XDU provides us with a legendary crossover!
Stage 1: An Encounter With the Unknown
Tsubasa: Unngh… Did I fall asleep?
Kanade: Ow. What the heck happened?
Maria: Is this… the ocean?! When did we come here?
Kanade: Hmm… yeah, this place doesn’t seem familiar at all.
Tsubasa: Not only is this place strange, but the atmosphere… it just leaves me with a bad feeling.
Maria: I wonder what happened? As I recall, we were in the middle of a mission.
Tsubasa: Right. There were multiple reports of weird sightings and events…
Kanade: Yep. Like someone saw an angel, and there was another report of some weird bone monsters showing up.
Maria: We were on our way to the location when a rift appeared in the sky…
Maria: Maybe this is all related to those reports we got?
Kanade: They did say there was someone who could use what looked like alchemy. We might have gotten caught in one of their techniques.
Tsubasa: That’s certainly possible. However, I wonder what the giant sword I saw for a moment…
Kanade: Sword? Where was that?
Tsubasa: I saw it while we were floating in this weird space, after we were sucked into the rift.
Kanade: I don’t remember that.
Maria: Same here, I didn’t see it either.
Tsubasa: (The two of them didn’t see it? Was my mind just playing tricks on me…?)
Kanade: Wait, are you talking about that janky sword over there?
Tsubasa: This sword…
Maria: You didn’t have that when we were on the mission. Was it just lying there?
Tsubasa: Yeah, I’ve never seen this sword before. It’s very rusted and there are a lot of nicks in the blade.
Kanade: So it’s just a piece of junk.
Tsubasa: The sword I saw was radiating a mysterious purple aura.
A creature roars
Maria: What was that noise?!
Tsubasa: It sounded like some sort of creature roaring.
Kanade: Behind you, Tsubasa!
Tsubasa: Yeah, I see it. Nobody gets the drop on me that easily!
Kanade: You’re super skilled, being able to ward it off with janky sword like that!
Tsubasa: Well, I didn’t have time to don my gear so I just took a swing at it with this.
Tsubasa: Keep your guard up! I’m still sensing bloodlust from it!
It attacks Kanade
Kanade: Gah, it was only playing dead. That was a dirty trick!
Tsubasa: Are you okay?!
Kanade: Dodging an attack like that is a piece of cake! But what on Earth are these things?
Maria: I’m curious about that, too. But we don’t have time to ponder it over!
Tsubasa: Right! En guarde!
Tsubasa: Imyuteus amenohabakiri tron-
They fight them off
Maria: These are monsters? Or maybe beasts is a better way to put it. Anyways, they vanished when we beat them.
Maria: And these… are coins, right? They appeared after the beasts went away.
Kanade: There’s some kind of stone, too. I don't think these things maintain a very good diet.
Tsubasa: It seems we’ve arrived in a world where everything is a mystery to us…
Maria: For sure. The idea of monsters vanishing and leaving coins is not something that could happen in our world.
Kanade: Okay, but how are we supposed to get back?
Maria: Yeah… I don’t see any sort of gate we can go through.
Tsubasa: If we really did end up here without using Gjallarhorn’s power, then…
Kanade: There might not be a way back?
Maria: That can’t be… If we managed to get here, then there should be a way to leave!
Kanade: In any case, it seems we’ll have to search for it. But first, we’ve got more monsters to fight.
Tsubasa: ….
Maria: Tsubasa, what are you doing?! Don’t just stand there staring at that old sword like an idiot!
Tsubasa: Ah! Sorry, something feels off about it…
Tsubasa: (It’s different from the sword I saw, but they must be related. I’ll keep it with me for now.)
Maria: Whoa, there are even more of them now!
Kanade: We’ll have time to think about what they are later, for now we have to deal with this mess we’re in!
Maria: How are we gonna do that with just the 3 of us?!
Tsubasa: I’ll break a hole in their ranks for us to get through!
Kanade: Nice, Tsubasa!
Tsubasa: Hold on! This one hasn’t disappeared yet!
Kanade: Oh crap-
Lloyd: I’ve got you!
Lloyd: Are you okay?!
Kanade: Huh? Oh, yeah… thank you.
Genis: Jeez, Lloyd! How many times do I have to tell you not to go off on your own?!
Lloyd: Sorry! But I saw these guys getting attacked and had to move.
Genis: I get that, but it’s dangerous to go by yourself!
Maria: Who are you?
Colette: Um, my name is Colette. And we…
Presea: There are still beasts left. We can talk later.
Colette: You’re right, Presea. We have to save these people!
Lloyd: Okay! Then let’s take care of business!
Kanade: No way, we’re not just leaving it all to you. We’ll pull our own weight in battle!
Tsubasa: Yes!
-Intermission-
Lloyd: Double Demon Fang!
Tsubasa: Did he just shoot an energy wave from his sword?!
Tsubasa: Well, I guess I actually have a similar move myself…
Colette: Pow-Pow Hammer!
Genis: Air Thrust!
Kanade: Wow, a gust of wind just sliced right through them. Are they like doing magic or something?
Maria: Wait, what was that hammer supposed to be?!
Presea: Punishment!
Kanade: And that one is swinging a huge axe around like it’s nothing.
Maria: They all seem really strong, plus they’re obviously experienced in combat. We should maybe play it careful around them…
Kanade: Yeah, we don’t know if they’re really friend or foe.
Lloyd: Whew, we managed to beat them all. Are you guys okay?
Kanade: Yep. Thank you!
Genis: Wait, I know that voice!
Kanade: Huh? What about my voice?
Genis: Oh, nothing. It just sounds a lot like my friend, so I was surprised.
Lloyd: Yeah, it is very similar… but more importantly, have any of you seen a sword?
Tsubasa: A sword?
Lloyd: Two of them, a red one and a blue one. You’d definitely know them if you saw them.
Tsubasa: No, unfortunately we haven’t seen any swords like that.
Lloyd: I see… well, have you seen any other people? We’re looking for a lady in her 20s who looks awfully similar to this guy!
Genis: She’s my older sister.
Kanade: Sorry, we haven’t seen her.
Lloyd: Okay, how about a big guy with handcuffs on? Or a girl who fights with pieces of paper?
Maria: Haven’t seen anybody like that.
Lloyd: Then a guy with red-
Tsubasa: How about you calm down for a minute? To be honest with only just woke up a short while ago. We have no idea where this place is.
Colette: Then, did all of you get thrown over here too?
Kanade: So, you guys had the same thing happen?
Presea: Yes. All of a sudden… we were flung into this place. And we ended up being separated from our companions.
Lloyd: Speaking of which, we haven’t introduced ourselves yet. Do you have time for chat?
Tsubasa: Just what I was thinking.
Tsubasa: So let me get this straight. Right now we’re in your world, which is one we’ve never heard of before.
Lloyd: Based on the info we shared with each other, yeah. We’ve never heard of your weird power before either… Symphogear, was it?
Presea: You use the pendant… to transform. The technology from your world certainly is mysterious.
Colette: It’s amazing how you fight while you sing.
Maria: …
Colette: Um… is there something on my face?
Maria: N-no, nothing like that. Don’t mind me.
Maria: (Her voice sounds similar to someone I know… but I can’t place who. Anyways, we don’t have time to make idle chitchat right now.)
Tsubasa: I think you guys understand how our powers work now. How about yours?
Lloyd: We use these things: Exspheres.
Tsubasa: That jewel thing on the back of your hand?
Genis: By implanting it on a person’s skin it increases their fighting abilities.
Kanade: Neat. So you get stronger just by slapping it on yourself? I’d like one myself.
Genis: It’s not that simple. You can’t properly manage the power of the exsphere without a key crest.
Kanade: Well, I guess everything has a cost huh? So is that magic you used also thanks to the exsphere?
Colette: You mean the spells? Yes. We can do offensive magic or even healing magic with them.
Maria: This world just gets more different from our own the more you tell us.
Colette: But actually, this area has different scenery from what we’re used to seeing in our world…
Maria: What do you mean?
Lloyd: Right now in our world, you can’t really see the blue sky.
Maria: So your world doesn’t have a blue sky?
Lloyd: No, it’s because our world is in trouble… which is why we need to get back ASAP.
Genis: Lloyd…
Lloyd: I know, Genis. We’ll find everybody else and then find the Eternal Sword and get out of here!
Tsubasa: “Eternal Sword”…? Is that the two swords you were asking us about earlier?
Genis: No. That’s actually the Material Blade. I guess they’re kind of similar, but more different than anything.
Lloyd: Anyways, let’s find out more about this island. There’s lots of places we haven’t explored yet.
Lloyd: We’re gonna find everybody before the sun goes down!
Lloyd: Hey, if you don’t have anywhere else to be would you like to come with us?
Tsubasa: I suppose so. We’ll tag along for now.
Tsubasa: Even hearing what they had to say, there’s a lot we don’t understand. Plus it’s not clear if we can really trust them…
Kanade: I don’t think we need to be so cautious. You're always so uptight, Tsubasa.
Tsubasa: Wha?! But given the situation…
Maria: Yeah, yeah. There’s nothing bad about staying on our guard. For now, let’s just see how things play out.
-Intermission-
Lloyd: We haven’t been around this area, yet.
Maria: Sorry, but do you mind walking out in front? You guys are more used to fighting the beasts than we are, right?
Lloyd: Of course, just leave it to us. You guys have to take some time when you transform, anyways.
Kanade: Yeah, please and thanks.
Genis: Hey, aren’t you guys being a little too weary around us?
Maria: I dont know what you mean.
Genis: We’re both in the same boat in that we don’t fully trust each other. But having you guys be so cautious makes it hard to cooperate.
Tsubasa: Is it common to put your safety into the hands of a total stranger in this world?
Colette: Um, excuse me! Is anybody feeling hungry?
Maria: huh?
Colette: You know, being hungry makes you grumpy! We’ve been walking for a long time and could use a break ourselves.
Genis: T-that’s a good point, but I don’t see how it’s relevant…
Colette: Lloyd, if there’s a good place to sit down then let’s take a break. I would like to talk with Tsubasa and the others more.
Lloyd: Sounds good. I was actually feeling hungry myself.
Kanade: I could go for some grub!
Tsubasa: Hey, Kanade!
Kanade: Oh c’mon. We haven’t eaten a thing since we got here.
Tsubasa: Well, that’s true…
Kanade: Why don’t we just quit playing it so safe? We know from talking with them that they’re not bad people.
Colette: Um, is there any kind of food you like? I think we can all become good friends if we share something delicious together.
Maria: (It’s true. A girl like her wouldn’t bring harm to anybody.)
Maria: Okay, sure. Let’s make something together.
Colette: Great! Thank you, Maria.
Lloyd: Okay, so once we get some food in our bellies will you guys cooperate with us fully and help search the island?
Lloyd: It’s true for both cooking and exploration, but working together is the best way to get results.
Tsubasa: You make a fair point. It’s reassuring to work together with people who actually know this world.
Maria: We have to search for a way for us to get back to our world, anyways.
Lloyd: Then that settles it!
Kanade: Whoa?! A-an earthquake!
Lloyd: Again?! There was one not too long ago!
Genis: Yeah, this is the second one since we’ve arrived here…
Tsubasa: (The sword reacted to something just now…)
Presea: Enemies… are approaching us. They’re beasts!
Tsubasa: I’ll cut down their vanguard!
Lloyd: C’mon team, let’s get ‘em!
Lloyd: Fighting against numbers like these is a piece of cake!
Lloyd: It really makes a world of difference with 3 more fighters. That was an easy battle.
Tsubasa: Yeah, I feel the same.
Colette: Okay, time to gather the drops. Lloyd, help me out.
Presea: Ah, I will help too.
Maria: So you guys gather up the dropped items. This really is a totally weird world.
Lloyd: Genis, you gotta help out too. Wait, huh?
Lloyd: Colette, where is Genis?
Colette: Huh? I thought he was here a second ago.
Presea: Perhaps he got separated from us during the battle.
Lloyd: Genis! If you can hear me, say something!
Tsubasa: He might be injured and unable to move. Let’s split up and search!
Lloyd: Yeah, please do!
Lloyd: Where the hell did Genis get off to?!
Colette: Lloyd, please calm down.
Lloyd: Yeah, I know. But we already lost everybody else, and now if Genis is gone…
Kanade: You don’t think he got taken away by those monsters earlier?
Presea: I’m not sure if the beasts would do something like that.
Tsubasa: In any case, if we’re going to search it’s probably best to go further inland where more monsters are.
Lloyd: And this… is the last one!
Kanade: Whew. We finally cleaned them up.
Presea: As we suspected… going further inland brought out more monsters.
Lloyd: I’ll defeat as many as it takes to make sure we find Genis!
Maria: You certainly have the skills to make that happen.
Tsubasa: However, I must say your fighting style is very peculiar. Did you learn the two-sword style from someone?
Lloyd: I didn’t actually learn from anybody. I’m just fighting in a way that I find easiest.
Tsubasa: I see. So you’re self-taught then.
Lloyd: I would be able to fight even better if I had the Material Blade.
Tsubasa: Those are the two swords you mentioned earlier.
Lloyd: Yeah, the Vorpal Sword and the Flamberge. When you combine those two together they become the Eternal Sword.
Maria: What? The swords combine together?
Presea: Is that really… so surprising? I think that you also do something very similar yourself.
Kanade: Yeah, she’s got a point.
Colette: As far as we’re concerned… no, as far as our world is concerned, those swords are very important.
Lloyd: We have to find them before someone tries to use them for something evil.
Tsubasa: I didn’t realize how important they were.
Kanade: Yeah… Tsubasa, what about that sword you picked up earlier?
Tsubasa: Oh, you mean this? I don’t think this is one of them… but I suppose I should have them check.
Lloyd: That’s a real junker of a sword. It doesn’t look right at all and even holding it…
Lloyd: Yeah, I don’t feel anything from it.
Colette: I know! Maybe it just got a little beaten up and if you polish it, it’ll turn into the Eternal Sword!
Lloyd: Maybe. Let’s give it a try!
Presea: If Lloyd didn’t sense anything when holding it… I imagine it will remain just a regular sword even if you polish it.
Presea: Besides, I don’t think the Eternal Sword would rust up so easily.
Kanade: Man, you’re totally unflappable. Always cutting straight to the point and with really sharp opinions…
Maria: She’s a lot more composed than she looks. Definitely gives the impression of an adult.
Presea: Adult…! Yes, I am an adult!
Lloyd: Hmm… I guess that sword really isn’t the one I’m looking for after all. Sorry to waste the effort you took in finding it.
Tsubasa: Not at all, don’t mention it. I know what it’s like to lose an important sword.
Tsubasa: I hope we can find it for you soon.
Lloyd: Yeah, we’ll definitely find Genis and everyone else… and then that Eternal Sword!
Stage 2: A Strange Presence
Lloyd: Any sign of Genis?
Presea: We found footprints… but they broke off.
Colette: I sure hope Genis is okay…
Lloyd: He’s gotta be fine. There’s no way he would get taken out easily.
Colette: Lloyd…
Lloyd: Yeah. Behind us.
Tsubasa: Maria.
Maria: Yes, I know. Someone is in the shadows of the forest.
Kanade: Hey! You over there! Get out here! Or else!
???: H-hold up! I’m not here to fight with you!
Presea: If that’s the case, then show yourself.
???: Okay fine. Here I am! Look, I don’t have a weapon or anything.
Lloyd: So who exactly are you?
Luciel: My name is Luciel. I’m just an ordinary researcher.
Maria: I didn’t think there was anyone living on this island.
Luciel: Well, this is normally a deserted island. Did you all get blown over here too?
Colette: What? So it happened to you as well?
Luciel: It’s been over 10 years now… I was suddenly whisked away to this place and couldn’t get out no matter how I tried.
Kanade: More than 10 YEARS?!
Luciel: Correct. I’ve been doing research to try and discover a way off this island, but everything I’ve tried has failed.
Tsubasa: Another earthquake!
Luciel: The time between quakes is getting shorter now. This could be very bad…
Lloyd: Bad? Is there some kind of problem?
Luciel: This island is actually in a different time space than the ordinary.
Luciel: All I know for sure is that this island is somewhere in the oceans of Tethe’alla. It’s impossible to come and go through regular means.
Luciel: I once found it on a boat but no matter how much I tried to land on it, the boat never reached the shore.
Colette: Oh my… so does that mean we can never go back to where we came from?
Luciel: I’m not entirely sure yet. There’s not a lot of time for me to investigate more thoroughly.
Presea: Can you tell us what you mean by that?
Luciel: The earthquakes. They are occurring because this dimension is collapsing.
Colette: Collapsing?
Luciel: In which case, we may get flung between dimensions and end up stuck there for eternity.
Colette: We would never be able to get home…
Kanade: So there’s no way off the island AND the island itself is going to disappear?
Lloyd: No, we may still be able to escape. We just have to find the Eternal Sword.
Tsubasa: What do you mean?
Lloyd: The Eternal Sword can cleave the fabric of time and space itself. So we can use it to break free.
Lloyd: This guy says there’s no way off the island, which means our missing friends are still here somewhere.
Lloyd: If this place is falling apart, then we just gotta find everything we need to before it does!
Colette: Yeah, I know we can do it.
Presea: Let’s start by searching for Genis. Have you seen a boy with silver hair around here?
Luciel: No, I haven’t. You’re the first people I’ve met here.
Luciel: But I’m positive that I know more about this island than any of you do. I’m no good in a fight, but I can help guide you around.
Lloyd: Okay then. We’re counting on you!
Tsubasa: This sounds a little too good to be true…
Maria: I agree. Let’s be sure to keep our guard up.
-Intermission-
Tsubasa: It seems he’s not around here at all.
Presea: …There’s no sign of any people period.
Lloyd: More bad luck. We might need to start thinking of other ways to look…
Colette: Come on, Lloyd, you’re just getting bored. This is only our third spot we’ve searched.
Lloyd: Hahaha, okay you got me.
Luciel: B-but… whew, I’m feeling tired from all the walking. Can we please rest a moment?
Lloyd: Alright, time for a break.
Kanade: I’m not feeling particularly tired, so I’ll keep searching around here a bit more.
Maria: Are you sure you don’t need to rest?
Kanade: Yeah, I’ve built stamina from mountain climbing and such. I’m fine so don’t pay me any mind!
Maria: Okay, good luck.
Presea: Me too… I will join you.
Kanade: I’m totally okay going on my own.
Presea: I am also not feeling tired.
Kanade: In that case, I’ll have you tag along. Just don’t blame me if you feel tired later.
Presea: Okay.
Luciel: What kind of object is this Eternal Sword you’re all looking for?
Lloyd: Oh, so the Eternal Sword is actually a weapon that’s usually called the Material Blade.
Lloyd: It’s comprised of two different swords, a red one and a blue one. They’re called the Vorpal Sword and the Flamberge.
Luciel: Interesting. A red and blue sword, huh?
Lloyd: Have you seen them anywhere?
Luciel: Unfortunately I have not.
Lloyd: Bummer… Man, where the hell did they get off to?
Colette: Did you drop them somewhere? But that would be strange since you always carry your swords with you…
Lloyd: You know it. I even bring them in the bath with me.
Maria: When you were all sent to this island, did you pass out like we did?
Colette: Yes. We suddenly woke up here.
Maria: In which case, they could have been stolen while you were asleep.
Tsubasa: Then they probably would have been stripped of all their possessions. Why just take the swords?
Maria: Fair enough. I suppose a serious mugger might even have taken their lives.
Colette: We still have our items so I don’t think it was a thief.
Maria: Yeah, that seems like a safe bet.
Tsubasa: There’s no way off the island, so they couldn’t sell it for money anyway.
Lloyd: Seriously. Where the hell did they go??
Kanade: Heey! You guys! Come over here for a sec!
Tsubasa: Was that Kanade? Maybe she found something.
Tsubasa: Kanade, did you- … What is that?!
Kanade: Yeah. We found it after taking a good look around. Those are ruins, right?
Maria: I thought you said this was a deserted island!
Luciel: Since there are ruins, it’s safe to assume people did live here at some point. However, as far as I know that’s not true now…
Lloyd: Damn, more beasts!
Luciel: The beasts seem to have made these ruins their den. I haven’t been able to investigate them as a result.
Maria: You should have said that earlier! We need to get out of here right away!
Lloyd: Wait a minute! I want to see what’s inside!
Maria: Are you serious?
Lloyd: Our missing friends might be inside there, you know?
Tsubasa: Very well, then we let us work together. For this to go well, we’ll have to put our worries about the future aside.
Kanade: In that case, let’s wipe these beasts out. Just because it’s their den doesn’t mean there’s an infinite number of them!
Colette: Right. Let’s go, Lloyd.
Lloyd: Okay, let’s get searching!
Maria: More beasts right at the entrance? It’s like they’re sentries or something! Well I’ll get them out of the way!
Maria: Now we can get inside.
Tsubasa: Even more of them popped out!
Colette: Pant… pant…
Lloyd: Are you okay, Colette?!
Colette: Y-yeah, I’m fine…
Presea: We’re reaching the peak of fatigue, we need to stop fighting.
Lloyd: You’re right. And the sun is going down. No choice, let’s make a retreat!
Kanade: I thought about making a solo charge to get inside, but cooler heads prevail.
Maria: Luciel, is there a relatively safe place anywhere nearby? Wait… where did he go?
Tsubasa: He’s gone?!
Kanade: Shit! I was so focused on the fight I didn’t notice. Where did he go off by himself?
Colette: You don’t think he went inside the ruins, do you?
Kanade: Meaning he found a way to sneak in while we were pounding beasts into the dirt? What the hell was he thinking?
Tsubasa: Sadly, we’re not going to be able to go after him like this. We need to pull back.
Lloyd: But if we just leave him like this…
Tsubasa: What the?! Is that a giant beast?!
Maria: Be careful. It’s clearly got us in its sights!
Lloyd: Here it comes!
They fight it.
Tsubasa: Ugh… it’s tough. It’s on a totally different level from the other beasts we’ve fought!
Kanade: None of our attacks are getting through to it!
Tsubasa: (The fatigue from fighting multiple battles is heavy. We’re at a huge disadvantage if this keeps up.)
Tsubasa: (I’ll act as a rear guard for everyone and-)
Lloyd: I’ll grab its attention and get it focused on me! You all make a run for the forest!
Tsubasa: What?!
Colette: I’m not leaving you behind Lloyd!
Maria: What she said! I don’t leave people behind as decoys!
Lloyd: But then, at this rate…
Presea: Look everyone, it’s acting strange.
Colette: The beast is in pain?
Tsubasa: This is our chance to escape!
Lloyd: Right!
Tsubasa: Pant… pant… It looks like we managed to shake off that beast.
Colette: I’m real glad we had a Holy Bottle.
Maria: An object that makes it harder for beasts to pursue you. An awfully convenient thing to have.
Presea: However… we don’t have many of them left. We can’t use them frequently.
Lloyd: ….
Colette: You okay, Lloyd?
Lloyd: I’m all right. I was just wondering how the others are fairing right now.
Presea: I understand you are worried about them. But right now… all we can do is pray they are okay.
Lloyd: Yeah, I know…
Kanade: So? What do we do now?
Maria: Those ruins do have me curious, but we still have more of the island to search.
Tsubasa: It’s too late for anything else today. I’d like to set up a base for us to rest at, even something rudimentary is fine.
Presea: Agreed. The ocean is close and the forests are wide. There must be food that we find here.
Colette: It’s kind of like we’re having a camp out.
Lloyd: Feels more like we’re castaways trying to survive…
Tsubasa: Okay, so let’s take turns standing guard and get through the night for now.
Lloyd: (…Guys, I sure hope you’re okay).
-Intermission-
The following morning
Tsubasa: We found the perfect spot. Let’s make this area our base for today.
Maria: Okay, let’s split up the work.
Lloyd: I think letting Presea gather up the materials to make the base is best.
Presea: That sounds good. I feel the most suited for that job.
Colette: Presea is actually a woodcutter by trade.
Kanade: Wow. Makes sense considering how much you swing that axe around. I’m sure downing trees must be easy enough.
Kanade: Cool, so gathering up supplies will be a job for the two of us! Let’s get it done, Presea!
Presea: I look forward to working with you.
Tsubasa: As for food…
Colette: I’ll go!
Maria: Then I’ll be the one who goes with her. Beasts can appear anywhere so having a guard would be good.
Lloyd: In which case, I should go with.
Maria: I want you to stay here with Tsubasa. It’ll be a disaster if any beasts destroy what we’ve managed to put together so far.
Tsubasa: Don’t you think you and I would be best suited to keeping watch, Maria?
Maria: I think it’s better for us to team up with them, rather than struggle on our own since we’re not used to this world.
Tsubasa: I can’t argue with that logic. Roger that.
Lloyd: Hey everybody, just promise not to get reckless out there!
Tsubasa: Now then, I know we’re supposed to guard the base but that doesn’t mean actually doing anything now. How shall I pass the time?
Tsubasa: Actually, where did that boy get off to?
Lloyd: Ha! Hiyah! Uwah!
Tsubasa: There you are. Sword training always does get the blood pumping.
Lloyd: This is about the only thing I can do right now.
Tsubasa: How about you and I have a sparring match?
Lloyd: Against you?
Tsubasa: I’m interested in your sword techniques. If you’ve got time, I would be interested in crossing blades.
Lloyd: I don’t mind, but against you I don’t think I can pull any punches.
Tsubasa: Of course. I plan to go equally as serious on you. Trying to pull any punches will just lead to injury.
Lloyd: Aren’t you going to transform?
Tsubasa: No, I’d like to experience your techniques directly. Actually, I think I have just the thing.
Lloyd: You’re gonna use that old and busted sword?!
Tsubasa: Although it looks rusted on the outside, I’m sure it’s a proper weapon at its core.
Tsubasa: I actually fended off a beast with this once before.
Lloyd: I see… Well then, let’s get this thing started!
Tsubasa: Your style is so personalized, it’s hard to read your swordsmanship. However!
Lloyd: Tiger Blade!
Tsubasa: I’ve seen through that technique already!
Lloyd: Huh?!
Tsubasa: What’s wrong? That all you’ve got?
Lloyd: As if! Here we go! Sword Rain!
Tsubasa: I’ve already seen that one, too!
Lloyd: I’m not done! Omega Tempest!
Lloyd: Demonic Circle!
Tsubasa: Just how many techniques do you have?!
Lloyd: That’s not even half of them!
Tsubasa: I guess I really am at a disadvantage without my gear!
Lloyd: Ugh… that was a sharp attack!
Lloyd: (I know I’m mouthing off at her, but she really is strong… and her swordsmanship is so pure. It’s absolutely unyielding.)
Lloyd: (I’m sure her personality must be equally as honest and direct.)
Tsubasa: (At first I thought his moves were very odd, but now I see they reflect a part of him.)
Tsubasa: (I understand that now that we’ve crossed swords like this. At the very least, I know he’s not the type to trick people!)
Lloyd: It’s been a long time since I’ve done training this intense! I’m gonna keep this up as long as I can!
Tsubasa: Right back at you. I was just thinking I hadn’t had enough yet!
-Intermission-
Lloyd: Let’s see if you can survive this!
Tsubasa: A nice attack! But I can sense a bit of panic coming from your swordsmanship.
Lloyd: Yeah, I know that much myself.
Lloyd: I want to hurry and find Genis and the others. But I know that rushing recklessly doesn’t accomplish anything.
Lloyd: But even so, I still end up feeling restless.
Tsubasa: I know you must be concerned about your friends. It’s understandable you’d want to hurry.
Lloyd: Right, but that’s not all! We’re in the middle of a journey to save the whole world!
Tsubasa: To save the world?
Lloyd: There’s not much time left for Sylvarant and Tethe’alla. That’s why we have to hurry back as soon as possible.
Tsubasa: Right, you mentioned that before. Something about the Eternal Sword being necessary for the sake of the world.
Lloyd: Yeah, without the Eternal Sword we can’t bring the two worlds together. We won’t be able to save either of them!
Lloyd: And that’s not even everything… I actually got those swords from my 2 fathers. One from each.
Lloyd: They are swords that mean a lot to me.
Tsubasa: A sword you got from your father, huh?
Tsubasa: I understand that feeling all too well. Just like you, I received something important from my father.
Lloyd: What was that?
Tsubasa: It’s not something physical. It’s something that was carved out in my heart.
Tsubasa: A precious feeling that my father entrusted to me.
Tsubasa: (I see. He has experienced it too. There’s something that he has to protect, exactly like I do.)
Tsubasa: It’s clear to me. You’re definitely not a bad person.
Lloyd: Huh?
Tsubasa: Sorry. I apologize for holding suspicions about you for so long.
Lloyd: That came outta nowhere. Don’t sweat it, I was never bothered by it.
Tsubasa: Well, I’d like to make a new promise. If you’re trying to save the world I will do all in my power to aid you.
Lloyd: Are you sure?
Tsubasa: Of course. So I will help you to find the Eternal Sword and your missing friends.
Tsubasa: You still have an adventure to finish and a world to save, right? Then you need to get back quickly.
Lloyd: …Thanks.
To Be Continued
Stage 3: Established Trust
Presea: Hiyaaa!
Kanade: Wow, you’re a real spitfire! Being able to down a tree with a single swing like that.
Presea: It is an ordinary task for me. Anyone can do it… with enough practice.
Kanade: Practice huh? Well then, I wanna give it a try. I’ll bring one down with my Gungnir!
Presea: Huh? You’re going to cut a tree with a spear?
Kanade: …Do you think it’s not gonna work?
Presea: It’s fundamentally different… from an axe.
Presea: However… someone with your skills might be able to cut a tree if you took the right approach.
Kanade: Okay then, tell me what the right approach is!
Presea: You want me… to teach you?
Kanade: Who else is there?
Presea: I learned from my papa. If you don’t mind me just repeating his teachings, then I guess…
Kanade: Yeah, let’s do it!
Presea: First thing, the angle at which the blade goes into the tree is very important…
-Time passes-
Presea: …Okay, that’s it. What do you think?
Kanade: Thanks for teaching me all the deets. I think I know how to do it now.
Presea: I’m glad to hear that. But… I believe that first-hand experience is what counts. It will be the most beneficial.
Kanade: You’re right about that. Okay, then let me give everything you taught me a try right now.
Kanade: I’ll split this baby in two with my Gungnir!
-She cuts the tree-
Kanade: Hey, did you see that! My first one!
Presea: You really did get it on the first try…
Kanade: Yep, and it’s all because you taught me the best way to do it!
Presea: I think it’s actually because you already had the necessary skill to accomplish it…
Kanade: Just take the compliment!
Presea: …Understood.
Kanade: Oops, we used up a lot of time. Let’s slice these trees down and make up for it!
Presea: I think we can easily make up for it… no problem. However, you must be careful not to down too many trees.
Kanade: Y-yeah, of course. Only the amount we need, right?
Presea: Correct.
Kanade: Well, it’ll be tough to carry them just between the two of us. So let’s take it a little at a time.
Kanade: But before that… let’s clean the floor with these guys!
-Monsters appear-
Presea: It seems they gathered over here after hearing the trees come down.
Kanade: We have to carry this wood back to camp! Don’t get in our way!
-Battle-
Presea: Rising Punishment!
Presea: That’s the last of them.
Kanade: Beasts and trees, all hacked in two!
Kanade: But dealing with beasts and gathering wood… I gotta say I’m feeling tired now.
Presea: I have gels here… would you like to eat some?
Kanade: Oh, you carry candy around. I guess some parts of you do match your outward appearance.
Kanade: Well then, I’ll help myself to a few!
Kanade: Huh?! What was that?! It feels like all my fatigue just vanished the instant I ate it!
Presea: That’s because it’s not candy. They’re called Apple Gels and they are an item that recovers health.
Kanade: Another convenient item, just like that Holy Bottle thing you used earlier.
Presea: It’s a commonly used supply in this world… so it’s not at all hard to come by.
Presea: In addition to this one there are orange, pineapple, mixed and miracle. Each one has a different effect.
Kanade: So eating just one gel makes you feel better. How does that even work? Feels like anything is possible in other worlds.
Kanade: Do you have other items like that?
Presea: Our stock has been exhausted at the moment, but the Panacea Bottle can cure poison, paralysis, and other ill effects.
Presea: There is also the Dark Bottle, which has the opposite effective of the Holy Bottle and can lure in beasts.
Kanade: You even have stuff like that?! That’s incredible but also kinda terrifying.
Kanade: But thanks to all the cool stuff you got in this world, I guess you don’t need doctors!
Presea: They do not cure sickness, so doctors are still a necessity…
Kanade: Oh, I see how it is. Well, what other interesting stuff have you got?
Presea: Let’s see, there are many different items but among the most interesting there is…
-Intermission-
Kanade: Thanks for letting me pick your brain about all this stuff. I enjoyed learning about this world.
Presea: My pleasure.
Kanade: But you’ve got a ton of power for such a tiny girl! Thanks to you we’ve gathered up plenty of lumber.
Presea: …..
Kanade: Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t say that meaning to insult you for being small and cute or anything.
Presea: It’s okay, I am not bothered by it.
Kanade: Actually, while we’re on touchy subjects I wanted to ask you. Why is a kid like you on a journey like this anyway?
Presea: …..
Kanade: I could tell from seeing how experienced you are in dealing with the beasts. You obviously have been on a really dangerous journey.
Presea: Well, that’s….
Kanade: Ah… forget it. Let’s just pretend I never opened my mouth.
Kanade: We only just met yesterday, so I shouldn’t be asking you to share such personal stuff with me.
Kanade: So in exchange, I’ll tell you a bit about myself.
Kanade: Despite what you may think, I’m actually a pretty famous singer.
Presea: Singer?
Kanade: I dance and sing and make tons of people smile. I used to be a duo with Tsubasa called Zwei Wing.
Presea: Oh… is that so.
Kanade: But sadly, Tsubasa lost her life during battle.
Presea: What?! Then Tsubasa is…
Kanade: Oh, no! No! I’m talking about the Tsubasa from my world. The Tsubasa who is with us right now is different. Uh, there’s these things called “parallel worlds”…
Presea: “Parallel worlds”?
Kanade: Well, you don’t have to make sense of it. Hell, I don’t really get it all myself.
Kanade: But what happened was I had a strong hatred for the enemy that took Tsubasa from me. I kept fighting only for the purpose of obliterating them.
Kanade: I wanted to fight and die just like Tsubasa did… at that time, I had really given up on the idea of even living life.
Presea: Giving up on living…
Kanade: Yep. But then she made me get my head on straight.
Kanade: I realized I shouldn’t give up on living. And that I truly do love singing.
Kanade: So that’s when I decided to make that my motto. “Don’t give up on living.”
Presea: …..
Kanade: Oops, this kind of story is hard to know how to react to, huh?
Presea: …You and I might actually be quite similar.
Kanade: Huh? Similar?
Presea: I was also saved thanks to Lloyd and the others.
Kanade: …
Presea: I was a specimen used in part of a certain project. Thanks to that, I gained the power to swing an axe with ease.
Presea: However, at the same time, I lost all of my human emotions. Joy, anger, grief, pleasure…
Kanade: Your emotions? But you don’t seem like that to me.
Presea: That’s because Lloyd and the others rescued me.
Presea: The person I used to be… didn’t have the Exsphere properly equipped due to the experiment.
Presea: If I had not met with Lloyd and the others, then I think I would still be lacking in many things… including my emotions.
Kanade: So that’s how they saved you, huh?
Presea: Yes…
Kanade: Thanks for sharing your story with me!
Kanade: But that Exsphere thing really is impressive. I wanna try using one myself!
Presea: The Exsphere is… a very dangerous object. It is not something that can be utilized so easily.
Kanade: So that’s a no go, huh?
Presea: Well, I can at least tell you more details about how the Exsphere works.
Kanade: Cool, I’d like to hear that too!
Presea: But before that…. there is something I forgot to mention.
Kanade: And what’s that?
Presea: I am 28 years old, so I am not a child.
Kanade: You’re joking…
-Intermission-
Colette: Ummm, so this and this. And this is also an edible plant, I learned about before.
Maria: Sounds good. I’ll put them in the basket so just wait a moment.
Colette: W-wait, over there is…!
Maria: Huh?! Don’t go off on your own!
Colette: That’s also a wild plant that can be used in cookin- eek!
Maria: I hope I make it in time!
-Maria grabs the falling Colette-
Maria: Whew… that was a close call.
Colette: O-oh, I’m sorry. You saved me from falling flat on my face again.
Maria: Don’t apologize. I’m here to escort you, anyways…
Maria: (Seriously, how many times is that now?! …But I can’t say that to her face.)
Colette: Thank you! You’re really kind, Maria.
Maria: (For some reason I can’t be strict with this girl. But how on Earth does she trip when there’s nothing to trip on?!)
Maria: And plus, that voice… I can’t tell who it reminds me of. I feel like I hear it all the time, but I just can’t place it…
Colette: Huh? Did you say something?
Maria: Nothing… Hey, there’s a slope coming up so-
Colette: Wh…
Colette: Eeeeeek!
Maria: Damn! I wasn’t fast enough that time!
Maria: Colette! Are you okay?!
Colette: Hehehe… I’m okay. I deal with this all the time.
Maria: Seriously? You don’t look to have any injuries, I suppose…
Colette: I’m sorry. I know you told me not to go off on my own.
Maria: That’s all right. I’m just glad you’re okay.
Maria: Anyways, you stumble more than anyone I’ve met.
Maria: Wait, what’s this? There’s a ton of delicious looking fruits around here!
Colette: There’s wild veggies over here too! You made a good call to come this way, Maria!
Maria: I just picked a direction on instinct. If I had actually been looking for a place like this I’m sure I couldn’t find it.
Maria: (This girl may be a klutz, but it seems she’s got some awfully strong luck too.)
Colette: Oh! I know this veggie!
Maria: It looks pretty unusual. Can it be eaten?
Colette: Yeah, if you put it in a stew it adds a lot of delicious flavor.
Maria: Oh? So this can be used like that?
Colette: Ah, not that one. They look very similar, but that one tastes terrible…
Maria: Huh?! …I can hardly tell the difference between them.
Maria: You’re very impressive to not only have all this knowledge, but the sharp eyes needed to tell things apart.
Colette: I-it’s nothing special. This is all stuff you come to remember when you’re on a journey.
Maria: (Serena also would get shy whenever complimented. I wonder if girls of their type are all like that.)
Colette: Oh, Lloyd loves this one. I’ll gather up a bunch for him.
Maria: Say, I’ve been curious about something but what kind of relationship do you and Lloyd have?
Colette: Lloyd and I are childhood friends.
Colette: He came with me on the journey of world regeneration in order to protect me. I was so happy he did.
Maria: That’s not exactly what I was trying to ask about. But I suppose that might be best for the two of you.
Colette: Excuse me…?
Maria: Oh it’s nothing. Anyway, tell me more about yourselves and the journey you’ve been on.
Colette: Sure. Um, in the beginning I was given the test of the Chosen…
-Time passes-
Maria: I see. So you also have something you want to protect that you’re willing to sacrifice for.
Colette: There are lot of things. …Although I know that it’s not good to make myself a sacrifice to do it…
Colette: But even so, there are just so many things I want to keep safe.
Maria: That girl once said something similar.
Colette: What girl?
Maria: My little sister. She actually did sacrifice herself in order to keep me safe…
Colette: Oh… Um…
Maria: I’m sorry. Don’t read into it too much. All I was trying to say is that you resemble my little sister.
Maria: Okay, we’ve gathered up plenty of food supplies so let’s head back. We’re all covered in mud too, so our clothes will need a good cleaning.
Colette: Hehe, I think I would get spoiled a lot if I had a gentle older sibling like you.
Maria: Oh?
Colette: Hehehe. Maybe I’d even call you “big sister”
Maria: Huh?!
Colette: Ah, s-sorry about that. I guess suddenly being called that would give anybody a surprise.
Maria: Y-yes, just stick to “Maria” if you don’t mind.
Maria: (Calling me “big sister” in a voice like that should be illegal! Ugh! How can this girl be so darn cute?!)
Maria: W-well, if I had a little sister such as yourself I’m sure I would have pampered her.
Colette: If that happened then I may have ended up being even more of a klutz than I am now…
Maria: Haha, maybe so. But I bet I couldn’t stay mad at you when you screw up.
Colette: Oh, wait a minute. I see another edible plant over there!
Maria: You really so have sharp eye- no, wait a second!
Colette: Huh?!
-Beasts appear-
Maria: I’m guessing they were attracted here by the smell.
Colette: The beasts are going to eat the food we worked so hard to find!
Maria: No time to fuss, we have to fight them off!
-Fight-
Colette: Angel Feathers!
Colette: Whew, that’s good. Our food is still safe.
Maria: Those numbers would have been tough to handle alone. We were able to handle it thanks to your magic.
Colette: Not at all. And that wasn’t actually magic, it was an Angel Skill.
Maria: I really don’t get the difference between the two still.
Colette: Magic consumes mana to use. They are spells that borrow power from the natural world.
Colette: The blood that flows in elves reacts to mana and creates magic. So you have to be an elf or half-elf to use it.
Colette: Angel Skills… well “angel” might not be the right word for them. They’re something I become able to use suddenly after becoming an angel.
Maria: In any case, I understand that there’s a difference between them.
Maria: You use that weapon… a chakram, right? You’re quite skilled to be able to use both those and your Angel Skills together.
Colette: I think you and your friends are the skilled ones. I feel like I’d bite my tongue if I had to sing while I fought.
Colette: Plus, I think I would get too focused on singing and not be able to fight properly.
Maria: The song just comes out of us naturally. We aren’t really conscious of it.
Colette: Really?
Maria: Yeah, so it’s not especially difficult for us to do. Although things can get rough if we’re put in a situation we can’t sing.
Colette: I see.
Colette: Ah! I have an Angel Skill where I sing, too. If we sing it together then it might have double the impact!
Maria: Well Phonic Gain does get stronger via singing, so it’s certainly possible.
Colette: Okay, so when I use it will you sing together with me?
Maria: Sure. I’m looking forward to doing a duet with you.
To Be Continued
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