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Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies/Story
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Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - Opening
On what should have been a peaceful day, Zooey asserts that (Captain) is an enemy of the world, then proceeds to impale the captain with a flash of light.
???: I manifest when the world's balance begins to crumble.
Vyrn: Whoa... What's with you today, Miss Flippy-Hair?
It was supposed to be a day like any other for the crew...
With the smell of sweet nature and the sight of blue skies in every direction.
A pleasant breeze blows on the Grandcypher's deck.
However...
???: Such arrogance toward the world shall not go unpunished by my azure will.
Lyria: Wait, Zooey! Why are you doing this?
Zooey: ...
She was supposed to be a friend of the crew, but here she is with her blade pointed at (Captain).
Zooey: My mission must come before all else.
Rackam: How about you tell us what that mission is before you start attacking us outta the blue!
Zooey: Singularity... You alone are my target. I intend on hurting no one else.
Eugen: (Captain), fall back! We'll cover you!
The sight of dear friends getting ready to battle each other leaves the captain feeling conflicted.
Zooey: I hereby pronounce the end of chaos.
The brilliant blue of the welkin in this moment is seared into (Captain)'s mind.
Rosetta: How did it come to this... Why must we fight among ourselves!
Katalina: Please, Zooey. At least tell us why!
Zooey: Is it not obvious? (Captain), you are an enemy of the world.
Rackam: Don't give us that crap! There's no reason for (Captain) to go against the world!
Zooey: Overreaching power will be the ruin of us all. I exist to preserve the world's balance.
Io: Why... Why do you have to hurt (Captain), of all people?
Io: Hasn't our time together meant anything to you? I thought we were friends!
Zooey: I suggest you fools who would stand in the way of equilibrium step aside.
Lyria: No... Please just talk to us, Zooey!
Gran is the Main Character
(Captain) places both hands on the shoulders of the teary-eyed Lyria to console her, then steps forward.
Djeeta is the Main Character
(Captain) places both hands on the shoulders of the teary-eyed Lyria to console her, then steps forward.
Zooey: A wise decision, Singularity. I see you've come to terms with your role as enemy of the world.
Choose: You couldn't be more wrong.
Vyrn: That's right! There's no way we're cool with this!
Rackam: You have any idea how many times (Captain) has put everything on the line to save the world?
Rackam: Heck, I know you know!
Choose: Enemy of the world?
Zooey: An enemy of the world is my enemy. That is all I can tell you.
Eugen: No way in hell are we gonna buy that. You've gotta talk to us, Zooey!
Choose: I'm... not sure...
Io: (Captain)? An enemy of the world? Now that's just crazy talk!
Continue 1Zooey: Follow the world's prophecy, Singularity.
The vermillion eyes representing the will of the world stare straight at the captain.
Lyria: (Captain), no! Please come back here!
Lyria: Eep!
Gran is the Main Character
The crew members, their weapons aimed at Zooey, try to form a defensive line around their captain, but (Captain) pushes past them.
Djeeta is the Main Character
The crew members, their weapons aimed at Zooey, try to form a defensive line around their captain, but (Captain) pushes past them.
Vyrn: You've gotta be kidding me, (Captain)!
Zooey: All things in the universe must turn to ash. Repent your transgressions in the light of the world's end.
As if passing judgment, a ray of light pierces through the captain.
Vyrn: (Captain)!
The horrified scream of (Captain)'s best bud echoes loud and far.
Lyria: No... This can't be!
The world turns dark.
Nay, it's more like a single existence has been expunged from the world.
As if being betrayed by everything the captain ever believed in.
But before losing all sensation in the body, a feeling of warmth graces (Captain)'s fingertips.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 1: The Ashen Precipice - Episode 1
(Captain) awakens in an unfamiliar place. Lyria is also there—perhaps due to the life link they share. As the two wonder why (Captain) has been deemed an enemy of the world, a mysterious girl appears.
There is no pain, no cold, no heat.
The darkness is surprisingly comforting.
"So warm." The familiar voice touches (Captain)'s subconscious and allows the captain's body to re-materialize.
(Captain) awakens in an unfamiliar place.
Strange. How is the captain still standing on two feet?
(Captain) follows the warmth in the fingertips to find another figure there.
Choose: Lyria...
Lyria: Mng...
Lyria slowly opens up both eyes in response.
Lyria: Huh? (Captain)? I...
Lyria's eyes flicker, a cloudy expression on her visage.
Lyria: Where are we?
(Captain) can do little more than shrug in response.
Lyria: What happened?
Lyria: Zooey suddenly... You collapsed right in front of me, and then...
(Captain) thinks back to the moment before everything went dark, and together they try to fill in the gaps.
Lyria: I thought you were going to die, so I ran over and grabbed your hands.
Lyria: That's when I thought you might still be alive...
Lyria: "Your hands are so warm," I said.
Lyria's fingers interlock with (Captain)'s.
Lyria: Was that a dream? Or... is this the dream?
Choose: I don't think it's a dream.
Lyria: So that means we're really... dead?
(Captain) responds with a vague headshake.
For death would have been the inevitable result of being pierced by Zooey's ray of light.
But being here with Lyria now, the captain isn't quite sure how this is any different from being alive.
However, all is not well in this "dream."
Choose: Hm, it could be the latter.
Lyria: Are you in my dream, (Captain)? Or is it the other way around?
Lyria: Hehe, wouldn't it be nice if we were having the same dream?
There is a lonely quality to her faint chuckle.
Choose: I'm sorry.
Choose: I'm sorry.
Lyria: What are you apologizing for?
(Captain) and Lyria share a deep bond through their life link.
If one dies, the other is equally doomed.
Lyria: There's not a single thing you need to apologize for, (Captain).
Lyria: It was my choice and my choice alone to form a life link with you.
Lyria: Back when I knew nothing about myself or the world, you went out of your way to save me.
Lyria: That was the day I made up my mind.
Lyria tightens her grip on the captain's hands.
Lyria: I'm so happy you don't have to go through this alone, (Captain).
Lyria: We can be together here.
Lyria's words are as warm as the touch of her hands.
Lyria: What's going to become of us?
Lyria: If we're really dead, does that mean this is the Otherworld?
Lyria: That doesn't seem to be the case either...
A milky white fog now pervades their surroundings.
The dreamlike nature of it all makes them feel uneasy.
Lyria: If we're stuck here, then... does that mean it's the end...
Lyria: Of our journey?
Stirred by Lyria's words, (Captain) thinks back to everything that's happened throughout their travels.
Lyria: There's so much I'm going to miss... Like staying up late in Katalina's room whenever I had trouble sleeping...
Lyria: Singing with Rackam as he cheerily pilots the Grandcypher.
Lyria: Taking in the scent of the floral tea that Rosetta would make me...
Lyria: Guessing the shapes of the clouds above with Eugen...
Lyria: Eating snacks and shopping for clothes with Io...
Lyria: And most of all, the precious time I spent with you and Vyrn...
Lyria's voice chokes up a bit.
Lyria: What does it mean to be an enemy of the world?
Lyria: I can't believe Zooey would do something like that without a good reason...
Lyria: She's definitely wrong about you, (Captain)! There's no way you're against the world!
(Captain) tries to calm the flustered Lyria.
Lyria: It just doesn't feel right not knowing what she was thinking...
Feeling the need to understand what exactly it means to be the world's enemy...
(Captain) nods in full agreement.
Lyria: It'd be too sad for everything to end without us knowing why.
In this closed-off space where nothing makes sense, Lyria's honest feelings are the only thing (Captain) can take heart in.
Choose: We need to know.
Lyria: Yes, my thoughts exactly.
???: Do you really want to know?
Lyria: Huh?
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 1: The Ashen Precipice - Episode 2
The girl introduces herself as Yuni, saying she has come to both present the truth of the world's history and ascertain the singularity's will. (Captain) and Lyria are then engulfed by recollections of the War.
A third voice sounds without warning.
???: So you want to know how you fit in with the world.
???: As well as why someone would want you to disappear forever. Am I right?
Returning the gaze of those beautiful yet mysterious eyes, (Captain) readily nods.
???: I see.
Lyria: Um, excuse me, but... Who might you be?
Yuni: I am Yuni. Singularity, it is my duty to show you the truth of the world and to question your resolve.
Lyria: Yuni... So you call (Captain) the singularity too.
Lyria: We've met others who did the same.
Lyria: Does being the singularity have something to do with being an enemy of the world?
The girl calling herself Yuni stares blankly back at Lyria.
Yuni: Tell me something, Singularity.
Yuni: You went in front of your friends and willingly accepted the arbitrator's judgment.
Yuni: Why? Was it not because you conceded?
Lyria: (Captain)...
Choose: I wanted to keep my friends safe.
Yuni: Even if that meant your death?
After the slightest hesitation, (Captain) nods.
Yuni: I see...
Choose: I was in a daze.
Lyria: (Captain) protected me... Protected all of us.
Lyria: (Captain)'s always prioritized our safety first.
Lyria: That's why I—
Yuni: Okay, I get it.
Continue 1Lyria: Um... Can you tell us where we are, Yuni? What happened to us?
Yuni: This is neither the Sky nor Astral Realm. Nor is it the land of the living or the dead. We're in an entirely closed-off space.
Yuni: Your demise has already been felt by your friends, but you were brought here before your lives were whisked away completely.
Lyria: So... we're dead, but we're also not dead?
Lyria: Meaning... there's still a way back?
Yuni: If that is what you wish.
Lyria: Then...
Yuni: But for that to happen, there is something you must know first.
Yuni looks straight into (Captain)'s eyes.
Yuni: It is the will of the Astrals—the power of arbitration which watches over the skies—that passed judgment on you.
Yuni: You may find it brazen for the remnants of Astral power to do such a thing. However...
Lyria: Remnants of Astral power... You mean primal beasts?
Yuni enters a brief silence.
Yuni: Girl in Blue...
Lyria: Y-yes?
Yuni: As one who commands primal beasts and shares a life link with the singularity, you have a right to—
Yuni: No, perhaps I should say it is your obligation to know.
Lyria: (Captain) and I share a beating heart.
Gran is the Main Character
Lyria: If there's anything (Captain) must know, then I should know it too.
Djeeta is the Main Character
Lyria: If there's anything (Captain) must know, then I should know it too.
Yuni: Very well.
Yuni: From a mortal's perspective, it's going to feel like an exceptionally long journey...
Yuni: But I want you to learn, think, and choose for yourself.
Yuni: The meaning of life for those who live between the skies and the stars.
In the next moment, their sterile surroundings suddenly explode with activity.
The air trembles, and the waves swell.
Lyria: This is—
Staring wide-eyed at the sight before them, (Captain) and Lyria tighten their grip on each other's hands.
Yuni: I will take you back to the time when the lives of skydwellers and Astrals were changed forever.
Lyria: Um... When would that be?
Yuni: The time of the War.
Yuni: You may feel that this has nothing to do with you. Because in essence, what you're about to witness is all in the past.
Yuni: Watch and observe as happiness abounds, along with all the pain and tragedy.
Yuni: Focus on the ripples of time, and you shall know...
Yuni: The history of life.
Astral 1: This core's completed. There should be no issue with its design.
An Astral is processing primal crystals to create cores.
Astral 1: If only we could make the process more efficient somehow...
Astral 1: Given that core production is something only us Astrals are capable of, I suppose there's no other way to go about it.
Astral 1: Awaken.
???: ...
Astral 1: Newborn primal. Is everything functioning well?
???: Yes...
Astral 1: You'll go for a trial run directly on the battlefield.
???: The battlefield...
Astral 1: Your name shall be Baldr. Join the front lines and fulfill your duty, primal.
Baldr: Understood.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 1: The Ashen Precipice - Episode 3
Baldr, a primal beast created with superior combat capabilities, spends his days fighting alongside Freyr in the War. They come to fully trust one another after countless victories over skydwellers. However, Baldr suffers a grave injury one day from protecting Freyr.
The War is ongoing.
In the beginning, quelling skydweller revolts was a one-sided affair in favor of the Astrals and their weaponized primal beasts.
But the tenacious skydwellers never lost hope, gradually building up their knowledge and technology.
Determined to crush the opposition, Astrals continued to create and deploy countless primal beasts.
Though the Astrals themselves also engaged in combat, eventually it was only their primal beasts that went up against skydwellers.
The flames of war would go on to spread across all the skies.
Baldr: Haaah!
Every swing of Baldr's blade becomes a beam of light that ignites all in the immediate vicinity.
Skydweller: Ngh... Help me...
Baldr: I missed one.
Skydweller: Gwaah!
Baldr: Heh... Too easy.
Freyr: How are things here?
Baldr: It is as you see.
Freyr takes one look at the scorched earth and breathes a deep sigh.
Freyr: My, aren't you a bit intense.
Baldr: Would you have me show mercy?
Freyr: No. I'm just glad you're on our side.
Freyr: Besides, give it a few years and the ground you turned to ashes will become rich, fertile soil.
Baldr: I care only to gather the light and cut down the enemy.
Baldr: But I wouldn't mind seeing this rich, fertile soil you speak of.
Baldr: That said, how were things on your end?
Freyr: All clear. No enemy remnants on my side.
Freyr: Although...
Freyr gently rubs his forearm.
Freyr: I must say it's a bit chilly today.
Baldr: Chilly?
Freyr: Not that I mind, but... do you not feel cold?
Baldr: Not particularly.
Freyr: You really are specially built for battle. I'm almost jealous.
Baldr: This sensation of "cold" you speak of... Does it affect you in battle?
Freyr: No, it's not quite on that level.
Freyr: Though mortals—especially skydwellers—may find the cold difficult to bear.
Baldr: Does that not work to our advantage? We can strike while they are shivering from the cold.
Freyr: Spoken like a true warrior.
Freyr: Having fought alongside you in a few battles now...
Freyr: I have to say it's hard to imagine us ever losing—just as long as we remain together.
Baldr: "Imagine"? It's a matter of probability.
Baldr: Our probability of victory is that much higher when we fight together.
Freyr: I sure do like the odds.
Baldr: What's with the smirk?
Freyr: Oh, don't mind me.
Freyr: May we continue to be victorious in the battles ahead. For a brighter future.
Skydweller 1: Uoooogh!
Freyr: An ambush that's penetrated this deep into our formation? How did we not notice sooner!
Skydweller 2: Now's our chance! Don't let up!
Baldr: You fools! I shall be your opponent!
Skydweller 1: Those two form the core of the enemy forces! If we can just take them out...
Baldr: You think you have the upper hand, mortals? My sword of light shall prove you wrong!
Skydweller 2: Damn it, we've lost too many people to that primal! It's time for payback!
Baldr: Try me, skydweller!
Freyr: Baldr, watch out! Don't break formation—
Skydweller 3: You're finished, monster!
Baldr: ...!
Freyr! Behind you!
Freyr! Behind you!
Baldr: Gwaaah!
Freyr: Baldr!
Boy: Sniff...
On the outskirts of a tranquil village, a row of fresh graves stretches across the burial grounds.
Girl: There you are.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 1: The Ashen Precipice - Episode 4
The injured Baldr escapes to a forest near the War's front lines before collapsing. Skydwellers Madl and Kona find him and—not realizing he is a primal beast—tend to his wounds. They suggest bringing him to their village, but he refuses to leave the forest.
Boy: Kona...
Kona: Were you crying, Madl?
Madl: Yeah...
Kona: Aren't those the graves of my brother and Daddy?
Madl: Sorry. Maybe I shouldn't be here.
Kona: Nuh-uh, it's okay. Thanks, Madl.
Seeing the flowers placed on her family's graves, the girl clutches the boy's hand.
A closer look reveals that flowers have been similarly placed on all other graves there.
Kona: Say, Madl. I'd like to leave an offering of flowers too. Can you help me pick some?
Madl: Sure. Let's go.
Their hands still clasped together, the boy stands up.
Kona: We'll need to pick lots and lots.
Madl: Mm-hm, I was just gonna say.
The village has already been through so many funerals this year alone.
Madl: Why do the grown-ups have to go to war...
Kona: Weren't you listening to what the teacher said?
Kona: We'll never have freedom if we don't beat the Astrals.
Madl: I know, but...
Madl: Everyone just dies when they go off to war.
Madl: Is freedom really more important than life?
Kona: I... don't know...
Noticing the gloom on the girl's face, the boy collects himself.
Madl: I'm sorry, Kona.
He tugs on her hand as he breaks into a run.
Madl: We're going to pick so many beautiful flowers!
Kona: Haha... Slow down, Madl!
Madl and Kona.
The skydweller boy and girl live in a village fairly close to the front lines of the War.
Kona: Look at all the flowers in bloom here.
Madl: I already picked a bunch of those.
Kona: Oh, we should probably look for a different kind then.
Madl: Yeah. I'm sure the departed would be happier that way.
Kona: We'll have to look in a different place.
Madl: Let's go that way, Kona. I haven't been there yet.
Kona: Um... I'm not sure we should go so far away from the village...
Madl: So you're heading back?
Kona: Hrm... No, I'll go! Wait for me, Madl!
The children head deeper into the forest.
Kona: This is the first time I've ever gone this far...
Madl: Well, it's still the forest all the same. It sure is pretty here too.
Madl: Look, Kona. A red flower...
Madl: Strange. It's wet...
Kona: Let me see...
Madl: Could it be dew? But it's past noon already...
Kona: Wait, Madl... This isn't dew. It's...
Madl: K-Kona!
Baldr: ...
Madl points to a body drenched in blood lying straight ahead.
Kona: Eep!
Madl: He's bleeding all over. It must be so painful...
Kona: He's not... dead, is he?
Madl: No, he's still breathing.
Madl: He's got a sword and armor, so he must be a soldier. Bet he escaped here after getting hurt in battle.
Kona: We need to bring him to a doctor!
Kona: But we won't be able to carry him... Maybe we should bring the doctor here—
Madl: No, Kona. We wouldn't make it in time. Let me try this instead...
Madl: Hrgh!
Kona: Healing magic! When did you learn to do that, Madl?
Madl: Schild taught me before going off to war.
Kona: My brother did?
Madl: To be honest, I kind of suck at it though.
Madl: Darn it, this isn't working...
Kona: Let me do it, Madl.
Kona: ...!
Baldr: Mng...
Some semblance of vitality returns to the young man's cheeks.
Kona: Huff... Huff...
Madl: Wow... That's amazing, Kona! When did you learn to use magic like that?
Kona: You're not the only one who got lessons. Daddy and my brother taught me.
Kona: And I practiced a lot on my own.
Madl: Same here, but I never got good at it.
Kona: Daddy said natural talent and internal mana levels play a big role in how good you can get at magic.
Madl: Hrm... I guess I'm just not really cut out for it then.
Baldr: Ngh...
Kona: Oh, he's awake!
Madl: Are you okay, mister? You're not hurt, are you?
Baldr: Mortal children?
Madl: I'm Madl, and this is Kona. She healed you with her magic.
Kona: Your wounds haven't closed all the way, so you shouldn't move around too fast.
Madl: Yeah, it's best if you can get a doctor to look at you.
Kona: We can bring you to the village. Can you walk?
Baldr: Is your village nearby?
Madl: Mm-hm. We can get there by leaving the forest going that way.
Baldr: Is that so...
His expression still twisted from the excruciating pain, the man slowly lifts his body upright.
Baldr: I need no doctor, nor can I go to your village.
Kona: But if you don't...
Baldr: I'll be fine.
Kona: But...
Madl: Okay then.
Grabbing Kona's hand, Madl gets back up.
Madl: The people in the village almost never come this way, so feel free to rest up here.
Baldr: ...
Madl: Please don't push yourself too hard, mister. Take care.
The man's azure eyes stay fixed on the two as their figures disappear into the distance, one tiny footstep at a time.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 2: Beast and Man - Episode 1
Mistaking Baldr for a runaway soldier, Madl and Kona continue visiting him and tending to his wounds, keeping it a secret from others in the village. It isn't until rumor of a primal beast hiding out in the forest spreads that Baldr reveals the truth about himself to the two.
Leaving the injured man behind, the boy and girl retrace their steps back home.
Kona: Madl... Do you think leaving him there was the right thing to do?
Madl: There's a chance he's a deserter.
Kona: A deserter? Someone who runs from the battlefield?
Madl: Yeah. Some people can't handle it and run away.
Kona: I guess he doesn't want to be found.
Madl: That's what I'm thinking.
Kona: You're probably right...
Kona gazes down at her feet as they tread the undergrowth.
Kona: Do you think he... might've been an enemy?
Madl: Enemy? You mean in terms of the war?
Kona: Uh-huh.
Madl: I doubt it. The grown-ups talk about battling monsters known as "primal beasts."
Kona: I've heard about that too.
Madl: Except that man was a person. He definitely didn't look like a beast.
Kona: Yeah... That's for sure.
Kona looks back up, the uneasiness in her heart lifted.
Kona: He'll be our little secret then.
Madl: Sure! No reason to mention it to anyone in the village.
Kona: Maybe we can bring him some medicine and food tomorrow.
Madl: Yeah, let's go find him again together.
Thrilled at being able to do a good deed, their hearts are filled with happy anticipation.
The elated youngsters continue on the path home, a skip in their step.
Unbeknownst to the other villagers, Madl and Kona continue visiting the injured man for the next few days.
Madl: It's starting to feel weird calling you "mister" all the time. Can you tell us your name?
Baldr: Baldr.
Madl: Baldr, huh? I'm Madl!
Baldr: You told me on the first day. Madl and Kona, right?
Madl: That's right! You remembered!
Kona: Don't shake him, Madl. That makes Baldr's bandage come off.
After jabbing Madl with her elbow, Kona proceeds to rewrap the bandage that's come undone.
Madl: Whoops, sorry!
While accepting their eager and generous treatment, Baldr can't help but eye the children suspiciously.
Baldr: Why do you come here every day?
Madl: Er, well...
Madl and Kona exchange a blank look.
Madl: Because you're hurt, Baldr.
Kona: We might not be doctors, but I'm sure our medicine and my magic help a bit.
Baldr: That's not quite what I'm asking...
Baldr's usually expressionless visage turns to one of bafflement.
Baldr: Why do you even care about my injuries to begin with?
Baldr: Surely it is none of your concern.
Madl: I mean, wouldn't it be really painful if we didn't treat you?
Baldr: Painful? For you?
Kona: No. We mean you, of course.
Baldr: ...
Kona: There! The bandage is done.
Baldr: So it is...
Though it is the handiwork of a child, the white cloth is tied firmly around his wound.
Madl: Oh, and before I forget...
Madl: Today's bread and water. Sorry we couldn't bring you more.
Baldr watches with confusion as Madl takes out the package.
Baldr: Is it customary for you to offer such aid to people you do not know?
Madl: Except we do know you now.
Baldr: Huh?
Madl: I mean, how many times have we been out here now... Besides... Kona, what was that saying our teacher taught us?
Kona: You're talking about "treasure every meeting," right?
Madl: Yeah, that's it!
Baldr: Treasure every meeting?
Madl: Uh-huh. With the sky being as vast as it is and people living in every corner of it...
Kona: There's only so many people we each get to meet in a lifetime. That's why we should treasure every chance we have when meeting new people.
Madl: I love that saying. It couldn't fit our situation more perfectly, Baldr.
Baldr: So I see...
Baldr takes this to mean that mortals simply operate on a different set of values.
But try as he might...
He can't bring himself to argue with the words of those cheery and lively little life-forms.
Kona's Mother: Kona!
Kona: ...!
Yes, Mommy?
Yes, Mommy?
Trying to sneak out again with a bit of food and medicine in hand, Kona stops in her tracks when called out by her mother.
Kona: You called, Mommy?
Kona's Mother: Where are you going?
Kona: Um, the forest and... just around the area! I'll be with Madl!
Kona's Mother: My, you two really get along, don't you.
Kona's Mother: Take care not to go too far. And make sure you're back by sundown.
Kona: I know, Mommy. You tell me all the time.
Kona: I'll be sure to pick up some firewood on the way back.
Kona's Mother: What a sweet child. I know I can always trust you to do the right thing, but...
Kona's Mother: I want you to be especially careful today.
Kona: Why? Did something happen?
Kona's Mother: You know how there's that battlefield not too far from the village?
Kona: The one where Daddy and Brother died?
Kona's Mother: Yes...
Kona's Mother: Their sacrifice secured us a major victory. But then...
Kona's Mother: The enemy's injured weapon got away... Rumors say it could be hiding in the area.
Kona: Injured weapon?
Kona's Mother: A terrifying primal beast.
Kona: A primal beast? Nearby?
Kona's Mother: Everything's going to be just fine, Kona.
She pulls her daughter in for a loving embrace.
Kona's Mother: We have more villagers on patrol now, and it's just a rumor anyway... There's nothing to be afraid of.
Kona: Okay, Mommy. I won't be afraid.
Kona: It'll be fine...
Madl: Kona? What's wrong?
Kona: I-it's nothing!
Madl: You were spacing out just now!
Kona: I'm fine. Anyway, it's time to get working on Baldr's wound.
Baldr: It's best you don't use your magic when you're not feeling well.
Baldr: Besides, I'm making good recovery on my own. No need to push yourself.
Kona: Really, I'm okay. When I think back to how bad you were hurt the day we found you, I can't help but want to heal you.
Kona: Stay still.
Madl: Your magic never fails to impress, Kona. The wound's nearly gone now.
Kona: Hrm... I've never treated someone hurt this bad before.
Kona: Is the wound really supposed to get better this soon?
Madl: Just goes to show how amazing you are, Kona.
Kona: Normally, you shouldn't even be able to move with an injury that bad...
Kona: How did you get all the way here from the battlefield, Baldr?
Baldr: ...
Kona: You'd rather not say?
Baldr: No, I'll tell you.
Baldr: I managed to come here from the battlefield, despite sustaining heavy injuries that would have killed the average person...
Baldr: And recovered considerably faster than the average person...
Baldr: Precisely because I'm a primal beast.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 2: Beast and Man - Episode 2
Having lost family to war, Kona runs away upon learning that Baldr is a primal beast. But she returns the next day, trusting that he has no intention of harming her, Madl, or any of the villagers.
Madl: Huh? You're a primal beast?
Kona: Madl!
Kona: Quick, we need to get away! It's dangerous here!
Madl: But...
Kona: We were wrong... He's a primal beast after all!
Baldr's expression seems to contort in agony.
Baldr: ...!
Madl: What's wrong? Does it hurt again?
Kona: Madl! No!
Kona tugs on Madl's arm, stopping him from getting close to Baldr.
Madl: He still needs our help...
Madl's eyes confusedly dart between Baldr and Kona.
Baldr: I have no intention of harming you.
Kona: How... How do you expect us to believe that?
Baldr: I don't know... Convincing people isn't part of my role.
Baldr seems at a loss as he slowly shakes his head.
Kona: Madl! We're getting out of here!
Madl: Whoa! Just gimme a sec, Kona!
Madl: Baldr, I—
Baldr: ...
Madl's concern for Baldr persists even as Kona drags him away.
Baldr does not notice that concern, however, for he has already turned his attention elsewhere.
A day has passed.
Madl: Baldr? Are you not here anymore? It's me, Madl.
Not quite sure what to make of Madl's appearance again, Baldr cannot find it in his heart to ignore the boy.
Baldr: You again...
Madl: Baldr!
Madl: Phew! I was afraid I'd never see you again!
Baldr: Why have you come? Alone, at that...
Madl: I didn't tell Kona about coming here today.
Baldr: Why?
Madl: She'd get angry...
Madl: I mean—don't get the wrong idea! She's just worried about me!
Madl: That's how kind she is...
Baldr: You two say the same thing.
Madl: Huh? Me and Kona?
Baldr: Kona came earlier this morning.
Baldr: She remarked on how kind you are.
Kona: So... you're still around...
Baldr: As are you. I did not expect to see you again. Is Madl not with you?
Kona: Nuh-uh, I came alone. I wanted to see if you were still here.
Baldr: Perhaps I've met your expectations then. So what now?
Kona: Why didn't you try to escape? Weren't you afraid that Madl and I might tell the villagers about you?
Baldr: Not in the least.
Kona: How come?
Baldr: ...
Baldr: The fact is you didn't. I'd like to know why.
Kona: If you really are a primal beast, the only grown-ups we have left in the village wouldn't be able to do anything.
Kona: You might not have fully recovered...
Kona: But from what I've heard, a single primal beast is stronger than entire groups of soldiers.
Baldr: Primal beasts come in all types. But generally speaking, that sounds about right.
Kona: And if you were the type that wanted to hurt me, Madl, or anyone else in the village, you'd have done so already...
Kona: Which is why I chose to believe in you.
Baldr: I have no intention of harming you.
Kona: How... How do you expect us to believe that?
Baldr: I see...
Baldr: I don't know about Madl, but your keen insight tells me you're one of the brighter mortals out there.
Kona: Madl's a really kind person!
Kona: I mean it. When he sees anyone in pain, it's like he feels the pain himself.
Kona: He was worried about you the whole time too, which is why he was so happy to see you get better, and he was glad to get to know you too.
Kona: Madl never stopped caring even after you called yourself a primal beast yesterday.
Kona: He kept wondering if you were doing okay here.
Baldr: Is that so...
Kona: I don't like to see Madl get hurt. More than anything else in the world, I hate people who would hurt Madl.
Kona looks straight ahead at Baldr.
Kona: You wouldn't hurt Madl, would you?
Baldr calmly returns the gaze.
Baldr: I have no intention of harming either one of you.
He'd said as much the day before. But this time, Kona can tell that he is speaking from the bottom of his heart.
Kona: Okay then. I'm going to trust you, Baldr.
Baldr: Good.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 2: Beast and Man - Episode 3
When Madl comes visiting shortly after, Baldr reiterates that he has no intention of harming the villagers. Madl questions the existence of primals, who were never meant to do things outside of their given roles. Baldr partakes in walnut bread—a favorite of Madl's—as the two enjoy a quiet moment together.
Kona and Baldr stand in silence, lost in the sounds of nature.
Baldr: Kona?
Kona does not respond, nor does she seem ready to walk away. Baldr looks at her with a puzzled expression.
Baldr: What is it?
Kona: There's one more thing I wanted to ask you...
Kona: Is it true you came here from the nearest battlefield?
Baldr: It'd take an entire day and night for the average person to come here from where I was fighting. But yes, I suppose it is the closest one.
Baldr: It's...
Baldr: In that direction.
Kona: That way...
Kona casts her gaze far into the distance.
Kona: That's where my daddy and brother died.
Baldr: ...
Kona: You must have killed many skydwellers if you're a primal beast.
Baldr: That's right.
Kona: Do you remember the ones you killed?
Baldr: Not all of them...
Kona: I see.
Baldr: I may have been responsible for the deaths of your loved ones.
Kona: You can't be sure though...
She clutches the hems of her sleeves, holding back a flood of tears.
Baldr: No, I'm not sure. But it's certainly a possibility.
Kona: ...
Baldr: Do you hate me?
Kona: I don't know... I will say though...
Kona: I don't want to hate you.
Kona: I still remember how terrified I was when I first found you, bleeding all over.
Kona: I thought of how my daddy and brother might have died like that. It made me sad.
Baldr: I can imagine...
Skydweller: Ngh... Help me...
Baldr: I missed one.
Skydweller: Gwaah!
Baldr: Heh... Too easy.
Baldr: ...
Kona: It was just as painful for you.
Baldr: Hm?
Kona: I figure that's just how war is.
Baldr: What do you mean?
Kona: Good guys, bad guys... Everyone who fights in a war feels pain. Even the ones doing all the hurting.
Kona: Both sides have people who'd rather just run away.
Kona: But most don't because they know they have to fight.
Baldr listens in silence.
Kona: I hate war. I wish it'd just disappear for good. But you, Baldr...
Kona: I don't want to hate you. I don't want you to disappear either.
Madl: So that happened, huh...
Baldr: ...
Baldr: As I told Kona, I have no intention of bringing you any harm.
Madl: Oh... How come?
Baldr: That...
Baldr: Is not part of the orders I was given.
Madl: Orders? Who's ordering you around?
Baldr: I was created for the very purpose of wielding my power on the battlefield.
Baldr: Fulfilling our duties is how we primal beasts live.
Madl: You mean you're not allowed to do anything except your duty?
Baldr: More like doing so would be meaningless.
Madl: Um, what I'm asking is...
Madl: What happens if there's something else you'd rather do?
Baldr shrugs, unsure what Madl is trying to get at.
Madl: For example!
Madl: Look at this bread I brought you. Don't you want to eat it?
Baldr: I have no need of food for sustenance.
Madl: It's delicious though.
Madl rips off a piece and chucks it into his mouth.
Madl: Yum! Walnut bread is my favorite!
Madl: It's a special treat we only get sometimes at the orphanage. I'm always looking forward to it.
Baldr: Orphanage? An institution where parentless children gather.
Madl: That's right. My parents passed away not too long after I was born.
Baldr: Hm.
Baldr's nod is meant to be little more than quiet acknowledgement, but it's enough to get Madl beaming.
Madl: Anyway, Baldr! Back to the walnut bread!
Baldr: What about the walnut bread?
Madl: You have to try some!
Baldr appears apprehensive at the offering of bread.
Baldr: Did you not say it was something special you enjoy very much?
Baldr: It would be better for you to eat all of it.
Madl: That's exactly why I'd like you to have some too.
Madl practically forces the bread into Baldr's hand.
Madl: Try it!
Baldr: Nom...
Madl: Well?
Baldr: It's stiff on the outside... but surprisingly yielding on the inside. Crunchy as well.
Madl: Thanks to the walnuts!
Baldr: They smell different from the bread itself.
Madl: Right? I just love that scent.
Baldr raises his brows at the delighted Madl.
Baldr: I do find it... delicious.
Madl: I thought you might like it!
Madl: Maybe I'll bring you some dried fruit bread next time—it's Kona's favorite. You can tell me which one you like better.
Baldr: Sure...
They continue chatting away for some time.
After the final piece of walnut bread disappears into Baldr's mouth, it is time to part.
Madl: I should get going.
Madl wipes the dirt off his clothes before standing up.
Madl: I'll be back!
Madl continuously turns back to wave goodbye on his way out of the grove.
Baldr watches until the boy's figure is no longer visible.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 2: Beast and Man - Episode 4
When a villager turns up dead, suspicion falls on primal beasts. But based on the type of injury, Madl and Kona are convinced it cannot be the work of Baldr. Though the primal is grateful for the kindness the two have shown him, he decides to return to the battlefield and bids the two farewell.
Villager 1: Drops of blood were found at the edge of the forest.
Villager 2: So it's true that the escaped primal has made its way here...
Villager 1: Should we go hunting and try to fish it out?
Villager 2: It may be injured, but we mustn't forget it's a ruthless monster who's killed countless skydwellers.
Villager 1: True, we lack the manpower to stand a chance anyhow...
Villager 3: The old man who makes our charcoal is dead!
Villager 2: What?
Villager 3: He was murdered! Torn to bits, likely by some manner of beast!
Villager 2: It must be the doing of the escaped primal beast!
Villager 1: My goodness...
Villager 3: We should conduct a search of the forest at once.
Villager 2: A-are you sure about that? Aren't we done for if we do encounter the monster?
Villager 2: On the other hand, we can't just leave things be either...
Villager 2: Blasted primal... No way am I gonna let it wreck our village!
Madl: Oh no... Baldr!
Kona: Madl, wait!
Kona stops him before he heads deeper into the forest.
Kona: You're going to see Baldr, right? What's the rush?
Madl: This is really bad, Kona! Baldr... He's...
Kona: Calm down. Tell me what happened.
Kona: Everyone in the village was saying something about a primal beast in the forest.
Kona: How did this all start?
Kona: So that's why there's such a fuss...
Kona and Madl hold hands as they rush deeper into the forest.
Madl: We need to let Baldr know that he's in danger!
Kona: Do you think he's the one who killed Mr. Charcoal?
Madl: Absolutely not. There's no way.
Kona: How do you know?
Madl: They said Mr. Charcoal looked like he got torn to shreds by a beast.
Madl: That doesn't sound like Baldr's style.
Madl: He had a sword. If, for whatever reason, he did kill Mr. Charcoal...
Madl: There'd be way more cuts and slashes.
Kona: I was thinking the same thing.
Madl: Maybe it was just some monster or animal.
Madl: I feel bad for what happened to Mr. Charcoal.
Madl: But everyone's blaming Baldr even though it's not his fault. At this rate...
Baldr: You two.
Madl: Baldr, you're okay! We were just on our way to see you!
Baldr: Yes, I know the situation.
Kona: You already know?
Baldr: I overheard your conversation.
Madl: Okay then. You'd better go hide.
Baldr: Hide? What for?
Madl: The villagers are convinced you're the killer. It's not gonna be easy clearing up this misunderstanding.
Baldr: What if it's not a misunderstanding?
Madl: Huh?
Kona: What do you mean, Baldr? Please don't tell me...
Baldr: You two are right in guessing that I didn't kill the charcoal burner.
Baldr: But if he was indeed done in by some monster or animal, I may be the one at fault.
Madl: What makes you say that? I don't see the connection.
Baldr: My stay here has likely forced some monsters out of their normal territory.
Baldr: As a result, areas of the forest that are normally safe may not be so safe anymore—which would ultimately be my fault.
Madl: But still... You...
Looking toward the ground, Baldr shakes his head.
Madl: I hate how this is going.
Madl: Everyone thinking of you as some savage beast really gets to me...
Baldr: I'm okay with it, Madl.
Madl: But I'm not!
Madl loses his temper—a rare sight.
Madl: You couldn't be further from a beast, Baldr!
Madl: You said you wouldn't hurt us...
Madl: You liked the walnut bread I gave you! You wanted me to have it all!
Madl: That's why—
Baldr: The fact is, I'm a primal beast—an existence very different from that of mortals.
Madl: Fine, but you definitely wouldn't chew anyone up like some monster or animal would!
Baldr: ...
Baldr: I am a weapon born to kill skydwellers.
Madl: Why... Why do you still say that!
Madl: If returning to the battlefield means you have to fight, then just don't go back!
Baldr: That would not do. I exist to fulfill my duty...
Madl: Just stay here!
Madl: I'll explain everything to the villagers! They're only afraid because they don't know you!
Madl: Until I met you...
Madl: I thought all primal beasts were terrible monsters.
Madl: But now that I've gotten a chance to know you, I realize you're just like us.
Madl: And everyone should know that.
Madl: I'm sure they'll understand once they get to know you like I do!
Kona: I don't think it'll be so easy.
Kona interjects in a manner-of-fact tone.
Madl: Kona! Why not?
Kona: Let's not forget how poorly they think of primal beasts. I doubt anything we say will—
Madl: It was the exact same with us! We just need to explain to them!
Kona: Madl, the grown-ups know more than us about most things.
Kona: They'll assume that they're right.
Kona: How can kids like us change their minds?
Kona: We have to face reality... Baldr is a primal beast.
Baldr: Kona's right.
Baldr: Moreover, I do not intend for the villagers to understand me.
Madl: What will you do then? Once they find you—
Baldr: I'm leaving...
Madl: Leaving? For the battlefield, you mean?
Baldr: Yes.
Madl: Sigh...
Seeing Madl's face twist in pain, Baldr knits his brows ever so slightly.
Baldr: I don't mind if mortals don't understand me.
Baldr: I will say one thing though...
Baldr: ...
Baldr: I'm grateful to have met you both.
After hearing those words from Baldr, Madl finds he has nothing more to say.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 3: Horrors of War - Episode 1
Baldr's merciful attitude on the battlefield starts to become a problem for the Astrals. While being transported to a different war zone, he meets Satyr. In their discussion about skydwellers, he remarks that it's best he never meets Madl and Kona again—but a deep sadness lies within his heart.
Some time has passed since Baldr parted ways with Madl and Kona.
Skydweller 4: Damn, I can't die yet... Sheila's waiting for me back home...
Baldr: ...
Baldr: Go...
Skydweller 4: Huh?
Baldr: Get lost! Before I change my mind!
Freyr: Baldr...
Baldr: ...
Freyr: Did you let the enemy go again?
Baldr: What of it?
Freyr: How should I put this...
Freyr: I'm glad you made it back safely.
Freyr: When you vanished from the battlefield after getting blasted by that cannon fire in my stead...
Freyr: I thought you were done for.
Freyr: But you haven't been the same since your return. I'd even say you're acting strange. What exactly happened?
Baldr: Acting strange? Me?
Freyr: No doubt about it.
Freyr: Your gloriously dazzling swordplay as you mercilessly mowed down the skydweller hordes...
Freyr: Is all but gone now. Are you not well? I thought your injury was healed.
Baldr: I feel fine.
Freyr: Then why...
Freyr: What could have possibly happened during the course of your treatment?
Baldr: ...
Freyr: Baldr?
Baldr: I met skydweller children.
Freyr: Skydweller children, you say...
Baldr: They helped me to recover.
Freyr: Did you kill them?
Baldr: No. I didn't meet them on the battlefield.
Freyr: Surely you could have killed them if you wanted to...
Baldr: Certainly... It would have been easy—a feat that wouldn't take more than a second.
Baldr: But those children...
Baldr: Their faces were so animated as they chattered away.
Baldr: They returned day after day...
Baldr: I could hardly find the time to cut them down.
Freyr: My goodness...
Freyr: You've formed a bond with them.
Baldr: A bond?
Baldr blinks rapidly, taken aback by Freyr's statement.
Baldr: Impossible... I'd be the last one to form a bond with mortals.
Freyr: You don't realize it, do you.
Freyr: Whatever the case, your behavior definitely has not been the same.
Freyr: Worst-case scenario, this could lead to your undoing on the battlefield.
Freyr: And there's a good chance you'll be punished before it even gets to that point.
Baldr: My role is to cut down skydwellers on the battlefield...
Baldr: In that respect, my resolve has not faltered.
Freyr: You seem to get the gist of it, so I'll leave it at that.
Freyr: If anything should happen to you as a result of this...
Freyr: I'll make doubly sure that the skydwellers pay for it.
Astral 1: Baldr's acting strange?
Astral 2: Recent reports suggest possible malfunction.
Astral 2: He's been extremely lax in battle, often letting skydwellers escape.
Astral 1: Sounds rather serious...
Astral 1: He was originally designed to be limited in certain ways...
Astral 1: To be lacking in emotion, sense of pain and touch, and knowledge.
Astral 1: We placed more limits on him than other primal beasts, hoping to make him a more efficient warrior in combat.
Astral 1: Of course, we did expect him to eventually notice the increasing gap in situational awareness between himself and those around him.
Astral 1: His malfunction may have something to do with that.
Astral 2: Hm... Shall we dispose of Baldr then?
Astral 1: No, his powers are far too useful to simply toss away.
Astral 2: How about we send him to the front lines? He'd be too focused on battle to think of anything else.
Astral 1: True... Once he's broken, that'll be the end of it.
Astral 2: Very well. I'll put Baldr in for an immediate transfer to War Zone Gamma.
Baldr is soon informed of his impending transfer to a region where the fiercest battles take place.
He and other primal beasts are packed onto a transport ship headed for War Zone Gamma.
Baldr: ...
Satyr: Why, hello there.
Baldr: ...
Baldr nonchalantly turns to the voice, even though he's not particularly interested in engaging with anyone.
Satyr: I'm Satyr. You must be Baldr?
Baldr: How do you know me?
Satyr: Don't you realize what a hotshot you are? People gush about your strength.
Baldr: Heh...
Uninterested, Baldr pays her no heed and turns away.
Satyr, however, doesn't mind in the least and takes a seat next to him.
Satyr: C'mon, talk to me.
Baldr: About what?
Satyr: Anything at all! Maybe you can tell me more about yourself!
Satyr: Let's start with what you were up to before boarding this ship, and who your friends were.
Baldr: I have no intention of talking about myself to a stranger.
Satyr: Haha, that's a shame... If you ask me, small talk's easier with strangers.
Baldr: I wonder about that. Is there any point to talking?
Satyr: I suppose that's something we won't know until after we've chatted.
Satyr: It's not like you have anything to lose from a bit of chitchat anyway!
Satyr: Consider how vast the skies are. It's a miracle we wound up together here at all.
Satyr: What's the saying...
Satyr: "Treasure every meeting!" Yeah, that's it!
Baldr: ...
Kona: You're talking about "treasure every meeting," right?
Madl: Yeah, that's it!
Baldr: Treasure every meeting?
Madl: Uh-huh. With the sky being as vast as it is and people living in every corner of it...
Kona: There's only so many people we each get to meet in a lifetime. That's why we should treasure every chance we have when meeting new people.
Madl: I love that saying. It couldn't fit our situation more perfectly, Baldr.
Baldr: Treasure every meeting, huh...
Baldr takes a moment to reflect.
Baldr: Have you ever spoken with skydwellers?
Satyr: Sure have.
Baldr: What were they like?
Satyr: Hmm... I haven't had the chance to get along well enough with any one of them to give you a good answer.
Satyr: Before the war started, I traveled to different islands and got to say hello to people all over.
Satyr: But we never did get past small talk.
Satyr: People come in all kinds—big, small, old, young.
Satyr: Some are really bright and cheery, while others are more... I suppose shy and reserved, since they couldn't look me in the eye.
Satyr: No shortage of variety!
Baldr: Noted...
Satyr: What kind of people have you met, Baldr?
Baldr: Children. Two of them.
Satyr: Tell me about them.
Baldr: A boy named Madl, and a girl named Kona...
Satyr: Two sweet little children, huh...
Baldr: I... don't know what counts as sweet.
Baldr: But Kona was clever, while Madl was stubborn.
Satyr: Haha! Must've been fun.
Baldr: It's all in the past now.
Satyr: Ah... I know how tough it can get sometimes.
Satyr: Most of the people I met before the war aren't around anymore.
Baldr: Why not?
Satyr: So much time has passed. Unlike us primals, mortals have life spans...
Baldr: Life spans...
Baldr's eyes open up wide as if he's realizing the fact for the first time.
Satyr: How long ago was it that you met that boy and girl, Baldr?
Baldr: It was fairly recent.
Satyr: Oh yeah? I hope you get to see them again.
Baldr: I'm not counting on it.
Baldr: In fact, it's better I don't see them again.
Satyr: Hm, whatever works for you...
Though Satyr speaks out of kindness...
Something about this exchange leaves Baldr in a plaintive mood.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 3: Horrors of War - Episode 2
A battle-scarred Baldr is about to lose consciousness when he meets a grown-up Madl—now a warrior. Though the two are supposed to be enemies, Baldr ends up protecting Madl from Freyr. The Astrals conclude that Baldr is no longer of any use and order Freyr to dispose of him. Angry at Madl for changing his friend, Freyr is ready to comply.
Baldr: Haah!
Baldr: Yaaargh!
One battle leads to another.
Baldr: Uooogh!
There is not a moment to spare for repose or recovery.
Baldr: Ngh...
Eventually, Baldr loses track of time completely.
Baldr: Huff... Huff...
Baldr: (I've routed every last foe, yet my body feels...)
Baldr: Heavy...
Baldr can feel his power draining away as blood pours out of him.
Baldr: Is this... the end?
He watches his blood spilling onto the ground as if it's someone else's, his vision beginning to blur.
The rays of sunlight peeking in from between the clouds call to mind a nostalgic memory.
Baldr: Sun... light...
Madl: Look! Sunlight's pouring in!
Madl: It feels so much more magical when it's filtering in from between the trees.
Kona: Our teacher talked about this yesterday.
Madl: It sure is beautiful.
Madl waves his hands around in the sunbeam.
Madl: It's so warm.
Baldr: There's a difference in temperature?
Following Madl's lead, Baldr takes in the sunlight with his palm but feels nothing.
Madl: Hm? You don't think it's warm?
Madl grabs his hand.
Madl: Strange... Your hand is so cold.
Kona: Really?
Kona reaches in from the opposite side.
Kona: You're right. Do you feel cold, Baldr?
Baldr: No.
Madl: I'm sure you'll feel warmer if I keep holding your hand.
Kona: I'll hold onto this hand then!
Baldr can easily brush off those two soft, frail hands...
Yet he finds himself unable to move.
Baldr: It's not cold...
Baldr does not know what to make of the warm sensation he feels from the children's hands.
Baldr: It's not... cold...
He raises a hand to the sunbeam falling on the ground before him.
Baldr: (Even now, I fail to see how this is warm...)
Baldr is about to close his heavy eyelids for what may be the last time.
Skydweller 5: What's over there?
???: I'll check it out. Be ready to move if I call for you.
Skydweller 5: Be careful!
???: Right.
Hearing the voices and approaching footsteps, Baldr's instincts compel him to grip his sword.
Baldr: (More enemies... I must fight...)
Baldr: Wraaah!
???: ...!
Baldr: Rgh... You parried it... Then...
Baldr: (Fight... Kill... the enemy...)
???: Wait!
Baldr: Don't bother... begging for your life...
???: No, listen to me.
???: Baldr!
Baldr: Wha...
Shocked to hear a skydweller suddenly call his name, Baldr stops in his tracks.
???: I knew it... What a surprise to see you here, Baldr.
???: Haha... You're all beat up every time we meet.
Baldr remembers that smile fondly.
Baldr: Is that you... Madl?
Madl: Yes! Happy to know you still recognize me!
Baldr: How... did you get so big?
Madl: Ahaha! It's been ten years since we last met, Baldr.
Baldr: Ten years...
Madl: I've gotten bigger, but I still have room to grow.
Baldr: I must say I'm surprised...
Madl: Likewise.
Madl: You haven't changed a bit, Baldr.
Madl: I guess you weren't kidding about being a primal beast.
Baldr: ...
Baldr: No, I wasn't kidding.
Madl: Either way, I'm still glad to see you again after all this time.
Madl: I hope that's true for you too, Baldr.
Baldr: ...
Madl's lips curl into a grin.
Madl: Remember when you told me about your duty all those years ago?
Baldr: I was created for the very purpose of wielding my power on the battlefield.
Baldr: Fulfilling our duties is how we primal beasts live.
Madl: Can I assume things haven't changed since then?
Baldr: Indeed, they have not... A primal beast's duty is decided upon creation.
Baldr: It remains constant no matter how much time passes.
Madl: Okay then.
Madl: Care to fight me?
Baldr: Why would I...
Madl: I'm fighting in the war now, Baldr.
Baldr: ...!
Madl: The first time we met wasn't on a battlefield. And I was just a kid at the time.
Madl: But I'm a warrior now. And this is the battlefield.
Madl: I'm a skydweller; you're a primal beast.
Madl: What do you say, Baldr?
Madl: Fight me?
Baldr: I...
Baldr: (Skydwellers are enemies... Therefore...)
Baldr's hands shake as he tries to reposition his blade.
Baldr: I will...
Baldr: (Me? Kill... Madl?)
Baldr: I...
Baldr: ...!
Baldr freezes in place before he can swing his sword.
Baldr: (My body won't move...)
Baldr: (Am I malfunctioning? Or has my body reached its limits?)
Madl: Baldr?
Baldr: (Have I reached the end of the road? Maybe this works out for the best...)
Baldr: (I won't have to kill Madl after all...)
???: Baldr!
Baldr: M-Madl!
Reinforcements have arrived to assist Baldr.
And he knows that full well.
Baldr: (What am I...)
Baldr realizes he is now standing in front of Madl, shielding him from harm.
Baldr: Ngh...
Freyr: Why, Baldr!
Baldr: I could ask the same, Freyr. Why are you here?
Freyr: Never mind that! Do you have any idea what you're doing?
Baldr: Yes... I'm pointing my sword at you... to protect a skydweller.
Freyr: So you admit it was intentional.
Baldr: My body moved on its own. This is the first time that's ever happened...
Baldr: But I now know what I must do.
Freyr: You won't sheathe your sword then?
Baldr: Only if you sheathe yours first.
Freyr: ...!
Freyr glares at Madl, who stands behind Baldr.
Freyr: Is he one of the skydwellers you spoke of all those years ago?
Madl: What did I do?
Freyr: You've ruined Baldr!
Baldr: No! Madl has done nothing wrong!
Freyr: Why? Why do you take his side!
Freyr: Skydwellers are all born of the same ilk no matter where you find them! They are our enemy!
Freyr: Have you forgotten your duty?
Baldr: I have not. But...
Astral 1: What's the problem?
Astral 2: It's Baldr. He's protecting a skydweller.
Astral 1: I suppose he's outlived his usefulness by now.
Astral 1: It's a shame, but we'll have to scrap him.
Astral 1: Freyr. Dispose of Baldr.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 3: Horrors of War - Episode 3
Madl, Kona, and other skydwellers protect Baldr from Freyr and they bring him to their camp—although some are wary of Baldr. As great of a threat as primal beasts pose, there have been many cases like Baldr's where they defect to the skydweller side.
Baldr: Ngh!
Freyr: Had enough yet, Baldr? It's not like you stand a chance in that state anyhow.
Freyr: Wake up already and remember your purpose!
Baldr: Perhaps you should speak for yourself.
Baldr: You were just ordered to dispose of me... Yet you hesitate.
Freyr: ...
You're right.
You're right.
Freyr's grip on his sword tightens.
Freyr: By my hand, you shall—
Madl: This way! Hurry!
Skydweller 5: Holy smokes... Two primal beasts fighting each other?
Skydweller 6: Cannons are prepped! We're ready to fire!
Baldr and Freyr find themselves surrounded by skydweller forces.
Skydweller 5: Together now!
Freyr: No! Fire from where you stand, and you'll hit Baldr too! Now do you see? This is the true face of skydwellers, Baldr!
Baldr: ...
Madl: Fire!
Baldr: Wh-what's this?
???: The shield's up!
Amid the volley of cannon fire, a force field surrounds Baldr.
???: Baldr, are you okay?
Baldr: You're...
Kona: Ahaha! Remember me? Kona?
Baldr: Kona... You've also become...
Kona: Surprised by how much I've grown? I'm much better at magic too. I bet I could treat your injuries in a jiffy.
Kona casts a healing spell on Baldr's largest wound.
Kona: That should do for now. We need to go!
Baldr: But I...
Madl: Kona! Baldr! There's no time to waste—move it!
Kona: We're outta here!
Baldr: Listen to me, you two!
Freyr: Ngh... Oh no, you don't!
Madl: You don't get a say in this!
Freyr: Damn... you!
Madl: We know full well how much stronger you primal beasts are than us.
Madl: But in your bloody and beaten state...
Madl: I've definitely got what it takes to hold you off for a bit!
Freyr: Wretched skydweller!
The skydwellers succeed in retreating to their camp with Baldr in tow.
Kona: Okay, Baldr. I'm going to treat you properly now, so show me where you're hurt.
Baldr: No, I—
Kona: I'm not taking no for an answer! C'mon already!
Baldr: Very well...
Madl: Okay then... I have a war council meeting to attend, so I'll leave you to it, Kona.
Kona: Mm-hm, we'll be fine!
Skydweller 5: Madl, I have to ask... Are you sure about that primal beast?
Madl: What do you mean?
Skydweller 5: You know what I mean!
Skydweller 5: It looks like he's at death's door, but we all know how good Kona's magic is, so once he recovers?
Madl: You're afraid he'll turn on us?
Skydweller 5: That's what everyone's afraid of.
Madl: I know you're uneasy.
Madl: But for now, I can only ask that you trust me.
Madl: Like I said earlier, I first met him when I was a kid, and he protected me today.
Skydweller 5: Yes. It's just...
Skydweller 6: To be fair, I've heard of primal beasts joining our side at other camps.
Skydweller 6: I think we should at least give him the benefit of the doubt.
Skydweller 5: True... Other camps have gained a huge advantage by recruiting a primal beast into their ranks.
Skydweller 6: It's so uncanny, isn't it?
Skydweller 5: What is?
Skydweller 6: I've seen my share of primal beasts out on the battlefield, and yeah, some even resemble people.
Skydweller 6: But I take one look at Baldr, and I can hardly tell him apart from the average person. He even speaks like us.
Skydweller 6: Makes me think he's gonna feel right at home among us.
Skydweller 5: Yeah? It only creeps me out more.
Skydweller 5: I mean, a savage beast who could pass for any one of us?
Skydweller 5: Just the thought of it gives me chills.
Madl: ...
Madl: It's only natural for there to be some uncertainty about this, and that won't change anytime soon.
Madl: For now, I just ask that you leave the matter in my hands.
Madl: Please.
Madl bows deeply to his fellow skydwellers. His comrades look at each other and nod.
Skydweller 6: We get it, Madl. No need to lower your head.
Skydweller 5: You know we believe in you.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 3: Horrors of War - Episode 4
Saved by Madl and Kona, Baldr decides to stay with them for a while to repay this debt. At the same time, he advises the two not to get too friendly with him, for fear that it may draw the ire of others.
Kona: This is a terrible injury, just like the one all those years ago. Talk about deja vu, huh?
Baldr: Madl said as much.
Kona: Oh yeah?
Kona: How does that feel? Doesn't sting anymore, I hope.
Baldr: There was hardly any pain to begin with... Though my mobility has returned.
Baldr: I'm better in that sense.
Kona: That's great.
Kona: As a child, it took me days to finally heal you. Now look at me!
Baldr: Yes, you've certainly grown.
Baldr: Skydwellers do that, don't they.
Kona: Yep. Sometimes like weeds.
Kona: Say, Baldr, there's something I've always meant to apologize to you about.
Baldr: Apologize? What for?
Kona: For something I said to you ten years ago.
Kona: Let's not forget how badly they think of primal beasts. I doubt anything we say will change anything—
Kona: The fact of the matter is... Baldr is a primal beast.
Kona: Ever since that day, I've reflected on how hurtful my words were.
Kona: I used the fact that we're different as an excuse to give up on you, thinking it'd be easier that way... I regret it now.
Baldr: But we are different—that's just a matter of fact. You have nothing to apologize for.
Kona: I know, but...
Madl: Kona, Baldr.
Madl: How's the treatment going?
Kona: Hey, what do you take me for? Just look at him—he's the picture of health!
Baldr: Yes, I'm better now.
Madl: Glad to hear it!
Kona: Now that you're here, Madl, I'll go check on other injured soldiers.
Madl: Thanks, Kona. Keep it up.
Kona: Mm-hm.
Kona: I'll catch you later, Baldr!
Kona takes off, leaving Madl and Baldr to themselves.
Madl: Her magic's really something, huh?
Baldr: Yes, I do find it remarkable.
Madl: She's our lifeline in a way, keeping me and everyone else here alive.
Madl speaks proudly of Kona.
Baldr: Madl... You, too, have grown much stronger.
Baldr: (Although Freyr was vulnerable, holding him off in one-on-one combat could not have been easy.)
Madl: We pretty much have to be strong to survive.
Baldr: Can I... ask you something?
Madl: Of course. What is it?
Baldr: Why have you come all the way out here to fight in the war?
Madl: Surprised?
Baldr: Well...
Baldr: (In your youth, I recall you detested war.)
Madl: Given the state of the world, it's not like I had much choice...
Madl: But it was ultimately my decision to come here.
Madl: I wouldn't be surprised if I've hurt a lot of your friends, Baldr.
Madl: Because I'd met you, I knew before heading out for war what kind of beings primal beasts were.
Madl: You're not just mindless, savage creatures... You think, you talk, you feel, you bleed...
Madl: In so many ways, primal beasts are just like skydwellers. It's with that understanding that I chose the path of a warrior and joined the war effort.
Baldr: ...
Baldr listens intently, eager to hear Madl's rationale for fighting.
Madl: I suppose it boils down to the fact that war had already broken out.
Madl quietly takes in Baldr's gaze.
Madl: I realize it was a battle began by my forefathers to free themselves from the yoke of the Astrals.
Madl: But that mattered little to me.
Madl: All I knew was that I was born into a world already neck-deep in war.
Madl: And I hated it.
Baldr: Yet you chose the path of a warrior. Why is that?
Madl: I've borne witness to too much tragedy caused by war.
Madl: Even Kona lost family to war and cried so much about it.
Madl: Enough is enough, I told myself. I chose to do something about it and enlisted.
Madl: The only way to end the war without losing everything is to win it.
Madl: That's why I pushed myself to become stronger. And I'm still pushing myself.
Baldr: You fight... to end the war?
Having been born for the sole purpose of war, Madl's mindset is one that Baldr had never considered.
Madl: You said it's your duty to fight, right?
Baldr: Yes...
Madl: I can't say I know much about primal beasts' roles, nor whatever it is Astrals are thinking...
Madl: But I have no doubt in my mind that this war is to blame for everything...
Baldr: You blame the war?
Madl: Things have gotten so out of hand—a problem that's only worsened over time...
Madl: Countless people are dragged into the war without even knowing what they're fighting for, making it that much harder to change course.
Madl: Don't you agree, Baldr?
Baldr: I... suppose you're right...
Baldr: (Unlike Madl and the others, however, I myself am a primal beast.)
Baldr: (I would not even exist to begin with if not for this war...)
Madl: I mean, those are just my thoughts on the matter. No need to dwell on it too hard.
Madl: I will say this though...
Madl: Earlier, not only did you not attack me, but you shielded me from harm...
Madl: That's definitely not part of your duty.
Madl: In fact, I'd even say it contradicts your very purpose.
Madl: Why did you do it?
Baldr: ...
My body acted on its own.
My body acted on its own.
Madl: Hm.
Baldr: Freyr, the other primal beast who came... I once fought alongside him.
Madl: Meaning you went against a former ally to cover me.
Baldr: ...
Madl: Thanks, Baldr. I'm glad you chose me.
Madl: Not just because I got to live, but more than that...
Madl: Despite how much you prioritized your role as a primal beast.
Madl: You were willing to go against that, even antagonizing a friend to help me.
Madl: And that makes all the difference to me.
Baldr: ...
Madl: All things considered, I'm sure that puts you in a really tough spot.
Baldr: That's nothing for you to worry about...
Madl: On the plus side, this means you don't have to go back to the Astrals anymore!
Madl: Come with us.
Baldr: I wonder about that.
Baldr: No matter how much you and Kona speak up for me, others may continue to see me as a threat.
Baldr: As a primal beast, I find it difficult to believe that every skydweller will simply accept me.
Madl: Well...
He recalls the mixed feelings of his fellow skydwellers earlier.
Baldr: Don't fret, Madl; I don't blame you. I do plan on staying for a while, however.
Baldr: At the very least, I plan on repaying my debts.
Madl: You mean...
Baldr: I may be in service to the Astrals, but it is within my nature as a beast to return any favors.
Baldr: I saved you today to repay the kindness you and Kona showed me ten years ago.
Baldr: And I will work with you to repay the kindness you, Kona, and your allies have shown me today.
Hearing what Baldr has to say, Madl's expression sours.
Madl: I don't need you to repay anything.
Madl: Everything I've ever done for you is because I see you as a friend.
Baldr: ...
Baldr: I would suggest caution, Madl.
Baldr: Placing too much faith in me may breed distrust among your people.
Madl: ...
Madl: Even then, I...
Lacking the words to change Baldr's stance on the matter...
Madl bites his lip in consternation.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 4: Tested Resolve - Episode 1
In the final stages of the War, the number of primals who've joined up with skydwellers has grown to a considerable size. Sensing that they may be losing, the Astrals deploy Azi Dahaka, the primal beast of warfare that mind-controls other primals. This gives Astrals the upper hand, but some primals are displeased with being stripped of free will.
By way of Yuni's power, (Captain) and Lyria are able to witness certain key events in the past.
Lyria: What an awful tragedy during the War...
Lyria's grip on (Captain)'s hand naturally tightens.
Yuni: Yes... I've only shown you the truth.
Yuni: Similar events were happening all over the skies at the time.
Yuni: Astrals are constant. And just the same, the primal beasts they created were not meant to be affected by the passage of time.
Yuni: Skydwellers, however, are a different story.
Yuni: They grow and change through their interactions with each other.
Yuni: As primal beasts crossed paths with them on the battlefield—where right and wrong, pure and impure so often get muddied...
Yuni: The primals themselves were bound to exhibit some sort of change eventually.
Lyria: So there are other cases like Baldr's...
Lyria: Where the primal beasts find themselves stuck between their roles and their emotions.
Yuni bobs her head.
Yuni: By the War's end, the number of primal beasts who sided with skydwellers grew to a fair number.
Yuni: As was the number of Astrals who betrayed their own kind.
Lyria: That reminds me...
Lyria: Orchis's father was an Astral who fought on the side of skydwellers.
Yuni: The unforeseen changes in primal beasts had a tremendous effect on the War's outcome.
Yuni: And on the Sky Realm itself.
Yuni: The winds hummed and the clouds shifted, signaling the passage of time.
As Yuni had mentioned, quite a number of defectors had joined up with skydwellers by the time of the War's end.
In order to deal with the changing tides, the Astrals were about to make a major decision.
Astral 1: Is anyone opposed to its deployment?
Astral 2: Some actual field data would have been nice, but we're left with little other choice now.
Astral 3: We must turn the tide back in our favor at once.
Astral 1: Victory is assured once we've deployed Azi Dahaka, the primal beast of warfare.
Astral 1: It is only a matter of time before the renegade primals return to us.
And so begin the final stages of the War.
Azi Dahaka: ...
Skydweller 7: Tch... No point holding out anymore!
Skydweller 8: Retreat, retreat! Just focus on getting out alive!
Skydweller 7: Aaah!
Macula Marius: Let the frost overtake you...
Skydweller 7: There's nowhere to run!
Skydweller 8: Damn, it's the same here!
Nezha: Flames of devastation, burn true!
Skydweller 7: Tch... We're done for!
Azi Dahaka: Gwooh...
Azi Dahaka: Gwaaar!
Skydweller 8: We never stood a chance against those monsters!
The Astrals' decision to deploy Azi Dahaka quickly turns the tide in their favor.
Skydweller 9: We have to go, Brother... Quick, before primal beasts come!
Skydweller 10: Fool! Can't you see he's dead already! Stop dawdling or you'll be next!
Skydweller 9: He... He gave his life for me...
Skydweller 9: Uwaaaagh!
The skydwellers fall one after another against the unprecedented offensive of the primal beasts.
Skydweller 11: Rgh!
Skydweller 11: I've still got a bit of mana!
Skydweller 12: Forget about me. I'm as good as dead...
Skydweller 11: Stop talking! I need to at least try!
Skydweller 12: Get out of here!
Skydweller 12: Leave me and save yourself... Ngh... Go already!
Skydweller 11: I... I can't...
Skydweller 12: Use your power... for someone else who still has a chance...
Skydweller 11: Shut up! I won't give up as long as you're still alive!
Skydweller 11: We promised we'd go home together! So I...
Skydweller 12: I love you... and I'm sorry...
Skydweller 11: Please, don't leave me... Why... Nooooo!
Ineffable pain and sadness fill the skydweller side of the battlefield, strewn with innumerable casualties.
On the Astral side, however, a different form of torment is becoming apparent.
Skydweller 13: I'm done fighting! I've thrown down my weapon, so please—just spare me!
Athena: Very well.
Athena: Return to your camp and disassemble your armaments at once.
Azi Dahaka: ...
Athena: ...!
Azi Dahaka: ...
Athena: Ngh...
Athena: Hmph... You bare your hostility at us, and now you beg for your life? I don't think so!
Skydweller 13: B-but you just said—
Skydweller 13: Gwaaagh!
Athena's eyes turn blank as she burns the helpless skydweller alive.
Athena: What... have I done?
Athena: As the guardian primal beast of the aegis, I...
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 4: Tested Resolve - Episode 2
Medusa loses control to Azi Dahaka's power. Her sisters, Stheno and Euryale, help Medusa come to her senses and escape from the battlefield. The two then bump into Nezha and come up with a plan to take on Azi Dahaka.
Azi Dahaka: ...
Euryale: Ugh... That voice is starting to grate on my ears...
Medusa: Need to fight... Must kill more... skydwellers...
Stheno: Medusa! You're getting too far ahead of us!
Medusa: Medusiana, go...
Stheno: Medusa!
Euryale: Our voices aren't reaching her anymore!
Stheno: So this is the power of Azi Dahaka, the primal beast of warfare, huh.
Euryale: I'm guessing that because we gorgon sisters are modeled after snakes...
Euryale: Azi Dahaka's power is especially effective on us.
Euryale: So much so that even our adorable Medusa can't hear our voices anymore.
Stheno: Even if we do have the upper hand against the skydwellers, there's no telling what might happen with Medusa charging blindly ahead like that...
Stheno: ...
Stheno: Euryale, you and Medusa are both my dear little sisters.
Stheno: That's why—
Euryale: Don't say another word.
Stheno: Euryale...
Euryale: As much as I love you, Sis—
Euryale: Or rather, it's because I love you so much that I can't let you do this alone.
Stheno: Haha, as earnest and stubborn as ever, my dearest little Euryale.
Euryale: With the two of us, our chances of saving Medusa will be that much higher.
Stheno: Yes. No matter what, Medusa at the very least must live on.
Medusiana: ...!
Medusa: Behold... the power of my petrifying gaze...
Skydweller 14: Surround her! Keep her immobilized with cannon fire!
Medusa: Aiiee!
Euryale: Medusa!
Skydweller 14: The heck! Reinforcements?
Medusa: Rgh! Must kill skydwellers!
Stheno: Pull yourself together! Medusa!
Medusa: !
The light in Medusa's eyes return when her sister slaps her.
Medusa: Sis? What have I...
Stheno: Hey, look at me. Do you recognize me?
Medusa: Mm. You're Stheno. And you're here too, Euryale...
Skydweller 14: Don't let up! Kill them all at once!
Medusa: Huh? How did this happen...
Stheno: Hang in there, Medusa. Now's not the time to be second-guessing yourself.
Euryale: Ngh! If this keeps up, the battle is lost!
Stheno: We're running out of time. Oh, Medusa...
Medusa: What is it, Stheno? I'm ready to do whatever it takes!
Stheno: Run away from here.
Medusa: What?
Euryale: While you make your escape, we'll stop their assault.
Medusa: What are you saying! I'm totally against this plan!
Medusa: I want to stay with you!
Stheno: Take care of her, Medusiana.
Medusiana: ...!
Euryale: Now go!
Medusa: No, no, no! Wait, Medusiana! Stop! Let me down! Euryale! Stheno!
Euryale: You think she got away?
Stheno: Hehe, let's not forget Medusiana's with her. I'm sure she's safe and sound.
Stheno: Now to worry about our own escape route...
Nezha: Hraaah!
Skydweller 14: Guh! More reinforcements?
Nezha: You okay?
Euryale: It's you...
Stheno: Always nice to see a familiar face.
Nezha: We're getting out! Follow me!
Stheno: Haha... How the roles have reversed.
With Nezha's assistance, Stheno and Euryale manage to break through the skydweller encirclement.
Euryale: Thank you for coming to rescue us.
Nezha: It goes both ways. Just paying back the favor.
Nezha: Ngh!
Skydweller 1: Now! Hit him with everything you've got!
Skydweller 3: We can do this... Finish him off!
Nezha: That's the way I like—
Nezha: ...!
Euryale: We're here to help.
Stheno: Hehe, talk about a close call.
Nezha: You two are...
Stheno: Fellow primal beasts who've come to your aid.
Nezha: But why! This battlefield has been entrusted to me...
Stheno: Yeah? But don't you think a retreat would be the smarter choice right now?
Stheno: Or would you rather go down fighting?
Stheno: Here in the middle of nowhere, without having accomplished anything.
Nezha: ...
Euryale: No time to waste, you two!
Stheno: Off we go.
Nezha: You have my thanks...
Stheno: Nezha, right? You managed to retain your self-awareness?
Nezha: Yes, I'm in control right now.
Nezha: But my memories of how I arrived at this point seem to be fragmented.
Euryale: How are things elsewhere on the battlefield? We let our little sister escape first, and we're worried if she made it out okay.
Nezha: Skirmishes are happening in every direction. We have the overall advantage, but that's only because...
Stheno: Because Azi Dahaka is controlling us.
Nezha: I cannot stand the thought of having my every action controlled.
Nezha: Though we primal beasts each have a role to fulfill, as is within our nature, it is ultimately our will alone to carry that out.
Nezha: If I am to be stripped of what little free will I have, then I'd rather...
Stheno: That's a retributive face if I ever saw one.
Nezha: I don't know if I've done enough to repay the kindness you've shown me, but I'm—
Stheno: Whoa, slow down there. If you're thinking of going it alone, then think again.
Euryale: We want to get payback on that thing just as much as you do.
Nezha: Did you not want to search for your little sister?
Stheno: Of course we do.
Stheno: She's probably crying somewhere, so I can't wait to hug her, slap her, then apologize.
Stheno: But we can't take the risk of looking for her in this mess of a battlefield only to be corrupted by that thing again.
Euryale: Best option is to cut off the head—or heads in this case.
Stheno: Hehe, my thoughts exactly.
Stheno: Azi Dahaka doesn't get a free pass just because it's a primal beast like us.
Stheno: We're going to make it pay for putting my adorable little sister in such a dangerous situation.
Taking in her lavish, bewitching smile, Nezha readily nods.
Nezha: Do you have a plan?
Stheno: I was about to ask the same. How did you plan on fighting Azi Dahaka alone?
Nezha: With my spear.
Nezha: I was hoping to help as many primal beasts as possible recover their senses while I distracted Azi Dahaka.
Stheno: Oh my...
Euryale: That hardly sounds like a plan to me.
Nezha: Alone, I can only do so much. But if it's the three of us, that's a different story.
Nezha: I want to seize any chance of victory we have. It's best to go in with a strategy.
Nezha: I'd like to hear your ideas.
Stheno: What a curious fellow you are.
Following a lighthearted chuckle, Stheno steels her face.
Stheno: I like what you said about bringing as many other primal beasts as possible back to their senses.
Euryale: Azi Dahaka's control over us isn't absolute.
Euryale: I noticed that firsthand when Medusa was herself again after Stheno slapped her.
Stheno: I wish I didn't have to do that...
Stheno: It seems like strong external impact on mind-controlled primals gets them to wake up.
Nezha: As far as I can remember, it was the same for me as well.
Stheno: I was also wondering about how Azi Dahaka's power had varying levels of effectiveness between me and my sisters.
Euryale: That's a good point. We were each affected differently even though we were in the same place.
Euryale: I found its roar repulsive as my body struggled to move, but I was conscious the entire time.
Stheno: This is just speculation on my part, but maybe being conscious of the fact is what counts?
Nezha: As in being conscious of the fact that Azi Dahaka's roar is meant to control us?
Stheno: Yes. That in itself should serve as a form of self-defense.
Nezha: Sounds about right to me.
Euryale: So then...
Euryale: While you keep Azi Dahaka distracted with a frontal assault, us two will focus on getting the awakened primals to join us.
Nezha: Yes. Let's go with that.
The trio agree on a strategy.
Nezha: There's something I need to be sure of first...
Stheno: And what might that be?
Nezha: Are you two really okay with turning against Azi Dahaka?
Euryale: What do you mean?
Nezha: The Astrals consider it to be their ultimate weapon.
Nezha: To attack it will have us immediately branded as traitors.
Euryale: I'm ready to accept the consequences.
Nezha: And one more thing.
Stheno: Yes, what is it now?
Nezha: Azi Dahaka may very well be the trump card that finally ends this war.
Nezha: While stopping Azi Dahaka will prevent certain tragedies from happening...
Nezha: New tragedies will take their place as the war continues to drag on.
Nezha: With that in mind, do you still want to go through with this?
Euryale: As weapons, it is our job to do battle.
Euryale: But we are not without emotion. We have our wants and needs.
Stheno: Exactly.
Stheno: What I want more than anything else... is a future for me, Euryale, and Medusa.
Euryale: I imagine you have similar aspirations, Nezha.
Nezha: I do.
Having ascertained each other's resolve, the three trade knowing glances.
Nezha: From this point forward, I shall treat you two as my comrades in arms.
Stheno: Aren't we lucky, Euryale.
Euryale: May our victory be swift.
The three form a circle and raise their weapons in unison as if swearing an oath, after which Stheno looks far into the distance.
Stheno: Our roles... and our wishes...
Stheno: Why couldn't they have created us in a way that'd allow us to fulfill both...
She laments the tragedy of the matter. None of her allies are able to offer her an answer.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 4: Tested Resolve - Episode 3
Unrest stirs at Madl's camp when word arrives about the collapse of other forts that have befriended primals. Freyr visits Baldr one night only to learn that he's determined to continue fighting alongside skydwellers. Freyr bids his friend farewell, his last piece of advice to Baldr being to stay away from the front lines.
Madl: The fort at North One's apparently fallen.
Skydweller 6: How'd that happen all of a sudden? They've been holding off the enemy for so long now!
Kona: With all the confusion going around, we can't be sure how it came to this...
Skydweller 5: North One... Isn't that where they secured the help of a few primal beasts?
Skydweller 6: Gosh, you don't think...
All eyes turn to Madl.
His extremities grow cold as a creeping uneasiness spreads among the war council.
Skydweller 6: I have to say, Madl...
Madl: Let's focus on gathering info.
Madl: Until we're certain what happened, I'd prefer not to say or do anything rash.
Madl: But I understand your concerns, everyone.
Madl: I'm going to talk to Baldr.
Kona: What will you do, Madl?
Having left the meeting room, Kona poses the question, a hint of concern in her voice.
Madl: I hate this... Just when everyone was getting used to fighting alongside Baldr...
Madl: More and more soldiers were finally accepting him as one of us...
Kona: I'm sure it was the same with the people at North One.
Madl: Could the primal beasts on our side really be betraying us?
Kona: You said it yourself: we need to make certain of what happened and not jump to conclusions.
Madl: Of course... There has to be some reason for such a drastic and sudden change.
Madl: Given the circumstances, I suppose primal beasts are bound to be suspect...
Kona: Unfortunately, yeah...
With a sigh, Madl relaxes his features.
Madl: You know, Kona... Whatever other primal beasts are up to won't change my mind in the least. I trust Baldr. Always have.
Madl: Ever since we first met ten years ago.
Kona: I know, Madl. It's the same for me. But...
Kona: Surely you haven't forgotten how the villagers reacted back then?
Madl: How could I forget. You thought getting everyone to understand him was essentially asking the impossible.
Kona: ...
Madl: I've always liked Baldr... I consider him a friend.
Madl: At the same time, I won't deny that primal beasts and people are fundamentally different.
Madl: I can't afford to be biased in either direction.
Madl audibly clenches the hilt of his sword.
Madl: A mistake here would cost too many of our lives. I won't let that happen.
Madl: Problem is...
Madl: Baldr's among the people I don't want to see get hurt...
Kona: It's a difficult choice for sure.
Madl: Yeah...
Madl: The fact that I actually have to think through the hard questions hammers home that I'm not a kid anymore.
Madl shrugs and lets go of his sword hilt.
Madl: Whatever the case, I need to have a proper talk with Baldr about this.
Madl: There are things that only a primal beast would understand. Maybe he can shed some light on this.
Kona: You're going now?
Madl: It's late... I'll save it for tomorrow.
Kona: Yeah... I'm gonna hit the hay myself.
Madl: Good night.
Kona: Good night, Madl.
Halfway through the night, a figure—having sensed the rising tension in the camp—sneaks out alone.
Baldr: Come out.
Another figure pops out of the shadows in response.
Freyr: ...
Baldr: Freyr...
Freyr: Baldr.
Baldr: Why are you here?
Freyr: I wished to see you one last time.
Freyr: Do you plan on continuing to fight on the side of skydwellers?
Baldr: ...
Baldr: I have no intention of returning to the Astral camp.
Freyr: ...
Freyr: Very well.
Shrouded by the cover of darkness, Freyr's expression is difficult to read.
Freyr: I guess this is goodbye then.
Baldr: ...
An alarmed Baldr enters a battle stance, but Freyr simply turns around to leave.
Freyr: I figured things would turn out this way. But I just had to make sure...
Baldr: Freyr! Where are you going?
Freyr: Isn't it obvious? To fulfill my duty on the battlefield.
Baldr: Why...
Freyr: I have just one piece of advice for you.
Freyr: If you value the path you've chosen, then stay away from the battlefield.
Baldr: Huh?
Freyr: You cast aside your pride as a primal beast, abandoned your duty, and turned against me.
Freyr: You've already come this far, so don't even think of turning back now.
Freyr: The Baldr I knew, who would clear the path with his shining sword, is no more...
Freyr: Focus on protecting this little fort as you gaze upon the distant battlefield—a battlefield you were supposed to be a part of.
With his back still turned to Baldr, Freyr fades into the darkness.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 4: Tested Resolve - Episode 4
The operation to topple Azi Dahaka is put into effect. Nezha distracts the primal beast of warfare while Stheno and Euryale run around helping other primals come to their senses.
Azi Dahaka: ...
Nezha: Tch... That accursed roar is the source of its mind-control powers...
Nezha: It's that much more vexing up close...
Nezha: (Stheno and Euryale are racing across the battlefield to let other primal beasts know about Azi Dahaka's control over them...)
Nezha: (I just have to buy them time!)
Nezha: Bwahahaha! This could be interesting!
Nezha: I, the war god Nezha, shall never lose myself again!
Azi Dahaka: ...!
Nezha: Hmph... You were meant to bring us to heel, but I will not yield!
Nezha: We're going to take back the limited amount of freedom we had...
Nezha: Even if it costs me my life!
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The War - Chapter 4: Tested Resolve - Episode 4: Scene 2
The liberated primal beasts join forces to defeat Azi Dahaka, marking the War's end. (Captain) and Lyria now have a much better understanding of what the War was like for those who lived through it. However, the journey across time continues—next to show up on the water's surface is the supreme primarch Lucifer.
Yuni: With the defeat of Azi Dahaka by primal beasts who refused to be controlled...
Yuni: The War soon came to an end.
Lyria: ...
Having witnessed the War's finale, (Captain) and Lyria let out a deep sigh.
Lyria: Now I realize I didn't know anything at all.
Lyria: Well, I mean, of course I knew that the War happened.
Lyria: But not much beyond that...
Lyria: Now though... I have a much better understanding of what people and primals went through...
Lyria: What they were thinking as they fought, bled, and cried until the War finally came to an end...
Yuni: That is the nature of history—a peek into the individual lives that shaped the era while the larger pieces on the board shift.
Lyria: What became of Baldr, Madl, and Kona?
Yuni: Do you know what happened to the Sky Realm after the War?
Lyria: Um... From my understanding, the Astrals went back to their world...
Lyria: And skydwellers earned freedom.
Yuni: Yes.
Yuni confirms her statement with a nod.
Yuni: The Astrals departed.
Yuni: And the primal beasts were left behind in the skies.
Lyria: Left behind... I guess that's why we still have so many of them around today.
Lyria: Some have even joined our crew.
Yuni: Yes, I've noticed.
Yuni: For skydwellers, the War was fought in the name of freedom.
Yuni: But for primal beasts, it was a chance for them to face themselves.
Yuni: The Sky Realm's current state was built upon countless tragedies.
Yuni: It wasn't until some time later that primal beasts as a whole could truly be considered friends of mankind.
Yuni: Though the War had ended, the inner struggle of the primal beasts was far from over.
Lucifer: ...
Lucifer: Azi Dahaka's demise may have been fated to happen, an organic result of the Sky Realm's evolution.
Lucifer: The separation of sky and star may lead to further change in the skies down the road...
Lucifer: However...
Lucifer: Bound by duty, yet betrayed by your wishes, you feel trapped between two worlds...
Lucifer: How I wish I could do more for you, my fellow primals...
The ripples of time spread out farther, depicting a tale unknown to most.
The journey across history continues.
(Captain) draws closer to the big decision that awaits.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 1: Weary Primals - Episode 1
The War is over. Madl and Kona safely return to their village with Baldr, who continues to protect them. However, Baldr has taken to sleeping in the forest more frequently. Madl pays him a visit one day, and they share a loaf of walnut bread, just like old times. Madl speaks optimistically about the future, but for Baldr, this happy moment together is fleeting.
Baldr: ...
Far-off Voice: Baldr! Where are you? I know you can hear me!
Baldr: Nnh... Madl?
Baldr groggily stirs from his slumber beneath the sheltering canopy of a large tree.
Baldr: Over here, Madl.
Madl: Hah, I knew it!
Madl: You just love sneaking off on your own, don't you? Wait, were you sleeping?
Baldr: A little.
Madl: Hm...
Madl: I wonder if that's a sign that something's wrong with you.
Baldr: In what way?
Madl: Feels like you've been snoozing a lot lately.
Baldr: Am I not allowed to sleep?
Madl: That's not what I said!
Madl: I'm remembering the Baldr from ten years ago. Pretty sure I never saw you sleep a wink back then.
Baldr: Well... Consider this.
Baldr: You were a child at the time.
Baldr: Mortal children spend much of their time sleeping. I simply synchronized my sleep schedule with yours.
Madl: Huh. Okay. Makes sense.
Madl: Man, kid this, kid that. There you go again, poking fun at me.
Madl: But I guess I'll always be a kid in the eyes of a primal beast.
Baldr: No, I know you've changed. You're... an adult now.
Madl: Eh, maybe.
Madl grabs a seat next to the outstretched primal and reclines against the tree.
Madl: Thanks, Baldr.
Baldr: For what?
Madl: You could've up and left after the war ended, but instead you stuck it out with us.
Baldr: That wasn't my...
Baldr: (I have nowhere else to go. Coming here seemed as good an option as any.)
Baldr trails off without finishing his thought, but Madl has no follow-up.
Madl: Looking back on all the craziness that happened, you're the reason I made it home alive.
Baldr: You survived because you fought for yourself. Just like everyone else.
Madl: Yeah, but you're the one who warned us not to make our move until Azi Dahaka was out of the picture.
Madl: The body count could've been worse, but thanks to you, good people got to see another day. Plus we didn't lose you either.
Baldr had heeded Freyr's words and devoted himself to protecting Madl's forces until the war ended.
All things considered, the campaigns waged by Madl's group likely didn't have a substantial impact on the overall war effort.
But when viewed on a more personal level, Madl and his comrades got to live to spend another day with Baldr.
Madl: So in the end, what exactly did we skydwellers manage to accomplish anyway?
This seemingly rhetorical question catches Baldr's attention.
Madl: The war was supposed to be a battle between skydwellers and Astrals, but we'd have lost without primal beasts.
Baldr: You were willing to do whatever it took to win. The result speaks for itself.
Madl: Yeah... Maybe it's just me not wanting to accept that fact.
Baldr: Besides, many primal beasts were created as weapons, and weapons are meant for fighting.
Baldr: Mortals have the right to use weapons.
Madl: Geez, it always comes back to the weapon thing with you. Look, I'm not saying you're wrong.
Madl: But I know what you are, and you oughta give yourself more credit.
Madl: Because I see a walking, talking primal beast with thoughts of his own.
Madl: You bleed from wounds just like the rest of us.
Baldr: We don't feel pain to the same extent that mortals do nor do we die as easily.
Madl: That doesn't mean you should view yourselves as expendable!
Baldr: O-oh?
Madl: Sorry. Didn't mean to yell. I just hate it, you know?
Madl: I hate seeing you all beat up, I mean.
Madl: Makes my stomach churn.
Madl tries to play it off with a shrug.
Madl: Yeesh, sorry for being a buzzkill. This is no way to celebrate the end of a war!
Baldr: Do whatever you like.
Baldr: To borrow your words, despite being a weapon, I am also a primal capable of understanding language.
Baldr: Speak, and I will listen.
Madl: Right... Thanks.
Madl: But don't just listen—feel free to say what's on your mind more often, okay?
Madl: Since you can talk, you might as well tell me what you're thinking about instead of making me guess.
Baldr: What should I say?
Baldr falls silent, racking his brain for a topic to share.
Madl: Ahahaha! Here's an easy question for you. What are you craving right now?
Baldr: Walnut bread...
Madl: Whoa, that's funny because I just happen to have some with me!
Madl splits a loaf of walnut bread in two, and the pair eat it like old times.
Madl: Mm... Love it!
Baldr: From now on, can we eat as much bread as we like?
Madl: Uh, I don't know about that.
Madl: The world still needs time to heal after such a big war.
Madl: I'm not a kid anymore. I have to create a bright future with my own two hands.
The sunlight filtering through the leaves overhead glints off of Madl's cheerful eyes.
Even Baldr's usual stoic face softens just enough to show a faint smile.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 1: Weary Primals - Episode 2
Baldr attends Madl and Kona's wedding the next day but keeps his distance from the other guests. He feels further alienated after overhearing a few villagers express fears about his existence as a primal beast. In the end, he decides to leave the village for good to wander on his own. Crossing paths with Loki and Fenrir, Baldr refuses Loki's offer to travel together. As Baldr leaves, Loki mentions a forest that's perfect for resting in.
Madl: All right then...
Madl brushes the bread crumbs from his lap.
Madl: It's still kinda early, but I think I'll hit the hay. Even an adult needs his beauty rest.
Baldr: Yes. Tomorrow is an important day.
Madl: Sure is. You're coming right? I don't want to hear any excuses about how you overslept in the forest.
Baldr: I will attend if you insist.
Madl: Remember, it's not just me. Kona expects to see you too.
Baldr: Then I don't have a choice.
Baldr's mouth twists into an awkward smile. He feels a breeze as cool as an autumn wind bite his cheeks.
The next day.
Skydweller 5: Congratulations to Madl and Kona!
Skydweller 6: You lucky bastard! Good luck, you two!
Madl: Thanks, everyone!
Kona: Um, who's using foul language at my wedding?
The entire village has come out to celebrate a joyous matrimony on this beautiful, sunny day.
Villager 1: This village has lost so many of its young. To see these two return home safely from the battlefield and embrace one another...
Villager 1: It's such a beautiful sight.
Villager 2: You're so right. I can only hope we're past all those days of fear and anxiety.
Villager 3: Yeah, about that...
Villager 2: Oh, right. Him.
Villager 3: Yep. He came too.
Baldr: ...
Villager 3: I'm sure Madl and Kona invited him because they get along well, so it shouldn't be a problem, but...
Villager 2: He scares me. Can we move over there?
Villager 1: Hold on. Didn't you hear what he did for us during the waning days of war?
Villager 3: I know, I know, but doesn't that make him more terrifying?
Villager 3: He might look like us, but he's more monster than skydweller as far as I'm concerned.
Villager 2: Now that the war is over, he doesn't have a reason to get violent, right?
Villager 3: Who knows what those things are thinking. They did betray the Astrals to join our side.
Villager 1: Hm... Are you suggesting he could turn on us too at some point?
Villager 3: Even toward the end of the war, there were already rumors about our primal beast "allies" becoming our enemies again.
Villager 2: You can't count anything out. I wonder if it's safe to let him run loose around the village.
Villager 2: I'm not trying to be mean. I appreciate what he did for us.
Villager 2: A lot of people survived because of him, and he helped end the war. But still...
Villager 1: Hmm... It's a complicated issue...
Villager 1: Anyway, this isn't the day for hand-wringing. We should be eating and dancing.
Villager 3: Now there's something I can get behind! Let's grab some drinks!
Baldr keeps his distance from the gaggle of villagers.
However, his excellent hearing is a double-edged sword, for he can clearly hear every word spoken.
Baldr: Sigh...
Baldr: I wasn't fighting for the sake of skydwellers specifically.
Baldr: I did it... for them...
With a small smile, he gazes at the happy couple, who are surrounded by friends and family.
Baldr: Madl... Kona...
Madl: ...!
Madl notices Baldr looking their way. He whispers something to Kona, and they both wave to him.
Baldr: ...
Baldr: Congratulations.
Of course, his words are too quiet and too far away to reach them.
Baldr: Why is the wind so cold?
Freyr: Although...
Freyr gently rubs his forearm.
Freyr: I must say it's a bit chilly today.
Baldr: Chilly?
Freyr: Not that I mind, but... do you not feel cold?
Baldr: Not particularly.
Freyr: You really are specially built for battle. I'm almost jealous.
Baldr: This sensation of "cold" you speak of... Does it affect you in battle?
Freyr: No, it's not quite on that level.
Freyr: Though mortals—especially skydwellers—may find the cold difficult to bear.
Baldr: I see. This must be the cold you spoke of, Freyr. I finally understand.
Baldr: I hope this chill doesn't find you, Madl, Kona.
???: Greetings!
???: Are you a wandering primal beast perchance?
Baldr: ...
Loki: How come you're trudging out here by yourself?
Loki: Though to be fair, vagrant primals aren't much of a rarity these days.
Baldr: Who are you?
Loki: An Astral.
Baldr: ...!
Loki: Hahaha! No need to get up in arms. You and I are in a similar boat.
Baldr: What?
Loki: Let me guess: you backstabbed the Astrals, didn't you?
Loki: But instead of being showered with kisses from skydwellers, you're meandering pointlessly in exile.
Baldr: ...
Loki: We all know that camaraderie between skydwellers and primals is a pipe dream.
Loki: The people of this world just can't understand the likes of Astrals and primal beasts.
Fenrir: ...
Loki: People are people; beasts are beasts. Equality is a fool's errand.
Baldr: What do you want from me?
Loki: Oh, how my heart ached when I laid eyes on your melancholy trek.
Loki: We can be friends if you'd like.
Fenrir: ...
Loki: Just like me and Fenrir here.
Fenrir: Hmph...
Baldr: I see nothing to suggest friendship. In your own words, people and beasts can't understand each other.
Loki: Hahaha! How brash. I almost forgot to laugh.
Loki: So what's it going to be?
Loki: Would you like to become pet number two or continue on your lonely journey to nowhere?
Baldr: I'm not going with you.
Loki: Aww. That's too bad.
Loki: Oh, incidentally...
Loki: There's a stunning forest not far east of here that escaped the ravages of war.
Loki: As far as napping spots go, it seems right up your alley.
Baldr: I see...
With his back turned to Loki, Baldr can't see the indecipherable smile spreading across the Astral's face.
Loki: Sigh, he really didn't want to talk to me.
Fenrir: What are you so sad about? You weren't planning on bringing him with us anyway.
Loki: Everyone misunderstands me.
Loki: I'm too nice for my own good. How can I turn a blind eye to these pitiful creations who were abandoned by my fellow Astrals?
Fenrir: Who are we talking about again?
Loki: Hm? Did you say something?
Fenrir: Nope. Nothing at all.
Loki: Uh-huh... If you say so.
Loki: Shall we go?
Fenrir: As if I had a choice. Where to next?
Loki: The temperature's starting to drop. I say we head south.
Fenrir: Since when do we care about being cold...
Loki: We don't. Nothing matters. I'm just killing time.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 1: Weary Primals - Episode 3
Having fallen asleep in the forest Loki mentioned, Baldr is awakened by Satyr. Baldr confesses to feeling lonely, knowing that Madl and Kona will eventually die and leave him. Satyr theorizes that his constant drowsiness stems from his tired heart and that he needs sleep to heal his core. Baldr dismisses that he has a heart, reverts to his core form, and falls into a deep slumber.
Baldr: So there really was a forest...
With no particular destination in mind, Baldr had decided to take Loki at his word and ventured east. There he found the quiet woodland.
Baldr: Whew...
Baldr picks out a large tree. Flopping down like a sack of potatoes, he nestles against its roots.
Here he finds a pocket of feeble warmth that has eluded the forest's winter-like clime.
Baldr: Sleepy...
Finally the primal loses his battle against drowsiness.
Baldr: (Madl... Kona...)
Baldr: (Freyr...)
Freyr: I have to say it's hard to imagine us ever losing—just as long as we remain together.
Madl: I'm sure you'll feel warmer if I keep holding your hand.
Kona: It was just as painful for you.
How long has Baldr been asleep for?
Stirring Voice: Bal... dr... Baldr!
Stirring Voice: Snap out of it, Baldr! Wakey-wakey!
Baldr: Nnh... Aren't you...
Satyr: Yep, it's me, Satyr. Long time no chat.
Baldr: Looks like you made it out alive.
Satyr: Hehe, right back atcha. I'm so glad I got to see you again.
Satyr: How come you're by yourself?
Satyr: Were you able to find the mortals you told me about? Madl and Kona?
Baldr: Yeah. They're doing fine. They returned from the war and got married.
Satyr: Aww! How romantic!
Satyr: And then you stayed with them after the war, yeah?
Baldr: For a little while.
Satyr: Oh.
Baldr: Madl hoped that his children and I would also become good friends.
Satyr: Uh-huh?
Baldr: He...
Madl: Is it too early for me to be bringing up the topic of kids?
Baldr: No. As a primal beast, the day they're born will seem to arrive in an instant to me.
Madl: Oh yeah. Forgot about that.
Madl: This is exciting! Just imagine bringing kids into a world without war.
Madl: A world where primals don't have to fight like weapons. Where people and primals can live together in harmony as neighbors and pals.
Madl: I'm telling you, Baldr, that's the future.
Baldr: He seemed happy.
Baldr: But I'm not sure how to feel.
Baldr: In the blink of an eye, skydwellers will grow old and die, at least from our point of view.
Baldr: Even if they somehow didn't age, they would still die because they're mortals.
Baldr: I've seen an untold amount of death on the battlefield.
Baldr: Their children and grandchildren will live on, but Madl and Kona?
Baldr: They will leave me behind, and nothing can change that.
Satyr: So you thought it'd be better to go off on your own?
Baldr: It's not just that.
Baldr: Ever since the war ended, I'm constantly tired. It's so hard to stay awake.
Satyr: Sounds like your core is exhausted.
Baldr: My core?
Satyr: You know how we don't really die as long as our cores are intact?
Satyr: Even if our wounds can't kill us, a core that's hurt or worn out is serious.
Satyr: You gotta sleep it off, as the skydwellers say.
Baldr: You mean I need all this sleep in order to restore my core's condition?
Satyr: Yep. That's what I think anyway.
Satyr: I've seen lots of sleepyhead primals so far on my travels.
Satyr: The war really tuckered everybody out.
Baldr: Then how do you explain the fact that all my wounds have healed?
Baldr: Kona's healing magic is second to none. I shouldn't be tired.
Satyr: Right. But look inside yourself, Baldr.
Satyr: Our bodies aren't the only things that can burn out.
Satyr: Your heart needs to rest too.
Baldr: I'm not sure I believe in the notion of "heart."
Satyr: Well, I do. Maybe you can't see it, but it's there.
Satyr: We primal beasts definitely have hearts.
Her gentle words are soothing to Baldr's ears.
Yet it can't thaw the cold that permeates his limbs.
Baldr: Whatever the case may be, a long slumber doesn't sound half bad.
Satyr: Nope, not at all.
Baldr: (Will this chill vanish if I sleep? Perhaps I won't be reminded of a future without Madl and Kona, and I can finally move on...)
Satyr: Going beddy-bye, Baldr?
Baldr: Might as well.
Satyr: Since you're my friend, I'll keep you company until you doze off.
Baldr: Friend? You are a strange primal beast who says the strangest things...
Baldr: I feel like... I don't understand anything in this world...
Satyr: Is that so?
Satyr: I think there's one thing that should be clear to you.
As Baldr drifts off, he can still hear Satyr's tranquil voice, only this time it sounds a little lonelier.
Satyr: You're probably thinking to yourself, "If only I could've been friends with Madl and Kona."
Satyr: But the thing is, you already are friends with them, Baldr.
Satyr: Or at the very least, those two consider you a friend.
Baldr: Satyr...
Satyr: What's up?
Baldr: It's getting cold... Take care of yourself...
Satyr: Mm-hm. Thanks, Baldr.
Satyr: I hope you won't feel so lonely anymore when you wake up.
Satyr: Sleep tight, Baldr.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 1: Weary Primals - Episode 4
Supreme primarch Lucifer, overseer of evolution, is disheartened by the number of primals who chose to lie dormant in their core forms, which he views as stagnation. A duplicate of an entity named Cosmos suddenly appears before Lucifer. Cosmos's purpose is to ensure the Sky Realm survives properly via her arbitration. To aid her task, she aims to understand skydwellers, and asks Lucifer to impart his knowledge of the world.
Lucifer: The number of primal beasts slumbering in their core state is rising as of late.
Supreme primarch Lucifer's words echo through a beautiful yet desolate shrine.
Lucifer: This deep sleep is a form of stagnation.
Lucifer: It is in opposition to progress.
No one is there to respond to his despondency.
Lucifer: The War caused a massive upheaval to the Sky Realm's future. So many primal beasts were created as weapons.
Lucifer: The majority of these newer primal beasts were molded from the algorithm that produced the archangels, albeit a simplified version of it.
Lucifer: Archangels were entrusted with unique roles meant to regulate the world and encourage evolution.
Lucifer: Much like their older counterparts, the newer primal beasts also had their orders, except theirs were to fight.
Lucifer: However, I dare say they have no reason to fight anymore.
Lucifer: Throngs of primals born for warfare have felt the sky's emotions, flirted with evolution, and gained aspirations...
Lucifer: Only to be mocked by intervening fate.
Lucifer: Dreamers who eschewed their obligation to fight were yanked back by the roles impressed upon them.
Lucifer: Evolution in the Sky Realm offered primal beasts a chance to change.
Lucifer: There was hope for their advancement.
Lucifer: But for many primals, the suffering is too great, and one by one they choose to enter stasis.
Lucifer: Perhaps in this world, where change constantly flows, the immutable primal beast is too abnormal of an outlier.
???: That is precisely the reason why the Sky Realm is in need of arbitration.
Lucifer: ...?
Lucifer turns around in search of a voice that shouldn't be there.
???: Abandoned by the stars and left in the skies, these unnatural creations are now weighed upon the world's scale.
???: Primals may one day tip the scales and destroy the balance of the world.
???: If, given enough time, they can stabilize the world's equilibrium on their own, then there is no issue.
???: Sometimes evolution is a necessity.
???: But in the event that friction and discord cannot be purged naturally by the world, outside arbitration must step in.
The intruder suddenly manifests before Lucifer's astonished eyes.
For the first time in however many years, the supreme primarch is not alone in Canaan's shrine.
Lucifer: Your words intrigue me, but first I'd like to know who I'm speaking to.
???: I am...
Cosmos: Cosmos.
Lucifer: Cosmos? I do not recognize that name.
Lucifer: I sense the aura of a primal beast, yet it feels strange...
Cosmos: I am merely replicating the body of a primal beast. My true form resides in the Astral Realm.
Lucifer: In the Astral Realm? Why?
Cosmos: Cosmos was created in the Astral Realm at around the same time Lucilius created the archangels in the Sky Realm.
Cosmos: Cosmos was given the role of arbitrating the skies.
Lucifer: That sounds similar to what our archangels do.
Cosmos: Only on the surface.
Cosmos: Archangels preside over the Sky Realm's evolution. Although the four primarchs are heavily invested in maintaining balance to the tetra-elements...
Cosmos: In principle, they do not interfere in the lives of mortals.
Lucifer: That is correct. Throughout the War, I spent the majority of my time observing from afar.
Cosmos: And that has prompted Cosmos to send a manifestation of her will. That would be me.
Cosmos: Cosmos is a system designed to arbitrate the Sky Realm, so that this world may continue to operate in proper fashion.
Cosmos: Arbitration must be administered with extreme objectivity from a high-level purview.
Cosmos: Thus the one that created Cosmos insulated her from the Sky Realm by concealing her in the Astral Realm.
Cosmos: This was also done to keep Cosmos a secret from Lucilius... Though that doesn't appear to matter anymore.
Cosmos: Much has changed in the Sky Realm due to the War.
Cosmos: Bereft of Astral dominion, the Sky Realm is adrift in the wind, like a kite whose string has been cut.
Cosmos: Hostility between skydwellers and abandoned primal beasts is sure to escalate.
Lucifer: I'm afraid the embers of acrimony are already flaring everywhere as we speak.
The replicated form of Cosmos simply nods impassively, a stark contrast to Lucifer's unmistakable gloom.
Cosmos: Cosmos has concluded that an understanding of skydwellers is necessary before arbitrating the world any further.
Cosmos: As such, I will remain here as a proxy to monitor their activity.
Cosmos: I designate you as my host and counselor.
Lucifer: What does that entail?
Cosmos: Impart to me your knowledge of this world, Lucifer, so that arbitration can be carried out appropriately.
Lucifer: Understood. I see no reason to refuse such a request.
Cosmos: Good. There is much to learn.
Lucifer: I look forward to this partnership, Cosmos.
Lucifer extends a hand toward Cosmos but is left hanging.
Cosmos: What does this mean?
Lucifer: This is known as a handshake. It's a... greeting of sorts.
Lucifer: Though to be fair, this is my first time offering one.
Cosmos: I see.
The awkward handshake is the first contact with another soul Lucifer has had in hundreds of years.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 2: Arbitrator's Duplicate - Episode 1
Tiamat settles in the Port Breeze Archipelago without revealing herself to the islanders. She watches them from afar, and her winds become synonymous with Port Breeze, transforming the islands into a prosperous trade hub over time. During a stretch of unusually bad weather, rumors spread that a primal beast is causing the storms.
Lyria: Oh, that's right. Lucifer has been an archangel for at least two thousand years.
Lyria: Of course he saw everything that's happened.
Lyria: As for Cosmos...
Yuni meets Lyria's gaze and nods.
Yuni: Cosmos's power of arbitration struck down the singularity.
Yuni: But it was also Cosmos who brought you all here.
Lyria: Um, so Cosmos killed us only to save us?
Lyria: Hm... Is Cosmos a friend or a foe?
Yuni: The power of arbitration isn't about who's an enemy or who's an ally.
Yuni: It's about monitoring the world and resetting the scale to its rightful position.
Yuni: But Cosmos...
Yuni trails off, unsure how to continue.
Lyria: What is it, Yuni?
Yuni: Let me just show you the point in time when Cosmos started becoming more proactive in the Sky Realm, even though she claimed to be impartial.
Yuni: These are the untold stories of skydweller history.
Yuni: A retelling of the interactions between primal beasts and people.
Yuni: And the discussions that took place between Lucifer and Cosmos.
Yuni: Please watch carefully.
Primal beasts scatter across the skies in the aftermath of the War. They've lost their purpose as weapons.
Tiamat: ...
The primal beast imbued with the power of wind drifts into Port Breeze Archipelago.
Tiamat: ...
PB Resident 1: Whoa... Wind's howling today.
PB Resident 2: Yeah, feels great. Can't wait to get some work done.
Tiamat: ...
Port Breeze Archipelago is a chain of islands blessed with a calm climate and plenty of sunshine.
Tiamat takes great comfort in flowing over its rolling hills as she hops from island to island.
Tiamat: ...
Tired of aimless wandering, she decides to make this refreshing locale her home.
PB Resident 3: Ah, such a lovely wind! It's another beautiful day!
The children of Port Breeze when Tiamat had first arrived have now grown into adults.
PB Resident 4: That's right, wind! You spin that windmill, and make my job a breeze!
PB Resident 3: The laundry will dry in no time!
Tiamat: ...
Since Tiamat is incapable of forming mortal speech, she dares not make her presence known to skydwellers.
She watches the residents go about their lives from afar, offering a gale on a whim, much like someone who impulsively breaks out in song.
Tiamat: ...
Baby: Goo-goo!
PB Resident 3: Heehee. You like the wind too, don't you?
For Tiamat, the wind comes as naturally as breathing.
But the warmth from seeing the smiles her gusts bring is something she's never felt before.
Tiamat: ...!
As time goes on, the winds blowing across the archipelago become as ubiquitous as the sun to the people of Port Breeze.
However...
Skyfarer 1: Looks like we're grounded until the storm clears, huh?
PB Resident 4: Yep, weather's been garbage these days. It puts everyone in a tough spot...
Skyfarer 2: Just when we finally got good at flying airships...
Skyfarer 2: But I sure as shoot won't challenge a storm.
Once the skydwellers were liberated from Astral control, they immediately appropriated leftover Astral technology.
Airships quickly proved to be invaluable, with skyfaring crews springing up in every corner of the skies.
Naturally, many a crew were drawn to wind-blessed Port Breeze, and the region grew into a prosperous commerce hub.
PB Resident 4: So even brave skyfarers are afraid of storms.
Skyfarer 2: Only a fool wouldn't be.
Skyfarer 2: From the day I became a skyfarer, my granddaddy droned on and on about keepin' a sharp eye out for storms.
Skyfarer 1: He fought in the War, didn't he?
Skyfarer 2: The old man had so many insane war stories. Like the time he fought a primal beast that could control the wind and make storms appear out of thin air.
PB Resident 3: Primal beasts? Weren't they weapons used by the Astrals?
PB Resident 4: Can't believe they actually existed.
Skyfarer 2: If you think a windy beast sounds bad, you ain't heard nuthin' yet. Those freaky things had all sorts of super powers.
PB Resident 3: I've never actually seen one before. Are there any of them left in the Sky Realm?
Skyfarer 1: Wouldn't surprise me if one of 'em was behind this storm.
PB Resident 3: Don't say that! It's not funny!
Skyfarer 2: Does it look like I'm joking? Could be truer than you think.
Skyfarer 2: The point is, primal beasts are monsters who defy all logic.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 2: Arbitrator's Duplicate - Episode 2
Tiamat is hurt by the baseless accusations leveled against her by Port Breeze's residents. Lucifer opines that fear of the unknown is a powerful force, prompting Cosmos to announce to the islanders that Tiamat shields them with her divine protection. At Cosmos's urging, Tiamat finally shows herself to the islanders and dissipates the storms, which earns her the skydwellers' trust.
As rumors spread from one person to the next, innocent embellishments grow into wild exaggerations.
PB Resident 4: Is it just me, or do those clouds look evil to you?
PB Resident 5: Maybe I ought to close up shop early today. Could be another storm brewing.
PB Resident 4: That scary rumor feels more real by the minute.
PB Resident 5: You mean the one about how a primal beast is kicking up the storms?
Tiamat: ...?
Although Tiamat can manipulate wind, she can't command the climate of an entire region on demand.
She is obviously not responsible for the foul conditions besetting the archipelago.
PB Resident 5: Sigh, this blows—no pun intended. What happened to the good Port Breeze? The one where the wind isn't trying to kill us?
Tiamat: ...
Unaware of Tiamat's existence, the islanders have no idea how much their grievances hurt the primal beast.
Tiamat: ...
Their bitter resentment settles on Tiamat like a layer of murky sediment and sullies her power.
Tiamat: ...
PB Resident 5: Gah, this wind is really messed up.
PB Resident 4: It gives me the creeps.
PB Resident 5: Damn it all! What's happening to you, Port Breeze!
Fear. Disgust. The unfettered emotions of the islanders spark a memory in Tiamat.
Tiamat: ...
She's back on the battlefield, frightened by the carnage her own winds have wrought on the wounded skydwellers around her.
Cosmos: Port Breeze Archipelago...
Cosmos: All seemed well between its people and the primal beast, but in the end...
All it took to unravel that tenuous peace was a tiny sliver of doubt.
Port Breeze's winds have gone from a symbol of bountiful grace to one of suspicious malice.
Lucifer: Emotions are a powerful force. It builds and builds, gathering steam into an unstoppable juggernaut.
Lucifer: Examples abound on the battlefield.
Lucifer: Primal beasts were subjected to whirlpools of surging emotions that manipulated them. Hurt them. Even altered them.
Lucifer: Furthermore...
Lucifer: It's easy to cast suspicion when you can't put a face on someone.
Lucifer: Hiding in the shadows is a double-edged sword.
Cosmos: Perhaps it is time to lift the veil.
PB Resident 6: Oh, joy. Another crappy day. How long's it gonna stay like this?
PB Resident 5: If it doesn't clear up soon, we're in trouble. Ship traffic will slow to a trickle, and then there goes our trade.
Cosmos: This island is blessed with Tiamat's divine protection. There is no need for grave concern.
PB Resident 6: Tia-who? What are you talking about?
Cosmos: Have you no knowledge of the primal beast that controls wind?
PB Resident 5: Sheesh, don't get me started on primal beasts. I heard one of them's causing the storms.
Cosmos: What foolishness.
Cosmos speaks before the skydwellers as if delivering a sermon.
Cosmos: Primal beasts possess a great power that people cannot begin to fathom.
Cosmos: If the primal truly bore a grudge against this land, the islands would have been swept away into oblivion long ago.
PB Resident 6: Holy crap!
Cosmos: But I ask you: has the storm taken any lives?
PB Resident 6: A bunch of ships and buildings are gonna need overhauls, but as for deaths...
PB Resident 5: Now that you mention it, I haven't heard of anyone dying.
Cosmos: My point exactly.
Cosmos: That is because primal beast Tiamat grants this island her divine protection.
PB Resident 5: Wow. The divine protection of a primal beast...
PB Resident 6: Tiamat...
Cosmos: Primal beast Tiamat.
Tiamat: ...
Cosmos: I sense you are at a loss as to how your power and existence relates to mortals.
Cosmos: If you no longer wish to cohabitate with these people, I will not stop you from leaving.
Cosmos: However, should you wish to reside in Port Breeze...
Cosmos: You must understand them.
Tiamat: ...?
Cosmos: Whether releasing a calm breeze or scathing gust, for you it is as simple as taking a breath.
Cosmos: But mortals feel on a different scale.
Tiamat: ...
Cosmos: Become a primal beast that safeguards mortals with her wind.
Cosmos: Respond to their prayers, and they shall reciprocate with faith.
Tiamat: ...
PB Resident 4: I'm so sick of this ugly gray. Give me back the sun already—
PB Resident 5: Whoa! Look over there! Look!
Tiamat: ...
PB Resident 3: Eeek! There's someone floating in the storm!
Skyfarer 2: I-it can't be... That's the primal beast!
PB Resident 4: Damn, so it was a primal beast all along!
Tiamat: ...!
PB Resident 3: Gasp! The storm... cleared?
PB Resident 5: The sun's coming out!
Tiamat: ...
The drab sky returns to its brilliant blue hue as Tiamat dissipates the sun-blocking clouds.
PB Resident 6: I must be dreaming... This is what primal beasts are capable of...
PB Resident 3: O blessed Tiamat...
Baby: Goo-goo!
Tiamat: ...
Lucifer: Framing primal beasts as a focus for worship... That is interesting.
Cosmos: It is preferable for both parties to continue coexisting—albeit while keeping their distance from each other—in order to see what develops.
Lucifer: I see. Hopefully this will become one method for primal beasts to persist in the Sky Realm.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 2: Arbitrator's Duplicate - Episode 3
Abandoned by the Astrals, Sylph wanders into a small skydweller settlement and ends up living there. As the settlement grows over time, news of Sylph's miracle cure, alma, draws unwanted attention from neighboring areas. Eventually, the entire island becomes embroiled in violence over Sylph and alma.
Sylph: Where is everyone...
Deep within a forest on another island, a primal beast struggles with her abandonment.
Sylph: Why am I alone?
Sylph: I don't want to be here.
Unable to endure the crushing weight of loneliness, the primal beast roams through the forest.
Settler 1: Who's there?
Sylph: You're... a person.
Trees give way to open space as the primal beast exits the forest and stumbles across a small settlement.
Settler 1: Is something the matter, little lady? Is anyone else with you?
Sylph: Only me. I was left behind.
Settler 1: Good lord! Your mom and dad just took off on you?
Sylph: ...?
Sylph: I don't have a mom or dad. I'm a primal beast.
Settler 1: A primal... beast...
Sylph: Creations of the Astrals.
Settler 1: No, I know that. It's just...
The island Sylph has been left on is situated far from the front lines of the War.
Because of this, these islanders don't seem to harbor much fear for the weaponized primal beasts.
Settler 1: I can't get over how much you look like a regular little girl.
Sylph: I was modeled after skydwellers.
Settler 2: Ho there, neighbor. Got a problem on your hands?
Settler 1: Hey. You're not gonna believe this...
Settler 2: Hm... It's not safe for her to travel alone, primal beast or not.
Settler 2: Especially when there are monsters in the forest.
Sylph: I'm okay with monsters.
Settler 1: Where were you heading to?
Sylph: I'm looking for a place where I won't be alone.
Sylph answers in an apathetic tone. The settlers glance at each other.
Settler 1: Well, you're welcome to stay in our village if you want.
Settler 2: Yeah, I think that's for the best. Couldn't live with myself if I turned my back on a lost girl.
Sylph: If I can stay with you, I would like to.
Settler 1: Hahaha. Then welcome to the village life.
And so a primal beast with the appearance of a little girl becomes a humble villager.
Sylph: Can I put this wood behind the house?
Settler 2: Yep. That's going to be firewood.
Settler 2: Careful not to get a splinter.
Sylph: Mm-hm. I won't.
Settler 3: Hey! Come quick! Something's wrong with Mr. Pete!
Settler 1: Geh...
The elderly man lies in a modest bed. His breathing is short and ragged, at times gasping for air.
Settler 2: This doesn't look good.
Sylph: What's wrong, Mr. P? You've been lying in bed a lot lately.
Settler 2: He's sick. He's been sick for a long time actually, but he suddenly took a turn for the worse.
Settler 3: What should we do? We're out of medicine.
Settler 2: Even if we had any, it probably wouldn't have helped.
Sylph: I have medicine.
Settler 2: Huh? Where?
Sylph: Here.
Settler 2: What is that?
Sylph: Alma. It heals the sickness of mortals.
Settler 3: Never heard of it. Did you just make it out of nothing?
Sylph: Yes. I made it.
Settler 2: Medicine made by a primal beast, huh...
Sylph: He will get better if he drinks it.
The settlers scrutinize the alma and the man in bed, weighing their options.
Settler 2: Let's give it a shot.
Settler 3: Y-you sure about this?
Settler 2: Do you have a better idea?
Settler 2: Besides, I can't imagine Sylph wanting to hurt the old guy.
Sylph: I refilled the water in your pitcher.
Settler 1: Yeah, I noticed that. Thank you, Sylph.
Sylph: Mm-hm.
Thanks to the potency of Sylph's alma, the elderly man quickly returns to form.
Settler 2: Are you sure it's okay to be walking around already?
Settler 1: C'mon, look how spry I am. I could dance a jig.
Settler 3: You really had me scared back there. I'm glad you're all better now.
Settler 1: I have Sylph to thank for that.
Sylph: Oh?
Settler 2: Yes, primal beasts are truly amazing.
As time goes by, the village expands and prospers thanks to their unique primal resident.
There's no way the wonders of alma can be kept a secret from neighboring areas.
Out-of-Towner 1: Share some of the extract with us! Please, I'm begging you!
Out-of-Towner 1: A plague afflicts our citizens. If you'd only spare our city some of your alma!
City Local 1: But this medicine belongs to our city...
Sylph: If you need alma, I will make it.
Out-of-Towner 1: Th-thank you! Thank you so much!
As alma's renown surges, so too do the problems surrounding the miracle cure.
Thieves constantly target the precious commodity.
And there is no shortage of middlemen hoping to make a profit.
Sylph: I don't understand why people are fighting over alma when all they have to do is ask.
As for Sylph, she gives away the extract to whomever requests it.
City Local 2: Don't give it to those people, Sylph! They're outsiders!
Sylph: But they need it.
Out-of-Towner 2: Gee, isn't it strange how, all of a sudden, we've been hit by a mysterious, unknown disease?
Out-of-Towner 2: Why don't you just admit it already! She's manufacturing some nasty poisons alongside alma!
City Local 3: That's a baseless accusation! Sylph would never do that!
Out-of-Towner 2: Oh, of course you'd deny it! Can't let anything happen to your cash cow now, can you!
What started off as a miracle is heading toward a storm of conflict, with alma and Sylph placed squarely at the center.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 2: Arbitrator's Duplicate - Episode 4
Because Sylph's power is responsible for fomenting conflict, Lucifer asks Cosmos if she intends to eliminate Sylph, which causes Cosmos to feel a tinge of sadness. When Sylph tells Cosmos that she wants to stay with the skydwellers, Cosmos advises Sylph to get people to put their faith in her rather than alma. Time passes, and Sylph is deified—the land and its people will go on to become the kingdom of Feendrache.
Island Warrior 1: Don't back down! Keep fighting! We've got alma on our side!
Island Warrior 2: Seize the primal beast! Break their monopoly on alma!
Soon the entire island is in the grips of hysteria.
Lucifer: The flames of strife have ignited on this island as well...
This beautiful island had been fortunate enough to escape the brutality of the War, but now the cries of violence pain Lucifer.
Cosmos: Mortals have realized that the incredible power of primal beasts isn't only suited for destruction.
Lucifer: Yes. Sylph's compassionate power is meant for healing.
Lucifer: Yet it appears it cannot be produced indefinitely without drawbacks.
Cosmos: Indeed.
Cosmos: The overproduction of alma results in a harmful by-product, which has spilled over into the surrounding areas.
Cosmos: It seems Sylph herself hasn't realized this yet.
Lucifer: Either way, I see no end to the dispute so long as alma production continues.
Lucifer: What do you intend on doing, Cosmos?
Cosmos: ...
Cosmos: As far as the skydwellers and Sky Realm are concerned, the primal beast's unusual power is the source of disruption.
Lucifer: You plan on removing the source then?
Cosmos: If Sylph is the source...
An almost imperceptible wave of sadness ripples over Cosmos's normally impassive face.
Cosmos: Must I remove her?
Cosmos: Primal beast Sylph.
Cosmos decides to make an appearance.
Sylph: Who are you?
Cosmos: I am Cosmos. For all intents and purposes, I am a primal beast like you.
Sylph: You're the first one I've met. There are only mortals here.
Cosmos: Yes, I know.
Sylph: Okay, primal beast Cosmos. Why are you here?
Cosmos: How does the uproar on the island—with you at the center—make you feel?
Sylph: I think it's bad. Too many people get hurt and die. My alma can't heal them in time.
Sylph: When I see people dying, I feel... pain. Here, in my chest.
Cosmos: I understand.
Cosmos: If you wish to stop the fighting, then you have a choice to make.
Cosmos: Either disappear from the island, or cease the production of alma altogether.
Sylph: Without alma, many people will die.
Cosmos: Then you choose to go away?
Sylph: That's a trick question. If I'm gone, I can't make alma anyway.
Cosmos: But if the conflict ends, there won't be any more casualties.
Sylph: I guess so...
Sylph: But I'm not alone here... I can be with lots of people.
Sylph stares at her feet, silent in deep thought. Cosmos's tone softens a bit.
Cosmos: Then remain here if that is what you want.
Sylph: Without making alma?
Cosmos: Although you needn't completely cease production, I advise you to set a limit.
Cosmos: Convince the people to put their faith in you rather than alma. Become a symbol of peace.
Sylph: I'm a symbol of peace?
Cosmos: People will never stop demanding alma as long as you keep giving it away freely.
Cosmos: Alma should be a gift bestowed upon those who endeavor to live in a peaceful land.
Sylph: A gift...
Cosmos: By serving as this land's emblem, you will be revered and loved.
Change has been set in motion.
Influential individuals establish a new kingdom where Sylph is deified.
Its residents follow a creed of peace, knowing that Sylph's divine protection, as well as alma, safeguards them.
Knight: If you'll excuse me, Sylph.
Sylph: ...
From the ashes of conflict grows a kingdom that will become known as Feendrache, a prosperous land blessed by primal beast Sylph.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 3: Heart of Sorrow - Episode 1
An island named Albion defends its independence using primal beast Luminiera's power. To use that power, a skydweller must form a pact with Luminiera, but the pactbearer always dies from the strain within a few years. Although the current pactbearer empathizes with Luminiera and is willingly to give his life to protect Albion, that does nothing to address the sad cycle of sacrifice.
In the aftermath of the War, this island was renamed to Albion.
Pactbearer: Aaaaah!
Luminiera: ...
Pactbearer: Nnh... Lumini... era...
Albion Authority: Hm... This one didn't even last a full year...
Attendant: Can't you see how pointless this is? How many times must we watch this futility play out!
Albion Authority: Then what's your brilliant idea to rein in Luminiera?
Attendant: I-I don't know, but—
Albion Authority: Because it sounds to me like we have a volunteer for the primal beast's next master.
Attendant: N-no! Anything but that!
Albion Authority: Then I hope next time you'll keep your opinions to yourself unless someone asks for them.
Attendant: Understood...
Albion Authority: As I feared, we skydwellers can't handle it.
Albion Authority: How can we harness the power of Luminiera like the Astrals did when we're not Astrals?
Lucifer: Cosmos, may I ask a question?
Cosmos: What is it?
Lucifer: Why didn't you stop Sylph?
Lucifer: The negative by-product of alma shouldn't be lost on you.
Cosmos: ...
Cosmos: Alma is a powerful medicine. You could argue its negative by-product is needed to balance it out.
Lucifer: I see... That's one way to interpret it.
Cosmos: But above all else...
Cosmos: I could not bring myself to snatch away her dreams.
Cosmos: I just couldn't...
New Pactbearer: I see. So I'm the next one up to form a pact with Luminiera.
Albion Authority: Yes. Are you prepared for the responsibility?
New Pactbearer: I'm assuming I'm not allowed to refuse.
Albion Authority: That's right.
New Pactbearer: Well, I guess that's that then. I... humbly accept this honor.
Luminiera: ...
New Pactbearer: (Primal beast Luminiera...)
New Pactbearer: (When you were bound to an Astral, you displayed power worthy of an Astral knight.)
New Pactbearer: (But the minds and bodies of us skydwellers aren't strong enough to support you.)
New Pactbearer: Unfortunately, that's the best we can offer.
Luminiera: ...
Attendant: Why'd it have to be you!
New Pactbearer: Luminiera is a primal beast who will eventually disappear unless she's tethered to someone.
New Pactbearer: So someone has to do it.
Attendant: Yeah, but that "someone" could've been anyone else.
New Pactbearer: Don't be sad. I have no regrets.
Attendant: How can you not! While I understand Luminiera's importance to Albion...
Attendant: When a skydweller forms a pact with Luminiera, their life is drastically cut short.
Attendant: At worst, they might not even reach their next birthday before their body falls apart.
New Pactbearer: Yep, that's what I've heard.
New Pactbearer: In the near future, I'm probably looking at having my insides gnawed away by the primal's power, then croaking like the previous pactbearers.
Attendant: Then why did you say yes if you know what's going to happen!
New Pactbearer: I have a better understanding now that I've formed the pact.
New Pactbearer: Luminiera is a benevolent primal beast.
Attendant: You can't be serious! Can she even understand what we're saying?
New Pactbearer: Sometimes you don't need words to get the point across. I can feel... warmth and kindness.
New Pactbearer: She understands that we're trying to protect something.
Attendant: You truly believe that?
New Pactbearer: Might is essential if Albion is to fend off incursion and retain its autonomy.
It's been some time since the skydwellers won the War and took back their freedom from the Astrals.
The people of the skies were once united against the invaders to their realm.
But what should be a period of peace now sees frequent flare-ups between fellow skydwellers vying for supremacy.
New Pactbearer: Albion's my home, and I aim to protect it. That's why I made the pact with Luminiera.
New Pactbearer: The time we have to use Luminiera's power is fleeting, so we can't take it for granted.
New Pactbearer: I really think Luminiera understands us better than we think.
Attendant: ...
New Pactbearer: I may not be long for this world, but when I pass on, please don't let her pass away too.
Watching his friend walk away, the man can only clench his fists tightly.
Attendant: Is this the price of peace? To pay with a never-ending stream of sacrifice? How can anyone think this is right?
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 3: Heart of Sorrow - Episode 2
According to Lucifer, Tiamat's power has increased ever since she bestowed her divine protection onto Port Breeze itself. This news gives Cosmos an idea, and she presents this idea to Luminiera's pactbearer while he's dreaming. By having Luminiera form a pact with the island instead of a person, her power can still be utilized by the Lord Commander, thus ending the need to sacrifice lives.
Lucifer: Change is transpiring in Port Breeze Archipelago.
Cosmos: You mean the islands where Tiamat resides?
Lucifer: Yes. The islanders have embraced Tiamat's vow to bestow Port Breeze with her divine protection.
Lucifer: Her power is growing, so much so that the wind element is reacting wildly.
Cosmos: Will it be an issue?
Lucifer: No, it will not upset the balance as you fear.
Lucifer: Areas of concentrated elemental power crop up from time to time in the Sky Realm.
Lucifer: These fluctuations and irregularities are considered natural in this world.
Lucifer: Diversity drives evolution.
Cosmos: Hm... Evolution is irrelevant to Astrals.
Lucifer: But isn't that intriguing? Evolution is such a key part of the Sky Realm...
Lucifer: That it has gone so far as to capture the curiosity of those very same Astrals.
Lucifer: Why else do you think we were created?
Cosmos: You are not wrong.
Cosmos: It does surprise me that Tiamat's power increased after offering divine protection to the island.
Lucifer: Like a sort of pact, if you will.
Lucifer: Perhaps this could be a good way to stabilize a primal's overwhelming power.
Cosmos: Yes, perhaps...
New Pactbearer: Take a look around, Luminiera.
Luminiera: ...
New Pactbearer: Can you hear the laughter of Albion's people? In times of peace, the streets are filled with smiling faces.
New Pactbearer: And the reason why we have peace is because your power shields us.
New Pactbearer: Thank you, Luminiera.
Luminiera: ...
New Pactbearer: Ah, right—because of the both of us. I stand corrected.
Cosmos: Is this the world you dream of?
New Pactbearer: Huh?
Cosmos: Is it worth having your body rot away in order to secure peace for your home and brethren?
Cosmos: Surely you must feel a little anxious and fearful.
New Pactbearer: Well...
New Pactbearer: I do... Hell, of course I do!
New Pactbearer: I don't want to die! I'm scared out of my mind!
New Pactbearer: It was hard to accept at first. I prayed like crazy for someone else to come along and take my place!
New Pactbearer: But...
New Pactbearer: You know what's stronger than the fear of death? My desire to keep my friends, family, and all of Albion safe.
Cosmos: ...
New Pactbearer: Every second that ticks by is one I'll never get back. It's frightening to think I'll eventually run out of them.
New Pactbearer: Thing is...
Luminiera: ...
New Pactbearer: I've grown attached to Luminiera too.
New Pactbearer: She's not some magical fountain of power for us to bleed dry. She wants to help us succeed.
New Pactbearer: When I think about it that way, it takes some of the edge off death.
Cosmos: Even so, as your remains return to the soil, the world will continue to move on.
Cosmos: Your successor will take up the same mantle of fear and pain you wear now.
Cosmos: Is that acceptable?
New Pactbearer: I don't know if it's up to me to say whether that's acceptable or not.
New Pactbearer: There's no way to predict what kind of successors are coming down the line.
New Pactbearer: But whoever they are, Luminiera will accept their hopes and dreams.
New Pactbearer: And the next pactbearer will come to understand Luminiera's heart.
Cosmos: Hm... Her heart, you say...
Cosmos: There are many kinds of people in this world; not all will share your vision of cooperation with a primal.
Cosmos: The pain and anguish from being forced to enter into a pact can distort a relationship. People are not puppets.
Cosmos: Be they skydweller or primal beast...
Cosmos: Each side has dreams or duties they wish to fulfill. The corruption of those hopes...
Cosmos: Must not be allowed to happen.
New Pactbearer: What are you suggesting? That there's another way?
Cosmos: There is.
New Pactbearer: Huh?
Cosmos: Another way exists.
More time passes.
Albion Citizen 1: All hail the Lord Commander!
Albion Citizen 2: Long live the Lord Commander!
Cheers erupt for Albion's newest dignitary.
Albion Authority: It never occurred to me that a primal beast could form a pact with the island itself.
Albion Authority: I'm pleased we no longer have to use people.
Albion Authority: Did you know Albion was the name of the first Astral to form a pact with Luminiera?
Attendant: Yes. The island was named in their honor.
Albion Authority: It's only fitting that Luminiera and Albion are reunited at last.
Attendant: This new pact changes everything.
Attendant: Luminiera can maintain a semi-permanent state while following orders from the Lord Commander.
Attendant: This is his legacy.
Albion Authority: Yes. The legacy of the final pactbearer of Albion.
Albion Authority: His contributions will never be forgotten.
Attendant: He loved Albion more than anyone else.
Albion Authority: That he did.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 3: Heart of Sorrow - Episode 3
As days and days pass, Cosmos begins to question the rightness of her arbitration. Meanwhile, primal beast hunts are on the rise, due to skyfarers desiring materials for stronger weapons. Primal beasts will continue to suffer, since they're hard for skydwellers to actually kill. When asked by Lucifer if this situation warrants arbitration, Cosmos is unable to answer him.
Cosmos: Was that for the best, I wonder?
Lucifer: In regards to Luminiera and Albion, you mean? What troubles you?
Cosmos: I believe altering the pact arrangement was the correct move.
Cosmos: The new pact encompasses skydwellers, primals, as well as the land.
Cosmos: But that one citizen of Albion spoke of Luminiera's heart.
Cosmos: If Luminiera truly possesses a heart in the figurative sense, then is the current pact what she truly wishes for?
Cosmos: Perhaps she would have preferred direct contact with each pactbearer, how ever short their time together may be.
Cosmos appears distracted, staring off into the distance.
Cosmos: No, there is no point in discussing this further.
Lucifer: I wouldn't say that.
Cosmos: Why not?
Lucifer: Ordinarily, primal beasts are immutable, except that doesn't seem to be the case within the Sky Realm.
Lucifer: Cosmos, you've already seen that for yourself.
Lucifer: You witnessed it with Tiamat, when her power increased after forming a pact with Port Breeze.
Lucifer: (Not to mention a number of primal beasts switched to the sky's side toward the end of the War.)
Lucifer: In time, a change may take place in Luminiera as well.
Lucifer: It's possible her power may adapt into something more compatible with skydwellers and the Sky Realm.
Lucifer: Yet change is not a one-sided affair; the skydwellers are changing too.
Lucifer: There will come a day...
Lucifer: When a suitable person capable of merging with Luminiera's power is born.
Cocytus: Grooooar!
Skyfarer 3: That's it! Keep up the assault, but try not to hit its core!
Skyfarer 4: I know, I know! Our goal is to harvest its materials without damaging the core!
Skyfarer 3: We've spent a ton of time and money on this dangerous job.
Skyfarer 3: Gonna need a big haul to recoup our expenses.
Cocytus: Gyaar!
Skyfarer 3: Now! Pin it down!
Cocytus: Gyaaaah!
Skyfarer 3: Yee-haw! Come to papa!
Lucifer: ...
Cosmos: I cannot stand to watch this...
Lucifer: These primal beast hunts are becoming more frequent by the day.
Cosmos: All because weapon makers are using pieces from the primals in the manufacture of their arms...
Lucifer: Many dangers threaten skyfarers as they fly through the sky in their airships.
Lucifer: It's not surprising they are enamored with weapons harboring the power of primals.
Cosmos: One could argue this is survival of the fittest, or simply the law of nature.
Ifrit: Grooooar!
Diablo: Burn this in your mind... No one can escape their demise...
Vohu Manah: Aaaah!
Cosmos: Skydwellers cannot easily destroy the cores that make primals immortal.
Cosmos: The primals' suffering will not end.
Cosmos: Their screams will not quiet.
Lucifer: Do you think this situation calls for arbitration?
Cosmos: I... do not know...
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 3: Heart of Sorrow - Episode 4
Cosmos speaks with Vohu Manah, a primal who continues to battle skyfarers. She tells the arbitrator that she wants more power to combat skydwellers, who, unlike her, are capable of getting stronger. Hearing this, Cosmos grants Vohu Manah and other primals the ability to evolve. Although this wish was granted in order to maintain the balance of power, it also means that the fighting will never end, causing Cosmos further doubt about the correctness of her arbitration.
Vohu Manah: Ungh...
A pained groan echoes over the battlefield after the skyfarers leave.
Vohu Manah: Violence is inevitable... I mustn't forget that it is my purpose to test the impure.
Cosmos: I see you still abide by destiny and fight despite the Astrals' departure.
Vohu Manah: ...?
Vohu Manah: This scent of an immortal soul... Are you a primal beast?
Cosmos: Like you, I am an entity caught between sky and star.
Cosmos: Permit me this question, primal beast Vohu Manah.
Cosmos: Have you resigned yourself to a fate of constant battle and injury?
Vohu Manah: I don't understand your question.
Vohu Manah: I hold the power of divine immortality. My sole reason for existing is to cleanse the impure souls of mortals.
Cosmos: You feel no doubt nor dissatisfaction? Not even a little?
Vohu Manah: No, none of that has crossed my mind. Although if I am being honest...
Vohu Manah: I do feel a sense of... panic.
Cosmos: Can you describe it?
Vohu Manah: The mortals grow stronger each time they return to challenge me.
Vohu Manah: As a result, I feel as if I am the one who is constantly on trial, even though judging sin falls to me.
Vohu Manah: My divine immortality is an unchanging power bound to an eternal purpose.
Vohu Manah: The longer I remain as I am, I foresee impending tribulations that will prevent me from accomplishing my duty.
Cosmos: The power of mortals is ever shifting. They learn, absorb, and invent. You will be attacked with increasingly greater ferocity.
Vohu Manah: If that is the case...
Vohu Manah: Then I am a disappointment.
Cosmos: I see.
Vohu Manah: What is this?
Cosmos: Endless conflict and its resulting reconciliation are two sides of the same coin.
Vohu Manah: What does that mean? What have you done to me?
Cosmos: I have given you the power to stand against the ever-changing skydwellers.
Cosmos: I granted you evolution.
Vohu Manah: Evolution?
Cosmos: O primal beast who resides in the skies.
Cosmos: Accept this newfound power.
Xeno Vohu Manah: This strength...
Xeno Cocytus: Feel my wrath, mortals!
Skyfarer 4: Whoaaa!
Skyfarer 5: H-how'd it get so strong!
Xeno Cocytus: The pits of hell have been opened.
Xeno Cocytus: Struggle in despair—Tromea!
Skyfarer 3: We can't win this! Everyone, retreat!
Cosmos: The skydwellers will return with more means at their disposal.
Cosmos: It is a battle that never ends, yet one those primals seem to relish...
Lucifer: Are you having second thoughts?
Cosmos: There is no second-guessing Cosmos's arbitration.
Cosmos: I am a preserver of equilibrium, who always makes the correct choice without emotion.
Lucifer: And yet you have already become a part of this world.
Cosmos: How so?
Lucifer: You just bestowed upon those primal beasts the power to evolve of their own accord.
Lucifer: Skydwellers will respond accordingly, and again the world will change.
Lucifer: No longer are you an observer but an active piece in the Sky Realm, spurring advancement.
Cosmos shakes her head.
Cosmos: The real Cosmos is in the Astral Realm.
Cosmos: Having said that, what am I to the Sky Realm?
She suppresses any further forlorn words, and another day in the skies draws to a close.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 4: A Glimpse of the Future - Episode 1
In the beginning, Cosmos was only concerned with maintaining the world's balance, but after spending much time in the Sky Realm and coming to understand many facets of the world's inhabitants, she realizes how much she's been influenced by the skies. While Cosmos grapples with the consequences of her decisions as the arbitrator, Lucifer says she has helped primal beasts become a part of the Sky Realm.
Cosmos: ...
In the wake of the Astrals' withdrawal from the Sky Realm, Cosmos's duplicate spends tens of thousands of days and nights in the skies.
Over this time period, she often experiences moments of sadness.
Lucifer: Cosmos, do you remember what you asked of me when you first appeared in Canaan?
Cosmos: Impart to me your knowledge of this world, Lucifer, so that arbitration can be carried out appropriately.
Cosmos: Yes, that is what I said, and you accepted.
Lucifer: Correct. Much has taken place in the skies since then.
Lucifer: Have I proven useful to your cause?
Cosmos: You are indispensable. I could figure things out for myself, but it would have taken more time.
Lucifer: Is that so? Well, I'm glad it worked out.
Cosmos: (However...)
Cosmos: (The more I discover about the Sky Realm, the heavier this weight presses down on me.)
Cosmos: Tell me, Lucifer.
Cosmos: What do mortals value above all else?
Lucifer: Above all else?
Something about Cosmos's eyes seems different to Lucifer compared to when he first met her.
Lucifer: I'm afraid I can't give a definitive answer.
Lucifer: Each individual holds their own set of values. A hundred people could cherish a hundred different things.
Cosmos: In other words, anything can have value.
Cosmos: Which makes sense. Of the many people I have observed, each has possessed their own proclivity.
Cosmos: (Treasuring one's own life, family and friends, wealth, power...)
Cosmos: However, anything that is worth fighting for will naturally spawn desire.
Cosmos: All those differing wants and demands are a recipe for conflict.
Lucifer: ...
Lucifer: Cosmos, do you think it's wrong of people to want something?
Cosmos: Cosmos is the arbitrator.
Cosmos: If people's appetite for desirables becomes untenable and threatens to destabilize the world's equilibrium...
Cosmos: Judgment shall come.
Lucifer: It sounds as if you still view the world as nothing more than a giant set of scales, even to this day.
Cosmos: Cosmos's purpose is preserving the world's equilibrium and fixing the scales to their proper positions.
Cosmos: (Cosmos is only concerned with balancing what's being weighed.)
Cosmos: (But I have heard the voices of they who live upon those scales, and now I cannot unhear them.)
Cosmos: (I am uncertain how I should approach arbitration...)
Cosmos: ...
Lucifer: Let us say—hypothetically—you deemed it best to rid the Sky Realm of the Astrals' creations.
Lucifer: No primal beast is to be spared.
Cosmos: The opportunity for that option has long passed.
Cosmos: If ever there were a time, it would have been right after the War ended.
Cosmos: (Despite the fact that the two realms cannot see eye to eye, they are intertwined in a complicated relationship from which neither can be separated.)
Cosmos: Removing the primal beasts by force will destroy the world's equilibrium.
Lucifer: (Cosmos may say she's making that choice within the scope of her purpose, but I suspect there's another consideration at play.)
Lucifer: (She could have wiped out the primals after they were abandoned, but she didn't.)
Lucifer: (She could have revealed the by-product of creating alma to Sylph, but she didn't.)
Lucifer: (She gave primal beasts a fighting chance in their ongoing battles against skyfarers.)
Lucifer: (It all points to Cosmos making decisions based on what can be described as "having a heart.")
Cosmos: Were I the personification of the Sky Realm, I might find it extremely condescending to be arbitrated under the Astral Realm's terms.
Cosmos: As an arbitrator, what exactly am I trying to accomplish for this world?
Lucifer: Cosmos.
Lucifer: I've come to a realization over the course of our observations.
Lucifer: Primal beasts aren't the fragile, pitiful creations forsaken by the Astrals we took them to be.
Lucifer: They are resilient, intelligent, and powerful beings endeavoring to carve out their own futures.
Lucifer: They are now ingrained in this ever-fluid world.
Lucifer: Is it wrong to say you helped make that possible?
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 4: A Glimpse of the Future - Episode 2
Abandoned by the Astrals and enduring a multitude of hardships, the supposedly immutable primal beasts manage to change anyway as they come in contact with more and more skydwellers, as well as thanks to Lucifer and Cosmos. Through these factors, each primal beast has found their own calling in the Sky Realm.
Young Woman: Helloooo, sunshine! Thanks for the fantabulous shopping weather, Tiamat!
Old Woman: Good grief. Young'uns these days have no respect for our esteemed goddess.
Old Woman: Don't be surprised if you get blown off the island.
Young Woman: Oh, Granny.
Young Woman: Not everyone's a folklore buff like you.
Old Woman: Folklore, my foot. The great Tiamat is real.
Young Woman: Mm-hm, mm-hm. "Her breath is the wind that caresses Port Breeze" or whatever.
Old Woman: And she's quite the beauty to boot.
Old Woman: Just before I was born, she appeared in the next town over and quelled a raging storm.
Young Woman: You've told me that story a thousand times already.
Young Woman: Whether that actually happened or not, all I know is Port Breeze has the comfiest wind in the world!
Young Woman: I hope Tiamat stays happy forever and ever!
Shipwright: What the heck am I missing? Is it the weight distribution? But the math checks out...
Noa: Could you show me the blueprints?
Shipwright: Sure. They're pretty dog-eared though...
Noa: That's all right. I already have them memorized, but maybe I missed something.
Noa: Ah... I see what the problem is.
Noa: Are these your notes?
Shipwright: Nope. Probably some engineer from before my time.
Noa: I had a hunch when I was examining the ship. Look here.
Noa: The damage to this wooden section of the ship was repaired with shoddy materials.
Noa: It became waterlogged and expanded in the humidity, throwing off the ship's balance.
Shipwright: Sigh... Humidity! Now why didn't I think of that? Gonna have to reevaluate everything...
Shipwright: You sure showed me up, Noa. Wish I was half as skilled as you are.
Noa: Haha, I'm just happy to help.
Noa: Actually, I'm impressed by everyone's shipbuilding skills.
Noa: Thank you for handling every vessel with love and care.
Baal: The resonance of wind and water is music to my ears.
Roving Music Lover: Yooo! That was awesome!
Baal: What is a person doing out here?
Roving Music Lover: Hey, man, I could ask you the same thing. You got a fresh sound.
Roving Music Lover: Such a waste to play out in the sticks where no ears can hear it, if you ask me.
Baal: On the contrary, this spot in particular is conducive to playing music.
Roving Music Lover: Hey, I can dig it. You're an interesting guy.
Roving Music Lover: I gotta hear more of your tunes! Plus, I'd love to share this musical gold with the folks in my city.
Roving Music Lover: Whaddya say, my man? Wanna play under the bright lights?
Baal: I dislike clamorous environments.
Roving Music Lover: Yeah, hard to argue with that. It's a far cry from the calm and quiet you get out here.
Roving Music Lover: But I gotta admit, the hurly-burly of a fast-paced city has its charm too.
Roving Music Lover: Wouldn't you like to add your own voice to the chorus of the city?
Baal: I don't know...
Roving Music Lover: It'll sound great! Trust me!
Roving Music Lover: Besides, music is meant to be heard.
Baal: There is truth to that statement, yes.
Roving Music Lover: Oh! So does that mean you're coming?
Baal: Very well. Lead the way.
Baal: I shouldn't pass up the opportunity to discover new sounds.
Sylph: ...
Young Girl: Miss Sylph?
Sylph: That's me. And who might you be? I haven't seen a child in a while.
Young Girl: Oh, sorry... I kinda-sorta snuck in...
Sylph: You don't have to apologize for that.
Young Girl: Um, I just wanted to say hi. Oh, and say thank you.
Sylph: Hm? What did I do? This is the first time we've met.
Young Girl: My daddy was sick, but the castle gave him some medicine, and then he got all better again.
Young Girl: Mommy and Daddy said we should thank Sylph.
Sylph: Ah, he must've taken my alma.
Young Girl: When Daddy got better, Mommy stopped crying. Oh, and at dinnertime, I could taste Mommy's yummy food again.
Young Girl: Daddy even picked me up like a baby. He hasn't done that in a long time, but I told him he didn't have to anymore because I'm a big girl now.
Sylph: What does being big have anything to do with being carried? If you like getting picked up, then go for it.
Young Girl: Really? But my neighbor Mei is the same age as me, but she's gonna be a big sister soon.
Young Girl: So I don't need to be carried around either. I should help with lots of chores instead.
Sylph: That's very good of you. I used to help with many chores too.
Young Girl: You did? What kind of chores?
Sylph: Gathering firewood, drawing water from the well, digging fields, stuff like that.
Young Girl: Wow! You're so cool!
Sylph: Well, that was a long, long time ago.
Young Girl: I have to work hard too. That's why I wanted to come here by myself today.
Young Girl: Sylph, thank you for making Daddy's medicine.
Sylph: Sure, think nothing of it.
Sylph: Actually, thank you for coming to see me. The pleasure was all mine.
Lyria: Tiamat, Sylph, Noa, Luminiera, and Baal...
Lyria: Every primal beast we've met has their own story to tell.
Yuni: The flow of time is long for primal beasts.
Yuni: No matter how much time passes, primal beasts shouldn't have the capacity to change.
Yuni: Be that as it may, they have changed, little by little.
Lyria: I guess it's because of all the time they spent with skydwellers.
Yuni: Yes. The skies can affect even the power of the stars.
Lyria: But there's more to it than that.
Lyria: Cosmos and Lucifer worried over everything: the world, the primals, and the skydwellers.
Lyria: They thought long and hard before giving their blessings.
Yuni: ...
Lyria: But it seems like Cosmos was really struggling about what to do.
Yuni: Yes. Cosmos, who stands between sky and star, challenged her own purpose...
Lyria: Yuni?
Yuni: Never mind. Rather than me explaining things, see for yourselves.
Yuni: There isn't much left.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 4: A Glimpse of the Future - Episode 3
Cosmos feels that the emotions in her heart weigh on her ability to arbitrate the world. She decides to leave the Sky Realm and carry out her purpose from the Astral Realm. She notices the similarity in how Cosmos and Lucifer perform their duties: alone.
Lucifer: Misery and conflict will never disappear.
Lucifer: It is naive to think all instances of strife can be removed from the world.
Cosmos: Perhaps.
Lucifer: We can't expect every mortal and primal beast to always understand one another.
Lucifer: Our hearts shape our hopes, dreams, and desires.
Lucifer: As long as individualism persists, there will always be confrontation.
Lucifer: However, conflict plants new seeds, allowing the world to evolve.
Lucifer: Does my viewpoint sound ruthless to you?
Cosmos: I honestly cannot say.
Cosmos: Originally, the purpose of my arbitration arose in response to strife and crises.
Cosmos: If we are to view your way of thinking as ruthless, then imagine how brutal Cosmos must seem.
Cosmos: Cosmos has a duty to preserve the world's balance.
Cosmos: But if she ends up leading the world to a future of perfect harmony, Cosmos will lose all reason to exist.
Cosmos: ...
Cosmos: My existence is an inherent contradiction.
Cosmos: War begets peace. Conflict begets reconciliation. That is what a proper world looks like.
Cosmos: But I...
Cosmos touches her chest.
Cosmos: Am I flawed? It hurts to view myself as a contradiction. I cannot focus on my purpose.
Lucifer: No, I don't think you're flawed.
Lucifer: Hearts are fraught with contradictions.
Cosmos: Then what I possess inside me is a heart...
Cosmos: But as for Cosmos...
She tightly clasps her hands over her chest.
Cosmos: Lucifer... This is as far as I can go.
Lucifer: Cosmos?
Cosmos: Cosmos has learned a lot from observing the lives of skydwellers and primals.
Cosmos: And the heart may be the most striking subject of them all.
Cosmos: It's something Cosmos probably should have tried to truly understand.
Cosmos: Still, I cannot believe how heavy it feels.
Lucifer: Heavy?
Cosmos: Yes, exceedingly so.
Cosmos: Empathy for the primals I view as my brethren. The yearning to form a deeper connection with mortals. Disgust toward the never-ending misery.
Cosmos: It all weighs down on me.
Cosmos: Cosmos must detach herself from this world while taking the meaning of "heart" into account. That is the way to ensure the smooth execution of her duty.
Lucifer: In other words, you're announcing your return to the Astral Realm.
Cosmos: Yes. This version of me will vanish, and Cosmos will continue watching over the Sky Realm from the Astral Realm.
Lucifer: I see. Monitoring from well beyond the horizons in total isolation...
Cosmos: You once said something that made me happy, Lucifer.
Cosmos: How I had become a part of this world.
Lucifer: No longer are you an observer but an active piece in the Sky Realm, spurring advancement.
Cosmos: But that won't allow arbitration to be fulfilled, which is why I must depart from the Sky Realm.
Lucifer: I understand. I won't try to persuade you to stay.
Lucifer: Regardless of what you might think, you're as much a piece of the Sky Realm as I am.
Lucifer: A primal beast caught between duty and aspiration, who desperately searches for a future.
Cosmos: Hmm... I can see how similar you are to Cosmos.
Cosmos: Once I am gone, you too will be alone.
Cosmos: You will have an eternity of solitude to reflect on your purpose, Supreme Primarch.
Cosmos: Even I do not know how to rescue you from such a fate. I am sorry.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 4: A Glimpse of the Future - Episode 4
Before Cosmos leaves the Sky Realm, she warns Lucifer about the singularity, an entity with the power to upend the world. She entrusts Lucifer with the responsibility of judging which is better for the Sky Realm's evolution: the singularity or Cosmos's arbitration. Uncertain what to think, Lucifer beseeches the will of the all-powerful one.
Yuni: That was the last time Cosmos allowed herself to intervene directly in the Sky Realm.
Yuni: As of now, the system that arbitrates the world continues to run without her presence.
Lyria: Um... How does that work?
Lyria: If Cosmos isn't in the Sky Realm, who is the arbitrator?
Yuni: I think you already know the answer to that.
Gran is the Main Character
Lyria: Wait... Do you mean Zooey? Was that why she targeted (Captain)?
Djeeta is the Main Character
Lyria: Wait... Do you mean Zooey? Was that why she targeted (Captain)?
Yuni: Yes. The arbitration system has been set up to automatically judge the singularity.
Yuni: Cosmos and Lucifer had already predicted the arrival of the singularity.
Cosmos: Lucifer, I have one more request before I leave.
Lucifer: What is it?
Cosmos: At some point in the future, an existence known as the singularity will appear in the world.
Lucifer: The singularity?
Gran is the Main Character
Lucifer: (That rings a bell. You once told me about a mortal with a special destiny, didn't you, my friend?)
Djeeta is the Main Character
Lucifer: (That rings a bell. You once told me about a mortal with a special destiny, didn't you, my friend?)
Cosmos: It may be in the next few years to come, or it may take centuries.
Cosmos: Regardless, in a world where the merging elements of sky and star facilitate evolution, the singularity is inevitable.
Gran is the Main Character
Cosmos: This individual possesses the power to topple the scale Cosmos is sworn to uphold.
Djeeta is the Main Character
Cosmos: This individual possesses the power to topple the scale Cosmos is sworn to uphold.
Lucifer: Then Cosmos will attempt to eliminate this threat.
Cosmos: Of course. Cosmos will do everything to have the singularity stricken from history for the world's sake.
Cosmos: However...
Cosmos: I feel uneasy.
Cosmos: I have seen the lives being weighed on the scale.
Cosmos: And because of that, I believe there may come a day when I can no longer condone Cosmos's arbitration.
Lucifer: Because of the conflict in your heart.
Cosmos: ...
Cosmos: Watch for the day my fears become reality.
Cosmos: As the supreme primarch, assess the singularity and Cosmos's arbitration for yourself.
Cosmos: It doesn't matter how you draw your conclusions.
Cosmos: The responsibility falls on you to determine which is better for the Sky Realm's progress: the singularity or Cosmos's arbitration.
Cosmos: In the event you deem that Cosmos must go...
Cosmos: I want you to bring judgment upon her.
Lucifer stares into Cosmos's eyes before letting out a long, drawn-out sigh.
Lucifer: Very well.
Lucifer: I promise.
Cosmos: Thank you, Lucifer.
The color of Cosmos's cheeks tint just a shade, and she offers her hand.
Cosmos: I believe a handshake is appropriate when saying goodbye.
Lucifer: I believe you are right.
Lucifer nods and grips her hand.
Cosmos: Farewell, Lucifer.
Lucifer: Farewell.
The copy of Cosmos gradually fades away, then blinks out of existence in a final glimmer of light.
Lucifer: ...
Lucifer looks helplessly at his hands.
A desolate quiet pervades Canaan.
Lucifer: The singularity... Cosmos...
Lucifer: What kind of power can flip the world on its head?
The promise made with Cosmos is an omen portending the world's potential destruction.
Lucifer: I myself harbor inconsistencies.
Lucifer: Evolution's researcher is dead, but I continue to execute my duty as the supreme primarch.
Lucifer: My adoration for the bond between mortals and primals is not impartial.
Lucifer: I take pity on the suffering primal beasts, trapped by circumstance and fate.
Lucifer: I'm seduced by this world's evolution, the cause of everything...
Lucifer: How is it fair that I be entrusted with judging Cosmos?
Lucifer: Hear me, O powerful one.
Lucifer: What do you see for a world that encompasses elements of two realms?
???: ...
Lucifer: What would you have me do? A cataclysm is coming.
Lucifer: And I'd like to ask what your intentions are.
???: ...!
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Astral Artifacts - Chapter 4: A Glimpse of the Future - Episode 4: Scene 2
In his brief encounter with the all-powerful one, Lucifer sees the destruction of the world and singularity. Wondering if the all-powerful one wishes for the world's end, Lucifer prays for every living thing to grab hold of their own futures.
Lucifer: What have you just shown me!
Lucifer: The singularity was destroyed... And yet the world met its end?
Bahamut: ...
Lucifer: That was a vision of just one future. One single possibility among countless others.
Lucifer had been shown a scenario during his brief encounter with an almighty god.
A scenario in which the world and the singularity were both terminated.
Lucifer: Does the all-powerful one, as well as the Sky Realm, seek an end?
Lucifer: I, on the other hand...
Facing the vast empty space before him, Lucifer closes his eyes and utters a few words in an earnest, solemn tone.
Lucifer: Mortals, primal beasts...
Lucifer: May you all carve out a future for yourselves in this world...
He makes an implausible prayer that vanishes in a brilliant flash of light.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Sky's Future - Chapter 1: Truth of Arbitration - Episode 1
Two Zooeys appear on the scene: one is (Captain)'s murderer, while the other is the close friend that the crew's known all along. The friendly Zooey can feel her link with Cosmos weakening and explains everything to the crew.
Vyrn: Ungh... (Captain), Lyria...
Io: Don't you two go dying on us!
Io: The healing spell's not working even though I'm focusing all of my mana!
Katalina: I can't believe it... Even Lyria's lost consciousness!
Rosetta: It must be their life link at work...
Vyrn: This can't be real... Open up your eyes, you two! Waaah!
Clinging to an unconscious (Captain) and Lyria, Vyrn lets out a heart-wrenching sob.
Io: Nuh-uh... There's no way they're both dead!
Rosetta: ...
Io: Say it ain't so!
Grand Order: ...
Rackam: Cripes... Why did things have to turn out this way?
Eugen: We'd better get everyone else here...
Medusa: Geez, what's so dang important—
Satyr: Eep!
Nezha: (Captain) and Lyria?
Baal: Their hearts aren't beating...
The primal pals find themselves frozen in place by the tragic sight before them.
Medusa: Someone needs to start talking right now!
Io: (Captain) and Lyria won't open their eyes... They're not breathing...
Baal: How'd this happen all of a sudden?
Rackam: It was her... Zooey came and attacked us outta the blue!
Primal Pals: ...!
All eyes turn to her.
Medusa: Damn you!
Grand Order: ...
Medusa: You'd better have a good explanation for this! Why would you betray us!
Grand Order: I am a manifestation of the world's will. What happened here was merely an act of arbitration.
Medusa: Gah! You're not making a lick of sense!
Nezha: Calm down, Medusa.
Medusa: Let go of me, Nezha! Don't tell me you're okay with what's happened to (Captain)!
Medusa: You know just as well as I do how frail mortals can be! Once they're dead, there's no coming back!
Satyr: Meddy...
Nezha: In any case, we should detain her.
Baal: Agreed. We can't let any more of our crewmates suffer the same fate. That would be a disservice to (Captain).
Medusa: I'm ready to give her a good stomping...
Baal: I'm sure (Captain) wouldn't mind.
Medusa: All right then, let's teach her a les—
Zooey: (Captain)! Lyria!
Io: Wha...
The crew find themselves speechless at the thunderous appearance of another Zooey.
Zooey: No, this can't be!
Grand Order: ...
Katalina: Two Zooeys?
Medusa: Good grief! It's just one impossible thing after another!
Satyr: Which one's the real Zooey? Maybe the Zooey we know isn't the one who hurt (Captain)...
Zooey: You...
Grand Order: ...
Eugen: Wanna clue us in on what's going on, Zooey—if we can even call you that?
Zooey: Yes, I am the one you know as Zooey on this ship.
Vyrn: What's her deal then? And why'd she have to off our captain!
Zooey: Well...
Katalina: Zooey, if you know something, then please tell us.
Katalina: Because we are certainly not going to let this stand!
Zooey: ...
Baal: That reminds me: there was something you hesitated to tell us before.
Lyria: Oh, can you tell us what this "Cosmos" is supposed to be?
Zooey: Was this something that he said to you?
Lyria: Yes, before he left. He was speaking to himself, but I thought it sounded odd.
Zooey: ...
Zooey: I am sorry. I cannot say for certain.
Lyria: Oh, okay.
Vyrn: Don't worry about it. His eggs were pretty much fried at the end there, so I'm sure he was spoutin' nonsense.
Zooey: Still, I must apologize.
Lyria: Really? But you didn't do anything wrong, Zooey.
Zooey: ...
Zooey: (I hope you can forgive me for being unable to tell you the whole truth.)
Nezha: What is it you're hiding?
Satyr: Is there a reason you can't tell us?
Zooey: I...
Medusa: Enough is enough—this is a waste of time!
Medusa: We'll just have to take on Zooey and her copycat.
Medusa: It only means we have to dish out double the pain. Whatever it takes to make them talk!
Satyr: Meddy, let's not be too rash here...
Zooey: ...?
Zooey: (Cosmos's link is... weakening?)
Zooey: (Did something happen to Cosmos? Or is it the current situation that's affecting her...)
Zooey: ...
Grand Order: ...
Zooey: (At any rate, as I am now...)
Satyr: C'mon, Zooey! Are you really not going to tell us? Because if you don't—
Zooey: You're right. I'll talk.
Rosetta: About what exactly?
Zooey: About the nature of my existence. And how it relates to her.
Grand Order: ...
???: ...
A primal beast rouses to consciousness after a long slumber.
???: It is time...
???: Time to fulfill the promise we made, Lucifer.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Sky's Future - Chapter 1: Truth of Arbitration - Episode 2
Zooey reveals that she, Other Zooey, and Geo are all surrogates of Cosmos. Though she understands that (Captain)'s death was a result of world arbitration, she and the crew would rather have the captain live on.
Zooey: To be precise... She and I are not primal beasts.
Io: Huh? So I had the wrong idea all this time...
Zooey: Rather, because neither one of us has a core...
Zooey: We cannot be considered true primals.
Medusa: That sounds a bit like Medusiana.
Medusa: She doesn't have a core either because she's an offshoot of me and my sisters.
Rosetta: So just like Medusiana originates from the gorgon sisters...
Rosetta: You mean to say you originate from another being, Zooey?
Zooey: Yes... Our true form goes by the name Cosmos.
Zooey: She's a primal beast created in the Astral Realm over two thousand years ago to watch over the skies.
Rackam: Two millennia, eh? Makes her about as old as the archangels.
Satyr: I had no idea a primal like that exists...
Zooey: Cosmos's creator designed her to arbitrate the Sky Realm.
Eugen: A primal meant to break up fights, huh?
Medusa: But if that's true, then why'd the War drag on for so long?
Medusa: Couldn't she have just jumped in with her arbitration a lot earlier?
Zooey: Not exactly... Cosmos oversees things from a much higher stratum.
Zooey: Resolving problems so great that skydwellers could not possibly handle on their own...
Zooey: Problems that, if left untreated, would be forever unmendable.
Zooey: Namely, she was to eliminate any threats to the world's continued existence.
Katalina: Then the reason that other Zooey kept calling (Captain) the world's enemy is because of... Cosmos?
Zooey: ...
Medusa: So the War's no big deal, but (Captain) is?
Medusa: I'm calling bunk on that! Total snake poop!
Grand Order: The singularity is a threat that uproots the world and so must be eliminated.
Baal: Maybe you can tell us your criteria?
Grand Order: ...
Eugen: Mum's the word again, huh...
Medusa: Tch, we're getting nowhere.
Medusa: How about you bring Cosmos right here, right now! I'll ask her directly!
Even in the face of Medusa's furious protest, Zooey listlessly shakes her head.
Zooey: I cannot do that.
Satyr: Why not?
Zooey: Cosmos has been hidden in the Astral Realm ever since her creation. For her to come here would be...
Rosetta: Well, it is true that the path between the two realms is generally closed off.
Satyr: I guess she won't be showing up then...
Zooey: We are here in her stead.
Zooey: That "Zooey" and I manifested in the Sky Realm as surrogates of Cosmos's power in order to perform arbitration.
Nezha: And I suppose Geo, the primal we met on that war-torn battlefield, is also cut from the same cloth?
Nezha: After all, he mentioned Cosmos as well.
Geo: Why... can't you see...
Geo: I am will made absolute. I exist to bring tranquility unto the world.
Geo: Oh, Cosmos...
Zooey: I have never met the one you speak of, but that does seem a safe assumption.
Medusa: This Cosmos primal must be off her rocker.
Medusa: I mean, just look at Zooey, Other Zooey, and Geo...
Medusa: It's like they're each going off and doing their own thing.
Medusa: What's the point of it all!
Zooey: Despite how the actions of us surrogates may appear, Cosmos has one simple role: to arbitrate the Sky Realm.
Medusa: That'd be a little more convincing if the three of you stand-ins were actually consistent!
Zooey: That particular point is rather difficult for me to explain.
Zooey: For starters, our actions and when we choose to appear are independent of Cosmos's will.
Zooey: Even our manifestations in the Sky Realm are the result of an autonomous system.
Zooey: Cosmos herself does not control any of it.
Io: Gah, how irresponsible can you get!
Io: Hiding out in the Astral Realm the entire time, never having been to the skies herself...
Io: While lording over us with "arbitration this, arbitration that" through some automated system!
Io: What the heck could someone like that possibly know about (Captain)!
Zooey: Io... I'm sorry.
Zooey wearily hangs her head.
Zooey: I understand your umbrage.
Zooey: Though I came to exist because of the arbitration system, I've been able to spend precious time with all of you.
Zooey: Because of that, I now understand what it means to be a skydweller...
Zooey: To feel pain, anger, and sadness...
Zooey: That is why Cosmos remains by herself in the Astral Realm.
Io: What do you mean?
Zooey: In order for arbitration to remain as objective as possible, it must not be influenced by any individual or emotion.
Zooey: That is why she...
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Sky's Future - Chapter 1: Truth of Arbitration - Episode 3
Cosmos had awoken to the realization that the singularity was a champion for the Sky Realm rather than a threat to it. Because Lucifer, who was meant to judge Cosmos, was no longer around, she had dispatched Yuni to request (Captain)'s help.
Cosmos awakens at the very moment that the singularity in the Sky Realm is destroyed.
Cosmos: It is done. The singularity has been purged through arbitration. However...
Cosmos: The world cries out.
Cosmos: What's more...
Cosmos: ...
Cosmos: Is it because I chose to distance myself from the Sky Realm?
Cosmos: Oh, Lucifer... How this weighs on my heart...
Cosmos: Yet you are no longer here to judge me.
Cosmos: In that case...
The two dragons under her command merge together, taking the form of a young girl.
Yuni: ...
Cosmos: My envoy...
Cosmos: Go and confirm the singularity's wishes in my stead.
Yuni: Yes, Master.
Cosmos: The Sky Realm, Cosmos's power of arbitration, and the singularity...
Cosmos: The distinction between right and wrong. Which should perish so that the other may live on?
Cosmos: May the answer finally be made clear...
Lyria: The world and Cosmos... Her power of arbitration...
Yuni: Ages ago, Cosmos feared the arrival of the singularity, an event fated to happen at history's end.
Yuni: For the singularity was meant to be an existence that overturns the scale representing the world.
Lyria: So that's what it means to be an "enemy of the world"...
Lyria: Except there's no way (Captain) would ever think of even harming the world!
Yuni: That's not it.
Yuni shakes her head before Lyria can continue.
Yuni: Sinner or saint, it matters not; the intention of the singularity is irrelevant.
Yuni: The singularity's existence alone is enough to topple the scales.
Lyria: No... There must be something (Captain) can do!
Yuni: Calm yourself, Girl in Blue.
Yuni: Cosmos... Or rather, Lucifer, foresaw the appearance of the singularity...
Yuni: Coinciding with the world's destruction.
Lyria: You mean the singularity is responsible for destroying the world?
Yuni: Not exactly...
Yuni: The world collapses only after losing the singularity.
Lyria: Huh?
Yuni: The singularity manifested in the Sky Realm in a manner very different from that envisioned by Cosmos.
Yuni: Instead of being the harbinger of destruction, the singularity turned out to be a powerful force keeping the scales upright.
Lyria: So to the world, (Captain) is...
Yuni: Irreplaceable. Once lost, the world is doomed.
Lyria: Umm... Okay, now I'm confused. The situation is the complete opposite of what I'd thought...
Yuni: I'm certain Cosmos is equally confused.
Yuni: Cosmos was born for the very purpose of arbitration.
Yuni: She is expected to be perfect in her impartiality, to be as fair and objective as possible.
Yuni: That's why she created an arbitration system completely cut off from her emotions.
Yuni: But she's reached her limits...
Yuni: Deep down, she can't condone this kind of heartless arbitration anymore.
Yuni: Her heart wavers. She wishes for arbitration upon herself.
Yuni: And that's why I've come.
Lyria: Yuni?
Yuni: (Captain), Lyria... Please help Cosmos.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - The Sky's Future - Chapter 1: Truth of Arbitration - Episode 4
Geo shows up on the Grandcypher and brings up the possibility of (Captain)'s revival. Intent on preventing this from happening, he snatches (Captain)'s body and summons other Cosmos surrogates to keep the crew occupied. The primal pals deal with the surrogates, while Vyrn and company chase after Geo.
Rosetta: Okay, so we now know that Zooey and Other Zooey are born of a primal beast known as Cosmos...
Rosetta: And that their actions are based off of some Sky Realm arbitration system. However...
Io: That's still no excuse for them to do (Captain) dirty!
Vyrn: That's right... (Captain) and Lyria are goners now...
Vyrn: And nothing you say is gonna change that!
Zooey: About that—
A faint shadow descends upon the Grandcypher's deck.
???: Heh... This looks like fun.
Medusa: You again... Geo!
Geo: Oh, nice to see you primals too. It's been a while.
Medusa: You've gotta be deranged if you think this is some happy reunion!
Medusa: Heck, what gives you the right to even show up here! We've got other things to take care of—
Zooey: Wait, Medusa.
Zooey: I'm aware of the friction between you and this Geo.
Zooey: But he may have invaluable info for us right now.
Satyr: Ah, because he's a Cosmos surrogate too, you mean?
Zooey: Yes. It may be possible to reverse what's happened to (Captain). That's why—
Vyrn: Wait, whaddya mean? You serious?
Geo: Oh, shut it!
Geo: I have no idea what you're going on about, but what makes you think I'd actually help you?
Geo glances down at (Captain), a cold glare in his eyes.
Geo: I see... The singularity's still...
Geo: Allow me to take care of that!
Gran is the Main Character
Geo seizes (Captain) at breakneck speed.
Djeeta is the Main Character
Geo seizes (Captain) at breakneck speed.
Vyrn: The heck?
Katalina: What are you doing!
Gran is the Main Character
Geo: Luckily for me, Cosmos's arbitration finally dealt with (Captain).
Djeeta is the Main Character
Geo: Luckily for me, Cosmos's arbitration finally dealt with (Captain).
Geo: Now I don't have to worry about you guys getting in my way.
Io: Hold it! What are you planning to do with (Captain)?
Gran is the Main Character
Geo: Can't you tell? I'm going to make sure your captain never comes back again.
Djeeta is the Main Character
Geo: Can't you tell? I'm going to make sure your captain never comes back again.
Vyrn: Not on my watch! There's no way we're gonna let you do that!
Gran is the Main Character
Geo: Heh... Just you watch.
Djeeta is the Main Character
Geo: Heh... Just you watch.
???: ...
Rackam: Holy smokes! What in the...
A group of mass-produced Zooey clones stands between Geo and the crew.
Rosetta: They look just like you, Zooey... Could they be...
Zooey: Yes... They are surrogates who've manifested in the Sky Realm, just like myself.
Gran is the Main Character
Geo: Now then, would you dears stop them from getting in the way of arbitration?
Djeeta is the Main Character
Geo: Now then, would you dears stop them from getting in the way of arbitration?
Surrogates: ...
Katalina: Tch... As if we don't have our hands full with Geo already...
Medusa: Gah! Enough is enough!
Medusa: I'm gonna take on all of these dolls myself!
Baal: Going at it alone, huh? Tough luck staying on the offense while being cornered from every direction.
Medusa: How about you just say you've got my back instead of being snarky about it!
Satyr: We primals can handle this! The rest of you use the ship to go after Geo!
Vyrn: You guys...
Rackam: No time to waste! We're goin' full speed ahead to get (Captain) back!
Surrogates: ...
Nezha: As if you mindless dolls could stand a chance against us!
Nezha: To battle!
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - Ending - Episode 1
Zooey and Geo are still alive after Cosmos's defeat, perhaps because they've each developed a strong, willful heart independent of Cosmos. Freyr chooses to go off with Geo. Liberated from the watchful eye of Astral arbitration, the Sky Realm is off to a new beginning.
Cosmos: ...
Cosmos: Singularity, Zooey, you've done well...
Cosmos: This completes my role... I shall now fade away without regret.
Eugen: Might be a strange question at this point, but...
Eugen: Why would you disappear when you primals are supposed to be immortal?
Cosmos: That is the nature of the singularity...
Cosmos: Or perhaps I should say this is the law of the world.
Cosmos: The power of arbitration known as Cosmos will become a thing of the past.
Eugen: I hear ya...
Despite their immense victory, not a hint of a smile can be seen among the crew.
Zooey: Why the gloomy faces? We won.
Vyrn: Not much to rejoice over, 'specially when we consider what's gonna happen to you, Miss Flippy-Hair...
Zooey: As I said, this is the one and only wish I've ever harbored.
Zooey: I want to protect the world, so that the rest of you may keep on smiling. That's why—
Lyria: Zooey!
Zooey: L-Lyria...
Lyria runs up to Zooey to give her a hug. Others follow suit.
Io: Zooey, no...
Zooey: Oh my... I would have preferred to see you all happy.
Zooey: Yet at the same time, it gladdens my heart to know how much you all care for me...
Zooey: Why do I feel this way?
Cosmos: The heart in itself is laden with contradiction.
Zooey: Cosmos?
Cosmos: Zooey, Geo... You two were born from the wishes of a contradictory world.
Cosmos: At the same time, you are fragments of the contradiction in my heart.
Cosmos: And on top of that, you each harbor contradiction in your own hearts.
Cosmos: ...
There is a sense of mirth to Cosmos's voice even as her eyes fall to the ground.
Cosmos: Singularity... and the rest of you who call the Sky Realm your home.
Cosmos: You have cast off the scale of arbitration as put in place by the Astrals.
Cosmos: It may be chaos that awaits.
Cosmos: You may even head down a path of ever greater destruction.
Cosmos: Whatever the case, this was a choice that the world—
Cosmos: No, a choice that you made for yourselves.
Cosmos: I gladly accept that and hereby relinquish my role.
Cosmos: May you have the resolve to continue pushing forward.
Vyrn: Resolve? We've got that in spades.
Vyrn: We're gonna see everything there is to see in the skies and make it all the way to Estalucia!
Lyria: That's right. And it's not because of something as serious as resolve.
Lyria: We want to continue this journey because of the excitement and joy it brings us.
Cosmos: I see... Perhaps that is your strength.
Lyria: Um, Cosmos... Can I ask you a question?
Cosmos: Yes, Girl in Blue?
Lyria: When (Captain) and I died...
Lyria: Instead of simply asking us to choose, and then reversing causality...
Lyria: You went out of your way to show us so much of the world's history. What was that for?
One of Cosmos's eyes—its color different from the other—winks in response.
Cosmos: The decision pressed upon the singularity was not a simple one.
Cosmos: I felt you two had an obligation to know some of the background related to that decision.
Cosmos: So many lives trapped between duty and aspiration in this cruel world...
Cosmos: Did Yuni not say as much?
Lyria: Well, she did. But...
Lyria: It wasn't all pain and suffering. I told Yuni that too.
???: ...
Cosmos: Yes. I suppose I wanted you to know all of it.
Cosmos: Only then would it be fair for you to truly forgive me.
And now that you have forgiven me...
And now that you have forgiven me...
Having reached an answer, Cosmos curves her lips into a smile.
Cosmos: It's unfortunate I won't be able to see the world in all its purity.
Zooey: I find it equally unfortunate.
Cosmos: Zooey, Geo.
Cosmos: You have nothing to worry about.
Zooey: Huh?
Geo: ...
Cosmos: You'll realize it soon enough.
Cosmos raises her right hand.
Cosmos: Goodbye, incarnations of myself...
Zooey: Cosmos!
Zooey reaches out, but Cosmos disappears before she can make contact.
Satyr: She's gone...
Medusa: But Zooey's still...
Zooey: ...
Lyria: Zooey!
Lyria leaps at Zooey with both arms outstretched, then touches every part of her body.
Lyria: Do you feel funny anywhere? You're still here, right?
Zooey: Um... I feel fine...
Zooey: Strange...
Geo: Looks like the two of us got left behind. Not sure how it works.
Nezha: Does that mean the other surrogates are gone?
Zooey: That appears to be the case... I don't feel their presence.
Rackam: That's good news, but what's it all mean? Is Zooey really gonna be okay?
Rosetta: I'm not sure either. Though one way to look at it is...
Rosetta: Zooey and Geo may have split off from Cosmos's heart. But they each grew to have their own hearts.
Rosetta: They're no longer mere copies; they've become beings independent of Cosmos.
Zooey: My heart would be proof of that...
Lyria: She called you two by name.
Vyrn: Yep, she sure did...
Katalina: Perhaps it was Cosmos's way of acknowledging you two as separate existences from herself.
Rosetta: Or maybe you became separate existences the moment she called your names.
Rosetta: However it might've happened, it may as well be a miracle.
Lyria: Sniff... I couldn't be happier! Zooey!
Zooey: Haha... You're holding me a bit tight, Lyria.
Smiles abound as peace finally descends upon the crew.
Geo: ...
Zooey: Geo!
Zooey calls out to Geo as he tries to quietly make off.
Geo: What is it?
Zooey: Where will you go?
Geo: What's it matter to you guys?
Medusa: You think we're just gonna let you go scot-free after all the crap you tried to pull?
Geo: Relax. Killing the singularity is practically impossible for me now...
Geo: So I won't even try.
Nezha: Impossible for you now, you say...
Geo: ...
Baal: Wouldn't we be better off stopping him here and now?
Zooey: Wait. Nezha, Baal.
Zooey: Can we not let him go this one time?
Zooey: I'm in the same boat as him, having lost my role too.
Zooey: I'd appreciate it if we could show Geo a bit of leniency.
Geo: Leniency... What a joke. If anyone other than you had said that, I'd make them pay.
His expression sour, Geo turns his back to the crew without saying another word.
Freyr: I'm coming with you.
Freyr, who has remained quiet all this time, speaks up.
Medusa: Geez, Freyr! After all he's done?
Satyr: Don't you wanna look for a way to wake up Baldr with us?
Freyr: To me now, Baldr is...
Geo: Don't bother.
Geo: There's no salvation in coming with me. You'll get nothing out of it.
Freyr: That matters not. I shall follow you.
Geo: Like I said—
Freyr: You took me in, my sadness notwithstanding, and filled the void within me.
Freyr: It may have been a false gesture of goodwill.
Freyr: But it was enough for me...
Freyr: To understand that you're the loneliest of us all, and that you did not want to be alone.
Geo: Freyr!
Geo: You're wrong! I...
Freyr: Being absorbed by you made it that much clearer to me.
Freyr: Which is why...
Freyr: I'm coming with you.
Geo: ...
Geo: Whatever. It's your call.
Freyr: Together then.
With a solemn nod, Freyr takes his place beside Geo.
The crew watches them take off, not quite sure what to make of this.
Rackam: We really gonna let those two go?
Medusa: Might as well just leave 'em be at this point.
Vyrn: That's a surprise, comin' from you. I thought you'd be the one to flip out.
Medusa: Meh, I'm just jaded now.
Medusa: Besides, if they come picking a fight again, we'll just have to teach 'em not to mess with us!
Satyr: Hahah! I sure wouldn't mind seeing them again!
Medusa: Psh, you get excited seeing your own shadow.
Eugen: You know, disagreement or open hostility is a pretty common thing among people too.
Nezha: Whether it's between mortals, between primals, or between mortals and primals, conflict arises all the same.
Baal: Not to mention the harshest dissonance can at times turn into the liveliest harmony.
Satyr: It's like Meddy said earlier.
Satyr: We're all just sharing the same habitat; the world doesn't belong to any one side.
Zooey: That couldn't be more true...
Zooey: With so many lives coexisting in the Sky Realm, it's only natural that the aspirations of some will conflict with others.
Zooey: But it is in those situations that we must each find a path forward for ourselves.
Zooey: For that is how we will continue to live on in this world we call home.
Lyria: Mm-hm. We're going to do this together, Zooey.
Zooey: Yes. Together!
And so the Sky Realm embarks on a new beginning.
Giving equal opportunity to both those created by the stars and those born in the skies.
Ahead lies a boundless future for a world ready to carry on without the guidance of arbitration.
The End
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - A True Connection - Episode 1
A heart-to-heart talk with Lyria helps (Captain) to lighten the burden of being the singularity. The captain is confident that as long as they're together, everything will be just fine.
(Captain)'s father had sent out a letter to his child from the Island of the Astrals. Upon receiving it, (Captain) set out on a journey.
(Captain) eventually came to be known by some as the singularity—an existence that can upset world balance.
But when was it exactly that (Captain) became worthy of that title?
Was it when the fate of the world first rested on the captain's shoulders? Or was it when (Captain) first bested a major primal beast? Or...
Was it from the day of departure from Zinkenstill? From the day of birth perhaps?
Whatever the case, (Captain) can't help but ponder on this question.
Yuni: The world collapses only after losing the singularity.
When was it that (Captain) came to be the world's cornerstone?
The day the journey began? The day Lyria entered the picture? (Captain) has overcome countless struggles since then.
Fortunately, (Captain) is alive right now—yet oddly enough, that very fact was perceived as a world crisis.
Without realizing it, the captain was exposing the world and all who live within it to great danger.
It all happened without warning.
Lyria: Um, (Captain)... Are you feeling okay?
Lyria: You seem lost...
Lyria had so naturally become a part of (Captain)'s life, always there with a smile to calm the captain.
Perhaps this grave concern over being the singularity is obvious to Lyria.
For the two share a life link.
Lyria: I think I would've noticed even if our lives weren't connected. We've traveled together for so long after all.
(Captain) is bashful about being an open book to Lyria.
Lyria: "The world collapses once it loses the singularity"... That thought alone must make it scary to continue the journey.
(Captain) nods with a bitter smile.
Lyria: How about we cut the journey short and settle down in a town somewhere?
Unsure if Lyria is joking or not, (Captain)'s face turns pale at the very thought.
Lyria: Haha, I thought you might react that way. Sorry, I was only teasing.
If, hypothetically speaking, (Captain) were to give up the skyfarer life and settle down somewhere, would the world truly be safer?
The world collapses upon losing the singularity.
Gran is the Main Character
Yet at the same time, the singularity is said to upset world balance simply by existing.
Djeeta is the Main Character
Yet at the same time, the singularity is said to upset world balance simply by existing.
Taking all of this into consideration, does it really matter how (Captain) chooses to live?
Lyria: I'd hate to cut things short too. I want to keep traveling with you, (Captain).
With a smile, Lyria asserts that their desires alone are reason enough to continue this journey.
Lyria: I understand all too well that you're scared, (Captain).
Lyria: Ever since joining the crew, because of our life link, I've never stopped worrying about what'll happen to you if something should happen to me...
Lyria: There's no telling what lies ahead... But as scary as it's been, the fun always won out in the end.
Lyria: My world started out pitch-black. It was through meeting Katalina, you, Vyrn...
Gran is the Main Character
Lyria: And everyone else in the crew that my world completely brightened up. It's been such a thrill.
Djeeta is the Main Character
Lyria: And everyone else in the crew that my world completely brightened up. It's been such a thrill.
Lyria: And you were always at the center of it, (Captain). Because we were in the same place emotionally when we set out into this world together.
(Captain) recalls the sense of adventure—a mix of dread and delight—that was always present before becoming the singularity.
Lyria: Maybe at some point, you started taking on half of the anxiety I felt.
Lyria: Haha! Actually that'd make a lot of sense! Our lives are connected after all!
Lyria: So from now on... I'm going to shoulder half of the anxiety that you feel, (Captain)!
Lyria: That way, the thrill will always be greater than the dread!
Lyria: For everything that you've ever done to make me feel safe...
Lyria: I'm going to put in twice the effort to make sure you feel just as safe, (Captain)!
Lyria grabs (Captain)'s hand, a radiant smile on her face.
The two look toward the direction that the Grandcypher is headed in.
Gran is the Main Character
The warmth of their joined hands almost seems to melt away the heavy burden that lies deep in (Captain)'s heart.
Djeeta is the Main Character
The warmth of their joined hands almost seems to melt away the heavy burden that lies deep in (Captain)'s heart.
"Everything's gonna be okay if Lyria's with me." With that thought, (Captain) tightens the grip on Lyria's hand.
Created by the Stars, Loved by the Skies - A World without You - Episode 1
Feeling a strange emptiness ever since losing her link with Cosmos, Zooey pays Geo a visit for advice. Their discussion teaches Zooey to embrace both the loneliness of losing Cosmos and the joy of the world's survival.
Some time has passed after the events concerning Cosmos and the Sky Realm's arbitration.
Zooey: ...
Zooey: What's this feeling I'm getting...
Vyrn: There she is!
Lyria: Zooey! We were just looking for you!
Zooey: Vyrn, Lyria... (Captain). Is something the matter?
Lyria: We're going to be landing at the next island soon.
Lyria: I thought maybe we could go shopping together with Io and—
Lyria: Zooey?
Zooey: Huh? Yes?
Lyria: Um... For a second, it looked like you were spacing out.
Lyria: Are you not feeling well?
Zooey: Hm, now that you mention it... That may be the case.
Lyria: Oh no! We need to get you medicine! Or maybe a doctor!
Vyrn: Relax, Lyria.
Vyrn: Where exactly are you feelin' funny, Miss Flippy-Hair?
Zooey: Well...
Lyria: Please tell us, Zooey.
When all eyes turn to Zooey with great concern, she responds with a bitter smile.
Zooey: Sorry. It's not that I don't want to talk about it...
Zooey: I just don't know how to put it into words...
Zooey presses her palm against her chest.
Zooey: It feels somehow... empty here.
Lyria: Empty?
Zooey: I believe I know the reason.
Vyrn: So it's not some kinda sickness then?
Zooey: No... This emptiness likely stems from Cosmos's absence.
Zooey: As her surrogate, I was always able to feel my link with her.
Lyria: Link... Is that what the connection between you and Cosmos felt like?
Zooey: Yes... Similar to how you and (Captain) are connected by a life link.
Lyria: Uh-huh... Because of that, I think I might know how you feel.
Zooey: My link with Cosmos made me conscious of my role, while also restricting my actions in certain ways...
Zooey: But that sensation suddenly stopped.
Vyrn: So that's why you're feelin' funny, huh?
Zooey: It appears so.
Lyria: Zooey...
Zooey: I apologize for making you worry.
Zooey: Physically, I am in good health. I'll simply have to grow accustomed to the change.
Zooey grins at Lyria to ensure her that she's okay.
Lyria: Erm... Do you think it'd help if you spoke to Geo about it?
Vyrn: Whoa... What are you even suggesting, Lyria!
Vyrn: Don't forget what that punk tried to do to you and (Captain)!
Lyria: I know, but...
Lyria: Geo was originally a duplicate of Cosmos, just like Zooey was.
Lyria: So there's a good chance he's feeling the same thing.
Zooey: You're right; it may be worth asking him.
Lyria: Except we have no idea where he is...
Zooey: Actually, I may have an idea.
Zooey: Although I've lost my link with Cosmos, I can still sense Geo.
Zooey: It's faint but just strong enough for me to track him.
Lyria: Perfect! Let's ask Rackam to change the ship's course—
Zooey: No.
Zooey: I'll go to Geo alone.
Lyria: Alone?
Vyrn: You sure you'll be okay?
Zooey: It'll be fine. He and I no longer have any reason to fight each other.
Zooey: I've found you at last, Geo.
Geo: Zooey? What brings you here?
Zooey: It wasn't easy tracking you so deep in the mountains.
Geo: I sought out a place far away from civilization, and this was it. Not like it matters to you anyway.
Geo: I'll at least give you credit for coming all the way out here to find me though.
Geo: So what do you want?
Zooey: I wanted to ask you something.
Geo: Ask away.
Zooey: I have not been feeling right lately...
Geo: Uh, maybe you should consult your doctor?
Zooey: No, this isn't something a doctor can advise on.
Geo: Heh, not too great at reading sarcasm, are ya?
Geo: As if a doctor could even do anything for a primal beast...
Zooey: I'm sorry?
Geo: Eh, don't mind me.
Geo: So we've established that you're not feeling well. Why tell me though?
Zooey: I thought you might be going through something similar.
Geo: Huh?
Zooey: An emptiness has crept into my heart ever since my link with Cosmos vanished.
Zooey: Perhaps I simply need more time to get used to this new me...
Zooey: You and I are in a similar position. So I thought maybe you felt something too.
Geo: Nope, I'm right as rain.
Zooey: I see... I was hoping we could find a solution together if you were experiencing the same symptoms...
Geo: Not like I'd know, but...
Geo: Maybe you're just feeling lonely?
Zooey: Lonely?
Zooey's eyes widen at those words.
Geo: You suddenly lost something that you've always had. I'd say feeling lonely's a natural reaction.
Zooey: I feel... lonely without Cosmos?
Geo: The irony being that it was you and the singularity who got rid of Cosmos.
Geo: What can I say? You reap what you sow.
Geo: Don't tell me you regret it now.
Zooey: Regret?
Geo: For choosing the singularity and thereby pushing Cosmos out of existence.
Zooey: No, that was definitely the right choice.
Hearing Zooey's assertive tone, Geo narrows his eyes.
Geo: I know. At the time...
Geo: You knew full well that it might even mean your own demise, yet you didn't hesitate for a second.
Zooey: Yes, and I continue to exist in this world. Siding with (Captain) is a decision I will never regret.
Geo: Then don't come pestering me with this loneliness drivel that's been eating away at you.
Geo: You're like a spoiled kid who can't stay independent of their parents.
Zooey: A parent and child analogy... Haha.
Geo: What's so funny?
Zooey: I didn't expect you of all primals to make a comparison to mortals.
Geo: Oh, shut it...
Geo turns his face away, eliciting a slight chuckle from Zooey.
Zooey: Paying you a visit may have been the right call after all.
Zooey: I now realize that the emptiness in my heart is what's commonly known as loneliness.
Zooey: I'll simply have to overcome it somehow.
Geo: As if that'd make a difference.
Zooey: Geo?
Geo: Loneliness isn't something you overcome, nor can you just fill that void with something else.
Geo: You just have to live with the feeling until it eventually fades away, however long that might take...
Zooey: You may be right...
Zooey: (I suppose you would know, having been so close to the loneliness of primal beasts...)
Geo: Besides, feeling lonely isn't all bad.
Geo: It's true we lost Cosmos.
Geo: There's no such thing as parent and child for most primal beasts. What we had with Cosmos was something special...
Geo: And I bet the loneliness you feel is something special too.
Zooey: Hm, perhaps so.
Zooey: You have my thanks, Geo.
Geo: None needed.
Geo: And don't get the wrong idea either. I still despise the singularity.
Geo: I don't care how friendly you try to be to me...
Geo: I hate mortals. I hate the singularity.
Zooey, on the other hand, only feels a helpless pity for Geo.
Geo: I'll excuse you since you're a primal.
Geo: If the singularity's crew ever tires of you, know that I'll always welcome you with open arms.
Geo: After all, we're like siblings in a way.
Zooey doesn't stop Geo this time as he turns around and goes on his way.
Zooey: Geo... I believe I understand you now.
Zooey: We were both born from the collective wishes of the world.
Zooey: Wishes arise from the heart.
Zooey: Cosmos tried to exist as an emotionless arbitration system, closing her heart off from the heavy burden.
Zooey: In the end, the contradiction springing from her kindness ultimately gave birth to us.
Zooey: That's why...
Zooey: I'm going to embrace the contradiction of loneliness and joy within my heart.
Zooey: So that I may fully experience the Sky Realm's future, as Cosmos would have wanted.
Embracing the loneliness while keeping Cosmos close to her heart...
Zooey returns to her allies, with whom she will stride toward the future.
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