Fruit of Vows

What's this?

Hm... Didn't something like this happen before?

Hehe. Looks like it's your lucky day again.

Seems like any time I'm with you, Radica, I pick these up.

Maybe you're bringing me good luck!

Y-You really think so?

I don't think it has anything to do with me... And my fortune reading always points to bad luck...

I'm happy you think so, but... I think it's just your imagination.

Really? I don't think so. I always have a good time when you're around...

Oh, I've got it. I bet you yourself are good luck for me, Radica.

H-Huh? Y-You...really think so?!

Th-Thank you... I'm happy to hear you say that, Aldo.

O-Oh right! Since you're having such good luck today, would you like me to read your fortune again?

Are you sure? Hey, Radica, your face is turning red.

I-It's nothing!

Huh?

What's wrong? Now you've gone pale...

That's strange... Just now something...

Huh?!

Did you get a bad fortune?

That's not it!

One card turned into white paper!

Into white paper?!

The power that resides within the card has almost completely faded...

I can't read it with what little power remains, but... This card is...

The...Salamander card?

The power of Salamander rests within this card?

Yes... That's right. I borrowed the power of the spirits to create these astral cards.

Huh?! You mean to tell me you made these cards?!

Yes... I visited well-known spirits, and passed their trials. Their power resides within the cards. In particular, Salamander was the first spirit I formed a pact with...

Why did only Salamander's power vanish just now?

The loss of the Four Great Elementals may be the cause...

If that's the case, there's nothing more to be done! Even if I went to ask for their power again, it would be impossible...

No wait... It's possible!

Huh?

They may be gone, but... The Four Great Elementals are still gathered in a place called Purgatory.

If we go there, we might be able to learn something about your cards!

Really?!

Yeah! It's decided. Let's get going...

I'll change clothes!

We're off to Purgatory!

Huh? Change clothes?!

Ah! R-Right. Sorry for startling you...

Um... There's a garment I wore back when I first went to challenge the spirit's trials. It's a special garment woven with threads full of energy from my elven village.

And, well... This time I may have to show them my strength again.

I see. Got it. Well then, I'll wait here until you're ready.

Thank you... I'll be right back.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Aldo.

Oh, Radica!

Apologies... I haven't worn this for a while, so it took some time to put it on.

Th-There isn't anything strange about it, is there?

Not at all! It looks great on you, Radica. That's a nice big hat, too.

R-Really?! Thank you, Aldo...

I'm honestly a little embarrassed dressing different than always.

Huh? Why's that?

W-Well, that's because...

F-Forget I said anything! Let's head to Purgatory!

Huh...? Right!

Hm. The Child of Man... And an elf maiden I haven't seen for some time. Since you passed the trial of fate... Why do you call upon me on this occasion?

Thank you for before. Actually, it's related to that... There's something I'd like to ask.

The card your power resided within suddenly turned to a piece of white paper. Could you give me a clue as to the reason?

Oh? That is certainly strange. As long as you have not lost the fire crystal I gave you when we formed a pact...

True, I wouldn't think Salamander's power would disappear so easily.

Indeed. Unless many months and years have passed, the power I bestowed upon you would not weaken...

Ah... Wait, young elf maiden.

Hm? Is something amiss?

Why is it you look as though you stand on the brink of chaos? Before, you seemed to harbor a wellspring of light energy...

Well...

I broke one of the taboos of my people. I am now a dark elf, after all...

Radica...

A taboo, you say? Perhaps that explains why my power has weakened.

Your body is now filled with dark energy. That energy is in conflict my pact with the light. Some time after you became a being of darkness...the power I bestowed upon you escaped.

I see...

Now we know why your power vanished.

But that card is very important to Radica, right? Can't she receive your power again?

Aldo...

Though my body has now changed, we Four Great Elementals yet govern over the powers of light... I cannot give my power to one who stands on the brink of chaos.

Salamander!

The relationship between light and dark. Since this planet's birth, it has been the primary spark of all conflict. Unless I return to being a normal elf... I will never be able to borrow your powers again. Correct?

What am I to do... I'm all out of ideas!

Dammit...

You who read the stars... It is yet too early to resign yourself to your fate.

Huh?

You have a deep connection... A deep-seated fate bound up with spirits. I will give you a chance. A chance to receive a blessing of light from the stars...

Salamander! Thank you so much...

That's great, Radica!

So what exactly do you mean by a chance?

The flow of the dark power within her. She must temper it with the flow of light... In her body... Both powers must flow in perfect harmony. Thereafter, she must swear a vow to one of the light, to be together forevermore.

Together? Wait... Um... What...exactly do you mean?

Maiden...

You must swear a vow to one who walks in the light.

Huh?

S-S-Swear a vow?! Me?!

Swear a vow?

You are in luck, for the child of man there is uncommonly blessed with the power of light. He is more than suitable for your vow.

W-Wait a second... Y-You mean I have to swear a v-vow with Aldo?!

Do you have some objection?

N-No, that's not what I meant! I-It's just that...

I'm not sure I totally understand, but If I swear a vow with Radica, she'll be able to use the power of light again, right?

Indeed. The power of the light within you is more than sufficient to cradle the darkness that dwells within her. With it, she can remain at the brink of chaos, and receive the protection of the vow of light for eternity.

All right.

Radica. If you have no objections... Will you swear a vow with me?

Huh?! Um... Uh... W-Well... A-Aldo... Are you sure you d-don't have any objections?!

If it's to help you, I want to try whatever I can. I know you might be worried, but you can leave it to me.

*sniff* Um... I-I don't have any objections! I'm not worried, either...

If you're with me, Aldo... I-I have nothing to worry about...

Thank you, Radica.

All right... So what exactly is this vow we're supposed to swear about?

The ceremony should be familiar to an elf, whose lineage is bound to the light.

I see... Radica, do you know what kind of ceremony it is?

U-Um... I do know of the existence of a ceremony, but I don't really know what we're actually supposed to do...

B-Because, swearing a vow means... That we're getting married, and I've never...

Married?!

Th-That's right, Aldo! Even if it's just a formality... Are you sure you want to perform this wedding ceremony with me?

I can't say I was expecting that, but...

If it's for you, my position hasn't changed.

*sniffle*

Radica? Are you okay?

Aldo... You're serious, aren't you? Thanks to you, I've stopped worrying about the small stuff! It's just a formality, after all!

It will be fine... Um... So... About the Ceremony of Vows.

Y-Yeah?

I just remembered I have a friend who could tell us more about it. Can we head to Sarupa?

Yes, of course!

W-Well then! Let's go together.

Thank you, Salamander. We will return once we exchange vows.

Understood... I will pray for your safety.

Are you sure you're okay, Radica? Your face has gone beet red... And it looks your eyes are tearing up...

And this person who knows about the ceremony...

She's around here, I think. I'll go look for her...

Oh... Radica. Did you come to see me?

Ah!

Ewella!

Ewella? Is this the person?

Yes. In my home village, she served as a diviner of sorts... And she's my old friend.

Oh really!

I'm Radica's friend, Aldo. Nice to meet you, Ewella.

Oh my... Hehe... Thank you for the kindness.

By the way, Radica... It's been a while since I've seen you in those clothes. Do they still fit well?

Is that Ewella?! Do you two know each other?

Well, well, I never expected this...

You two knew each other, Aldo?

Yeah, we travel together.

How about you two?

In my home village, she served as a diviner of sorts... And she's my old friend. She knows a lot about rituals.

I see...

By the way, Radica... It's been a while since I've seen you in those clothes. Do they still fit well?

So that's who you meant before.

Well, well, I never expected this... How interesting...

E-Ewella?

In my home village, she served as a diviner of sorts... She knows a lot about rituals.

I see... So that's it.

By the way, Radica... It's been a while since I've seen you in those clothes. Do they still fit well?

Yes! They haven't changed a bit since you first made them for me! Light as a feather and easy to move in! You're really amazing, Ewella...

You mean Ewella made those clothes for you?!

Yes. When I went to face the spirit's trials, Ewella gave them to me as a surprise.

Wow... What a great friend.

It was an important time for Radica. Isn't it obvious that I would want to do something for her? *giggle*

Yeah... I suppose I know how you feel.

Aldo...

And...Radica. You came to see me because you've ran into a problem, correct?

Oh... That's right! We need your expertise. Will you help us?

If it's for you, Radica, of course! What would you ask me?

W-Well... Um... It's just...

We...want you to tell us how to do the Ceremony of Vows!

The Ceremony...of Vows?

Oh my... Heehee... You mean you are going to marry this man beside you?

M-Marry?!

I-It's just...a formality! It's a long story, but...

We need to do the ceremony, but it's just a formality! We're not actually going to get married...

Hmm... Truly? Your eyes are glistening, and your cheeks are red as roses...

*giggle* As always, you're just so adorable, Radica...

E-Ewella!

If we don't do this Ceremony of Vows, Radica won't be able to use her cards anymore.

So...consider this a request from me as well. Please tell us how to do the ceremony.

Please, Ewella. I promise we'll explain the situation in full...

Heehee... But of course. You needn't do such a thing.

Huh?

Even without knowing the circumstances, I would be glad to help you.

Ewella... Thank you so much. You're always so kind to me...

But once we're finished, I'll be sure to tell you everything!

Is that right? If you're willing to tell me, I would be happy to listen.

(Radica and Ewella really are good friends, huh...)

Well then... About the Ceremony of Vows. It's really not all that difficult. You squeeze and drink the nectar of a holy tree's fruit and exchange your vows at the ceremony grounds.

From mouth...to mouth.

M-Mouth...to mouth?!

Heehee... Yes. Thus your energies will mix with the nectar of the fruit and come into you both.

Wh-What?!

Well then... Maldo was it? Allow me to teach you the particulars as well.

Maldo?! Um... I'm Aldo...

And... Radica's totally frozen up, are you sure she's okay?

*giggle* She's been like that since we were children.

And, Haldo. Now I'll tell you how to drink the nectar of the fruit, too... Hehehe...

F-From mouth...to mouth?! R-Really?! Me...and Aldo?!

N-No way! My face is so red, what am I going to do?!

Radica? Are you okay?

Eeek!

Whoa, you surprised me! What's the matter?!

S-Sorry... It's just... Your voice was much closer than I was expecting!

U-Um... W-Well then...

Yeah. I heard the details from Ewella. The fruit of the holy tree can be found in Vega Forest, it seems. Let's go together.

The witch's Shadow Power still lays thick there, but... Even there, you should find a holy tree with the power of light strong enough to produce fruit.

I-I see. Got it.

And... Um... Aldo... It's just...

Hm? You're already leaving?

Yeah. I want to hurry and get Radica's cards back to her.

*giggle* You really are so kind. Even if you were to marry Radica, I don't think you'd ever make her cry.

Ewella!

Heehee... My apologies!

But... If ever the rain of tears starts to fall...

Don't worry. Just remember your true friend Ewella will never make you cry.

*giggle*

Well then, Radica... Do your best!

H-Huh? Oh... Okay...

All right... Let's get going. Thank you for everything, Ewella. Once we get the fruit, we'll come back to do the ceremony.

Yes... I'll prepare for your return.

Uh... Um...

E-Ewella... Thank you! You were a big help!

Heehee... It's nothing. Anything for you.

Well...

Ah... Heehee! I wonder when the downpour will come?

Hm. I thought to take a nap, but now I've caught wind of this interesting development... Radica has helped me in many ways as well, and I would like nothing more than to give my support, but..

Yet, Aldo... You truly are a thoughtless man!

For some reason, only this area seems to have a tranquil air about it... Let's split up and look for this fruit of the holy tree. I'll search over here. Radica, can you...

......

Radica?

H-Huh?! Oh, yes!

Split up and search. Okay, got it. I'm to look over here, yes?

R-Radica? I said I'll search over here...

Oh! I-I'm sorry! I just kind of lost track of myself...

It must have been so surprising to see your precious card vanish... It's no wonder you're feeling absentminded. You should take a rest and leave it to me.

Um... That won't do. But thank you, Aldo. I was just thinking about something. I'm sorry I lost focus...

I see... Don't worry about it. But if you get tired, just let me know.

Yes, thank you.

I'll search over here, okay? We can meet up when we find it.

*sigh* This is no good! I've got to get a hold of myself! I've got to find the fruit of the holy tree, and then... And then...

From mouth...to mouth.

Ahh! Wh-What am I going to do?! I'll feel so self-conscious...I don't think I can even look Aldo in the eyes!

Aldo...heard about the mouth thing, right? S-So why is he acting just like he always does?

Is he fine with...joining his lips...with mine? E-Even if that's the case...

Wh-What am I thinking about?! It's just because Aldo's such a nice guy...

Oh...

The pure power of light... Could this be the fruit of the holy tree?

......

That's it... I have to make sure of Aldo's feelings.

Because he's so nice... Even if he didn't want to, I bet he wouldn't be able to tell me...

I can't give in! I can't stay embarrassed forever... I have to be courageous!

...ca!

Huh?

Aldo?!

I'm glad I found you in time! It looks like these things are trying to draw in the fruit!

Shadow monsters!

If we leave them as is, the fruit is in danger! Let's hurry and take them out!

Yes... I'm right behind you!

Nice! The monsters are gone now.

Thank you for helping me, Aldo...

Of course!

Well then, Radica. Let's collect the fruit.

O-Okay, got it.

So this is the fruit of the holy tree... It kind of feels warm, doesn't it?

I'm glad we were able to get one safely. We're supposed to do the ceremony behind the waterfall on Charol Plains. Let's take this and head there.

Oh... Aldo!

Huh? What is it?

U-Um... Well... You did hear how we're supposed to drink the nectar of the fruit, right?

Hm? Yeah... Ewella told me.

R-Really?! Is that so...

Ah! Aldo!

What's the matter, Radica? What's with the serious look?

It's just that... Um... I'm so happy...that you're working so hard to get my cards back... And, to be honest...I was also so happy to hear you would perform the vow of light with me!

Radica...

But... The ceremony itself... Are you sure you're okay with doing it the way we're supposed to?

It's just... Drinking the fruit's nectar together like that... I feel like I'll be taking something of great importance to you.

Are you sure...you're fine with that?

......

What are you talking about, Radica? There's no way I could leave something so important to someone else.

A-Ah! R-Really?! A-Are...you sure?!

Yeah. Leave it to me.

Oh! That is, of course, if you're okay with it, Radica.

O-Of course I am! It's just that... I wouldn't have been able to do this ceremony with anyone but you...

I see... I'm glad to hear that. I'll follow through to the end, so don't worry about a thing.

All right, let's go to the Charol Plains.

......

Huh?!

Oh... Welcome back, Radica.

It seems you managed to get the fruit without a problem.

Yeah, it all worked out great. I'd like to hurry and get this ceremony started...

*giggle* No need to rush, Baldo. Everyone hasn't arrived yet, after all.

Everyone?

Al! Radica!

Huh?! That voice...

I can't believe you two! If you're gonna do something fun like this, you've gotta invite your family!

Everyone! What are you doing here?!

I just happened catch word of this surprising news. I am in both of your debts many times over, and so...

I invited Ilulu and Poporo to come watch this Ceremony of Vows.

Uh-huh, that's right.

So... Today you two are gonna become a special pair like mommy and daddy?

Huh?! But, but! Al and Radica are already our mommy and daddy, right?!

Haha, I guess you're right.

*sniffle* (Wait! I'm glad to see everyone, but...) (That means...everyone is going to see us drink the nectar together, doesn't it?!)

Indeed. Though, prodding a flower to bloom only halts its progress.

Well then... Now that we are all gathered here today, perhaps we should begin the ceremony.

Not quite yet...

Huh? Is there something else?

Of course there is... Perhaps the most important part of all!

*giggle* Radica. Could you come over here?

H-Huh?

Everyone else, please turn the other way! You're not allowed to peak or you'll be in trouble!

Ewella?! Th-This is for me to wear?

Heehee... That's right. Go ahead... Hurry up and take that off.

What?!

Well then... All finished.

Ewella... Can we look?

Yes... Go ahead. Everyone can turn around now.

Wow! Radica, is that you?!

R-Radica...

My word! This is...quite something indeed!

Wow... Amazing!

U-Um...

Wh-What do you think... Aldo?

Amazing... I couldn't help but admire... It looks great on you, Radica. I think it's beautiful.

Ah!

Wow! She's frozen up! And her cheeks are red!

*giggle* I made it just for this day... I'm so happy to finally see you wear it.

You look beautiful, Radica...

Ah... Um... Th-Thank you... Aldo, and Ewella...

Well then... That should be everything. We can start the Ceremony of Vows now.

We're leaving it to you, Ewella.

Ah! (Th-That's right... It's almost... It's almost time?!)

You who are the light... Protector of this planet. These two have gathered here today to make an eternal vow.

Aldo... Do you swear to pour the river of light within you unto this maiden... The reader of stars and possessor of dark power, until death do you part?

I do.

Radica... Do you swear to cradle he who is light with the abyss of the darkness within you, until death do you part?

I do...

Offer the blessing of the fruit to heaven. O stars, pour your light into this fruit.

The fruit has been blessed. Now, drink of its nectar together, and receive the light and blessing it holds within.

Yes... I'll go first.

Now Aldo... With your own hands, offer your vow and blessing to the one who will share the path of fate with you.

(A-Aldo is... He's getting closer!) (Am I supposed to hold my breath? Wh-What do I do with my lips?)

(Oh... What am I supposed to do?! I've never done this before, and I'm clueless!) (Wait! My heart is beating so loud... If I don't do something, Aldo will hear it!)

(......) (N-Not yet? I've got to be patient...)

Radica?

Huh?

What's wrong? You've had your eyes shut the whole time.

Next is your turn, Radica.

H-Huh? U-Um... W-When we drink...aren't we suppose to k-ki...

Huh? Did you forget? We're supposed to take turns drinking the nectar from this cup, from the same part.

I've already drank my part. Now it's your turn, Radica.

Wh-What?!

*giggle* *snicker* Oh my...

(E-Ewella!)

Radica?

I-I'm fine! From the same part, right?!

Yeah. I drank from here, so...

Okay! All I have to do is drink from the same spot!

And now...a vow of light has been made. May good fortune bless your intertwined fates...

Wow, amazing! Radica, you look so radiant, yet so ephemeral at the same time... It's so beautiful! Kinda like looking at all the shining stars in the night sky!

Uh-huh... I think so, too.

Y-You truly think so?

It is proof that the ceremony was a success.

Really?! That's great!

Radica! Now you can ask for Salamander's powers again!

Th-That's right!

Now that it's decided, we should head straight to Purgatory!

Oh... Wait a moment. I'd like to change before going...

Oh, right! Got it.

......

Aldo?

Oh, it's nothing...

I just thought that dress really looked great on you.

All right, we'll all head outside and wait. Once you get changed, let's go to Purgatory together. Just the two of us.

Heehee... Just as planned.

Ewella! When you said mouth to mouth... You were just teasing me, weren't you?!

Oh my... You have my apologies. It's just, you're so cute...

*sigh* I'm so embarrassed. There I was, the only one confused... I was so flustered. We didn't need to kiss after all... Only drink from the same cup.

Indeed...

*giggle* But, Radica. You could still...

Say that, indirectly, you and him...

......

Huh?!

B-Bu...

W-Waaah?!

You have returned. And it seems your vow has been completed.

Yeah. Now will you lend Radica your powers?

But of course. I will now grant my flames to her.

How is it, Radica?!

Energy has returned to card that turned to paper, and it's showing the proper design!

Thank you, Salamander! Now I can finally tell fortunes again!

All is well. You, who are now protected by the vow of light... If some trouble befalls you, come visit me again.

That's great, Radica. Your card is finally back.

Yes, truly... And it's all thanks to you, Aldo.

Me? Nah, I didn't do anything, really...

That's not true... When the card turned to paper... And after we came to Purgatory, I thought all hope was lost...

I...was scared. I thought I would lose my power...

Radica...

*giggle* I'm such a coward... If I couldn't tell fortunes, I wouldn't be of any use on your journey, right? That's why...

But... You protected me. And saved my cards, and my place here with you.

From the depths of my heart... Thank you, Aldo.

......

Wait... That's not quite right.

Huh?

Whether you're helpful or not... That's got nothing to do with it. No matter what happens, Radica... You're an important friend.

Aldo...

Even if it wasn't about your cards, I think I would've tried anything to help you, Radica.

That's what I plan to do from here on out, without hesitation.

Thank you...

That's why, Aldo... I lo...

Huh? What was that?

Huh?

A-Ahh! It's nothing! (Wh-What was that about just now?! I was about to voice my feelings without a second thought!)

Um... Okay. You're so quirky, Radica.

*sigh*

A-Anyway! That's right! Your kindness has saved me so many times... So! That's why...I'm... Meeting you and... Traveling together...

I'm...so glad I met you, and that you're still by my side now.

Yes... That's what I wanted to tell you.

C-C'mon, you're making me blush. Haha...

Yeah... You're right, I think so, too.

Oh, right! Now that you've got your cards back, how about you read my fortune?

Huh?! True... We were just in the middle of a reading when all this happened... And I feel like I have even more energy than usual. I think it's a good day for a lucky reading!

Huh?!

What?!

What's wrong? Don't tell me Salamander's power hasn't fully returned?!

N-No... That's not it. But... Um...

Undine, Sylph and Gnome's cards... They've all turned to white paper!

The remaining Four Great Elementals... All their cards?! Does this mean...

We have to do the same ceremony... Three more times?!

N-No way...

My poor heart won't take it!