The Rainbow Beyond

Alright. This place should do it.

Yeah! I can feel the strong energy coming through even here!

Now, are ya sure about this? A contract is for life, y'know. Once the ritual's over, we're bound forever.

I'm sure! I've got no reason to change my mind now!

But if we make a contract, you'll lose some of your freedom. If somethin' bad happens to me, it'll happen to ya too.

I can see you are taking this very seriously.

Of course. I mean, I don't even know if this is for the best, so I'm honestly unsure. And it's a pain for dragons, too, considerin' there're more of 'em who haven't made a contract than those who have.

To top it all off, dragons're supposed to have the right to choose their partners.

I just hadn't ever been chosen.

The past is the past, Wryz. You don't need to let it define you. I think what's most important right now is that you and this dragon wanna be partners.

Thanks, Aldo. I appreciate you sayin' that, but...the past ain't somethin' I can just let go of. I know this is our only option right now, both for the future and for myself, but... I wanna make sure the both of us think this through.

I already have! I'm the one who suggested it, after all. I wanna be with you, Wryz. I wanna help you! So I won't regret this, no matter what happens.

Hah... You really are too sweet.

See? There's no reason to get all worked up about it. Just give it a try and see what happens.

Everything will be fine. And if something goes wrong, we can always think of a way to fix it then.

"A Flame Eater is stronger when with feathered friends." And we shall be those for you.

YEAAAH! It's time to ROCK AND ROLL, BABY! Wooohooooo!

...Juuust kidding. I'm completely on board too. After all, the only way we can change the future is by taking it on headfirst.

Let's do it, Wryz!

...Alright then. Face me. And now...let your power flow through me.

Okay!

Only when we accept the other and truly wish for the contract to happen will it actually happen. All that's left then is to say the chant... Alright, here goes!

O Heavenly Dragon that descends from the other world and rules the land. It is time that we complete the contract! Glower, rage, and roar. Let pride guide you, as you dominate the skies above!

I carry the pride of dragons in my breast. Come, and we shall walk the world beneath the heavens together!

Now, bind this dragon's soul to mine...

Ahh!

Wh-What?!

What was that? What happened?!

Are you okay? You're not injured, are you?

I'm fine, but...

(The second I thought the curse was broken, my headed was flooded with memories...)

I don't feel anything... The heavenly energy I tried to connect with you is...gone. Does this mean... The contract failed?

......

But why? What went wrong? You said we could make a contract if we accepted each other and wanted it to happen.

I love you, Wryz! I know I wanted it to happen! But that must mean...

Pray be calm. Right now, we must analyze the situation and...

How can I be calm?! Were you lying when you said I did a good job? That I was incredible? What did I do wrong?

That's not true... There's nothing wrong with you. I just... I felt somethin'. And I think it means that I...

You always do this... When something happens, you blame yourself instead.

Wryz! You're not hurt, are you? I'm so sorry... This is all my fault!

It's not your fault. Besides, we defeated that monster, didn't we? So you've got nothin' to worry about.

But the ritual failed, so something went wrong... Maybe that means...I'm not ready yet.

I never expected this to happen...

Ah!

No... No! Noooooo!

Melpiphia! Are you okay?!

The dragon awakens...and Wryz dies. And so does my village, and everyone on the plains too... The calamity is coming... It's almost here!

Does that mean the future has been decided, and for the worst?

Because of the contract? But that would mean...

It's too early to throw in the towel. We need to think. There's gotta be something we can do about this.

......

Let us return to the rest area first. We can set up camp within the cave. As I said earlier, we must analyze the situation. And most importantly, we must remain calm.

Yeah, you're right. Does that sound like a plan, Wryz?

...Yeah. Guess that's our only option at this point.

......

Now that we're back, we gotta think about what to do next.

R-Right...

I think it's probably best to get some rest before that.

I think so too. Besides, just the contract didn't work this time doesn't mean it's all over. Once you've had time to collect yourselves, you can try again! Or as many times as you need to!

You truly shine at times like these, Sazanca. Now then, let us rest our legs and...

My, how naïve you are.

No! It can't be...!

You're the ones who told us about the stakes...

Do you truly believe that a ritual gone awry can be conducted as many times as necessary? In this world, some things that have been lost can never be reclaimed.

What are you talking about?

And what's more, the contract between a dragon and a human is one born of necessity. It is not so easily forged. This failure is not unlike the one that transpired between you and I.

It's not the same, not by a long shot. My partner's different and so am I.

I wouldn't be so sure. After all, the ritual still requires the same components, mutual acceptance and resolve. And back then, in your heart of hearts, your resolve wavered. You did not wish for a contract then, nor do you now.

I guess that means that Wryz doesn't want me to be her partner...

All that differs is the place.

Because this cave is full of heavenly energy, right? Well, we have that little one to thank for it!

Are you certain?

If this is a joke, I ain't laughin'. See, I've gotta make this contract to change the future. And when I break this curse, then... Then I'll live longer and I...I'll...

Nngh!

What's wrong?!

I can't...breathe... Is this...dark energy?

Ah, so you've noticed. The energy here is in constant flux. Can you hear it? Its cries shake humans to their very core. 'Tis the call of chaos!

Damn it all! What've you done?!

Me? I have done nothing. But you, on the other hand, have summoned it forth by releasing the stakes.

'Tis an envoy from the Darkrealm, sent here by our king. Although...I may have used a few spells to bolster its power.

Spells? Then that means you wished to hinder Wryz's contract!

You have fulfilled the role I deigned to give you. All that is left for you is to quietly leave.

Tch... I get it now. I'm actually glad you said that. Because now I know this's all your damn fault, and I can pierce ya through for it!

Stay still, dammit!

Do your limbs feel heavy, child? Your steps slow? You will never reach me in your condition. You see, the seeds of failure were already sown within you. I merely helped them grow.

Seeds? What're you talkin' about?

You dare feign ignorance? Hah. Pitiful coward.

Enough. I assume you did not come here for this alone, dragon. You could easily interfere with our plans without needing to show your face, so why bother this time?

Don't tell me you come here to see us suffer like Veilis did...

Veilis? Do not compare me to that mischievous whelp. It is not pleasure that moves me, but purpose. And the reason I have come here is to deliver the final blow. Now, what was once light shall become dark, and your journey shall come to an end.

Ahhh!

You didn't come here for me... You came for the dragon!

Cut it out! It's just a kid! It ain't done nothin' wrong!

Indeed, this dragon is still young, and its world very small. I ask you to think, my kin. Have you any reason to stay with these humans any longer?

W-Well... They're the ones who raised me, so...

You needn't be tied down by such reasons. Did they raise you for your own sake, or for theirs? The contract has failed. Would you still walk the same path as those who refused you?

That's a lie! Wryz never refused!

Words cannot be trusted. But the failed contract is true. They did not see you as an equal! I am certain that you understand the truth. You merely refuse to accept it. But accept it you must. Now, lay your feelings bare! Tell them how it felt when your bond was broken!

......

It... It made me sad. I hated it. It felt like...you didn't care about my feelings at all.

......

You're right. There's no point in doing this anymore. Wryz said she wanted to make a contract, but...she never could accept me. Everyone just wanted to change the future. You never cared... You just wanted to use me, didn't you?

That's not true!

You were only nice to me so that I would help you... But I'm done. And I don't wanna hear you lie to me anymore. So I'm going away... Far, far away.

Will you take me away from here? I don't care where.

Heh heh... Very well.

Wait. Wait, please!

Do you have any right asking me to wait?

I know I might not be able to change your mind, but I...

You're right. You won't.

Wryz...

What they said also makes sense, and yet...

What do we do now?

Well... Why don't we leave this area for now?

Huh? Why?

I...don't feel very good. Dark energy like this is poison to heavenly species like elves. And the dark energy here is particularly potent right now. Which is why...it might be difficult for us to think straight.

I see. So this energy can permeate that far into one's body.

Melpiphia's right. I'm not ready to give up just yet, but... We can collect ourselves once we're back outside.

Here. Have some tea. It'll make you feel better.

I'm surprised you're unshaken, even at a time like this. I figured you might be flustered like always, but...you're so strong.

Even when I'm beat, I don't like staying down. I try to get back up as soon as possible.

...I've changed my mind about you, Nca.

But you haven't changed my nickname?!

Tch. This sucks.

Wryz...

I can think clearly now that we're outta that cave. That dark energy messed with me even more than I thought. I know I wasn't entirely myself when we were makin' that contract, or when that kid left us.

That dragon said I had the seeds of failure in me. Which can only mean it was usin' that part of me to do its bidding.

It hurt that poor kid, too, and it's gonna pay for that. I've gotta pay for what I've done...

I understand your frustrations, but I should like to know more about these "seeds" it spoke of. If we are to defeat that black dragon and bring back our companion, which I am certain you desire as well... Then we will need to know about those seeds.

......

I wanna know too. Not just so we can form a strategy, but because we're friends.

You weren't feeling well in the cave, right? You mentioned it to me before.

I know it's strange to think this way, but I...

When I heard that I might not die, I...wasn't exactly happy.

You weren't?

I can't figure it out. When I imagine a future where I live...I feel somethin' important inside of me fadin' away.

And while I'm happy that cute little kid likes me so much... I can't seem to accept its love, or the idea of future where I don't die. It doesn't make any sense.

Something was bothering you then, but you didn't know exactly what it was. I'm worried about you.

...Yeah. When that contract failed, I started wonderin' about it myself. And then I realized...

Maybe I didn't want to break the curse.

B-But if you don't, you'll die!

I know. But once upon a time, I was so weak I couldn't win a single duel. Then I got cursed, and the moment I left my village, I felt stronger than I ever had before. I rushed headlong into battle because I knew I was gonna die soon anyway, and I wanted to be a legend before then. Back then, I couldn't move a muscle when surrounded by dragonfire. And now I can strike back without a second thought. Thanks to that curse, I can finally hold my own against those dark dragons.

You realize none of that will matter if you die before achieving your dream, don't you?

Still...I can't go back to bein' the way I was before the curse! I just can't!

Wryz...

But I wanna make a contract with that kid. I wanna be a Dragon Summoner. I know that much is true. And I want that kid to believe me too.

But to do that, we'll need a way to resist the darkness in that cave.

Indeed. But how exactly will we find that? There's no point in getting heated over more discussion. "At times, even a Hell Hound burns itself," as the saying goes. Now that we've freed ourselves of the cave, I think it best if we give ourselves time to cool down and think on a solution.

Yeah, good idea.

Poor Wryz... I don't know what we should do, or if there's anything I can do right now.

But I know I don't want Wryz to throw her life away in battle, or for her to be killed by the curse. So I've gotta find a way to resist the darkness and help her make a contract with that dragon. I'm sure that's what Wryz wants too.

I can't let that curse take her life and I won't give up trying to find a way to change the future!

Hey, Cerius. Have you thought of any way we can resist the dark energy? If anyone can find a logical solution, I'm sure it'd be you.

I appreciate your confidence in me, but it's simply not that easy. I am a man of logic, and I believe therein lies my value.

But...that is no more than a front. I am well aware that emotions cannot be completely removed from the equation. And at the moment, the emotions I have are...in conflict, to say the least.

And what emotions might that be?

I agree that we need a means to defend ourselves from the dark energy in the cave. However... What I truly want is for Wryz to overcome her insecurities and go wild upon the battlefield as always.

What?!

I know Wryz said the curse made her stronger, but...

She has fought countless battles since then and gained so much experience because of it. It makes me wonder if the Wryz we know would be unable to hold her own in a fight without the curse. Her recklessness had undoubtedly become a weapon she wields, not unlike her lance.

Yeah... You've got a point.

I respect that madness. That rashness she cloaks herself with in battle. I know it may sound absurd. It is, after all, emotional, and so far removed from reason.

There's nothing absurd about respecting your comrades. And there's no need for you to suppress how you feel. I wanna find a way to change the future without sacrificing anyone's feelings.

I should have seen that coming. You are Wryz's equal in such self-indulgence, and I mean that in the best way possible.

I suppose, in that case, I wish to see her stand with her head held high, and we may need to return to the beginning to do so. Is the curse all that drives her forward? Are the remaining grains of sand in her hourglass her only source of strength?

Good point... It'd be nice to see Wryz fight without having to think about that curse.

Thanks, Cerius. I think I've got a better idea of what we're aiming for now.

Likewise. I shall give the matter more thought.

Ahh!

Oh dear... Another failure. It looks like this will take more time than I thought.

Working on an experiment, Sazanca?

Of course! Experiments are what keep medicine moving forward.

You're incredible, Sazanca. Always staying so positive. What're you trying to make? A new medicine?

Mmhmm! I haven't given up on the immortality elixir, but I've got something else I want to make too.

And what's that?

Well... It's a medicine to cure the effects of dark energy.

Whoa! Really?!

That dark energy really messed with Wryz and that poor little dragon.

So I want to create a cure that will help anyone under the influence of that evil miasma!

That's incredible! Only a medic like you'd be thinking of a cure like that.

I like to think nothing's impossible as long as you keep searching for a solution. Besides, your next key ingredient could be a weed or husk or anything in-between. Everything has a purpose! But in order to make that medicine, I'd need something with strong heavenly energy which isn't easy to come by here.

Nothing ever gets you down, huh, Sazanca. I'm almost jealous...

But, do you think we should be finding ways to protect ourselves from the dark energy first? Wryz really wants to make that contract, but can't because of the curse.

Well, to tell you the truth... I'm actually a bit upset about that.

Y-You are?!

I found it strange, ever since she told us her life had been cut short. I'm always saying that it's game over if you kick the bucket.

That's why I don't think dying for the sake of something is ever an option!

Yeah... You're right. We can't have her throwing her life away.

She can break the curse by making a contract, right?

That's why I think we should focus on that instead of considering other options! But even still, Wryz...

Yeah. I wanna rid Wryz of her curse too. That's the future I wanna see. I'll think a little more on how we can get there.

If you need any help, just say the word!

Ah, Melpi! There you are!

I've been looking all over for you! What're you doing all the way out here?

Oh, Tiryluna!

I'm used to you just disappearing, but this is the first time you haven't come back in so long. I know we're not supposed to complain, but...I missed you.

Well, I do apologize for that. But I've got a very important duty to fulfill.

Isn't hanging out with me important too? Aww, c'mon! I wanna spend time with you while I'm still me. And we've only got until next year for that, right?

......!

Please...don't say that.

Why not? You're the one who said it first! Besides, your visions are always right, so we've got to make the most of the time we have left together.

I know, but...I don't like thinking about it. I want to change the future...!

Change the future? What're you talking about? Isn't the future something that just happens?

Aaanyway, we're going to spend tomorrow together and that's that! I know I shouldn't force someone to do something, so...let's make it a promise instead! See you tomorrow!

Why...?

Ah, Melpiphia! There you are! Just the person I wanted to talk to.

Sorry, but... Who are you again?

Wh-Who am I? You mean you forgot?!

Of course not. How could I forget you, Aldorado?

That's...not my name.

Then what is your name?

It's Aldo, and I, Argh, never mind that! This is serious!

Okay. Then tell me something, Mr. Serious.

Uh... Tell you what?

If I had one nut, then picked up two more, how many nuts do I have now?

Do you really need help solving that right now?! I've got something important to ask you.

Would you prefer to count slabs of meat instead?

Or fingers and toes, perhaps? Maybe blades of grass? Clouds in the sky?

Melpiphia...

Let's talk about something else. Anything else! All the pieces were in place, Wryz, the dragon, the cave, and yet nothing changed! What more do I have to do?! What else is there?!

Melpiphia!

I...I'm so sorry. I just...lost control for a second there.

That's what I came here to talk about. I'm not ready to give up. I think we can still change the future!

But I don't know how, and I was thinking you might. So...if you have any ideas, I'm all ears.

...You're really something else, Aldoughnut. I've never met anyone like you, who just refused to accept what's coming. Certainly not in my village.

But you're not like them, are you?

...No, I'm not. So let's put our heads together, seriously.

Thank you.

I've changed the future countless times in the past. But they were all trivial things, like what we'd eat for dinner, or who I'd hang out with that day. And like I said before, I did it by doing the unexpected.

But what exactly makes something "unexpected"?

Good question. We'll need to know that first.

To me, it means doing the unnecessary. Most people only do what's necessary in any situation, which makes the unnecessary, well, unexpected.

I see. I don't really do anything unnecessary on a normal basis, so that might be kinda tricky...

Doing the unnecessary can be scary. And it could make things worse in the moment. But I believe that's one step we can take towards changing the future.

With that said... Would you like to join me in a dance tonight?

I, uh...appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline.

But I feel like I learned something valuable, so...thank you.

Elementary, my dear Aldoson.

I'm gonna give this a little more thought. I'm sure if we work together...we can do it. So don't give up.

Any luck findin' a way to resist the darkness?

It is quite the conundrum. Prudence alone will not get us safely through that cavern.

And I'll need more time to make a proper medicine.

Coming up with a solution will be harder than I thought.

Well, I guess this leaves us no choice then.

What do you mean?

I mean, it's time we made up our minds: will it be medium...or well done?

What're you talkin' about?

I'm talking about that dragon. We went through the trouble of fattening it up, and it'd be a pity to let it get away uncooked.

Are you still trying to eat that poor thing?!

Listen, Melpiphia. I know you wanna figure this out as badly as the rest of us, but there're things you can say and things you...

Oh.

Oh?

I suppose, in that case, I wish to see her stand with her head held high, and we may need to return to the beginning to do so.

To me, it means doing the unnecessary.

Besides, your next key ingredient could be a weed or husk or anything in-between. Everything has a purpose!

The beginning... The unnecessary... Everything has a purpose... Eating...

What's up, Aldo? You get loony from thinkin' too hard?

Well, what I'm about to say might sound loony... But that might just be what we need to change the future, right?

Right-o!

Wryz, do you still have that dragon eggshell?

Huh?

I mean, I didn't throw it away, but...

Perfect. Now, is there any way we could eat that?

D-Did you say...

EAT?!

You can't be serious, Aldo! Have you gone Melpiphia on us?!

Yeah. Maybe there's something not quite right with me. But we've gotta think outside of the box if we're gonna slay that dragon and change the future.

Besides, Sazanca said that something with strong heavenly energy might help cure the effects of the darkness. And what came from that egg was a heavenly dragon, so...

I understand what you're saying, but I never expected you of all people to suggest something so...unorthodox. But...I suppose it isn't illogical.

It...isn't?

Eggs are often quite strong to protect what's inside from predators, so it may be densely packed with that heavenly energy.

And eating it's not such a bad idea. You won't know how good something is until you try it!

I, uh...I honestly didn't think it through that far. But you've both got a point.

Random but reasonable. I love it! Two worlds collide to create a beautifully dynamic duo!

Sazanca, you've got somethin' that can grind things into dust, right?

I do, yes! I use it for my herbs.

Well, I wanna use it for that shell. And after we all drink it down... We're gonna go rescue our friend.

It's ready.

Alright... Brace yourself, guys. Bottoms up!

...By the heavens. This is...

Yuck! Worst drink ever. Would give it zero stars if I could!

I was prepared for the worst, but...

This is...even worse than the worst...

This was your idea, Aldo... I don't wanna hear any complaints from you...

Ugh. I'm sure we'll look back at this and laugh someday. And hopefully that kid will too. Now I can stomach the taste so long as there's some kind of payoff...

...And look. There is!

My entire body feels warm!

This is heavenly energy, without a doubt. Great idea, Aldo.

Now, let's get goin'. I don't wanna keep that kid waitin'.

Should we go back to where we were earlier? When you tried to make the contract?

Yeah.

Just hang in there, kid. I won't let you down this time, I promise.

Alright. This is the place.

It does give me the creeps, though... What if something bad happens again?

If something were to directly interfere, we could stop it, but this darkness is a mysterious force to be reckoned with.

None of that matters.

What do you mean?

A contract can only be made when a both parties accept each other and wish for it to happen. Those're the rules. So even if somethin' tries to interfere, we can make it happen as long as we fulfill the conditions.

But how will you do that? We haven't even found that dragon yet...

There's no need to.

Huh? Why not?

Just think. How do you think Dragon Summoners got their name?

...Because of their ability to call their companions from the other world.

Exactly. So as long as our hearts're connected, I should be able to summon that dragon.

But the contract failed, didn't it? Are you sure this will work?

Can't say. I've never heard of it workin' before.

You haven't?!

But I won't know for sure 'til I try. This is where we'll do the ritual. And if it succeeds, I should be able to summon that kid.

Are you sure about this? I mean, after what that black dragon said, it didn't seem too fond of you...

I'm sure.

I admire your confidence.

I know that kid was exposed to the darkness as well, but...it wanted to make a contract with me. That much I'm sure of. And it wanted to be my partner so badly that it just couldn't cope with the ritual failin', so...I definitely owe it an apology. But if it can hear my voice, I'm sure it'll respond.

Because I know that kid. And it's never let me down before!

How unexpected... To think you would return here.

...And it seems we aren't the only ones.

Have you learned nothing from your studies? That whelp has fled to the sea, and contracts have never been forged over such distances. Failure will only exacerbate your curse. You may very well perish where you stand.

Is that supposed to scare me? Hah! Sorry, but I ain't got time to listen to ya. We found a way to protect ourselves from the dark energy here, so all that's left for me to do is complete the contract.

Alright... Here goes nothin'!

O Heavenly Dragon that descends from the other world and rules the land. It is time that we complete the contract! Glower, rage, and roar. Let pride guide you, as you dominate the skies above!

I carry the pride of dragons in my breast. Come, and we shall walk the world beneath the heavens together!

Ah... Yes, I feel the heavenly energy surging within you. However did you manage that? Regardless... Will it be enough to match this?

I see you still insist upon interfering. In that case, I will eliminate you myself...

It's alright, Cerius.

But Wryz...

Remember those seeds we talked about? The ones inside me that made the ritual fail? Well, I'm gonna root 'em out myself, come hell or high water. I've gotta. Because I...I...

I'm scared...

Scared of what?

Someone like me...makin' a contract with a dragon.

What's there to be scared of? It's always been your dream.

I know, but...I was never good enough to make it come true. I never won a single match, no matter how hard I tried. There's no way a failure like me could ever make a dragon happy...

...Yeah, I get ya. Deep down, I always doubted myself. I wanted nothin' more than to be partners with a dragon, but I even started hesitatin' there.

But things're different now.

There're people who respect me.

Who support me.

Who believe in me.

Who'd do anythin' to help me.

Who'd follow me to the ends of the earth.

And people who trust me to make their dreams come true!

There's even someone...who wants to be my partner. Forever.

That can't be true... It just can't...

It is. And it's high time we stopped doubtin' ourselves. So listen up, 'cause I'm only gonna say this once.

Open your eyes! Don't be so damn naïve!

Huh?

We've always wanted to be Dragon Summoners, to live with those beautiful beasts by our side.

So no more runnin' away! No more of this weak, lily-livered nonsense! We've gotta be ready! It's time we accepted it all, our fate, and that kid's!

I get it now...

This's the kinda person I become. Someone...strong.

That's right. So don't you worry. You won't be sayin' "someone like me" in the future. 'Cause we're someone worth believin' in. And it's time we believed that too.

...Hear me, O dragon! The time to forge our contract draws near! I'm not afraid anymore! I'm ready to have you in my life! And I promise...I'll make sure you never regret choosing me.

As proof of that promise, I shall bestow upon you a name! Now, bind your soul to mine...

I can't believe it... Wryz is really gonna name it!

You who will free me from my curse... You who will give me life... Yes. You who are the glimmering rainbow at the cliff's edge...!

I name you Iridian! May our contract be forged!

I can't believe it...

It worked!

Hmm... I did not think a contract could be made in such circumstances. This has taken quite the unfortunate turn. We shall take our leave and have the envoy handle you...

Hey, wait!

Never mind them. Their presence would do nothing but sully what should be a joyous moment.

...I'm sorry. I know I let ya down, and I still called out to ya even after what happened. I should've explained everythin' to ya sooner, about my curse, and what life I've got left to me.

Best I can do is tell ya now. See, it all started when...

......

...So, yeah. That's what happened.

...That's awful.

I guess...you're still mad at Wryz for what happened, huh?

Do you have any idea how much I suffered? How much I wanted to cry?! I believed in you and respected you, but you rejected me!

You deserve to be mad at me. I wasn't ready. I was terrified. I didn't wanna go back to bein' the coward I used to be before the curse. And I was afraid that a weakling like me wouldn't be able to take care of ya.

But ya still accepted me the second time around.

It's not fair... I was in pain. I swore I'd never see you again! I even thought about leavin' this stupid island! But even from far away, I could feel your energy. I could hear your voice. And I couldn't stop myself from feelin' happy!

It's not fair! You were so mean to me! You're an awful parent! You're the worst! You're nothin' but a big bully!

What?!

Oh my. I know someone who talks just like that...

Indeed. I think we all do.

The more I think about it, the angrier I get! You played with my feelings, so you better find a good way to make it up to me!

H-Hey, c'mon now. You've got a right to be angry, but maybe take a few deep breaths before ya pass out.

I'm gonna stop you right there, Wryzadoodle. It just sounds like the pot calling the kettle black, you know?

Yeah. I mean, it obviously learned all this from you.

Me?! I don't talk like that!

Uh, you sure about that?

Well, I'm sure about one thing: we can't have a conversation if it just keeps complainin' like this!

Now you know how we feel.

What?!

Ahhh, enough already! This sucks!

Anyway...

I called, and you answered. We know that much for sure.

Yeah, and you can bet I'm still mad about it. But...I still love you, Wryz. There's no denyin' that.

Yeah. Same here.

It's a little embarrassin' to say, but...I'm lookin' forward to bein' partners with you, Iridian. Forever.

Yeah! Me too!

Great. Now I think it's time we got a move on.

That critical juncture is just around the corner.

All that's left is the spear. If we can harness its power, we might be able to defeat that giant dragon.

Sure, but...won't there be something very strong and very scary trying to stop us?

You mean the envoy, right? That won't be a problem.

'Cause Iridian and I are a team now, and we're not gonna let anyone stand in our way.

Right!

C'mon. We're gonna change the future with our own hands!

So this is it.

It's the tip of the spear!

Seeing it up close makes its size seem even more unreasonable than ever.

Yeah. It's a little big for a souvenir.

A little?!

It's...intimidating, to say the least. But what do we do with it now?

There's no need to be afraid of it. Besides, we've already done somethin' similar before with the stakes. Iridian here'll take care of everythin'. Won't ya?

Aw, dammit! Ya make it seem like we've been partners forever... It's unfair how happy that makes me. I can do the same thing I did before, but...

Be careful. There's no telling what'll happen when you get close.

Indeed. If this is anything like the stakes, monsters may be drawn to its immense power. That black dragon may even rear its head again.

Hmph. It seems there was little purpose to our earlier departure.

......

Not you two again!

I'll give ya credit for not sneakin' around behind our backs. I know ya said ya had no intention of fightin' us when we first met, but...

Ya made a right fool outta me, so don't think I'll just let ya off the hook!

I won't let ya get away with that either...I think.

Whoa, I wasn't expecting you to say that.

Me either, but...it's true. I can forgive 'em for interferin' with our contract the first time around. But they used us, and it didn't bother 'em in the slightest! And I can't stand that! I don't know how to say it just yet, but...their way of livin' is just too different from ours.

My, how you have grown. I can't imagine this has been easy for you, little one. But I always knew we'd reach an impasse. We are even less compatible with each other than we are with humans. You are born of the heavens, after all, and I of the Darkrealm. We're like fire and water, opposites, and in no small way.

Who gives a crap about that? All that matters is that Iridian is ready to fight, and we ain't runnin' away anymore.

I taught you of the stakes, and this is how you repay me?

You said you were gettin' something outta it too, didn't ya? We did the legwork, so that makes us even in my book.

Hmph. No matter. My patience for you is finite, and I grow weary of your presence.

Ahh! Oh no... This is bad. Really bad!

The beast draws near.

Wait... I've seen a dragon like this before. Definitely wasn't this sinister, though.

How ignorant you are. A dragon this grand has no peer. Let alone one on that repugnant island.

The Wyrmking's envoy is the greatest of his retainers. Its darkness could drive even the strongest humans mad.

I don't like the sound of that... I want to leave. I want to go back to base! But I know that we can't...

My mind grows foggy. Finding a logical solution may prove...difficult. Isn't there any way we can stop this?

C'mon, snap out of it! We're not done here yet. There's still so many people left to save!

Stay strong, everyone. That means you too, Aldo.

Me?

I know there's nothin' more important to you than helpin' others. But that desperation you're feelin' right now is from the darkness.

I know 'cause I felt it when makin' the contract. It takes all your hopes and insecurities to a whole 'nother level.

Hmph... How unfortunate. You seem nigh unaffected by the darkness. I suppose your contract is to blame for that.

So what if it is? Nothin' you can do about it.

Bold words. Do you think you can defeat the envoy all on your own? How foolish! That vanity will lead only to tragedy. This dragon is an extension of the gods themselves. Measly humans like yourselves could never even hope to stand a chance. After all...

Even this miserable man was slain by its hands.

He what?!

What're you talkin' about? He's obviously still alive!

Looks can be deceiving. I shall return his heart to him and let him speak for himself.

......

I...

He spoke!

I have...nothing to say...after all this time. I wish only...for death...

What...?

Hmph. To think you would waste such an opportunity on meaningless words. Regardless, the time has come for you to be bathed in darkness. With my power shall it grow and eclipse all!

Oh, the pain...!

C'mon, Wryz. Let's do it.

Do what?

Somethin' only we can do, Clear out this dark energy and get rid of this mist! And when we do...

Heh, should've known a good kid like you would come up with somethin' like that. Not quite what I had in mind though.

It's not?

Yeah. I mean, even if get rid of the mist, it can still come back if the source is still around.

And besides, fightin' always suited me better.

Oho. Do you truly think a newborn dragon and its fledgling summoner can take on the envoy on alone? Your foolishness knows no bounds.

Hey, Iridian. Could ya channel some of your power into me? Just enough for my spear. Ya don't need to worry about shieldin' me or anythin' like that. Now just hold onto that...'cause I'm gonna hit it with all I've got!

But isn't that dangerous?! This dark mist is so thick...

Have faith. The darkness is gonna try and shake me, 'cause I didn't believe in myself. I thought I was nothin' without the curse.

But I couldn't've been more wrong!

You got it, Wryz.

This is...

It feels like a weight's been lifted off of me!

Hmph. So your attack loosened the darkness's hold. To think a single needle prick could have such an effect.

Unfortunately for you, it did. And trust me when I say I ain't gonna lose my way ever again! From now on, the only thing on my mind is gonna be slayin' all of you, that "king" of yours included, and makin' history!

My, you certainly know how to get carried away with yourself. I shall leave you to the envoy's appetites. May its strikes land swiftly and mercilessly...

Hey, wait!

Tch. Guess it can't be bothered to fight its own damn battles.

Doesn't make any difference to me, though. Anyone in my way's gonna feel the sharp end of my spear go right through 'em! And I don't mind startin' with the bastard who tried to crush me from the inside out!

C'mon, Iridian! Time for our first battle.

Let's show this beast what we can do!

C'mon, Iridian! Time for our first battle.

Let's show this beast what we can do!

Heh. We won. We beat it! Not even an extension of the gods is any match for us. We're unstoppable!

Yeah! And it feels great to make a big oaf like that kiss the dirt!

It seems you've taken yet another step toward becoming a true leader. You are most certainly one worthy of my faith and loyalty.

And now that that dragon is gone...

We can release the seal on that spear.

That's your cue, Iridian.

Got it!

Oh my! This is incredible!

I can feel the heavenly energy flowin' out from it!

Guess that means it's the moment of truth. Did we change the future?

I...I'm getting a vision!

What did you see?

The spear... It's gone. And the giant dragon is awake.

But we knew that would happen, that we could not have one without the other. However...

AHHHHHH!

Feels like the entire island is shaking... What's going on?

I think it's comin' from right above us.

C'mon. Let's get outside!

It's...

Awake!

Oh no, oh no, oh nooo! Not again!

Pray remain calm, everyone. It seems far less agitated than it was the last time.

Yeah... Doesn't look like it wants to burn this island to a crisp, at least not right now anyway.

But there's no denying that it's awake. I wonder how much time we have until it destroys my village...

However much it is won't change what we have to do.

Indeed. Both possibilities still exist at this moment, do they not?

...Right.

And we're gonna win, no matter what! 'Cause me and Wryz are a team now. And we're gonna beat the stuffin' outta anyone who tries to stop us!

You sure have a sunny outlook on all this. Guess ya always have, though.

But you've got a point. Our odds of winnin' are lookin' up, 'specially compared to when we first got here. This is a big step forward for us.

So what do we do now? I know that dragon said we could use that spear to slay the dragon, but... If we die before then, it's game over!

And even though the spear's awakened...it doesn't look like it's doing much. Maybe we've gotta do something else to make it work?

But I dunno what else I can do. I don't think it'll do anything no matter how much more power I give it.

Hmm... I wonder how we can get it more heavenly energy. We'll have to figure somethin' out.

Before that...do you mind if we go back to my village?

Your village? Sure. I'm sure we could all use a little break.

I agree, but...I mostly want to go to talk everyone.

I want them to know that the future isn't set in stone. That it can be changed!

Yeah. That's definitely a message worth spreading. I'd feel bad if they just kept waiting for the end to come, not knowing things could be different.

Thank you so much!

Oh, uh... You don't have to thank me for that...

I insist! I appreciate it! I'm in your debt! You're a lifesaver, literally! We'll erect a statue in the village in your honor!

It's really okay. I don't need anyone to build a statue of me...ever. I'll be happy so long as we manage to set things on a good path...

You're right! Absotively posilutely right! I am very much obliged and grateful and indebted! Did I mention that I was thankful too?

Yeah, maybe once or twice! Which is already one or two times too many!

But how can I not? I'm feeling lighter than air right now!

Well, ya did say ya acted weird partly 'cause it was fun, so...guess we shouldn't be too surprised.

Anyway, enough dillydallying! We've got things to do, people!

I'll be home soon, everyone...

Melpi! Where were you? I thought we promised to hang out! I know you're busy, but please think about how I feel... We've only got until next year!

Hey, Tiryluna?

What's up? You look so...serious.

I am. Could you get everyone together? There's a vision I'd like to share with them. A very important one.

Don't have to tell me twice! I'm on it!

How intriguing. So there's a chance the village won't be destroyed?

It's not often the future changes so radically.

Huh? Everyone's so...calm. I expected them to be at least a little more surprised.

I surmise we can attribute that to their customary acceptance of the future, however good or bad it may be.

Still, it would've been nice to at least see 'em crack a smile.

Is that true, Melpi?

It is.

I'm surprised. Your visions rarely ever go the completely opposite way.

I know. But that change didn't just...happen.

What do you mean?

I mean, the future doesn't just change on its own. We made it change.

......!

What's goin' on? Everyone seems different than before.

Lady Melpiphia, please don't say such ghastly things. Did you forget our ways? We aren't meant to change the course of the future, but to accept it.

That's terrifying...

Yeah. Where'd you even get that idea from?

I understand how you feel. That isn't how things work around here.

But there's no way I can just sit back and accept this village being destroyed! I've seen what happens countless times, so I know, this isn't what the future should be like!

You completely lose any sense of self! You're no longer the people I've known my whole life!

I get it, but...this is all so sudden.

I know. And I don't blame you for questioning your faith in me.

Are you sure about that, Melpiphia?

Of course. I love everyone here, even if they don't want to change a thing about how they live. But it doesn't have to be that way forever.

It's okay to have doubts, to disagree. You're welcome to stop me like Tiryluna did. The rules aren't always correct, and neither are my visions.

And just because your destiny's been foretold doesn't mean you have to accept it!

Right, Wryz?

......

Right. So long as you've got the will to change your future, you'll find a way. Nothin's set in stone. I know that better than anyone.

...This is all quite difficult to swallow. However...

I, too, love the people of this village. And I would much rather them survive than be lost to darkness. That much I know.

And that's fine for now. The future hasn't been decided yet. But one day...I want everyone to be able to say that the village deserves a better future. Better than the one I've seen. And I'll keep fighting to get us there.

Melpi...

I can't quite wrap my mind around the whole "changing the future" thing, but... I know I don't want to be away from you.

That went better than I expected.

I agree. It seems we've still got a ways to go until they're fully on board, but...

If I can't reach them with words, perhaps a performance will do!

A what now?

Oh dear. I've got a bad feeling about this...

Everyone, feast your eyes on the opening act of...The Dragon Menace!

GRAAAAAAH! GROOOH HRAAAH!

Ahhh! Melpiphia?! What's wrong?!

WROOOOOOGH!

You're welcome to close your eyes, Iridian.

GRRR...

RELEASE THE DRAGOOON!

NOOOOOOOOO!

That was scary...

You'll get used to it. That's just her way of tryin' to change the future. I couldn't stop her even if I wanted to.

She's always had way more courage than me. I didn't even have the guts to change my own future, and she was out there tryin' to change the world.

But we did it, didn't we? We changed your future!

You mean you did.

So thanks. Seriously.

Makes me happy to hear that! But I didn't really do anything. And besides...it ain't over yet, right?

Sure ain't.

It won't be over 'til I defeat that oversized serpent with my own two hands. But I've made up my mind. I'm gonna live, and I'm gonna become a legend while I'm at it.

I'm no longer that scared girl who couldn't win a fight. And I'm not a cursed warrior desperate to prove herself.

I thought my life was over when I made my dream come true. But I was wrong. It doesn't matter what you achieve, but how you go on livin'.

My dream won't end after slayin' a dark dragon. I always wanted to be a Dragon Summoner and fight side by side with my partner. So I wanna keep on livin' as a hero and doin' just that.

And you're comin' with me, Iridian!

Yay!

I see it... The site of our next battle. Wyrmrest Isle.

Hmm... Things must have gotten quite grave here to warrant summoning us.

But they were right to do so. And now that we're here... All will be settled in the blink of an eye.