The Boy with the Demon Sword
Called to a monster-ridden island on an escort request, (Captain) and the crew find that a mysterious mercenary has already cleared the area. They then make their way to the island's main town, where they encounter Icarus, the boy who had slain the monsters. He fights alongside his pal Deimos, a primal beast who takes the form of a sword, and claims that he will be the skies' number one warrior. After Deimos—intrigued by Lyria's powers—declares that he would like to travel with the crew, (Captain) and the others welcome the pair with open arms.
One day, having received an escort request from a gem merchant, (Captain) and the crew make their way to a certain island.
Vyrn: So traveling to and from this island unescorted is reckless, huh? What kinda place even is this?
Vyrn: And why're ya tryin' to do business there anyway, old man?
Gem Merchant: Well, you see... There's this mine at the center of the island where you can find rare gems...
Gem Merchant: The jewelry crafted in the town by the mine's entrance is most exquisite.
Lyria: But to get to the town, you need to go through a big forest full of scary monsters...
Lyria: So that's why you hired us. To fight them all off!
Gem Merchant: That would be correct. I've heard from Siero that you all are indeed very skilled.
Gem Merchant: I ask for your protection during our trip into town and back.
(Captain) and the others ready themselves for a potential monster assault and continue to press forward.
The group warily heads deeper into the forest, only to find before them an unexpected, albeit welcome, sight.
Vyrn: Huh? I already see the town!
Without even a single encounter with a monster, they all arrive safely at their destination.
Vyrn: Heya, Mr. Gatekeeper. Did somethin' happen here? The island's totally different from what we were told!
Gatekeeper: Ah, about that... We found a monster nest the other day and were planning on conducting a search-and-destroy operation.
Gatekeeper: But it appears the monsters roaming this island were cleared out by some other mercenary force.
Gem Merchant: But how! You can't go one step without encountering a monster here!
Gem Merchant: They must have been quite the skilled mercenary group to have defeated so many monsters.
Vyrn: I wanna know what kinda mercenary group can do that without Siero finding out!
Gatekeeper: About that... It's suspected that the party in question isn't a group, but rather an individual moving on his own.
Lyria: Wha! He defeated all the monsters alone?
Vyrn: Hm... Somethin' doesn't add up. Whatcha mean by "suspected"?
Gatekeeper: The mercenary seemed to be around your captain's age.
Gatekeeper: He was wielding a claymore that far exceeded his own stature, swinging it like it weighed nothing—an impressive show of strength.
Gatekeeper: But throughout his fights—and sometimes when at rest—he'd be talking to a certain somebody.
Vyrn: A certain somebody?
Gatekeeper: That's right. He appeared to be alone but kept speaking in a loud voice—as if accompanied by someone.
Vyrn: Sounds weird to me...
Gatekeeper: If you'd like to see him, I'm sure you'll find him somewhere in town.
Gatekeeper: I believe he's still preparing to fight off the next round of monsters.
The busy merchant, in need of new goods with which to stock his inventory, parts ways with (Captain) and the others, and they head into town to explore the area.
Lyria: The merchant said he wanted us to escort him back too, right? Just in case...
Lyria: We should do something while we're waiting for him to finish!
Vyrn: I'm starvin'! Why don't we grab somethin' to eat first? Y'know, since we missed lunch today.
Lyria: Heheh... I'm actually pretty hungry myself! Let's find somewhere good to eat!
(Captain) and the gang stroll around in search of food and decide to dine at the town's largest restaurant.
Young Man: ...
As they step into the dining room, they spot a boy sitting alone and shoveling down food at an alarming rate.
Vyrn: Dang. Look at him go. Must be starvin'.
Lyria: Huh? That sword...
Vyrn: Oh! It's the big red sword we heard about earlier! Does that mean he's the mercenary we're looking for?
Young Man: Hm?
The young traveler notices the crew's stares and pauses his ravenous feast, lifting his head.
Young Man: Heyo! What's up? There somethin' you need?
Lyria: Ah, hello. Are you the mercenary who defeated all the monsters in the forest alone?
Young Man: Hrmm... I guess you could call me a mercenary.
Young Man: But dang, I didn't think there'd already be rumors floatin' around. Kinda embarrassing, but hey, not the worst thing to hear!
The young boy lets out a hearty laugh and extends his hand toward (Captain) and the others.
Icarus: Name's Icarus! You'll be hearin' the name all throughout these skies soon enough!
Icarus: How 'bout you guys? Your names, please!
Vyrn: I'm Vyrn, and this here's (Captain)!
Lyria: I'm Lyria!
Icarus: (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn... Gotcha. Nice to meet you all!
Icarus: I have an idea! How 'bout you guys join me? I'd love to chat s'more!
Icarus: These are all local specialties recommended to me by the townsfolk! Go ahead and help yourselves—nothin' but good food here!
Lyria: Well, if it's okay with you...
Lyria: Let's eat, (Captain)!
The crew members take their seats beside Icarus and begin to eat.
As the hungry group dines, conversations of all sorts begin to blossom—from the simple exchange of information about the island to grand tales of their adventures thus far.
Icarus: You're the captain of an entire ship? But you an' me are hardly any different!
Icarus: Sheesh, (Captain). You sure know your way around these skies. Guess I should stop slackin' and pick up my own pace!
Lyria: You've got an impressive track record yourself though, Icarus! Defeating an entire forest of monsters by yourself...
Icarus: Hahah... Thanks. 'Preciate the compliments, but I can't take all the credit. Didn't do it all myself after all.
Vyrn: Huh? Whatcha mean by that?
Responding to Vyrn's question, Icarus lifts the large sword that had been lying by his side and shows it to everybody.
Icarus: This guy here's the reason I can fight. Meet Deimos, my good ol' pal!
Vyrn: It sure looks powerful from up close. Can I touch it?
Just as Vyrn reaches his paw towards the sword, its blade lets out a shrill noise—as if in protest.
The piercing sound reverberates throughout the crew's minds and carries with it a clear message.
Deimos: (Hands off, lizard. One touch, and I'll slice you like the monster you are.)
Deimos: (And Icarus, enough with your bizarre introductions. I'm not your pal.)
Vyrn: Whaaaa! Th-the sword talked!
Lyria: Hmmm... That's strange... I don't hear a voice.
Icarus: You guys hear Deimos's voice too?
Icarus: Rare to see Deimos talkin' to anyone besides me. You wanna be friends with them or somethin', Deimos?
Deimos: (I swear, the thoughtless ideations you utter never fail to astound me. In any case, take a close look at the girl with the blue hair, Icarus.)
Deimos: (It's not the most clear, but I detect presences similar to my own swirling around inside her. She's no mere mortal.)
Icarus: Huh? Really?
Driven by Deimos's remarks, Icarus wonders if he should bring up the subject with Lyria.
Right as his lips begin to form a question, he hears Lyria beginning to mutter.
Lyria: I thought as much... That sword friend of yours is a primal beast!
Lyria: I was worried it was all in my head since he has such a weak presence.
Icarus: Wow! You felt his presence? That's amazin', Lyria!
Icarus: But how'd ya know? I mean, Deimos is just a normal-looking sword.
Vyrn: Hm... It's a long story, so you might wanna take a seat...
(Captain) and the others face Icarus and Deimos and begin to explain to them Lyria's ability to detect the presence of primal beasts.
The crew members also tell the boy and his sword about how she receives a bit of power from every primal beast they encounter.
Deimos: (I see. That explains the wriggling presence of my brethren within you.)
Deimos: (Icarus, these travelers have piqued my interest. I would like to embark together with them.)
Icarus: Never thought I'd ever hear something like that comin' outta you, Deimos.
Icarus: I mean... Sure, they seem like a fun bunch, and I'd love to get to know them better.
Icarus: But wouldn't it be rude of us to just force our way into their crew uninvited? Right, (Captain)?
(Captain) briefly thinks about what Icarus had said and offers a suggestion.
- Then how about a little initiation?
- Show me what you're made of!
Choose: Then how about a little initiation?Icarus: An initiation? You're starting to sound like my older brother...
Icarus: But if it's for a crew of skyfarers, it's gotta be some kinda physical test, right? That's right up my alley!
Choose: Show me what you're made of!Icarus: Oooh, straight to the point, aren't ya? I like it! If it's a show of strength you're looking for, I'm confident I can deliver!
Icarus: Besides, you couldn't have picked a better time!
Continue 1Icarus: I'm just about to go finish off the last of the monsters the villagers asked me to clear out!
Icarus: Come with me! Me an' Deimos will show you what we can do!
The gang finish their meal and—with Icarus leading the way—heads toward the forest to watch him see his work through to the end.
Monster: ...!
Deimos: (Icarus, go around its right side and take a swing at it first. Then's your chance to end it.)
Icarus: Got it! Hraaagh!
Monster: ...!
Perfectly synchronized, Icarus and Deimos move as one, defeating every last monster before them.
In a mere moment's time, their battle ends as abruptly as it had started, after which Icarus declares the job complete.
Icarus: A'ight, looks like we're done here! So how was I, (Captain)?
Lyria: That was fantastic! You and Deimos are the perfect match!
Vyrn: I blinked, and the battle was already over! I'm sure you'll be a great addition to our crew!
Icarus: Hahah, how 'bout that! You won't have to worry about me holding you guys back!
(Captain) nods in agreement and gives Icarus a welcoming handshake.
Icarus: Yesss! Lookin' forward to working with you, (Captain)!
Deimos: (Let's get this over with. Hello and thank you. May our travels together be short-lived.)
Icarus: Hey! Don't be so bitter, Deimos!
As Icarus and Deimos bicker back and forth, the gang slowly make their way back to town.
And so it was that the boy and his sword stepped foot on the path toward a brand new adventure.
A Fated Encounter
On their way back from a request, Icarus tells (Captain) and the others that Deimos grows more powerful by absorbing the blood of defeated monsters. Wanting to learn more about the two, Lyria and the others prod the unlikely duo. Icarus then shares with them that he was born in a village founded by a legendary mercenary group, and—as a descendant of those very heroes—that his goal is to be the number one warrior throughout the skies. Icarus's explanation eventually changes course though, revealing to the gang how he and Deimos had met.
One particular day, (Captain) and the others are carrying out a monster extermination request together with Icarus.
Monster: ...
Icarus: Yeah! Is that all you got? You okay, (Captain)?
Vyrn: Yep! Everything's good here!
Deimos: (Stay on guard, Icarus. There's still something out there leading these monsters.)
Deimos: (There's no need for us to fight so close to their den. We'll create a distraction and then lure them out.)
Icarus: Gotcha! Let's do that! C'mon, (Captain)!
Following Deimos's commands, Icarus continues to fight with the strength of an entire legion.
The crew members successfully complete the task and begin to head back. (Captain) glances Deimos's way, eyes fixing on the demonic blade.
Icarus: Hm? Something the matter, (Captain)?
In response to Icarus's inquisitive remark, the captain comments that Deimos seems to be shining brighter than usual.
Lyria: You're right! His red glow is much brighter now!
Lyria: Maybe he's in a good mood today or something.
Vyrn: Do swords even have a mood? Are you sure it's not all in your head, (Captain)?
Icarus: Actually, (Captain)'s right! Nice eye!
Lyria: So Deimos really is in a good mood then?
Icarus: Yeah, but I don't think he's like this by chance.
Icarus: The truth is... Deimos gets stronger by absorbing the monsters' blood.
Icarus: That's why he's so much stronger today! 'Cause we killed so many of 'em.
Vyrn: Yikes! It gets stronger by absorbing blood? What kinda cursed sword is that?
Vyrn: You okay, Icarus? Are you sure your life isn't being sucked away or somethin'?
Icarus: Wha! Watch what you're saying, Vyrn!
Icarus's face suddenly scrunches up into an expression of anger, surprising Vyrn.
Icarus: Shut up! Deimos would never do anything like that!
Vyrn: S-sorry. I was just...
Deimos: (Icarus, you dimwit. Calm down and let him speak.)
Deimos admonishes the angry boy for his impatience.
Icarus: But, Deimos!
Deimos: (Use that head of yours to think. It's only natural that the lizard fear me for the enigmatic being I am.)
Deimos: (In any case, you haven't even properly explained my existence to them. Am I not mistaken?)
Icarus: Guess not. You're right, Deimos.
Having been thoroughly rebuked by a sword, Icarus faces Vyrn and lowers his head.
Icarus: I'm sorry, Vyrn! I shouldn't have gotten so mad at you!
Vyrn: I-it's no big deal. Sorry if I said anything mean about your partner.
Vyrn: I'd get mad too if someone said anything bad about (Captain).
Lyria: Um, Icarus? Could you maybe tell us some more about Deimos?
Lyria: We don't know anything about what kind of primal beast he is and all...
Icarus: Ah, great idea! Now'd be great, actually! Listen up, everybody.
Icarus: But hmmm... Where do I even begin? I guess I'll start with my hometown.
The group finds a nice tree under which to rest, and Icarus begins to tell his tale.
Icarus: I was born and raised in a small mountain village.
Icarus: The villagers were kind people who loved farming and found happiness in the peace of their day-to-day lives.
Icarus: But it really wasn't my thing. I'd skip out on work and climb the nearby mountains every day to train.
Icarus: I wanted to become the strongest warrior these skies have seen—like the ones who founded our village a long time ago.
Vyrn: Were your ancestors super strong too?
Icarus: They were a legendary group of mercenary heroes that drove the Astrals off battlefields far and wide during the War.
Icarus: After the War, they settled the area where my village is now and founded a peaceful place to live.
Icarus: There's still even an adventure log full of their daily activities and stories!
Lyria: Do the other villagers train like you do, Icarus?
Icarus: Naw, it's just me. There aren't many monsters in our area, so the others never saw the need to train.
Icarus: But my dad, mom, and brother—even all the villagers—had my back. They're the ones who pushed me to become the person I am today!
Icarus's Brother: Well, if it isn't our resident warrior? Heading out to train again, I presume? It's this early, and you're already roaring to go.
Icarus: Uh-huh! I'll be back soon! Let's study after I'm done training!
Icarus's Brother: Sounds like a plan to me. I just got a new book on battle tactics from the market. We'll read it once you're back.
Icarus's Mom: Make sure to be back before dark, Icarus. What mountain will you be training on today?
Icarus: The one down south! I'll catch a rabbit while I'm there, so could you cook it for dinner?
Icarus's Mom: Oh my, sounds delicious. Be careful out there, my precious warrior!
Villager 1: Hey, Icarus! Another day, another mountain, huh? You really take this training seriously, don't you?
Icarus: Of course! I can't slack off if I wanna be the skies' number one warrior!
Villager 1: That's the spirit! The village chief sure is lucky to have such a reliable son.
Villager 2: Off to training, Icarus? Here, take a few apples. We just picked them from our orchard this morning.
Villager 2: A good warrior ensures that he's well hydrated even in the heat of battle!
Icarus: Wow, these look super good! Thanks, I'll be sure to eat 'em later!
Village Child 1: Icarus! You're a warrior. Tell us the ways of a warrior again!
Village Child 2: Yeah, tell us!
Icarus: Hahah, sure thing! But you'd better listen carefully!
Surrounded by the village children, Icarus puffs his chest and speaks boisterously.
Icarus: These are the three rules to being a warrior—rules left to us by our forefathers, heroes of the War.
Icarus: Rule number one! Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today! You will be stronger for it!
Icarus: Rule number two! He who shares your beliefs is an ally! Work with him and help those in need!
Icarus: Rule number three! Never back down in the face of fear! Use the opportunity to become your best self!
Icarus: He who knows these rules by heart will be worthy of being the strongest warrior across the skies!
Village Child 2: Heheh, I feel super motivated whenever you tell us the rules, Icarus!
Village Child 1: Hey, Icarus! When you grow up, you're gonna be a strong warrior like our ancestors too, right?
Icarus: You already know it! In fact, I'll become an even greater warrior than them!
Icarus: I'll make myself and this village a household name! Everyone in these skies will know who I am! Just you wait and see!
Village Child 2: Wow, Icarus! I know you'll do it 'cause you're our warrior!
Lyria: Hahahah, your village sounds like a really nice place!
Icarus: You bet it is! Everyone there's great! And I gotta give props to my dad, my mom, and my brother too!
Vyrn: But that village is so peaceful... When'd you meet Deimos? After you left?
Icarus: Hm, then how 'bout I tell you about how me and Deimos met next?
Icarus: One day, the grown-ups were all talking about something and had these super serious faces on...
Icarus closes his eyes and begins to recollect his past.
He then continues with his tale.
A Fated Encounter: Scene 2
Icarus recounts the day he overheard that monsters were running rampant around his village. In order to clear out the source of the monsters, he headed to a nearby cave that was strictly off-limits. His sword broke during a battle with the monsters, and he was left undefended. Icarus then retreated to the innermost section of the caverns, where he found a single large sword. The sword urged him to pick it up, and Icarus listened, after which he was suddenly overcome with a chilling wave of terror. Icarus, however, subdued his fears and defeated the horde of monsters.
One day, as Icarus makes his way out of the house for another day of training, he spots a group of people gathered by the side of the road.
Icarus: (Huh? Isn't that Dad? And why's my brother there too? It's like all the village men are here. What're they going on about?)
Villager 1: The lumber yard was ransacked last night. It appears the horde of monsters has found their way to our village.
Icarus's Dad: I see... And they're coming from the Cave of Curses, correct?
Icarus's Brother: They have to be. What are we gonna do, Dad? Should we hire some outside help?
Icarus's Dad: We could, but the Cave of Curses has been ruled off-limits since this village's founding.
Icarus's Dad: We ourselves have no idea of what dangers lie there... It'd be irresponsible of us to simply leave it for others to handle.
Villager 1: We could strengthen our defenses, but there's not much else we can do short of nipping the source in the bud... So what next?
Icarus: (Monsters around our village? We can't just leave 'em be!)
Icarus: (The villagers aren't used to combat... They'd be helpless if a monster were to find its way in.)
Icarus: (But the Cave of Curses, huh? Dad would always go on and on about how we should never go there.)
Icarus recalls his father's lecturing tone from when he was but a small child.
Icarus's Dad: Are we clear, Icarus? You are never to play by the cave near our village.
Icarus's Dad: Sealed away within it is an unknown evil that even our ancestors dared not touch.
Icarus: (What kind of crazy evil thing is hiding away there that even our ancestors wanted nothing to do with it?)
Icarus: (But what if that evil thing is causing all these monsters to appear? We have to get rid of it somehow!)
Icarus: (I'm the only one in this village who can do it! This is why I've been training every day!)
Having made his decision, Icarus slaps his cheeks with a renewed vigor.
Icarus: (Okay, I'm going in! I've gotta put an end to this before anything bad happens to the village!)
After readying a sword for himself, Icarus heads toward the Cave of Curses alone.
Monster: ...!
Icarus: Too slow!
Monster: ...
Icarus: (There's so many of 'em... But not more than I can handle!)
Icarus: (A'ight! Catch me if you can!)
Icarus furiously swings his sword, downing monster after monster.
Unable to catch his breath, the brave boy continues to fight.
Large Monster: Groooar!
Icarus: Tch. I missed one.
Icarus: Crap! My sword...
Large Monster: Graaah!
Icarus: Yikes!
Icarus twists his body at the last second, somehow managing to avoid the monster's attack.
His sword, however, is not as lucky and has been split cleanly in two. The large monster blocks Icarus—now unarmed and without energy to fight—from returning the cave entrance.
Icarus: (Damn it. What do I do? I could try escaping, but I gotta get around that thing first.)
Icarus: (I guess I have no choice but to head deeper into the cave. Maybe I can find another way out.)
The tired warrior somehow manages to shake off the remaining monsters and finally finds himself at the cave's innermost area.
Unable to locate a path out of the cave, he stumbles upon a large sword—one lodged deep in the ground and emitting a strange aura.
Icarus: The heck is this? Could it be the evil thing Dad was talkin' about?
Eerie Sword: (Take me by your hands, mortal child.)
Icarus: (Huh? Did the sword just talk?)
Eerie Sword: (Hurry. Time is of the essence. The monster that seeks you is close.)
Large Monster: Grrrrr...
Icarus: Hey! It's the one from before! How'd it get here so fast?
Icarus, feeling the monster's murderous intent, swiftly turns around to confront it. Right at that moment, he once again hears a voice ringing in his head.
Eerie Sword: (Now is not the time to dawdle. Pick me up, and I will grant you the power to defeat your enemy.)
Eerie Sword: (Or do you not fear your own demise?)
Icarus: I really have no idea what you're talkin' about, but whatever. You're right. Like hell if I'm gonna end up kicking the bucket here of all places!
Icarus: Lend me your power, you weird sword!
Icarus steels himself and takes the oddly glowing sword into his hands.
Icarus: !
The moment he picks up the sword, a shocking wave of cold envelops Icarus's body—a sensation he had never before felt.
Icarus: (What is this feeling? It's like my body's been chilled to its very core.)
Large Monster: Grrrrr...
Icarus: (Hold up... How come I feel way more scared now than when I was fighting this monster before?)
Icarus: (Can I really fight a monster this terrifying? Maybe I am just better off kickin' the bucket...)
Icarus: No, what am I even thinking! Pull yourself together, Icarus! You're a warrior!
Icarus: Rule number three of the way of the warrior! Never back down in the face of fear! Use the opportunity to become your best self!
Icarus: I gotta survive! I have to protect my village and everyone in it!
Icarus: Raaaagh!
Large Monster: ...!
Icarus faces the monster and takes a large swing. As the sword arcs through the moist air, it releases a flame-like magic from its blade.
Large Monster: ...
In the blink of an eye, the sword cleaves the monster into two perfect halves.
Icarus: Whoa! What is this thing? It's crazy strong!
Icarus: A'ight, I like where this is going! Let's beat the crap out of the rest 'em!
Icarus firmly grasps the sword in both hands and slowly makes his way toward the cave entrance, slaying every monster he encounters along his arduous trek back.
Almost as if in response to Icarus's own burning passion to fight, the bizarre sword's red glow grows ever brighter.
A Fated Encounter: Scene 3
Icarus shares how he learned Deimos's true identity is that of a primal beast who had been sealed away within a sword by his ancestors. Moved by the sword's plight, Icarus offered to help him return to his original form and regain his centuries of lost freedom. After reminiscing all day, Icarus and the others are fast asleep on the Grandcypher. Deimos starts scheming to take advantage of his fellow skyfarers but is baffled by Icarus's honesty and thoughtfulness, which he takes to be foolishness.
Talking sword in hand, Icarus slays monster after monster.
The sound of its blade cleaving flesh eventually dies down, and silence returns to the now bloody cave.
Icarus: Huff... huff... Is that... the last of 'em...?
Completely exhausted, Icarus collapses onto the ground.
As he lies on the cold stone floor, a voice once again reverberates throughout his mind.
Eerie Sword: (Inconceivable. Boy, how is it that you remain true to yourself even when wielding my power?)
Icarus: Huh? The heck are you sayin'?
Deimos: (I am Deimos, the primal beast who reigns over fear itself.)
Deimos: (He who wields my power shall be subject to the most unbearable terrors.)
Deimos: (Should a mere mortal bear this burden, they would all but succumb to their fears. Survival itself is an optimistic outcome.)
Icarus: Ummm... I have no idea what you're talkin' about.
Icarus: All I did was remember what my ancestors told our village! That's how I could fight!
Icarus: "Never back down in the face of fear! Use the opportunity to become your best self!"
Icarus: These are the words the village founders—heroes of the War—left us!
Deimos: (Those foolish words... I've heard them before.)
Deimos: (Tell me. You're a descendant of those cursed skydwellers, aren't you!)
Icarus: Wha? Why're you getting all mad, Deimos?
Deimos: (Don't throw around my name so lightly, you insolent child! But since you appear to be ignorant of your own history, allow me to enlighten you.)
Deimos: (I am a primal beast created by the Astrals. My sole purpose was to strike fear into the hearts of you skydwellers.)
Deimos: (They later decided, however, that I was a faulty creation and imprisoned me in this sword.)
Deimos: (I was then cast into the fields of battle, where a foolish skydweller found me. He picked me up, and in doing so, grew so terrified that he went insane.)
Deimos: (Witnessing the man fall into madness, your ancestors deemed me "evil" and sealed me away in this cave.)
Icarus: ...
Deimos: (My nourishment comes from terror-stricken mortals, yet not a single soul will enter this cave.)
Deimos: (And so it is that I've been suffering here—weary and ravenous—for centuries on end.)
Icarus: Wow... You've been through a lot...
Icarus has been sitting silently, carefully listening to everything Deimos has to say.
As the story comes to an end, Icarus lowers his face and hands to the ground.
Icarus: I'm sorry for everything I did!
Icarus: Hundreds of years in this place... You must've been super lonely! And hungry too! Sorry for what my ancestors put ya through!
Deimos: (Huh? What are you saying, child?)
Icarus: I know saying "I'm sorry" won't change how you feel, but I wanna apologize anyway.
Icarus: And not just apologize! I wanna take responsibility for what they did to you!
Icarus: I wanna give you back all those lost years of freedom! I want you to return to the primal beast you deserve to be! Let me help!
Deimos: (...)
As Deimos ponders over Icarus's words, the blade of the sword repeatedly flashes. Deimos finally breaks the silence with an exasperated tone.
Deimos: (I see how it is. So you're a complete idiot, I take it?)
Icarus: H-hey... I mean, I might be an idiot compared to my brother, but still!
Deimos: (Listen up. I am a hostile being that has opposed your kind since my inception.)
Deimos: (Your forefathers declared my existence an evil one and sealed me away. And for that act, I bear a grudge against your entire village—you included.)
Deimos: (You should not have to be told the risks of helping a being in my position.)
Icarus closes his eyes and takes a moment to think about what Deimos has said.
He then opens his eyes and shakes his head.
Icarus: I understand. Or at least that's what I wanna say. But I can't see myself thinking any other way.
Icarus: I respect my ancestors. I really do. But just 'cause I respect 'em, doesn't mean I have to accept everything they said as the absolute truth.
Icarus: I think it's wrong for you to have been holed up here, hungry and all alone.
Icarus: That's why I wanna free you! So let me help! Please?
Deimos: (Good riddance. Of all the idiots out there, I'm stuck with the irredeemably stubborn kind, huh?)
Deimos: (This will have to do for now, I suppose. Since you seem to be set on this, there's no reason for me to decline.)
Deimos: (Icarus, I acknowledge you as my wielder.)
Deimos: (Carry me at your side and leave this cave at once.)
Icarus: Okay, on it! But what do I do after we get outta here?
Deimos: (Our first course of action will be leaving this island. The origins of my creation may be unclear, but I know for a fact that I wasn't made here.)
Deimos: (Let's look for clues regarding the institution where I was made or an area where the Astrals are still active. Either one will do.)
Deimos: (Additionally—and I only noticed this just earlier—it appears I receive some sort of sustenance from the blood of monsters.)
Deimos: (If you work as a mercenary while we travel, you could make an honest living while simultaneously satiating my bloodlust. Is that not the epitome of efficiency?)
Icarus: Hey, that's a great idea! And I even get to work toward my goal of becoming the number one warrior throughout the skies!
Icarus: A'ight, let's hurry back home then. Gotta tell Mom and Dad about our plan!
Icarus grabs Deimos by the hilt and returns to the village. There, he explains to his parents what had happened at the cave and his intent to embark on an adventure.
Naturally, his family was initially shocked to hear that he would leave, but they believed that Icarus would succeed in his endeavors—adventure or otherwise.
Icarus: And that about wraps up my story! Now you know why me and Deimos are traveling together like this!
Icarus: Deimos really isn't the evil being people make him out to be. He lets me use his amazing power and even gives me pointers during battle!
Icarus: The reason I'm as strong as I am today is thanks to Deimos!
Icarus: I'm with my pal 'cause I wanna be, ya hear me?
Vyrn: Yeah, I hear ya. So that's why you wanna know more about Lyria's powers!
Deimos: (Indeed. Not to mention the fact that you seek the island of the Astrals.)
Deimos: (It may be a long way off, but worst-case scenario, the knowledge I desire will surely be on that island.)
Vyrn: Man, you've been through a lot. Huh, Deimos? I feel ya.
Lyria: You're going to such great lengths to regain your freedom...
Lyria: If there's something I can do to help, just let me know! That goes for everyone else too!
Icarus: Heheh, thanks! I was right. You guys really are great!
Icarus: We'll definitely be asking for your help again, so thanks in advance!
With the misunderstanding out of the way, Icarus grasps (Captain)'s hand and gives it a firm shake.
Deimos: (Hmph. Naive dolts, the lot of them. I guess like-minded individuals do attract one another...)
Deimos watches on, muttering in astonishment.
Icarus: ...
That night, Deimos is consumed in thought next to a fast asleep Icarus.
Deimos: (Icarus's stories must be getting to me. I keep thinking of my past—and everything that has happened thus far.)
Deimos: (My grudge toward the Astrals for labeling me as faulty, my hatred towards the skydwellers for sealing me away...)
Deimos: (And my surprise when I was swung around like nothing by that child—a descendant of those cursed skydwellers, of all things!)
Deimos: (This is absurd. How does a mere mortal grab me and withstand the pure terror I inflict upon them?)
Deimos: (He may be the descendant of those damned skydwellers, but even so, I can use him. I mustn't let this opportunity go to waste.)
Deimos: (Use his fear as temporary sustenance until another fool comes along, or so I intended. But alas...)
Deimos: (I granted him my power, slayed many a monster, and—upon leaving the cave—amassed both power and knowledge...)
Deimos: (You best prepare yourself for a life of servitude, you foolish mortal. I intend on making full use of your abilities until the day I regain my true form.)
Deimos: (Well, this detour has been going well. In fact, this crew of skyfarers will surely be of great use to me.)
Deimos: (Lyria and her ability to capture the essence of primal beasts, (Captain)'s odd crew, as well as the lizard who possesses an aura similar to my own...)
Deimos: (And there are even more interesting characters aboard this ship. I must carefully plan how I am to use every last one of them.)
Continue 1Deimos: (There's no need to rush, however. They will serve as my nourishment all the same. That is their destiny, after all.)
Icarus: Deimos really isn't the evil being people make him out to be. He lets me use his amazing power and even gives me pointers during battle!
Icarus: The reason I'm as strong as I am today is thanks to Deimos!
Icarus: I'm with my pal 'cause I wanna be, ya hear me?
Deimos: (Icarus, you pitiful child... Your naivete and inability to control your own emotions will be the end of you. You really should be more wary of me.)
Deimos: ("He really isn't evil," huh? Even now, I fail to understand why you would let those words ever leave your mouth.)
Deimos: (Will I ever come to comprehend his inexplicable ability to resist my power? Or whatever foolishness lies within his heart? One day, perhaps...)
Deimos: (No, it'd be an eternity before that ever came to pass. Good riddance. What an incorrigible fool of a mortal I've chanced upon.)
Deimos continues to mutter, but his voice is drowned out by Icarus's loud snores.
Silence eventually fills the air, and the room is enveloped in a veil of darkness.
Fragrant Floret