Scenario:Veight - Melody of Mirages

Melody of Mirages

During a private tea party, Veight confesses to (Captain) and Kou that he has agreed to play the piano at a diplomatic event in Medvecia, but anxiety has gotten the better of him. Kou suggests that he take a break from the piano and tour the skies in search of new ideas.

---

Veight: Sip...

Veight: So this is green tea. It's not as bitter as I'd heard.

Veight: In fact, it's quite smooth, with a rich flavor. Drinking it calls to mind a beautiful tea garden.

Kou: Hehe, I'm glad you like it. I picked out leaves I thought would be more palatable for a first-time drinker.

Veight: Thank you for your consideration. What do you think of my black tea?

Kou: It's very elegant and delicious, and there's a faint citrusy aroma as well. I feel like I'm being warmed up from head to toe.

Veight: Heh, an excellent assessment. We certainly have similar tastes.

Kou: What a coincidence. I was just thinking the same thing.

One afternoon on the Grandcypher, Veight and Kou hold a tea party together using their own personal selections of leaves.

Having immediately hit it off after meeting during (Captain)'s travels, they decide to deepen their friendship over tea.

(Captain) joins them, enjoying the company and pleasant conversation.

But after some time, the captain's cup clinks down on its saucer as if to signal a shift in topic.

1. Something on your mind, Veight?

Choose: Something on your mind, Veight?

Veight: There's no hiding anything from you, is there, (Captain)? You see right through me.

Kou: Ah, I thought you were acting a little off. Well, we'd be happy to lend an ear, if it would help.

Veight: I'd appreciate that. The truth is, I didn't come here today just for tea. I'm looking for some inspiration.

Kou: How so?

Veight: You know that Feldrac is in contact with various nations for the sake of the future of vampires, correct?

Kou: Yes. If I recall, he was on his way back from a diplomatic mission the first time we met.

Veight: The purpose of those trips is to change how we vampires operate...

Veight: To lay the groundwork for us to overcome our insularity and someday venture out into the world.

Veight: He's also working hard to clear up the misconception that vampires are bloodsucking monsters.

Kou: The more I hear about him, the more amazing he sounds.

Veight: He truly is incredible. I have great respect for him, both as a father and vampire.

Veight: I've always wanted to assist him in some way, but there was never really much I could do.

Veight: But a few days ago, I was finally given the perfect opportunity to help.

Feldrac: ...

Vania: Aww, what's wrong, Feldrac? You seem awfully down in the dumps.

Malinda: Gyoo...

Veight: Did you run into some sort of trouble on your diplomatic mission?

Feldrac: You're both very kind to ask. But I'm sorry for worrying you. Rest assured, there is no such issue.

Feldrac: I'm simply concerned about our current situation.

Veight: What do you mean? I don't think there's anything to worry about as things stand.

Veight: Medvecia is undoubtedly flourishing as a direct result of all your endeavors.

Veight: We even receive regular visits by outside trade ships now. I'd say our diplomatic efforts have been a success thus far.

Malinda: Gyoo, gyoo!

Vania: Yeah, that's right! Thanks to you, Malinda gets to eat lots of tasty fruit!

Feldrac: And therein lies the rub.

Feldrac: A great many nations have come to accept us, despite our reputation as monsters.

Feldrac: However, we're merely relying on the goodwill of others and doing nothing to contribute ourselves.

Feldrac: We can only offer them treasures that have lain on the island since ancient times. Which we do, of course, wanting to return their generosity...

Feldrac: But some nations even refuse to accept them, insisting that they have no need for repayment.

Feldrac: This cannot continue. I want to thank them properly, in some way or another.

Veight: Feldrac...

Vania: Oh, what? That's all you're worried about?

Veight: What do you mean "that's all"?

Vania: Isn't it obvious? If you want to thank them, why not throw a party? You can invite (Captain) too! And everybody else!

Feldrac: Oh?

Veight: A party... Yes, that could work.

Veight: It would be a good opportunity for our allies to see Medvecia with their own eyes.

Veight: I'm impressed, Vania, You actually had a good idea for once.

Vania: Hehe, right?

Vania: Wait... Hey! That was a backhanded compliment just now, wasn't it!

Feldrac: Heh, I'm glad I mentioned it to you two. It seems I was stuck thinking inside the box. I'll begin making the arrangements straight away.

Feldrac: Would you be willing to assist me?

All Three: Of course.

You bet!

Gyoo, gyoo!

Vania: Ooh, I know! I'll make some yummy soup for everybody to enjoy!

Malinda: Gyoo!

Veight: Malinda, keep an eye on Vania and make sure she doesn't try cooking anything by herself.

Malinda: Gyoo...

Veight: Well, there's no point dawdling. Let's speak with the islanders and get the preparations underway.

Feldrac: Actually, Veight... there's something else I had in mind for you.

Veight: Really? What?

Feldrac: A musical performance. I want you to let all our foreign visitors hear your magnificent piano playing.

Veight: Yes, of c—

Veight: (Wait... Should I really be performing in a situation like this?)

Veight: (It's true that my playing is second to none. But that's ultimately my own opinion, as well as that of the other islanders.)

Veight: (If our guests end up disliking my music because it doesn't correspond with their values, Feldrac's reputation will suffer...)

Feldrac: Veight?

Vania: What's wrong? Doubting yourself?

Vania: I'd be happy to play with you if you want!

Vania: Only problem is, I don't know how.

Veight: Heh, then what would be the point of that?

Veight: Don't worry. I'm brimming with confidence, naturally. I don't need your help.

Veight: It would be an honor, Feldrac. I'll give you the performance of a lifetime.

Feldrac: Wonderful! Then it's settled. Just don't push yourself too hard, all right?

Veight: Understood!

From that day forth, Veight feverishly practices his piano playing.

However, his initial twinge of anxiety continues to grow little by little until it eventually begins to smother him.

Veight: No... This isn't good enough.

Veight: I have to play better. Much, much better...

Veight: But how?

Kou: It must have really been eating away at you.

Veight: Yes. Take a look.

Veight takes out a small keyboard and places it on the table in front of them.

Veight: This is a foreign-made miniature piano that I received from Feldrac as a souvenir.

Veight: It pales in comparison to the grand pianos and pipe organs of Medvecia, but the portability allows me to practice anywhere.

Veight: That being said...

As Veight attempts to place his hands on the keys, they stop in midair and begin to tremble.

Veight: Have you ever seen anything so pathetic? And after all that big talk about not being worried.

Veight: Now just the sight of a keyboard makes me like this...

Kou: I see...

Kou: Say, (Captain). Would it be all right if I took some time off?

1. Sure, but why?

Choose: Sure, but why?

Kou: I'd like to take a little trip with Veight.

Veight: A-a trip? Where did that come from?

Kou: To get away from the piano.

Veight: What! I can't do that. I already said I'll perform!

Kou: It would just be for a short time. Trust me, this sort of problem only gets worse the more you wrestle with it.

Kou: You see, I've actually had similar experiences in the past. So I understand where you're coming from.

Kou: The frustration, anxiety, and stress gets to be too much, and I can't bring myself to dance.

Kou: At times like that, it's better for me to distance myself from dancing and wander the skies for a while.

Kou: It helps me open my mind, as well as see different worlds and discover new ideas... options, if you will.

Veight: ...

Kou: I've been in a bit of a slump myself too recently, so if it's all right with you, why don't we tour the skies together?

Veight: Heh... All right. I'll go with you.

Veight: ...
Thank you, Kou.

Kou: Don't worry about it. After all, we're friends. It's only natural that we'd help each other out, right?

Veight: Good grief. First (Captain), and now you... Every last person in this crew is a soft touch.

Thus, Veight and Kou set out to see the sights in hopes of dispelling their anxieties.

Melody of Mirages: Scene 2

Veight and Kou set out on a trip to enrich their minds, but the experience fails to completely rid Veight of his doubts. After hearing about a song called the "Melody of Mirages" from a traveler, they decide to pay a visit to the ruins where it is rumored to play night after night.

---

On a journey to ease their worries, Kou and Veight first pay a visit to a scenic, peaceful lake.

Veight: It's beautiful.

Kou: When the weather gets a little warmer, the cherry blossoms will bloom, covering the lake in floating petals.

Veight: That sounds idyllic. You could never see anything like it in Medvecia.

Kou: Let's come back again sometime. We can even invite You and the others.

Veight: Heh. I'll bring Vania, Malinda, and Feldrac along as well.

Veight: By the way... how is Sui faring?

Veight tentatively mentions the name of the girl who had brought the two of them together.

While accompanying the ever-curious Sui, Kou and his friends had met a number of vampires, including Veight.

However, Sui suddenly left Medvecia after her condition deteriorated, and Veight has been concerned about her ever since.

Kou: ...

Veight: What's wrong?

Kou: Sorry, it's nothing. Sui's doing well. She's with You, Societte, and Yuel as always.

Kou: I'm sure they're all enjoying a girls' day out or some shopping right about now.

Veight: Good, I'm relieved to hear that. Vania and I were both pretty worried. In that case, let's all come here together next time.

Kou: Of course.

The following stop on their trip is a solemn temple.

Veight: This is absolutely stunning.

Kou: Apparently, this site serves as a place of worship for a slumbering primal beast.

Veight: That primal must be very loved.

Kou: What makes you say that?

Veight: It's the same in Medvecia. We treasure an ancient castle where an individual important to us vampires used to reside.

Veight: But this temple is so breathtaking that if you asked me which is more beautiful, I wouldn't know how to answer.

Veight: Oh, I know. You should come to Medvecia sometime. I'll take you to see the castle.

Veight: I haven't shown it to any outsiders aside from (Captain) and the others.

Kou: That would be a great honor. Hehehe...

Veight: I just know you'd love it. And I'm sure Feldrac would be delighted as well.

They next drop by a forest inhabited by a large number of monsters docile enough to be petted.

Monster: Rrrgh...

Veight: Heheh... Now that I see them in a different light, they're actually quite charming, aren't they?

Kou: You're really taking this in stride. When I brought You here, she was worried about me the whole time.

Veight: Not about herself? Hah, what a kind girl.

Kou: Yes, she is.

Veight: Feldrac once went on a diplomatic mission to a nation where the citizens coexist with monsters.

Veight: So I was aware there are monsters that aren't hostile to people.

Veight: But interacting with them like this makes a very powerful impression... as cliched as that sounds.

Kou: Hehehe... Hey, I have an idea. I've learned that these little ones love watching people dance.

Kou: Would you care to dance with me?

Veight: Dance? Social dancing I can handle, but that's the extent of my knowledge.

Kou: Not to worry. Here, give me your hand.

Veight: Hmph...

The pair experience a great many things on their journey, and soon the anxiety in Veight's heart has all but faded away.

On a hilltop illuminated by the glittering night sky above, Veight gazes up at the stars with Kou.

Veight: (Perhaps I was able to clear away some of the doubts I had while traveling alone.)

Veight: (These skies are filled with all sorts of things—people, landscapes, monsters...)

Veight: (Everyone has their own way of thinking and living. But maybe we're all the same at our cores.)

Veight: (Like vampires, mortals are moved by scenery...)

Veight: (Like vampires, mortals value the things near and dear to their hearts...)

Veight: (Like vampires, there are monsters that enjoy watching a beautiful dance...)

Veight: (So hopefully my performance will get through to the audience. No, I'm sure it will.)

His hands having stopped trembling somewhere along the way, Veight begins to play the piano quietly.

Kou is deeply moved by the melody which conjures images of Veight's journey thus far.

But despite the emotion in his performance, Veight's expression remains stiff.

Kou: That was a marvelous performance. But... do you still have doubts?

Veight: ...
Yes. But hopefully, at this level...

Kou: ...

Veight: What?

Traveler: Ah, forgive me. After hearing you play so beautifully, I couldn't help but applaud.

Traveler: Wait. Those wings on your head... They're not part of a costume or anything, I assume?

Kou: Oh, er... You see, Veight is... well...

Veight: I'm a vampire. The ones spoken of in legends.

Traveler: A vampire! Like in a fairy tale? Hahaha, so you really exist!

Veight: You're not afraid?

Traveler: Oh, you mean the rumors about you biting people? I'm the type to only believe what I can confirm with my own eyes.

Traveler: And unless my eyes deceive me, you don't look like that sort of monster to me. All I see is a gentle child.

Veight: Heh, this reminds me of a certain encounter I had in the past. Mortals truly are interesting.

Traveler: I've also heard through the grapevine that the leader of the vampires is forging friendships with various countries.

Traveler: I take that to mean that the whole "bloodsucking" thing is a load of bull, and that fairy tales are just that—fairy tales.

Kou: A vampire who's forging friendships... That must be Feldrac.

Veight: I see. His efforts are truly paying off.

Veight: And that's why I have to meet his expectations.

Kou: ...

Traveler: But that really was a fine performance. It was just like the Melody of Mirages.

Kou: Melody of Mirages?

Traveler: Yes, you see... there's a country quite a ways from here that exists closed off from the rest of the skies.

Traveler: Night after night, beautiful singing and music can be heard coming from the nearby ruins.

Traveler: It's very similar to your playing. Or actually... forgive me for being blunt, but it's somehow even more spectacular.

Traveler: Just by listening to the melody, it feels as though various worlds throughout the skies are opening up before your very eyes.

Veight: Such music exists?

Traveler: Are you interested? I don't recommend you go there though. As I mentioned, that isolated country is located nearby.

Traveler: They have an unusual aversion to strangers. I was chased away by an army of soldiers just for approaching the gate.

Veight: (An aversion to strangers... Just like Medvecia used to have.)

Kou: What do you want to do, Veight?

Veight: There's still something I'm lacking. And desperate times call for desperate measures. Let's go.

After asking the traveler for the location of the ruins, Veight and Kou immediately set out to investigate.

Melody of Mirages: Scene 3

Veight and Kou arrive at the ruins to hear the Melody of Mirages, which conjures vivid images of a bustling city in their minds. After discovering that the song is being performed by a pair of young twins named Amazuma and Varga, Veight convinces them to teach him.

---

Sure enough, when Veight and Kou arrive at the ruins, they hear mystical singing and accompaniment echoing through the night.

Kou: So this is the music he mentioned...

Veight: The Melody of Mirages...

As they fall speechless, the lightly flowing tune gradually causes the scenery around them to shift...

Suddenly, a city full of smiling people appears before them.

Kou: (What...)

Veight: (I don't believe it... What in the skies?)

They instinctively reach out to touch the sprawling buildings in front of their eyes, but their hands slip through them like mist.

Kou: (This music is making us see this scenery... No, it's not just scenery. There are voices too...)

Veight: (I can hear them so clearly! And this isn't some sort of power of association... It's more like an illusion or magic.)

Kou: Huh? Wh-what just happened?

Veight: You saw it too? So I'm not the only one experiencing this. Who could be putting on such a performance?

Veight opens a crumbling door within the ruins, seeking to discover who exactly is creating the mysterious melody.

Veight: Who is responsible for this—

Children: ...!

Veight: F-forgive me. I didn't mean to startle you.

Draph Girl: Y-you've got it all wrong! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! It was all me!

Draph Girl: My little brother was only listening—I was the one performing! He didn't have anything to do with it...

Draph Boy: Amazuma...

Amazuma: Hush! This has nothing to do with you...

Kou: U-um... Let's all calm down, okay?

Draph Boy: I don't think they're here to yell at us. Don't worry, Amazuma.

Amazuma: Huh?

Amazuma: An Erune and... um...

Veight: A vampire. Like in fairy tales.

Amazuma: Fairy tales? I've never seen you... Wait, no. That means you're... an outsider...

Amazuma: Okay... That's good then. Actually, no, it's not good... Let's go, Varga.

Varga: 'Kay.

Kou: Hey, wait! We just wanted to talk to you!

Ignoring him, the two children turn to leave the ruins.

As Kou flounders, Veight quietly takes out his miniature keyboard and begins to play.

Both: ...!

The children stop in their tracks, listening intently to his performance.

When Veight finishes, the boy approaches him with shining eyes.

Amazuma: Hey, Varga!

Varga: Wow, that was amazing! So you play the piano too, Mr. Vampire?

Veight: Yes. Not on the level of your performance earlier, however.

Varga: That's not true! You played really wonderfully! It made me all emotional...

Amazuma: ...

Kou: Um, listen... We're not here to hurt you. So would you mind hearing us out?

Amazuma: Okay. There's no reasoning with Varga when he gets like that anyway.

Amazuma: I'm sorry we tried to run away.

Kou: You don't need to apologize. We're the ones who scared you.

Veight: We're just happy you're willing to talk to us.

Veight: You two were performing that music we heard earlier, correct?

Amazuma: ...

Varga: Yep, that's right! Amazuma was singing, and I was playing the piano.

Varga: Wasn't her voice super pretty?

Kou: Wait, you were playing? But that's not what Amazuma said...

Amazuma: Just forget about that. Varga's the only one who could play such a beautiful melody.

Amazuma: All I did was match the rhythm.

Veight: That's not true. Your voice was exceptional too.

Veight: I doubt we would have been able to see that scenery without your singing and playing together.

Amazuma: Th-thanks.

Veight: Now, I know we've only just met, but I have a favor to ask of you both.

Veight: Please... will you teach me music?

Amazuma: You? It didn't sound like you needed lessons though.

Varga: Yeah... I mean, your playing was really amazing just now!

Kou: The truth is...

As Kou and Veight explain the situation, Varga's eyes begin to sparkle.

Seeing her brother's excited reaction, Amazuma sighs.

Amazuma: If you want to do it, I won't argue.

Varga: You're the nicest sister ever, Amazuma!

Amazuma: I think you're the one being nice here...

Veight: So, er... Does this mean you'll teach me?

Varga: Yup! If you're sure our music is good enough...

Kou: Thank you very much!

Kou: Isn't this great, Veight?

Veight: Yes, I'm incredibly grateful. I have a feeling I'm going to learn some truly priceless things from the two of you.

Varga: Ehehe, you're going to make me all embarrassed... But actually, I have a favor to ask you too.

Veight: Of course, assuming it's something within my power.

Varga: Yay! Then will you teach me how to play the piano your way?

Veight: My way?

Varga: Uh-huh! That was the first time I'd heard anybody besides me play, so it was a really big deal to me...

Kou: You'd never heard anyone else play?

Amazuma: Don't pry.

Kou: I-I'm sorry...

Veight: ...
All right. I'm not sure if there's anything I can teach you, but I'm willing to try.

Amazuma: That goes for us too. I honestly don't know what we can do for you at this point.

Amazuma: But anyway, we can't start today. Come back tomorrow around this time, well after the sun's gone down.

Kou: In the middle of the night? Are you sure?

Amazuma: It's then or never.
Anyway, we need to go. Come on, Varga.

Varga: See you tomorrow, Mr. Vampire! Mr. Erune!

Waving, Varga and Amazuma depart from the ruins.

Veight and Kou wave back, though something in the children's words leaves them with a sense of unease.

Melody of Mirages: Scene 4

Veight invites Varga and Amazuma to perform at the event in Medvecia, but the laws of their country prohibit them from leaving or playing music. The following evening, Veight and Kou arrive at the ruins to find Amazuma alone, begging them to save her family from being killed.

---

After that, Varga, Amazuma, and Veight hold practice sessions—or rather, concerts—night after night.

Veight steadily polishes his skill, learning how to play music that evokes imagery in the mind of the listener.

Kou joins the trio, creating new dances to accompany their playing and singing.

The four continue to build each other up, eventually helping them improve to the point where they can form scenery on their own.

Amazuma: ...

But despite their successes, Amazuma's expression darkens further with every passing day.

One evening, Veight's fingers suddenly pause over the keys in the middle of their practice session.

Veight: I just had a great idea.

Varga: What is it?

Veight: We should go to the party together. Kou, Varga, Amazuma—all of us! And we'll invite (Captain)'s crew and our friends too!

Veight: If we feature styles of dance and music from various cultures in Medvecia as part of our exchange with other nations...

Veight: I think it would give the impression that instead of being closed off, we vampires are accepting of people hailing from all manner of countries and lineages!

Kou: That really is a wonderful idea. It sounds like a lot of fun.

Veight: Doesn't it though? And besides, not doing so would be a waste.

Varga: Why's that?

Veight: The two of you possess incredible skill. It would be a terrible waste to keep it hidden away here.

Veight: Your music should be heard by mortals throughout the skies!

Amazuma: ...

Varga: Um, hey. Can I ask you something, Veight?

Varga: You mentioned friends earlier. Are we your friends too?

Veight: Heh...

In place of an answer, Veight takes out his miniature keyboard.

Varga: Huh?

Veight: You don't have a piano of your own, right?

Varga: How'd you know that?

Veight: I thought there must be some reason why you've been coming all this way so late at night, so I just assumed.

Veight: If I guessed correctly, then that seals the deal. It's yours.

Varga: Are you sure? But isn't it important to you?

Veight: That's precisely why I want you to have it. You're correct in that it was given to me by someone I hold in high regard...

Veight: But if it allows me to form a connection with someone from another nation, I'm sure Feldrac will allow it.

Veight: Please accept it as a token of our friendship.

Varga: ...
Th-thanks. This makes me really, really happy...

Veight: Heheh. I hope this is a suitable answer to the question of whether or not we're friends.

Varga: I can't believe I made such a great friend and got an amazing gift on top of that... Ehehe.

Veight: All right, let's make arrangements for your journey to Medvecia right away.

Amazuma: No...

Kou: Huh?

Amazuma: No... There's no way. We can't do something like that. You know that, Varga.

Varga: ...

Veight: Why not?

Kou: Sorry, I know you asked us not to pry...

Kou: But we're friends now. If you need help, we're here to lend a hand. So why don't you talk to us?

Amazuma: S-sniffle...

Kou: O-oh, I'm sorry. Don't feel like you have to force yourself.

As though speaking for Amazuma, Varga quietly begins to play the keyboard.

His dazzling performance conjures a scene in their minds once again.

However, Veight and Kou immediately notice that the melody is considerably different from usual.

Veight: (Strange... I should be able to hear Varga's music, but I can't. I should see his fingers skimming the keys, but I don't.)

Amazuma: ...

Amazuma joins in, singing along with Varga's melody.

Normally, a townscape filled with smiling people would be sprawled out before them, but what Kou and Veight see is quite different...

Townsman: ...

Townswoman: ...

The people carry on with their training as soldiers or work as blacksmiths in silence, their eyes lifeless and empty.

In this village without color, there is no music. On the contrary, there is not even a sound reminiscent of joy.

The people merely walk and work, living and dying devoid of expression.

And among them...

Both: ...

Veight: (Why are they... in this town?)

Amazuma: Ngh... Sob...

Amazuma suddenly stops singing and dashes out of the ruins, seemingly unable to endure any more.

Kou: Amazuma!

Kou: Are you all right? Have you calmed down?

Amazuma: Hey, Kou... Please...

Amazuma: Please... get Varga out of that country!

Kou: Then it's true. That place the Melody of Mirages showed us is where you two live...

Amazuma: That's right. Just thinking about home hurts so much I can't even bring myself to talk about it.

Amazuma: The thing is, we live in a country that's totally closed off from the rest of the world.

Kou: (A closed-off nation... It must be the one near these ruins. So there's no color or sound there...)

Amazuma: In our country, everyone has to be either a soldier or a blacksmith.

Amazuma: We're forbidden to leave, and we're forbidden to play music. Breaking the law means death.

Amazuma: The only thing we're allowed to do is work at whatever job we've been given.

Kou: That's awful...

Amazuma: See, Varga and I just weren't cut out to be soldiers or blacksmiths.

Amazuma: Our teachers at the training school always looked at us like we were worthless, and we got sick of it.

Amazuma: So Varga and I used a secret path we found to leave the country in the middle of the night.

Amazuma: We thought no one would catch us if we snuck out after the sun went down, since everybody else was obeying the law.

Amazuma: At first we were planning to head back home after we stretched our legs, but that's when we found it.

Kou: The piano here, you mean?

Amazuma: Yeah. We'd never seen a musical instrument before. We only knew about them from the stories Mom and Dad told us in secret.

Amazuma: That's why Varga's eyes instantly lit up. And honestly, mine did too.

Amazuma: The next thing we knew, we were playing the piano and singing to our hearts' content.

Amazuma: We both imagined the world outside our country and expressed it through our songs.

Kou: And that's the Melody of Mirages...

Amazuma: We knew we were doing something bad and that we'd have to stop eventually... but we just kept coming back day after day.

Kou: (So they weren't supposed to be playing music, or even coming here at all. That's why she looked so miserable.)

Kou: (And she lied to us about playing the piano at first because she was trying to take all the blame for the crime.)

Amazuma: Meeting you guys convinced me. Varga doesn't belong in that country! He needs to go out into the world and play his music!

Kou: That's not good enough. If he leaves, you have to go with him.

Amazuma: I'll be fine sticking around. And besides, we can't just abandon our mom and dad.

Amazuma: I have a feeling they know we're sneaking out every night, but they're keeping quiet.

Amazuma: After they've done so much for us, I can't betray them. They'd definitely be charged with a crime if my brother and I both disappeared.

Amazuma: I'm the one who dragged Varga out, so I'm the one who should take all the blame. I'll protect Mom, Dad, and Varga.

Kou: ...!
No, you can't think that way, Amazuma!

Kou: If Varga knew that... No, not just him! Your mother and father too!

Kou: If they knew, it would definitely make them suffer! More than they already are!

Amazuma: But... this is the only thing I can do!

Kou: ...

In the end, Amazuma leaves Kou with her request and takes Varga back to their country.

Afterward, Kou fills Veight in on Amazuma's explanation.

Veight: I heard a similar story from Varga.

Veight: But I had no idea Amazuma was trying to shoulder all the blame. Or that she wanted Varga to escape to the outside world alone.

Veight: Let's talk this through with Varga again tomorrow.

Kou: Right.

The following night, Veight and Kou return to the ruins. However...

They arrive to find a battered and bruised Amazuma lying on the ground alone.

Kou: Amazuma!

Veight: What's wrong? What happened?

Amazuma: Please... You have to... save them...

Amazuma: They're... going to kill Varga... and Mom and Dad too... My whole family's going to die!