Deliverance Being and the Paladins

The Uruala in this time layer is really thriving.

Does it bring back a lot of good memories? It might be another time layer, but it's still your home.

I guess you're right... Though I never really expected to see it again like this.

I can't get over some of the things I don't remember being here. I can understand why they built a statue to the first Paladin, Lady Anna... But to have a statue of the other Anabel from this time layer...

Even though I know it's not really me, it is still me in a way.

Umm... It must be because she helped restore Uruala back to its former state.

Even though I'm really happy that Uruala is thriving, I still have these confused feelings.

Anabel...

I'm sorry, Aldo. I just haven't had enough time to process these emotions. I-I'm fine, though. How about we get moving?

Lady Anabel!

It's really you! Lady Anabel! You've returned!

Umm... Well...

Just follow my lead, Aldo.

I happened to be in the area, so I thought I should stop by and check in. How's everything in the village?

Everything's great! Not a thing to worry about in Uruala!

I heard that you had gone missing, but, well... I'm so relieved to see that you're okay!

Umm... Yes, I'm fine, but thank you for your concern.

It brings a smile to my face just seeing you like this. I'm sure everyone will be happy to see you, too!

By the way, Lady Anabel...does you being back now mean that... Well, you know...

What are you talking about?

The Ceremony of Souls! You came back to finally perform the ceremony!

The Ceremony of Souls?

How do I put this? The Ceremony of Souls is an event held to honor the former Paladins interred here in Uruala.

But...what exactly do you mean by "finally"? Doesn't the Paladin perform the Ceremony of Souls every year?

What the heck are you talking about?! There's always some reason for you to skip it!

I skip the ceremony?!

So that's why you're definitely going to attend this year, right?

Umm... Well...

Riiiggghhhttt?

O-Okay, I get the message. I'll be there.

Anabel?!

That's great news! I'll let everyone know!

......

I'm sorry about that, Aldo. I had no intention for this to happen.

It's no problem, but are you sure it's okay?

I admit that it feels weird that someone from another time layer would perform the ceremony... But as a Paladin, I can't simply ignore the pleas of those around me.

So long as you're okay with it, I guess.

I can't understand why the Anabel from this time layer would avoid the ceremony. It's not something a Paladin can just refuse.

I-It sounds like a really important event. Is there still enough time to prepare?

It's an event of great importance, but the preparation takes little time. Let's start by going to the inn around here.

I've got to change, so please wait for me here.

Sure.

What could she possibly be changing into?

Sorry about that, Aldo.

Anabel, look at you!

This is the ceremonial outfit made for me when I inherited the title of Paladin.

It looks great on you. It almost looks like a dress. And that mark on your chest... Is it the birthmark of the Paladin?

Yes it is, but...

Can you not stare so much? It's a little embarrassing.

O-Oh, sorry about that.

It's okay. I know you didn't have any ill intentions.

B-By the way, are the Paladins required to perform the Ceremony of Souls? You seemed pretty upset back there.

It's not mandatory. There are certainly times when the Paladin is unable to attend.

Does that mean someone else was a stand-in for the ceremony?

You got it, but typically the Paladin does attend. The Ceremony of Souls is extremely important to the people of Uruala.

Even though Uruala still hasn't fully recovered in our time layer, the people still hold the ceremony.

Aldo? Is something wrong?

S-Sorry. It's nothing.

If you say so...

Let's get a move on, shall we?

Yeah, sorry about all the questions. Where is the Ceremony of Souls held?

On the hill north of town, at the graves of the past Paladins. I'm sure the villagers are already waiting for us there.

Lady Anabel, you look stunning!

Mommy, mommy! Look at how pretty Lady Anabel is!

She looks beautiful.

Well would you look at that? I can die a happy man now.

......

Anabel, are you getting nervous?

It's not that. I was just thinking...

About what?

The Anabel in this time layer is so loved by the villagers here.

Yeah, everybody seems so excited to see you.

But I'm not really the Paladin Anabel that they know and love. It makes all of this feel so wrong. Should I really perform the Ceremony of Souls?

Anabel...

They're all waiting, though. As a Paladin, I have no choice but to answer their pleas.

If that's what you feel is right, Anabel, then I support you wholeheartedly.

Thank you, Aldo. Just because I'm from another time layer doesn't mean I can't do this. It is my duty to carry out the Ceremony of Souls.

That's the spirit, Anabel!

It's about time to start the ceremony. You should find a place to watch from.

......

I am Anabel. I am a Paladin, and I have taken it upon myself to carry the holy sword. I offer unto the spirits of those Paladins who rest in these hallowed grounds...

Wow, she's so pretty!

Light and tranquility... Prayers and gratitude...

......

A voice?

This concludes the Ceremony of Souls. But...what was that voice?

Huh?

What is this feeling? A barrier? Is something sealed away here?

Hey, Anabel! The villagers are calling for you!

Ah, sorry Aldo! I'll be right there!

Thank you for performing the Ceremony of Souls, Lady Anabel. The villagers were so happy to see you lead the ritual.

Honestly, I couldn't keep my eyes off you.

You're so kind, but I'm exhausted. Something about the ceremony wears me out.

Would you like to stay the night in the village, Lady Anabel? Your companion is welcome to stay as well.

Well, you see...

Why not? Staying another night won't hurt.

I guess you have a point...

All right, we'll stay the night.

Great, we'll prepare your rooms. Please make yourselves at home in the meantime.

Phew... We can finally come out. I still can't believe that the Paladin returned to the village.

We haven't been able to make our move all thanks to her.

But now this is our chance! Let's dig up these graves and then get the heck outta here.

Wow, look at this weather! Did you sleep well, Anabel?

Absolutely, I slept like a baby.

We should go say good bye to the villagers before we head out.

This is terrible! Look at the Paladins' graves!

What's going on?!

It sounds like something happened at the Paladins' graves. Let's go check it out!

What happened?

L-Last night... It seems that graverobbers violated the Paladins' graves.

Graverobbers?! Here?!

But that's not the real problem!

Look at that!

What is that?!

... The barrier that I felt yesterday... It's gotten weaker. Did the graverobbers disturb it?

That black stuff around the grave is growing!

Oh no! The barrier is going to...

Wh-What is that thing?!

Get back to the village! Aldo and I will handle this!

A-All right!

Urgh... This isn't gonna be a walk in the park!

Get it together, Aldo! If that monster attacks Uruala, then there's no telling what damage it could do.

We've got to defeat it here no matter what!

I got it! We won't let it reach Uruala!

Guagh!

It's so powerful... But we can't give up. If we fall here, then many others'll suffer.

Stop. You two as you are now won't be able to defeat it.

Huh?! That's the same voice from before...

Wait a moment... Are you... Are you Lady Anna?

Lady Anna?! Does that mean she's from this time layer?!

Thank you, Anabel. It's thanks to you holding the Ceremony of Souls that I was able to return to this place once again.

Lady Anna, be careful!

Stay behind me.

Graaar!

Wow!

But it's still...

It's gone? Did it run away?

I believe it's heading for the capital.

Do you mean Unigan?!

It is simply following its instincts, looking for a place where it can find more prey.

That's bad... We've got to hurry up and catch it!

Let's get going!

You lack the power to take down the beast, and yet you insist on fighting it...

Lady Anna, thank you so much for your assistance.

But we just can't allow it to wreak havoc on Unigan.

I am a Paladin. I cannot simply allow such a menace to roam freely.

I see... Then draw your blade.

Wh-What are you saying?!

Anabel... I am going to pass on to you the power of prayer that us Paladins have collected over the generations.

You're giving me the power of prayers?

I am not simply giving this might to you. I must first determine whether or not you are a vessel capable of holding such power.

Really? At a time like this?

Let's do this, Aldo. If we can't prove ourselves here, we won't stand a chance against that monster.

Anabel...

All right. Can I also fight, Lady Anna?

Please do. It's not as though you would just be fighting me, anyway.

Huh?

You will have to prove yourselves to not just me, but all of the Paladins who rest here. Now, show us your strength. Prove to us that you are worthy of this power!

We have to prove ourselves to all of the Paladins?

We can't fail this test. We'll make it through this and defeat that monster!

How was that?!

You two possess the necessary strength.

That was an excellent show of skill. I would expect nothing less of those who set my spirit free in the other time layer.

You... You knew?

When you initially prayed to me, I took a look into your memories.

...... In that case, can I ask you something, Lady Anna?

What do you wish to know?

Do you believe the same things as the Lady Anna in our world? Do you want to rid the world of all life?

Anabel...

......

If you do, then I'll need to turn my blade on you next.

That will not be necessary.

Huh?

As I told you, I looked into your memories. You already have your answer. Anabel, please take me with you. I would like to see the world that comes of your ideals.

Lady Anna...

All right. I'll take you with me... You'll see what a peaceful world without war is like.

Anabel... Thank you.

I swear by this birthmark, I shall not fail.

Lady Anabel, allow us to come as well. We shall drive back that monster in order to protect the prayers of the people.

All right, let's go!

Does this mean we passed the test?

Yes. All that remains now is to stop that monster. Come on, Aldo. We need to get to Unigan!

Darn it! The fighting has already begun!

Anabel, use our power. Restrain this calamity from the skies above.

Right! Aldo, I'll take care of the monster. I'll leave the wounded to you!

Got it. Be careful, Anabel!

It's not over yet!

*roar*

I won't let you do as you please. In the name of the Paladin Anabel, your time here ends now!

You guys fall back. I'll handle things from here!

Everyone, hide in the castle! Anabel can take care of this!

It's just you and me!

Paladin Anabel, please use the power of prayer!

All right!

Deliverance Sword!

Graaaaaargh!

Anabel!

That should've heavily injured it. If we keep up the pressure then...

I don't think it's gonna be that easy.

I think you're right. But it's chosen this place to fight. We've got to defeat it here!

Did that work?!

Darn it! It's still not giving up!

I'm putting an end to this, now!

Deliverance Sword... Bring together the prayers of two worlds... And put an end to this calamity!

*roar*

Is it finally over?

Yeah, I think so.

Phew... I'm glad that's over.

Aldo, thank you for staying by my side through this.

You did all the heavy lifting. Without you, I'd never been able to take that chimera down.

Umm, well... How should I put this...

Uh oh, they're really pressuring her...

Everybody, relax! Give Lady Anabel some breathing room!

Radias!

Aldo, take Anabel and get out of here. Leave this to me.

Really?

Of course really. Honestly...

You saved this land yet again. You have my thanks and be sure to tell Anabel that as well.

Got it. I'll leave these guys to you, Radias.

Phew... It looks like we made it out of Unigan. I'll have to thank Radias later.

Let's come back once things have calmed down. For now, let's return to our time layer.

Trust me, I want to go home as badly as you. However, I still have one last piece of business to take care of.

What business is that?

Justice must be delivered to those who defiled the Paladins' graves.

Do you know where the graverobbers are?

Yes. The Deliverance Being which resides inside of me told me.

Well that's reassuring!

They're in Rinde. Quick, let's go!

Hey bro, did you hear? This yuge monster made a mess in Unigan.

Tell someone who cares! The knights can take care of that. Let's go. My fence is waiting for our loot from the graves.

I don't think so. We'll be taking that loot back.

Huh? Who said that?!

Oh shoot! Is it really her?!

Are you the Paladin Anabel?!

I see that my reputation precedes itself. You violating the Paladins' graves released an ancient evil upon the world. You're going to pay for that.

Oh no, bro! We gotta split!

Wh-What's with this horse?!

Just give up. There's nowhere for you to run.

Now, make your choice. Come with me quietly... Or feel the wrath of the holy sword.

Rgh... Bro...

All right, it looks like that's finished.

I'm sorry for dragging you all the way out here, Aldo.

It's okay, really. Honestly, I wanted to tag along.

We would also like to thank you. You helped us fulfill the prayers of many this day.

I just did what I could. As both a Paladin and as the one who took on the prayers of others.

It brings us great pride to know a Paladin such as yourself continues down the path we laid.

...... I couldn't be more honored.

Paladin Anabel... We wish you fortune in your coming journeys. We will be by your side so long as there are prayers in the world.

They're gone... Did they disappear into you?

I think so. I'm sure that they'll be back when I need them again.

So you have the power of prayer from two worlds... I can't even imagine how much power that is.

You're definitely right. This power is nothing to scoff at. But...

I won't let it change me. I'll just have to keep moving forward, down the same path I've always walked.

I'm sure you'll be able to master the power.

Hey, Aldo? I think I want to go to Uruala after we get back to our time layer. Maybe Deirdre and I can work together to restore the village.

That sounds like a great idea. That'll be the first step to Uruala's revival.

I wonder... I can't be too sure, but I really hope you're right.

Along with Deirdre, I want to bring about the Uruala that we saw today.

And don't forget about me. I wanna help you out, too.

Thank you as always, Aldo. Now, let's get going back to our time layer!

Sounds good to me!