Flame of Hope

Radias! That's the last one!

I've got it!

Phew... Nice work, Radias. That takes care of that job.

Let's get back to Unigan and report in.

......

Hm? Is something wrong, Radias?

I-It's nothing. Let's hurry up and get back to Unigan.

Ugh?!

R-Radias?!

Don't tell me you got hurt?

You feel like you're burning up!

Haah... Haah... Stay away, Aldo! I don't want you to get caught in the flames!

The flames? Wait, is this because of the Crimson Blade?! But I didn't see you use its power during the battle.

Aldo, this isn't because I used its power. I think that my body has just reached its limit.

What do you mean?

Guh... Grrrrrah!

Radias!

Get ahold of yourself, please! Radias!

A-Are you feeling better, Radias?

I think I'm okay now. Sorry for worrying you.

It's fine. I'm just glad that you're okay.

I can't say that all's well though.

I'm never sure when the pain'll return. It could be tomorrow or much later, but the day will surely come when my body burns out completely.

How can you say that so calmly?

Sorry 'bout that. Honestly, this is something I've prepared for. Ever since I decided to wield the Crimson Blade at the Beast King's Castle.

You held off the power of the Deliverance Sword. Radias, is there really nothing you can do about these reactions?

This blade was never meant to be held by a human. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that using it defies the order of nature.

Even so, there has to be some way to control its power.

......

That's right! The Crimson Blade used to belong to the Beast King. Which means...

Did you come up with an idea?

Yeah, I think I may have figured something out!

Really?

And here I was just about to give up hope. Let's pursue your idea and see where it takes us.

Then our next stop is Konium!

We're going to Konium? Where the beastfolk live?

What's wrong, Radias?

If only the beastfolk in my time layer could live peacefully like this someday. I suppose it's not really something I can do.

Radias...

I'm sorry. Just forget I said anything. Anyway, it looks like we made it. What's next?

We're meeting someone at the tavern. Come on, Radias.

Now, just what did you call me out here for? You know that I'm busy!

Thank you for coming, Guildna. There's something I have to ask you about the Crimson Blade.

The Crimson Blade?

Yeah. This might take a little while to explain, but...

Different time layers... Worlds that follow a different history. I swear, I leave you alone for a moment and you go and stick your nose where it doesn't belong.

It's what I do.

Your situation has sparked my interest, I'll gladly help you.

Really?! So you can tell us how to control the Crimson Blade's power?

You want a way of controlling it?

Yes, please tell us everything you know.

To be honest, I'd like to know myself.

What do you mean by that?

Controlling its power has never even crossed my mind. I've used it without any troubles since I first found it.

So, you don't have any clues on how to help me...

Not exactly. I may have an explanation on why you're having these reactions.

Really? Why's that?

It's because you're human. Your body can't handle the power of the fire elemental inside the blade. The Crimson Blade is special. Most beastfolk are unable to wield it as well.

So that's what it is? I thought it was just the price that one pays to use it.

If you had an elemental like mine within you that could withstand the power, then we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Does that mean it's a lost cause?

If you don't want to die, then you'd best just get rid of the sword. That's probably your easiest way out.

Sadly, that's not an option. This sword is the only thing I have left of my sister. It's the last remaining piece of her.

I'm not sure what you mean, but it's your decision.

Is there really nothing we can do, Guildna?

Do I really have to repeat myself? But, then again... If it was possible... Perhaps the great elemental Salamander could help, seeing as he's the one who brought the Crimson Blade into existence. He should technically be gone already, but you have some way of meeting him, right Aldo?

Guildna!

Hm... Sorry, that's as much as I know. You'll have to figure the rest out for yourselves.

Let's go, Radias. Even if it's a shot in the dark, we've got to try.

Agreed. I'll do whatever it takes.

Let's go to Purgatory to talk to the spirit of Salamander!

What brings you two here?

We have something we must ask you, Salamander.

As I am indebted to you, I will answer any question you ask.

You have our thanks, great spirit Salamander. I would like to ask you about a weapon borne of your own flesh... The Crimson Blade.

Hoh, it has been ages since I've heard that name. What is it you wish to know?

Can you tell me how to control the power of the blade?

You seek a means to control the blade's power?

We're begging you, Salamander!

I regret to tell you such a method doesn't exist.

Even for you, Salamander?!

The Crimson Blade is an embodiment of my power, in a sense... A powerful mass of the power of a great fire elemental.

So there's nothing we can do to control this mass of power?

Unfortunately. Your only option is to take the power of the elemental from the blade into your own being.

......

From the looks of things, you were unable to take in the blade's power. If you truly wish to free yourself of this burden, you must relinquish the blade.

That's not an option.

Then do you intend to continue using the blade until your life is fully extinguished?

Yeah, I'm prepared for the end.

W-Wait a second, Radias! You can't be serious?!

If not even Salamander knows, then there must be no way to control it. I've always been prepared to die alongside this sword. I'll just have to continue down this path laid before me.

So you think you should just keep living like this, charging forward toward your own death?!

Thank you for your help, Salamander.

Go now, Radias.

So... What do we do now?

That's a good question. Do you want to go to the Serena Coast? I want to see the ocean.

Yeah, sounds like a good idea.

Let's go to the one in my time layer.

Thanks for coming along, Aldo. I didn't really have anything planned. I just wanted to come out here.

I know your feelings. When I'm feeling down, I spend some time in the Nuaru Uplands.

Are you really okay with all of this?

Just like I said in Purgatory, I'm ready for what's coming.

Plus, that will be the end of my conflict. I'm an empty husk without a reason to fight.

In that case, you just have to look for a new reason. Together, we can find a reason to fight... A reason to live.

A reason to live, huh?

And I'll be here at your side until you find that reason.

It's just that... I lost my father to that war, and I couldn't stand with my sister.

Ahhh!

Did you hear that?!

It sounded like a child somewhere nearby. Let's go, Aldo. We can't allow anything to happen to a child.

Got it! But are you sure that you can...

Don't worry about me.

Just don't go overboard in this fight. All right, let's go!

Over there, Aldo!

I-I'm scared.

Don't be scared... I'll make sure you get away!

Hah! Do you, a lone human, think you can do anything? You'll be sorry we ever met!

Too bad for you, she's not alone.

Huh?! Who are you?

Let them go and I won't be forced to unsheathe my blade.. You don't want to get hurt, do you?

Who do you think you're talking to? I'll start by taking care of you two!

Stay back and leave this to us.

O-Okay! Thank you. Th-That sword on your back...

Huh?

......

......

Radias! What's wrong?

It's nothing. Get away from here you two.

Grr... They got away? It doesn't matter. I'll find them after I take care of you.

No you won't! Let's go, Radias!

Let's do it!

You... This is impossible!

It's over. Now get out of here. I don't want to kill any more beasts unnecessarily.

Radias...

This isn't over by a long shot!

Wha?! Darn it!

I'm taking these two with me!

Ah!

Stop!

Stop it... Don't you lay a finger on them!

R-Radias?!

O' crimson flames... Lend me your strength!

Graaah!

Huh?!

*huff* *puff**huff* *puff* *huff*

Radias!

*huff* *puff*... I'm... okay.

No, you're not!

Are you hurt?

We're all right. But you look like you're in pain.

Don't worry about me. I'm just glad that you're safe.

...... Wait a moment... Have we met before?

...... What are you talking about?

Ahh... I'm sorry. I actually lost most memories of my past. I'm not sure why, though, but I feel like I've seen you before.

Really? I'm sorry, but I think that this is our first time meeting.

I see... I'm sorry for disturbing you.

We'll help you get back home. Are you from Unigan? Rinde?

Rinde... Are you sure about this?

There are monsters around here. We'll make sure you get somewhere safe.

......

Thank you for all of your kindness.

Thank you very muchy!

It was nothing. I'm just glad the two of you are safe.

Now, if you'll excuse us.

W-Wait a second!

What's the matter?

Umm... Please... Just be careful.

Thank you. You too, okay?

...... I'm so happy you're alive... Sister...

So that person was your sister in this layer...

Yeah. But it seems she doesn't remember anything.

Was that the price for using Verweil's power? Back in my time layer, Deirdre lost some of her memories the same way.

Hey Aldo... Would you mind coming with me to Uruala?

Uruala? Sure I guess...

There's something I have to go tell my father. Come on, let's go.

Rgh...

Are you okay? Wait, so you used the power of the Crimson Blade back there...

Yes, but I didn't have a choice. I'm sorry, but can you just help me get to my father's grave?

All right. Leave it to me.

Dad... Something happened today, so I came to tell you. I saw my sister at the Serena Coast. She said that she lives in Rinde now. She lost all of her memories, and couldn't even remember my name. But... She was alive! She was still alive!

Radias...

All I could do was watch her walk away. I saved her though. I was finally able to save her from that terrible cycle.

I'm sure Lakhesis would be proud.

Yeah... That would make me happy... Guh! Uhh!

Radias! Are you okay?

Haah... I don't think I can hold it back anymore. It looks like I'm at my limit.

What are you saying?!

I'm sorry, Aldo. It seems our journey together has come to an end.

No! Don't say that, Radias! You just saw your sister for the first time after saving her.

It's okay, Aldo. I'm just happy knowing that she's alive and well... I was finally able to protect her.

Huh?

During that fight, all I could do was point my blade. But now, all that matters is... I was finally able to use the Crimson Blade... To save my sister...

Radias!

I can feel my body, my life, burning away... Soon enough, even my memories will be like ashes in the wind.

Radias...

Dad? Is that you? You... You came for me? Or did you...

......

Heh... Does it really matter? My life is already burning out...

But the flame is still there.

Huh?

Please Radias... You must protect not only your sister, but your own happiness...

W-Wait! Dad!

What did he mean? I thought I was at the end here... But it looks like I can't be with you just yet.

Thank you, Dad... I'll try holding on just a little longer.

R-Radias! Are you okay?!

Yeah... It looks like I can't be with my father just yet.

With Lakhesis?

Crimson Blade... I'm still not ready to give in to you. So long as this hope burns in my chest... Nothing will extinguish my flame!

Huh?! What's this light?

It's so warm.

The Crimson Blade... It changed!

I... I don't feel the pain anymore.

Does this mean you can control the sword's power?!

I don't think so. Even if it looks different, it's still the Crimson Blade.

Huh?

I don't think we'll need to worry anymore, though.

What do you mean?

It seems the blade has finally accepted me as its wielder, if even just a little. This means I won't put my life on the line every time I use it.

So... That's good, right?

Yeah, I think so.

I'm so proud. You did it, Radias!

Looks like my father saved me yet again. As always, I'm just a little kid who can't do anything on my own. I promise though, this is the last time I'll need your help, so please, be at peace.

Are we done here?

Yeah, I cleaned up his grave a bit. I don't think I'll need to come here for a little while.

Hey Radias, I meant to ask you before, but... Why do you think the Crimson Blade changed?

Honestly, I'm not sure. All I know is that I have a newfound hope burning inside of me. I need to protect not only my sister, but also the world she lives in. Maybe the Crimson Blade was just responding to my feelings?

So you've found hope?

I think I was always being more greedy than I wanted to admit. I always thought it would be okay to throw away my life if I got to see my sister one more time. That wasn't right, though. If anything, seeing her made me more hopeful for the future than ever.

So you found a reason to live?

It looks like it. When I was on the verge of death, my father spoke to me, and it opened my eyes.

Don't just stop there. We'll find more reasons as we continue our journeys together!

I like the sound of that. And the Crimson Blade... No, I've had enough of calling it that.

The Sword of Hope... That's what I'll call it from now on.

The Sword of Hope... That has a nice ring to it.

With the blessing of my father, I will defend this world...

So that my sister may live a happy and peaceful life!