A New Step

......

Hey, Victor.

Hello there, Aldo. Where shall adventure take us today? I can tailor it to whatever it is you want to do!

I'll pass, thanks.

Actually, I got this thing from an old lady back in the Inn. Says she wanted you to have it.

Whatcha got there... Oh wow...

It's meteor amber! Boy this takes me back. I used to get them all the time back in the day.

What's meteor amber?

It's candy! You can only get these star-shaped goodies here in Unigan, but not many people know about 'em. They shine like crystal, and because of that, are really popular with the ladies.

They're called meteor amber because it's said the original recipe included amber from a meteor that fell here in Unigan.

But, I mean, that's just what they say!

I like it, it's romantic.

That old lady gave it to me to cheer you up. Said you looked glum.

...Me? Glum?!

I mean, you do seem a bit stressed. You've been that way ever since we had that run-in with Grandpa.

......

You're a smart one, Aldo. Your powers of observation will take you far in the adventure game.

T-Thanks?

Why don't we each take one. They have just the right amount of sweetness. Go great with tea, too!

Yeah, I mean they look amazing, but Victor, I'd rather talk about how you've been acting lately.

Are those meteor amber I see? I used to get those from my wife all the time!

King Miglance?!

Try one, Aldo! I don't really know why, but for some reason only girls are able to find them. That's why so few people know about them.

Never knew you had such a sweet tooth, King Miglance!

Hah! I just stepped out to see the town, who knew I'd end up walking down memory lane!

By the way, Aldo. Who's your friend there?

Ah, right, where are my manners. This is my companion, Victor.

Victor? Hmm...

Nice to meet you Victor. If you're a friend of Aldo's, then we'll likely be seeing a lot of each other!

......

...Victor, come on man! This is the king!

Oh, I know.

Hey...

HEY?!

Hmph?!

Long time no see, Kaddy!

Who?!

Kaddy?!

......

Man. You sure did get big! I thought you were your dad there for a second!

Victor! Remember who you're speaking to!

It's okay, Aldo. To be honest, I'm actually quite shocked... The man who trained me as a child, filled my head with tales of adventure standing before me once again!

Hah! It's been a bit, huh?

Are you kidding me?!

I honestly don't know, but there's only one man who has ever called me Kaddy.

But yes, you're right. He looks exactly the same as he did back when he was teaching me the ways of the sword. How could that be?

It's a long story. But allow me to apologize for just up and leaving without saying goodbye. There was simply nothing left to teach you.

I find this whole thing hard to believe...

Apologize?! Don't be ridiculous. You taught me everything I know! I have nothing but appreciation for what you did for me.

You really have become quite the man, Kaddy. In fact, I feel like I shouldn't be calling you Kaddy anymore at all.

So, Kadlim! How about we go for a drink?

Haha! I'd like that very much! We've got lots to catch up on. You calling me Kadlim is going to take some getting used to, though.

M-My lord!

At ease. What word do you bring from the Rucyana Sands?

Yes sir!

Something going on at the Rucyana Sands?

We've been getting reports of Zarbovian girls going missing there. And some sightings of a giant bandaged monster roaming the sands.

A bandaged monster...

And?!

Then we must send reinforcements immediately.

...Allow me to go.

Sir Victor!

Please. If it's the monster I know, then sending more men will just lead to more slaughter.

You know this monster, Victor?!

Unfortunately, yes. Too well, in fact. The description you gave matches up exactly... But the only thing that seems off, is it's connection to the disappearances...

Regardless. If you don't mind, Kadlim, I'd like to go take it on myself.

You know how strong the monster is, and I know how strong you are. So if you wish to fight, then I shall grant that wish.

Then it's settled!

I'm coming too. Let's head to the Rucyana Sands.

No, Aldo. I have to do this alone.

You might have history with this monster, but with the way you've been acting lately. I can't let you go alone.

My dear Aldo...

Fiiiiiiiine. You can come.

Good! To the Rucyana Sands!

All right. Let's have Synth Hydra take us there!

I don't see anything...

Indeed... But he's out there. I just know it.

How can you be so sure?

Because this is where he used to roost. Thing is though, that roost got destroyed long ago, and him with it. Kinda. The roost got the boot, but the rooster became a brute, if you know what I mean.

Wait, so it's a bird?

No, Aldo! It was just a metaphor! You heard what the king said, it's a big monster with a bunch of bandages wrapped around it.

The "roost" is the ancient ruins that used to be around here.

Ancient ruins?

Yeah, it's said that a witch used the ruins to store magical relics, and the monster was created to guard them.

You seem to know a lot about it. Have you ever been there?

...... Aldo....

What?

I need you to do me a favor.

Oh. I thought you were going to answer my question.

I want you to promise me you won't lay a finger on that monster if it shows up.

Wait, why?!

Urgh... What was that?!

Bandages...scary looking... Hey!

There he is, Aldo. Years ago, my companions and I were driven to the absolute brink....

By this monster!

What?!

We used some...unorthodox methods, to eek out a win. But something about that battle didn't sit right with me. There was something telling me that somehow, somewhere, this guy was out there, biding his time.

Unorthodox methods?

The party had been all been wiped out except for me. Then, out of no where, a voice began to speak... It told me that if I gave up my future, it would give me the power to defeat the beast.

What do you mean by "give up your future"?

Without giving it a second thought, I agreed to the voice's terms. And when I did, it imbued the blade with all power and experience I was to gain throughout the rest of my life. Since then, I have neither aged, nor have I grown. I am exactly the same Victor as I was the day of that battle.

That's terrible...

Victor!

I'm fine! But this thing is just as strong as it was the first time we fought. Not telling my companions about it was the right thing to do. Even if your grandpa figured it out anyway.

He knew?!

Wait a minute!

Bah! And the worst thing is you always keep the most important part to yourself!

I hate that part the most!

You won't fool me Victor, you couldn't then, and you won't now! And don't you forget it!

This must be what grandpa was talking about!

I didn't want you to know either, but you didn't really give me much of a choice. This monster is a ghost from my past that only I can exorcise!

All right, I get it...

But the second I feel you're in danger, I'm jumping in!

Fine!

What the heck is that?!

Nothing I can't handle, is what it is!

With a cloak?!

Yeah, with a cloak! Look closer Aldo, it's coated with protective magic!

Now it's my turn!

The stone on your belt is glowing!

That's the blessing given to me by this crystal belt. It gives it's wearer unbelievable power. And then, the pièce de résistance...

Your sword!

I've kept this blade nice and sharp for you, old friend... Now, have at you! Graaaahhh!

Did we get him?!

Damn! It's back!

Fear not, Aldo. I knew this was coming! This is how he got us last time, but you can't fool me twice, monster!

NOW FALL!

Body, soul, all sliced to millions of pieces.

You will not rise again.

Victor!

That was amazing! I didn't even need to help.

I'm glad that I could do this on my own.

And finally end this chapter of my life.

Victor...

Hah! Sorry for gettin' all moody on ya, Aldo.

I mean it's only natural you feel something after you defeat something that has been haunting you this long. Now all that's left is to find the missing girls.

Oh right. My intuition is telling me they are somewhere in this desert...

Got it. Say, Victor...

What's up?

Once we find those girls and tell King Miglance, how about you and me go pay grandpa another visit?

If I had to guess, he was acting so angry at you because he was worried about you. So I think you should go back and tell him that this whole ordeal is finished.

My dear Aldo...

When you're right, you're right. I know he's probably just going to yell at me again, but telling him is the right thing to do.

I'm sure he'll just be happy to know you're okay. But before we do that, let's go find those girls.

Teeeheeeeheeeee... Not so fast boys! I'm afraid YOU won't be going anywhere.

Who was that?!

Oh my little Victor, how I missed you so. I'm SO glad I finally found you.

Wait a minute...

You know her, Victor?!

Yeah...

Of COURSE he does!

We spent all that time traveling together, after all!

So that means...

Yep. She's the fifth member of our group. Louise, the mage.

But she's...

Indeed. Louise, how is it you haven't changed since we last met?

TEEHEEEE, I mean, isn't it obvious?

I gained the same power from the ruins you did!

WHAT?!

B-But how? The ruins were destroyed?! There's no way the relics could have survived!

AW! Your stupidity is ALMOST adorable. I just used magic to find the relics. YES, the ruins were destroyed, BUT. THE. RELIC. ROOM survived! Teehee!

So you don't age, just like Victor?

......

Rude? The power I got is IM-MOR-TA-LI-TY. I age like anyone else, I just never die!

What?! But you look so young?

Oh this old thing? Your girl's got a SUPER secret beauty regiment. Here's a hint for ya, it's a little bit magic, and a little bit girls from Zarbo. TeeeeeheeeeeHEEEE!

What?!

No Louise, it can't be. I simply can't believe you would do something like that.

BUHBUHBUHLIEVE IT Victor. If a girl looks tasty, I take a bite, so to speak. OKAY, I just zap all the energy from their bodies teeeeeeheeeeeeeHEEEEEE! But for the record it's not just Zarbovian girls, I've been on the nubile diet for decades.

How could you do this...

I go from girl to girl throwing them out once I'm done with them. And I mean, don't get me wrong, I feel bad for them, BUT what do you expect me to do? Grow old? Ugh? No.

This isn't the Louise I know! You're ruining these girls lives for what? Clear skin? Do even know the evil you sow? The Louise I know wouldn't have sought immortality to begin with.

Ugh. But Viiiiictooooor it's all youuuuuuuuuuur faaaaaaaault.

What?!

Remember that time we all almost died fighting the monster in the ruins? Yeah, I saw how you got your whole "never-ever ages" super power. I didn't know HOW you got it, but I knew you got it and BOY was I MAD ABOUT IT.

UUUUUUUUGH I was SO JEALOUS! After we parted ways, I went back to see if there was any more of that magic madness for MOI.

You have to understand! Victor didn't do this because he wanted it! He was...

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! WILL THE IDIOT PLEASE SHUUUUUT UUUUUUUUUUUP? So when I went back I was all "gimme some of that ancient anti-aging cream!" But all they had left was immortality, BOOOOO.

So the relic had more than one power...

At first I was all "this is fine" but then I started getting older and UGH could you imagine? Living forever as an old hag? Seriously? I'd rather die. So the only fair thing was to sacrifice young girls. Smaaart riiiight? Problem is I'm kinda hitting my limit.

Limit?

Drink the life force from as many girls as I have and you'll know. You build up a tolerance. TeeeeHEEEEE.

Which is why, like, I'm so lucky to have found you Vicky-poo. Cause I totally need a favor from you.

...And what would that be?

Die pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!

What?! Who would ever agree to die? How can a person be so selfish?

I want him to DIE because... The power that grants him eternal youth will be returned to the relic it came from. Teehee. THEN I can take that power TEE And be young. HEEEEE AND immortal. HEEEEE Forever! TEHEHEHEHEEE! Think of all the girls you'll save!

How about Victor lives, and you just stop killing girls?!

Louise...

Yeeeees? Just so you know, even if you say no I'm just going to use my magic to...

I'll do it. I'll die.

What?!

I said I'LL DIE! What are you waiting for? I've done all I wanted to do in this life. Hurry up and get it over with.

I can't...

Victor! Are you crazy? How could you agree to this?!

Aldo. If it takes dying to save lives, then I'd be crazy not to.

But still!

I've lived long enough. I've been granted way more than enough time for one man. Besides, a young guy like you shouldn't be out galivanting with a geezer like me. My time is over. And besides, my intuition tells me this is the right choice!

Victor...

I hate to break it to you, but your intuition is wrong this time!

I won't let you kill Victor. YOU'RE going to stop killing women!

SO ANNOYING. You're like a mini-Victor. Can you imagine? I almost feel bad for you.

BUT if you wanna fight? We can do that? I just don't think you'll be able to handle my magic.

Aldo, no! I don't want to get you involved and she's one of the strongest mages around! You can't win!

Shut up Victor!

What?

You're my friend Victor. I don't care if you think you've "done enough" or any other excuse you can come up with. I won't let you just give up like that!

Aldo!

My eyes could not be rolling any harder at this. Listen, little man. If you want to die I can just start with you and THEN kill Victor.

Aldo! Run!

Whoa what?!

HEY! I'm chargin' up my magic here! Oh well doesn't matter. They can run but they can't hiiiiiiide TEEHEEHEEEE!

Whew, safe for now.

Victor...

...Your words are starting make me waver. This is bad. Let's return to Zarbo and think about a way to stop Louise.

Sounds like a plan.

I can't believe she was responsible for the missing girls...

Has she always been like this?

......

...No.

She was always a bit of a troublemaker, but she was good at heart. Always thoughtful, would always put others before herself. Which is why I'm so taken aback by all of this...

I see...

What does your intuition say?

Remember how she said that she did all this out of jealousy?

My intuition tells me that she's lying.

But why would she be lying?

The lie doesn't really matter. At the end of the day she's still killing women, and we have to stop her.

I wonder if any are still alive...

Louise!

Really?!

You can't!

......

What should we do?

She's immortal, so our chances of winning are slim to none. I'm not a huge fan of this idea, but I think we should go on the defense.

Go on defense?

I'll use my cloak to drain as much of her magic as I can. She may be immortal, but her magic has a limit. Once she runs out, we attack.

Is there anything you want me to do while we wait?

Mmmm... Perhaps you can help me hold this.

A gem? For what?

You'll see. Now, let's go find Louise.

To the Rucyana Sands it is, then.

Wowwww you aaaactually came back, Victor! TEEHEEE!

Of course I did.

So? Are we having ourselves a sacrifice or what? Did you convince your little friend?

Louise...

I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm not supposed to die here.

Come again?

He said he's not giving into your demands, Louise.

Ugh WHATEVER. Regardless if you agree to my terms or not...

I WAS GOING TO KILL YOU ANYWAY! TEEEEHEEEEE!!

Here we go, Aldo! Get behind me!

On it!

Urgh!

She's so strong!

So you're just going to stand there and block? You may look young but man you are OLD. Let me guess, you're biding time before my magic runs out? Do you think I'm stupid?

Urggh!

TEEEHEEEEE! THEN LET'S SEE JUST HOW MUCH YOU CAN TAKE.

Urghhh... Her power... It's too strong...

Are you okay, Victor?!

On it!

Why try so hard? The result will be the same regardless, so why not just get it over with quick?

The result will be the same?

URGGHHH!

Victor!

Oh Viccy-poo there you go again leaving out the important details. That little cloak he has? That belt? They BOTH steal his life force! TEEHEEE!

No way...

Argh!

And when he uses them both it's EVEN WORSE! That's why you never used them! I wonder what runs out first, my magic, or YOUR LIFE TEEEHEHEHEHEEEE!

So it would save us all A LOT more time if you just died.

NO! I still have fire left in me!

Ghh!

Victor!

Oh my gosh, you can't even stand! Okay. Well, I'm just going to take care of the boy and then I'll get to you. All the anger you'll feel from watching your friend die will be AMPLE punishment for making me try! TEEHEEE!

Argh!

AW! How cute! You actually think that's enough to stop me!

ALDO!

Uhm. What is that thing?

Wh-What the?!

Why aren't you dead?!

Nice! It worked!

Victor? This gem just started shining! Is this stealing your life force, too?!

No. It's a defensive magic that activated in response to your mental fortitude, my dear Aldo. I wasn't totally sure if it would work, but I knew if anyone could use it, it was you. I used to make your grandpa carry it back in the day.

I had no idea!

Okay I'm officially bored. Time to die, boys.

What?!

Louise...what have you done to yourself?!

I'll just kill you both at the same time! TEEHEEEE!

Victor. I think it's time we change our strategy. No more cloaks.

Okay, fine! She gives us no other choice. Just remember that gem won't work a second time.

Guh!

I didn't expect her to be this tough...

TEEHEHEHEHEEEEE! HELLOOOOO? I'm immortal! Attack and attack and attack all you want, YOU. WILL. NE-VER. WIN!

ARGH! I can't move!

Aldo!

Poor boys got all tuckered out before they could drain my power, awww. Before I finish the job Victor, I'd like to talk to you somewhere a little more private. Shall we?

If you don't, he dies now.

Don't do it, Victor! Don't worry about me!

My dear Aldo...

Victor if you don't come back, think about what that will do to grandpa! Don't go!

......

Sorry, Aldo.

Huh?

Do me a favor, will you?

Tell Gileas I'm sorry.

VICTOR NO!

...I'm back in the ruins?

The hidden relic?!

THE ONE AND ONLY! And after you die, it's alllllllllll mine!

I cannot let you leave this place alive.

It is my responsibility as your former companion to stop you, here and now. Even if it kills me in the process.

You can try!

But you're still going to die!

......

TEEHEEHEHEHEHEEEE! Did you go stupid on me? You're holding your weapon backwards and I haven't even gotten a scratch!

...No. You're unharmed by design.

Huh?

OHHH I get it! TEHEEE!! You're aiming for the relic!

Cause if you destroy the relic, then we BOTH lose our powers!

EWWWW NO! NONONONONO, NO!

I can't believe I actually destroyed the relic...

You did it knowing full well you'd turn old, too!

Yeah, and I'm fine with it. Eternal youth wasn't something I wanted in the first place.

......

...I know.

Huh?

I didn't know why, but... I knew you and I knew you wouldn't do something so selfish...

Then why...

Because I'm stupid, Victor. When I saw you gained eternal youth... I just didn't want to get left behind.

Left behind? What do you mean? I was the one who got left behind!

No. I just couldn't stand seeing myself getting older while you can stay young.

We'd get older and you'd still go on adventuring long after we all died. And I couldn't stand to see you watch me get old...

Louise...

I know, I know. This was all just a big mistake. I just wanted to be with you, but then, as time went by, I started to change...

......

Say, Victor...

What, Louise?

Remember meteor amber? That candy girls give to boys to tell them how they feel...

......

Don't worry Louise. I'll be there soon.

Urgh...this body... I can barely walk... My visions...blurry... and breathing...takes... so much...effort...

Heh... I guess...this...is it...

Hm?

What is...

The treasure...is being restored! Maybe because...the power of immortality...returned?

Wha? I'm young again!

The voice!

What?

Damn... Gileas... Guys...

What? Who's there?!

What?

What?

TAKE IT ALL! I DON'T CARE! JUST GIVE ME THE POWER TO SAVE THEM!

I refuse. What I have now is all I'll ever need.

VICTOR!

Aldo my boy!

There you are! I looked all over the desert and I can't believe you were down here this whole time!

Hahah. Sorry about that, buddy.

So, where is Louise?

Ah yeah... We won't have to worry about her anymore. I took care of it.

Oh, okay.

Why don't we go find those girls, then?

About that. They are all in a room I found on my way in. They were all unharmed.

Great news, my boy! Let's bring them back to Zarbo.

I'm just glad they all got back safe.

Tell me about it...

The ruins collapsed the minute we left... Do you mind telling me what happened back there?

It's a long story, but okay...

Wow... To think you became old for a second!

I honestly thought that I was done for. I could barely stand! I was sure it was the end of this long and crazy journey I've been on.

But, in that moment, I also felt regret.

Regret?

I regretted the the fact I didn't get to go on as many adventures with you as I wish I could have. Show you the world the way I see it.

Victor...

I was shocked, to be honest. I had always felt my adventures were over, but there I was, wishing for more...

I'd always felt hurt by being left behind by my old companions. I had always thought that after I defeat that monster, I could finally rest...

You were always trying to do it on your own, after all...

Hah.. I used to believe that if my friends were safe, then I'd be happy...

It was a weakness that manifested itself in a bad way. It took you yelling at me to snap me out of it.

Listen, I just didn't want to give up on you.

Promise me you'll never give up like that again.

Deal. Hah, seems like my adventurin' days aren't over just yet!

Time to ditch the "former" label, and devote all my time to...

Goin' on adventures with my dear boy Aldo!

Errr, you know, you don't have to do all that...

Fear not Aldo! And can you cut it out with the "yOu DoN't HaVe To Do AlL tHaT" crap? You sound like your grandpa.

It's called being polite, Victor!

My dear Aldo, you're too pure. Now. Just tell ol' Victor what kind of adventure you want next, because I plan on making it a doozy!

And also, next time we're in Baruoki, I think I'm gonna challenge that grandpa of yours to a duel. He was looking pretty strong last time. I bet he'd put up a good fight!

Yeah, sure, whatever. But about the adventure part?

GRAAAANDPAAAA! HEEEEEEEEEELP MEEEEEE!

You want to race, is that it? A racing adventure! How exciting!

That's the spirit, Aldo! My intuition tells me this adventure will be the best one yet!