Ah Yes, True Love

Ms. Ratchett, about that thing we talked about...

I've come up with something. But are you sure about this?

What's that now?

I asked her if she could find out why you're not affected by the hex.

Why? If I'm fine there's no need, surely?

You've been travelling together for some time now, haven't you? It's possible that some amount of resistance has been building up over time.

It would be remiss of me not to check, at least.

You know, just to be safe...if that's okay with you, of course.

If you think it's a good idea then sure.

All right, Ms. Ratchett. Would you do the honors?

Right away. Would you two please place your hands on this herb?

Okay. What does it do?

It tells you if someone has been charmed. We can use it to determine whether you're affected by Shanie's hex. I wanted to do this now as this only works while Shanie is in here, you see.

......

Don't worry, it'll be worth it. I'm sure it'll put your fears to rest.

Is this okay?

Yes. Now you, Aldo.

Right...

What the?! No way, does this mean I'm charmed after all?

Not yet, but... It's definitely had some sort of effect. No doubt it's only a matter of time until it sets in.

Looks like I was right to worry. I've been considering the likelihood of that for a long time now. I mean, Aldo, you're just so nice to me that it's unreal, you know?

But that's because you're such a good friend...

In any other situation I'd agree, but... I'm cursed.

Now wait a minu...

That's why, Aldo... I have to leave.

Wah?!

If you fall victim to the curse your journey will end here. I can't let that happen to you. For your sake and the world's.

Ratchett...is there nothing else we can do?

Since we last met I've tried everything to find a solution. As you know already know, this is no ordinary spell.

......

So you're saying it's impossible?

If there's a way you gotta tell us. I don't want Shanie to leave. Not like this!

Aldo...

...Wait a moment.

Take this, Aldo.

A gem?

Yes. There's a unique kind of monster sealed within it. If you break this gem, the monster will be unleashed. If you can defeat it...

We'll be able to break Shanie's curse?

I believe so. However, beware. This monster has the power to shapeshift. If it chooses an extremely powerful form, it will prove a formidable challenge.

If it'll free Shanie I'll find a way. No question about it.

I knew you'd say that. All I can ask is that you take the utmost care, all right?

Sorry to drag you into yet another battle, Aldo.

Hey, I want to help. We'll end this curse together, okay?

...Okay.

We don't want any casualties so we should release the monster somewhere deserted. Like, say, the Corinda Plains.

Perfect. Let's head there!

This spot should be far out enough.

Wait. Before we release the monster, there's something I want to know. Why do you want to get rid of my hex so badly?

When a friend is in trouble you want to help them. Isn't that normal?

But even you thinking that could be because the spell is...

...Actually, I'll stop with that. In my mind, I do know it's because we're friends.

But I guess... In my heart, I'm still not used to believing in anything a guy says.

But not anymore. Let's go show that hex who's boss!

You're right. This is no time for cynicism.

Ratchett said breaking the gem will bring out the monster, right?

Then...here goes!

......

It transformed! So this is what Ratchett was talking about.

It's gone straight for the form of one of the strongest monsters around here.

It doesn't matter. To break your curse I'd happily fight a dozen!

......

Hey! Get back here!

We'll have to chase it!

Look!

A flock of bird monsters?

I can feel a sliver of the gem's magic coming from one of them. It must've shapeshifted a second time while we were chasing it.

Any guesses as to which bird is the fake one?

Um, not really...

Then we'll take 'em all down. Come on, Shanie!

......

Blast! It ran away again!

Pretty cowardly for such a supposedly strong monster...

I think we've weakened it so if we just keep chasing it down...

We'll wear it out eventually. All right, let's go!

Just give up already!

...It hasn't shapeshifted? Maybe it's too weak to change shape.

If so, that means we're close!

......

There's nowhere to run!

One more hit and...

Ah?!

Shanie! What's wrong?!

Are you oka, ?

What the...

What is this?

Two Shanies?! But which one is the real her?

This is bad. I need to figure this out and fast!

We have to take this monster down now!

But how can I tell who the real Shanie is?

...No, I can't just guess. There's only one way...

Aldo?

Did you think of something?

...Shanie. I need you to show me your sigil. No matter how perfectly that thing tries to copy you, I'm sure it can't recreate your sigil.

What?! But if I do that you'll be... You'll be enchanted forever! And then what'll we do?!

Sorry. It's the quickest solution I can think of.

Really...

......

It's the only way. Please.

...Then I'll do it. For you, Aldo.

NO! Stop!

But as soon as you've seen it, promise you'll look away, okay?

Aldo! It isn't worth it. Please don't look!

Huh?! You'd fight us just to stop this from happening?

And with that, I think it's pretty clear who our imposter is now, !

Agh!

Wah?!

Aldo! Why would you, ?

The real Shanie once said to me...

But I have to keep the sigil from being seen by any man, no matter what. If I didn't, they'd fall under its terrible spell forever.

Shanie's suffered all her life because of her curse. She's been haunted everyday by the guilt of having hurt so many people. The Shanie I know would never let someone be ensnared forever!

......

Aldo...

......

You shouldn't have done that...

And there's your true form. We'll make sure it's the last form you take!

Urgh...

You're welcome. Sorry I worried you back there.

But showing me your sigil is the one thing I knew you'd never do. I had to do it.

What do you...

...No! Shanie! Know any tracking spells? We gotta follow that thing!

Damn it, we can't give up. We said we'd lift the hex!

You're right. She'll know a way to track that creature down.

Hey... Ms. Ratchett?

The monster got away. You have to help us find it!

Hehe, from what I can see that doesn't appear to be necessary.

How is it not necessary?!

May I see your sigil, Shanie? I'd just like to be sure...

Yeah...

Give us some space, Aldo.

Right...

Ah, just as I thought. You've finally found real love, haven't you?

You knew...all along?

I found an account of a similar kind of hex in one of my books. All we needed was an inversion of the spell's effect. I wasn't sure at first but it looks like it worked.

That...makes sense. When that monster transformed into a copy of me, he knew exactly how to tell us apart.

That was when I finally realized that he truly, deeply, understands me.

A hex like this causes you to fear and question every man's intentions. Yet there's only one recorded method to lift it: falling in love. And true love requires trust. It's a cruel, cruel curse indeed.

Anyway, that's it, Aldo. She's not hexed anymore.

You're kidding! Even though we didn't defeat the monster?

Err, well...

The real answer was Shanie finding true lo...

No, Ms. Ratchett!

Oh. You don't want to talk about it?

What's all this about?

Oh, uhm... Well...

You know! True luck! Yeah, that's it. The solution was for me to experience true LUCK. In other words... Er... The monster was just a test to see if I'd been lucky enough to find a good enough friend who could tell me apart from that fake!

Oh, I get it. So that's what the doppleganger stuff was all about.

I don't think any of that was based on luck, though. I knew which one was the real you simply because you're my friend.

Y-Yeah, so... Lucky me! A good enough one! Hehe, anyway! The hex is gone now so we can stop talking about it.

Well, if you say so. I'm just so glad you're finally free.

Is this really what you want, Shanie? There's no better time to tell him how you feel.

I know, but I...I don't know. I've always thought of Aldo as a brother. But now it's so different...and weird.

If you think you should let it lie, I'll say no more on the matter.

What are you two whispering about?

Why, nothing at all.

Come on, I'm not allowed to know?

There are more important things right now! Like getting some ice cream and hot sauce. Now we can sit and eat as many bowls as we want without any interruptions!

Err, sure...

Excuse me, sir! I'd like to make a special meal request, please.

Oh, is this a special occasion? Well then, certainly, miss...

...Hm? Oh, my. Miss, you are...

I-I am, ?

You are... An absolute stunner! So gorgeous... And beautiful... And... enchanting...

Wait, what?

Oh no. Oh n...

Which way to the nearest altar?! You and I have got to get married!

For the love of, !

Ratchett! I thought you said the curse was broken!

Oh, it is.

Then, does that mean Shanie's still popular with guys because, ?

Get it yourself, I'm busy!

Well, I saw her first so both of you can forget it!

Seriously? I finally get freed from that stupid hex, and it turns out it makes no difference?!

Oh, if only I had so many fine suitors still proclaiming their love for me...

Uh, Shanie, ?

You think I have any clue about what to do now?!

M'lady! Pick me!

Ugh! Why me?! ...Ms. Ratchett, is there nothing else you can do? Aldo, think you can help a sister out here?!