Queen Marina

Mordegon has played his hand—the game is all but won. A shroud of deepest darkness has eclipsed the shining sun.

Queen Marina

And yet, amid the shadows glimmer tiny specks of light. Faint, flick'ring flames that rage against the coming of the night.

Queen Marina

How can such sparks of hope remain, when darkness rules the land? Now evil reigns supreme, who has the strength to take a stand?

Queen Marina

His friends still live, his friends still fight, their cause is not forlorn. The night is dark and dreadful, but we may yet see the dawn.

Queen Marina

Though Erdrea is racked with darkness, suffering and pain, the Luminary's light can shine upon this land again!

Wh-What happened...?

Where... Where am I...?

Sylvando

I'm alive...? But...how...?

Dave

Sylv! Syyylv! Fank goodness yer alright!

*: Ah, there you are. You alright, Sylv?

Sylvando

Oh, sure Dave, honey, I, I was just...getting a little air. Being cooped up in that cabin was driving me crazy, you know?

Dave

Ahh, come on, Sylv! Cheer up, will ya? I don't fink I can take much more o' this mopin'!

Sylvando

That day...when Mordegon... There was nothing I could do... He was just too powerful... I thought it was the end for me... For all of us...

Sylvando

But this... This is worse than death... To wake up and find everybody gone, and the world consumed by darkness...

Sylvando

(sigh)

Sylvando

I'm sorry, Dave, but I just... I can't do this...

Sylvando

I know I should feel lucky to be alive, but without the others... I'm nothing... Nobody...

Dave

Right. That's enuff o' that.

Dave

'Ave you lost yer bleedin' marbles!? Since when were them mates o' yours the types to let some Lord o' Shadows numpty get the better of 'em, eh!?

Dave

'Ow about you 'ave a bit o' bleedin' faith in 'em like you used to? Or did you fink savin' the world was gonna be easy or somefink!?

Sylvando

Oh, Dave... Darling... You're right.

Sylvando

If a slip of a thing like me was able to get out of that tangle with Mordegon alive, then the others must have done, too!

Sylvando

And here I am feeling sorry for myself instead of getting out there and trying to find them! What would Veronica and Erik say if they saw me like this!?

Dave

That's more bleedin' like it! It's good to 'ave you back, me old mucker!

Sylvando

Oh, it's good to be back, believe me! Now, enough chit-chat—it's time for action! We need to make land at the nearest port and find out just how much of a mess the world is in.

Sylvando

And once we've done that, we can make a start on fixing it!

Dave

Sounds like a plan, Sylv! Nearest 'arbour to 'ere would be over in Gondolia. I'll plot a course right away!

Sylvando

That sounds just perfect, honey!

Sylvando

Anchors aweigh! Hoist the mainsail! Gondolia, here we come!

Dave

Heh heh heh! Aye aye, captain!

Sylvando

Bad day, hm? Don't worry, honey. It happens to us all.

*: Oh. You're one of those minstrel types, are you? Look, if it's money you want, you'd better go and hassle someone else. I haven't got a penny to give you.

Sylvando

Sorry, darling. No can do. It's against my policy to leave people all alone when they look as down in the dumps as you do.

*: (sigh)

Sylvando

Look, why don't you just tell me what's on your mind? A problem shared is a problem halved!

Sylvando

That's better! Now we can talk properly. Sylvando, entertainer extraordinaire, at your service!

*: Right, well... My name's Tetsu. I'm a blacksmith from Hotto, though I haven't been back in a long old while. I'll tell you my story if you really want, but I'm warning you, it doesn't have a happy ending...

Tetsu

After all those years away, I thought it was time for me to finally head home, see how my mother was doing, you know. But then the minute I set out on my journey, Yggdrasil fell.

Tetsu

That just made me even more desperate to get back, of course. I was so worried about her... I managed to make it as far as Gondolia, but then my luck finally ran out.

Tetsu

My luggage was stolen by a gang of thieves who've been terrorising the town. The Beastly Boys, they call themselves.

Tetsu

I can't make the journey to Hotto without all my things. Especially not the lilies of the valley I brought for my mother...

Tetsu

They're her favourite flower. I wanted to give them to her to say... Well, to say sorry for being away for so long. For leaving her all alone...

Sylvando

Oh, honey! Believe me, I know exactly how you feel!

Sylvando

Fear not, friend! Your mother will get her flowers! Dave and I will make sure of that! All you need to do is tell us where we can find these Beastly Boys!

Tetsu

Oh, well...if you're sure. There are two merchants—brothers—who run establishments in the southern part of town. I've heard that the Beastly Boys have been hanging around causing trouble at the older one's stall.

Sylvando

A stall in the south of town, eh? Alright! We'll be back before you know it! Dave, darling—let's roll!

Tetsu

W-Wait! Look, I appreciate you trying to help me, but these are real thugs we're talking about here. And...no offence, but you're just an entertainer, right? I wouldn't want you getting hurt...

Sylvando

Oh, don't you worry about me, sweetie! I'm more than just a pretty face, you know!

Sylvando

Now, if you don't mind...

Sylvando grabs Tetsu's knapsack!

Dave

Wot we gonna do wiv this 'orrible lot then, Sylv?

Sylvando

Well, beastly they may be, but they're not exactly the dangerous thugs we heard about. They can barely swing a sword. What's your story, boys, eh?

*: We didn't start out as criminals. We were fishermen. And very happy fishermen, at that.

*: But after Yggdrasil fell, we couldn't take the boats out any more. Have you seen the sea lately? It's swarming with monsters!

*: Things were just impossible... Most days, we barely had anything to eat...

*: The world might as well have ended that day. We lost our families... Lost everything... And no one came to help us...

*: So we had to choose between a life of crime or starving to death—and that's no choice at all!

Sylvando

Watch closely, darlings. This is just an ordinary steel pike, yes?

Sylvando

Think again!

Sylvando

From arms to mmms! Who's for fresh bread, huh?

Sylvando

Bon appétit, Beastly Boys! Eat your fill, and forget your wicked ways! You'll be beaming again before you know it!

*: Wait!

*: Who... Who are you...?

Sylvando

Me? Oh, nobody. Just someone who likes to see people smile.

Tetsu

Oh, thank goodness! They're still in one piece!

Tetsu

Now I can go home to my mother with my head held high! Thank you, Mister Sylvando. Oh. Here—it's not much, but I want you to have these...

Sylvando

Oh, Tetsu, darling! Whatever they are, I'm sure they're wonderful! You're such a sweetie!

Tetsu

Honestly, you deserve much more. Come and visit me in Hotto sometime. I'll be able to thank you properly.

Tetsu

Now, I'd better be off. I'd tell you to be careful, but I've got a feeling you'll be just fine. Bye for now!

Dave

'Ere, you alright, Sylv?

Sylvando

Oh, I'm better than alright, darling! I've found it! My purpose in life! My raison d'être!

Sylvando

You know how I've been so down in the dumps thinking about all the despair and suffering in the world?

Sylvando

Well, if that's what's making me so unhappy, there's only one thing to do about it—get out there and fix the problem! Help make people happy again!

Sylvando

Just because I can't save the world with some grand, heroic gesture, that doesn't mean I can't do it one smile at a time!

Dave

That's my Sylv! I'm wiv you all the way!

*: We heard everything you just said!

Dave

It's them tea leafs from before! I 'ope they ain't spoilin' for another fight. Didn't they learn their lesson first time 'round?

*: You have to let us come with you! You have to let us help people! We're done with our life of crime thanks to you!

Sylvando

You want to tag along? Hmm... Well, I hope you understand it won't be easy. I can't guarantee you'll get home in one piece...

*: We don't care!

Sylvando

Well, in that case, welcome aboard, darlings!

Three new friends join Sylvando's merry band!

Sylvando

Now, as luck would have it, I've got you all a welcome gift! Here—take one each now, don't be greedy!

Sylvando

Oh, they're simply fabulous! Darlings, you look splendid!

Dave

I don't get it, Sylv. Wot are they?

Sylvando

They're the presents dear old Tetsu gave us! If we're going to be travelling around spreading happiness and laughter, we'll need to look the part, no?

Sylvando

Alright, we're all set! Let's get out there and bring some sunshine back into the world!

Sylvando

Sylvando's super-special smile-spreading parade starts right here!

*: Yeeeah!

*: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome one and all!

*: I know it's a difficult time for all of us, but what better way to show off our indefatigable spirit than to fill the big top with joyful laughter and defiant exuberance?

*: And believe me, that's what's going to happen, because tonight, for one night only, for the first time since the glory days of the Gallopolitan circus, the Wandering Wonder returns!

*: Clap your hands, stamp your feet and get ready to smile like you've forgotten how to...

*: I give you...the Great Sylvando!

Sylvando

Alright, everybody, it's time to turn those frowns upside down! Prepare to be amazed!

Sylvando and co. put on a stunning performance, and for one night at least, the people of Gallopolis are able to put all their worries and cares behind them.

After a jaw-dropping show, the curtain falls to thunderous applause...

*: Well, Sylv, I've got to hand it to you—that was like nothing else this circus has ever seen. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Sylvando

Darling, please! I just did a few party tricks, that's all. You're the real hero here, keeping the show going in these dark times. No one else could have done that.

*: Well, you know me. I've always been a firm believer in the healing power of laughter. And heaven knows, these people need it now more than ever...

*: I don't think I ever told you who taught me about that power, did I? I saw her when I was just a child. She was simply the most incredible performer...

*: She led a parade of people out of a kingdom destroyed by monsters, and on to a new home and a brighter future.

*: And she kept them smiling from start to finish! You can't imagine how inspirational it was for those of us who were lucky enough to wave them on their way.

*: And then, when she'd taken them to safety, she disappeared just as suddenly as she'd arrived...

*: We never saw her again... The rumours were that she died when she was still young. Such a tragedy...

*: Still, they say she fell in love with a famous knight and they got married, so it seems she found some happiness before her untimely end...

*: You remind me of her, you know. That look on her face as she proudly led those people out of danger, spreading joy and laughter wherever she went...

*: Well, if I needed inspiration to keep the circus going, you've provided it in spades! The show must go on! These people need some light in their lives!

Sylvando

Did you hear that, darlings? It seems we've got a rival in the smile-spreading business! Well, we'll just have to work twice as hard!

*: Um, Mister Sylvando...

*: Would you mind if we came with you? If this circus is going to stand any chance of keeping people laughing, it's going to need some performers who've learnt from the best!

Sylvando

Oh! Well, the more the merrier, of course...but I think we should see what the ringmaster has to say, don't you?

*: ...Oh, you boys go with Sylv. Learn all you can from him, eh? I'll be expecting big things from you when you get back!

*: Take good care of them, won't you? They're good lads, I promise.

Sylvando

Life in the happiness-restoring trade isn't all fun and games, you know! I'm going to be training you hard, and I expect you to become nothing less than the very best in the business!

*: Sir, yes, sir!

Three new friends join Sylvando's merry band!

Sylvando

Yoo-hoo! Tetty-wetty-woobags!

Tetsu

Sylvando! You came!

Sylvando

But of course I did! And who's this ravishing young thing, hm?

*: I am his mother.

And you must be Sylvando.

Gratitude is due.

*: When the World Tree fell,

I thought my boy had been lost.

I drowned in despair...

*: But now he is home!

My worries clear like the clouds—

And all thanks to you!

Dave

Cor, would you look at that? You really do perk people up wherever you go, eh, Sylv? A right little soldier of smile, you are!

Sylvando

‘Soldier of smile’...? Ooh, I like it!

Sylvando

Alright, listen up, boys!

Sylvando

We all know what a dark place the world is these days, but if there's one thing I've learned by helping people like Tetsu here, it's the power of the smile!

Sylvando

No matter how bad things get, no matter how much you cry or how powerless you feel, a single grin can bring hope for a better tomorrow!

Sylvando

There's nothing this world needs more than happy faces right now, so that's just what we're going to give it!

*: You're so right, Sylv! We're with you all the way!

Dave

Oi! 'Oo said you could start callin' 'im plain old ‘Sylv’, you cheeky toerag!?

Dave

...Oh, I geddit! We can't go spreadin' smiles if we're ‘mister’-in' an' ‘sir’-in' left and right, eh? Fair enuff! ‘Sylv’ yerselves silly, boys!

*: Great idea, boss! ‘Sylv’ it is!

*: I'm with you all the way too, Sylv! Let's get out there and save the world!

*: YEEEAH! I mean, yaaay!

Sylvando

Oh, boys! You don't know how much this means to me! This parade's going to change everything, I just know it!

Sylvando

From this day forth, you shall journey 'cross the land, vanquishing the blight of despair with the righteous power of happiness! I hereby dub you...

Sylvando

The Soldiers of Smile!

*: Woohoo! We're the Soldiers of Smile! Yayyy!

*: Er...

*: If it please you, sir.

My son would like to join you

In spreading sunlight.

Tetsu

Alright, boys, me and my mum have made a little something that's going to knock your socks off!

Tetsu

I told you I'd thank you properly if you came to visit! Now you can travel the world in style!

*: We've made something for you too, Sylv. To say thanks, you know. Close your eyes...

Sylvando

Oh, my... I love it! Thank you so much, my special little soldiers! (sniff)

Dave

'Ere, less o' that snivellin', you! There's people out there need our 'elp, in case you've forgotten!

Sylvando

Look out, world...

*: HERE WE COME!

Sylvando

I know you're still out there. All of you...

Sylvando

We'll meet again soon, I just know it. And until then, I'll be doing my best to make the world a better place!

Jade

Octagonia... Finally...

*: You there! You're not from around here, are you?

*: Well, let me give you a piece of advice, one traveller to another: steer well clear of that city. It's in a right old state. The stories I've been hearing are enough to make your hair stand on end!

Jade

Thanks for the warning, but I'm going in anyway.

Jade

If the people there are suffering, I can't leave them to their fate. Things are bad enough these days without that.

*: Blimey, there aren't many like you around. Most people are just out for themselves since Yggdrasil fell. Well, good luck to you—you'll need it.

Jade

I know I'm not alone in this. If you're still out there, you'll be doing exactly the same thing as me.

Jade

And that's how I'm going to find you. I just have to keep looking...

Jade

Monsters inside the city? Then the rumours were true...

*: Waaah! Waaaaaagh!

*: Skrarrrk! Insolent fool! How dare you defy us!? Someone needs to clip your wings—teach you your place in the pecking order!

*: Time to put an end to your hyper-annoying antics once and for all!

Jade

Not so fast!

*: Hyyyarrrghhh...

*: Skrarrrrrrk! What the—!? I'd better shake a tail feather and tell Booga about this!

*: Th-Thanks... You'd think I'd be able to look after myself, being a fighter and all. Heh.

*: Wait, you're into the whole Masked Martial Arts thing too, right? Yeah, you made it all the way to the semi-finals. Jade, wasn't it? Hm, picked a heck of a time to come back. What brings you to town?

Jade

I've been visiting places where people are in trouble. And destroying the monsters I find there.

Jade

I heard that Octagonia had been overrun, so I came here as quickly as I could. What can you tell me about what's been going on?

*: Well, we've had it pretty tough. As soon as Yggdrasil fell, this creep called Booga showed up and took the place over. Started using us humans as his slaves.

*: Vince and the others weren't about to let monsters take over our hometown without a fight, though. A bunch of them went out looking to take the guy down...but we've heard nothing since.

*: In the end, it got so I couldn't bear to just stand by and watch things go to hell either. I had to try to do something—but, well...you saw how that worked out...

Jade

Well, they won't be bullying the people of this town any longer! It's time someone taught this Booga character a lesson!

*: Look, no offence, lady, but—

*: H-He should be up in the old arena on the third level. I guess you know what you're doing, but...just be careful, okay?

Jade

Booga, I presume? Enslaver of innocents and all-round bully?

*: I am he! Mighty Booga! Spectral Sentinel! Skull-smasher! Swoon-inducer extraordinaire!

Booga

And who might you be, hm? Let me guess—another righteous warrior come to put an end to my wicked reign? (sigh) Come on, then. Let's have a look at you...

Booga

B-B-B-B-B—! (squeal)

Booga

Y-You're gooorgeous! ♥

Booga

Hair as glossy as a great sabrecat's coat! The flawlessly toned physique of a gigantes! Oh yes... You're right up Booga's alley! ♥

Booga

We mustn't waste another moment! Please! Say you'll be mine! Let me shower you with gushing lashings of affection every minute of every day, forever and ever and ever! (slobber)

Jade

Ugh! I couldn't think of anything worse...

Booga

Oooh! Just look at her angry face! It's even more adorable than her only-mildly-grumpy face! Swooon! ♥

Booga

But you won't be able to stay mad at me forever! Especially not when you see what I've made you! Beloved—a token of my undying appreciation...

Booga

I call it the hare-raising suit! Ooh, and it'll make your darling Booga-Wooga very happy indeed to see you wear it! (slobber)

Jade

Not on your LIFE!

Booga

Darling, please! We've only just met! Try to control your urges! At least tell me your name before you start throwing yourself at me!

Booga

Come on, now. Be a good girl and put it on...if not for your sake, then for theirs...

*: Aaah!

Booga

I've been known to get a little aggressive when I don't get my way. So, what do you say, honey-bun, hm? A quick change of clothes is a small price to pay to stop these people suffering, no?<yesno>

Booga

Are you sure? I may be famed for my generosity, but there's a limit to even my patience...

Booga

So—are you going to put it on or not?<yesno>

Booga

Ooh, look at Little Miss Stubbornpants! You're lucky you look so scrumptious...but not as scrumptious as some...

*: (shiver) Waaagh!

Booga

Nobody has to get hurt. All you need to do is stop being so selfish and put on the lovely outfit I made you. Come on, honeykins... Hee hee hee! For me?<yesno>

Booga

G-G-G-G—!!! Oooh myyy! Just look at you! I knew you'd be a picture in it, but...oooh, I could eat you up! (slobber)

Jade

That's enough! I put on your stupid suit, now be as good as your word and let these people go so I can come over there and pummel you!

Booga

...Oh, I don't think so. No. I've changed my mind. Sorry! But I AM very pleased to hear you want to spend some quality time with me! Heh heh heh!

Booga

Let's get rid of these hangers-on first, shall we?

Booga

Take everyone except me and the girl, will you, my love?

Anything for you, my Boogy-Woogy-Woobags! ♥

Jade

You're disgusting! How could you!?

Booga

Save it for when we're finally alone, will you, my little plum dumpling? We just have to pack these people off into an inter-dimensional vortex, and you'll have me all to yourself!

Jade

No...!

Booga

NOOO!!! NOT YOOOU!!! WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING!?

Jade

Aaagh!

*: Please! I don't want to fight any more! I, I'm sorry, okay!? Please...!

*: Lo, thou hast defied mighty Booga, and must needs pay thy penance! Thou knowest the sentence! Ten thousand battles, no more, no less! Only then shalt thou be permitted to leave this place!

*: Ughhhhhh...

Jade

You animal!

Jade

Can't you see he's had enough!? He can't fight one more battle, let alone ten thousand!

*: Stop it... Please... You're only making it worse...

Jade

Worse? What do you mean?

*: 'Tis plain thou art new to this place. Fear not, child—his life, at least, shall be spared...just.

*: But the commandments of Booga must be obeyed! Those who defy him must remain in Limboo, and fight until they have learned their lesson!

*: Now, stand aside and let justice be done! Thine own day of judgement shalt come to pass soon enough!

Jade

I don't know what you people are doing here, but it stops, now!

*: Please, you have to listen to me! The more you try to fight them, the worse I'll get it!

*: Forget about me, okay? You really want to help? Go help those who need it most.

*: Some of the guys they're keeping down there... They're getting it way worse than me...

Jade

...Fine. If you insist.

Jade

You were all in the tournament! Is everyone okay?

Vince

Heh. Just about. You wound up down here too, huh? Can't nobody catch a break lately.

Jade

So you're the ones who went off to beat Booga and never came back? What exactly happened?

Vince

Not a whole lot. We tried to take the guy down, and he sent us here. Limboo, they call it.

Sinderella

No one's allowed to leave until they've paid for standing up to him by ‘learning their lesson’.

Sinderella

Which means trooping in one by one to fight monster after monster. And no matter how bad it gets, you can't tap out...

Jade

But that's... That's just awful!

Golden Boy

The whole sordid little operation is run by a horrendous fiend by the name of Boodica. She brought us all here, and no one's made it out since.

Golden Boy

Unless someone does something about her, we'll be stuck here forever, doomed to an eternity of terror, never knowing who might be called up next...

Jade

That's no kind of life...

Jade

But you can't give up hope! If what you just said is true, then all we have to do is take care of this Boodica, and we can all go home!

Underdigger

‘Can't give up 'ope’!? Ha! Yer a bit late for that, darlin'. We ain't 'ad none o' that in 'ere for a long old while.

Underdigger

Goin' after Boodica'll only make fings worse for us all. Is that wot you want?

Underdigger

Nah, best fing we can do is keep our 'eads down an' wait for 'em to get bored an' let us go. We don't need none o' your 'eroics, alright? You'll leave it alone if you know wot's good for ya.

Jade

You can't think like that! If you do, nothing will ever change! If we don't stand up and—

Sinderella

Look, hon, we've all heard the rumours, okay? About the Darkspawn, and how he caused the Lord of Shadows to come and wreck the world?

Sinderella

And how a certain young fighter just happens to be one of the Darkspawn's bosom buddies? You really expect us to listen to you?

Jade

I... I... (sigh)

*: Alright! It's time to lock horns with some more monsters!

*: You! Get mooving! It's your turn to pay off some of your debt to Booga!

Golden Boy

(gasp) No, no! N-N-No! Please, please! I don't want to! I can't!

Jade

Never mind him! If it's a fight you're after, I'll be more than happy to oblige!

Boo-hoo-hoo-hoo! Oh, what FUN! I do so love them when they're new enough to still have some fire in their bellies!

*: Lady...Boodica!?

I bet you thought I didn't notice you up there, hmm? Making eyes at my Booga-Wooga? Well I DID!

Luckily for you, we have an extra special punishment for little madams who don't know their place! It's called the Girly Burly! Tee hee hee! Ooh, I can't wait!

Underdigger

Heh heh heh. You've really gone an' done it now. So long, kiddo. It was nice knowin' ya.

Jade

Hmm. Don't be so sure. You may have given up hope, but I'm not about to.

*: Kree hee hee! It's been ages since the last Girly Burly!

*: Fie upon thee, humans! May Limboo be thy grave!

Underdigger

Look, she weren't bad in the tournament, but this is a different kettle o' fish. She don't stand a chance out there!

Vince

(sigh)

Jade

Huh? Wh-What's happ—

Welcome, lovelies, one and all! Before you stands a little upstart who thought she'd play the hero! How's that working out for you, dearie, hm? Boowah-ha-ha-ha-haa!

It's time to show this cocky little creature who really rules the world these days! It's time for...the Girly Burly! Monsters! Make her suffer!

Jade

Is that...it...? (pant) I don't know what all the...fuss was about... (pant)

Golden Boy

I don't believe it! She made it through the Girly Burly!

Sinderella

How did she DO that? Anybody else would have given up by now!

*: Ugh! You're SO annoying! You weren't supposed to actually survive!

*: Well, sometimes if a girl needs something doing, she just has to do it herself...

Boodica

Boo!

Golden Boy

Oh no!

Underdigger

'Ere, that ain't right! She just fought off a massive 'orde o' monsters! At least give 'er a chance to catch 'er breath!

Boodica

Oh, boo-hoo-hoo-hoo! Did you really think I was going to make this a fair fight?

Boodica

Honestly, one little present from my Booga and she thinks she's queen of everything! Don't let it get to your head, dear!

Boodica

My Boo only has eyes for one woman, and she outshines you in every arena! Looks? Ha! Style? Not even close! Muscle? Pah ha ha! Just look at you!

Jade

(pant) What? You think that's...it...? (pant) I'm just getting...started...!

Boodica

Oh, you think you're so TOUGH, don't you? Well, you've asked for it now, missy! Limboo's about to introduce a new punishment—DEATH!

Vince

Jade, stop! Just stay down, you hear?

Vince

Keep fightin' and you'll die! That ain't no use to anybody! Quit now, while you still can!

Jade

If I stop now...then you really will all give up hope... (pant) Not while I'm still...breathing...

Jade

Too many people have given up already... And who can blame them...? The world's fallen apart around them...

Jade

But I'm not about to do the same... My friends are still out there, and they'll never give up... I know it...

Jade

They give me the strength to keep on going... A light in the darkness... I have to keep that light alive...

Jade

I'll keep getting up, no matter how many times you knock me down! I'll never let that light die!

Boodica

Booggghhh...

*: Woohoo! Go Jade! You did it, Jade!

Boodica

Ha! I know your game! But it's going to take a lot more than a little scratch to make my Boo stop loving me!

Jade

V-Vince...

Vince

You're right, Jade. With all the stuff that's been going down, we lost sight of the most important thing: hope.

Vince

That light you talked about? Mine is those kids back at the orphanage. I won't stay down either. Not until I finally make it back to them.

Underdigger

We got yer back an' all, Jade! What kind o' big, tough warriors would we be if we didn't, eh?

Jade's HP and MP are fully restored!

Sinderella

Hey, listen... I'm sorry about what I said before, okay? And I'm on board with all the light of hope stuff too. There's gotta be something still worth fighting for in this world, right?

Jade

Alright, everyone! Let's finish Boodica off, then get out of here and take care of her boyfriend! It's time to bring hope back to Octagonia!

Boodica

Limboo's too good for the likes of you! Filthy humans! You're all going straight to HELL!

Boodica

H-How!? How could this have happened!? ME, defeated... By humans...!? Boo hoo hoo hoo hoo...!

Jade

Bye-bye, Boodica.

Boodica

B-Boooaaarrrghhh!

Vince

This is not looking good. We need to get out of here, fast!

Jade

Look! Octagonia!

Jade

It's our only chance! Quickly, everyone!

Booga

Wh-Wh-Wh—!? That burly girly'd better not be roughing up my bunnykins!

Booga

Boooaggghhh! My eyyyes!

Vince

Huh...? Did we...?

Vince

Man, we made it! We're back home! Woo-yeah!

Jade

...Wait. We can't start celebrating just yet.

Jade

We've got one last battle to fight. Octagonia won't be safe until we've dealt with Booga!

*: Let's do this!

Jade

...Ngh!

Vince

Jade? You okay!?

Booga

Ahh ha ha ha! My little bunny-rabbit has finally hopped home to daddy! I'd wondered when that suit of mine would finally work its magic!

Booga

Ohh, we've got so much to look forward to! You're mine! All mine! We're going to be together forever more! (slobber)

Booga

We'll write each other love letters, maybe even—dare I say it—hold hands! Oh, it's all so romantic! ♥

Jade

No... Never...

*: Ngh...

*: .........Huh?

Rab

Wh-Where am I...?

Rab

How did I get here? I cannae remember a thing...

Rab

Jings! I-Is that—!? Nah! It can't be!

Rab

...It is! It's her! Fresh from the pages of the Ogler's Digest and large as life!

Rab

I havnae the first clue what's going on around these parts, but I reckon I could do worse than ask our lassie here!

Rab

Well, Rab? What're ye waitin' for? She'll not hang around forever while you pluck up what little courage ye have left!

Rab

Yoo-hoo! Have ye a moment to spare for a sweet, harmless auld man, hen?

Rab

...Eh? What just happened?

Rab

This cannae be... B-But it is... It's Dundrasil, just as it once was...

*: Hee hee! Looking sharp, Your Majesty!

Rab

M-My auld robes! B-But how...!?

Rab

What in the world's going on? Would ye care to enlighten me, lassie?

*: Walk this way...

Rab

B-But...!?

*: I trust you are well, Father.

Rab

Eleanor! Irwin! I-It really is you! And... And ye're young again! Wh-What's going on?

Irwin

Y-Your Majesty, please forgive my insolence in seeking a personal audience with you today.

Irwin

I come before you not as the head of the Princess's honour guard, but as my own man.

Rab

Wh— I mean, umm... Very well. State your business.

Irwin

W-Well... You see... Th-The thing is, I...

Irwin

I wish to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage!

Rab

I-Irwin...!

Irwin

And though I am but a soldier, and all too aware of my own lowly position, nevertheless I must persist.

Irwin

For there is one thing of which I am certain—my sword arm is steadfast, and my heart unwavering! There is no man alive who will love, honour and protect your daughter as I can!

Irwin

Your Majesty, I place my fate in your hands. Will you allow me to continue to serve and protect your daughter, not as the head of her honour guard, but as her dutiful and loving husband?<yesno>

Irwin

Please, Your Majesty, I beseech you! Will you grant the wish of one who would gladly lay down his life if it would prevent a single hair on the Princess's head from coming to harm?<yesno>

Rab

Ach, I can hardly turn ye down after that little performance, can I, laddie? To tell you the truth, I always had an inkling you two might one day be wed.

Princess Eleanor

Oh, Father!

Rab

It's up to you now, Irwin. Don't disappoint me, ye hear?

Irwin

Th-Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you!

Rab

Crivens! Where'd you spring from, lassie!? And where's everybody gone!?

*: Tee hee hee! Did you enjoy your little trip down memory lane? Well, it's not over yet...

*: Your Majesty, Lord Robert! The new arrival is here!

King Irwin

Wh—!? Already!?

*: Congratulations, Your Majesty!

*: It's a beautiful, bouncing baby boy!

King Irwin

A boy!

Queen Eleanor

Look, Irwin...

King Irwin

Och, he's a fine wee chappie—and what a set of lungs!

King Irwin

We'd better hurry up and give him a name before he screams the place down!

King Irwin

We were wondering what you thought about...Erdrick.

King Irwin

We were wondering what you thought about...Rickerd.

Queen Eleanor

Oh, it's beautiful! It sounds...clever and brave and... Yes.

Queen Eleanor

But I've rather set my heart on something else, you know...

Queen Eleanor

What do you think of this for a name...?

King Irwin

Oh. Uh, well, it... It's nice but... It wouldn't exactly be my first choice...

King Irwin

But if that's the name you've chosen, my love, then that's the name he shall have!

King Irwin

Mighty Yggdrasil has blessed us with this beautiful boy!

King Irwin

And from this day forth, he shall be known as...

King Irwin

<pc>!

Queen Eleanor

Hm hm! Oh, Father!

Rab

Ahem! Sorry about that, love!

Queen Eleanor

Never mind that. Why don't you give your grandson a cuddle?

<pc>

Goo goo gah gah!

Rab

Hello, wee one! I'm yer Grampa! Yes I am! Yes I am!

Rab

Wh-What the—!?

*: Having fun?

Rab

How're ye doing this? These places... These memories... They feel so real...

Rab

What's all this, then?

<pc>

Happy birthday, Grampa!

Rab

Get away! It's... It's you!

<pc>

Hee hee! Surpriiise! You didn't suspect a thing, did you? We all worked extra hard to keep it a secret!

King Irwin

Happy birthday, Lord Robert! We've had Gondolia's finest patissiers working day and night on your cake here! I trust it will be to your taste!

Queen Eleanor

Many happy returns, Father! May you live a long and joyful life watching your grandson grow into a fine young man!

Rab

Oh, ye... Ye shouldn't have...

*: Congratulations, Your Highness! The people of Dundrasil are eternally grateful for all you've done to make this such a happy and peaceful place to live!

*: Hear hear! And we'll do everything we can to keep it happy and peaceful under King Irwin too!

Rab

Och, that's my boys!

*: Aye, an' a great big happy birthday to ye from all the lads and lassies doon the tavern, eh?

*: Heh heh heh! Dinnae forget tae send word when ye've a new addition or two tae the royal collection of—ahem!—gentlemen's periodicals, will ye, big man?

Rab

My people... Oh, how I loved them...

<pc>

You're not crying, are you, Grampa? Is something the matter?

Rab

No, laddie. Everything's perfect. Just perfect...

Rab

So Dundrasil hasnae been destroyed, and Eleanor and Irwin are living here happily with their boy?

Rab

Well, whatever this place is—whatever's going on—I know it cannae be real...

Rab

But by golly, I could stay here forever...

<pc>

(sniff sob)

Rab

Awww, my poor wee soldier's fallen down!

<pc>

.........Waaah!

Rab

Aww, there, there, wee man! There's no need for that!

Rab

That's it! It's all coming back to me! We were defeated, and then the darkness came...

Rab

When I awoke, I was all alone... I prayed that my pals were still alive, but I knew I couldnae rely on that... So I set out to find a way of taking on the Lord of Shadows by myself.

Rab

Yes, so... I sought out Grand Master Pang... I was trying to convince her to train me... But... But that means...all this must be...

<pc>

What's the matter, Grampa?

Rab

I'm sorry, laddie. I've somewhere I need to be. Things I need to be doing.

<pc>

Wh-What? You mean you're leaving?

Rab

Aye, that's right. I hate to go, really I do...but maybe one day ye'll understand.

Rab

You be a good boy, now. Something tells me you'll do just fine.

*: I can give you what you want, Your Majesty. But can I ask why you want it?

Rab

Because I've more important things to be doing.

Rab

There's a world needs saving while I'm dallying here in dreamland—lovely as it is. I should be toughening up, not going soft in the head.

Rab

I need to be with Grand Master Pang learning how to defeat the Lord of Shadows. And I need ye to take me to her right now.

*: After all the effort I went to? Honestly! Do you think I like dressing up as a bunny-eared bimbo?

Rab

Grand Master Pang! Ye cannae be serious! It was you all along!

Grand Master Pang

...Huuuah!

Rab

Wait, this is...!

Grand Master Pang

Welcome to the place where lost souls gather. The place between worlds.

Grand Master Pang

This is the void. And you are courageous indeed to have ventured here. Not all of my students would dare.

Rab

It's an honour to see ye again, Grand Master.

Grand Master Pang

Contentment is complacency. Happiness is inertia. You did well to refuse its temptations.

Rab

So it WAS all a test then?

Grand Master Pang

Indeed it was. But you were not deceived by my illusions. You were not seduced by the fantasy of an easy escape. ...It's a start.

Rab

Yesss! Passed with flying colours! So ye'll train me, eh?

Grand Master Pang

Hmph, you still have not learned to listen, I see. I said it was a start. There is work to do yet if you are to prove yourself truly worthy.

Rab

Ye what?

Grand Master Pang

You must show me that you have not been neglectful of your training. That you have been diligent in your daily practice. And there's only one way to truly make sure of that...

Rab

N-Not the Naughty Stick! And ye've taken to wielding two of them, I see! Oh crivens... I'll not get out of this without a bruise or two...

Rab

But if that's what it takes, then so be it! Do yer worst!

Rab

Hah... Hah...

Grand Master Pang

Perhaps you have not been as lazy as I feared...but you are still not ready.

Grand Master Pang

You mean to tell me that you are giving up? Have you really grown so weak? I despair, I really do...

Grand Master Pang

You haven't been practising at all, have you? If you were younger, I'd put you over my knee and give you a thousand of the best with the Naughty Stick!

Rab

W-Wait, I...

Grand Master Pang

Still, your resolve is clear. You have shown me how much you are willing to endure in order to take on the Lord of Shadows.

Grand Master Pang

...Perhaps you are as ready as you'll ever be.

Rab

Ye're serious!? Ye mean it's time?

Grand Master Pang

It is. You will be trained in the most closely guarded secrets of our art. But were you to undergo the full course of study, the physical body you have left behind would wither and die.

Grand Master Pang

As such, your training must be accelerated, and the work of years condensed into mere days. But it will not be easy. Are you ready to open the gates of hell and see what lies beyond? You had better be...

Rab

You bet I am! I've the best teacher there is to guide me! And I'll gladly follow her wherever she leads me!

Grand Master Pang

I am very happy to hear it.

Rab

By the way, the whole bunny girl thing—ye were more than a mite convincing, Grand Master, I have to say.

Rab

I could have sworn you'd swanned in straight off the cover of a vintage issue of the Ogler's Digest!

Grand Master Pang

Hm! There is more to me than meets the eye, you know. I too was young once upon a time...

Rab

Hang on a minute! What d'ye mean by that, exactly!?

Grand Master Pang

Do not question your master! You have training to be doing! We will make it easy to begin with—ten thousand press-ups...on your knuckles!

Rab

T-Ten thousand!?

Rab

...Ooya!

Erik

Urrrgh... What happened? Am I still alive? I, I remember the Tree of Life...and the Lord of Shadows...

Erik

I can't be the only one who made it, right? Right...?

Erik

Hm. Not good. I'm not exactly in the best shape for a jailbreak...

*: It's not a jail—it's a monster's lair!

Erik

Hey! Where'd you get off sneaking up on people like that!?

*: Don't worry! I'm not a bad slime! I promise! (slurp)

*: Oh dear, it looks like you're a little battered and broozed. But I can help! Here you goo...

*: ...Wheeeeee!

Erik

Whoa... You... You healed me!

Erik

What kind of slime goes around appearing out of nowhere and healing humans?

*: This kind of slime! My name's Healijah! Nice to meet you!

Erik

Uh, okay. Sure...

Erik

Well, whatever. If you're as good a monster as you say you are, maybe you can help me. Have you seen my buddies anywhere?

Healijah

Ooze that? Your friends? You mean other goomans? Nope, you're the only one here!

Healijah

But you want to goo and find them, do you? Alright! Follow me! (slurp)

Erik

Uhh, he's helping me escape? Maybe he really is one of the good guys...

Erik

Well, I'm not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Guess I've got a new friend.

Erik

Heh. Another escape from an underground prison, huh? Takes me back to the good old days when we busted out of Heliodor Castle.

Erik

(sigh) I hope he's doing okay, wherever he is...

Healijah

Goo are you talking about? Sounds like someone ooze very important to you.

Erik

Long story. Anyway, let's blow this joint.

Healijah

See! I told you! Two gooreat big ugly monsters, right up ahead!

Erik

Yeah, I see them.

*: I dunno if you heard, but apparently Lord Indignus has been smashing it.

*: He motht thertainly hath! He taught thothe Watcherth a letthon, or tho I heard! Attacked their village and thent it crashing to the ground!

Erik

‘Watchers’? Never heard of them. Any idea what they're talking about?

Erik

Never mind. There'll be time for that later. We need to get these guys out of the way.

Healijah

Ooh, ooh! I've got an idea! Why don't we do this! (slurp slurp slurp)

Healijah

It's terrible! Awful! A complete splatastrophe!

*: Eh? Have you gone potty?

*: Jutht who are you, anyway? I've never theen you down here before...

*: Ngh... Y-You...? But how did you manage to...break out? ...Urgh.

Healijah

Ha ha ha ha ha! Gooreat work, Erik!

Erik

Wait, how do you know my name?

Erik

I think you and me need to have a little talk...but it'll have to wait for now. Come on.

Healijah

Yayyy! Let's get gooing!

Erik

Huh. Great.

Erik

Going in there looking for a fight would be suicide. Damn it! What do we do now...?

Healijah

Come on, you can't just goo giving up like that! What would your sister think?

Erik

Wait a second! You're talking about my sister now!?

Erik

Not that she'd be in a position to think much of anything...

Healijah

Hmm... You don't remember telling me about her? I suppose it must have been a while agoo...

Erik

What are you talking about!? I only just met you, remember?

Healijah

Ahem! Anyway, this is no slime to be dithering! We need to look for another way out of here! Come on, let's goo!

Erik

Heh, you're a slippery customer alright. But don't worry—I'll get the truth out of you eventually.

Healijah

It's another one of these thingummies! Hmm... But this one's not working...

Healijah

Let's see what's gooing on with it, shall we? Interesting...

Healijah

Don't worry, it's not broken! With a little bit of my extra-special magic, it'll be all systems goo in no slime!

Healijah

Well, it might take a minute or two... Just wait there, okay? (slurp)

*: Grrrahahaharrr! There they are! Call for reinforthementh! We've found our runaways!

Erik

Gah! They've caught up with us! Can you shake a tentacle and get that thing moving?

Healijah

I'm trying, I'm trying! I can't goo any faster! Please, just hold them off for a little while, will you?

Healijah

Gooray! It worked! This thing's full to the brim with magic again! Come on, Erik! Climb aboard!

Erik

Heh! Not bad, little guy!

Healijah

Ha ha! I told you I'm a good slime really! But things would've got sticky if you hadn't been there to keep the monsters at bay!

Healijah

Hmm... This place looks different to where we were before... Let's goo and see if we can find a way out, shall we? (slurp)

Erik

Wait, what?

Erik

We were up in the sky the whole time?

Erik

So how do we get down? Something tells me this isn't a jump we're going to survive...

Healijah

Look! Over there! There's a path gooing up to the top!

Erik

...Gah! What now!?

*: Kneel before Indignus, mortal! Spectral Sentinel and servant of the Lord of Shadows!

Indignus

It is I who imprisoned you, intending to offer you up to my master. But I see that you have other ideas...

Indignus

You have done well to make it this far. Quite a feat for a mere human. But you will go no further!

Indignus

Seize him! We cannot suffer an accomplice of the Luminary to remain at large!

Indignus

The time of darkness has arrived, and no light shall be allowed to return. All who oppose the Lord of Shadows will be destroyed!

Erik

Haa... Haa... Looks like the end of the road... Damn it! If only there was some way out!

There is one way...

Erik

Huh!? Healijah? Is that you? Wh-Where are you?

It is me... But also...not me... You have known me for longer than you think...

‘One day you shall meet the Luminary somewhere deep underground, and if you help him, you shall be forgiven...’ You know those words, don't you...?

Erik

Wait, that's...!

I can lend you the power to escape your predicament... A great power... But a power you may use just this once...

And in return, I will have to take from you that which you treasure most...

So tell me—what might that be...?

Of course... Your memories of your brothers and sisters in arms... Precious treasures indeed... But I will have to strip you of them... There is no other way...

Erik

Do what you have to do! I need that power! Memories aren't much good to me dead! Better to live and make new ones!

Erik

I won't let this end here! I can't!

Then the power is yours...

Indignus

Hah hah hah! He has accepted his fate at last! Seize him!

Erik

Oh, I'm not done...

Erik

Not by a long shot!

Indignus

It seems there is fight in him yet. Very well. I shall finish the job myself!

Indignus

My armour...

Erik

No...! Not now, damn it...!

Erik

I said... I'm not...done!

Indignus

Insolent cur! I shall lay your broken carcass at the feet of my master!

Erik

Arrrghhh...!

*: You did it Erik... You're safe now...

*: You knew me as the Seer...as do all the people of your world... I once told you a tale of your destiny... And I had hoped I might guide you to it...

*: But even my power has its limits... Forgive me...

Remember, where there is life, there is hope... Farewell...

*: What a bloomin' palaver! There's nuffink like a massive great tree fallin' out o' the sky to mess fings up good an' proper! Talk about the long way round!

*: Crikey! That bloke don't look too steady on 'is feet. You alright, mate?

Erik

I, I don't know...

Erik

I don't even know who I am... All I know is...I was on a journey with...someone... But who...?

Why is it that you always thought yourself so much better than me?

Why was it always you who was given the golden opportunities? Why was it always you who got just what you wanted?

Why, hm? TELL ME WHY!

Well, no more. I will be second best no longer.

You will outdo me no longer, Hendrik! This time, it is I who have been chosen...and you who will fade into obscurity!

Erik

So, uhh, what did we just see?

Jade

At the end there—that looked like the throne room in Heliodor. The place was a ruin. And that man Hendrik was doing battle with...

Jade

...Could it have been Jasper?

Hendrik

I cannot say for certain... Yet I have seen that scene before...somewhere...

Hendrik

This shadow...could it have something to do with the visions we just witnessed? Come, we must go after it.

Hendrik

It has been years now since that fateful day... When the darkness first descended, and tragedy befell Dundrasil—your home...

Hendrik

Jasper and I stood together at the head of the force that succeeded in driving back the monsters and escorting King Carnelian to safety.

Hendrik

Little did we know that the man we strove so hard to protect had already been possessed by the fiend Mordegon...

Hendrik

Upon our return, His Majesty made me a general for my deeds that day.

Hendrik

But I did not rescue him alone...

Hendrik

Without Jasper's bravery, all would have been lost. I urged the King to recognise my old friend's valour, but he paid me no heed.

Hendrik

Jasper was not rewarded for his bravery. He was ignored. Ostracised.

Hendrik

This must have been Mordegon's plan all along—to wound Jasper, let the darkness fester in his heart, then use that resentment for his own ends...

Hendrik

Why could I not see what my master had become?

Hendrik

And why was I so blind to the darkness consuming Jasper's soul?

Hendrik

It is you...

Hendrik

Come. We must see where it leads us next. I sense it has something important to tell us.

Hendrik

We sparred here, back when we were young...

Hendrik

Jasper. Show yourself.

*: Grraaarrrgh!

Rab

They say those the monsters take before they've finished their business in this life come back as bitter, black spirits. Looks like that's what we're dealing with here. Aye, it's Jasper, like as not.

*: Why...? Why did this...happen...to me?

Jasper

...WHY!?

Serena

I'm sensing a horrible, ugly hatred... Careful everyone!

Erik

I don't usually make it my business to fight vengeful spirits, but something tells me we don't have much choice. Let's do this!

Hendrik

This is not your fight. I must face him alone.

Rab

Hendrik, that's not the man ye knew. It's nothing more than the darkness he left behind him.

Hendrik

A darkness I helped create. A darkness I must destroy.

Hendrik

...Alone.

Hendrik

Let us bring this to an end.

Hendrik

Come, Jasper. It is time at last.

Jasper

Again you surpass me... Again you...outdo me... Again you... You leave me behind...

Jasper

The more you bathed in glory... The more brightly you shone... The more I receded into shadow...

Jasper

Do you know what it was...that I always wanted...?

Jasper

I wanted...to be...like you...

Hendrik

Jasper...

Hendrik

You speak of surpassing me... But in truth, it was I who always followed in your wake.

Hendrik

I was robbed of my home, my family. I was alone.

Hendrik

You were the one who spurred me on in their place. The light that guided me.

Jasper

Hm hm hm! You are the same sentimental fool as ever, I see. You do remember that I betrayed you?

Hendrik

How could I forget? I am indeed a fool. But not for that—for not seeing before it was too late.

Hendrik

If I had spoken to you... If I had listened... Perhaps I could have saved you.

Jasper

You knew. You always knew. We were born two very different souls. It was that difference that brought us together.

Jasper

As your light grew brighter, mine could only blacken in response. And before I knew it, I felt more kinship with the denizens of the dark you battled so righteously than I did with my own kind.

Jasper

The lure of evil grew, and before I knew it I had passed the point of no return. I saw then what Mordegon saw—the beauty in the blackness.

Jasper

Shed no tears for me. I seek no sympathy. All I ask is that you answer one question.

Jasper

Do you still...?

Jasper

Do you still consider me your comrade and companion?

Hendrik

...Always...friend.

Jasper

How long I have waited to hear those words...

Jasper

Do you remember the pact we made as boys? Come—it is time we made good on our promise.

Jasper

The two-headed eagle cannot fly with just one wing. From this day forth, my spirit shall stand alongside yours.

Jasper

...We will never be apart again!

Jade

That's one heck of a suit of armour. But then, those two always were quite the combination.

Hendrik

Forgive my self-indulgence.

Hendrik

But know that I have not forgotten my pledge. I shall be—no, WE shall be—your sword, your shield, your unswerving companions. My oldest friend and I. Together.

Hendrik

Though it was long in coming—far too long...

Hendrik

We are united at last.