OF-ST3: Under the Gun

OF-ST3 Under the Gun	Heart of Surging Flame: Main Stage Previous OF-4 (Story) Next OF-5 (Story)
When the one you trust most has betrayed you, are you willing to believe that she has her own reasons? Or are there no justifications for betrayal?

Characters

Doctor Ceylon Hellagur Schwarz Male Civilian

Backgrounds

1 2 3

“

The Doctor and Ceylon talk while taking a stroll. In the end, Ceylon makes up her mind and decides on a plan.

”

<Background 1>
Ceylon	...Would you be able to walk around a bit with me, Doctor?
Doctor	I'm a little worried about you.
Ceylon	Doctor, did you know? When I was a child, this beach wasn't this busy. I used to like making sand castles by myself. ...This city is getting better and better every year, thanks to my father. My father and I, well, don't talk a lot. I've always wondered... Which is more important, this city and the wealth it brings, or me? My mother died when she gave birth to me. Sometimes I think about if that's the reason why he doesn't like me. And it feels like he doesn't care if I like him or not. Ever since I can remember, he has rarely been at home because of business. Rather than father and daughter, we're more like two strangers living under the same roof.
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 2>
Ceylon	Schwarz, I want to go observe the ecosystem of the beach!
Schwarz	You mustn't, milady. Master Doykos said you must not go outside without good reason.
Ceylon	But I'm tired of reading the same old books here! Schwarz, you're no fun at all!
Schwarz	My apologies, milady. This is for your safety though; it's dangerous outside.
Ceylon	But won't you be with me? Are you going to put me in danger?
Schwarz	...Of course I wouldn't.
Ceylon	So, what's the problem then? Let's go!
Schwarz	...In that case, please do not stray from my sight.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 3>
Ceylon	One could say that back then, having Schwarz at my side just felt like a simple fact of life.
<Background fade out and in>
Male Civilian	Hurry up, these ornaments are for tonight's concert. We'll be in trouble if we don't make it on time!
Ceylon	Oh, that's... If I remember properly, he's the grandson of the owner of the Mockingbird Café on Second Avenue. I used to go there a lot. The old storekeeper was a kind man. His wife had already passed away at that time, so he decorated the café with her favorite flowers and bonsai trees, and put on their favorite music. But he did say that he was getting too old to run the shop, and would pass the business over to his grandson. Time sure flies.
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 2>
Ceylon	Why's that?
Schwarz	Because I have Oripathy, milady. It's bad for your health to come too close to me. Please call upon me only when it is necessary.
Ceylon	What's that? Does it hurt?
Schwarz	...It doesn't hurt, but, I will die because of it. There is no cure for this disease, milady. And...
Ceylon	I just have to find the cure then! Heh, just you wait! One day, I'll defeat that illness, and snatch you back from its jaws!
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 3>
Ceylon	The reason I became an Originium researcher was because of her. I wanted to cure her. That has always been the thing motivating me. I even went to Victoria to pursue this dream. However, Originium research is very difficult. At the beginning, I couldn't even grasp the basic concepts and felt like giving up. But I persevered. Victoria is also very far away, and I couldn't get used to it at first.
<Background 1>
Ceylon	But now, I feel like I'm more of a Victorian than a Siestan. Doctor, could it be said that everything I have is an illusion?
<Flashback starts here>
Schwarz	I'm willing to pay anything to protect this place.
<Flashback ends here>
<Dialogue branch starts here>
Doctor	I don't know.
Ceylon	Hmm... I suppose so. There's no way you'd be able to know.
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	She might be struggling too.
Ceylon	Then what is it? Something she can't even tell me about? Besides, no matter what she's struggling with, that much is inevitable because of the sins she has committed.
<Dialogue branch ends here>
Ceylon	Doctor, do you think I should give up?
Doctor	I can't answer that for you... But you are a true Originium researcher.
<Background black>
Can we vanquish Oripathy? Can we save the Infected? Will there be an end to these tribulations? If there is, I can't see it. I'm not sure. I don't know how to answer. Can I just give up? Yes. But I don't want to.
<Background 1>
Doctor	Perhaps the land we've been born into is blighted... But the things that you've done have not been in vain. Believe in the choices you've made.
Ceylon	Phew... You're right, Doctor. Your experience really shows. Looks like I still have a lot to learn. First, I need to stop being sentimental and start by finding the proof. If they are really putting citizens in danger on purpose, I'll do everything in my power to stop them! Because I believe in my own decisions, I'll fight to save this city, even if nobody else will!
Hellagur	Well said.
Ceylon	Oh, Mister Hellagur!
Hellagur	By the looks of things, you've found your answer.
Ceylon	Mhm. Mister Hellagur, Doctor, could you hear me out? No matter what, I don't want to see the citizens being put into danger. That's my number one priority. The largest broadcast tower here is located by the Garrison Amusement Park. It controls this city's entire broadcast system.
Hellagur	The broadcast tower?
Ceylon	However, it's controlled by Cronin's henchmen. He often appears there to speak to the citizens. When the major concert begins, everyone's going to be gathered by the stage. Cronin's men are going to be have their hands full trying to keep things orderly. As long as we control the tower at that time, we can spread the news throughout the whole city. So, I'm asking both of you, please lend me your aid!