this ether flow. Nothin' at all!
HYAAAAAAH!
Wielding Roc's power in his hands, he runs forward and throws a cyclone at the foes. Akhos and Obrona get pushed away.
Malos
Gah!
With shadow power in hand, Malos trades fisticuffs with Vandham. Sever tries to join, but Roc steps on him. Nia gets up to see what's going on, and starts to run forward for a moment before stopping, grabbing her chest with uncertainty.
Rex
Vandham!
Vandham
Move it! Take Pyra and scram, kid!
Rex
I can't... I can't just leave you here!
Sever slams Roc into the ground like a breegull. Malos continues to duel Vandham.
Vandham
(more and more urgently)
Rex! Don't go dyin' on me here! You gotta make it!
You gotta get away from here now!
Live! Live for her! You gotta make it to Elysium!
Rex remains lying on the ground, gasping.
Malos
I won't allow it...
He kicks Vandham in the gut.
Vandham
Gyaaaaaah!
Malos
Give it up!
Vandham charges one more wind attack, but Malos uses his shadow hand to slap it down before it starts. It's clear he's running out of steam.
Vandham
Just go, Rex!
Remember to fight your war!
Malos makes one final attack. Vandham flops down, dead. Roc's scythes disappear.
Rex
Vandhaaaaaaaaaam!
Roc, who was in Sever's grip, fades away. His Core Crystal clatters to the ground and dims.
Akhos
(I'm going to ruin this moment >:))
Oh please. What a cliché.
Rex
Guaaaaaaaaargh!
Rex gets up and haphazardly runs in.
Pyra
R-Rex!
She struggles to get up.
Rex
Groargh! You're gonna pay for this!
For Vandham!
Pyra
N-no... We have to go...
Malos
You're a pain in the ass. Little shit!
He kicks Rex back where he came from.
Rex
Groargh!
Ugh...I can't...do it...
Give him some credit, he gets right back up.
Nia
R-Rex!
Tora
Rex-Rex...
Rex
Can't let you do this...
Malos
So long, kid.
He goes in for the kill.
Pyra
Reeeex!!!
Pyra's Core Crystal and tiara start to give off a blinding glow.
Somewhere in the darkness, a heartbeat begins, and two red eyes light up within a mechanical head.
Malos is distracted by the flash of light.
Malos
What?!
Within a swirl of light, Pyra's body disappears, and is quickly replaced by another that's more white and yellow with long blonde hair.
Rex
Pyra?!
Rex looks down as the red Aegis Sword closes up.
Rex
What is this?!
The sword transforms into a white sword, with the same general appearance as whatever's happened to Pyra. She then appears onscreen a bit less obscured, showing that her outfit is both the same and different, with similar ideas but different parts exposed. She appears focused and ready.
Akhos
Y-you can't rewrite the act now! It's too late!
He runs at her. She turns and glares at him, her crystals glowing.
Malos
Hey, idiot! Look out!
Akhos
Uh?!
A beam of light comes down from the sky and explodes on the ground. Akhos avoids the brunt of it but still gets shoved.
Akhos
Guagh!
Obrona
Akhos!
Yellow lasers continue to rain down as Akhos tries to dodge them. The biggest one yet strikes the center of the ampitheater, blasting Akhos inward while breaking off the entire outer half, causing it to collapse into the Cloud Sea.
Malos
(finally)
You awoke! At last!
Mythra!
Suddenly looking satisfied, Malos attacks Rex. He and his partner hold it off.
Rex
Mythra?! Pyra! You're...
Mythra
I am not Pyra.
It's the same voice, but harsher and more forceful.
Rex
Uh?
Mythra
I am Mythra.
Pyra... She's a different self that I constructed.
Rex
A different self?
Mythra
No time for that!
Rex
O-OK!
He pushes Malos off.
Mythra
Now focus!
You need to focus! Or I can't transfer my power to you!
Rex repels both Sever and Malos.
Akhos
No, it can't be! My powers are useless?!
Wh-where is that energy coming from?
Malos
Wake up! She's not drawing from the ether, it's something else!
Akhos
Not...ether?
Malos
(now this is the good part)
Mythra... Looking good. Things are heating up.
Malos and Akhos run at Rex in a criss-crossing pattern.
Mythra
Let's do it!
Mythra casts a golden light over the battlefield.
Rex
What is this?!
Rex sees the world with a yellow-green-ish tinge. As Malos and Akhos run at him, they leave opaque afterimages.
Mythra
It's called Foresight.
Rex
I don't...
Mythra
A prediction of what will happen in the immediate future.
Read their movements to find an opening, then counter!
Rex
I get it!
He watches the two attack him before the world returns to normal, with them several steps behind. Armed with the foreknowledge, Rex easily dodges and counters both attacks.
Akhos
Gah! He... How did he dodge that?
Malos
Who cares how? Just get them!
The sky lights up again as Mythra rains many smaller beams of light from above. The bad guys are forced to defend.
Akhos
Guagh!
Rex
Piece of cake!
Rex flips over Obrona's shield around Akhos to the undefended back side.
Akhos
Ugh! You little...
Rex whacks him. He falls to one knee.
Akhos
(officially worried)
Th-there's no way! There's no way to break their link. I don't think we're going to beat them.
Malos
This is it... The true power of the Aegis.
Takes me back. I've waited so long to see it again.
Mythra! Welcome back!

Man Down[edit]

Rex and Mythra hold up the white Aegis Sword.
Rex
Mythra
Sacred Arrow!
The night sky glows bright as many beams of light rain down from above, assaulting the enemy.
Akhos
Guaaagh!
Sever's and Obrona's barriers break from the relentless attack. Sever disappears.
Obrona
Wh-what is this...? Akhos...!
Obrona also fades away.
Akhos
Obrona!
Malos scowls as Sever's weapon vanishes from his hand. Rex pants from exhaustion but is not done.
Akhos
I don't...
Akhos drops to his knees in disbelief, looking at Obrona's fallen Core Crystal. Blades aren't supposed to vanish as long as the Driver is still alive, right?
Malos
Hmph! We gotta retreat! Akhos!
Obrona's Core Crystal is not only dark, but has a large crack running down it.
Akhos
Obrona...
Malos
No time for that, Akhos!
Malos punches the ground, producing a huge windstorm and lagging the console. When it ends and Rex looks up, both Malos and Akhos are gone. The battle is over. Everything starts to sink in. Rex takes a few steps towards Vandham's body.
Rex
Vandham...
Mythra decides her job is done, and turns back into Pyra. She immediately collapses. As Nia goes to prop her up, Rex breaks down crying and pounding the ground as the sun rises.
Chapter Three:
Our Own War

Notes[edit]

  1. In the Japanese version, Pyra says "4058年の9月5日", which tells us that Amathatober is actually September (the 9th month).
  2. This line originally read "Took 'em in in while on the job." This was fixed in an unknown update.
  3. He laughs for about three times as long as this text.
  4. Presumably Rex, but it's just a faint voiceless breath, so it could be anyone onscreen at the time.
  5. Add about 12 more "n"s for a more accurate caption length.
  6. The "Your" at the start is unvoiced.
  7. Everyone gasps.
  8. This comes out much more intense than the subtitles suggest.