Backs Against The Cliffs

......

...Hey, Wryz.

Oh...Aldo.

I, uh...I don't really know what to say right now, to be honest. It all happened so fast... I'm still having trouble accepting it.

But I know that it's not the same without her. And I regret not being able to do more.

Yeah. Same here...

It's not much, but...I was hoping, maybe I could cheer you up a little. Or if it's too soon for that, then... I could just be here for you, so that we can grieve her...together.

She was a good person.

The best...

She was kind and strong, willing to do whatever it took to help her friends. I could tell everyone loved her from the moment I arrived.

...... ...Enough, Aldo.

Huh?

Ya really are a nice guy. I can tell ya miss her, from the bottom of your heart.

But...the more people talk about her, the more I remember. And rememberin'...hurts.

I'm sorry, Wryz...

It's not your fault. It just...sucks, y'know. I don't mind riskin' my life. I'd do it a thousand times over. But...

I never thought I'd lose someone I care about!

It'd be stranger if you did. So please, don't...

I wasn't ready. And I didn't even realize it.

Remember when I said this place was an adventure waitin' to be had? ...Truth is, I don't believe that anymore.

I know I made Flaudia a promise, but...I don't know if I can keep it. I don't know...if it's worth continuin' the fight.

Right now, I...I'm just lost.

Poor Wryz... I can't blame her for being lost. It's hard knowing what's best at a time like this... I know we should slay the dragon for the people of Ratle and everyone on the mainland.

But when I think about the possibility of losing anyone else in Arcadia, I...I just don't know. It's not like they've been on this island forever. Everyone came here from somewhere else.

They don't have to stay here, either. They have homes they can return to. And no one would blame them for leaving. I really...don't know what we should do.

Hey, Aldo...

Hm? Is that Sazanca?

Come here... I need your help...

I think Sazanca said she was gonna go heal the injured. Well, I'd much rather help out than wallow in my thoughts alone. I should do what I can for these people.

Alright. Be there soon!

Oh, don't worry. You'll be back on your feet in no time, and when you are...

Hey, Sazanca. You called?

I did, yes! Can you talk to these people for me?

Talk to them? That's it?

And while you're here...do something about her, will you?

What do you mean? What's going on?

They've been saying they want to give up the fight.

But she wants us to get right back to it once we're all healed.

So you don't see eye to eye on what we should do from here on out.

I mean, can you blame them, Sazanca? This base was totaled by that gigantic dragon. It's only natural to lose heart.

I don't know if I agree with that. After all...everyone's still alive and they'll be fine with some rest, so we still have a chance. And I don't think we should waste it.

Well, color me confused. Aren't you usually the one looking for excuses to avoid fights? Now, I appreciate you mending me up, but...

To be honest, I don't have it in me to jump back into the fray. I'd be nothing but a hindrance.

So Sazanca wants to keep going...

I told you. This girl may be clumsy and sly, but...she's actually tough and persistent!

It's just like Wryz said... I'm surprised you're ready to go again so soon after what happened.

I saw it with my own eyes, Aldo. I was shocked and saddened.

But there are countless things in life that can ruin everything you've worked for. My entire hometown really did sink beneath the waters once, you know. And I would've spent the rest of my life crying about it if I hadn't been able to get back on my feet then.

I guess...you have a point.

How the hell could ya say somethin' like that?!

Is that Wryz?!

I knew it! Ya don't have a damn heart, do ya?!

Sounds like she's fighting with someone. I better go see what's going on.

I'll go with you. I want to see Wryz heal too.

Right. Let's go.

Wait right here, everyone. Arcadia will be back on its feet before you know it. I'm sure of it.

You've got some nerve callin' me here for that! Ya want me to get ready for battle? Now? What's wrong with you?!

What's the matter, Wryz?

Aldo... Sazanca...

I ask you not to interrupt. Wryz and I still have matters to discuss.

Hah! Nothin' would change, even if they did! You've got the worst timin'. And even if ya didn't, did ya really think I'd just say yes to convincin' everyone to try again?!

Is that true, Cerius?

Aren't ya the least bit sad?! At least give us a day to mourn! To get our damn feelin's sorted!

I...I can't think straight. Flaudia died protectin' me...

And I just can't accept that!

You don't need to. There's no need to get your feelings "sorted" either. The only thing we need to do right now is regain our footing, and quickly. It must be today. And you are the only one who can do it.

Ya really have the emotional capacity of a rock, don't ya?! If ya had any feelings at all, ya wouldn't be sayin' that!

For the moment, let's say that I am. I am a cold, heartless being. But that is precisely why I must say this.

What's that supposed to mean?

It means that I can think logically, even in a situation like this one. And what I learned is that, right now, we must...

Stop it!

Just stop it! I don't wanna hear a damn thing about "logic" or "reason" right now! Can't you show a little humanity at a time like this?

I know I owe ya a lot for everythin' you've done for me, but...could ya just leave me alone? Just for now?

Wryz...

(So it's come to this. Now what do I do?) (Was I wrong to approach from a logical angle? Should I have opted for emotion? Comforted her in her sorrow?)

(Yes. Perhaps if I were true to my feelings...)

(No. What am I thinking?) (Treading that path would not get us where we need to go.)

(I must find another way. Reconstruct my argument. I must lead her to the right path somehow!)

Wryz.

What now? Got somethin' else to say?

No. It is not I who must do the talking now.

(I believe I know where I can find what I am looking for. I do not think it will be enough to change her mind, but...) (It should serve as a guidepost. So find it I must.)

Huh? What're you talkin' about?

Come with me. I wish to see the plains. I wish to see...the place Flaudia fell.

Nothing more.

This's pretty sudden, but...sure. It might help me find peace...

Thank you. It was a ways through the plains, if I remember correctly. After what happened earlier, we ought to be extra careful on our way over. Now let's go.

...I barely recognize this place. Who knew that giant dragon was capable of such destruction?

Ungh...

Are you okay, Wryz? You don't look so good... Do you need some medicine?

No... It's just...the closer we get to camp, the worse I feel. I don't know if I'll be able to look... I didn't know...I was so weak. I'm a joke. I'll never be a legendary wyrmslayer at this rate...

You're not weak.

...I'm not?

Feeling sad or scared after losing someone important to you doesn't make you weak. It's proof that you've still got a heart. And a good one, at that. Sometimes our emotions can weaken us, that's true. But they can also empower us, and make us stronger than ever before.

That's why I don't think you're weak, Wryz. Just the opposite. You're stronger than you know.

...I see. Yes, it is as Aldo says. Now, just a little more. We're almost there.

What's that noise? It sounds like...

Dragon, and lots of 'em. I think it came from over there.

This bodes ill. We should hurry.

What're they doing? And what's that on the ground over there?

Wryz?

Get outta here. Right now. This is the restin' place of a dear friend.

She might still be here somewhere! And I won't let you bastards disturb her!

Huff... Huff...

This can't be... I thought it would be here. But it's not.

What are you talking about?

There was something missing from Flaudia's belongings. She kept on her person at all times. I thought she may have dropped it here, but...

Is this what you're looking for?

No... It can't be!

You fiend... How dare you show your face here.

Oh, howl and growl at me all you like. It changes nothing. I do not fear you. I have no reason to hide.

You're a real pro at gettin' under my skin, aren't ya?

You needn't get upset. I merely came to deliver a little lost item, out of the goodness of my heart. See?

Huh? What is that?

A wooden bracelet? Looks hand-carved, too...

Wait. That's...

My friend made it for me. We swore on it that we'd leave the village together. I didn't want to risk losing it in battle, so I always kept it hidden. It's the only memento I have of her, but I think it's better off with you. With someone...just like her.

What're you doin' with Flaudia's bracelet?!

So it really was here, as I suspected.

How dare you lay your dirty claws on that! Give it back!

I told you, that was precisely my reason for returning here. But if you insist on insulting me, I may not be able to control my strength...

It's broken...

Damn you!

Oh my. How fragile your tiny human objects are.

Now then, I have finished my business here, so I must be going. But I do hope we meet again. My name is Veilis, the Malice Dragon. I await your coming.

You're not goin' anywhere!

"Malice" is far too kind a word for such a cruel beast. How dare it desecrate the belongings of the deceased. All of this, even those dragons we fought earlier, was no more than a ploy to spite us. That fiend means to torment us until we break.

This is awful...

That bastard's gonna pay for this! I'll make it regret toyin' with us...

Wait, Wryz.

Huh? But why?

While I wholeheartedly agree with your plan to fell that dragon, there is something we must do before that.

What're you talkin' about?! It's now or never, Cerius!

Allow me to explain: you cannot win against that monster alone. And neither could the four of us together. This is not a matter that can simply be left to emotion. We must be smart about it.

But...

I understand this is a complicated matter. But I see that your inner fire has returned. You are ready to fight again. And now that you are...I wish you to ignite the same fire within our comrades.

I get it now. Everyone's lost their will to fight...

And if we do not do something about that today, Arcadia as we know it is done for. Our comrades will take the next ship out in the morning and never return.

And if that happens...you will never be able to fulfill Flaudia's dying wish.

I...I never thought about that.

At first...I believed you to be right, Wryz. That it was only right to lose heart after witnessing such a tragedy. But even so...I cannot allow you to ignore her dying wish. She sacrificed herself so that you would see this done.

So promise me...promise you'll slay that dragon. Even if you don't have much time left... you have to. You're going to be a legend...aren't you?

We must get Arcadia back on its feet. And we must do it today.

But that is not something within my power. Logic and reason would not stir their hearts. But if not me, then who? Who could put the pieces of their shattered courage back together? Pick them up off the ground and help them stand tall again?

It would be someone who led the vanguard, who fought with courage and selflessness. Someone like you, Wryz!

That is the conclusion I came to, a conclusion devoid of emotion, not unlike myself.

Cerius...

Here. I believe this belongs with you.

Flaudia's bracelet...

Alright. I accept.

...I trust you have no objections anymore.

Nope. I think I finally get it now.

I thought you might. You're a quick thinker, even more so than myself.

Y'know...I really thought this was a time for mourning. But you're right. We can't just stand still right now. There're still things we need to do.

Like helping Wryz making her mark on history, and fulfilling that promise to Flaudia. You said it was more precious to you than life, didn't you?

Heh...

Yeah. And that hasn't changed. Sorry, Cerius. And...thank you.

I simply fulfilled my role. I did quite well for a heartless man, no?

Y-You're really gonna bring that up now?!

I was wrong, okay?! So please...could ya do me a favor? Gather the troops. Tell 'em to come to the cliffs by the base.

For our new leader, it shall be done.

I'll help.

Me too!

Thanks. I'm gonna give it my all. I'll do whatever it takes to get 'em on their feet again!

What's going on? I heard Wryz had something to say to all of us.

Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe she wants to quit being a commander. Let's hear her out. I can't even imagine what it's been like for her, being as close to Flaudia as she was...

Wryz...

I believe this is everyone, more or less.

Thanks, Cerius.

Alright, everyone, listen up!

Sorry for callin' ya here at a crazy time like this. To be honest, I haven't come to terms with what happened, not even a little, and I'm kinda a big mess right now.

But I know what I gotta do now, and I can't do it alone. So I need for your help...from this moment forth.

What? Right now?

Yeah, ya heard right. Because today...

Today we're gonna avenge Flaudia!

What?!

B-But wasn't it that giant dragon that killed her?!

You wanna go fight that thing? We'll never make it out alive!

Don't be so dramatic. I'm reckless, but I ain't that reckless. Though...I don't expect ya to believe me. There's another dragon we need to slay too, the one that woke the sleepin' beast.

You remember the one that was destroyin' the camp, don't ya? Its name is Veilis. And this... this's all its damn fault.

But that dragon was huge... We don't stand a chance!

And I...I was gonna leave the island tomorrow.

Me too...

It's too dangerous to stay...

(Cerius was right... How is Wryz gonna convince them now?)

Hey...I get it. It's scary. It's normal to wanna run away. And I've got no right stoppin' ya. But I just...I just want one chance. So I'm askin' ya to listen to my story.

You mean the one about your hometown?

It's what happened after that. A part I haven't even told you guys.

A story about your past?

Yeah. Some of ya might've noticed already, but I'm from the village of the Dragon Summoners.

Thing is, I was a failure. I never won a single duel, and I never made a contract with a dragon. That's why I decided to find my own way of fightin'.

I've lost to tomorrow's opponent ten times already.

It's impossible. No matter how much I train or how hard I try...there's no way for me to win head-on.

...Hold on.

That's it. I've been comin' at it from all the wrong angles. What've I been doin' this whole time? I've been fightin' a losin' battle, but not anymore! Now I know exactly what I've gotta do!

Yeah, you're strong alright. Speed really is your strength. And there's no way I can keep up.

See? If I come at ya from the right, you'll be on the other side before I can even blink. I'm proud to call ya my childhood friend. I'm glad we could sharpen our skills together. There's no way I'd be able to keep up!

...Unless I knew what was comin'.

Ahh!

And that's...the match.

Wryz...won?

I did... I did it! Finally!

What just happened? I saw Wryz speaking to her opponent, and at the end...

Well... She didn't do anything wrong, per se, but...I'm not sure this counts as a win.

Wh-What? How could it not count? You just declared me the winner!

But it may not be what we consider a duel.

Why wouldn't it be?! I saw an opening and took it. I said a few things and used a bit of sand to make that opening, sure, but... That's it! There's no rule sayin' I can't!

That's true. And if we go strictly by the rules, then you did win, but...

I believe this violates something far greater than the rules.

And that is?

Tradition. And pride.

You have a point. This is a custom in our village. It's meant to be a show of strength, pure and simple. But Wryz tricked her opponent. She's defiled our traditions.

I didn't mean to! I was just tryin' to find a way I could finally win...

Calm down. You've always been diligent and hardworking, Wryz. There was no need for you to rely on tricks.

Exactly. You have a keen eye and sharp tongue, both of which you should be proud of. You can still be of use here, even if you don't become a Dragon Summoner.

I declare this match void. I doubt there's much pride to be had over that victory.

Did you really think such an underhanded method would impress the heavenly dragons? Next time, make it a fair fight.

Hah... Hahaha...

Is this where my dream ends? Have I...failed? I'll never be partners with a dragon. I'll never be the hero of my story...

Ah, Wryz! There you are! I've been looking all over for you.

Did something happen? I don't think you've ever been late on sewing and polishing. Are you not feeling well?

...Sorry. I'll take care of it later.

Alright. Well, let me know if there's anything I can do, okay?

Huh? What's this?

This is it... A spell that'll force a dragon to make a contract with me. But something's not right...

Whoa!

Ah... What is this? Have I connected to the modern world? I did not expect such an ancient tome to be unearthed now...

A voice, comin' from the book? No, it can't be. Something's there...

Not quite. I am nothing more than an otherworldly thought given form. You have nothing to fear. I am the one who devised that tome all those years ago. Although I must admit, even I forgot of its existence. I sense a curious fervor within you... You wish to make a contract with a dragon, yes?

H-How did you know that?

Hah. I have always held an interest in human emotion. So tell me: now that a dragon stands before you, do you wish to make a contract? There is a chance it will fail, but...if it is meant to be, you and I shall be partners.

W-Wait. You wanna make a contract? With me? But...

What is it that you seek? What is it that you believe, in your heart of hearts? What you wish for more than anything?

What I wish...is to fight alongside a beautiful heavenly dragon. To become a hero. That's my dream, and I can't give up on it. Even though...I couldn't achieve it by fair means.

So what will you do now?

Well, tradition never did me any favors. It just turned me into a meek loser. But those days are over. I don't wanna be their convenient little fool forever.

...Alright. Let's do it. Let's make a contract.

Very well. Then recite the spell. But be warned: it has as much chance of failing as it does of succeeding. Prepare yourself.

That's better than any odds I had yesterday.

O ruler of another realm, scourge of the earth. Thou art a dragon of the deepest darkness. Descend, reign, and ravage. Live and devour as your heart desires. I curse thy otherworldly grudge! Come, and we shall walk this world of chaos together!

Hnngh! What's going on?!

How dull.

What?

Gck... It hurts!

Our souls are not bound. It appears you are not yet ready. An opportunity wasted. Would only a heavenly dragon do? What a spoiled child you are.

Wait... Does that mean...you're a dark dragon?

Your lack of resolve decreased your chances even further, perhaps halving the half you had. The odds were not in your favor, and not every gamble can be won. Do not take it personally. But now comes time to pay the price. It is a paltry sum, really. Just a fraction of your remaining years.

My...remaining years?

Now three years remain to you. I pray you live them without regret. Our souls failed to connect, which means you made an empty contract. That goes against the rules of the other world. For that reason, your fate has been fixed. And when the time comes, you will perish no matter what you do. You have been cursed.

Three...years?

I saw a strange aura coming from over here!

Was it a dark dragon?! Gather up! We have to take it down quickly!

I would hate to be seen, so I shall take my leave. Farewell.

No dragon here. But I was so sure...

That tome... It contains forbidden spells!

She has clearly violated our taboos. There is no saving her...

No... Does that mean Wryz will be...

Banished, yes.

So this is it, huh? I didn't see this comin'...

I just wanted to make my dream come true. And as long as I had even the slightest chance... I was willin' to try just about anything.

But why, Wryz? You used to be such a good kid!

What would you know?

You of all people could never understand how I feel!

After her!

I haven't forgotten, Wryz. You helped me train and taught me what I'm good at. You showed me the way forward. I was proud that I could keep winning against you. That's why I hope...I hope you find your own way too. A way forward, truly worthy of you.

Huff... Huff... I can't...breathe... It feels like...something's choking the life outta me. Is this...the curse?

I can't...go on...any longer...

How could this happen? It's heartbreaking...

I have no words. This is beyond tragic... Do you know what you've done?!

For years I've presided over your duels, but your fate was truly sealed the moment you broke tradition. The pain you have inflicted on this village is immeasurable. Now leave here and never return.

I've been banished...and I have no intention of returnin'.

But this won't be the last they hear of me. 'Cause my legend's gonna be told in every corner of the world, includin' this one!

Wryz... I had no idea. It's no wonder you kept wanting to push forward.

Yeah. It's been two years since then. But I still haven't given up. Look.

This shows how much time I have left. The mark grows, little by little, and one day... it'll encircle my neck. That's how much time I have left to become a legend.

So you're telling us...you'll be gone a year from now?

That's right. But I ain't sad about it. In fact, it's given me courage. There's nothin' but a sheer cliff at the end of my path. That's where it all ends.

...That's why I wanna leave my mark here. I'm doin' it all for me. No one else. Not even you guys.

But you're all the same, aren't ya? You've got your own reasons for bein' here, things ya wanna do! Dreams you wanna see come true!

...You're right. I want to take one of that beast's scales and make a name for myself back home.

I want to learn more about that giant dragon!

And I want to make a weapon strong enough to slay it!

I want to write an epic about this age's greatest hero.

That's what I'm talkin' about! We might come from different places and be here for different reasons, but...

We're still comrades in arms! Even if we ain't family or countrymen, we're united by a shared struggle. One we're gonna overcome together! And I want every single one of ya to fulfill your dreams!

We're a bunch of loons who left our cozy hometowns to dive into an unknown land full of danger.

Don't ya go forgettin' that! And don't ya dare give up! 'Cause our dreams are damn well worth fightin' for!

Yeah...

Yeaaah!

Alone, I'm just one person who can't even make her own dreams come true. But together, I know we can do it! So say you'll stay. Say you'll help! And I'll do everything I can to help you too.

No matter what danger we face, I promise to lead the charge. So please, stand with me!

YEAAAH!

She did it...

I don't think I've ever seen Arcadia this united.

...Perfect.

Alright. We need to decide what we're doin' and quick. Everyone, to the exit! We'll have our revenge first. That bastard'll pay for what it's done!

So, uh...how exactly do you propose we defeat that big, bad dragon? From the way you tell it, sounds like it's gotten the best of you before.

It has. It's annoying as all hell. Which is why the first thing we gotta do is buy ourselves time.

Wait. You mean we won't attack it right away?

Remember what happened last time? That thing outsmarted us. But now I understand the way it thinks.

Hah! So there are clever ones among you! Yes, indeed. Spiting others is my greatest pleasure in life. And humans are my favorite playthings. They're so emotional, so fragile, the slightest twist in your bones brings you agony!

It wants to mess with us. If it came at us now, what do you think it'd do? What would make us most miserable?

Destroying the base. Without a place to sleep, we would be forced to leave the island.

Exactly. I think it's not attackin' us on purpose. It's givin' us time to wallow in our sadness. But it'll be back soon enough. And when it returns, we need to stop it in its tracks. And while we've got it distracted, here's what ya need to do...

I see. If matters proceed as you say, it makes sense. However...

Hahaha! This's got "Wryz" written all over it. Don't know if it's much of a plan, though.

Alright. Let's get going. We're first up, right?

Aww... I can't believe we have to risk our lives just to stop this thing.

You'll be fine. I'll make sure no one has to risk their lives. That way everyone can achieve their dreams. And this time...we won't lose a single one of us.

...I think I have left them to their own devices for long enough. I grow bored. Prey is best when neither living nor dead, but suffering and writhing in agony. How I delight in having them within the palm of my hand. How are they faring now? Ah, how fun it is to imagine their struggle. But I do long to see their anguished faces...

Oh. What have we here?

Knew I'd find ya here. Flaudia often came here to think. So I knew you couldn't resist the temptation.

You are... Ah, yes. The little one who howled so indignantly. I remember that delectable look on your face.

Ya say it as if that's somethin' to be proud of!

It is. Most would consider it an honor to be remembered by a dragon. Or do you care nothing for glory?

Hah! You're a terrible judge of character! No one cares more about glory than I do.

And yet you came alone. What of your comrades?

Oh, don't look so disappointed. I'm more than enough to take you on!

What courage you have! Baseless and brute, but courage nonetheless! How adorable you are in your stupidity. Very well. I shall play with you. I was just starting to miss toying with your kind!

Damn...you...

You truly are precious, child of man! Even the lowliest of beasts could see the difference in our strength, yet you refuse to run. You are even more ignorant than an insect! But that is what I love the most! You persist, and the fun goes on and on!

You're so twisted, you make me wanna puke!

Do I now? Human standards elude me. I was simply being honest about my pastimes. But are you not twisted in your own right? Or is it mere foolishness that keeps you here while your mind begs you to flee?

C'mon, ya can do better than that! I'll keep pace, one-for-one. Let's see who's the last one standin'.

As if we even need speculate. You are a tiny creature, filled only with bravado.

That's old news, bud! I know better than anyone just how small and weak I am!

No matter how much I train or how hard I try, I can never win head-on!

And yet you persist, defying logic. Oh, how your endless stupidity excites me!

Dammit...

Hmph... You do not stand a chance against me, yet you do not despair. Why? It spoils the fun.

Because you're gonna be the one despairin', not me.

And y'know what they say. The greater they are, the harder they fall!

Hmph... I see you do not break. Perhaps there is something wrong with you.

I did not expect you to bore me so. But your madness is plain to see. Could it be you're a defective toy?

Your games end here, fiend!

Cerius?! What're you doin'? It's too soon!

Ah, so the bowman lives! I was just hoping for another toy to play with. I thought if I injured the lancer, her comrades would come to her rescue.

Silence, you wicked beast. You are not nearly as lofty as you think. I for one respect her madness.

This courage of hers, brute or otherwise, is not to be slighted!

That's enough, Cerius! Fall back!

Did you think I would let him escape? This is no different than before. At this distance, his life is forfeit.

Fascinating... You surpassed my expectation. I did not think you would venture so close with your bow.

I agree it is not logical. But my leader is hardly one to listen to reason.

Even so, that changes nothing. There is nothing you can do from there. You are helpless.

But I refuse to give up. And I, too, shall give in to madness!

You disgust me. If you refuse to cower and quake, you are better off dead.

Wryz! You okay?!

You can stop now. Everything's ready.

What's this? Your little swarm of insects has come. Do they, too, wish for death?

Let me tell ya somethin', ya twisted bastard. Our only goal here was to buy time. And I knew a sicko like you couldn't resist toyin' with a couple helpless little targets like us.

Indeed. Logic dictated that I show you anger, and that is precisely what I did. But I have need of that no longer. The stage is set.

Now that we're all here, you needn't leave to find your prey. Let us settle this matter where we stand.

I haven't the faintest idea what you are talking about. Explain yourselves.

Like we're gonna tell you! Feels bad, don't it? Serves ya right! You said it was no fun playin' with me, didn't ya? Since I didn't break like your other toys.

Well, have a look around. I ain't the only one. All of us are still here, and in one piece. You can knock us down, tear open our base, take our leader from us... But we won't stay down. We'll get back up and kill ya, once and for all!

So? Havin' fun yet? I hope you're damn excited now! After all, this is what you live for, right? Spitin' others!

Hrrr...

I see now... You foul, filthy humans. You make me sick!

You think I'm mad, don't ya? That I'm defective?

Well, you're right. But I ain't the only loon here! Far from it!

We're here to live the way we want...

To make our wildest ambitions a reality...

To help the people we wanna help...

To protect the ones we love...

And to hold fast to our dreams! For what we want and what we believe in, we're willin' to endure pain and overcome our fears! You might think it's disgustin', but guess what? That's what makes us strong!

Ahaha... Ahahaha! Yes, howl and growl to your heart's content! I think I finally understand...

What you mean to say is...killing you here and now would allow me to witness the moment those precious hopes and dreams turn to dust. Yes?

Just try it. Trust me, you won't win.

Our goal is simple: doin' what we want. Just like you and your boring little games. All that's left now is to fight it out. Winner takes all.

Our pride'll pull us through!

Just try it. Trust me, you won't win.

Our goal is simple: doin' what we want. Just like you and your boring little games. All that's left now is to fight it out. Winner takes all.

Our pride'll pull us through!

Graaah! What have you done? You disgusting, filthy little humans!

It's over. Admit ya picked the wrong people to play with and just die already!

How is it still moving?!

This is bad. If it wakes up that giant dragon again...

No. I don't believe it will...

It's a different direction than before. But the only thing that way is...

Hah... Hahaha. There is no fun in performing the same trick twice! What will you do now that you've nowhere to rest your head at night? That must upset you terribly! I am Veilis, the Malice Dragon! I will torment you until my final breath! Only then can I die without regret...

Hah. Ahahaha...

You dare laugh at me?! I do not understand... Why do you still not despair?

Because there's nothin' for us to be upset about. We already knew what you'd do. We've got stories about your kin in my hometown. They say high-rankin' dragons're all about their beliefs.

And you told us what yours were over and over again. That's how we knew what we needed to protect, and why we had to buy time before the battle. We've got a barrier in front of our base, and a very reliable sentry guardin' it. The stage was set...

To make you despair!

How dare you... You cannot do this to me! I am Veilis, the Malice Dragon! To be outdone...by humans...

Grrr! Rahhh...!

...Bet ya really regret toyin' with us now.

We...we did it.

We avenged Flaudia!

Indeed, the battle is won. But it is too early for us to celebrate. We were right that it would aim for our base, and we were indeed prepared for it, but...

We won't know for sure if it's actually safe until we go there and see it ourselves.

Then let's make for base.

Right. And once we know...

Let's talk again, about what happens next.

Talk about a fine improvisation! Even I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it blockin' that dragon's breath.

Yeah, I never even thought of using those crystals to make a barrier.

It was hard work, but we made it just in time with Wryz's distraction. I'm still impressed!

I wasn't absolutely sure it would work, to be honest. But I knew it'd be aimin' this way for sure. Guess it was worth readin' all the books back home after all...

You said you wanted to discuss what happens next, right?

Right. There's something I wanna say to everyone. Could you gather 'em up by the cliffs again?

What's this? A victory speech?

Shouldn't we be getting ready for a party right now?

Before then...there's something I need to know the answer to. I know it might be kinda late after rallyin' ya all up and leadin' ya into battle, but...

But what?

Are ya really sure...ya want me as your captain?

Huh?

Well, I mean...

I was nothin' before I came here. I'm selfish and reckless too. I care about all of ya, but to be honest... my dream still comes first!

What are you saying? Flaudia wanted you to do this.

No, she didn't! She never said to take her place as captain.

I don't even know if I'm leader material. She and I are so...different. And...it's my fault she's gone in the first place.

Hey. Don't say that!

See? Everyone hates me...

Do you really think we want anyone else being our leader?

What?

You can't just quit on us now! You got us back on our feet, helped us avenge Flaudia, and protected our base. You're the only one who can lead us!

You're getting bent out of shape when you oughta be proud of what you did!

I can't tell if you're courageous or a coward!

Get it together, Wryz! You're better than this!

And if you want to make amends, you can start by speaking to us nicer.

I second that.

H-Hey! Aren't ya just lecturin' me now?!

Haha. Well, the crowd has spoken. They love you, Wryz. So it's you or no one.

Alright, alright. Fine. If you insist.

I'll leave my legend behind as the leader of Arcadia. Now, I think we all know that sleepin' wyrm is a lot stronger than Veilis. But I know how you loons work. Pain and fear're nothin' once you've made up your minds!

So let's regain our strength, then keep movin' forward. And to do that...

We're gonna have a party!

Woohoo!

Fine work. It seems you're grown accustomed to giving speeches.

Oh, please. I just said whatever came to mind. Besides, if anyone deserves to be praised for their performance, it's you.

I don't follow.

When we were fightin' Veilis. You pretended to be pretty pissed, didn't ya?

Silence, you wicked beast. You are not nearly as lofty as you think. I for one respect her madness.

This courage of hers, brute or otherwise, is not to be slighted!

I know I asked ya to do it to buy some time, but I didn't think someone so coolheaded could pull it off.

For the sake of strategy, displaying anger is within the realm of reason. "Even the dawn rages when it must," as they say.

You're gonna have to start explainin' who "they" are... Anyway, it blew me away. Couldn't believe it was all an act.

You said ya respected my madness, but... You helped me find my way after losin' a good friend, and ya looked downright furious when just puttin' on a show.

I think you've been mad for a long time now. No matter how much you want it to be the case, not every decision in life comes down to logic. Your obsession with the "path of reason" is itself a mad, illogical sort of pride.

I see... I never thought of it that way. I thought I had no pride. In fact, I thought someone as logical as myself had nothing. I suppose following the path of logic... became my creed.

That's what I'm sayin'!

But to tell the truth...my anger earlier was not quite what it seemed.

What do you mean?

You thought it was all an act, but...in truth, it was not.

It wasn't?

Your confusion is understandable. To put it shortly... There are times when emotion and reason align. That is all.