14-23: Night Goes Gentle

14-23 Night Goes Gentle	Episode 14 Previous 14-22 (Story) Next EG-6
Even death may die.

Characters
Doctor Amiya Amiya Theresa Theresa? (Theresa's Phantom) Logos Wiš'adel Kal'tsit Closure Siege Horn Delphine Harmonie Reed Catherine Indra Dagda Morgan Feist Rockrock Ch'en Hoederer Paprika Ines Heidi Misery Nezzsalem Duke of Caster Duke of Wellington Eblana Millscar Talulah Nine Theresis Victorian Soldier Flag Officer "Trilby Asher" Taran Citizen Taran Child Scared Sarkaz Soldier Low-Ranking Sarkaz Officer Victorian Mercenary Security Detail Fretful Merchant Nervous Citizen Londinium Worker A Londinium Resident Revenant's Voice Radio Noise
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Summary Amiya prevents the airship from crashing, and sees something unexpected. Theresis also obtains the Sarkaz's Originium that Theresa gave her life for.
<Flashback starts here>
Wait, this is... Babel?!
<Background 1>
Amiya	With the help of his friends, the puppet crossed the river of tears, and even the golden ocean behind them they didn't know about... Finally, they set foot on land once again, and found that Plains of Hope. Theresa, do you like the ending I came up with?
Theresa	Of course I do. The puppet's friends—that's my favorite part of your story.
Amiya	But... how did the story actually end, Theresa?
<Flashback ends here>
<Background Black>
...Theresa? I can't recall ever having this conversation with Theresa, but I've dreamed of it happening countless times. It meant the story would finally get an ending it never had, and that the storyteller never left. I want to tell her I already have the power to change how the story ends. The question I wasn't able to answer back then, and the answer I've found— I am willing and able to bear this crown.
<Background 2>
[The airship is rapidly plummeting.]
Doctor	Amiya!
Logos	"Metal matter, fall like feather."
Wiš'adel	There's no way we can stabilize this huge-ass thing! We'll end up a smear on the ground at this rate! Time to get to work, ancestor!
Revenant's Voice	I am trying! Regaining control of this ship is no easy feat!
Wiš'adel	Quit pretending! How were you so good at it when you were working for the Military Commission?
Revenant's Voice	Insolence! Treat your elders with more respect, young Sarkaz!
Kal'tsit	We have to brace ourselves for the impact from the airship's emergency landing. Mon3tr, protect the Doctor and Amiya.
Dr. Kal'tsit... they need me.
<Background 1>
Theresa	Amiya, the puppet's friends never gave up on him. No matter how they suffered... Whenever the puppet needs them, they'll show up, catch him, and walk him through his troubles together. That's what I wish for too. I hope I'll always be there whenever you need me.
—She's looking at... me? Theresa...?
Theresa	But what we go through... things don't always go our way. Some of the little puppet's friends will get lost while on their journey. But their collective memories will accompany their little puppet friend to the end. Amiya... I will always be with you all. ...Regardless of what form I take.
Amiya	Theresa— Are you... leaving?
Theresa	What are you saying, Amiya? I left long ago.
Amiya	What...? You're... not Theresa.
Theresa	Amiya, the memories in your dreams are warm. But you should wake up now. Return to your companions, Amiya. They need you. Your journeys have yet to end.
[The airship continues plummeting.]
How did I end up here? We just... left the Assimilated Universe— I remember the airship returning to our familiar sky, Originium crystals covering the entire ship receding like the tide...
<Background shakes and flashes>
Logos	This is the most I can do with my incantations. I'm afraid there's no way to absorb all the impact force.
Wiš'adel	I'm trying my best here! One more time, old coot!
Kal'tsit	Mon3tr!
Everyone... needs me... What can I even do now...?
Believe in your strength, Amiya. I will help you—
<Background flashes>
[Amiya casts her Arts.]
Every inch of the gigantic ship vibrates in a metallic shudder. The airship's speed of descent slows down once more.
<Background zooms in>
She uses everything Theresa has taught her with all her strength to prop up the monstrously huge vessel.
[Threads wrap around the airship even as it starts breaking apart.]
A warm power like a murmur from her dreams encircles Amiya. She feels as if that person who left has returned, hugging her.
Amiya	Theresa...
"...I'm here."
Amiya	—!
Amiya has never experienced a feeling like this. The 'Civilight Eterna's power enveloping her, abundant and warm. Is this an illusion? Or is she still dreaming?
Amiya	Theresa...? Is that really you?
Theresa?	Well done, Amiya. You have to believe in your comrades, and your own strength too. We'll descend slowly.
<Background zooms out>
[Amiya uses the full extent of her Arts.]
<Background fades to white>
<Background Black>
Every Sarkaz on the battlefield raises their head, as if sensing a familiar aura. The silhouette of a supposedly-dead King of Sarkaz appears in the radiance. With a sigh, they no longer see her, only a gentle Cautus with a similar form to the person they were expecting to see.
<Background 2>
Wiš'adel	We... landed safely, I guess? Was that old thing actually useful, or... Bunny? Why do you look like...?
Amiya	Wiš'adel...? What about me...?
Wiš'adel	... Forget it! Did we end up in Londinium? The Shard doesn't seem so far away.
Amiya	Yes... The airship is a huge target, so the Sarkaz stationed within the city will soon come looking for us. We'll have to evacuate as quickly as we can.
Wiš'adel	Hmph... I have something better in mind.
[Wiš'adel walks off.]
Amiya	Theresa... no, you're not... I'm the only one who can see you, right?
Theresa's Phantom	Yes. Others can see me as well, only if you wish it so.
Amiya	Just who are you...?
Theresa's Phantom	A promise. Theresa promised to stay by your side and watch you grow up. Theresa is gone forever, but she left a program inside the crown—I manifested in this form because of your emotions.
A promise, an emotion entrusted into the crown, a will that relies on "Civilight Eterna" to exist.
Amiya	I...
Theresa's Phantom	Do you have any doubts, Amiya? I can answer them.
Amiya	... If Theresa truly left you here as her will... The story about the puppet, and its ending... What was it that Theresa wanted to tell me?
Theresa's Phantom	Theresa made up that story herself, and there are no records of it in any existing works. So there is no way I can answer your question.
Amiya	So...
Theresa's Phantom	But you have surpassed her, as she wished. What she wanted to say has already been passed on to you. It's up to you to decide what will happen next in the story.
Amiya	... Thank you... Theresa.
<Background 3>
Victorian Soldier	Did you guys see that? The Sarkaz airship fell from the sky! The clouds—they're scattering! The Sarkaz can't control the storm anymore!
Siege	Amiya and the Doctor did it. No matter how short or long this moment of safety lasts, we must seize the opportunity—
Horn	Capture Silverrock Bluffs, and advance toward the city walls.
Delphine	...Rout the Sarkaz.
<Background 4>
Nezzsalem	...Today, the second time. We witnessed her departure. A great King of Sarkaz, a true hero. She initiated an unprecedented grand undertaking for the Sarkaz. And we... are witnesses, and participants. From the Royal Court camps to the War Council, and to the Military Commission of today— We will never fall as long as war still goes on. We have already wrested enough victories for the Sarkaz over the past millennia. ...
He looks up at the dreadful scene in the sky with only reverence.
Nezzsalem	The Victorians zealously chase after the phantom of victory while never understanding of why we crave war in the first place. ..."From death comes new life". Hah. This war has sated me.
[The comms buzz.]
"The 106th Assault Artillery Brigade has successfully regrouped with the 2nd and 8th Battalions of the Duke of Normandy's Grenadier Regiments!" "9th Battalion Armored Corps and The Exemplars have seized control of Hill 92!" "Anti-Witchcraft cannons back online!"
<Background 5>
Flag Officer	Mid-range communication has been restored. Your Grace, the battlefield is back under our control.
Duke of Caster	...What of him?
Flag Officer	The Gastrell is severely damaged, and should still be— Hold on, we just managed to locate it! It's—right next to us!
[A transmission comes in.]
"Trilby Asher"	Your Grace, an urgent telegram from the Duke of Gododdin.
Duke of Caster	... ...Have our forces dispatched to Duskglow River withdraw at once.
"Trilby Asher"	Yes, Your Grace.
[The Trilby Asher attempts to send the message on his comms.]
"Trilby Asher"	Your Grace...
Duke of Caster	...Were we late?
"Trilby Asher"	All frequencies... went down simultaneously. He blinded every single eye of ours.
Duke of Caster	... That Duke of Wellington... Many years ago, by the Duskglow River... he told me a day would come when nothing would be able to stop the advance of high-speed battleships. He's done it.
Flag Officer	Your Grace, the Gastrell has paused its advance! The Iron Duke's warships are forming up again! Three light battleships have turned their guns toward—
<Background 3>
Victorian Soldier	Isn't that the Duke of Wellington's ship? ––What the bloody hell are they doing?! The Sarkaz have only just retreated, but he wants to start another war with the dukes right away?! Has he truly gone mad?!
Horn	... The dead... that fire in their eyes...
The nearby "Adjutant Hill" stops in his tracks. The purple fire leaves from his eyes, floating to someplace higher, further away. To shadows and smoke enshrouding an entire fleet of steel.
<Background 4>
Duke of Wellington	Your Royal Highness Eblana, are you ready?
Eblana	Anytime.
[Eblana casts her fiery Arts.]
<Background fades to white>
Flame falls from the sky, rolling across the flagship's bow, burning the original flag instantly. Similar fires blossom in purple one after the other on every ship in Wellington's fleet.
<Background 6>
Taran Citizen	Huh? What day is it today? What's with the fireworks? Heck, not just that—Isn't that the municipal building? What was that they just rolled down from up there—
Harmonie	It's a new flag. We worked so hard just for today, you know. So? Looks nice, doesn't it?
<Background 7>
Taran Child	Thank you for the flower, Miss Reed! It's so pretty!
Reed	...
Taran Child	What are you looking at, Miss?
Reed	Um... we are quite a distance from Londinium, yes? Could the ashes from the battlefield float this far?
A spark falls on the Draco's fingertip. The fleeting purple fades, leaving only a speck of dull grey ash.
Reed	...It's hot.
<Background 4>
Eblana	...Tara. After a century, we finally raise our flag once more on this land. We have proved our strength to the Sarkaz and the Victorians. Here and now, no one will be able to stop us, to scorn us. Tarans—my people, they shall become a force that can control the war, and shape the land. We shall let everyone see the coming of a new age.
The Draco raises her hand, smiling at the land. Every Taran flag flutters in unison. A rich purple coalesces under the clouds— Finally, it stands against the crimson storm and the still flickering golden light.
<Background 5>
Duke of Caster	He really has no intention of letting us breathe. Wellington... Do you truly hate Victoria, or...?
[A transmission comes in...]
"Trilby Asher"	Your Grace, an urgent telegram from the Duke of Gododdin.
[...followed by several more.]
"Trilby Asher"	And the Duke of Normandy, as well as the Duke of Fife...
Duke of Caster	Let them sit in their anxiety for a while. Back then, we joined hands to confine this warmonger into a duke's attire. Now we have no choice but to suffer the consequences of our actions. Go, fetch the proposal locked away in the first drawer on the right side of my desk. I wrote it myself... before I came to Londinium.
"Trilby Asher"	Will the Iron Duke... be willing to restart negotiations?
Duke of Caster	No, that's not it. Victoria will no longer have an Iron Duke in future. But Caster may perhaps find a new powerful ally.
"Trilby Asher"	By reforging an alliance with Wellington at this time?
Duke of Caster	This is in our best interests. He knows I will make this choice. He and King Gaeil's descendant... treat war and death like their bargaining chips. We must recognize Tara's independence if we don't wish to go to war on two fronts at this critical juncture.
"Trilby Asher"	Our soldiers and people will be furious once they find out about Wellington's betrayal. They won't accept our choice so easily either.
Duke of Caster	...Indeed. But what of it? The people have always longed for a "hero" that descends from the heavens to guide them.
The Duke casts her gaze toward the battlefield below. The soldiers are excitedly chanting a name in the wake of their fresh decisive victory— "Exemplars".
Duke of Caster	She certainly doesn't resemble her father. Other than her golden hair... speaking of which, it's amusing how legitimate heirs to the Aslan royal line always sport such dazzling hair that you can see it shine from afar.
"Trilby Asher"	You mean...
Duke of Caster	Heh. Ah, Alexandrina. That girl might just be Victoria's chosen one.
<Background 3>
Delphine	The ducal fleets are restructuring their formation... They're... Slowing their pursuit?
Indra	So that's why the cannons go all quiet?! What are they thinking? The Sarkaz only just retreated, so now's the best time to give them a thrashing!
Dagda	That's Gododdin's frigate. They're approaching... the wreck of Caster's flagship. Seems like he's taking the opportunity for a breather.
Morgan	Just that? It's probably because he's scared the ship's going to take so long to repair that the Nachzehrers will rush onto the deck and devour them all.
Siege	... When's the last time we saw Londinium's walls? Are they cracked wide open? Covered with Originium crystals? Or soaked in fresh blood, all covered with dead branches, or even inlaid with the bones of our people? When we got out of Norport, many of us might have thought that was the worst we'd experience. But afterwards we saw a deck flooded with blood, and went through a perilous time all thanks to the Originium. We watched as the war turned our city into an unrecognizable ruin. Is there anyone who willing[sic] to puff out their chest and say they can imagine how the city looks like inside?
Delphine	The dukes' spies should have more information than we do. From their conduct, Caster and the others are probably preparing to abandon Londinium. A nomadic city wrecked by Sarkaz may be worth less than a fleet formed at a high price.
Horn	Also... the Shard has truly yet to fall. No one knows if the Sarkaz have any remaining tricks to try, or if another city will turn into a battlefield. More nobles might decide to move their troops back home.
Indra	Blast it! I knew they'd pull something like that! Win a tough fight, and then not give a crap about what's gonna happen to Londinium!
Siege	Yes. As you say, that's what they'd definitely do. So it's just another ordinary day for Victoria. As for us—we've decided long ago what we should do, haven't we?
Siege walks into the crowd. For a moment, she cannot discern if someone belongs to the Exemplars or was saved by them. Everyone is exhausted, but they still hold their heads up high. Siege knows she doesn't have to say much. Because opened eyes will not close so easily anymore.
Everyone watches Siege. Siege looks toward Londinium, their city, their people. She lifts the hammer in her hand.
Siege	Exemplars— Advance!
<Background 8>
Scared Sarkaz Soldier	Enough... enough! Please, just withdraw the order! The Shard has already stopped, so how can we go on fighting? What else can we do now but to be smashed into paste by a high-speed battleship?
Low-Ranking Sarkaz Officer	Shut up! Shut that *Sarkaz expletive* mouth of yours! We are at war, and this is the battlefield! Hide in here all you want, and some Feline will eventually lop your head off anyway! Pick up your blade! If we must die, we die with dignity! There's no other way we can go!
[The communicator beeps.]
Low-Ranking Sarkaz Officer	What's going on...? Who else could use the Royal Court's frequency? Whose signal is this?
Hello? Hello? Can anyone hear me? Wiš'adel's the name—the one and only name granted by Her Highness The King of Sarkaz Theresa herself. Every Sarkaz still under the Military Commission's command, listen up. I don't care if you came here after hearing whatever nonsense from Theresis or some Royal Court geezer. I'm delighted to announce: the war has ended, and you guys lost. But Her Highness says she wants to have every Sarkaz return home. So, if you want to live, it's time to ignore orders from the Military Commission and do as this transmission says. Oh, I should've mentioned it earlier. This is Babel.
<Background 9>
[Several people are running.]
Feist	Quick, follow me! This path is safe, we haven't spotted any Sarkaz for the time being!
[The communicator beeps.]
Feist	A transmission? Our own Exemplar frequency... Miss Closure!
Closure	I'm listening! Turn the volume up... some more... Everyone should be able to hear it now.
Feist	... Wow... did I hear that right? That Siege lady did it! She brought back our people with her, and together pave a way...
Rockrock	...A way home.
Misery	We've sent a squad closest to their location over. Fang's squad is also on their way. She's the fastest out of them and can help us ensure the road stays clear.
Closure	Right. Next, I just have to find a relatively safe spot for the rendezvous...
Feist	No need for that. Miss Closure, we're quite close to the city walls. Every maintenance access point... is inside my head. Every member of the Self-Salvation Corps who pulled out from Londinium won't forget them. There are some very old passages the Sarkaz definitely have no clue about. We can go home.
<Background 10>
Victorian Mercenary	That frequency you care about is active. Judging from their speed, they're practically rushing toward the city.
Millscar	The passages the Sarkaz don't know about only number a few. They'll definitely pick the path closest to Highbury.
Victorian Mercenary	K13?
Millscar	Something happened in there before. Feist won't risk that with his party. It's probably K15. If they go through somewhere else, spread some news about Munitions Factory No. 11 and figure a way to lure them there.
Victorian Mercenary	Same rules as usual?
Millscar	Yes. Clean that path up as much as you can.
Victorian Mercenary	And don't get spotted when we make a kill, yeah? You're more wary with these regular workers and "The Exemplars" than you are with the Sarkaz. In case something does go awry, could you just let me know if you see them as friend or foe?
Millscar	That doesn't matter. The person they knew is no longer here. That disgraceful traitor died in the Mausoleum of Kings, and... is no longer worthy of retrieving the glory they threw away themselves.
She hears a faint familiar sound once more. Again and again, agitating her eardrums and heart. But there is no white steam in the sky at all. Perhaps, it is merely the sound of Active Originium rapidly evaporating into the air.
Millscar	That armor... did it fly away?
Victorian Mercenary	We haven't gotten any news. The Sarkaz might have taken it apart, or maybe Originium buried it on the battlefield. You achieved your goal for now by leading it to the Sighs of Kings to help the Exemplars out. But it's really difficult to control. Do we have to figure out a way to retrieve it?
Millscar	Let's not risk ourselves with that yet.
Victorian Mercenary	Sure, I mean, it might just pop out on its own accord whenever. Who knows what a mad ghost would want to do next?
Millscar	Perhaps... Or maybe, when next we meet, he can find a bit of... something that belongs to him.
<Background 11>
Fretful Merchant	*cough* *cough* No, absolutely NOT! You know just how rare it is to find protective gear able to cope with high levels of Originium in Londinium nowadays!
Nervous Citizen	But, your price is just too— We have a lot of people in our community who needs these, so can't you just cut it down...?
Fretful Merchant	You just told me your wife and child have stones growing on them, and they can't bear with the pain— I'll be frank. Me too! Every night it gets so bloody painful I can't catch a wink! I suspect the same goes for everyone in this city. These wretched crystals are growing wantonly on everybody! Not to mention those devils anxiously running amok now. So, listen well. My price is fairer than fair. You're worried for your health, but I have to plan for my future. Columbia's private sanatoriums don't come cheap. I know a director there who's a cunning scoundrel, and I only hope he doesn't con me out of my coin. I also have to pay my servants, my chef...
[There are sounds of swordfighting outside.]
Fretful Merchant	What's going on?!
[Someone runs in.]
Security Detail	Mr. Hall, they're currently—
Fretful Merchant	Have the Sarkaz found us? Hurry, get moving! And push out those paupers still clinging around our doorway to buy some time! Those devils can't tell whose lives are more valuable!
Security Detail	No, that's not it! They're not Sarkaz! Blast it, they've smashed in our warehouse wall! Now everyone's rushing in to grab the goods inside and we can't stop them!
[The merchant angrily punches him.]
Fretful Merchant	What do I pay you for?! Where are your electrical nets and heavy crossbows? I don't care if you attract some Sarkaz as long as you keep the goods safe!
Security Detail	B-But they have fire on their side—
Fretful Merchant	Fire?
[Flames explode through the door and two women walk in.]
Talulah	...
Nine	Good day, Mr. Hall.
Fretful Merchant	...I know you people— "Reunion", right? The city has been all abuzz about your group these past few days. Listen to me, Reunion. I don't know why there's a misunderstanding between us—I'm Infected too! We're basically family, right? We can work together! Just name a price—how much for you to be my bodyguards?
Nine	Reunion does not accept employment offers.
Fretful Merchant	Then—ngh, what about a share of my sales? Or a donation? I can make a donation as an Infected! The city's Infected need all of these urgently, aren't we the people you fight for?
Nine	Heh. "Donation"? That's not the tune you were whistling earlier.
Fretful Merchant	I see, I get it now. I should have thought of it earlier. Ha! Of course, of course... everyone would want all of this for themselves—you're just capitalizing on another crime!
Nine	You want to set the score? Sure, I'll begin. Stewart Hall. You applied for a huge subsidy every year for protective equipment because your factory processes Originium. But your workers have never seen a single garb of protective gear you've accumulated. The Infected living in the outskirts of town—just how many of them were your workers who were kicked out from your factory? Meanwhile, you stuffed yourself with Columbian pioneer company meetings. Failing to send all these gear out before war broke out in Londinium must have cost you a pretty penny. But you still thought yourself lucky. Londinium's done for, and the protective suits you almost deemed a loss came in handy once again.
Fretful Merchant	You... just what do you people want?! Are you not a group that liberates the Infected? Look, just look at the stones all over my body—
Nine	Physical illness is not the source of the Infected's suffering—it is injustice. Your luck has run out, Mr. Hall. Because Reunion is here.
<Background fades out and in>
Nervous Citizen	You're Talulah, right? I've heard of you, it's all thanks to you—
Talulah	Just doing what I should do.
[Someone walks in.]
Catherine	This is a lot of protective suits we have here. We'll have to distribute them... Even if infection is inevitable for some, this equipment can slow the disease's progression for those already sick. At the very least, they won't suddenly explode into bits from continuous exposure in a high level Originium zone.
Londinium Worker A	But most Infected choose to hide in their homes, so they wouldn't know who to ask for help even if their condition gets terribly dire, right? So let us go look for them.
Catherine	Tommy, you know how dangerous that is.
Londinium Worker A	Of course. That odd thing hanging above the Shard seems to be gone, and the sky seems to have lightened up a little. Guess the Sarkaz are having some trouble. Our blokes are saying a huge amount of Sarkaz are retreating into the city. They're also swarming the spot where that flying fortress fell. According to the current alert level, going out is practically suicide.
Catherine	Then you still—
Londinium Worker A	We were doomed long ago, right?
Catherine	... ...I understand.
Londinium Worker A	My brother lives in County Castshire, you've met him. If I don't make it back, just give my wrench to him. If... if possible, tell him I was a... Nah, forget it. Tell him nothing. Also, Catherine. My stance towards you, Feist, the Self-Salvation Corps and Rhodes Islanders has never changed.
Catherine	There's no meaning in saying that. What's happened won't change. But you can influence and change whatever's yet to happen, kid.
Londinium Worker A	Hah! Then... we're all good to go.
[The worker leaves. Nine approaches Catherine.]
Nine	That's quite brave of them.
Catherine	You've spent quite some time staring at some of those punks.
Nine	They turned their backs on us. Reunion nearly collapsed because of traitors.
Catherine	These few fellas didn't shake things up too much. Is there anyone who has never been confused in their life?
Nine	We have our own rules.
Catherine	...
Nine	There are other places that could use your help, but you'll go over anyway, right? Save your strength, avoid combat, go get some suits from Percival and keep yourself safe.
Catherine	How did you know— No, forget it. Thanks.
[Catherine leaves.]
Nine	That went smoothly. Quite a number recognized you and your fire, Talulah.
Talulah	I already put the shackles back on. If only they could see my flames as hope.
Nine	Now, we have a literal city of Infected. Can you find a shadow of your former ideals in it?
Talulah	Only rubble and ruin everywhere I look. Even we Infected live in our vastly different lives. We suffer from the same disease, but never the same kind of suffering. This is why Reunion has to be here. If the Infected are born from injustice, then we... will stand against all injustice.
<Background 12>
[Ch'en walks down the street.]
Ch'en	...
[She knocks on a door. It opens.]
Londinium Resident	You're finally back! Are you hurt, child? The Sarkaz didn't spot you, did they?
Ch'en	I'm fine. Thank you for letting me stay here. I brought some food back with me. How are you feeling today?
Londinium Resident	There's more stones, but it's fine. It doesn't hurt. An old lady like me never had much long to live anyway. But a group came by while you were gone. They're good people, they gave me a checkup, and I asked them to come back in a bit to examine you too—
Ch'en	A checkup? Were they doctors? (Rhodes Island should be in the city by now, but I haven't managed to reconnect with them. If that was them...)
Londinium Resident	Doctors? I'm not sure, but they told me to look for a place with flames if I needed any help.
Ch'en	Flames?
[Footsteps approach them.]
Londinium Resident	Oh! You're back! This girl has helped me so much. She's infected too, so take her with you for an examination.
Ch'en	—!!
Nine	...
Ch'en	So it's you.
Nine	Yes. It's been a long time, Ch'en.
<Background shakes>
The artisans who carved the giant statues here many years ago, never could have imagined the guards of the royal mausoleum collapse into rubble due to the Sarkaz, instead of standing for eternity together with Victoria. The Feranmut's skeleton emerges from deep underground, landing with a few lucky survivors. "Ines...where... are we?"
Hoederer	It's too quiet. We're not on a battlefield... Ines... Ines?!
Paprika	Ines! Ines! Hoederer's awake!
Hoederer	Paprika...? Where are we? Where're Ines and W? What's become of the battlefield now? *cough* *cough* Did they recapture the Lifebone already?
Paprika	Uh... we're currently underground with many stone giants... Um... Ines is... W went with the others... Wait, hold on, that's too many questions at once—
Ines	You recovered quicker than I thought. I thought he'd be more ruthless with you.
[Hoederer stands up.]
Hoederer	...What of him?
Ines	Who knows, Ascalon might have already killed him.
Hoederer	...
Ines	Hmph, don't give me that look. It's good for us if he's really dead.
Paprika	But Ines—
Ines	Paprika, now's not the time.
Paprika	Okay...
Ines	Currently, we've stopped the Lifebone in the Mausoleum of Kings. W followed the Doctor and the others to stop the airship, but we don't know how they're doing.
Hoederer	The Mausoleum of Kings? Are you sure—
Ines	I recognize the Steam Knights' equipment. There's also plenty of Sarkaz remains here, so if my hunch is right...
Hoederer	This is where the Steam Knights were surrounded and killed back then. Any other clues?
Ines	I did find something. Take a look.
Paprika	This is... clothing?
Ines	Found it on a relatively intact Sarkaz skeleton. I thought it might jog your memories.
Paprika	There's a word embroidered in the lining!
Hoederer	..."Julie"?
Paprika	"Julie"? Hoederer, did you know them?
Hoederer shakes his head.
Ines	There aren't many Sarkaz with names, and there's no anybody involved in the slaughter here was ordinary. She left her name here, and it should have stayed undiscovered forever.
Hoederer	But we chanced upon her. What she and others did here will ultimately be remembered by us.
Paprika	But it sounds like... it wasn't something to be happy about.
Hoederer	We already have more than enough of our own buried in this foreign country after all. How many of them can we remember when everything's over?
Ines	So what next? Your injury—
[The communicator beeps.]
Radio Noise	Wiš'adel... war... ended—live... ...*bzzt*...This is Babel.
Ines	Wiš'a...del? Who? That sounded like—
Hoederer	W...
Ines	Hmph. What's she up to this time?
Hoederer	...Have we received any more intelligence from outside the battlefield?
Paprika	(Shakes head nervously)
Hoederer	I fear we might have missed out on something very important— Grr... He really did try to kill me.
[Ines props up Hoederer.]
Ines	Give yourself some time to heal.
Hoederer	I won't die just yet. Our top priority is to contact the Doctor and W. If she wasn't lying in that transmission... then she really needs us now. It seems like the battle has gone way past how I expected it to go. Regent, Theresa... what exactly have you two done...?
<Background 10>
Doctor	Kal'tsit, the backup plan is working. / We escaped to the underground passage, covered by the chaos of the airship's crash landing.
Kal'tsit	We went through so much in the Assimilated Universe, but Originium's special nature means we were only gone for a brief moment. This will likewise be a sudden change for the Military Commission.
Doctor	It could be a chance for us.
Kal'tsit	Indeed. Communications are being restored, and the ducal alliance will speed up their advance. I don't think the Military Commission will stand a chance against a surrounding offensive from the alliance. A proactive attack from us might bring greater results, if we rely on the contact points within the city she strived to preserve.
Doctor	It was only because she put herself in danger during this time... That our backup plan managed to proceed without a hitch.
Kal'tsit	She did well.
[Footsteps approach.]
Heidi	I'd love to hear from Kal'tsit in private about what your group went through, but it really isn't the best time for that. To be honest, it was all I could do to bring you out of the chaos. Many of those in the city saw the airship crash, and everyone has been guessing who's done it. Doctor, you may find it hard to imagine the joy... when you suddenly see hope within the long dark night...
Doctor	It sounds like it'll benefit our operations in the city.
Kal'tsit	I wouldn't call it a "benefit". At most it means more possibilities for us. Heidi, how did contacting Closure go?
Heidi	Communications are still being restored, and the city's taken a big hit. We're pressed for time too. W... no, she insisted I call her Wiš'adel... She said she received a transmission from her subordinates, and took off to verify it. I... couldn't stop her.
Kal'tsit	No matter. She knows very well what she should be doing. Also, check your belongings. She must have left a way for us to contact her.
Heidi	Huh...?
[Heidi looks around herself.]
Heidi	There really is!... When did she leave this beacon on me...?
Doctor	That's very much her style of doing things. How are Amiya and Logos doing?
Heidi	The next area hasn't been swept clear yet. Once they confirm it's safe, we'll evacuate to the next safe point at once. Doctor, Amiya, she...
Doctor	Don't worry about her. / She just needs some time.
Heidi	Alright. I'll try my best to get in touch with more of our friends inside the city. We'll need their help.
Doctor	I also just compiled all the information we know. / Sync that data with Closure once you manage to connect with her. I also uploaded arrangements for the other Rhodes Island Operators onto PRTS. / Tell them to update their PRTS as soon as they can so everyone's on the same page.
Heidi	Seizing the opportunity?
Doctor	Yes. / Currently, every faction in Londinium has their own blind spots. / It's a chance for us to buy time and react to anything in advance.
Heidi	Understood. I'll handle it—I'm the one most familiar with the rebuilt intracity network after all.
Kal'tsit	You may not have noticed, Doctor. But you've become more proactive ever since we left the Assimilated Universe.
Doctor	...Is that so?
Kal'tsit	Is it due to the first Originium? You've become somewhat impatient ever since you met Theresa and learned some truths I'm unable to speak of.
Doctor	... / I don't think it's a bad thing.
Kal'tsit	I still have my own reservations, but what's important now is to stay clear-headed, and make your judgments.
Doctor	I... why did I betray Theresa back then?
Kal'tsit	Only Theresa knows the truth to that. I will not make any further comments on that incident. But it does not mean my anger towards that event is no more. However... Doctor, you have proven yourself to me, to us. You have walked on the same path as us to where we are today, that's enough to prove that Theresa made the right decision. So, there's no need to be trapped by your past self. Besides, you know absolutely nothing about everything that happened then.
Doctor	That's precisely why... I can't comprehend Theresa's choice at all. But from her few sentences... I have a suspicion that fills me with fear. / I have a guess as to what my own mission is.
Kal'tsit	...
<Dialogue branch starts here>
Doctor	I'm a savior of this land.
Kal'tsit	If that is your post-reflection conclusion, I have no objections. But the you I see before me is still far away from accomplishing that. The path ahead of us is still very, very long... no, perhaps we don't have much time left. Doctor, the future will not wait for us to be ready before it comes. But I will follow you with Rhodes Island down this path.
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	I'm a destroyer of this land.
Kal'tsit	...Can you really say that now with such a calm tone? You're hesitating. You have doubts. That was never your true self. Do not let unwarranted speculation disturb your present determination. We determine who we are by our actions than our words. No matter how long we spend hesitating before we reach the end. The future will answer me, Doctor. I am now more willing to follow you down your path. We will witness it together.
<Dialogue branch ends here>
Kal'tsit	But now, our key focus should be on the thing that can turn the tides of war.
Doctor	The first Originium. / "Amnannam".
Kal'tsit	Theresa would only hand it over to someone she trusts the most, no matter how the Sarkaz are faring. Theresa's trust towards Theresis has never changed—they have never truly diverged from one another. What we currently face is still within the scope of their plan.
Doctor	Theresis...
Kal'tsit	We have unfinished tasks to get to. We don't know what Theresis plans to do with a weapon that can easily change this land. There is reason to believe it will not be a gentle method.
Doctor	We need to stop him. Originium has something to do with me. / I can't absolve myself from the atrocities that happened in Londinium either. / Perhaps this is my mission.
Kal'tsit	...
Doctor	Did you just... smile?
Kal'tsit	No. Now, have you decided our next course of action, Doctor?
Doctor	Ha, I have a rough idea in mind. / I'll need your help.
<Background Black>
"Now, the Sarkaz have only one choice left to make, Theresa."
"Yes... our people have already made their choice."
"I will fulfil the promise made between us, I will help you."
"Why do you sigh? I know if I won, you would stand by my side without a shred of hesitation. Isn't that right..." "...Theresis?"
Theresis can no longer hear her voice. She is gone, but her answer to the future remains. The first Originium fell from the Shard's peak, traversed the barrier, and landed in the Palace of Westhaleg's subterranean throne room...
The answer already lies in the palm of his hand.
Theresis	You wrested the key to freedom for the Sarkaz from its arrogant creator. As you promised me you would. But I... lost you, completely. Theresa, you've fulfilled your promise, so how could I resign myself to walk in your shadow? I will continue ahead on the path you were halfway through to the end— To retrieve what is ours from those who believe they dictate our fate. I shall judge that arrogant sin. And this land ought to revere us—
<Background fades out>
This war, to him, has already ended. And as for the future, the rest will bear witness. He ignores the ancient seat of Victorian kings caked in dust, and steps into an unknowable darkness. Theresa has already opened for him, the "door" to the truth. He looks forward to what he'll find beyond that door—who will be there to welcome him? "I have a question. Phantom of a bygone age, who boasts yourself a giant, a god, a supreme creator, one who can dictate the fate of the Sarkaz. Are you truly the only one of your kind..." "...Dr. {nickname}?"