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Forbidden lands lie beyond this marker The following article contains story spoilers! |
(Upon selecting the chapter, the screen is enveloped in red smoke. The protagonists from each of the 8 chapters are in the selection screen once again, but this time, the text in the bottom left reads one thing:)
(In the middle of the night, Pogo wakes up next to Beru, startled. He runs outside to check, but finds nothing. Suddenly, the world turns red.)
???: O foolish child. For love's facade he fights...
Whose faith in men endures despite their sins.
O child, now come and see... Their true design.
(Pogo vanishes.)
(At the peak of Mount Aspiration, Yun Jou strikes the massive boulder. It is cleaved in two.)
Yun: Shifu. Today I finally managed to split the great boulder. However, I know I still have much to learn... Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be as wise or as skilled as you were... Or if I can fulfill your dying wish... But I must cast all doubt from my mind... And train until I master our art!
(He walks towards the trio of graves.)
Yun: Lei, Hong, shifu... This I promise you all! I will carry on our legacy.
(He stands on the edge of the cliff.)
Lei: Hey, old man. I split the boulder today. And while I try my best to be kind, like you urged me... I still lose my temper sometimes. I don't know if I've got it in me to ever be as calm and collected as you were. But I won't give up! One day they'll praise my bleeding heart even more than yours. You'd like that, wouldn't you?
(She walks towards the trio of graves.)
Lei: So keep watching, old man. That goes for you too, Yun! And Hong! I will carry on our legacy.
(She stands on the edge of the cliff.)
Hong: Shifu. I split the rock. Did you see? All I had to do was believe... But I must do more. I know. And perhaps I must eat less too... I have faith, shifu. One day I will be as strong as you. No- that is wrong! One day I will surpass you!
(He walks towards the trio of graves.)
Hong: I promise. I swear. To all of you- To Lei, to Yun, and to you, shifu! I will carry on our legacy.
(He stands on the edge of the cliff.)
Earthen Heart Master: I will be the shifu! Master of the Earthen Heart!
(Suddenly, the world turns red.)
???: O foolish child. To elder's will life bound...
Whose faith in men endures despite their sins.
O child, now come and see... Their true design.
(The Earthen Heart Master vanishes.)
Billy: Hey mister! Kid! We'll never forget you!
(Sundown continues his wandering. He stops, and gets off his horse. Suddenly, the world turns red.)
???: O foolish child. From hero's fame he flees...
Whose faith in men endures despite their sins.
O child, now come and see... Their true design.
(Sundown vanishes.)
Ryoma Sakamoto: Hmm... The sun rises... Some day, it shall rise over a Japan free of strife and conflict... Have faith, my friend, for I feel that day is near!
(The pair watch the sun rise. Suddenly, the world turns red.)
???: O foolish child. In shadow guides his kin...
Whose faith in men endures despite their sins.
O child, now come and see... Their true design.
(Oboromaru vanishes.)
Odie O'Bright: Hah... hah... Heh... <cough> <cough> It's only just begun, boy. This ambition of yours... One... One after another... without end... others will come... To take your head and your crown. You stand in judgement with bloodied hands... And will again... As well you should... It is your nature. How long until the next... I wonder.
(O'Bright drops dead, a red cloud of smoke bursting from his body. Masaru turns to face the rising sun.)
???: Masaru Takahara...
(A new challenger appears behind Masaru.)
???: It's you, isn't it? The greatest warrior... which means that when I've beaten you, I'll be the best of the best!
(Masaru turns to face the man, smirking confidently. Suddenly, the world turns red.)
???: O foolish child. On power's throne he sits...
Whose faith in men endures despite their sins.
O child, now come and see... Their true design.
(Masaru vanishes.)
(Akira wakes up, napping in the park.)
Hungry Boy: Come on, man, you've been on break forever! You selling taiyaki today or what?
Akira: H-huh? Uh, yeah... Be right there.
(Akira moseys to the taiyaki stand, and begins to serve his customers. Suddenly, the world turns red.)
???: O foolish child. In anger finds his strength...
Whose faith in men endures despite their sins.
O child, now come and see... Their true design.
(Akira vanishes.)
???: O foolish child. Whose heart bleeds more than flesh...
Whose faith in men endures despite their sins.
O child, now come and see... Their true design.
(Cube vanishes.)
(The chosen hero finds themselves lost in a dark void. Images of the seven eras fade in and out from nowhere. Eventually, the hero finds a staircase, leading them to a mysterious, empty world: The Dominion of Hate.)
(The party ventures south of the Silent Wood, where a small cove of healing grass lies. Here, they find a young boy sniffing his surroundings. On noticing them, the boy panics and runs off. The party finds him hiding nearby.)
Bewildered Warrior: Uh!?
(The boy flees and hides again, prompting the party to find him again. This continues until the boy is angered.)
Bewildered Warrior: Ugaaah!
(The boy attacks his pursuer, but is bested in battle.)
Pogo: I... I- Aieee!
(The meaning of Pogo's grunts is lost the party, but they consider inviting him along.)
(Pogo joins the party.)
(At the Last Hero's Grave, the party finds a martial artist perched atop the summit.)
Confused Martial Artist: What a relief! I'm not alone! Ah, sorry, getting ahead of myself. I'm Yun Jou- a... martial artist instructor, I suppose. Master of the Earthen Heart. By the way... where are we? Oh? You don't know either? I see... Hmm... Well I doubt we'll find any answers here. Want to look around together?
(Yun joins the party.)
(The martial artist draws the chosen hero into a fight, but is taken down.)
Earthen Heart Master: Heh... Not bad, not bad... I'm Lei, by the way. Master of the Earthen Heart. You're not from around here either, are you? A fellow traveler... So how about it? Wanna travel together?
(Lei joins the party.)
(The martial artist is hunched over on his stomach.)
Heavy-set Man: Huh? Where did you come from? More importantly, do you have any food? I'm so hungry I can hardly move...
(The party offers him...)
Heavy-set Man: Ohoho! Oh... <munch> Yes, yes! <munch> So good... <munch> <munch> <munch> This really... Hits the... spot! <munch> <munch> Ahh... thanks, but... I'm still starving... Can you spare anything else?
Heavy-set Man: "I'm still too weak to move. Too hungry... Honestly, anything will do! Whatever you can spare!"
"I'm feeling better, but I could use a little more to eat..."
"I've almost recovered- I can feel it! Just a little more and I'll be eight-tenths full..."
(Eventually, after the party offers a handful of food items, the man finally stands up.)
Earthen Heart Master: Ahh, finally! I have the strength to stand! I am Hong Hakka. Master of the Earthen Heart. And I have been wondering... what is this place? Oh? I see you're lost too... You shared with me your food when I was in need. I must repay your kindness. I will come with you!
(Hong joins the party.)
(While there, the chosen hero acquires the sword Brion, laid next to the grave.)
(As they explore the Dominion, the party spies a cowboy upon the Last Hero's Grave.)
Weary Cowboy: ...
(They trail the cowboy across the Silent Wood, into the Seat of the Betrayers, and all throughtout the castle. As they leave the Seat...)
Weary Cowboy: Why you been following me?
(The cowboy emerges from the trees, and pulls his gun.)
Weary Cowboy: Got something to ask?
(The cowboy returns his gun.)
Weary Cowboy: ...Well I got questions too. Like where the hell this is and what bastard brought us here. Folks call me the Kid. The Sundown Kid. I'd wager you're as lost as I am. Fancy looking for an exit together?
(Sundown joins the party.)
(The party comes across a bloodstained sign. The words upon it have faded beyond recognition.)
???: I see you, vengeful spirit!
(A ninja descends from behind.)
Tense Ninja: You too shall fall!
(The ninja battles the chosen hero, but is bested.)
Oboromaru: Hmm... I see... You are not like the phantoms that roam this cursed land... I am a shinobi of the Enma. Oboromaru is my name. I will accompany you, if you wish.
(Oboromaru joins the party.)
(Oboromaru leaps out of sight.)
(In the castle dungeon, the party comes across a man in a cell, engrossed in an intense training exercise.)
Focused Fighter: Who's there?
(The man runs out of the cell and confronts the chosen hero.)
Focused Fighter: One of the locals, huh... Lemme ask you something. You here to pick a fight with me?
Focused Fighter: Then bring it on!
(The fighter leaps into a brawl, and ends up beaten.)
Masaru: You're pretty good.
Focused Fighter: Hmm... Huh. A kid.
Focused Fighter: Lemme ask you something. You here to pick a fight with me?
Focused Fighter: Then bring it on!
(The fighter leaps into a brawl, and ends up beaten.)
Masaru: You're pretty good.
Focused Fighter: Then bring it on!
(The fighter leaps into a brawl, and ends up beaten.)
Masaru: You're pretty good.
Focused Fighter: Then bring it on!
(The fighter leaps into a brawl, and ends up beaten.)
Masaru: You're pretty good.
Masaru: Ah, should tell you my name. Masaru Takahara. Call it a hunch, but I'm guessing you don't belong here, same as me. How's about you and me look around together?
(Masaru joins the party)
(At the Condemned Village, the party spies a spiky-haired youth reclining on a bench. He stretches and gets up.)
Wary Youth: Huh! Thought I was the only one here. Hmm... One sec!
(The youth approaches the chosen hero, and reads his mind.)
Wary Youth: Pogo, huh?
Wary Youth: The Earthen Heart... A kung fu master... Yun Jou, huh?
Wary Youth: The Sundown Kid, huh?
Wary Youth: Okay then... Judging from that look in your eye... I'm guessing you don't trust me. Am I right?
Wary Youth: Well I don't trust you either!
(The youth picks a fight with the hero, but is beaten.)
Wary Youth: Well, that sucked.
(The youth reads the hero's mind again.)
Akira: Had you figured wrong. Guess I should introduce myself. Name's Akira. I usually prefer to go it alone, but... well, you don't seem like a total asshole, so... Wanna team up?
(Akira joins the party.)
(Akira lies back on the bench and returns to sleep.)
(On the face of the Last Hero's Grave, the party pick up a stray battery lying in the snow.)
Pogo: Uh? Huh!? Uhh...
Earthen Heart Master: Some sort of metal box?
The Sundown Kid: Funny looking metal something or other...
(Atop the balcony of the Seat of the Betrayers' castle, the party then finds a deactivated robot. A small cover on it lies open.)
Pogo: Uh? Uhh... Huh!?
(The chosen hero fits the battery into the slot. The robot is activated at once, with a happy beep. It approaches the party, beeping enthusiastically. The party considers taking it along.)
(Cube joins the party.)
(Pogo detects a scent emanating from behind a face on the Last Hero's Grave. He repeatedly charges into it.)
Pogo: Uh! Ohh! Aieee!
(With a final charge, Pogo breaks open the entrance, allowing the party to explore inside.)
(A pair of blubbering stone statues lie within the halls. A single faded word exists on their clothing: "Watana..." Akira reads their minds.)
Large Statue: Whatever you do, don't run... If you keep running away, it'll come for you too...
Small Statue: Don't end up like me and my dad... Don't let the black leopard catch you...
(Pogo leads the party to a small lake inside the cave. A large shadow within the water moves towards them.)
Gargantuan Fish: ...Do I know you? Have you some business here?
Gargantuan Fish: The golden topknot, then- let's see it first.
(The party offers the fish...)
(The fish emerges from the water, a massive, golden catfish.)
Gargantuan Fish: Yes, yes... Now this is what I've craved so long.
Delightful, this delight. A tribute true.
(Continues to "Hmm? What?...")
Gargantuan Fish: I told you what I want, and that's not it.
A topknot- golden, glorious! My price.
I'll not accept a lesser prize. Now go!
Gargantuan Fish: Hmm? What? You'd still ask more of me? Of me!?
To bask in my splendiferous splendor-
To look on my resplendent golden face!
A peerless honor, this. Yet you persist?
Gargantuan Fish: You wager much to try my patience thus.
Your lives you'll risk for secret wisdom? Well?
Gargantuan Fish: A gambler. Hah. Then let us roll the dice!
Gargantuan Fish: Hah. Cowards, then. A shameful shame indeed.
Away with you, then! Leave and don't return!
I've plans aplenty, busy days ahead!
Gargantuan Fish: Hah. Cowards, then. A shameful shame indeed.
Away with you, then! Leave and don't return!
I've plans aplenty, busy days ahead!
| Battle Quotes: Lucretius | |||||
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Megalomania
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Lucretius: A stubborn lot you are. Bah! Fie on it!
A reconciliation gift I'll give.
But not the topknot, no. 'Tis mine to keep!
'Twas offered without let or lien, thus claimed.
You've questions, yes? Then ask them quickly! Ask!
Lucretius: Lucretius is my name. A carp of eld,
Born long before the kingdom rose and fell.
With passing cent'ries even oaks, 'tis said,
Attain divinity in eyes of men.
Such fervent supplications I enjoyed.
But not a soul I've seen for ages now.
A quiet, cold and deep, grips all Lucrece.
It's just as well. The silence suits me fine.
But in the south and east, at distant mount,
I sense a presence faint... and bitter too...
A man, perhaps. Or something more... unkind.
Lucretius: The trial of instinct t'was it's given name.
For only those of primal potency-
The chosen few- could weather dangers dire.
Lucrece is home to many trials, you know.
Of power, wisdom, skill. Of time and heart.
Of keys as well. A curious one, that.
And how are you to enter into them?
Hmph! Must I give you every answer, child?
What satisfaction's there, I put to you,
Eschewing effort in the search? 'Tis none!
Seek you a strategy guide at wit's end.
But not before. I'd first try this and that.
'Tis in the struggle man finds his glory.
Thus absent purpose? A purposeless wretch!
Lucretius: You jest, most surely! Or if not, oh dear...
(On the side of the Last Hero's Grave, a large boulder stands.)
Earthen Heart Master: Wait... Let me handle this!
(The master approaches the rock.)
Earthen Heart Master: Steady...
(The master hits the rock with a focused blow. It splits in half, revealing the entrance to a cave. Inside this cave, more stones are found.)
Earthen Heart Master: Another boulder...
(The master may destroy the boulder with any one of their techniques. If the wrong technique is chosen...)
Earthen Heart Master: That technique won't suffice.
(If the master lacks the proper skill...)
Earthen Heart Master: I don't think any of my techniques will serve me here...
(Inside, the chosen hero finds themselves besieged by a warrior.)
The Bountiful Heart: Oh, <hero>!
So long it has been! What fun we will have!
| Battle Quotes: The Bountiful Heart | |||||
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Megalomania
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(This continues relentlessly, until they reach the end of the cave.)
The Bountiful Heart: Oh, <hero>!
So long it has been! What fun we will have!
Perhaps, though... Aye, one final time. We dance!
The Bountiful Heart: Huzzah, Huzzah! I knew you would agree!
(The party fight the Bountiful Heart one last time, ending him forever.)
(Trailing a mysterious horse, the party finds themselves in a cavern. They must explore the cave as it grows ever darker with each passing bell. By the eighth bell, as the cavern is completely black, four alien beasts appear.)
???: Ohoho! Ohoho!
A tasty treat... Oh yes, oh yes... Let's eat!
| Battle Quotes: Jaggedy Jacks | |||||
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Megalomania
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(The party meets a great demon guarding another cave.)
???: The trial of power demands warriors.
The strong alone may pass. Now prove your worth!
| Battle Quotes: Apophisphilo | |||||
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Megalomainia
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(The monster disappears, allowing the party to conquer the trial within.)
(Akira teleports the party from battle, only to end up in a mysterious dungeon.)
Akira: Huh? Where the hell are we?
(Exploring the dungeon, Akira finds the silent spirits of the Dominion's former residents.)
Royal Guard: The vile, accursed fiend. We were deceived...
Minister: T'was all his doing, aye. The traitor youth.
In truth, the cursed fiend, the Lord of Dark!
King of Lucrece: The fault is mine, most surely. 'Twas my watch.
Lucrece, my charge, my child... now all is ash.
Precocious Child: No, no! I won't believe it! Never, no!
He's not the Lord of Dark! Not him! Not him!
Streibough: Am I his architect, and he my work?
Should I have stood aside? Renounced love's grace?
Like so much else before. But not this time.
And so I led him to a throne of bone...
Hasshe: Within his heart I saw the seed of dark...
Surpassing mine. Such anger. Sorrow. Hate...
Uranus: <sigh> What fools they were. And I no better, aye...
(As the party collects the treasure at the dungeon's nadir, a final spirit appears to them before they leave.)
Alethea: I prithee... End this horror. End it now.
You must. He knows not what he has become.
???: You stand within the trial of wisdom. Those who favor strength cannot proceed alone.
(Deep within the trial, the party meets with a robot which looks exactly like Cube.)
Aspect of Cube: I bid you welcome to the trial of wisdom. I am a sliver of Cube's knowledge, and will act as your guide in this place. Strength will avail you naught here. Only one who demonstrates sound judgment may claim the gift of wisdom within. The chairs are the seat of wisdom. Use them to seek my guidance. Stand before them and call out, and I will appear.
(The Aspect provides the party with hints should they summon it.)
Aspect of Cube: "The crimson path lies beyond. Many have lost their way in the sea of red. First they mistake their left and right. Then their front and back. Then they spin in despair."
"The mirrored path lies beyond. Follow your reflection to cast the white boulders aside and clear the path. Should you stray, return to me and begin anew."
"One mirror reveals truth. The other lies."
"All three are betrayers. Heed none."
"To advance without question is unwise. You may need to mirror your steps and retreat."
"The timebound path lies beyond. It is your final challenge. Conquer it to claim the gift of wisdom. The white boulders will open the path. But only in accordance with the flow of time."
(After claiming the "gift of wisdom", the party returns to the trial to find a massive robot lumbering the halls.)
???: The diode... Wisdom old of Euraokos.
Machine's divine gift, stolen by thieves. You!
| Battle Quotes: Euraokos | |||||
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Megalomania
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Euraokos: My precious diode... Hidden away, deep,
Yet taken still, oh... all is lost... all... is...
(Euraokos shuts down and explodes.)
(After running from battle 95 times, the party hears a voice.)
???: A coward walks among us. Run away...
Run, run. Just five more times. Just five more times...
(The party keeps fleeing.)
???: "Run, run. Just four more times. Just four more times..."
"Run, run. Just three more times. Just three more times..."
"Run, run. Just two more times. Just two more times..."
"Run, run. Just one more time. Just one more time..."
"A hundred times you've run, run, run from death...
But I am death foretold. Relentless doom.
T'was cowardice that called me hither, child.
Your fate is sealed. You'll flee no more. Now die."
| Battle Quotes: Death Prophet | |||||
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Megalomania
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(Standing before the gate to the Archon's Roost, the chosen hero holds Brion aloft. With a fierce rumble, the gate opens, and the party ventures inside to reach the peak.)
(Eventually, the party happens upon a large chamber containing seven large statues- the villains they faced in their own times.)
(Pogo leaps up in shock.)
Earthen Heart Master: Is that... Ou Di Wan Lee? But how? And why?
The Sundown Kid: Huh!? Hmm... O. Dio. That's you all right.
Oboromaru: Huh!? Lord Ode? Could it be? Yes, there's no mistake. It's him. Or what he became...
Masaru: You have got to be kidding me... Odie O'Bright. I remember you...
Akira: No way! Why is there a statue of that giant freak here?
(Cube beeps sadly.)
(Perturbed, the party continues into the final chamber, Hate's Promise. Uncovering the secret path, the party continues forward through the cave until they reach the mountain's peak, Hate's Triumph.)
(Standing atop Hate's Triumph, the party beholds an immense, armored statue, but no sign of life. As they turn to leave, they are stopped by a crimson air.)
???: Come hither. Let us speak.
(Turning around, the party watches as a shadowed figure manifests before them.)
???: I am your host.
The Lord of Dark. The archon Odio.
(The party...)
(The party stand before the Lord of Dark.)
(Continues to "Full glad am I...")
(The party finds themselves lost in a void of mirages, identical to the one where their journey began.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: O children, out of place and out of time.
Your wanderlust will lead you unto death!
(An armored, eldritch foe, the Headhunter, besieges the party. Upon its defeat, the party is forced to return to the chosen hero's origin location.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: Full glad am I to welcome honored guests.
O travelers from afar, gathered here...
For purpose paramount. For words to heed.
I've queries two to put to you. The first:
Beloved heroes you've become. But they...
The weak, the wanting- peers in name alone.
How've they acquitted themselves? <scoff> Put to proof,
They pleaded others save them. Risked their lives.
Endure such hardship, suffering and pain,
That they may reap a harvest sowed with blood.
Pray tell- are charges such as these worthy
Of grace? I'd think on it, if I were you.
The second, then- to which I'd have reply.
The paths you've walked. For weal, for woe. For what?
At precipice you stand, at journey's end...
Odio, the Lord of Dark: For love? A woman's touch? A simple joy?
Pogo: Uh! Aieee!
Earthen Heart Master: No! Not... not only for him. I do this for me. To be more than I was. To be better!
Odio, the Lord of Dark: For justice? Poor, defenseless souls in need?
The Sundown Kid: ...Yeah, you might be right about that much.
Oboromaru: ...Just so. For a code that guides, I walk in honor and live to serve!
Masaru: ...That's right! I swore I'd be the best there ever was! And I will be!
Akira: Quit talking like you know me! If you've got something to say, then say it!
(Cube beeps affirmatively.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: Indeed. Within your words lies simple truth.
You fought and won and claimed your promised prize.
And not for noble cause, but selfish want.
A craving deep and primal, spurring you...
To shield desire and disdain all else.
Let those apart and those opposed be damned.
<scoff> The ones who called this kingdom home. Your kin
In spirit. This I see. You are the same.
(Odio rises above the heroes.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: Reflect on your regrets... And bid farewell...
To misspent life of sin! You'll live no more!
(The party is swallowed in darkness. When the world is once move visible, they find themselves face to face with a ghastly visage, born of roots and flowers.)
| Battle Quotes: Eyes of Odio | |||||
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| Battle Quotes: Maw of Odio | |||||
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| Battle Quotes: Brow of Odio | |||||
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(The heroes destroy the Eyes and the Maw of Odio; the Brow of Odio descends from above. With a swell of power, the Brow unfurls its wings, revealing a pallid, fetal being hunched atop a flower.)
| Battle Quotes: Purity of Odio | |||||
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Using Saint Alethea:
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Using Expunge:
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Using Shadow of Despair:
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Using Denial:
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Hurt:
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| Damaged: | |||||
| 50% | 75% | ||||
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Victory:
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Defeat:
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(The Purity of Odio erupts in a titanic explosion, ensconced by a colossal burst of red smoke. The party beholds as Odio's shadowed figure dissipates. Left behind is the Lord of Dark's true form- the knight, Oersted. He falls to his knees.)
Oersted: Well fought and won. And now... The coup de grâce...
Strike fast and true. Come. Waver not in this.
| Battle Quotes: Oersted | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engaging:
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Using Valorous Slash:
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Using Dragonsoul:
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Using Shardfall:
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Using Archon's Mark:
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Hurt:
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Counterattacked:
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Interrupted:
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Afflicted:
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| Damaged: | |||||
| 50% | 75% | ||||
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Victory:
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Defeat:
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Oersted: Ah... Alethea...
(Oersted drops dead. A plume of red smoke pours from his corpse.)
Pogo: Oh! Uhh...! Aieee!!!
Earthen Heart Master: ...Was this truly the only way? I'm not sure. Shifu, if you were here... What would you have done?
The Sundown Kid: <sigh> Adios, partner.
(The credits roll, as the party take leave of Virtue's Reward, one by one.)
THE CYCLE CONTINUES...
(Continues to "Returning to the chamber...)
(Returning to the chamber of statues, the party reunite with the heroes left behind.)
Pogo: Uohoh!
Earthen Heart Master: There you are!
The Sundown Kid: Been busy, huh?
(The door slams open behind them.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: Not yet. Not yet! Your fight is not yet done!
(The party turns to find the wounded knight, Odio, by the door on his knees.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: <chuckle> For even should I falter here and now...
My hate! My boundless hate shall transcend time!
Hark! Look you now on hatred's multitude-
On Odio, and his many faces!
(Odio steps forward.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: You know them well. From ancient past, the beast!
(The Odo statue's eyes glow. Pogo is teleported before it.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: From distant future, maddened slave of men!
(The OD-10 staute's eyes glow. Cube is teleported before it.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: In peace they plot and craft their prophet false...
(The Odeo statue's eyes glow. Akira is teleported before it.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: In war they worship lords ambitious, cruel!
(The Ode Iou statue's eyes glow. Oboromaru is teleported before it.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: The windswept wastes yield monstrous men-at-arms!
(The O. Dio statue's eyes glow. Sundown is teleported before it.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: The highest peaks hide villains murderous!
(The Ou Di Wan Lee statue's eyes glow. The Earthen Heart Master is teleported before it.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: For violence shall ever be your wont!
(The Odie O'Bright statue's eyes glow. Masaru is teleported before it.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: My hate is yours, and your is mine. To share,
A history, so long as men yet live!
Now sing our name! Embrace us! Odio!
(The sigils beneath the statues glow fiery red; Odio is shrouded in shadow.)
Pogo: Hm!
Earthen Heart Master: Shifu, if you're watching... Grant me courage!
The Sundown Kid: ...All that's between you and your maker. Me? I'm going home. Whatever it takes!
(One by one, the heroes disappear into battle.)
(In the distant future...)
OD-10: Every action was taken in service of a single goal: to cultivate the ideal community. To build, to nurture- to help them reach their full potential. This was and is ever my purpose. And so my judgment must be beyond reproach. Disagreement, disruption, defiance- these cannot be tolerated. You are an impediment to the vision. You cannot be allowed to continue.
(In the near future...)
Priest Unryu: Haha! Yes. Yes... His advent is nigh! Look now to the statue of Inko! Rejoice! Our savior is come! Rejoice! Odeo is come!
Akira: Screw this. That thing's no god of mine. And I'm not melding with these freaks or anyone else! Still with me?
Then let's finish this, Matsu!
(In the twilight of Edo Japan...)
Ode Iou: Hah hah hah! Up here, you two! Mark well this moment, as I, Ode Iou, unveil to you the noble visage of he who will rule Japan forevermore! Ahhh! Ugh, guhhh, graaahhh! Mine! All is! Mine!
(In prehistory...)
(A massive dinosaur's shadow stomps towards the cavepeople, roaring ferociously. Gori kicks the Kuu Chief's headdress back at it, causing it to erupt in a vicious roar. Pogo and Beru glance at Zaki, who can only stare at his feet in shame. Steeling their resolve, Pogo, Gori, and Beru rush towards the beast.)
(In the present day...)
Wild-eyed Vagabond: Mercy will be your undoing, Masaru Takahara. The so-called masters you defeated, whose techniques you made your own in your quest to become the very best... You left them alive, and so others were free to follow in your wake. I, on the other hand, ensured my victories were complete. Without exception! Namkiat, the naïve brat... That gaudy luchador, the "Great" Aja... Simple-minded Han... Jackie, still dreaming of a squandered youth... Max, who was never more than a mere showman... And of course, that dottering fraud Moribe... Each lay dead at my feet when I was finished. For true triumph is found only in death. In the extinguishing of a life and its legacy. You glory in nothing. <chuckle> And who am I, you ask? I am that which you yearn to become. The greatest warrior... Odie O' Bright!
Masaru: You... You son of a bitch. A warrior? Like hell you are. You're nothing but a cold-blooded murderer! With Namkiat's speed... The Great Aja's acrobatics... Han's guile, Jackie's strength... Max's determination, Moribe's wisdom... And with my own... Righteous fury- I will end you!
(In the Wild West...)
O. Dio: It is you, then. You who educated Pike and his brothers so deftly in the ways of war. I owe you a debt for the generosity you showed my disciples. We are men of violence, yes, but we are nevertheless men. And so I will repay you in our common currency... In blood and lead and death!
(In imperial China...)
Yun: Lei... Hong... Lend me your courage! Our shifu's greatest secret!
Ou Di Wan Lee: <chuckle> A desperate bluff!
Yun: Heavenly Peaks Descent!
Ou Di Wan Lee: <chuckle> A desperate bluff!
Lei: Heavenly Peaks Descent!
Ou Di Wan Lee: <chuckle> A desperate bluff!
Hong: Heavenly Peaks Descent!
<placeholder>
(One by one, the seven incarnations of Odio are beaten, exploding into red smoke. The heroes return to the Archon's Roost.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: Why? Why, why, why!? Why can we not prevail!?
What have you that we lack? What secret strength!?
(Odio falls to his knees. The heroes run up to him.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: Agh! Aaagh! Uaaaaaagh!
(Unprecedented power flows into Odio. The room shakes.)
Pogo: Uh!?
Oboromaru: The mountain shudders. An earthquake?
Earthen Heart Master: It's growing... thicker and more potent!
Akira: He's calling it to him. All the darkness. All the hatred in this world.
Masaru: So it's not over, huh!?
The Sundown Kid: Not by a longshot!
(Cube beeps encouragingly.)
(The seven heroes prepare for one last fight. Odio erupts into red smoke.)
Odio, the Lord of Dark: Uaaaaaaaaagh!
(Continues to "On a rocky precipice...")
(Odio falls to his knees.)
Oersted: ...Make ready. Your return is nigh. My magic
Wanes as life and time remainging ebb.
Let not this mem'ry fade. My words preserve.
In every heart the seed of dark abides.
The makings of a Lord when watered well...
With hate. Sweet hate. She springs eternal. Sings.
All-tempting draught. We'll drink of her again.
(Oersted disintegrates into nothingness. His words reverberate in the air.)
(The present heroes vanish one by one, to be taken home.)
(The credits roll.)
(On a rocky precipice, the party watches as Odio is made vessel to an utterly immense, heavily-armored giant, tinged with flame and blood red. It is the Sin of Odio.)
| Battle Quotes: Sin of Odio | |||||
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Engaging:
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Using Rolling Disdain:
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Using Torment's Draught:
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Using Lament of the Damned:
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Using Fetters of Hate:
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Using Absolute Condemnation
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Hurt:
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Counterattacked:
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Interrupted:
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Afflicted:
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Victory:
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| Battle Quotes: Arm of Odio (Left) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Using Arm of the Vortex:
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Using Contemptuous Claw:
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Using Vengeful Smite:
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| Battle Quotes: Arm of Odio (Right) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Using Arm of the Vortex:
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Using Glimpse of Madness:
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Using Thunderous Despair:
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(In the midst of the battle, the Sin of Odio wraps its host deep within itself. Bathing the sky in flame, it unleashes its ultimate attack, Absolute Condemnation. The entire party is immobilized, trapped within molten rock.)
Pogo: Ah!
Earthen Heart Master: Forgive me, shifu...
The Sundown Kid: Okay then...
(Suddenly, the other three heroes leap into the fray.)
Pogo: Aieee!
Earthen Heart Master: Shifu, Lei, Hong! Lend me your strength!
The Sundown Kid: That's enough out of you. No more.
(These three heroes continue the fight against the Sin, until the trapped heroes are freed from their bonds. With all seven heroes fighing as one, they all unleash their most devastating techniques on the Sin of Odio.)
(It is then that the knight, Oersted, breaks free of the Sin's bonds and falls to the ground. Standing before the heroes, Oersted deals the killing blow to the fiend. It explodes into red smoke with a scream, ridding the world of Odio for all time.)
(The heroes return to the Archon's Roost.)
Oersted: Are these my hands, stained black with blood and sin?
What wickedness I've wrought. And all for what?
(He falls to his knees.)
Pogo: Aieee!
(Pogo steps up to Oersted, and hugs him.)
Oersted: ...Such passion. 'Nay. 'Tis love. <chuckle> A boundless love...
I wanted that, once. Once upon a time...
Earthen Heart Master: Maybe... Maybe you asked too much of yourself. When we struggle... When we're lost and don't know what to do... There are choices to make. Paths to take. We can wish that it were easier or different... But, in the end, it's what we make of it that matters.
Oersted: ...Perhaps... Perhaps you've struck upon a truth.
When tested- sorely tested, I... I failed.
I ran. Rejected trial and choice. And chose...
Oersted: ...To strive for something more. A better self...
I too have made mistakes. I turned my back.
By men abandoned, thus abandoned men...
Earthen Heart Master: ...I... I think I understand... I've been judged. Mocked by men. I thought about doing the same. Hurting them. Hurting others. But I couldn't. I know that pain. Others shouldn't.
Oersted: ...Heh... <chuckle> <sigh>
So simple. Earnest. True... For them as well...
They wronged me. Wounded me. Revenged in kind.
Nay, far worse. 'Twas in fear and ignorance
They struck. But I, in bitterness and spite. <sniffle>
The Sundown Kid: ...I've been on my own for a while now. Left it all behind. My life. My people. But as the nights've added up... All that time out there alone in the cold and the dark... I've come to miss the warmth of good company. And a home to hang your hat.
Oersted: ...A sentiment I share. Such hate I've nursed...
And solitude I've sought. And yet... and still...
<sigh>For all their faults, I miss them so, so much.
Oboromaru: Once, I would have obeyed orders without question. Taken a man's life without regard for the reason. But no longer. We who wield the power of life and death... Wield not the power to shape the world and its people as we see fit. And though there is great risk, there is great reward to be found in trust and mercy. Ryoma shared with me this wisdom. And the sorrow that follows if it is ignored. That a blade unsheathed must draw blood.
Oersted: ...The world... Belongs to no one man... Indeed...
By love and trust... and faith... We will be saved.
Wise, wise words. Spoken by another. Who..?
Masaru: ...Nothing wrong with wanting more. Wanting to be better. The best, even. But that can't be everything. The struggle. The fight. The pursuit of power- you can't let it cost you your soul. When the dust settles ─when you're old and weak─ that strength of spirit's all you'll have!
Oersted: ...Indeed. For power comes in many forms.
Oh, how was I so blind? The fault was mine.
A weakness deep... Within my broken heart...
(Akira grabs Oersted by the collar.)
Akira: ...Know what your problem is? You blamed everyone else. Said it was them or gods or fate that made you what you are. But it was you. Just you! Yeah, people can suck. We can be selfish- look out only for ourselves. But if you focus only on the bad- judge them at their worst, well... You've already made up your mind, haven't you? Everything else is just an excuse!
Oersted: Aye... Maybe so. I sought out nothing good.
Expecting guilt... and just cause to condemn...
Oersted: How strange. A construct without heart or soul.
Whence comes compassion? Whence arises love?
(Cube produces a flower, and gifts it to Oersted, beeping happily.)
Oersted: If not from these... Perhaps... 'Tis what you lack.
In absence, value understood. Indeed...
I dwelt on it much. Once upon a time.
Oersted: ...Make ready. Your return is nigh. My magic
Wanes as life and time remainging ebb.
Let not this mem'ry fade. My words preserve.
In every heart the seed of dark abides.
The makings of a Lord when watered well...
With hate. Sweet hate. She springs eternal. Sings.
All-tempting draught. We'll drink of her again.
(Oersted disintegrates into nothingness. His words reverberate in the air.)
(The heroes are warped before their shattered adversaries' statues, to be taken home. After their parting words, they each vanish, one by one.)
Pogo: Uh! Ohh! Aieee!
Earthen Heart Master: I'll remember your words, and my shifu's as well... Come what may, I'll look after my people.
The Sundown Kid: Whatever happens... We'll survive. That's what we do.
Oboromaru: I still have faith. One day, the sun will rise. One day we will greet a new dawn.
Masaru: Guess I'll have to pick up from where I left off. Looking for the next mountain to climb!
Akira: 'Bout time we got outta here. Was starting to get homesick.
(Cube beeps happily.)
(The veil of darkness is lifted from the Dominion of Hate. Color returns to the vegetation and buildings, and the sky of Lucrece is blue once more.)
(In prehistory, Pogo finds himself returned to where was taken. He rushes into his room to find Beru and their crying infant child. Gori and his harem enter the room, and proceed to show off their five crying ape children, shocking them.)
(In the distant future, the Cogito Ergo Sum's mother computer is being inspected by several scientists, alongside Kato and Darthe. Cube enters the module and runs to Kato, who embraces him in a hug.)
(In imperial China, the Earthen Heart Master is training a new group of students in the ways of the Earthen Heart. Sun Tzu Wang and his lackies are seen among them.)
(In the Wild West, the Sundown Kid and Mad Dog travel across the frontier on their horses, side by side in new friendship.)
(In the present day, Masaru, having packed up his belongings, closes the blinds to his old city apartment, and prepares to leave on a new journey.)
(In the near future, Akira heads to Timeless Wonders Antiques to find Doc Tobei testing out an invention to the people of Bright Sparks Orphanage. He attempts to use his molecular transporter on Taroimo, but it malfunctions and explodes, leaving the robot and Watanabe blanketed in soot.)
(In the twilight of Edo Japan, an assassin breaks into Ryoma's abode to kill him, dispatching his bodyguards. He is stopped, however, when Oboromaru drops down before him)
(The credits roll one final time, as the heroes run against the sunrise.)
| Final Chapter: The Dominion of Hate |
|---|
| Characters |
| Pogo • Earthen Heart Master (Yun Jou • Lei Kugo • Hong Hakka) • The Sundown Kid • Oboromaru • Masaru Takahara • Akira Tadokoro • Cube • Oersted • Odio |
| Locations |
| Seat of the Betrayers • Silent Wood • Condemned Village • The Last Hero's Grave • The Archon's Roost • Trials (Instinct • Skill • Time • Keys • Power • Heart • Wisdom) |
| Enemies |
| Xavier • Polydectes • Oedipus • Daedalus • Teil Queen • Pawnbert • Ruby Tyrant • Cerberus • Lightbringer • Souleater • Dreadbulb • Phantom Rider • Deathfist Disciple • Chrono Legionary • Ravenous Bear • Nekomata • Mecha-Satake 98 • Earthshaker • Entomophilia • Claustrophilia • Babaliyan • Grand Visages • Dragon Killer • Ishtar • Glasya Labolas • Tsunayoshi • Pup Lord • Grammoth • Pistachio • Titanblood • Riftwalker Genzaemon • Roly Poly • Ship of Horrors • Acrophilia • Scotophilia • Hygrophilia • Helios Hound • Darkwall • Shadow • Lucretius • The Bountiful Heart • Jaggedy Jacks • Apophisphilo • Euraokos • Death Prophet • Headhunter • Eyes of Odio • Maw of Odio • Brow of Odio • Purity of Odio • Arm of Odio (Left) • Arm of Odio (Right) • Sin of Odio |
| Music |
| The Dominion of Hate • Silent Labyrinth • Illusion • Pure Odio • Armageddon • Live over Again • Live for Live • Gigalomania |
| Transcripts |
| 2022 (English) • 1994 (English, Japanese) |