09 - David's past, Holy Plain, Sacred Lands - Journey's End
This is the 2nd post of the day. Check if you've read the one before this!
It was time for the final battle. Before heading off, Rush took the time to chat with everyone.
"Rush... since meeting you, we and Lord David have all changed a great deal. From being preoccupied with the affairs of a single small city, we've somehow come to be at the forefront of a battle that affects the future of the entire world. It's a bit of a change in scale, to say the least. It's thanks to you that our horizons have been broadened so, and for that you have my deepest appreciation," Pagus said, cranking his head back to look up at Rush. "Anyhow! It's well past time for the final showdown, isn't it? Let's finish off the Conqueror, once and for all!"
Torgal, standing to David's right but with a little distance from him, nodded at Rush. "Of late I have been surprised to see the rate of Lord David's development. At first I thought he'd finally gained the former Marquis's spirit... but no. He's learnt more than that through these harrowing battles. I do not know exactly how, but it's due to you, Rush. Walking this path with you has allowed him to grow in ways we could not teach him. Together, let us face the Conqueror, and defeat him. And afterwards... please, continue to be at David's side." fsdjkfhlsakfhkjsa
One couldn't tell what Rush's reaction was to that. Perhaps he was embarrassed. He went to Emmy.
"Ever since Mother died, and I became one of the Generals of Athlum, I've dreamt of getting revenge on the Conqueror. I thought that killing him would avenge her, and that was enough for me. But, after spending all this time with you, I can't help but think that thought was awfully small-minded. Solely thinking of revenge probably isn't going to change the world - not for the better, at least. It probably will only spawn some other act of violence. And I'm tired of this endless fighting. This cycle needs to end. So, more than revenge, that's why I want to stop the Conqueror. You've helped me open my eyes to the bigger picture, Rush, I appreciate it."
And finally, Blocter said, "this might sound kinda sappy, but I'm real glad I've had the chance to fight alonside you and the young master. But seriously, Rush, if you think we're gonna let you face the Conqueror all alone, you're dead wrong. Whether you're marching to the Sacred Lands or to the gates of the underworld itself, it doesn't matter. We're brothers now - together 'til the end! Awright! Time to take a deep breath and knock that Conqueror from here to next Tuesday!"
After that, Rush went up to David, who had a confession XD to make.
"...You know, the first time I laid eyes on you, I was struck by how cute you are simple-minded and naive you seemed. I knew you bore some special power. I thought that if I kept you close, I could control you, and have you use that power to Athlum's advantage. But hearing your words, I realised I've been blind. You've been the one in control all along - showing me the way. In the end, it's I who's truly been simple-minded. Thank you, Rush." He paused. "...Well. I suppose this really isn't the time for such sentimental drivel. All of Athlum's forces are to take up arms and strike down the Conqueror! To the Holy Plain!"
Rush took some time to gear up, and popped to the pub for a bit for one last pint. Weird enough, a messenger was there waiting for him.
"Sir Rush, Lord David has an important matter to discuss with you. Will you make your way to Athlum Castle?"
"I'm on my way," said Rush, and turned back.
David was waiting for Rush, alone, in the main hall.
"Rush, thanks for coming. I wanted to ask something of you before the others get back," he said, hands clutched into fists, "I know this is short notice, but would you accompany me to Fornstrand? We have a bit of free time, and there is someone I am quite overdue to meet."
"Yeah, why not?" Rush answered simply.
"Thank you, Rush."
They trekked to Fornstrand, at the northern edge of the continent, north of even Nagapur. This was where they previously went, under Duke Ghor's orders, to look for an unbound Remnant. David paused just outside of the area.
"We'll find her here. Let's go," he said, and explained no further.
They crossed the area travellers called The Starry Shore. Suddenly David stopped and looked at the sea.
"This is exactly the way I remember it..." he said, then turned towards Rush. "Five years ago, this was my place to hide from the world. I was angry for being born a Nassau. A marquis is responsible for everything. The title was nothing but a burden.
"Childish, I know.
"That's when I met a little girl. She was my age and lived on the outskirts of town. Apparently, this was her hideout too. We became friends and spent a lot of time together here. I was always surrounded by adults and it was refreshing to be able to speak to someone my age. Even after she found out who I was, she never treated me differently."
Then they reached the area known as Realm of the Sea Monster.
"'Nothing bad can happen to Athlum if you're in charge.' That's what she said to me one day. I think I nodded in reply with a wry smile." David continued his story, not looking at Rush now. "As long as Athlum was ruled by Celapaleis, there was always a chance we would go to war. A small country like Athlum would never gain independence. Ever. At least, that's how I used to think. But I was glad that she had faith in me. I felt reassured.
"That day, we made our usual promise to meet up again and went our separate ways. But then she stopped coming. I haven't seen her in a long, long time.
"Let's go. It's up ahead."
Moving towards David's destination, they were ambushed by the giant fiend Dharma - probably the reason behind the name of this particular part of Fornstrand. (Reference. By making David defeat a monster named such, it's probably symbolising him finding his path.) After disposing it, David walked up ahead, stopping a small distance away from Rush, his head bowed and his fists clenched tight.
"The night of our last meeting, a slew of monsters attacked Athlum," David's back was turned to Rush. Rush stayed where he was and just listened. "I quickly gathered our troops, but I was too late. The monsters had gotten into town. If only I hadn't needed permission to use the Gae Bolg, I might have been able to prevent the invasion. But I had to prioritise the treaty with Celapaleis over the townspeoples' lives.
"As a result, there were several casulties. She was one of them.
"I've never felt so helpless. A ruler who couldn't even save the life of one girl..."
And then it seemed like he wasn't talking to Rush anymore.
"I know it's been a while since I've come back. I'm sorry for the wait. I couldn' bring myself to come, even though I knew you were here. I promised myself I would come back when I was worthy - when Athlum became the country you hoped it would be. Athlum's gained its independence. I know it's a small step forward, but it's a step nonetheless. It's all because of your words that I was able to come this far.
"I've been meaning to tell you something - something I promised myself I would tell you the next time we met.
"Thank you. And..."
They returned to Athlum Castle after that.
"Thank you for accompanying me." David seemed to be back to his usual self. "Athlum has just barely begun to hold her own. With the help of everyone, I want to turn her into a city that will be looked up to and admired."
Neither of them said anything more.
It's not me, they deliberately don't show all of what David said. But you can guess anyway. The above was the one and only sidequest given by David.
Athlum's army, which was known for being small but incredibly powerful, marched to the Holy Plain, northeast of Elysion and dangerously close to the city. Many battles that had taken place here before, including the Holy War, raged into all-out war because of its geography. There, they defeated the Conqueror's army, preventing them from invading Elysion.
After that, they went into the city to use to Ark to find the Conqueror. But somehow, Irina couldn't bind it - it must be the Conqueror's doing.
David was not impressed. "So we've come here for nothing! There must be another way to the Sacred Lands."
Pagus tried console. "We will find a way, Lord David. There are many undiscovered Remnants in existence. We simply need to find one that can take us there."
"Will it really be that simple? We're running out of time!"
This was getting on Rush's nerves. "We can't just roll over and give up, Dave!"
David took a second to think and decide. "Let's move!"
Back to Athlum. Rush asked his mother if she had any idea how they could get to the Sacred Lands.
"Fath- er, I mean, Oswald might know something."
She didn't do a very good job hiding a truth, did she? Anyway, Oswald was in Nagapur, so Rush had to go there and find him. He was inside Pub Drachenhauch, on the second floor.
"Hello, Rush Sykes. I hear you are looking for a way to the Sacred Lands. I have some information that may be of help. Travel northeast of Nagapur to the Sixth Path of Siebenbur. What you desire may be found at the end of the road. ...Rush, Irina. I think of you as my own grandchildren. Please, return safely."
(The Paths of Siebenbur were underground passages located all over the continent. Some of them were interconnected, some not. Rush & co had been inside many of them during sidequests.)
The Sixth Path led to the Seven Path, both dens of deadly monsters. It took quite some time for them to find the Remnant Oswald talked about. Irina was able to bind this, meaning they could use it to go to the Sacred Lands.
"I believe you were warned about this. Continued association with the Conqueror would be harmful to your health."
It was Wagram. Weird enough, he once again gave them a choice. It seemed like he really didn't want to have to kill them. "You still have a chance to escape with your lives. Get out of here."
David's eyes narrowed. "And if I refuse?"
"...As you wish. I shall wipe your very existence from this earth!
"The binding oaths of magick old
Summon your being and your soul
From whitest heavens you shall soar
To darkest earth, your home no more.
Come forth!"
The fiend Wagram summoned was the Icy Idol. After the fight, when it dropped in defeat, it became clear that its essence was somehow tied up with Wagram. As the man died, he asked, his eyes fixed on Rush, "why... why do you walk down such a different path? Why don't you journey together?"
Rush stayed quiet and showed no reaction.
Wagram collapsed, and laughed when a ring of crackling magic appeared above, descending onto him. "Fine... do as you like." The red ring seemed to be sapping him away and he disintegrated into the air. "You are, after all..."
When he was finally gone, Rush closed his eyes briefly.
It was time to use the Remnant and go to the Sacred Lands.
Unlike the first time they had been there (during which Rush fainted after having a flashback), the Sacred Lands was now infested by monsters. But they were able to get to the deepest point, and Rush opened a huge door.
HQ version here
They fought Roeas and Castanea, and finally, finally the Conqueror.
This is the end. You should click the link and watch the HQ version:
HQ version here
And credits, because you know you want to listen to the music and watch right to the end...
=end=
...And that is the end.
fjsdfhjkshfksjhfkslhfsklfhsdkfhsdak. David and Irina's reactions. Their tears. David staying strong, holding Irina back until Rush was gone, and then screaming. Oh my god. Oh my god.
Did anyone else notice... when Rush said "sorry Dave you won't have any Remnants left after this, but people will figure out how to live without us," Dave's reply was "Right. It'll be alright, Rush! I... we'll get by somehow!" - he said I first. As if he realised he had to figure out how to live without Rush from now on. T_T And btw, he's crying there, tears all over his face, just like Irina. But it seems like you can't see that on YouTube. T_T
[edit] So like, the Japanese version of the ending is translated slightly differently. For more, see here. Basically what they said after the credits was:
Conqueror: これから どうする気だ? (Korekara dousuru ki da? - What will you do now?)
Rush: さあ? でも 帰るさ...... あいつが待ってるからな (Saa? Demo kaerusa... aitsu ga matteru karana. - What do you think? But I'm going back...... because that person is waiting for me.)
"Aitsu" = he/she/that guy. If Rush meant "they", like the English version, he would've said "aitsura" instead.
Given that the last person Rush actually spoke to was David, and in the ending movie it seems like Irina has moved on, I can't help but think that Rush was actually referring to David, not Irina...
These nine posts represent a very quick run-through of the main events. There are lots of things that I didn't touch on - Torgal and his friend Allan, with whom he started the Steel Syndicate, but then he left to serve Athlum eighty years ago (highly unusual for sovanis) and the syndicate fell into pieces, and Allan thought it was extremely degrading that Torgal spent his days running after some mitra child; Pagus's two best friends Maddox and Sibal, how they used to go on adventures together as young men and met up again thirty years later for more of the same; the Ladies of Bloody Alice, women who were used by the Third Committee as experiement subjects, forced to be fused with Remnants just to see what would happen; Duke Ghor's determination not to let Remnants be misused; the fact that Wagram was, in fact, the Imperator, which was why even the current God Emperor bowed to him (yes, this means he's over 1000 years old and was the one in love with Marion Marshall and likely Irina's greatgreatgreattttt.... grandfather); Caedmon, who led the Silver Falcons and was surprisingly public for a sovani............. lots and lots of things.
But I don't know if I'll ever be able to write up all the other little bits.
For now, that's all.
It was time for the final battle. Before heading off, Rush took the time to chat with everyone.
"Rush... since meeting you, we and Lord David have all changed a great deal. From being preoccupied with the affairs of a single small city, we've somehow come to be at the forefront of a battle that affects the future of the entire world. It's a bit of a change in scale, to say the least. It's thanks to you that our horizons have been broadened so, and for that you have my deepest appreciation," Pagus said, cranking his head back to look up at Rush. "Anyhow! It's well past time for the final showdown, isn't it? Let's finish off the Conqueror, once and for all!"
Torgal, standing to David's right but with a little distance from him, nodded at Rush. "Of late I have been surprised to see the rate of Lord David's development. At first I thought he'd finally gained the former Marquis's spirit... but no. He's learnt more than that through these harrowing battles. I do not know exactly how, but it's due to you, Rush. Walking this path with you has allowed him to grow in ways we could not teach him. Together, let us face the Conqueror, and defeat him. And afterwards... please, continue to be at David's side." fsdjkfhlsakfhkjsa
One couldn't tell what Rush's reaction was to that. Perhaps he was embarrassed. He went to Emmy.
"Ever since Mother died, and I became one of the Generals of Athlum, I've dreamt of getting revenge on the Conqueror. I thought that killing him would avenge her, and that was enough for me. But, after spending all this time with you, I can't help but think that thought was awfully small-minded. Solely thinking of revenge probably isn't going to change the world - not for the better, at least. It probably will only spawn some other act of violence. And I'm tired of this endless fighting. This cycle needs to end. So, more than revenge, that's why I want to stop the Conqueror. You've helped me open my eyes to the bigger picture, Rush, I appreciate it."
And finally, Blocter said, "this might sound kinda sappy, but I'm real glad I've had the chance to fight alonside you and the young master. But seriously, Rush, if you think we're gonna let you face the Conqueror all alone, you're dead wrong. Whether you're marching to the Sacred Lands or to the gates of the underworld itself, it doesn't matter. We're brothers now - together 'til the end! Awright! Time to take a deep breath and knock that Conqueror from here to next Tuesday!"
After that, Rush went up to David, who had a confession XD to make.
"...You know, the first time I laid eyes on you, I was struck by how cute you are simple-minded and naive you seemed. I knew you bore some special power. I thought that if I kept you close, I could control you, and have you use that power to Athlum's advantage. But hearing your words, I realised I've been blind. You've been the one in control all along - showing me the way. In the end, it's I who's truly been simple-minded. Thank you, Rush." He paused. "...Well. I suppose this really isn't the time for such sentimental drivel. All of Athlum's forces are to take up arms and strike down the Conqueror! To the Holy Plain!"
Rush took some time to gear up, and popped to the pub for a bit for one last pint. Weird enough, a messenger was there waiting for him.
"Sir Rush, Lord David has an important matter to discuss with you. Will you make your way to Athlum Castle?"
"I'm on my way," said Rush, and turned back.
David was waiting for Rush, alone, in the main hall.
"Rush, thanks for coming. I wanted to ask something of you before the others get back," he said, hands clutched into fists, "I know this is short notice, but would you accompany me to Fornstrand? We have a bit of free time, and there is someone I am quite overdue to meet."
"Yeah, why not?" Rush answered simply.
"Thank you, Rush."
They trekked to Fornstrand, at the northern edge of the continent, north of even Nagapur. This was where they previously went, under Duke Ghor's orders, to look for an unbound Remnant. David paused just outside of the area.
"We'll find her here. Let's go," he said, and explained no further.
They crossed the area travellers called The Starry Shore. Suddenly David stopped and looked at the sea.
"This is exactly the way I remember it..." he said, then turned towards Rush. "Five years ago, this was my place to hide from the world. I was angry for being born a Nassau. A marquis is responsible for everything. The title was nothing but a burden.
"Childish, I know.
"That's when I met a little girl. She was my age and lived on the outskirts of town. Apparently, this was her hideout too. We became friends and spent a lot of time together here. I was always surrounded by adults and it was refreshing to be able to speak to someone my age. Even after she found out who I was, she never treated me differently."
Then they reached the area known as Realm of the Sea Monster.
"'Nothing bad can happen to Athlum if you're in charge.' That's what she said to me one day. I think I nodded in reply with a wry smile." David continued his story, not looking at Rush now. "As long as Athlum was ruled by Celapaleis, there was always a chance we would go to war. A small country like Athlum would never gain independence. Ever. At least, that's how I used to think. But I was glad that she had faith in me. I felt reassured.
"That day, we made our usual promise to meet up again and went our separate ways. But then she stopped coming. I haven't seen her in a long, long time.
"Let's go. It's up ahead."
Moving towards David's destination, they were ambushed by the giant fiend Dharma - probably the reason behind the name of this particular part of Fornstrand. (Reference. By making David defeat a monster named such, it's probably symbolising him finding his path.) After disposing it, David walked up ahead, stopping a small distance away from Rush, his head bowed and his fists clenched tight.
"The night of our last meeting, a slew of monsters attacked Athlum," David's back was turned to Rush. Rush stayed where he was and just listened. "I quickly gathered our troops, but I was too late. The monsters had gotten into town. If only I hadn't needed permission to use the Gae Bolg, I might have been able to prevent the invasion. But I had to prioritise the treaty with Celapaleis over the townspeoples' lives.
"As a result, there were several casulties. She was one of them.
"I've never felt so helpless. A ruler who couldn't even save the life of one girl..."
And then it seemed like he wasn't talking to Rush anymore.
"I know it's been a while since I've come back. I'm sorry for the wait. I couldn' bring myself to come, even though I knew you were here. I promised myself I would come back when I was worthy - when Athlum became the country you hoped it would be. Athlum's gained its independence. I know it's a small step forward, but it's a step nonetheless. It's all because of your words that I was able to come this far.
"I've been meaning to tell you something - something I promised myself I would tell you the next time we met.
"Thank you. And..."
They returned to Athlum Castle after that.
"Thank you for accompanying me." David seemed to be back to his usual self. "Athlum has just barely begun to hold her own. With the help of everyone, I want to turn her into a city that will be looked up to and admired."
Neither of them said anything more.
It's not me, they deliberately don't show all of what David said. But you can guess anyway. The above was the one and only sidequest given by David.
Athlum's army, which was known for being small but incredibly powerful, marched to the Holy Plain, northeast of Elysion and dangerously close to the city. Many battles that had taken place here before, including the Holy War, raged into all-out war because of its geography. There, they defeated the Conqueror's army, preventing them from invading Elysion.
After that, they went into the city to use to Ark to find the Conqueror. But somehow, Irina couldn't bind it - it must be the Conqueror's doing.
David was not impressed. "So we've come here for nothing! There must be another way to the Sacred Lands."
Pagus tried console. "We will find a way, Lord David. There are many undiscovered Remnants in existence. We simply need to find one that can take us there."
"Will it really be that simple? We're running out of time!"
This was getting on Rush's nerves. "We can't just roll over and give up, Dave!"
David took a second to think and decide. "Let's move!"
Back to Athlum. Rush asked his mother if she had any idea how they could get to the Sacred Lands.
"Fath- er, I mean, Oswald might know something."
She didn't do a very good job hiding a truth, did she? Anyway, Oswald was in Nagapur, so Rush had to go there and find him. He was inside Pub Drachenhauch, on the second floor.
"Hello, Rush Sykes. I hear you are looking for a way to the Sacred Lands. I have some information that may be of help. Travel northeast of Nagapur to the Sixth Path of Siebenbur. What you desire may be found at the end of the road. ...Rush, Irina. I think of you as my own grandchildren. Please, return safely."
(The Paths of Siebenbur were underground passages located all over the continent. Some of them were interconnected, some not. Rush & co had been inside many of them during sidequests.)
The Sixth Path led to the Seven Path, both dens of deadly monsters. It took quite some time for them to find the Remnant Oswald talked about. Irina was able to bind this, meaning they could use it to go to the Sacred Lands.
"I believe you were warned about this. Continued association with the Conqueror would be harmful to your health."
It was Wagram. Weird enough, he once again gave them a choice. It seemed like he really didn't want to have to kill them. "You still have a chance to escape with your lives. Get out of here."
David's eyes narrowed. "And if I refuse?"
"...As you wish. I shall wipe your very existence from this earth!
"The binding oaths of magick old
Summon your being and your soul
From whitest heavens you shall soar
To darkest earth, your home no more.
Come forth!"
The fiend Wagram summoned was the Icy Idol. After the fight, when it dropped in defeat, it became clear that its essence was somehow tied up with Wagram. As the man died, he asked, his eyes fixed on Rush, "why... why do you walk down such a different path? Why don't you journey together?"
Rush stayed quiet and showed no reaction.
Wagram collapsed, and laughed when a ring of crackling magic appeared above, descending onto him. "Fine... do as you like." The red ring seemed to be sapping him away and he disintegrated into the air. "You are, after all..."
When he was finally gone, Rush closed his eyes briefly.
It was time to use the Remnant and go to the Sacred Lands.
Unlike the first time they had been there (during which Rush fainted after having a flashback), the Sacred Lands was now infested by monsters. But they were able to get to the deepest point, and Rush opened a huge door.
Click to viewHQ version here
They fought Roeas and Castanea, and finally, finally the Conqueror.
This is the end. You should click the link and watch the HQ version:
HQ version here
And credits, because you know you want to listen to the music and watch right to the end...
=end=
...And that is the end.
fjsdfhjkshfksjhfkslhfsklfhsdkfhsdak. David and Irina's reactions. Their tears. David staying strong, holding Irina back until Rush was gone, and then screaming. Oh my god. Oh my god.
Did anyone else notice... when Rush said "sorry Dave you won't have any Remnants left after this, but people will figure out how to live without us," Dave's reply was "Right. It'll be alright, Rush! I... we'll get by somehow!" - he said I first. As if he realised he had to figure out how to live without Rush from now on. T_T And btw, he's crying there, tears all over his face, just like Irina. But it seems like you can't see that on YouTube. T_T
[edit] So like, the Japanese version of the ending is translated slightly differently. For more, see here. Basically what they said after the credits was:
Conqueror: これから どうする気だ? (Korekara dousuru ki da? - What will you do now?)
Rush: さあ? でも 帰るさ...... あいつが待ってるからな (Saa? Demo kaerusa... aitsu ga matteru karana. - What do you think? But I'm going back...... because that person is waiting for me.)
"Aitsu" = he/she/that guy. If Rush meant "they", like the English version, he would've said "aitsura" instead.
Given that the last person Rush actually spoke to was David, and in the ending movie it seems like Irina has moved on, I can't help but think that Rush was actually referring to David, not Irina...
These nine posts represent a very quick run-through of the main events. There are lots of things that I didn't touch on - Torgal and his friend Allan, with whom he started the Steel Syndicate, but then he left to serve Athlum eighty years ago (highly unusual for sovanis) and the syndicate fell into pieces, and Allan thought it was extremely degrading that Torgal spent his days running after some mitra child; Pagus's two best friends Maddox and Sibal, how they used to go on adventures together as young men and met up again thirty years later for more of the same; the Ladies of Bloody Alice, women who were used by the Third Committee as experiement subjects, forced to be fused with Remnants just to see what would happen; Duke Ghor's determination not to let Remnants be misused; the fact that Wagram was, in fact, the Imperator, which was why even the current God Emperor bowed to him (yes, this means he's over 1000 years old and was the one in love with Marion Marshall and likely Irina's greatgreatgreattttt.... grandfather); Caedmon, who led the Silver Falcons and was surprisingly public for a sovani............. lots and lots of things.
But I don't know if I'll ever be able to write up all the other little bits.
For now, that's all.