Scenario:Grimnir - Blessed Be the Path
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Blessed Be the Path
The crew learns from Grimnir that Odin was created to build up the Astrals' forces, and that his subordinate Skuld likely instigated the war between the two countries. Realizing that Odin intends to take control of the Sky Realm, they head to Valhalla to dissuade him, but negotiations break down, and a battle ensues.
Grimnir has overcome Raphael's trial and recovered his original power that had been sealed away.
Meanwhile, with their preparations for war completed, the forces of Valhalla await the coming battle.
Skuld: Lord Odin, your soldiers and weapons have been readied for deployment as planned.
Skuld: We are prepared to invade the moment you issue the order, my lord.
Odin: Well done. Tell me, what is the latest word on the two countries that you have driven to war?
Skuld: Their forces are evenly matched at present, which has resulted in a stalemate.
Skuld: Once we intervene, the fighting should resume.
Odin: I see. Then we will proceed as planned and take advantage of the war to conquer both nations.
Odin: Ever since the Astrals withdrew from the skies, we have continued to gather souls and enhance our military capability.
Odin: And after biding our time for centuries—just as we were poised to seize control of the Sky Realm—who should appear but my other half.
Odin: Is this what the mortals refer to as fate?
Skuld: Lord Odin...
Odin: This battle marks the beginning of my ambition. Failure is not an option. Do you understand?
Skuld: Yes, my lord! This life I once lost is yours to command.
Skuld kneels with her head lowered, recalling Odin's gallant figure on the battlefield where she had breathed her last.
Skuld: Despite our desperate efforts to defend our small country from the constant oppression of other nations, we found ourselves shouldering the blame for its defeat.
Skuld: And in the final battle, we were even abandoned by our king.
Skuld: It is my shame to admit, but when the enemy's blade pierced my chest, what I felt most was a sense of relief.
Skuld: I shall never forget the sight of you descending upon the battlefield in a shower of blood, slashing through the enemy forces with the effort of swatting flies.
Odin: Come to me, proud warrior spirit.
Skuld: From that fateful day when you chose to take me under your wing, I have offered all that I am to you, my lord.
Odin: I see. Then I have faith that you will display that resolve upon the battlefield.
Skuld: You are too kind, my lord. I shall do everything in my power to meet your expectations.
Skuld: (And I shall deliver justice upon Grimnir for betraying Lord Odin's trust and defecting!)
Odin: Very good.
Odin: ...
Turning his attention from Skuld, Odin ruminates over the records and memories of a great many past wars.
Odin: (In the centuries following the War, how many countless conflicts have arisen in the Sky Realm?)
Odin: (Only a small percentage were instigated by the Valkyries under my command for the sake of gathering the souls of warriors.)
Odin: (Although the Astrals have long since departed from the skies, the mountain of corpses resulting from such fierce battles only continues to grow.)
Odin: (Skydwellers are truly foolish creatures. They repeat the same mistakes over and over, learning nothing from history.)
Odin: Thus, I shall fulfill my role. Together with this army of Valhalla, which has been strengthened as a result of their folly.
Odin: The skies must be ruled by the stars.
Elsewhere, Grimnir and the crew work together to develop a strategy for their next confrontation with Odin.
Through Grimnir's recovered memories, they learn of the circumstances surrounding Odin and his ability.
Odin is a primal beast once created by the Astrals for the purpose of enhancing their military might.
He possesses the power to tether the souls of powerful soldiers killed in battle to the mortal realm, using them to bolster his forces.
The chosen souls gather in a hidden country called Valhalla, where they train in preparation for the coming battle.
Grimnir: I think that Skuld person must be a Valkyrie, meaning she's one of Odin's most trusted subordinates.
Vyrn: So she's the puppet master who made those two countries fight in the first place, right?
Grimnir: Most likely. Valhalla is a land of departed warriors. So the most efficient way to expand its forces is to escalate the fighting.
Lyria: Then if we tell the people of each country the truth, won't the war stop?
Grimnir: No, that won't be enough.
Grimnir: Now that I have my memories and power back, I can sense the presence of my other half very clearly.
Grimnir: Odin plans to use his forces to lay waste to both nations himself.
Vyrn: S-seriously?
Grimnir: The army of Valhalla exists to allow the Astrals to rule the skies. In order to fulfill his role...
Grimnir: Odin will launch an offensive to take control of the Sky Realm himself. Defeating those two countries will give him the foothold he needs.
Grimnir: We have no choice but to make our way to Valhalla and defeat Odin while the war is still at a stalemate.
Lyria: But... those poor souls were originally skydwellers too, right?
Lyria: And Odin is really important to you...
Grimnir: Girl in Blue...
Lyria: I think starting a fight is a horrible thing to do! But that goes for us too...
Lyria: Isn't there any way to stop this war without anyone else getting hurt?
Grimnir: Many souls have been robbed of a portion of their memories to turn them into dutiful soldiers. Though there are some that serve of their own free will...
Grimnir: Since they're bound by Odin's power, he has to be the one to release them.
Grimnir: I know you don't want to hurt anyone. If it was possible to thwart Odin's ambitions that way, then I'd be all for it.
Grimnir: But his will is no less than the meaning for his very existence. It'll have to come to blows...
Choose: Is there really no other way?
Grimnir: ...
Grimnir: Actually, wait. Maybe there is...
Vyrn: You get a spark of inspiration, Windy?
Grimnir: Maybe. But... if it fails, you and the crew will be in danger, (Captain)...
Grimnir: (Captain)...
Grimnir: All right. Then I'll make sure I'm well-prepared so I don't betray your trust.
Grimnir: I shall ring down the curtain upon Odin's plot with a plan worthy of the name of the God of War and Tempest Incarnate!
Grimnir: Oh, but this sort of thing shouldn't be decided on the spot! I need to hear what you guys think, or I'll be a nervous wreck!
Vyrn: Sheesh, you're all over the place...
Building on Grimnir's strategy, (Captain) and company discuss their plan to confront Odin.
Once every last detail has been ironed out, they set sail for their destination.
Valhalla, the land where warrior souls gather, hidden from mortal eyes by Odin's magic.
It exists on a small island situated at a high altitude that remains devoid of visitors.
At its entrance, Skuld issues a proclamation to the soldiers in formation before her.
Skuld: The moment of truth is upon us!
Skuld: Now is the time to fulfill the meaning of our existence! Victory is the only option! Offer your lives!
Valhalla Soldiers: Yes, ma'am!
Skuld: Then let us depart! All units, proceed to the harbor and commence boarding!
Valhalla Solider 1: ...!
Lady Skuld, over there! An airship is approaching the island!
Lady Skuld, over there! An airship is approaching the island!
Skuld: Those intruders are... Grimnir's companions!
Skuld: Grimnir... You have already betrayed and disheartened my king. Now you dare seek to stand in his way?
Skuld: I shall make you pay! All troops, prepare to fire!
Lyria: Wait, please! Can't we talk this through—
Skuld and the soldiers of Valhalla pay no heed to Lyria's desperate pleas.
Skuld: Talk? Enough of your foolish ramblings.
Skuld: To the proud soldiers of Valhalla, words carry no value! It is the number of corpses that determines the victor!
Vyrn: Well, guess there's nothin' for it...
Vyrn: You're up, Lyria!
Lyria: Okay!
Lyria: Please lend us your power, Tiamat!
Skuld: That is the being they summoned upon their retreat from the previous battle...
Skuld: It must be... a primal beast!
Valhalla Solider 2: We couldn't ask for a better warm-up! Ready the cannons at once!
Skuld: Considering they are daring to challenge Valhalla, it must possess substantial power. But exactly how much remains to be seen...
Skuld: Unit three, prepare the airships for deployment and commandeer the enemy ship! All remaining units, commence bombardment!
Valhalla Solider 1: Fire!
A cannonball soars toward the Grandcypher, but it is repelled by a shield of wind before it can land.
Skuld: Haaah!
Skuld: Tch... These winds are not those of the primal beast alone...
Skuld: This must be Grimnir's doing. The impudence!
Vyrn: Looks like we managed to get their attention!
Lyria: Yeah, but not for long...
Vyrn: The rest is up to you guys! (Captain), Windy!
Grimnir: You have carried out your duties flawlessly—Red Dragon, Girl in Blue.
Grimnir: I will not let your determination go to waste...
Grimnir: Dance, winds!
(Captain) is enveloped by Grimnir's winds and sent soaring into the sky.
Grimnir: The time is ripe to strike! While the enemy's attention is focused on the Girl in Blue!
Grimnir: We will rush the palace from the skies above and confront Odin! Now, onward—to the venue of our final battle!
Odin: So you have come.
Sensing the presence of his other half, Odin looks up to lock eyes with Grimnir as he alights from the skies above.
Grimnir: Odin...
Odin: Your expression is filled with reluctance. Have you not come here to stop me?
Grimnir: I have. But if I could have one wish, it would be for us to join hands once again, just as we did in the past.
Odin: And who chose to brush that hand aside? Do you truly believe such a thing is possible?
Grimnir: I'm still against the war. I just want things between us to go back to the way they were before.
Grimnir: I reread that book by Dostoepsky so many times that it's falling apart. Now I can finally talk with you about it on the same level.
Grimnir: I know you said that you read those books in order to study skydwellers...
Grimnir: But even though I was basically a war machine back then, those silly moments meant the world to me.
Grimnir: Am I the only one who felt that way? Did you see it differently?
Odin: ...
Odin: Seeking to change my mind is a fruitless endeavor. If you wish to stop me, you will have to do so by force.
Odin: You and I have already said our farewells. There is little use in reminiscing about our former relationship.
Odin: Consider this your warning. If you still choose to dwell on the past, then I shall impale you with my spear—together with those precious memories.
Grimnir: Sounds like that's your final answer...
Grimnir: Sorry, (Captain). I guess it was hopeless from the beginning.
Grimnir: It looks like combat is our only recourse. Will you fight beside me as we originally planned?
The captain pats Grimnir's back gently in reply.
Grimnir: (Captain)... Thanks.
Grimnir: Now, Odin! The time has come for the main event! My tempest shall sweep open the curtains on this duel!
Grimnir: I can think of no stage more fitting for our battle than these endless azure skies! Let us take flight from this diminutive diorama!
Grimnir: (Come on, Odin! Take the bait!)
The crew's plan had been to relocate the battlefield high into the skies in order to avoid involving the soldiers.
However...
Odin: Such unconvincing theatrics. I presume you are attempting to lure me away to where my soldiers cannot reach?
Grimnir: ...!
Odin: I see no reason to go along with your scheme.
Odin: Do not expect me to show mercy as I did before. This time, I will see you eliminated.
Odin: Behold the spear of absolute annihilation... Gungnir!
Blessed Be the Path: Scene 2
Grimnir works together with (Captain) to launch a powerful offensive against Odin. The primal beast reminisces about their time fighting side by side, but Grimnir responds that (Captain) is his partner now and sets out to resolve things once and for all.
Odin releases a strike from Gungnir, which slices through the air, speeding mercilessly toward (Captain) and Grimnir.
Odin: This is the end. You will perish, filled with regrets for leaving my side.
Grimnir: The power to unleash that which is forbidden... My true tempest shall pierce the very air and return all things to nothingness!
Grimnir: Howl in havoc... Vortex of the Void!
The Vortex of the Void intercepts Gungnir's blow, sending the energy of both spears rippling through the air like a shock wave.
Grimnir: Now that the seal has been broken, I will not give such an unsightly display as before.
Odin: The weapon that was split from Gungnir... It appears you have recovered the one power able to rival this spear of annihilation.
Odin: But do not get complacent just because you blocked a single blow.
Odin: Strike true, Gungnir!
Grimnir: Howl forth, Vortex of the Void!
No matter how many blows Gungnir unleashes, Grimnir's Vortex of the Void successfully intercepts each and every one.
Grimnir: Even absolute annihilation is nothing before the Vortex of the Void!
Odin: Heh...
Odin: Hahaha! Ah, how long has it been since I felt this way? This thrill in my chest reminds me of the days when I accompanied you into battle.
Odin: Very well! I shall allow myself to be lured. As it just so happens, I had grown weary of sitting on the throne.
Odin: Come, Sleipnir!
Odin: I have granted your desire. My soldiers are no longer within range.
Skuld: Is that... Odin?
Skuld: Damn it! This was all a plan to delay us from rendering our aid!
Skuld attempts to make her way to Odin's side, but Tiamat blocks her path.
Skuld: Argh!
Valhalla Solider 1: Hey! There's Lord Odin!
The soldiers notice the battle taking place overhead, throwing the entire area into confusion.
Vyrn: Looks like it worked!
Lyria: Yeah! Now we just have to trust (Captain) and Grimnir to handle the rest!
Odin: Our encounter this time will be different. I will employ every fiber of my being to send you to your doom.
Grimnir: We finally got him off the ground.
Grimnir: Now it's your turn to shine, (Captain).
Grimnir: If we both go on the offensive together, there's a high chance that we'll be too slow to react to a surprise blow from Gungnir.
Grimnir: So I'll stay on the defensive and do everything I can to provide support while you focus on attacking.
Grimnir: Will you believe in me and face this fight together?
The captain nods, weapon at the ready as a show of unwavering trust.
Grimnir: (Captain)... I've always felt secure fighting by your side. But this time, I feel invincible.
Odin: You seem quite committed to this mortal. But this individual in whom you have placed your faith is no more than a foolish skydweller.
Odin: You shall turn to rust on Gungnir's blade!
Using the winds generated by Grimnir as a foothold, (Captain) gracefully evades Odin's sudden attack.
The captain shifts into offense in an instant, yet Odin's next attack has already begun.
Odin: Too slow! Strike true, Gungnir!
Grimnir: Howl forth, Vortex of the Void!
Even as (Captain)'s sword nearly threads the needle, Odin's reflexes prove to be slightly quicker.
Odin: Oho, your synergy is quite impressive. It reminds me of how we once were, Grimnir.
Grimnir: Me too. But... (Captain) is my partner now.
Grimnir: The time has come to settle this once and for all! I am the God of War and Mad Cyclone, Grrrrrimnir!
Grimnir: I shall scatter your ambitions to the winds and deliver peace to the Sky Realm!
Blessed Be the Path: Scene 3
(Captain) and Grimnir emerge victorious, and Odin agrees to avoid inciting any more conflicts as a condition of his defeat. The war between the two countries is brought to an end, and (Captain) vows to help Grimnir stop Odin if a similar situation ever arises in the future.
Odin: Behold the spear of absolute annihilation... Gungnir!
Grimnir: I think not! Vortex of the Vo—
Odin: Checkmate.
Odin releases his stance, interrupting his devastating blow to slip past Grimnir.
He then closes in on his true target, who is still following through with a previous attack—(Captain).
Grimnir: ...!
(Captain)!
(Captain)!
Odin: I must admit that you fared quite well for a mere mortal.
Odin: Return to dust and scatter into the skies, unnamed skydweller!
Though not his ultimate attack, Odin catches both of his opponents by surprise with a devastating blow.
Odin: What!
However, the captain dodges it by a hair's breadth.
Grimnir: Magnificent as always, (Captain). I won't let this opportunity go to waste!
Grimnir: My true tempest shall pierce the very air and return all things to nothingness! Howl in havoc... Vortex of the Void!
Odin: Nrrrgh!
Overwhelmed by the ultimate power of Grimnir's Vortex of the Void, Odin crashes helplessly to the ground.
Odin: Ngh...
Grimnir: This battle has been decided. You can no longer stand.
Odin: How... How did that mortal evade? From that position, it should have been nigh impossible to react in time...
Grimnir: That was a trap. We were sure that if we provided you with an opening, you wouldn't fail to take advantage of it.
Grimnir: Part of the strategy was for me to go on the defensive in order to make you think that I wouldn't join in the attack.
Grimnir: Well, it was all (Captain)'s plan though, not mine!
Grimnir: I was pretty nervous when (Captain) offered to be the decoy, but I'm glad it worked out!
Odin: Decoy? You had such faith as to wager our battle's outcome on the word and skill of that skydweller?
Grimnir: Because I knew that (Captain) believed in me.
Grimnir: Think of it as proof of our bond! You could say that we came out on top because of our trust in each other!
Odin: Trust...
Odin: A relationship built not on control, but on mutual trust and cooperation...
Odin: I suppose now that I have suffered defeat at your hands, I must accept that such a thing is indeed possible.
Grimnir: It certainly is. We're not trapped in a relationship where one side is dominant over the other.
Grimnir: We can search for a path to peace on equal footing with the skydwellers in the same way. So please—
Odin: You wish for me to cooperate with the skydwellers? That is simply out of the question.
Odin: Though the Astrals may have withdrawn from the Sky Realm, my role remains the same. This power exists for the stars to rule over the skies.
Grimnir: Odin...
Odin: But I have been defeated by you. Thus, as a god of war, I shall submit to the command of the victor.
Odin snaps his fingers.
Valhalla Solider 1: Huh? Wait, why was I fighting here again?
The soldiers regain their memories, freed from the feelings of allegiance instilled within them by Odin's power.
Odin: Now my army is no more. Their souls will pass on to where they are meant to go.
Skuld: Lord Odin! Are you unhurt?
Valhalla Solider 2: Our lord is in danger! We must protect him at all costs!
Odin: What are you doing here?
Skuld: Our duty! After all, you are our king!
Odin: My power should have been lifted... Have you forgotten that I seek to rule over skydwellers just like yourselves?
Skuld: Rest assured, the souls who desired to depart from this world have already done so. We remain here of our own volition.
Skuld: A king exists to rule. And we wish to serve under you, my lord.
Skuld: You acknowledged us as proud warriors and bestowed upon us a place to belong even after death.
Skuld: You have trained us and provided us with sustenance. If this is an example of what your reign would encompass, then we wish nothing more than to be ruled by you.
Skuld: We have the utmost faith that you will build a great nation.
Odin: ...
Vyrn: Hey, (Captain)! Windy! You guys okay?
As the soldiers address their king, Vyrn and Lyria come rushing over to (Captain) and Grimnir.
Grimnir: Red Dragon! Girl in Blue! I'm so glad you two are safe!
Lyria: Yeah, we're fine! And the two countries that were at war have agreed to a cease-fire!
Before heading to Valhalla, the crew had visited both nations to explain that the current war was all a farce...
As well as to persuade them to stop fighting.
Grimnir: Hey, Odin. What do you say you give up on all this causing wars and invading the Sky Realm stuff?
Grimnir: War only leads to tragedy. Let's atone for our sins and make a fresh start—together with the skydwellers.
Grimnir: The Astrals are gone. We no longer have a duty to simply obey as mindless weapons.
Grimnir: We can change. After all, you admitted yourself that I already have.
Odin: ...
Odin: I still fail to comprehend your logic. Merely listening to your idealistic rhetoric fills me with disgust.
Grimnir: Odin...
Grimnir: (Is it really no use? Is there no hope of us ever understanding each other?)
Odin: But I suppose I have no choice.
Odin: The words of the vanquished carry no worth. We have no course but to comply with the wishes of the conqueror.
Grimnir: ...!
Then that means...
Then that means...
Odin: But remember this. Each and every time the skydwellers engage in foolish behavior, my army only grows in strength.
Grimnir: I'll keep that in mind.
Odin: Come, Skuld. There are unresolved matters that require our attention.
Skuld: Yes, my lord!
Grimnir: ...
Odin: ...
Blessed be the path before thee...
Blessed be the path before thee...
Grimnir: ...!
Grimnir: Blessed be the path before thee...
Grimnir and Odin speak no further.
But their parting this time carries no air of finality.
(Captain) and the crew have successfully thwarted Odin's intentions.
After returning to the ship, they gaze up at the night sky and reflect on the fierce battle behind them.
Grimnir: Whew! What a day, huh?
Grimnir: I can't believe we actually managed to convince Odin! He's always been about as stubborn as a mule.
Grimnir: (Captain), Red Dragon, Girl in Blue... Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Vyrn: Meh, we didn't really do anything!
Lyria: Yeah, it only came together because you and (Captain) worked so hard!
Choose: It's all thanks to you.
Grimnir: Aww, you too, (Captain)? You're going to make me blush!
Choose: I only helped a little.
Grimnir: Naw, don't be so modest! I don't know what I would have done without you, (Captain)!
Continue 1
Grimnir: I'm really glad I was able to reconcile with Odin. Or, well... I don't know if you can call that a reconciliation per se...
Grimnir: But either way, I got to talk to him again. So I'm incredibly grateful for all your help.
Grimnir: Nothing says that Odin won't try to start another war someday.
Grimnir: But if he does, I'll just have to stop him again.
Grimnir: Will you help me again if that happens?
Grimnir: Heh! Thanks, (Captain).
Grimnir: If Odin can form a trusting relationship like ours with a skydweller too someday, then surely...
As Grimnir turns his eyes back heavenward, (Captain) follows suit to gaze up at the dazzling stars overhead.
Reflecting on this very picture of peace, the captain makes a silent wish—to continue protecting these skies, no matter what storms may come.