For the Flowers Yet to Bloom

I know we're supposed to be looking for the others, but...it's won't be easy if we run into the Wyrmking. And everyone still has their own agenda, so it might be a wasted effort...

But we know other people whose hearts have been corrupted by the gods of the Netherworld. Some of them even joined our enemies and discarded their human forms to fight us. That's just how powerful the darkness is.

Yeah... And I definitely don't want a repeat of what just happened. Wish we had some way of knowin' where that damn wyrm's at.

Afraid that's not possible, friends. He don't really have a will of his own... Or at least, I don't think he do. He and that Dragon God're like day and night. The Wyrmking can't talk neither.

That's weird. Usually the stronger dragons are smarter. In fact, Veilis was so damn smart I couldn't stand it.

It did make it easier to figure out what it was thinkin', though.

Well, it's all just speculation on my part. If that giant dragon's got a will, he sure don't show it. And if you're wonderin' why, well... It's 'cause there ain't no need to.

What do you mean? Usually if someone's thinkin' somethin', they say it. Especially the creatures here.

Y'all have dinosaurs in your world, don't ya? They're huge, like dragons. They don't need to speak to get their message across, they just roar real loud. And the Wyrmking's no different.

All that matters to him is what feels good and what don't. That's what it means to be at the tippy-top of the pyramid.

Even if we can speak to the people here in the Darkrealm, it looks like we're a far cry from understanding them...

What'd you expect? Even someone as compassionate as you would be hard-pressed to make sense of a rampagin' monster. He's all brawn.

Ya got that right. He's more like a tornado or a volcanic eruption, some kinda natural disaster, than a livin' thing.

But if we all work together, we can take him down!

I wish it were that easy. If we wanna have any hope of beatin' him, we'll have to find a way to resist the darkness first too.

Oh, right! Someone told me they saw Sazanca around here earlier.

That's good news. Maybe she's cookin' up some new medicine in town...

Oh! There she is!

I just saw Sazanca! Those were definitely her curls!

Really?!

We gotta go after her! We have to get her to come back to us.

Sazanca!

Wryz? Why are you here? Don't tell me...you came all this way to get me.

I already told you I won't fight the Wyrmking!

I know. And I don't really know what to say that could convince ya otherwise. Everythin' ya said was true, but still...

The Wyrmking's dark energy might've made your feelings bigger and badder than they actually were.

And I don't want any of us or anythin' we do bein' controlled by him.

You mean like the time you couldn't make the contract with Iridian...?

But there's nothing more important to me than my life! That's why I'm looking for the secret to immortality.

Your life, huh...

I thought you'd be able to help me with that, but...it looks like I was wrong.

Now that I think about it...you said something like that before.

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!

We might die if we take on the Wyrmking, and it won't get me any closer to my goal.

And since I haven't even gotten over the shock of him not having blood...

There's absolutely no way that I'd be convinced to fight him!

I see...

I know I'm a member of Arcadia, but...I'm not willing to die for it!

Sazanca!

Maybe we can't change her mind after all...

No. She looked unsure of herself. And she said she was still a part of Arcadia.

Let's follow her. This conversation isn't over yet.

There she is!

What?! Did she just use medicine on herself?!

She got away...

The miasma is really thick over there. Goin' in without any protection would be really dangerous, but...

It looks like she came up with somethin' to keep herself safe. She's one hell of a medic, that's for sure. Always has been.

Yeah. I want her to come back, no matter what it takes.

'Scuse me, my good fellas, but are ya sure yer goin' about this the right way?

What do ya mean?

I mean, you've got yerselves a beautiful bond. Truly a fantastic and faithful fellowship! It's so human of ya, y'know? I'm all about it. But...

Do ya really think some tearjerker of a tale is gonna change Sazanca's mind?

...You're right. I said so myself.

I don't think she stuck it out just 'cause she wanted to be with us. She was here for her own reasons.

That means yer gonna have to find some other way to convince her. I reckon riskin' yer life for a friend sounds good on paper, but most folk just ain't built like that.

I hate to admit, but you've got a point.

I usually do, but most folk ain't listenin'. Might I suggest ya give it a try from time to time? Now, if ya know what yer customer's after, ya can swindle 'em, I mean, sway 'em into buyin' what yer sellin'.

So you really were just tryin' to trick us from the start...

Oh, c'mon now. That was an honest mistake!

There's nothing honest about it...

Kuchinawa's right, though. We can't just force Sazanca to come along. There's gotta be somethin' in it for her. Somethin' worth riskin' her life for. It's not like we don't have a bond. This is just what our bond looks like.

But Sazanca's goal is immortality... Could beating the Wyrmking help her with that?

It can.

But how? She said it didn't bleed...

Blood can't be the only source of his power. Dragons are known for their long lives. And in order to become any sort of king, he must've been around for thousands of years.

A hundred thousand at least.

What?!

That's how long ago the war between heaven and the Darkrealm was. It weren't so long ago, honestly. It's your human standards that make it seem like eons.

I'm not so sure about that, but...that's not important. What matters is that we're tryin' to beat a dragon that's several millennia old. Even if it ain't forever, don't ya think she could learn somethin' about livin' a long life?

Good point. I think Sazanca might be interested in that!

I don't know if it's enough to convince her, but I wanna go talk to her. And if we wait any longer, we'll lose sight of her.

But we'll have to go through here to do that.

And it didn't seem like blowin' wind at it did much... But I don't wanna give up. I want Sazanca to come back! I don't wanna lose her just 'cause I can't do anythin' to help!

Iridian...

I feel myself gettin' stronger... Let me handle this!

Oh no... It doesn't look like I'll be getting much further.

Sazanca.

Wryz...

I'm sorry for chasin' ya down like this, but... I just wanna talk one last time.

What else could we possibly talk about after all this time? I've already said everything I need to say...

Please, just hear me out. You and I are complete opposites. I never thought twice about riskin' my life, and you were set on never riskin' yours.

That's true...

The only thing we had in common was a single goal. But we went through so much together, and by the end of it...we were more than just allies. We were friends.

And I know it's selfish of me to ask you to come along for the sake of my dream. That's why... I think there should be somethin' in it for you too. Somethin' worth fightin' the Wyrmking for.

There was. But if I can't learn anything about how to become immortal, then...

Tell me. How'd you get through the miasma earlier?

Oh, that? I was just trying out a new medicine I made. I've been trying to figure out ways to resist the darkness for a while now.

Right... You've been working on that since the first failed contract.

Back then, we were able to make a concoction with the eggshell. But there's nothing left of that anymore. So I went looking for something similar to the herbs we fed Iridian.

Oh, that's a good idea! The stuff you guys fed me was full of heavenly energy!

...You really are somethin' else, y'know. You already understand how this heavenly energy stuff works. All I know is that it's got some mysterious power. Even as a Dragon Summoner, I'm no match for ya.

But that's what makes me wonder...if maybe there's a use for the Wyrmking's dark energy too.

A use...?!

I mean, he's got so much energy that it can cover the entire world. Wouldn't it be excitin' to get your hands on somethin' like that? And did ya know he's over a hundred thousand years old too? There's gotta be some secret to be learned there.

A hundred THOUSAND?!

But...dark energy is poison to the creatures above ground. No matter how much energy he has, if it isn't heavenly, then it's no use to...

Ah.

What's up?

I think...I have an idea.

An idea? How so? You were right that dark energy ain't no use to the folk above...

But what if we use this?!

Uh... Ain't that the hunk o' junk, er, I mean, the Fan-tastic Purifier I sold ya?

You said it purifies the air, but it obviously just churned out dark energy!

If it's a complaint yer makin', I'm afraid I don't accept those. Don't give refunds neither...

In other words, it changed the air on Wyrmrest into dark energy. And if the air above ground is generally heavenly, then...

That means it converts one type of energy into the other!

No way!

You said there are herbs in here, right? Are they the source of the effect? If it's a matter of herbs, I can experiment!

You, uh...ya lost me there. This is the first time I'm hearin' of all this, but...

If yer right, that'd be a hoot 'n' a half.

This really isn't the time to be hooting about anything...

Why not give it a try? If it works, I can sell it round the world as the Fan-tastic Air Filter! Heavenly energy's a weak poison to the critters here. It'd make for a perfect penalty durin' a party game.

Ooh, I love games!

Don't we have more important things to be thinkin' of right now than havin' fun?

If we could really turn the Wyrmking's power into heavenly energy, then...that'd be incredible.

It should be fun at first. After all, research should be enjoyable. It's because people test out their theories and try to get better results that medicine evolves. And after enough trial and error, it turns into something that's actually useful.

Sazanca...

If we could find a way to make it work...would ya fight the Wyrmking with us? After all, everythin' in the world will keep decayin' so long as he's alive. Lots of people will die.

You want everyone to keep on livin', right? So they can keep makin' mistakes. But that won't happen with the Wyrmking around. So...

Would ya come with us?

Of course!

R-Really? That was quick...

Well, things are different now. I might find the key to immortality here, and that's exactly why I came to Wyrmrest. In that sense...you and I aren't so different, Wryz.

...Yeah. Thanks...

You don't need to thank me. I'm doing this for myself!

Alright, well... I think we oughta focus on gettin' your research done before fightin' the Wyrmking.

Are you sure?

Of course. It'd be a big help to us too, especially if that dark energy tries to affect us again when we're near the Wyrmking. If we can change it to heavenly energy, we won't have to worry about losin' ourselves. We've gotta find Cerius and the others too, and there's no tellin' where that dragon might rear its ugly head next.

Meaning...we'd better have a plan in place.

I won't say no to that.

The herbs in this device are from the Darkrealm, right? Do you know where we can find them?

They should be around here somewhere. It's called impweed. It faintly changes the surroundin' energy from dark to heavenly, so you'll recognize it right away. I reckon you'll need a bunch for yer research, but that shouldn't be a problem.

Then let's find whatever we can, for both ourselves and Sazanca. We'll be countin' on ya.

I'll do my best. After all, I know what I have to do now!

Okay. It's ready!

Whoa, does that mean it's gonna make heavenly energy now?

Yuck! *cough cough* I don't feel so good...

......!

You two okay?!

It's pointless. Maybe we should just give up... This probably isn't something we should be doing here anyway. It's so dangerous...

Is that the dark energy talkin' again?

Besides, I'm starving and I can't do anything on an empty stomach. Shouldn't we go look for something to eat? I'm so hungry I could have a dozen servings...

But I won't!

Whoa... You did it! You resisted the darkness!

I made a promise, didn't I? And I don't give up so easily.

You sure don't. I don't think there's anyone as relentless as you.

Is that supposed to be praise?!

But...we're not there yet. I have to keep going!

I can't even remember which trial this is, but...here we go! This herb should have the power to switch heavenly and dark energy, but...it's not easy to get it to work. And even if it does work, we're in the Darkrealm. Heavenly energy will change back to darkness in a blink.

Ain't there somethin' ya can do about that?

Hehehe. I can't...but Iridian can.

I can?

Yup! I found these on the ground. They're yours, aren't they?

White and rainbow feathers... Hold on. Are those Iridian's?

Thief! Give 'em back!

But they're feathers you shed. It's not like she plucked them out of you.

Exactly. And since I picked them up, they're mine now!

I think it goes without saying that because they're Iridian's feathers, they've got a strong resistance to the darkness. So if we put it into the purifier, it should help maintain the flow of heavenly energy.

I don't really get it, but it's worth a shot.

Then let's give it a whirl!

Hold on. Are you gonna try it on yourself again?!

Wait... That's heavenly energy!

That means it worked!

...... I...I...

Congrats, Sazanca...

I was wrong.

Huh?

I was a fool. I selfishly forced you all to come along to fulfill my mission... And sought the secret to immortality to absolve myself of my blunders.

My medicine is meant to save lives. I shouldn't be making anything for my own profit. But I guess it's never too late to donate everything I own to those in need...

Wh-What's she talking about?

C'mon, Sazanca. Remember why you're here. This ain't charity work you're doin'.

Now snap outta it!

Oh!

That was a close one. My heart was practically drowning in heavenly energy.

Oof... *cough cough* I feel sick as a dog right now. Apparently a heavy dose of that heavenly energy...ain't good for the body.

But that means...

It was a success!

Yippie!

Now we can go find the others without havin' to worry about all this dark energy. Things're lookin' up!

Hehehe. Things have a way of working out as long as you don't give up.

I'm so glad... I didn't want to go our separate ways if I could avoid it.

Thank you... Really.

Now, let's get moving. It's time to get Arcadia back on its feet!

Yeah!

...That said, this won't be easy. Seeing the Wyrmking attack once more only confirmed it. The only logical way for me to defeat such a beast is... To continue thinking. I must calmly consider the best path to take in order to reach my goal...

Cerius!

Wryz?

Did you come all this way to find me? I thought I told you I would do this on my own.

I know. Have you learned anything since ya went off alone? You could at least tell me that.

...I can tell you that the battle will not be simple. If we assume the Wyrmking's weak point is the same as his incarnation, it will not be easy to reach it with an arrow. Such a feat would be difficult even with a T-Rex, and he is as big as a mountain. I've come to realize that I, too, have made a mistake.

Whoa, I wasn't expectin' ya to say that!

I also know that my heart is far from perfect. My past failed hunt and, above all, my fear of overwhelmingly large creatures dulls my arrows.

So you're afraid of dragons?

You're right to be afraid, my good man. Any livin' bein' that sees something that's clearly stronger than 'em would feel the same. It's a visceral fear, it is.

How embarrassing... I must put these feelings to rest if I am construct a logical plan of action.

Sazanca.

Got it!

What is this?

Somethin' that changes the miasma here to heavenly energy. Sazanca made it.

Remember what you said, Cerius? That you knew this was the effect of darkness, but all it did was lay your innermost thoughts bare.

That included your desire to defeat the Wyrmking, and even your deepest fears. But are ya sure all that's true?

I want ya to tell me the truth, here and now, without that dark energy cloudin' your thoughts.

The truth...

You had a change of heart when you were cursed, no? You told us it was then that you decided to fight. Is this not similar? An outside element influencing someone's decision.

Hmm... I should've expected somethin' like that from you.

Still, somethin' doesn't feel right.

What do you mean?

I mean, it might be true that deep down Cerius wants to hunt dragons, but... I know what he really feels.

How could you? I do not recall having any special conversation about them...

Well, ya did! And it was special! It happened when I first came to Arcadia's base...

...And that is how the Dragon Exile slayed Veilis the Wicked and rekindled the fire in her heart.

Thank you! That was such a great story! It all happened before I got here, so this is the first time I've ever heard it in so much detail. I wanna hear it again! Can you start from the part Wryz tells off the evil dragon?!

Haha, it would be my pleasure. It seems you've taken a liking to a very odd scene, though.

Really? I think that's the best part! It just feels so good!

Well, I'll say it's quite fun for me as well. I hardly ever get to sing such thrilling phrases, after all, and there are many in this tale.

But such riveting scenes are what truly make it Wryz's legend.

Oh... I'm sorry for making you come with me, Cerius. I should've asked if you had time to hear it again.

It's fine with me. Listen to the tale as many times as you like.

Cerius is one of my regulars. He's heard it so many times now, one more would be a drop in the bucket.

Really?!

Really. Though I rarely mention so to others... I simply find it to be fun. In fact, I enjoy that very same scene you requested, when Wryz's words rain down on Veilis like a storm. It feels rather refreshing to see people say things that I myself normally would not.

I know! I wanna say something that cool someday too!

As I would like to see her legend made truth, from the bottom of my heart.

You said so yourself! Ya wanna see Wryz's story through till the very end! And if that's truly how ya feel, then ya don't have to do this alone. Ya can choose to come with us!

Iridian's right. If you think about it, people don't just have one thing they hold true. They've got a bunch of 'em. And if those things conflict, well...it's up to that person to choose which one of 'em to follow.

Hm...

We won't try to twist your arm, Cerius. We want you to choose what you wanna do. But...it's gotta be your choice. One made by logic and not the influence of darkness.

Ya wanna prove your father right, but you're afraid of the Wyrmking. And ya wanna see my story through to the end! You gotta analyze everything that's inside of ya, every desire and feelin', and weigh it all on the scales. Don't suppress your feelings! Make a choice with both your head and heart! You can do that, can't ya?

...Good grief. As I suspected, remaining perfectly composed may be difficult. Taking a moment to think made it clear to me... That failing to help you achieve your dream...would leave me with greater regret than failing to prove my own principles true.

Cerius!

I can prove my strength by other means. Perhaps as a character in your story, if you don't mind. I could be the masterful hunter who used logic to guide the Dragon Exile on her journey.

...Heh, I wouldn't have it any other way. It ain't a story without ya!

I'm so happy! You two are definitely better together than apart!

"When the Dragon Exile faces her foe, the hunter readies his bow." With my support, you shall be invincible. Now let's go, together, until the end.

Yeah!

Hey! Utpalaka!

...Oh, it's you guys. I'd say it's a coincidence runnin' into you here, but...I doubt that's the case. You came to find me, didn't you? And it seems that snake's still with you. You've got guts showin' your face around me.

Why, it almost sounds like ya hate li'l ol' me!

I do. I told you before, didn't I? I can't stand you. And I wasn't lying.

Hah... I know how ya feel. If I hate somethin', I really hate it too.

But this isn't like you. I've never seen ya get so aggressive before. You're a protector. A guard. And a damn good one at that.

Hahaha! You might be right. But he's from the Darkrealm. I can't help it if he rubs me the wrong way.

Sazanca, now!

On it!

Well this is nice... It's heavenly energy, isn't it?

Yeah. Sazanca made it. Now we can talk without having to worry about the dark energy here. I know you said it was pretty unsettling.

Now ya can think clearly, can't ya? All I'm askin' ya to do is think it over. You wanna reap the Wyrmking's soul, don't ya? If that's the case, then...I don't see why we can't do it together.

...... Now that I can think straight, I can see your point.

Great!

But lemme ask you this. Is thinkin' straight always a good thing?

What do you mean?

I told you: humans don't listen to their emotions. I've always had a soft spot for you guys. I mean, you're fascinating, but that's the one thing I always questioned.

What feels good and what doesn't is more important than you think. The things you feel, your happiness, sadness, anger, and fear, they're messages your body's sending you, to try and protect you. The Wyrmking just walks around here, doin' as he pleases. Ain't that the most comfortable way to live?

Are you sayin' you wanna live that way too?

Humans would call that immature. But doin' what feels good and ignorin' the things that don't is an important part of life. There are people who decide based on right and wrong, and others by what can be gained or lost. Can't comfort and discomfort be one of those metrics too?

Well...I know humans tend to ignore things like that.

But I only managed to get this far by bearin' the unbearable and pushin' forward.

......

When you were protectin' the base from Veilis, I told that dragon...that's exactly what strength is.

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!

If I hadn't decided to become the hero of my own story, I never would've made it here. I'd still be livin' back in that village, cowerin' in fear 'cause of some weak dragons. I needed a dream to push me forward. And I think a life where I don't accomplish anything, no matter how comfy it is, ain't worth livin'.

I wanna go as far as I can go. Take another step beyond the horizon. 'Cause that's what dreams are for!

Huh...

Hah... Ahahahaha!

K-Kuchinawa. This isn't the time to be laughing.

Good gravy. I am sorry, honest to goodness, but I just couldn't help myself! Yer just so gosh-darn human, Wryz. It's a real hoot.

Uh...

But that, what ya just said, it's what makes humans so interestin'. I wouldn't get that kinda fun outta the Wyrmking, not in a million years. That's why my heart's still set on helpin' ya out.

Hah... I get it now.

You...do?

Hahaha! I can't believe this! This is so damn frustrating. I don't think I've ever been this annoyed in my life!

Annoyed? At what?

At feelin' the same thing Kuchinawa feels. Who woulda though?

And that was so funny...ya had to laugh about it?

Course it is! I can't relate to it at all, but it's still so fascinating. I mean, only humans would say something like that!

I can't tell if that's a good thing or if you're just makin' fun of me now...

It's a good thing! I've seen all sorts of lives, both long and short. But compared to other intelligent life, humans take the cake when it comes to piquin' my interest. I think it's because they know their time is limited, so they put their will into every little thing they do.

So even if they're sufferin', they live their lives to the fullest. If they just followed their instincts, their lives would be comfortable, sure, but boring too. You helped me see that, Wryz.

So you're sayin'...you're havin' fun, even if you don't understand us?

Hahaha! Exactly! That's what makes humans so adorable. ...Alright. I wasn't expecting for Kuchinawa and I to agree on anything, but it seems we see humans in the same light. I'll go with you. I'll see just how you guys choose to live your lives until the end.

That's a relief... Thanks for coming with us, Utpalaka.

...This is turnin' out different than I expected, but so long as everyone's willin' to fight together, I can't complain. After all...

I love that the folks in Arcadia can say whatever they want to each other, even if all they do is make fun of me.

Oh yeah? Well, I'll be sure to keep speakin' my mind from here on out!

That wasn't an invitation!

Hahaha! I guess I've got nothin' to worry about, seein' as you've got your comebacks at the ready.

Don't lose that momentum, you hear? Use it to bring down the Wyrmking.

You know I will. Now let's go!

Oh, to be alone in a world unknown!

I am forlorn among people with horns.

Around every bend is a cliff or dead end.

There is no sun in sight with this eternal night.

And, uh...the full moon in the sky...never says goodbye? Hmm... Needs work.

Oh, there's Melpiphia!

Whew, looks like we made it in time. We weren't sure if you were gonna get yourself into trouble or somethin'.

I already am. Trouble's my middle name!

Er, it is...?

All told, the colors are cold.

What are you talking about?!

Do try to keep up, Nca. You'll never be a real actress at this rate!

Who said I wanted to be an actress?!

...Now hold on just a gosh-darn minute. When did you get here, Nca? I thought we both left Wryz and the others behind.

Show her, Sazanca.

Yup!

Ahh... Now this is what I call hospitality! What a nice breeze!

That's 'cause it's full of heavenly energy. Makes elves like you feel right at home, don't it?

That means they're even more susceptible to the dark energy here. But now we can talk with a clear head.

Don't ya know? My head's always clear! I'm calm as a clam! Or maybe a lamb!

I'm not so sure about that...

You said you wanted to talk? What about? I have no business with people who won't help me save my village...

...I get that. And I can't blame ya for feelin' that way, especially since we only ever talk about our own dreams. You may act like a loon, but you're more put together than the rest of us. You're always thinkin' about your friends and family. You're here for an honest reason, unlike the rest of us. I'm actually kinda jealous.

Why would that make you jealous?

'Cause you were born in a village and around people you wanna protect. I'm not sayin' the folks back home are all bad, but...their way of thinkin' and mine just didn't align. And it wasn't pleasant for me. I was even exiled, and I don't ever think of goin' back.

Then I don't see how we can ever understand each other.

But I had a change of heart. I don't just wanna make my mark on history. I wanna save everyone from the Wyrmking's influence too.

That dark energy twists people's wills, and that overwhelming power disrupts their lives. And I can't let that go on! I wanna make a world where everyone can be the hero of their story, where they're free to live however they want.

It's true. Wryz really does wanna save the world. ...And we do too.

I'm gonna save everyone, and that includes you and your village. In a way...they're livin' life the way they want to, just acceptin' things as they are. But that'll all end if we don't do something, and I don't want it to.

Wryz...

Did you hit your head or something?

What? I mean, I did fall down a cliff, but... I think my head's just fine.

It's just...so unlike you to say something like that. I'm a little worried, to be honest.

You're worried about me?! C'mon, I'm bein' serious here!

So am I. I called you "Wryz," didn't I?

...Yeah, I guess ya did. Was it really that unlike me?

Well whatever it sounded like, I was tellin' the truth! I'm seriously tryin' to save the world here!

This isn't right. No... I fear she may be possessed by an evil spirit. We must cast out the unclean spirit immediately.

Oh no... I have a bad feelin' about this.

It can't be...

Allow me to purify you with the sacred light of the elves.

The power of Melpi compels you!

AHHHHHH!

That was a twist.

Why me?!

I realized that Wryzmarie didn't need healing, so I changed my target. Now I feel...at ease. I guess I liked traveling with you guys even more than I thought.

I can imagine. You've gone through so much with us, after all.

I believe you, Wryz. No take-backs now, ya hear?

As if I would.

Then let's go save the world...together.

Yeah!

Aww. Now I feel left out!

Everything's much livelier now that everyone's back!

Hahaha! Loud and noisy definitely suits us better.

It certainly makes my dance worth doing!

Isn't it too early to be celebrating? We're still missing someone.

You speak of that other Dragon Summoner.

Tiramisu's probably gonna be the most difficult one to get back. I don't know if we'll be able to see eye to eye.

And you two've fought before...

But I think if she sees us all together, she'll realize it's in her favor to work with us again.

And you're okay with that?

What're you tryin' to say, Aldo?

I mean, I don't think you have to agree with everyone. But... We'll be putting our lives on the line and fighting side by side. Shouldn't you at least make an effort to understand each other? When I first came to Wyrmrest, I didn't know the people in Arcadia, and they didn't know me either.

But after talking about ourselves around the campfire, I learned their stories. Their dreams. And that bond made us stronger.

Yeah, it did.

That feels like so long ago. But you speaks true.

It's not like I don't wanna try and understand her. But...I get what you're sayin'. I'll talk to her, face to face, just like I did with everyone else.

Now let's go find her before she tries to take that dragon on by herself.

Yeah!

I can sense the Wyrmking nearby... The final battle will begin before long.

And when it does, he shall become nothing more than rust upon my spear!

Do you truly believe that will work?

Ah!

I thought I told you to band together with those warriors to slay the Wyrmking!

Not again! I do not recall summoning you! Besides, those "warriors" left on their own accord until only Wryz and myself remained!

Even so, a single Dragon Summoner can make a difference. I do recall you resolving yourself anew when binding our souls once more.

Even so, a single Dragon Summoner can make a difference. You have defeated many a dark dragon, despite your inexperience.

But that does not mean you can defeat the Wyrmking! He is even greater than I. Thinking that you could slay such a great dragon beyond a shadow of a doubt is pure arrogance!

Still... Even if I weren't alone, I must be capable of laying each and every dark dragon low.

For I am Tiramisu. An extraordinary Dragon Summoner who made a pact with an exalted dragon!

Once again, you managed to defeat an entire herd of dark dragons without getting a single scratch... Thank you, Lady Tiramisu. You truly are worthy of your title.

Hmph. But of course.

So long as you have that dragon as your partner, no foe stands a chance.

You truly are the hero of this village. Because of you, we know peace. We hope you will continue to protect our village...

And always be grateful to your dragon.

Grateful?

Yes. You must never forget how fortunate you are to have one by your side.

It feels like every day they tell me to be grateful, but all that dragon does is nag.

...Perhaps I should get some training done.

Phew...

...That's why I want you to train with me tomorrow, Wryz.

You've gotta be kiddin' me. Why would I show ya my strategy before the duel?

Couldn't ya ask someone else? Someone strong, like...Lady Tiramisu.

Well, I...

I don't think we're even in the same league. She's always been special, ever since we were young, so it wouldn't be a fair match. I mean, even the adults talk to her differently. I'm honestly a little intimidated to even ask...

I get it. Ya don't mind askin' me 'cause I'm nothin' special.

I didn't say that!

Have they any idea how loud they are? What could they possibly be talking about? I can't even imagine what would get the people here that excited...

No matter. I need only fulfill my duty and uphold the Dragon Summoner name in battle.

Speaking of battle, perhaps I could stop by Acteul after the next fight. The sweets there were quite delicious...

My purpose should be keeping this world's light aglow. And I must do everything in my power to see it done. That is all that matters!

...I, too, share in that burden. I apologize if I was too harsh. But I ask you to think carefully about what you need to fulfill that very purpose...

What's this?!

Have you come here for a fight? You know nothing of who you are facing.

This is barely even a warmup!

The battle isn't over yet. This is the Darkrealm. Their numbers are far greater than you have ever faced before.

Numbers matter not! My spear shall pierce through every last one of them!

Ngh...

Be on your guard. This one is different than the others!

And they grow in number. I should have expected as much of the Darkrealm... This is beyond our powers. Let's fall back for now!

How could you even think something so spineless?! I refuse to retreat!

Have you any idea the situation you are in?! Be reasonable!

Silence! I shall not turn my back on these fiends, on my honor as a Dragon Summoner!

You fool! Is your honor truly worth your life?!

There she is!

You okay?

This is nothing! And now...I have an opening!

I'm so glad we made it in time! We rushed right over when we saw you!

That was close.

I...

I should thank you. If you hadn't come when you did, things would have taken a turn for the worse. I never thought I would see the day you came to my rescue.

Don't worry about it. It was high time I repaid that debt anyway.

Besides, I wanted to ask you somethin'... Would ya come with us? We're gonna take on the Wyrmking together.

I see you're no longer alone. I suppose I have no reason to refuse if we are face him together, but...

Wait, Tiramisu.

What for?

I get that you wanna fight with us to give yourself an advantage. But that just doesn't sit right with me. I want us to be friends, to work together as one. Don't you think that'd put your mind at ease during battle?

...You speak true. Emotions have their own role to play in a fight.

But...do the others agree? I've upset your friends before. Do you think they could accept me as more than just a comrade in arms?

To be honest, I'm still pretty pissed off.

Wryz!

There's no point in hidin' it. I mean, she all but spat on my way of livin'.

And I have no intention of taking back my words. I still cannot fathom how a Dragon Summoner could live only for herself.

Even so, I don't think it's impossible for you to be friends. I mean...

You're both so similar.

Wha... WHAAAT?!

You speak only of our armor, yes? It's normal to dress like this in our village, so it's only natural we look similar!

Exactly! What else would you expect?!

I'm not just talking about your appearance. It's your personalities too. Like, you both come off kinda harsh at first. But you're not like that at all once you get to know someone.

You're both stubborn too. Once you've made up your mind not to listen to someone, you don't hear a word they say.

And once you've set your mind on a goal, however distant it may be, you run toward it at full speed.

When you put it that way...I can see your point.

You're both really dedicated to your goal. You can relate on that level, can't you? Besides, Wryz is a different person than she was before we got here.

So why don't you tell each other...what your goal is?

I think it obvious, no?

There's only one reason I'm here.

To slay the Wyrmking and save the world!

Huh?

Your goal was different before, was it not?! What changed? And when?

What's with the inquisition?! If ya have to know, it happened after I got here! I just can't stand the thought of everyone bein' forced to live their lives someone else's way, just 'cause they're stronger! It that doesn't change the fact that I wanna make my mark on history. But...

But what?

But I've been thinkin' about my legend and who I'm leavin' it behind for.

I see... You never have mentioned that before.

Well, I decided that I want the Wryz Saga...

To be for the ordinary people. Y'know, the ones who ain't nothin' special. People livin' a normal life, just like how I used to. I want it to give 'em courage. Make 'em feel brave. I want 'em to know that, even if they haven't bloomed just yet...they will someday. And that they shouldn't give up.

...... I admit, you have a different look about you now. Especially those eyes.

If the Wyrmking has his way, those people'll lose their minds too. And I don't want that to happen.

To be frank...I understand you even less now.

What?

The paths we walked are far too different, and I surmise they shall never converge like this again. But... I fight to protect the entire world, whereas you...you fight to protect a certain people. You wish to save them because of who you are and what you stand for.

And that, I think...is also worthy of the title Dragon Summoner.

......!

Come. We shall slay this fiend together, Not merely as comrades in arms, but as Dragon Summoners with their own reasons for fighting.

Tiramisu...!

But it is strange. It's almost as if you are a completely different person...

Well I'm not! I'm still me!

And here I thought you two were finally starting to get along...

At least now they can face the Wyrmking as friends. And I know that neither of 'em will show that dragon any mercy.

Really wish you wouldn't lump us together like that so often...

But you've got a point. This really did put my mind at ease. All that's left for us to do is put that dragon in the dirt. So let's give this everything we got! Are ya with me?

YEAAAH!

If you don't mind my asking...

Yeah?

Have you thought about how we might actually defeat the Wyrmking? When we faced Veilis, we predicted how it would act and prepared accordingly. And we beat the Wyrmking's incarnation with the divine instrument. But how will we fell it here in the Darkrealm?

Well, I've been thinkin' about it and...

My guess is there's no way to beat him 'cept hittin' him head-on.

Y-You mean we have to overpower THAT?!

I don't even need to use my powers to know how dim that future is...

Hahaha! Should've seen that comin'. But I don't know if a plan that reckless will work this time around.

It's not like I haven't thought about it. But the fact is, we don't have ourselves a special weapon or a weak spot that can take it down in a single hit. So there's really only one thing we can do against somethin' that big.

If I understand you correctly... You want us to chip away at its life, one attack at a time. Yes?

Yup. I knew a hunter like you'd get it.

Still, it's a pretty crazy plan...

Let's just do this like we always do and enjoy ourselves, even if the plan ain't polished. Then we hit that dragon where it really hurts!

Yes, victory should be our top priority. The darkness will only get stronger from here on out. We must prepare ourselves...

Wh-What was that?!

Heh. Seems like His Majesty is givin' us the boot. Can't imagine he's too keen on us gettin' close, after all.

He ain't howlin' just for the sake of it, either. He's sendin' even thicker miasma this way. And it'll do more than just mess with your mind. It's strong enough to eat away at your body, too. We can't keep goin' like this.

Heh, I like the sound of that.

None of that was good news!

Don't you get it? That means he's aware of us. Compared to how big he is, we're nothin' more than flies. But even a fly can get annoying if it comes too close too many times.

We've upset him. Which is a lot better than him not feelin' threatened by us at all.

Regardless, we won't be able to get closer at this rate. What do you suggest we do?

Even if it's stronger than before...this is still dark energy, right? Maybe my fan could help.

...Not even a dent.

This is awful...

No. I think you might be onto something.

Like what?

I'll explain, but we should get away from here first. It's a little too dangerous.

So what's the plan?

It won't be easy, but...

...And that's it. Cerius will open up a path for us with that arrow, then we'll charge in. Simple, right?

Hahaha! Your ideas are as reckless as ever! Though I'd say that's more of a plan of attack than a real strategy. Still, it's better than havin' to remember complicated orders. Count me in.

And me as well. In the end, it seems strength will be what carries us through. I suppose we are like-minded in that regard.

But there is much we need to gather first. I require a bow far stronger and further- reaching than the one I currently possess.

And a tool to store dark energy too. Sad to say I don't have one of those on me.

That means we've gotta go...

To that Nopaew settlement, I reckon. They're the go-to for smithin' and craftin' round these parts. But I'd honestly rather do anythin' else, on the account of 'em hatin' my guts.

You're the only one who can understand 'em, so you're comin' whether you like it or not.

And I think they won't mind, so long as we don't get up to any hijinks around them.

Melpiphia... You are the definition of hijinks...

"A Hornet returning to its nest makes no detours." We'll be fine so long as we do only what is necessary. Now let's be off.

Poh poh?!

Poh poh... Koo koo koo!

Uh-oh... They still look pretty upset.

Honestly, I can't blame 'em for being mad at this guy. Never thought I'd agree with folk in the Darkrealm, though!

But I doubt they'll be willin' to talk to us at this rate.

Poh popo po-paew. Paew popo, po poh paew-paew! Npoh paew popo. Paew kyokyo-kyoh!

Don't tell me she learned how to speak their language already. That's impressive. What's she sayin'?

Sky and sandals. Clean ears in lava. Let's count our fingers. Sounds like a buncha nonsense, if ya ask me.

That's because it is.

Melpiphia! ...I should've known this would happen. Kuchinawa's the only one we can ask now.

Mind translatin' something for me? Word for word, and no funny business.

Sure. I'll give it a shot.

What I'm about to say aren't the words of this underhanded snake, but the people trying to slay the Wyrmking.

Ya sure don't hold back, do ya? Well, I'll tell 'em what ya said, but I can't make no promises on the outcome.

Aren't you bein' oppressed by that dragon and the other strong species here? Doesn't that make ya sad or angry? We came here hopin' to beat the Wyrmking into the dust. But we need certain tools to make that happen. Tools that you can make. And once we've finished the job, you can rest easy.

...Tell 'em.

Don't know why ya even tried bein' formal at the start... It didn't last long.

"A Raptor in a T-Rex hide is still a Raptor." It is better to be oneself than fail at being another.

Wh-What does it matter?! C'mon now, tell 'em what I said!

Alright, alright...

They said... "It's not really a problem."

What?!

"We're not angry at the Wyrmking. Living this way doesn't make us sad either. This is just the way things are."

They're even less bothered than I expected. But...I understand how they feel.

That's how things are in my village too. You never think to doubt "the way things are."

"That's why we don't really understand why you want to fight the Wyrmking. But if you have a job for us, we'll do it."

Well that's good news!

"You'll have to compensate us, of course. But..." "If you do actually defeat the Wyrmking, that'll be enough."

Oh? Sounds to me like they actually want the guy gone.

"Like we said, we're not sad or angry. But it does hurt when we get hit by rubble and it's cold when he sends our tents flying." "It's happened countless times, and we'd appreciate it if it stopped."

...And there ya have it.

Their way of thinkin' really is different than ours, huh. Hard to believe they're not upset about bein' controlled by someone stronger... But I'm just glad they're willin' to help us. And we made a promise, so now we've gotta be sure to keep it.

Even if they've given up on standin' against that overwhelmin' power, I won't. If the ones above are intent on stompin' down, then the ones below've gotta rise up against 'em.

A violent solution. Perhaps I understand you less than I thought.

In any case, we've made our request. All that's left to do is wait.

Poh poh-paew!

Thanks.

Hm. Quite the sturdy bow, the likes of which I've never seen in our world.

It was made from ore, so I reckon it'll do the trick.

Will we really be able to get near the Wyrmking with this?

Yeah. I'm sure of it. Now let's head back. That overgrown lizard's about to meet his match!

It's almost time. I'm so nervous!

You ready, Cerius?

But of course. I promise I won't fail.

I know you won't.

Then let us begin. Go, Kuchinawa.

Y'all sure are demandin' clients. This finale better have me hootin' and hollerin', else you'll be in serious debt with this merchant.

After all, I need to pour my very blood into this to make it work!

Indeed. We needed blood so potent it could bring creatures of the Darkrealm to their knees.

Now it's my turn!

Thanks to all my research, this device can draw out even more power from the herbs inside. So I can change Kuchinawa's potent dark energy...into heavenly energy!

Woohoo! Now all I have to do is make it even stronger! Just like I did with those stakes!

This Nopaew arrow was made of ore that can store miasma. And I shall infuse it with that power!

We have but one chance. This arrow must hit its target. But I won't miss. I no longer have anything to fear. For I...will truly become a god-hunter!

It worked! We did it!

The miasma cleared when the arrow passed through. The path should be safe for now.

But we don't know how long it'll stay this way.

That means we've gotta settle this quickly.

The miasma isn't as strong as it used to be, but we must still be cautious. We must act with haste.

Then what're we waitin' for? Let's get movin' and cast that Wyrmking off his throne!

Move!

C'mon, we've gotta hurry! We don't know when the miasma'll come back!

Good gravy, y'all sure are fast.

These legs ain't good for much 'cept hightailin' it and... What's that?

......

Well this ain't good, not one bit. I don't even have time to get my weapon out. What should I do?

Oh?

Well, ain't this a surprise.

Yer tellin' me. What's gotten into ya?

I'd be lyin' if I said I did it just 'cause we need you in the battle ahead. The truth is...what you did caught me off guard. My legs just kinda moved on their own, really.

Ahaha! That's a weird reason if I ever heard one. Ya sure are a hoot!

Maybe, but you still take the cake. You said power is everything in the Darkrealm, didn't you?

We peddlers tend to be big talkers. Ya sure ya wanna take my words at face value?

You trying to say you risked your life for some lie?

......

Maybe seein' Wryz in action made me lose whatever good sense I had in me. Yup, I sure am mad. Can't believe ya risked yer life for a looney li'l weakling like me...

Well, just pretend ya didn't see nothin', alright?

If you insist. I think I'm finally startin' to understand why you wanna fight the Wyrmking. Let's go. We'll take down everyone who tries to stop us from reachin' our goal!

Ah. This is...

What's wrong, Melpiphia? We have to hurry!

Sazanca!

Huh?

What are you doing?! This is no time to be playing around!

W-Wait... Did that just...?

I knew the Wyrmking's breath would break the ground here...because I saw it in a vision.

Oh... Oh my...! I almost died!

Sazanca! Melpiphia! Are you two okay?!

We...we're fine. But we'd like to get across, if you don't mind...

Eek! Monsters! We have to get out of here!

......!

Don't worry! I've got this!

But we can't fly...

Trust me. Just hold on tight!

......!

I...I did it.

I can't believe it... I have no choice but to pass the long-jump crown to you now. I never thought a scaredy-cat like you would be able to cross a gap like that!

I'm afraid of dying, not trying! And I have to live if I'm going to defeat the Wyrmking, so I'm willing to try whatever I have must to get there!

...You really are strong.

I had to be to repay my debt to you. So thank you, Melpiphia.

Don't mention it. After all, I'd be pretty bummed if you kicked the bucket. No one's as fun to tease as you.

That's why you saved me?! ...Well, whatever the case, at least you finally called me by my real name.

Did I? I can't seem to recall.

You guys okay?!

That was amazing! I can't believe you made it all the way over here! I think ya can get just about anywhere without me now, Sazanca!

P-Please don't say that! I risked my life to get across that gap!

But you proved that where we're going, we don't need roads. Besides, you showed me just how brave you could be for the sake of your dream. And I have, like, mad respect for you now.

This is the worst!

Well, I'm glad you two're unharmed, in body, at least. Now let's go!

Damn. Just how many of them are there?!

I suppose it should come as no surprise, considering the Wyrmking's position. He must control countless creatures here.

We've got no choice but to fight our way through. C'mon!

Wait.

But why? Don't tell me you still wanna do this alone...

Take a moment to think. Do you truly believe attacking as a group is the best course of action right now?

Why wouldn't it be?

I see what you mean. I should have expected a seasoned Dragon Summoner to have such perspective. We are getting ahead of ourselves. We do not know how long the arrow's effect will last. As such, it would not be efficient for all of us to spend our time culling their numbers.

Simply put, I mustn't hold back! I must channel the power of my heavenly dragon into a single strike that will shake them to their very core!

...Alright.

Then I won't hold back either!

Have you not heard a word I said? Attacking as a group...

Ain't what we're doin'. It'll be just you and me, Tiramisu.

Besides, if it's heavenly dragon power ya want...I can help with that!

...Yes, I suppose you have a point. Two Dragon Summoners are better than one.

Come! It's time!

Whoa! They really did it!

Dammit, we're wide open!

But you are not alone. We are here to help achieve your dreams, and ours.

Yeah. That's what friends are for!

Truly an impressive display. Worthy of being at my back.

Heh, I can't believe it. We finally did it. We were in perfect sync! Thank you!

We're on the home stretch, guys! The end's so close, I can practically taste it!

Please tell me I'm seeing things...

I thought we already defeated that thing!

Dammit. We've been fighting for so long, I don't know how much more we can take...

Whoa! What's going on?!

The powers the Dragon God gave us are resonating...!

Is that the Dragon God's doing?! Did he send it here to help us?!

...Regrettably, this is all I can do for you now. I have faith in you all. You must...slay the Wyrmking...

Yeah! We made it!

The fountain of darkness has stopped as well. Perhaps he realized he could not stop us this way. ...No matter the reason, his presence is stronger than ever now. The Wyrmking is close.

That means there's really only one thing left for us to do.

It's time. I'm gonna fulfill my dream and leave my mark on history.

And I'm gonna save the world so that everyone can be the hero of their own story!

The final battle's just ahead, and I'm gonna settle it all with my own two hands!

I can see him! The Wyrmking's just over there!

Ahh! Not again!

We've come this far. We just gotta keep pushin' through! So long as he's still breathin', no one'll ever be free. They'll be forced to live the way he wants, just 'cause he's stronger. I know he don't have any bad intentions. But that means he don't have any good ones either.

And I refuse to be some weakling who exists just to be trampled on! That means one of us has gotta go!

Indeed. It is time we put that wyrm to rest, for good. He has caused enough harm in our world, and I am ready to end this hunt once and for all.

Yeah, he's a danger to mankind. And any enemy of the humans is an enemy of mine.

Besides, we're practically bosom buddies now! And I ain't ready to part from folk who're such a hoot.

I hope for a world where no one has to die. And I'll start by keeping the people around me alive, no matter what!

I refuse to let darkness fall upon my village. The future should be bright, for everyone!

I wanna be with Wryz, and everyone here, forever. That's why I'm not gonna hold anything back!

The time has come to fulfill my mission! I will not fail, on my honor as a Dragon Summoner!

And together, we're gonna save the world!

It's time we settled this.

I know you're practically a god, and we're nothin' but little specks at your feet...

But we didn't come here to lose. We came here to protect everyone!

And that means gettin' rid of you, Wyrmking. So say goodbye!

You all okay?

Dammit...! I'm gonna fall!

Is this really where it ends? We can't even reach him?! I...I can't accept that!

Don't worry! I've got ya!

Did you forget? You guys can ride on my back! Now ya can fight without havin' to worry about fallin' down!

Thanks, Iridian! I feel like you're bigger than ever now. And you've got more heavenly energy too!

Yeah, all thanks to the Dragon God! I think I can even withstand the Wyrmking's breath like this!

Ya sure? It's still pretty dangerous.

Isn't it a little late to be worryin' about me? You know better than anyone that I'm a full-fledged dragon!

...You're right. It was silly to even ask.

And you're not just any full-fledged dragon either. You're a member of Arcadia, and my one and only partner! Let's do this, Iridian. Together, let's defeat the Wyrmking once and for all!

And you're not just any full-fledged dragon either. You're a member of Arcadia, and my one and only partner! Let's do this, Iridian. Together, let's defeat the Wyrmking once and for all!

That's it! We did it...! We won! All that's left is the final...

Wh-What's going on?!

Is it going to vanish, just like it did when hit with the spear?

No... I don't think so. A terrible darkness is swirling around it.

Is it about to discard its physical form with an explosion?! We must deliver the final blow to its body, but if we leave that darkness as is then...

...... (The only way to get rid of it is by hittin' it with heavenly energy, and quick. The only person who can do that is...!)

...We won't. I'll handle it. I'll protect all of you!

Don't tell me...you mean to jump into that swirling vortex? If you do that...

I need ya to do somethin', Tiramisu. Finish off that dragon.

...Consider it done.

Wryz? Wryyyz!!

...We need to get out of here, now. Our lives will be forfeit if we stay here any longer. Wryz risked her life to save us. We mustn't let her sacrifice be in vain!

No... No! You were supposed to come back a hero, Wryz! It can't end like this! We won't let it! We'll be waiting for you, however long it takes.

After the Wyrmking completely vanished, we returned to look for Wryz. But we couldn't find a trace of her anywhere.

Though we had no intention of giving up, we returned to base. We knew there were things we still had to do. We knew someone had to tell her story.

We will tell your story. Spread your legend. Make sure future generations know what you did. So please...

You gotta come hear our story for yourself, okay? You gotta!

Come on, dear. It's bedtime.

But I'm not sleepy yet!

Oh, I know! You can read me that story! The one about the girl who fights dragons!

...Oh, alright.

Once upon a time in a faraway land, there lived a girl who had her heart set on slaying a wicked dragon...

Hehe. I love that story!

But what happened to the Dragon Exile after that?

It doesn't say exactly. But the final passage says...

"Even after the final battle, the girl and her beloved dragon never stopped trying to save people." Could it be...you want to be a hero, just like her?

She was super cool and all, but...

I think I wanna be a bard!

That sounds wonderful. You can be anything you want, my dear. Just follow your heart and never give up on your dreams...

That hurt!

It wouldn't've hurt if you didn't make such a fuss!

Don't blame this on me! You should be more careful with your passengers!

How is this my fault?! You were the one tellin' me to hurry up! Besides, you've got some nerve summonin' me into a pitch-black vortex! That sucked!

If ya know it sucked, ya know why I wanted to get outta there on the double! Everyone must be worried sick about me...

That's where you're wrong. There was no need for us to worry.

You're all here?! Wait. Why? This isn't the base... Did ya come here to get me? It's almost like ya knew I'd be here...

Duh.

Melpiphia! Does that mean you saw this comin'?

Sure did. I saw it all, front to back, top to bottom, side to side, and all that jazz.

Hahaha! We knew all we had to do was wait.

That's not fair! I shouldn't be the one gettin' surprised here!

It doesn't matter who's surprising who. All that matters is that you're back.

Tch... Can't believe this!

But...it's good to be back.

So's the hole to the Darkrealm's still open, huh.

Yes. But thankfully it no longer spews dark energy now that the Wyrmking is gone.

Though guests do stray to this side of the hole from time to time.

We hunt down the hostile ones. The others, however, are free to stay.

We can't let 'em get off the island, after all. So now Arcadia is dedicated to guardin' the hole.

I come by from time to time to help, but only because they came crying to me for help.

So Arcadia's still alive and well, even without the Wyrmking around. ...That makes me happy.

And now they have their fearless leader back!

Well, this works out just fine for me. I've still got unfinished business, after all.

I mean, I didn't even get to deliver the final blow! So I can't even say that my dream's come true. A proper legend needs a good ending.

I haven't found the secret to immortality either.

And I failed to reap the Wyrmking's soul.

I cannot consider my dream accomplished until I see your story through to the end.

Hold on... Does that mean Melpiphia's the only one who actually fulfilled her goal?

Well, I hate to be the odd one out. I'd still like to be the competitive eating champion of the world someday!

You don't need to make up reasons to stick around, y'know...

Dreams of grandeur aside, you never know when future might change. If my visions take a turn for the worse, I want to be there to turn them right back around.

I, too, feel unfulfilled by how things ended. I may have struck the final blow, but only because someone had her hands full elsewhere. And I'd hate for it to be a stain on my record.

Yeah. The battle might be over here, but I've still got the rest of my journey ahead of me. I have to save my family with my own two hands.

...I think I get it now.

Get what?

I said some pretty pompous things before. Like how I wanted to give people courage, let 'em know that they'd bloom someday.

But we still haven't even bloomed ourselves yet. And I think that means...we've gotta keep on fightin'.

You're right. We'll always been fighting one battle or another, so long as we're alive.

I suppose that would make things more exciting, especially for warriors like yourself.

I'll be happy so long as I can fight by your side, Wryz!

My story ain't over yet. I'm not a hero just 'cause I saved the world once. A real hero's someone who doesn't give up the fight.

So I'll keep fightin' and addin' chapters to my story. And someday, my legend will bloom. Then everyone will know...

The Wryz Saga!