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Right Behind You/Story
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Right Behind You - Opening
Zeta, Vaseraga, Sergeant Ilsa, and new recruit Lester chase after a lackey of the Foe. The lackey's weapon turns into a hostile automagod bearing the name Arianensa, and Lester dies in its ambush, causing Vaseraga to snap.
Man: Huff... Huff...
On the outskirts of town, the ragged breaths of a man on the run echo through a tunnel. Pounding footsteps, four sets in total, aren't far behind him.
Zeta: I think he ran in here.
Vaseraga: Yes. We've got him cornered.
His pursuers are members of the Society, dispatched to liberate a town suffering from mayhem wrought by the Foe.
Ilsa: This tunnel is a dead end. Zeta and Vaseraga will take point while me and Kid Clueless here provide cover.
Young Man: Ma'am! Providing cover, ma'am! Commander Ilsa, ma'am!
Zeta: You're Lester, right? I don't think I need to tell you that your job is to keep the enemy from sneaking up on us.
Lester: Yes, ma'am! Understood, Officer Zeta!
Vaseraga: Stay your enthusiasm. Remain calm while you perform your duties.
Lester: Thank you for the advice, sir! Vaseraga, sir!
Lester: If I perform well on this mission, I might finally be able to become a weapon contractor.
Ilsa: Hah! The only thing you've earned is your nickname: Kid Clueless. I've seen more disciplined faces at a dog show. Like hell you'd get a custom weapon.
Lester: I... spoke out of turn, Commander Ilsa.
Ilsa: One word from me and I'll send you back to basic. If you want my good graces, then put up or shut up. I don't care if all your limbs go flying off, keep your head in the operation.
Vaseraga: Then let's follow your advice and capture the enemy. Move.
The squad led by Ilsa heads farther into the tunnel.
Soon they see the flicker of a torch peaking out of the darkness.
Man: ...
Lester: There!
Vaseraga: Looks like he's armed. I'll deal with the weapon while you take him into custody.
Ilsa: Lester! Back up! Idiots who run to the front line don't get chosen to be weapon contractors!
Lester: Sorry, ma'am!
Ilsa: Take him alive! Don't take the easy way out by killing him!
The Three: Roger!
Man: ...
Man: Automagod Arianensa dwells in my weapon.
Man: You will come to know its power!
All Four: ...!
Zeta: Was that gun actually—
Vaseraga: The same as our weapons?
Ilsa: So he's a contractor too. Now I get why they made a sealer like me tag along.
Man's Voice: Gyaaaah!
All Four: ...!
The cornered man continues to scream, oblivious to the baffled eyes upon him.
Ilsa: The weapon is devouring the wielder?
Lester: It's changing shape! There's some kind of light building up around it...
???: Antfirsnotamor pectomel.
???: Ihnulcang cattka.
Lester: What's it doi—
Lester: ...
Vaseraga: Lester!
Zeta: The weapon turned into a machine? What the hell?
Ilsa: Keep your fool mouth shut! We can chat about whatever the enemy is later!
Ilsa: Vaseface! Break the rock supports and collapse the overhang—
Vaseraga: ...
The commands of Ilsa go unheard as Vaseraga approaches the unknown enemy.
???: Atgert curdeqai.
Vaseraga: Ngh...
Vaseraga: Aaaaah!
Zeta: It's happening again!
Vaseraga, completely overwhelmed by Grynoth's power, crosses arms with the mysterious automaton.
Zeta can only stand before the might of these two approaching storms.
Right Behind You - Chapter 1: Right Behind You - Episode 1
Facing a desperate situation, Vaseraga loses himself to his weapon, Grynoth, which gives him abnormal power—just like a number of times before. But Arianensa is able to knock down Vaseraga in his berserk state, leaving Zeta and Ilsa to take it on in his place.
Vaseraga: Graaaah!
???: Anititigni odem CQC.
Vaseraga swings his scythe at the large automaton.
It takes attack after attack from Vaseraga, who himself has become like a beast starving for blood.
Ilsa: Grynoth's caused his armor to change... Based on the reports, that means Grynoth's gone berserk.
Zeta: Yeah. He's pretty much gone when he gets like this!
Ilsa: Tch. Like a dog who's had its toy taken away. I can't be expected to coordinate efficiently like this.
Ilsa: Keep your distance from Vaseface while he's clowning around. I'll hold back Grynoth's power with a seal. Aim for that opening.
Ilsa and Zeta devise their plan while assessing the situation from cover. But their little powwow is cut short by a violent impact.
Zeta: Vaseraga!
Zeta: That's impossible! He's no match for it even when all hopped up?
Zeta stares in shock as a blast of green flames knocks the Draph to the ground, kicking up a plume of dust.
???: ...!
Ilsa: Humph. Guess Vaseface's happy-go-slashy time didn't work out as planned.
Zeta: The enemy's probably coming for us next.
Ilsa: On the contrary, this is the perfect time for us to take the initiative!
Ilsa: Let's go, Pupper! Gather your wits! I do not want to hear you wetting your pants!
Zeta: Roger!
Right Behind You - Chapter 1: Right Behind You - Episode 1: Scene 2
Zeta and Ilsa defeat Arianensa and are about to recover it, when Vaseraga starts slashing into the automagod's remains using Grynoth. The great scythe essentially consumes Arianensa and becomes an automagod itself. After engulfing the area in flames, it vanishes.
Ilsa: Gun of Arbitration, Nybeth! Show your power!
???: ...!
Light bursts forth from Ilsa's gun, colliding with Arianensa and halting it in its tracks.
Ilsa: Humph. Drink up Nybeth's power. Won't be long until you're sealed back into your original form.
Ilsa: Now, Pupper! Slap that impertinent lassy down a peg!
Zeta: Spear of Arvess! Show your power!
Zeta: Haaaah!
???: Vicdantgiate.
Zeta: Huff... Huff...
Ilsa: Nicely done, Pupper.
Zeta: What's going on? We had our guy cornered, but he was able to awaken his weapon like we can...
Ilsa: I wager the Foe have come into possession of weapons similar to ours.
Ilsa: That isn't the least bit surprising. It's not like the ruins we dug up your spear from are the only ones that exist.
Ilsa: The Foe came to the same conclusion, simple as that.
Zeta: So that Arianensa weapon thing... It turns into a machine to fight on its own? That's what we're dealing with right now?
Ilsa: Probably. My gun should be able to turn it back into its weapon form, though, now that it's dead.
Ilsa: Big as it is, I can still bring it down to size. At least that's one silver lining in this farce.
She steadies her gun, fires another light beam from the muzzle, and the automaton begins transforming back into its original weapon form.
But someone else is watching.
Vaseraga: ...
Zeta: Are you hurt, Vaseraga?
Vaseraga: ...!
Zeta: ...!
Ilsa: ...!
Ilsa: Hey! What are you doing? The fight's over! Down, boy!
Vaseraga: ...!
Vaseraga continues to swing his scythe at the defunct automaton. The situation is out of control.
Ilsa: What the? His scythe is getting larger with each cut! It's almost as if—
Zeta: It's eating the enemy!
Ilsa: If Grynoth's power swells much more, Nybeth's binding ability will be useless!
Ilsa: Get back, Pupper!
Zeta: Wait, lemme just... Vaseraga!
Vaseraga: ...!
But Vaseraga can't hear Zeta. His entire being is locked on carving up the wreckage of the automaton with his scythe.
Pulsating cracks begin to snake all along Grynoth, like worms tunneling just below the ground.
Vaseraga: Gah!
Zeta: Has he snapped back to his senses?
Vaseraga: What is this?
Zeta: Get away from there, Vaseraga!
???: ...
???: Obot unesqece teratds.
This new automaton—a model that none of them have ever laid eyes on—is speaking in tongues.
This continues on for some time before its own soulless eyes begin to shine bright.
???: ...!
It unleashes abnormal fires, which engulf the vicinity and swallow the automaton's should-be wielder, Vaseraga.
???: Obot unesqece nedde.
Atgert achres teratds.
Atgert achres teratds.
By the time the flames clear, the automaton is gone.
Right Behind You - Chapter 1: Right Behind You - Episode 2
The top brass of the Society threaten to punish Zeta, Ilsa, and Vaseraga for losing Grynoth. In order to retain their positions within the Society, they join up with Eustace and Beatrix to recover Grynoth, but ominous, insect-like objects in the sky are watching their every move.
Ilsa: That's all I have to report.
Eustace: Understood.
Eustace: So Grynoth has assumed the form of a monster.
Ilsa: No, I wouldn't call it a monster as such. This is something else entirely.
Ilsa: We can't be certain if Grynoth's capabilities have been affected by taking in Arianensa's power either.
Eustace: Regardless, it must be recovered.
Beatrix: Can I just ask one thing? What happened to that Lester guy?
Ilsa: Only a few traces of his armor were left behind. Scraps—that's all I have to show for the discipline and tough love I put into that kid.
Ilsa takes out a cloth and unfolds it to reveal a metal shard.
Vaseraga: ...
Eustace: His next of kin?
Ilsa: None. He lived a solitary life. No family to mourn him.
Vaseraga: Then I'll take it.
Ilsa: It's all yours.
Vaseraga picks up the shard and stores it away in his pocket.
Eustace: How's your body?
Vaseraga: As long as I complete the treatment, I'll be able to join in recovering Grynoth.
Ilsa: That so. All right, here's a brief summary of the ops.
Ilsa: Because of yesterday's screw up by me and Vaseface, I had to report both the loss of a comrade and Grynoth.
Ilsa: The brass were not amused to hear about the loss of a weapon. Our orders are to retrieve it immediately.
Eustace: That mechanized Grynoth has been spotted on numerous islands. We can use those accounts to predict its next destination.
Ilsa: We'll chase it, stomp it, beat it... Anything to return it to normal. Otherwise...
Ilsa: I think we'll be forcibly restructured within the Society, if you catch my drift.
Zeta: No, not really. What do you mean by restructured?
Ilsa: Ever wonder who gets volunteered when they need live test subjects? With any luck Vaseraga and I won't die that easily.
Zeta: Huh? Live test subjects? Why would they suddenly treat us like that?
Beatrix: Ah! Because we're the Society's trump cards!
Ilsa: The decision makers want to know about the affinity between weapons and their contractors. Opportunity's knocking on their doors.
Zeta: I don't know about Vaseraga, but you...
Zeta: No. No way is Vaseraga doing that either. It's unacceptable!
Ilsa: ...
Eustace: ...
Zeta: Hm? What's with you two?
Eustace: Present your left hand, Zeta.
Zeta warily extends her hand.
Eustace snaps a snug metal ring around her wrist.
Zeta: What's this?
Ilsa: A tracking device. All personnel in connection with the loss of Grynoth will have their movements and whereabouts under constant surveillance.
Ilsa: That includes you. Think of it as your new collar, Pupper.
Zeta: Uh... Wha?
Eustace: It's called collective responsibility. I'm the only one with the authority to remove them, if and when we recover Grynoth.
Zeta: I...
Zeta: I can't agree to this. Why do I have to wear this thing...
Ilsa: ...
Ilsa: What you're about to hear didn't come from me.
Ilsa: The Society is also in chaos right now. It's already divided into nine factions, each of them trying to drag the others down.
Ilsa: One of those factions established a new force utilizing data collected from all of you. Meaning we've got competition.
Ilsa: I've heard they're far easier to boss around. The brass love theoreticals, which makes me think they've completely jumped ship.
Zeta: And that makes us expendable? How did it come to this?
Eustace: The work of the Foe is my guess.
Ilsa: My thoughts exactly. Their spies played our nine leading dum-dums beautifully. Got them flinging their own feces at each other.
Ilsa: It's a trickle-down system of bonitocrap. I can't stand it.
Eustace: The spies are likely long gone. Power struggles are breaking out as everyone tries to one-up each other.
Zeta: Fine, I understand the situation. If we want to protect everyone, then we've gotta make sure this mission ends in success.
Vaseraga: Enemies on the inside, and enemies on the outside. We're in a critical situation.
Beatrix: Heheh. Critical situation, you say? That's when my sword really shines!
Beatrix: The worse it is, the stronger Embrasque gets! You can just let me handle it, you guys!
Ilsa: That's a big if. I'm eager to see how someone who barely squeaked past failing spectacularly on her exams performs this time around.
Beatrix: Ulp... I'll do my best...
All members of the Society who are present vow to fight.
They step out of the tavern and onto a street marred with fresh scars of battle.
Beatrix: The Foe really did a number on this town. What do we do from here?
Eustace: This place barely functions as a town at the moment. It won't see reconstruction anytime soon.
Beatrix: We can't help them at all?
Ilsa: We would only make it worse. Wouldn't you be suspicious of outsiders and their ulterior motives? It's a waste of time until they shake off their distrust.
Zeta: We stopped the Foe, but not soon enough.
Vaseraga: The townspeople even fought against one another. The dust of enmity is unavoidable.
Zeta: This reeked right from the very beginning. Some punk carried off the lord's daughter, and she came back covered in injuries.
Vaseraga: But every investigation into that incident found no truth to those claims. It was all rumors to the very end.
Ilsa: Eventually the lord's daughter really did disappear though.
Zeta: The lord lost it, and he hired private security to round up all the thugs in town and imprison them.
Vaseraga: Those who agreed with the lord and those who opposed confronted each other, sparking a conflict that tore this town apart.
Zeta: Ilsa. What's our enemy trying to do using these slow-burn tactics?
Ilsa: Hell if I know. But I did overhear something that bothers me. All I could make out was one sentence.
Ilsa: "We've begun to understand them."
Ilsa: Damn it all. I'd love to know what the hell it is we're up against.
Ilsa: This conversation has dragged on long enough. All of you prepare to leave the island. I have something else to attend to shortly.
Zeta: You're cutting us loose? Aren't the honchos keeping an eye on us?
Ilsa: You've already been collared, and I've taken the liberty of preparing excellent overseers as a contingency. Isn't that right, Hellcat?
Beatrix: Uh... Yeah! Eustace and I are in charge of watching you!
Ilsa: The brass were so busy extracting their fists from their own rears that all they said was to watch you. I take that to mean I can use any method I want.
Ilsa: That about sums it up. There's a ship waiting. Go lay low somewhere. I'll catch up to you later.
Zeta: Okay.
Zeta: Hm?
Zeta notices something in the sky. It resembles a large insect as it buzzes over the island's airspace.
???: Bzzzz...
Zeta: What's that? Doesn't look like a bird. Is it a huge bug?
Beatrix: That thing's been buzzing around the edge of the island since yesterday. Looks like a bug to me too.
Zeta: Creepy is what it is. I've never seen anything like it before.
Insect-Like Drone: Chzzk-chzzk-chzzk...
Vaseraga: Hm?
Zeta: What is it?
Vaseraga: Is it searching for something?
Zeta: I dunno. Maybe it's hungry? Hey, Bea. You know if that thing's dangerous?
Beatrix: Well, I haven't heard anyone being attacked by it or anything, so...
Zeta: Huh. Guess we don't have to do anything about it for now.
Vaseraga: ...
Zeta: All right then. I just want to pack my things and rest up. Where are we headed?
Beatrix: Hm...
Beatrix: How 'bout we go see (Captain) and the others? I think Vyrn's been feeling lonely lately since he keeps asking about you and Vaseraga.
Beatrix: They're staying in a big town on a nearby island. Doesn't that sound like a good idea?
Zeta: Now that you mention it, we weren't able to meet up with them. You got a letter from them too, right, Vaseraga?
Vaseraga: Yes, but I'd rather not see them right now.
Zeta: Not until things get back to normal, huh?
Beatrix: Yeah, but... (Captain) and the others... Um...
Zeta: You're really pushing us to go see them. Am I missing something?
Eustace: ...
Eustace: It's a bustling town. Setting the crew aside, we'll have no trouble procuring supplies.
Vaseraga: Or a healer...
Beatrix: Oh, wait a minute. Almost forgot my job title! You'll get in big trouble if you don't obey my commands as your overseer!
Vaseraga: Then I have no objections.
Beatrix leads the group to the airship provided by Ilsa.
Zeta: Wonder how the crew's doin'.
Vaseraga suddenly stops, his eyes fixed on the sky.
Vaseraga: ...
Insect-Like Drone: Chzzk-chzzk-chzzk...
Vaseraga: (Why do I feel uneasy...)
Vyrn: L-Lyria! (Captain)!
Lyria: What is it, Vyrn?
Vyrn: That buggish-looking thing just landed on the ship!
Lyria: Eep! Where, where? I don't see it!
Vyrn: Never mind, it flew away.
Lyria: Aw, too bad. I thought we could have finally figured out what it is.
Vyrn: Yeah, you can't really tell from far away. Just that it's got six legs.
Lyria: How weird. I've been hearing how it shows up almost everywhere these days.
Vyrn: There's like a ton of 'em. They show up outta nowhere, zigging and zagging through the air. Yuck-factor: ten.
Gnat: Chzzk-chzzk-chzzk...
Gnat: Atgert dounf.
Right Behind You - Chapter 1: Right Behind You - Episode 3
Zeta and her party are on their way to meet up with the crew, but Vaseraga can't get Lester's death off his mind. He disappears to another part of town to have his body "conditioned", something Eustace claims is Vaseraga's way of showing penance to fallen comrades.
Vaseraga: ...
???: I have finally been assigned to a mission with you, sir. Thank you for all your help up until now.
???: It's changing shape! There's some kind of light building up around it...
???: ...
Vaseraga: (I...)
Vaseraga: (It happened again...)
Zeta: Vaseraga? What are you spacing out for?
Vaseraga: ...!
Zeta: You're holding that piece of Lester's armor.
Vaseraga: Yes. He died because of my carelessness.
Zeta: It wasn't your fault.
Vaseraga: ...
The Draph has nothing more to say.
Zeta: ...
Zeta: Sigh... Anyway, what am I gonna do about this tracking device?
Zeta: Can't take it off—can't even go to the bathroom without the people upstairs knowing. It's freakin' overkill.
Vaseraga: I'm sorry.
Zeta: Um, what? That's not like you at all!
Vaseraga: ...
Vaseraga doesn't reply. He simply shakes his head over and over again as he walks away.
Zeta: Give me a break!
Zeta: You're not the only affected by your sulking, you know!
Beatrix: ...
Beatrix has been watching their conversation.
Eustace: Are you worried about him?
Beatrix: Yeah. Wouldn't you be down too if you saw a comrade die?
Eustace: This definitely is no ordinary situation. Is that why you suggested rendezvousing with (Captain) and the others?
Beatrix: Yep. At a time like this, that guy's death will haunt him to no end.
Beatrix: It takes time to deal with sadness, but too much of it can overshadow everything else.
Beatrix: Like when I lost my family... Just hearing Zeta's voice was enough to help me through it...
Eustace: ...
Beatrix: Or am I just butting in?
Eustace: You are.
Beatrix: Oh... Yeah, I guess so...
Eustace: But Vaseraga didn't explicitly say no either. I think your good intentions reached him in a way.
Beatrix: Hopefully...
Zeta: Mm... Nothing beats a nice, peaceful town.
Beatrix: Don't tell me you're looking to shop or something.
Zeta: Sure, why not after all that's happened? It'll let me take my mind off things.
Eustace: After we finish our business first. Until then behave yourselves.
Beatrix: Pfft, you don't have to tell me that! It's not like I brought Zeta here so that we could goof off or anything!
Zeta: Hehe... You're relieved Ilsa's not around, aren't ya, Bea?
Beatrix: N-no, who said anything about that? I'm not suffering from the trauma of her training! No siree!
Eustace: Ah, I see. Ilsa was your instructor.
Zeta: Mine too. That's why I still address her with authority.
Eustace: Yes... She's certainly changed.
Zeta: That bother you? How's she different?
Eustace: She never used words like "crap" back then.
Beatrix: Liar! That's like her favorite word.
Eustace: She's actually an average, ordinary person.
Beatrix: Really? Are you close to Ilsa?
Eustace: We both joined the Society around the same time. That's all.
Beatrix: When did you notice that about her?
Eustace: I'm not entirely sure. You can ask Vaseraga about her later.
Zeta: He knows the old Ilsa too?
Zeta: What's his story?
Eustace: He requested a weapon, and it came into his possession. He spoke of how it would bring his physical conditioning to completion.
Zeta: Hmm. Must've been a long time ago.
Eustace: Presumably. After joining the Society, he focused his entire being into ensuring no one would die.
Eustace: But this time it was out of his hands.
Eustace: Whenever he loses a comrade, he conditions his body. This is an act of penance in his mind.
Zeta: Penance, huh? Judging from his appearance, he must've been conditioning himself for a long time. We all have skeletons in our past, don't we?
Zeta wonders what could have happened to Vaseraga back then.
But since she has no interest in piecing together speculation, she changes the subject.
Zeta: Guess I'd better get ready too. My current gear just doesn't cut it.
And with that, Zeta and the others head to the Knickknack Shack to purchase equipment.
Right Behind You - Chapter 1: Right Behind You - Episode 4
Vaseraga undergoes treatment from a healer which induces bad memories of all the people he's lost in the past. Meanwhile aboard the Grandcypher, the crew notice more and more insect-like things in the sky as they get closer to the island where Zeta and the others are waiting.
Vaseraga: Guh!
Dark Primal: ...
Vaseraga's body is decaying.
A putrid stench comes off his dissolving black limbs, induced by the power of the primal beast before him.
Young Skyfarer: Protect Captain Vaseraga! Get him somewhere safe on the double!
Vaseraga: Stop! Leave me... Run!
Young Skyfarer: As long as you're alive, we can rebuild. We promised, didn't we? Our lives are yours!
Vaseraga: No! Stop this right now!
Vaseraga: Cough...
Vaseraga's lungs have fallen to the black decay that now spreads throughout his entire body. The pain is so intense that twitching a single finger tip proves impossible.
Vaseraga: Agh... Aaah!
His comrades who are carrying him are not immune to the pain either, and one by one they drop.
Vaseraga: (My conceit caused this mess...)
Vaseraga: (Countless sacrifices made so that I could survive. This body was forged so that no one would have to fall into the same pits.)
Vaseraga: (But...)
Lester: ...
Vaseraga: (If only I had jumped in front of that boy...)
Healer: You're awake. The procedure is over. How do you feel?
Vaseraga: Never better. Thanks for your time.
Healer: With that said, you still require a different treatment.
Vaseraga: A lot has... happened.
Healer: Well, it's not my place to pry. Now as for the results of your body analysis...
Healer: You've gained physical strength that defies logic, though you wouldn't know it at a glance.
Vaseraga: No surprises there.
Healer: Something's taken root throughout your body. It bends to your will, which I'm sure will safeguard you in times of battle.
Vaseraga: I remember my armor changing form in a previous battle.
Vaseraga: Do you think this "root" you mentioned has anything to do with making armor come out of my body?
Healer: It's difficult to perform a definitive analysis, but since you seem able to control your form at will, it's within the realms of possibility.
Vaseraga: Mm. Thanks again.
Vaseraga: (It always feels unsettling whenever I'm consumed by Grynoth's power.)
Vaseraga: (There's something inside me. Something that's awakened...)
Beatrix: Hey, there he is!
Vaseraga stops when he hears Beatrix calling him in the distance.
Beatrix: Don't go off on your own now! You're supposed to be under our watch!
Vaseraga: I have a tracking device on me too. There shouldn't be any problems.
Vaseraga gives a little shrug, causing the bag in his hand to rustle.
Beatrix: Huh? What's in the bag? Did you buy something?
Vaseraga: Yes. I found a rare breed of apples.
Zeta: Apples?
Zeta: Oh, as a gift for Vyrn.
Zeta: Ahaha. You said you didn't want to see them, but here you are looking forward to it.
Vaseraga: It's simply good manners to give a small gift.
Zeta: Whatever. We should make the most of our time with the crew until Ilsa's gotten everything ready.
Vaseraga: Mm.
Lyria: Ah! We're almost there!
Vyrn: Red and the others are already on the ground, right?
Lyria: It's going to be great seeing everyone again.
Vyrn: Yep. How many days has it been since we got to see their faces? Hope they've been doing well.
Their hearts beat with excitement at the thought of the long-awaited reunion. It's at that point that (Captain) looks off far into the sky.
Vyrn: What? Do you see something?
Lyria: Is it those bugs again? They're flying everywhere.
Vyrn: Seems like they've been multiplying ever since we got here.
Lyria: How mysterious. Looks like some people are trying to catch them, but...
The insect-like entities always keep their distance from land and airships as they continue to hover around.
No one has an answer as to what they are, for no one has succeeded in capturing one.
Vyrn: Eh, I haven't seen 'em do anything bad, so we can probably ignore 'em.
The flying objects have never left the crew over the past few days. By now the crew has lost their curiosity in them.
Insect-Like Drone: Chzzk-chzzk-chzzk
They have no reason to believe that the "insects" are watching the Grandcypher's every move.
Insect-Like Drone: Atgert dounf.
Right Behind You - Chapter 2: The Corruptor - Episode 1
Shadowy figures discuss their plan to study and manipulate the winners and losers of the War. Meanwhile Zeta and the others stumble upon more subordinates of the Foe—Vaseraga stays behind to battle insect-like machines while the others chase the subordinates through the town.
Silhouette 1: I erdro ouy ot proter.
Silhouette 2: You've awakened. Beginning report as you ordered. The target is under investigation.
Silhouette 1: Oh, are we using their language now?
Silhouette 2: Our current objective is to understand them. To essentially become them.
Silhouette 1: Their language is too slow. I hate it. So primitive.
Silhouette 2: But that is the key to understanding them.
Silhouette 2: Do not look down upon the Kys-dwellers. They were oppressed during the War.
Silhouette 1: Yes. Cannot look down on them. Thus the servant beasts of the Trasal remain in hiding.
Silhouette 2: The technological might of the Trasal that lies at their feet is still beyond them. They will never be able to comprehend it, even when given hundreds of years.
Silhouette 1: Then give them until a thousand. Continue processing at the same time. Investigate, analyze, and then sunder.
Zeta: Didn't (Captain) say they'd land in the afternoon?
Beatrix: It's about that time now. Should we start making our way to the Knickknack Shack where we're supposed to meet them?
Zeta: Yeah...
The four walk aimlessly down the street when something on the corner catches Vaseraga's eye.
Vaseraga: Hm...
Distant Woman: Um, excuse me. Could you point me in the right direction?
Man: Sure, no problem.
With a vacant expression on her face, the woman leads the smitten man into an alleyway and out of sight.
Vaseraga: That woman. Where have I seen her before?
Zeta: Oh, an old flame?
Vaseraga: No, someone from Society documents. She must be that missing person from the previous island that started it all.
Zeta: What! You mean that lord's daughter the rumors say was kidnapped? What's she doin' here?
Vaseraga: No idea. Let's go after her.
Man: Aaah!
Distant Woman: That makes the third.
A woman stands over the prostrate man, gripping a blunt object.
Some more men come out from a building.
Strange Man: We are sending this one too then? Fine. Prepare the rumor.
Suspicious Man: Who should we pin the kidnapping on? That arrogant crew the next island over? Or maybe we will use him for the affair story instead...
Vaseraga: What are you doing?
Distant Woman: ...
Zeta: I don't know what's going on, but step away from the body—
Insect-Like Drone: Bzzzz...
Zeta: The bug landed?
Insect-Like Drone: Yenem odpetst. Ihnulcang cattka.
Vaseraga: It's not a bug. It's a machine.
Zeta: It's transforming!
Vaseraga: Stay on alert. It's looking for a fight.
???: Anititigni utlsasa odem.
Vaseraga: It's very similar to Arianensa and Grynoth.
Eustace: More war assets of the Foe?
Suspicious Man: Reinforcements have arrived. Now.
Beatrix: Hey! They're using the townspeople to get away!
Vaseraga: I can see that. You three chase after them. This one is mine.
Zeta: Are you crazy? This isn't the time to be acting all macho!
Eustace: The layout of this town is disadvantageous for pursuers. Leave this to Vaseraga and let's move.
Zeta: I'm not responsible for whatever happens here!
Vaseraga: My body is different. I don't need you to worry about me. Now go.
The other three Society members disappear into the crowds while Vaseraga readies his new scythe.
???: ...
Vaseraga: Let's see what this logic-defying strength rooted in my body can do.
???: ...
Vaseraga: I believe this is what you said when you transformed.
Vaseraga: Anititigni utlsasa odem.
Words unintelligible to skydweller ears flow from the Draph's mouth.
Vaseraga: Ungh!
The enhanced strength wired throughout his body ramps up at the cost of consuming his consciousness.
Vaseraga: I can still maintain some control at this level.
Vaseraga: Here I come. This'll be the test run for Great Scythe Alsarav.
Right Behind You - Chapter 2: The Corruptor - Episode 1: Scene 2
Vaseraga discovers his body still exhibits signs of Grynoth's power from the times it had manipulated his body. He wonders what it could mean, but an incoming premonition forces him to put those thoughts on hold.
Vaseraga: Raaah!
???: Vicdantgiate.
Vaseraga: (This is that unsettling feeling I always get whenever Grynoth's power consumes me. This is its true form.)
Vaseraga: (The source of Grynoth has taken root inside my body... The power to protect its user and hunt primal beasts.)
Vaseraga: (Even though Grynoth is still missing, its vestiges are left within me.)
Insect-Like Drone: ...
Vaseraga: I don't sense any more hostility. What is it waiting for?
Vaseraga: ...!
Vaseraga is suddenly hyperaware of his surroundings. A chill runs down his spine as he looks up.
Vaseraga: It's coming!
Right Behind You - Chapter 2: The Corruptor - Episode 2
(Captain) and company finally touch down on the island, and Vyrn and Lyria head into town first. They find Vaseraga battling with Automagod Grynoth, who suddenly switches its focus from Vaseraga to Vyrn and Lyria.
Silhouette 1: What is the status of the survey?
Silhouette 2: Automagod Grynoth's sentinel found an object of interest.
Silhouette 1: Another target we can use? Or is it something that will become a threat to us?
Silhouette 2: It could go either way.
Silhouette 1: I see. I want it captured.
Silhouette 2: Of course. Grynoth is already on the move.
Zeta: Haaah!
Strange Man: Ungh...
Zeta: We got all three tied up.
Beatrix: You okay, mister?
Man: Y-yes. You saved me. Thank you.
Eustace: Even the Foe is digging into this town.
Eustace: You. Hurry home and bar the doors. If any other odd people show up, ignore everything and leave town.
Man: O-okay!
The frightened man gives a few nods and is gone.
Zeta: Do you think this town's also a powder keg waiting to explode?
Eustace: Yes, but I doubt that's the main objective. There has to be a reason why they're controlling those strange machines.
What could the Foe possibly be plotting? Their thoughts are interrupted by thunderous noises in the sky.
Zeta: What's that racket? Is something coming toward the island?
Beatrix: It's that black thing way out there!
Eustace: Judging from its trajectory, it's going to crash not too far from here.
Vyrn: Phew! Finally made it!
Lyria: That was so tiring. We wrapped up all of our missions and left on the double as soon as we got the letter from Zeta and the others!
Vyrn: Red and Spiky are already here, right?
The crew is supposed to meet Zeta and Vaseraga at this island's Knickknack Shack.
Not wanting to keep them waiting, (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria decide to head for the shop ahead of everyone else.
Vyrn: I guess we'll let (Captain) handle all the landing paperwork. Come on, Lyria, let's go first.
Lyria: What a lovely day. It would be wonderful to have a meal out on a terrace.
Vyrn: Yep. It'd definitely make Red and Spiky easier to find too if we were sitting outside at a table.
Lyria: Huh? It got dark all of a sudden.
Vyrn: Probably just a cloud passing over—
Vyrn: Whoa! Some huge, dark thing just dropped outta the sky! Doesn't look like a person... Think it's a primal beast?
Lyria: No, I don't think so. It feels even more dreadful than that...
Townspeople come out to gawk at the fallen object. Vyrn and Lyria observe the scene with caution.
They soon hear the clangs of clashing steel.
Vyrn: I think someone's fighting whatever it is that just fell.
Lyria: It's getting closer to us. We should probably go get (Captain)—
Vaseraga: Aaaah!
Automagod Grynoth: ...!
Vyrn: Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that huge guy with the hood Spiky?
Lyria: Vaseraga?
Lyria: We definitely have to go get (Captain) now!
Automagod Grynoth: ...
Automagod Grynoth: Atgert dounf.
Vyrn: Uh... That freaky thing's looking at us...
Automagod Grynoth: ...!
Lyria: I-it's coming this way, Vyrn!
Vaseraga: Vyrn? Lyria?
Vaseraga: Ngh!
Vaseraga makes a dash at the mechanical anomaly and tackles it before it can reach Vyrn and Lyria.
Vaseraga: You two. Get away from here.
Lyria: But, Vasera—
Vaseraga: Now!
Vyrn: G-gotcha! We'll come back for you for sure!
Automagod Grynoth: ...
They try to run, but the anomaly's tail slams down in front of them.
Vyrn: Ack!
Automagod Grynoth: Fi ouy emov, I likl thob.
Vaseraga: Taking hostages? We'll see about that.
Vaseraga: Anititigni tebas odem.
Like a spell reacting to an incantation, the roots of Grynoth leak from Vaseraga, covering him in an armored shell.
Vaseraga: Guh...
Vaseraga: Gwoooh!
Right Behind You - Chapter 2: The Corruptor - Episode 3
Vaseraga shields Vyrn and Lyria from Grynoth until (Captain), Zeta, Eustace, and Beatrix arrive on the scene to provide backup.
Startled by loud clashes that could only signify the start of a battle, (Captain) comes racing onto the scene.
Zeta: (Captain)! It's dangerous here! You need to get away!
Zeta: Wait, did Lyria and the others already go into town?
Zeta: This is bad... We've gotta go find them!
(Captain), Zeta, and the rest quickly run to the spot where the black object had fallen.
Vaseraga: Ugh...
Automagod Grynoth: ...
Zeta: Vaseraga!
Zeta: Spear of Arvess! Show your power! Haaaah!
Automagod Grynoth: Yenem odpetst.
Zeta: Man, it's tough!
The moment the machine anomaly blocks Zeta's attack, (Captain) bursts out from cover.
Snatching Vyrn and Lyria, the three go tumbling into an alley.
Lyria: (Captain)! Vaseraga... He...
Vyrn: He fought while protecting us, but he can't take any more beatings!
(Captain) charges in, swinging down the sword in order to rescue Vaseraga who lies at the foot of the machine.
Grynoth: ...
But the machine's armor easily repels the attack that would've easily rended any other enemy.
The blade curiously slides off the armor's surface at the very moment it's about to connect.
Vyrn: Are you kidding me? Red's spear and even (Captain)'s sword can't get through?
Beatrix: Eustace, we'll buy you some time, so charge Flamek up to max.
Beatrix: That thing's no joke! Just being near it is enough to make Embrasque all screwy!
Eustace: Mm. It's as dangerous as the reports indicated. I don't intend on holding back. Go!
Right Behind You - Chapter 2: The Corruptor - Episode 3: Scene 2
Grynoth wipes out the party with its flames and is about to fly off with Vyrn when Ilsa arrives with a force of Society soldiers. Together with Zeta and Vaseraga, they make a final attempt to stop Grynoth, but it escapes with Vyrn anyway.
Grynoth: ...!
The machine emits a violet light, scorching (Captain)'s team.
They lie fallen, extremities charred and bodies steaming.
Lyria: This can't be happening...
Zeta: (No way... Even (Captain)?)
Eustace: Ugh... Impossible!
Zeta: (Eustace can't see from the heat...)
Beatrix: Damn that thing! Damn it! Damn it!
Zeta: (That voice... Bea, it burned your throat!)
Vaseraga: ...!
Zeta: (Vaseraga's done after having to tank it by himself.)
Zeta: ...!
Zeta: Aaaah!
Zeta: (My left hand's smoldering like coal...)
Zeta: Ngh... Damn! I think we really got ourselves in deep this time!
Vyrn: Oh no, no, no! Come on, people, this ain't no problem for you! Get up! Run!
Grynoth: ...
Searing pain prevents (Captain) from moving.
Sensing that (Captain) can no longer stand, the machine strolls up to the fallen captain.
Grynoth: Ecutapr unesqece teratds.
Vyrn: What do you think you're doing to (Captain), you stinkhead!
Lyria: What does it want? Why is it doing all these horrible things!
Grynoth: ...
Vyrn: Urrgh!
Instead of answering, the machine whips its tail and catches Vyrn squarely in the chest.
Zeta: ...!
Vyrn: Oof... That... hurt... What's it got against me?
Grynoth: ...
The machine picks up Vyrn from off the ground, and they both ascend nimbly into the air.
Vyrn: Let go of me! Let me go!
Zeta: It's trying to fly away? Was it after Vyrn all along?
Vaseraga: I won't let you!
Zeta: Can you move?
Vaseraga: As much as you can.
Zeta and Vaseraga struggle to their feet to face Grynoth who has seized Vyrn.
Zeta: I don't care anymore. If this is where my road ends, I won't go down without a fight!
Vaseraga: You read my mind.
Automagod Grynoth: ...
The two warriors prepare their final act of desperation, but the machine seems ready to take their assault.
???: Fire!
Zeta: ...!
Vaseraga: ...!
Society Member 1: Hah!
Grynoth: Ademdga.
Ilsa: I guess I didn't have to chase Grynoth after all. To think it could do this to four contractors though...
Ilsa: It won't come back quietly. Listen up, maggots! We're going to light that thing up with everything we have!
Soldiers stand by a line of artillery, waiting for Ilsa's next command.
Ilsa: Load the anti-Astral HVAP rounds! Aim for its midsection!
Ilsa: Just one of these babies costs two million rupies, but I'm footing the bill today!
Ilsa: Now, unleash hell!
A row of fifty cannons pound away at the machine with volley after volley of ordinance. The machine's armor is chipped away with each impact.
Ilsa: It seems to be having an effect, but the damage is too shallow. Even a direct hit yields a penetration of less than 10%?
Grynoth: Egenotareinr teratds.
Grynoth's eyes flicker, and the holes ripped in its armor begin to fill.
Ilsa: An auto-repair system? Not to mention it's absurdly fast. Don't let up! Prepare the reserves! Fire everything!
As all this mayhem is unfolding, the machine continues to lilt lazily in the air.
Zeta glares up at the enemy.
Zeta: Vaseraga. If you toss me with all your might, can you get me onto it?
Vaseraga: To do what?
Zeta: You know what! To save Vyrn!
Vaseraga: ...!
Zeta: It's up to you. This is our last chance.
Vaseraga: Mm.
Zeta: Wait until the next bombardment ends.
Zeta: ...
Zeta: Now!
Vaseraga: Raaah!
Zeta: Arvess!
Vaseraga hurls Zeta with everything he has. Her spear bursts into flames, and she emerges from the smoke aiming for the machine.
Zeta: Take this!
She jams the tip of her spear into a fresh wound in the armor. From her anchor-hold, she extends her smoldering left hand to Vyrn.
Vyrn: Red!
Zeta: Grab on!
But before they can reunite, the sharp end of Grynoth's tail zips in front of Zeta's face.
Zeta: ...!
Her do-or-die stunt was for naught; she flails wildly as the ground grows closer and the machine shrinks further away.
Automagod Grynoth: ...
Satisfied, the machine coats Vyrn in a violet, phosphorus mucus.
Vyrn: Yuck! What are you doing? It's all goopy! Stop!
Vyrn: Ulp! Cough... Hack...
Vyrn: Aaaah!
Zeta: I'm sorry... Vyrn...
Those are Zeta's last words before her body slams through the roof of a building.
Right Behind You - Chapter 2: The Corruptor - Episode 4
The crew and the Society members chase after Grynoth to a pockmarked island named Moon Sliver. Only Vaseraga, who hasn't been acting normally ever since Grynoth ran amok, seems to know anything about it.
Zeta: A composite material of dragon hide and behemoth leather should do the trick. It'll take fire like a champ.
Zeta: I should be ready with this...
Only a few hours have passed since the defeat. The healer from the town tends to the injured.
They have left the island in a rush to chase after the machine that absconded with Vyrn.
Ilsa: Thanks to Pupper's heroics, we have a bead on the enemy's next destination.
Ilsa: That was some quick thinking, jamming your tracking device into its body while you were hanging from it.
Eustace: How did you get it off?
Zeta: Fire has a way of burning away useless flesh.
Ilsa: We'd better get a skilled healer to fix that up for you quickly. But I order you not to go charging into death again.
Society Member 1: At least we know where it is now, right?
Society Member 2: Just cut us loose, and we'll have this wrapped up tight.
Ilsa: Rescuing the captive comes first. Do not forget that.
Society Member 1: Yeah, yeah. We'll take care of it.
Beatrix: Hey! That's our friend we're talking about! I don't want to see that attitude!
Society Member 1: Oh, sorry. As you can see, we're still lacking in the experience and common sense department.
Society Member 2: Since this is our first mission, we will obey your commands, o great veterans.
Beatrix: I don't like them.
Ilsa: Neither do I. I put in a request for contractors like yourselves, but this is what I got.
Zeta: They're the Society's newest unit you were talking about?
Ilsa: Yes. They carry standard issue equipment and provisions. Not that they could hold a candle to any of you, but they do excel at bolstering the line.
Beatrix: It pisses me off to see any sort of favoritism from the Society...
Ilsa: I wouldn't say this out loud, but I agree. They're a splinter faction preoccupied with ramming through anything to gain accolades.
Zeta: Well, they may be disagreeable, but we kinda need 'em right now.
Eustace: That's right. How are we going to take down Grynoth?
Zeta: For one, nothing seems to faze it.
Lyria: I couldn't believe my eyes when (Captain)'s sword bounced right off of it.
Ilsa: That doesn't mean it's impervious to damage. It just repairs itself at an alarming speed.
Ilsa: It only looks as if it's not taking damage because we can't hurt it fast enough.
Beatrix: How do we deal with something like that?
Zeta: It's not immortal, right? I mean, towards the end its regeneration rate dropped.
Vaseraga: It must consume resources for its repairs. There has to be a limit.
Ilsa: Exactly. And one more thing.
Ilsa: Our analysis shows that it's covered in metallic, cell-like objects.
Ilsa: The cells themselves have no function. Therefore it should have a source core that controls everything.
Zeta: A source core? Could Vaseraga's scythe be used as one?
Ilsa: Do you have an idea?
Zeta: When I stabbed that thing in the chest with my spear, it felt like when my spear clashed with the old Grynoth.
Zeta: It takes me back to when we'd really get on each other's nerves and spar. I'll never forget that feeling.
Ilsa: I see. Then that'll be our battle plan. Focus on ripping away the armor around its chest.
Eustace: Tear a hole in it, drag out the scythe, and paralyze the enemy.
Ilsa: In other words we beat on it with all our firepower until it's dead without dying ourselves. It's so much easier when you only have one thing to focus on.
Zeta: Now that we've seen what it can do, we'll take the fight to it right from the start.
Zeta: We'll definitely win next time and save Vyrn.
Beatrix: I hope he's okay...
Lyria: What was that black monster? Why did it take Vyrn away?
Zeta: We don't really know why either...
Zeta: But it clearly wanted Vyrn alive, so I'm sure he hasn't been harmed.
Lyria: Oh, I'm so worried...
Zeta: Trust us. Don't forget (Captain)'s with us too.
Zeta: We won't let it end like this. We're definitely going to get Vyrn back.
The crew continues to follow the tracking signal, and an island comes into view.
Vaseraga: That's... Moon Sliver.
Zeta: Moon? As in the sphere in the sky? I can see that the ground's full of holes just like it, but...
Vaseraga: Moon Sliver is just the name of the island.
Zeta: Well, that's a weird name. You seem to know a lot about it.
Vaseraga: I've never spoken that name until now. I've never seen this island until now—never knew that I knew this place until now.
Vaseraga: Ever since that incident with Arianensa, my body hasn't been the same.
Zeta: ...
Vaseraga: Every time Grynoth went berserk, I could feel it affecting me. Perhaps this influence built up to the point where it's manifesting.
Zeta: You feel it now even without your weapon?
Vaseraga: Mm.
Vaseraga grows quiet.
Vaseraga: Zeta. If the time comes when you have to choose between saving me or Vyrn...
Vaseraga: Don't hesitate to abandon me.
Zeta: What are you trying to say...
Vaseraga: ...
But Vaseraga will say no more.
The crew soon lands on the island Vaseraga calls Moon Sliver. Something is surely waiting for them.
Just as surely as Vyrn's fate hangs in the balance.
Right Behind You - Chapter 3: Moon Sliver - Episode 1
Vyrn is brought before a resurrected corpse powered by a machine. Acting as a member of the Foe, its goal is to brainwash skydwellers into sowing the seeds of chaos throughout the sky realm.
Automagod Grynoth: ...
Vyrn: Wh-where am I?
A black automaton walks through a barren landscape while carrying Vyrn, trapped within a crystal.
It eventually comes to a stop in front of giant doors.
???: You've come.
Vyrn: Whadda h-heck?
???: I do wish to speak with you, but first I have a prior guest that demands my attention. I ask that you wait.
Man: Huh? Where am I?
Distant Man: He is awake.
Suspicious Man: You are right. He can walk on his own then.
Man: Let me go! Take me back to the town!
Distant Man: In time. There is someone who wants to meet you.
Suspicious Man: A great person who will save you from your wife's betrayal.
Man: This again? My wife's not that kind of person!
Distant Man: Quiet. We are here. The other is here as well.
???: ...
Man: What is this?
Distant Man: Our living altar. It grants us divinations.
Suspicious Man: I am deeply sorry. We have brought this man who could not be easily persuaded.
???: Hm. A decent specimen. Begin the physical persuasion routine.
???: Carefully.
Suspicious Man: As you wish.
You. Move.
You. Move.
Man: P-please let me go! I beg of you!
Vyrn: Wh-what are you g-going to...
???: Does his fate concern you? He is being led away to be shown how our thoughts can become one.
???: Let's say, for example, there is a foolish one who firmly believes a story of betrayal of our own fabrication.
???: That in itself would be enough—simply wait for the fool to spread dissent, and they become the kindling of conflict without us expending unnecessary resources.
???: On the other hand, those with strong wills who are not easily deceived require a more... physical approach of persuasion. Repeated burning and drowning usually does the trick.
???: When that man embraces our persuasion and is able to believe what we say, he is free to return to the town.
Vyrn: Th-that's s-sick! Why w-would you...
???: Why would we do that? For utility.
???: There are many people who trust what is around them, skewing toward rumor mills over facts.
???: If that man were to start a big rumor, it would foster an environment of conflict, bit by bit. Like the seedling flame of a wildfire.
???: Now for the hour of mystery. Do you know why I am telling you all of this?
???: ...?
???: Because I sympathize with you. When I think about all the hardships you have endured, the truth simply oozes out of me.
???: ...!
Automagod Grynoth: ...
???: We have visitors. Go and greet them, Automagod Grynoth.
???: As for you, I believe it is time for your analysis.
Vyrn: A-analysis? Wh-what do you w-want from me!
???: I know how you must feel, but do not make that face at me. You and I both bear the same suffering.
???: Oh, when will my war ever end?
Right Behind You - Chapter 3: Moon Sliver - Episode 2
(Captain) and company land on Moon Sliver and find ruins similar to the ones where the Society excavated its weapons. They surmise that Moon Sliver is connected to the Foe and head deeper through the ruins.
The crew is unable to suppress their astonishment at this never-before-seen landscape.
Despite not knowing what lies ahead, they press on to save Vyrn.
Lyria: These ruins are filled with a mystery...
Zeta: It looks like people are living here, but...
Ilsa: These ruins look very similar to the ones that were discovered along with our weapons.
Eustace: The weapons must have a connection to the originators of these ruins then.
Ilsa: Yeah. Coming to this place was no coincidence. The Foe probably have their own forces stationed here.
Beatrix: Does that make them Astrals?
Ilsa: Who can say. We ordered a scholar of Helmuth to do an analysis, but the only thing we learned was they were built twenty thousand years ago.
Vaseraga: These ruins first stood even before the time of the creation myth?
Ilsa: Yeah. What those creators left behind is a completely different myth from the one we're familiar with.
Ilsa: Look at that.
Ilsa: Those ruins that entombed the weapons are perfectly presented in this mural.
Ilsa: A giant spherical island, and a smaller island that revolves around it... It seems this is how the world was once perceived.
Zeta: Is this an airship? It looks like it's going from the big island to the small island...
Ilsa: Probably. But compared to us, they're definitely far more advanced.
Ilsa: And to top it off, our excavated weapons are mixed in with these ruins.
Ilsa: I don't know why those people vanished, but their technology outclasses skydweller tech by a ridiculous margin.
Zeta: I wondered who could've created monsters like Arianensa and Grynoth, but this...
Ilsa: Humph. I bet there are lots more weapons snoozing under our feet.
Vaseraga: Be they relics from the past, or creations of our Foe...
Vaseraga: Whoever our enemy is, I won't remain silent while one of our comrades languishes in their hands. We press on.
Right Behind You - Chapter 3: Moon Sliver - Episode 3
The party runs across subordinates of the Foe attempting to brainwash a skydweller. The party is ready for a fight, but the subordinates nonchalantly spill the beans about the Foe's plans and offer to guide them to the heart of the enemy.
Lyria: It's too quiet... Scary quiet...
Lyria: No, I can't be afraid at a time like this. Vyrn's the one who's scared the most right now.
Zeta: I'm sorry we've been so useless, Lyria.
Lyria: That's not true... If it had only been us back then, I don't know what would've happened.
Zeta: ...
Eustace: Sounds like water. And people.
Ilsa: Mm, a few it seems. Considering where we are...
Eustace: People mixed up with the Foe. Let's capture one for information.
What they find is a man thrusting another man's head into a basin of water and holding him under.
Man: Gasp! Cough, cough...
Distant Man: Do you understand? Your wife cheated on you. The child is not yours.
Man: That is absurd! I won't hear of it—
Man: Gwaah!
Suspicious Man: Your wife was not only seeing the neighbors, but also the town lord and the guardsmen. Say it.
Man: Cough! Cough!
Man: That's all a load of crap!
Distant Man: What now? We need more time to make him understand.
Suspicious Man: He will crack after ten days. Be patient.
Beatrix: What do you jerks think you're doing?
Zeta: Wha? Bea!
Beatrix shouts out reflexively as Zeta frantically tries to calm her down.
The two interrogators snap their heads at Beatrix, their expressions blank as usual.
Distant Man: We are trying to make this man our comrade. As it was foretold to us.
Suspicious Man: If we use physical persuasion, he will come to understand us. Do you wish to be taught?
Eustace: What is this foretelling you're talking about?
Distant Man: Neutronon blesses us with divinations. We heed the sacred words delivered by the corpse of the star. He is our living altar.
Suspicious Man: We can take you to see him. Could use a break from all this torture.
The party follows the two men even deeper through the ruins.
Zeta: I thought for sure we'd have to fight something.
Beatrix: Yeah, it's weird to be shown around like we're on a tour or something...
Vaseraga: But at least we're trespassing into the heart of enemy territory with ease.
Lyria: Why would they guide us in though?
Ilsa: These men were probably tortured and brainwashed as well. It's as if they have no will of their own.
Eustace: They've lost the ability to make normal judgments. There might be more like them dispatched with orders implanted in their heads.
Ilsa: And under those orders, they can spread rumors here and there to sow the seeds of war.
Zeta: I really have no idea what they're trying to accomplish, but it makes me sick.
As they discuss what's going on, they eventually arrive at giant stone doors.
Ilsa: This is our stop. All of you gather your wits.
When the two men open the doors, the party find themselves face-to-face with the Foe.
Right Behind You - Chapter 3: Moon Sliver - Episode 4
The party comes face-to-face with Neutronon, an Astral corpse being kept alive by a machine and the one issuing orders to the Foe subordinates. Neutronon summons Grynoth to come take Vaseraga's life.
Neutronon: ...
Zeta: That's Neutronon?
Distant Man: Yes. The Astral corpse that fell in the War, Neutronon.
Suspicious Man: He is our beloved living altar and a symbol of the Astrals that we can never hope to defeat.
Lyria: The corpse of an Astral... I don't think these men would lie about that...
Lyria: Something feels weird though...
Neutronon: You've come.
Lyria: Eek!
Vaseraga: (Captain), Lyria. Get behind me.
Zeta: Where'd you take Vyrn?
Neutronon: He underwent a simple analysis. He has a most interesting existence.
Zeta: Analysis? You didn't...
Neutronon: He is of no use to me dead. The possibilities with him are endless.
Neutronon: Anyway. There is another who has requested an audience with you.
The sound of heavy footsteps grows louder and louder.
Automagod Grynoth: ...
Neutronon: Defeating an automagod is fundamentally impossible, or so it would seem.
Neutronon: Automagod Grynoth wishes to take that large man's life with its own hands.
Vaseraga: What a coincidence. I also couldn't contain my desire to run roughshod over it.
Vaseraga: I don't know for what purpose you were created, but allow me to take revenge, Grynoth.
Automagod Grynoth: ...
Neutronon: Then I shall observe your fight from somewhere safer.
Automagod Grynoth: Ihnulcang cattka.
Right Behind You - Chapter 4: Separation - Episode 1
The coalition force of (Captain)'s crew and Society members defeats Automagod Grynoth, but Neutronon escapes with Vyrn during the battle. As Grynoth falls, only Vaseraga hears its final words: "If you value Vyrn's life, then accept the deal."
Ilsa: HVAP rounds loaded! Eighth cannoneers, aim! Fire!
Grynoth: ...!
The projectiles pierce into their mark, causing explosions within its body to rip away its armor.
Vaseraga: Its regeneration rate has fallen. This is our chance to bring it down!
Zeta: Wait! Don't go rushing in by yourself!
Vaseraga: Raaaah!
Vaseraga charges in undeterred. His blade cleaves through Grynoth's arm, hacking it off the mechanized body.
Grynoth: ...!
There lies Grynoth's heart—the great scythe that Vaseraga once wielded—resting in the gaping hole.
Vaseraga: So that's your core.
Grynoth: ...!
Vaseraga: Graaah!
Vaseraga reaches into the automagod's torso, seizes the scythe's handle, and rips it out in one fell swoop.
Grynoth: Vicdantgiate.
Zeta: I think we got it! Its body is collapsing.
Beatrix: Hahah! That was awesome, Vaseraga!
Vaseraga: Just an enemy. Finding Vyrn comes first.
Ilsa: Our biggest threat has been eliminated. This is now a rescue operation.
Grynoth: ...
Vaseraga: What?
Beatrix: Did it say something?
Zeta: We wouldn't be able to understand it anyway.
Zeta: Forget about it. Vyrn's waiting for us to break him out.
Having defeated Automagod Grynoth, the crew splits into smaller groups to look for Vyrn.
Vaseraga: (The automagod's last words...)
Vaseraga: ("If you value Vyrn's life, then accept the deal"?)
Right Behind You - Chapter 4: Separation - Episode 2
Vaseraga sneaks away while the party is looking for Vyrn, causing those close to him to be concerned about his state of mind. Ilsa posits that he may pose a danger to himself due to his troubled past.
Zeta: Vyrn!
Lyria: Where are you, Vyrn!
Society Member 1: Nope, no response at all. Not even a peep.
Zeta: Which makes sense if you think about it. Vyrn's not in any position to respond to us.
Lyria: But at least he would feel safer if he heard our voices.
Zeta: Yeah, true. We have to let him know we've come to get him.
Lyria: Um, by the way... where's Vaseraga?
Zeta: Hm? He's always been right over...
Zeta: Agh! He's gone! Don't tell me he's acting on his own again?
Ilsa: Tch! Just what we need, another lost child.
You guys are with us. Continue searching, but keep an eye out for Vaseface while you're at it.
You guys are with us. Continue searching, but keep an eye out for Vaseface while you're at it.
Society Member 1: Yes, affirmative.
Um, this is Squad Two. We're joining Ilsa's group to search for Vaseraga. Over.
Um, this is Squad Two. We're joining Ilsa's group to search for Vaseraga. Over.
Society Member 2: Affirmative, Squad Two. Squad One will do the same. Over.
Lyria: There's something different about Vaseraga.
Zeta: You're right about that. Ever since that fight with Arianensa...
Zeta: (Or more accurately speaking, since he watched Lester die in front of him...)
Ilsa: Reminds me of when we first picked him up.
Lyria: Was he different back then from how he is now?
Zeta: Now that you mention it, I got the feeling that he preferred to be alone back then. Didn't really get along well with others.
Ilsa: The reason why he changed is because he got paired up with you, Pupper—not to mention coming in contact with the rest of this crew you travel with.
Ilsa: I thought he'd finally broken out of the shadows of his haunted past. But I guess it will take more time.
Zeta: Didn't he used to captain his own bunch of skyfarers?
Ilsa: Yes, and he made a mistake that cost him that crew. He became obsessed with not wanting to see another comrade get hurt.
Ilsa: Just goes to show how wrapped up he can get about other people's affairs, doesn't it?
Lyria: Yes. He's protected us so many times on our journey.
Ilsa: That which makes him strong is also his weakness.
Ilsa: No matter how many times he throws the old wounded Vaseraga away, it's still there... waiting. Waiting for the moment Vaseraga feels compelled to protect someone.
Lyria: Is that why he puts himself in danger?
Zeta: Ugh, thoughtlessly doing everything on your own with some self-important look on your face is nothing to be proud of...
Right Behind You - Chapter 4: Separation - Episode 3
After splitting up to cover more ground, Beatrix's group finds Vyrn, inexplicably freed from his captors. Their happy reunion is short-lived, since Vyrn informs them that Vaseraga is in even greater danger.
Beatrix: We still haven't found Vyrn yet...
Society Member 2: Not to mention how huge these ruins are. There's just no end to all the places we could look in...
Beatrix: I'm not giving up! Even if we get the order to pull back, I'll just keep looking on my own!
Eustace: Cool it. It's been all of a few moments since we started searching.
Beatrix: Yeah, I know, but when I think about what he might be going through, I can't stop worrying.
Beatrix: How can you be so calm right now? Don't you get nervous when a friend's been captured?
Eustace: Look who's talking.
Beatrix: Okay, fine. I do get caught a lot, but at least I'm good at escaping and getting home on my own...
Eustace: ...
Eustace: Me being calm is, as Ilsa would say, a question of resolve.
Beatrix: Resolve?
Eustace: If you steel yourself in the face of a worst-case scenario, you'll be able to react in a composed manner.
Beatrix: You know I can't do that!
Eustace: That's fine. You and Vaseraga are actually the same in that regard.
Beatrix: Arrgh! I can never see things as worst-case scenarios...
Eustace: I know. But do your best anyway.
Eustace: ...
Beatrix: What is it, Eustace?
Eustace: A voice.
Beatrix: A voice?
???: Heeey! Anyone out there?
???: Shoot. If this keeps up, Spiky's gonna—
Society Member 2: It's coming from over there!
The searchers dash toward the voice.
Beatrix: Vyrn!
Vyrn: Wh-whoa! Can't believe it's you, Blue!
Eustace: Are you hurt?
Vyrn: No, I'm fine. But I can only speak for myself...
Beatrix: Geez, you have no idea how worried I was. Glad to have you back.
Beatrix: Eustace, tell everyone the good news that Vyrn's safe!
Eustace: Right.
Vyrn: H-hold on! I said I'm fine, but Spiky's a different story!
Beatrix: What's happened to Vaseraga?
Right Behind You - Chapter 4: Separation - Episode 4
Vaseraga has allowed his body to be taken over by the defunct Grynoth in exchange for Vyrn's freedom. As the crew decides what to do next, they hear the heavy footsteps of a powerful enemy approaching them.
Society Member 2: The target has been escorted successfully back to you.
Vyrn: Lyria! (Captain)!
Lyria: Vyrn!
Zeta: Thank goodness you're safe.
Ilsa: Put the welcome back party on hold, Pupper. Tell me what happened to Vaseraga.
Vyrn: Um, first of all, I was locked up in this weird crystal thing at the time, but this is what I saw.
Vaseraga: ...
Vaseraga sneaks off from the crew and enters some ruins by himself.
Neutronon: Welcome.
Vaseraga: Where is Vyrn?
Neutronon: If you mean the wee dragon, he's right over here.
Vyrn: Brrr...
Vaseraga: What is this deal you want to make? I came alone, just as you asked. Now get to the point.
Neutronon: Very well. I want you to sacrifice your body to Grynoth.
Vaseraga: My body?
Neutronon: Grynoth's defeat at this stage was unexpected. It is needed for the plan.
Neutronon: During your battle with Grynoth, the machine cells it was producing were depleted.
Vaseraga: What does that have to do with me?
Neutronon: Over the course of your time as Grynoth's wielder, you no doubt sensed a change coming over your flesh.
Neutronon: You should have experienced moments where your body moved against its will.
Vaseraga: Then I really was being gnawed away by Grynoth.
Neutronon: But altering your body as it did also altered the resources needed by the machine cells.
Neutronon: I underestimated the battle prowess of your group. If the present Grynoth cannot use your unripe body, then it can never attain self-reliance.
Neutronon: Surrender your body. It will become fodder for Grynoth. In exchange I will release the lizard.
Vaseraga: And if I refuse?
Vyrn: Huh?
Vaseraga: ...!
Neutronon: This crystal is yet another type of machine cell. I can have it contort into various shapes.
Neutronon: I wonder what would happen if I had it pulled and twisted?
Vyrn: Aaah! Gyaah!
Neutronon: Now where were we? Will you bear the shame a third time of watching a friend die in front of you?
Neutronon: The choice is yours to make. I hope it will be a wise one.
Vaseraga: ...
Ilsa: And so he accepted the deal.
Zeta: Wait a minute. What was that about giving up his body?
Vyrn: When they let me go, Spiky had that armor on again. That's when—
Everyone waits for Vyrn's next words, but he's cut short by the sound of heavy footsteps.
Society Member 2: What the hell is that!
Vaseraga: ...
Zeta: Vaseraga?
Beatrix: Something's not right!
Zeta: When Grynoth's power was consuming Vaseraga, his entire armor changed too. Is that what's happening here?
Ilsa: ...
Eustace: Ilsa.
Ilsa: Yeah. I've made up my mind.
Zeta: You what?
Ilsa: He's being manipulated by the enemy to attack us.
Ilsa: He may as well be among their ranks now, as far as I'm concerned. We can't run from this fight.
Vaseraga has given himself up to the Foe in order to save Vyrn.
Faced with a bloodlust they could never have imagined coming from Vaseraga, the crew is petrified with dread.
Right Behind You - Chapter 5: Red and Dread - Episode 1
(Captain) and the others try to bring Vaseraga back to his senses, but nothing seems to work. When all seems lost, Vaseraga summons all his strength to strike himself in the chest.
Silhouette 1: That man successfully caused a schism. Proceed with widening the scope of discord.
Silhouette 2: The ones we have fully persuaded are active in every location. We are making progress.
Silhouette 1: Be thorough. The seeds of confusion must be sown.
Silhouette 2: Of course. Each root of strife will be grown with care.
Silhouette 1: We understand them. In time we and the seeds we planted will change civilization and history.
Silhouette 2: With that, we will not have to deal with sudden undesirables.
Silhouette 1: With that, they will no longer have the power to defeat the servant beasts.
Silhouette 2: That is when we attack. The land's nurturing embrace, once closed to us, will again be ours.
Vaseraga: ...
Zeta: Vaseraga!
Society Member 1: I-it's pretty obvious he's not right in the head!
In exchange for Vyrn's release, Vaseraga has surrendered himself to Great Scythe Grynoth.
The party is unable to move against Vaseraga's intense thirst for blood.
Vaseraga: Uugh...
Eustace: Here he comes!
Vaseraga: Graaah!
Vaseraga, scythe whirling, closes in with terrifying speed. (Captain) and the others take every chance they get to dodge.
Beatrix: It's happening again! He's gone berserk!
Neutronon: Every time he is consumed by Grynoth's power, its roots burrow deeper into his body to become one with the host.
Neutronon: It allows that man to be reconstituted as Grynoth's own limbs. It is wonderful.
Zeta: You!
Zeta points her spear at Neutronon's reflection.
Vaseraga: ...
Vaseraga, devoid of his own senses, blocks Zeta's way.
Neutronon: There is no escape from this battle. I will allow you to choose to die by his hands or to dispatch him yourselves.
Lyria: No! We don't want to hurt Vaseraga!
Vyrn: That ain't happenin', buster! Why's it gotta come to that?
Vaseraga: ...
Zeta: Vaseraga... Do you have any idea what you're doing right now?
Vaseraga: ...
Zeta: Open your eyes already!
Zeta: You said you'd do anything to get Vyrn back! Wasn't that what you wanted?
Vaseraga: Ngh...
Zeta: Vaseraga!
Vaseraga: Ugh!
Vaseraga lifts a trembling fist and rams it into his chest.
The light in his eyes vanishes, and he crumples to the ground.
Zeta: Huh?
Right Behind You - Chapter 5: Red and Dread - Episode 2
Vaseraga puts an end to being manipulated at the expense of stopping his own heart. Zeta and Ilsa take this opportunity to save Vaseraga, but Neutronon is one step ahead and forcibly restarts the Draph's heart.
The smallest sliver of breath escapes from Vaseraga's lips as he sinks to the ground.
Zeta looks down in shock at the prone body of her comrade.
Zeta: Vaseraga!
Society Member 1: How did he go from being out of control to out of the fight?
Vaseraga: ...
Ilsa: His armor is gone. Could it be that losing consciousness stops the roots from functioning?
Neutronon: Hm. I knew you had conditioned your body, but I did not think you would go so far as to prepare a way to stop your own heart.
Zeta: What are you playing at, Vaseraga? Was this what you were doing to yourself while we were in that town? Is this your penance to Lester?
Neutronon: This is a problem. The host's flesh is willing but paralyzed in the absence of consciousness. Did he know that all along?
Zeta: I remember one time when his body couldn't take any more and he lost consciousness. His rampage stopped then too.
Zeta: But I can't believe he'd stop his own heart to do that, the idiot!
Ilsa: Well, thanks to that idiot, Nybeth's had enough time to charge up for a seal.
Ilsa: Put your training to use, Pupper. Once I seal Grynoth completely, smack some life back into that heart of his.
Zeta: Roger!
Zeta places her hands on Vaseraga's chest and waits for Ilsa's signal.
Neutronon: Hmm...
Neutronon watches pensively.
Neutronon: He would rather cease the beating of his own heart over harming his friends. Such a touching choice.
Neutronon: But what a shame. If, at the very least, it had not occurred on Moon Sliver... If only the roots had not reached the heart...
Vaseraga: ...!
Neutronon: Then I would not have been able to tamper with his heart and restore control to Grynoth.
Zeta: Wha?
Vaseraga: ...!
Consciousness flows back into Vaseraga. With Grynoth back in control, his mighty fist smashes into Zeta's body.
Zeta: Gaah!
Society Member 1: Zeta!
Neutronon: Once more from the top. All of you will fight, and someone will die by the other's hand. The decision of who that will be lies with you.
Right Behind You - Chapter 5: Red and Dread - Episode 3
The top brass of the Society, who have been monitoring the situation the entire time, order the Society soldiers to shoot Vaseraga. Zeta steps in before the execution can be carried out, saying that she will be the one to end it with her spear.
Vaseraga: ...
Zeta: That hurt... After all he went through to go out as a hero, he gets possessed again... This blows!
Neutronon: Are you ready to get serious now? What choice will you make?
Society Member 1: By pointing our guns at each other?
Neutronon: Exactly. The choice to live or to die is what you desire.
Zeta: Shut up! What kind of choice is that? It's only what you want!
Neutronon: The best chance you have is sealing Grynoth with Nybeth. That is what that woman is trying to do right now.
Ilsa: ...!
Neutronon: But if that sealing skill of hers were to be used, I wonder if Vaseraga would not immediately end the sealer's life.
Neutronon: To protect the sealer while fending off a ferocious opponent without dying is a monumental task. You understand that, don't you?
Neutronon: Come. This will not end until one party is truly dead. All of you or him. Choose.
The party falters before the menace of Vaseraga.
But then Ilsa's transceiver comes to life.
Society Brass: I've grasped the situation by monitoring the tracking device. You have permission to terminate Vaseraga.
Ilsa: What!
Society Brass: This is to keep our losses to a minimum. Make good use of the units we gave you.
Ilsa: But—
Society Brass: After all, you contractors are nothing more than test cases. The data collected from this battle is all for the sake of the new force.
Society Brass: Your mission is to retrieve Grynoth and return with the new force in tact. Bringing back an unscathed Vaseraga is not.
Ilsa: I can't obey those orders!
Society Brass: Then I shall invoke the authority of Society headquarters. All accompanying personnel: execute Vaseraga.
Society Brass: Your bullets should go through his armor with ease. He's as good as dead.
Society Brass: Take down Vaseraga. Show me you have that power.
Society Member 2: B-but we can't just shoot an ally!
Society Brass: Priority orders take precedence over personal conviction.
Society Brass: None of you are heroes. You don't possess anything special.
Society Brass: But you can be mass produced. Quotas can be ramped up. Modified. You are molds for the perfect soldiers.
Society Brass: War is a numbers game. Do whatever it takes to return with your weapons, lives, and experience.
Society Brass: You wouldn't want to throw away everything you've worked for and be restructured, would you? No? Then get rid of Vaseraga. Out.
Ilsa: What a load of—
Ilsa: They did not just crap all over us from hundreds of miles away!
Society Member 1: They said restructured...
Society Member 2: I heard about what happens to you. Stuff like being experimented on and such...
Society Member 3: Look, we've got no choice!
Ilsa: All of you stand down!
Society Member 1: Don't listen to her! All personnel lock and load!
Vyrn: They're aiming at Vaseraga! Get out of there, (Captain)!
Society Member 1: Fi—
Zeta: Stop!
Society Member 1: Zeta!
Zeta: I'll be the one to get my hands dirty. I'm the one who knows his weak point the best anyway.
Zeta: All that matters is I have to beat down that lummox!
Vaseraga: Guh...
Vaseraga: Graaah!
Zeta: Come and get me. I'll smash your face in!
Right Behind You - Chapter 5: Red and Dread - Episode 4
Zeta's brutal attacks cause Grynoth to partially manifest out of Vaseraga's body. She communicates with Vaseraga's real consciousness by touching her spear to the exposed Grynoth, and Vaseraga summons the will to expunge Grynoth from his body. But there's no time for rest because enemies from the moon are seen streaking through the sky.
Zeta: Hah! If you're gonna control someone, try doing a better job of it!
Zeta: I can dodge those whiffs and take my shots all day! Nothing tricky about that!
Zeta: You're not taking this seriously. Vaseraga ain't this weak!
Vaseraga: ...!
Zeta catches Vaseraga in the head with a horizontal sweep. It staggers him out of his stance.
Zeta: Spear of Arvess! Give form to my faith and become a piercing fang!
Zeta: Haaah!
She unleashes the full power of her spear, its tip bursting into flames as it hurtles toward Vaseraga's face.
And then comes the unmistakable squeal of metal piercing through metal.
Lyria: Gasp!
Beatrix: Va... Vaseraga!
Vaseraga: ...
Grynoth's radiant purple roots quiver out of Vaseraga's mouth to protect itself against Zeta's spear.
Zeta: Flushed you out!
Zeta: Vaseraga! I know you can hear me!
Zeta: (Grynoth is interfering with Vaseraga's mind and hijacking his consciousness.)
Zeta: (I should be able to do the same thing with my spear!)
She thrusts her spear into the roots, closes her eyes, and focuses deeply.
Vaseraga: ...!
Neutronon: Hmm... Creating a link to the mind by connecting a weapon to the roots, are we?
Zeta: Didn't you want to protect (Captain) and the others?
Zeta: I won't blame you for what you've done. But if this is what acting alone leads to...
Zeta: Then you're better off trusting me in the first place! Because we're partners!
Vaseraga: ...!
Zeta: Are you listening to me? I can't have you dropping dead on us! Not on my watch!
Zeta: So screw your brain back in and reject Grynoth's power!
Vaseraga: ...!
Vaseraga raises both of his hands up to his face, his entire being trembling.
Vaseraga: Aaaaah!
He grabs the roots protruding from his mouth and drags them out with all his might.
Zeta: Hah! Took you long enough!
Zeta twirls the head of Arvess around the roots like a fork in spaghetti.
Zeta: Burn!
She brandishes Arvess up high, a torch of victory against the transgressor that had trespassed on Vaseraga's mind.
Neutronon: This is beyond what I could have imagined.
Zeta: Huff... Huff... That went well...
Zeta: I was banking on the roots or something to come out to protect its host if it really thought Vaseraga was going to die.
Zeta: Man, I'm wiped out. You're fine now, right, Vaseraga?
Vaseraga: Ungh...
Zeta: Anyway...
Zeta: Let's give up the lone-wolf act, huh? I don't like having my credibility questioned.
Vaseraga: Sorry...
Zeta: Humph. All you've done lately is apologize.
Vyrn: Um, hey... You okay, Spiky?
Vaseraga: I'm all better now. I made you all worry, didn't I?
Lyria: But you're all wounded...
Vaseraga: This body is resilient. It's ready for the next battle.
Ilsa: The next one?
Vaseraga: Mm. Neutronon received a transmission saying that everything is in place.
Neutronon: It would seem you stumbled on information not meant for you while under Grynoth's control. But it does not matter.
Neutronon: I have played my hand. There is no escaping it.
Eustace: Where is he getting these transmissions from?
Vaseraga: The moon.
Vaseraga looks up at the sky, and the others follow suit.
Zeta: The moon?
Vaseraga: The Foe came to this world from the moon.
Vaseraga: Others like Grynoth and Arianensa—the things they call automagods—are inbound.
The sky Vaseraga looks upon is empty save for a tiny twinkle of light.
Another twinkle appears, and then another, ever increasing until a parade of stars illuminates the sky like a midafternoon day.
Vaseraga: Each of those streaks of light carries a powerful weapon of the Foe. I doubt we can outrun them. Prepare yourselves.
Zeta: ...!
Right Behind You - Chapter 6: The Looming Presence - Episode 1
The dwellers on the moon send Automagod Pyet-A, along with other mechanical enemies, to test the skydwellers even further. The party gets ready to face these invaders from the moon.
Zeta has pulled Vaseraga back from the brink. Meanwhile from high above them, those relegated to living on the moon observe the struggle with great interest.
Silhouette 1: What comes next?
Silhouette 2: We release Automagod Pyet-A. Its repairs have concluded.
Silhouette 1: Self-regeneration was perfected seven thousand years ago. Pieces of the sword serving as the source core have burrowed throughout the land.
Silhouette 2: Some of them have passed into the hands of the Kys-dwellers. That has stunted Pyet-A's awakening.
Silhouette 1: Even though its original body is stored here, the thirteenth prototype must not be lost.
Silhouette 2: If you are worried, I will send all of the adjutants. Let us mimic their numbers game.
Silhouette 1: Hm. This was meant to be a wait-and-see situation, but I am excited.
Silhouette 1: Very well. Let us determine the unity of the ones that destroyed the servant beasts.
Silhouette 2: Automagod Pyet-A. Show your power.
Automagod Pyet-A: ...
Zeta: What do we have to deal with now?
Neutronon: Automagod Pyet-A. The source prototype from which Grynoth and Arianensa were created.
Neutronon: It is a powerful prototype made by the dwellers of the moon. But its capacity, frame, armor... Each aspect is too excessive.
Neutronon: Certain features and functions were pared down to facilitate practical usage, eventually becoming the Grynoth that you fought.
Vyrn: You're telling me that thing is even stronger than Grynoth?
Neutronon: And they have loosed a large number of adjutants as well. They are many times larger than the machines you have already defeated.
Ilsa: Tch! We can't deal with that now! Retreat!
Neutronon: I would advise against that. They can fly at speeds well beyond what your airship can do. You will only be shot down.
Neutronon: You have no more choices left. This will become your grave.
Vaseraga: It's do or die.
Zeta: Heh. Bring 'em on. We'll return the favor.
The streaks of light in the sky shine even brighter, incoming omens as foretold by Neutronon.
Everyone checks their gear as they wait for their enemies to arrive.
Vaseraga: They'll be here soon. Bolster your nerves.
No words are spoken—a simple nod from every fighter is sufficient as they await the impending battle.
Right Behind You - Chapter 6: The Looming Presence - Episode 2
Fireballs of metal crash into the ground around the crew. The vanguard of the mechanical enemies from the moon have landed.
Lyria: The pressure from those falling things is getting stronger.
A number of the streaks suddenly erupt into fireballs.
Neutronon: First comes the vanguard to test the waters. They have arrived.
Vyrn: Those things are huge!
Vyrn: Watch it, (Captain)!
Unmanned Machine: Ihnulcang cattka.
Right Behind You - Chapter 6: The Looming Presence - Episode 2: Scene 2
The crew manages to defeat the first wave of enemies. The moondwellers ramp up their assault by sending in more units to divide and conquer.
Zeta: Phew... We managed to take out the first wave...
Vaseraga: Mm. The next wave won't be far behind. Stay alert.
Silhouette 1: What do you make of their ability to fight?
Silhouette 2: An interesting display. I can see how unity impacts the performance of the individual.
Silhouette 1: As expected. Let us move on to measuring the correlation between each fighter's strength to the number of surrounding units.
Silhouette 2: Yes. Adjusting the trajectory of the adjutants now. I will attempt to isolate as many participants as possible.
Right Behind You - Chapter 6: The Looming Presence - Episode 3
The Society forces have been fractured and trapped into smaller groups, sending them into a panic. In the meantime (Captain), Beatrix, and Eustace face a huge mechanical menace of their own.
Vaseraga: ...!
Vaseraga: Fall back!
Large Machine: ...
Zeta: Whoa!
Large Machine: ...
Lyria: Eek!
Beatrix: Are you okay, Lyria? I'm right behind you!
Eustace: You appear unharmed, (Captain).
Lyria: What are we going to do? We've all been split up!
Eustace: They separated us flawlessly. Zeta's with Vaseraga, Ilsa has the new force, and then there's us.
Society Member 1: Aaaah!
Beatrix: Don't look now, but the new squad's panicking now that they're surrounded!
Society Member 1: Shoot anything that moves! Enemies at one o'clock! Four o'clock! On our six, eight, and ten! They're everywhere!
Society Member 2: Ah... Aaaah!
Society Member 2: Empty your clips! Don't stop shooting!
Society Member 3: I... I can't! It's jammed or something!
Ilsa: ...
Vyrn: Hey, Ilsa! We're split off from you, and those soldiers are losing their marbles! What now?
Ilsa: Oh for the love of...
Ilsa: Fall in line, you spineless, decapitated chickens! Get your guns loaded and prepare to fire on my mark!
Society Member 1: ...!
Each soldier stiffens at the irate command. Ilsa strides up briskly to the soldiers.
Society Member 1: Ow!
The swift hand of discipline slaps one across the face.
Ilsa: You've just been rubber-stamped by this sorry excuse of a drill sergeant! Now grow up and act like professionals!
Society Member 2: Ouch!
Ilsa: Did someone dump a rotting pile of garbage at my feet?
Ilsa: You're not even fit to be scum between a beggar's toes! Manure has more uses than you! I'd have been better off with a single drop of dark essence!
Society Member 3: Augh!
Ilsa: Consider this your reeducation! I'm the experience you hot-shot garbage fire rejects have been wishing for!
Ilsa: Got your bladders on lockdown yet? No one gets to nap in a coffin on my watch! Welcome to hell training!
Ilsa: Fiiire!
Eustace: Well, that takes care of that.
Beatrix: Geez, Louise... Just when I thought she couldn't get any more terrifying...
Ilsa: What're you looking at? Flap your hands, not your gums, Hellcat! Don't make me shove my foot down your—
Beatrix: Yikes!
Beatrix: Yes, ma'am! Let's go, (Captain)!
Eustace: We need to rejoin with Vaseraga's group or Ilsa's group. Don't fall behind, Lyria.
Lyria: Okay!
Right Behind You - Chapter 6: The Looming Presence - Episode 4
While (Captain)'s group fights their own battles, Zeta and Vaseraga fight fearlessly back-to-back and in perfect sync of each other. It seems like Vaseraga is his old self again.
Zeta: Haaah!
Large Machine: ...!
Zeta: Damn it, how many more are there?
Vaseraga: Raaah!
Large Machine: ...!
Vaseraga: I don't know, but their numbers are dropping off.
Ilsa: Fire!
Ilsa: You were given two arms for a reason! We'll just reattach them if we make it out of here alive! No pain! No pain! It's all in your head!
Society Member 1: Yaaah!
Vaseraga: They're certainly... fired up.
Zeta: Yeah. It's about to get noisy again on our end too.
Large Machine: ...
Vaseraga: We must really be a threat to them if they're throwing this many bodies at us.
Large Machine: ...
Zeta: You're right. They weren't this desperate before.
Large Machine: ...
Zeta: Hey. Can you still move?
Vaseraga: Have you forgotten what this new body of mine can do?
Zeta: Heh. Coulda fooled me. It's barely hanging together by a thread.
Vaseraga: Humph. Same to you.
Zeta: Well, shall we get the party started again?
Vaseraga: Mm. We need to catch up with (Captain)'s group quickly.
Vaseraga: Zeta.
Zeta: What?
Vaseraga: I'm right behind you.
Zeta: Okay!
Zeta: Let's do it!
Right Behind You - Chapter 6: The Looming Presence - Episode 4: Scene 2
The final showdown with Automagod Pyet-A, from which Arianensa and Grynoth were based off of, has arrived. The coalition of crew and Society members charge in with an all-or-nothing attack.
Zeta: You're not moving like you used to, Vaseraga.
Vaseraga: I'm still recovering.
Zeta: Well, it's way better than when you were being controlled.
Vaseraga: I'm flattered.
Beatrix: Huff... Huff... Finally made it to you guys...
Ilsa: Good job opening the way, Hellcat. I shall report your accomplishment to the top.
Beatrix: Huff... Puff...
Beatrix: Heh... Heheh...
Eustace: We've thinned out most of the ones that landed. That leaves the tough one...
Automagod Pyet-A: ...
Vaseraga: Automagod Pyet-A. You're all that's left.
Lyria: I'm going to help too! I'm sick of seeing everyone getting hurt!
Vaseraga: Don't worry, Lyria. I'm not going to let that happen again.
Zeta: We can sort of tell what it's capable of after fending off so many bad guys. We'll be fine, Lyria.
Vaseraga: We have five contractors, the new force, and a crew of skyfarers on our side. Victory is ours, Zeta.
Zeta: You're damn right. Here we go!
Automagod Pyet-A: ...!
Right Behind You - Ending
In the aftermath of defeating Automagod Pyet-A and Neutronon, Zeta and the other Society members have a post-mission wrap-up. Vaseraga uncharacteristically speaks of his own pain and emotions, a change that Ilsa suggests was brought on by his time spent with (Captain)'s crew.
Automagod Pyet-A: ...!
Vyrn: Do it, (Captain)!
(Captain)'s attack catches Automagod Pyet-A's armor.
It's odd that the armor shows no damage, but (Captain) puts that uneasy feeling aside and continues to hack away.
Eustace: Charging complete.
Beatrix: Hey, you guys! Pull back!
Eustace: Flamek Thunder! Rain down your anger!
Automagod Pyet-A: ...!
Beatrix: Do it again, Eustace!
Eustace: Yeah...
As soon as Eustace lifts his gun, Beatrix runs into the fray.
Beatrix: Embrasque!
Eustace: ...!
Zeta: Bea! What are you doing? You're gonna get zapped!
Beatrix: Augh!
Lightning strikes Beatrix, but she ignores the pain and swings her electrified sword.
Beatrix: Nnngh... Eeeat zisss!
Ilsa: That impulsive brat! Putting her life on the line just to draw out Embrasque's power?
Eustace: Kind words from you come so haphazardly that it goes straight to her head when it does.
Ilsa: That's just like her. I'd rather not see what praise for an actual job well done will do, so I'll keep my mouth shut this time.
Eustace: You do that.
Ilsa: Humph. It's not over yet.
Ilsa: Nybeth! Show your power!
Automagod Pyet-A: ...!
Ilsa: Our opponent is still a sufficiently powered automagod. I don't think I'll have much of an effect, but I'll try to buy us even a second of time.
Nybeth's power is able to delay the automagod's rate of regeneration. It raises both its arms to cover its wounds.
Zeta: Guess it's our turn.
Vaseraga: I'll break its defenses.
Zeta: And I'll deliver the finishing touch.
Vaseraga: Sounds good.
Short strategy session over, Zeta watches as Vaseraga charges in, and she drops down low.
Vaseraga: Great Scythe Alsarav, show your power!
Vaseraga: Graaah!
Automagod Pyet-A: ...!
Zeta: (Once it drops its hands, aim for the wound Bea opened up!)
As it reaches its limits, the arms of Pyet-A drop to the ground with a thud.
Zeta launches herself into the air like an arrow fired from a bow.
Zeta: Spear of Arvess! Show your power!
Automagod Pyet-A: ...!
Arvess jams into the wound that the automagod is trying to close, setting off flames within its body.
Automagod Pyet-A: ...
Zeta: Damn... That was tiring. Some ratty old sword popped off it too. Its source core maybe?
Ilsa: Its body is rotted away. That sword must be the source core.
Zeta: We wouldn't want it to repair itself again now, would we? See ya.
Zeta tosses the blade out into the depths of the skies.
Vyrn: I don't see any more things coming down from the moon. Is it over?
Lyria: Yes, I think so. It's kind of hard to believe, but that really scary feeling of the automagods is gone.
Neutronon: The moondwellers have decided to erase this place. The threat you carry cannot be allowed to exist.
Vyrn: Oh yeah? You think you can really get rid of us?
Neutronon: I obeyed every order they sent me. Instead of offering an apology, could you sever these tubes protruding from my body?
Vaseraga: Is that your life-support system?
Neutronon: I died a long time ago in the War. The moondwellers forced me back to life so to speak.
Neutronon: I am mildly bitter at the thought of spending any more time in a body long dead.
Vaseraga: Then I'll let you rot. I have no obligation to take part in your euthanasia.
Neutronon: You are correct. Nothing is free. I will give you a piece of information in exchange.
Neutronon: Security protocols prevent me from telling you. Cut the tubes, and free me. But I will only have a few seconds to speak before I die.
Vaseraga: ...
Neutronon: Well? Will you release me and obtain this morsel of information?
Neutronon: I am asking you, the one who leads the skyfaring crew. You who are called (Captain). I will let you decide.
Choose: Cut the tubes.
Cut the tubes.
(Captain) grants Neutronon's wish by slicing through each tube protruding from Neutronon's body.
Neutronon: Aah... I am... leaving...
Awakened from their induced slumber... It has been a long two hundred years...
Awakened from their induced slumber... It has been a long two hundred years...
Neutronon: My war is finally... over...
Eyes shut, Neutronon faces (Captain), laboring to speak.
Neutronon: They are hunting...
Neutronon: Our... Creator...
Neutronon's head flops to the side.
With nothing left to glean, the party leaves the body of the fallen Astral behind.
Choose: Refuse.
Neutronon: That is... unfortunate. Then I will wait for decay to settle in.
Neutronon: Farewell. We shall neither meet nor quarrel with each other ever again.
With nothing left to say, the party leaves the immobilized body of the Astral behind.
Neutronon: Truly a shame.
Neutronon: I had thought that I would not have to see the second coming of the War.
Neutronon: I wonder when my war will ever come to an end...
Continue 1They had done it.
The battle on Moon Sliver had come to an end.
Beep.
Zeta: Mm?
Vaseraga: What is it?
Zeta: Thought I heard something...
Vaseraga: Move.
Zeta: Wha? Why're you pulling me—
A huge boulder comes crashing down on the spot where Zeta had been standing.
Vaseraga: That was close.
Zeta: Th-thanks for that.
Vaseraga: The impacts from when those enemies landed damaged much of the landscape. What you heard was probably the cracking of the rocks.
Zeta: Oh crap. We'd better get our butts out of here fast.
(Captain) and company waste no time in taking off from Moon Sliver.
Beep.
The only thing that remains is the severed head of Pyet-A devouring the wreckage of an adjutant.
Beep.
Some days pass after their battles on Moon Sliver.
Ilsa has called for Zeta, Vaseraga, Eustace, and Beatrix.
Ilsa: The splinter faction was about to remove us weapon contractors from the main force under the pretext of losing Grynoth.
Ilsa: But since we extricated the new force from danger, it seems they've changed their minds.
Ilsa's report eases the mood in the room.
Eustace: What happened to Grynoth?
Ilsa: It's been layered with seals and locked up tight for future research into the automagods, though I doubt those measures will be enough.
Zeta: Can we still use our own weapons?
Beatrix: If any one of our weapons turns into an automagod, we'll be in deep doo-doo...
Ilsa: Aside from Vaseface, no one else has exhibited signs of losing it. That's good enough for me.
Zeta: I see...
Zeta: What exactly are our weapons anyway?
Vaseraga: They have the power to fell the primal beasts and take the memories of souls.
Vaseraga: And in time they become automagods. That's all we know at this point.
Eustace: Whatever the case may be, the Foe—or should I say the moondwellers—are going to be sending down more troops.
Eustace: Sealing weapons that can be used to oppose their forces isn't going to be easy.
Zeta: We've always looked up at the moon but never thought about what it really is. Is it an island beyond the sky?
Beatrix: That's interesting. Not that I've ever thought about worshipping the moon or anything...
Ilsa: It's not an island. It's hard to explain, and it'll have to wait since it's classified information.
Ilsa: But we do know for a fact that's where the Foe operates from.
Vaseraga: It looks like we'll need to cooperate with that treacherous new force.
Ilsa: Yes. And thanks to the Foe, we also need to find a way to reconcile the nine factions within the Society.
Ilsa: Our future depends on it, so chase any leads you can.
Beatrix: You're so high up in the chain of command, but you still watch out for us, Ilsa.
Ilsa: Humph. I didn't put you through training hell just so you could die from bureaucracy.
Ilsa's head droops slightly. She takes a moment to gather herself and changes the subject.
Ilsa: Anyway, I believe you had something you wanted to ask me? I'm all ears.
Zeta: We racked up a pretty big bill this time around, but that's only because of how dangerous the mission was. Do we get any special bonuses?
Ilsa: I'll bring it up with the brass, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.
Zeta: Okay.
Ilsa: Anything else?
Vaseraga: ...
Zeta: You got something, Vaseraga?
Vaseraga: There is something that's been on my mind. It's about this uneasy feeling I've just got.
Vaseraga's voice falters a bit, and all eyes fall on him.
Zeta: Unease? What do you mean?
Vaseraga: I've never thought much of what becomes of my body... But this time is different.
Vaseraga: Even now I feel no physical pain, but I sense that my body has become more resilient.
Vaseraga: Something has started to change. It's as if the suffering that vanished has returned in a different form.
Ilsa: Hmm... When did you start feeling this way?
Vaseraga: I don't know when exactly. I became aware of it when I met (Captain) and the others.
Vaseraga: But maybe it kind of started even before that.
Vaseraga: It's only gotten stronger in our latest struggle.
Vaseraga: Especially when you all saved me, and another time when I got my new scythe.
Beatrix: Your new scythe? What's that got to do with it?
Vaseraga: Tears were shed when it was given to me.
Zeta: Huh? By who?
Vaseraga: By the one who forged it, though that person is only an acquaintance.
Vaseraga: Knowing that I had lost Grynoth, that person said to me, "Don't you dare die. Just come back and show me your face again." And the tears started to flow.
Zeta: Are you two close?
Vaseraga: Not really. We haven't had many opportunities to meet face-to-face.
Zeta and Ilsa: ...
Ilsa: I see. This is just my guess...
Ilsa: That feeling of unease is proof that you finally acknowledge the close friends around you.
Ilsa: I think you fear the pain of seeing those friends getting hurt.
Vaseraga: I see...
Zeta: Hold on. I want a straight answer.
Ilsa: As do I.
Ilsa: Is the one who forged your new scythe a man or a woman? Young or old?
Vaseraga: Hm? She's a woman. She's in her early twenties, I think. Her name is Almeida.
Zeta and Ilsa: ...
Ilsa: Hmm...
Zeta: I knew it was a girl... Pfft...
Zeta: Ahahaha! Oh man, I didn't know you could be so smooth!
Ilsa: Hehehe... I wasn't even aware I had a weapon of mass destruction in my arsenal, Vaseface.
Vaseraga: ...?
Beatrix: ...?
Beatrix: Um... Psst, Eustace. What're they laughing about?
Eustace: Don't ask me.
Zeta: So, like, after the fight did you go see this girl?
Vaseraga: Yes. I went to the factory to thank her for the scythe she made me.
Ilsa: And then?
Vaseraga: I went home.
Zeta and Ilsa: Huh?
Zeta: Ilsa, this is a travesty. We need to make them a dinner reservation or something.
Ilsa: Seems I still have something left to teach you.
Vaseraga: What are you talking about?
Afterward Ilsa teaches Vaseraga a harsh lesson, even though he doesn't understand why she's so upset.
Lacking the wherewithal to decipher Ilsa's crucial points, Vaseraga suffers under her tutelage. After all her effort, the exercise concludes with Vaseface being no wiser than he'd been before.
He's a man who has abandoned much whenever he's seen a friend meet with sacrifice.
But he's also been bestowed with camaraderie and fellowship that outweigh all that he has discarded.
And when the looming crisis that threatens the skies finally comes, his great power will, perhaps, undergo yet another change.
Right Behind You
The End
The End
Characters
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