Sunday, December 20, 2015

Crossbell Archives: Ao no Kiseki Scenario (Fragment)


Note: Taken from the Crossbell Archives. Another short chapter before the final one! We learn about a lot of stuff in this chapter though~ And certain reveals took me by surprise~ in a good way!

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<< FRAGMENT: BEYOND THE FALSE PARADISE >>

>> Daily Life of Independent Nation of Crossbell

With the power of the Treasure of Zero in their hands, the independent nation of Crossbell proposes the formation of the "Zemurian Alliance". With Crossbell as its leader, this alliance will denounce all wars and ensure freedom in all economic activities. For those small countries and autonomous states constantly under pressure from the Erebonia Empire and Calvard Republic, this proposal is a highly appealing diplomatic tactic. As a result, though the neighboring countries were originally critical of Crossbell's high-handed method, it gradually turns into a situation in which even they've become unable to resist this flow of events. In addition, an economic crisis triggered by the situation in Crossbell has started in the Calvard Republic, and anti-immigration terrorist activities intensify. In the Erebonia Empire, a large-scale civil war erupts, and there is a rumor spreading that Chancellor Osborne has been assassinated. Furthermore, Ouroboros secretly discloses their intention to assist Crossbell to the governments of the other countries. There is no stop to Dieter's ambition.

On the deck of the Beowulf harbored at the Crossbell Airport, Shirley sits, appearing to be extremely bored. Sigmund comes up to the deck along with his man, Gareth. Sigmund tells Shirley, "There are movements from Randy in the Mainz region," but she doesn't show any interest. However, when Gareth reports that "Heiyue and Yin are hiding out in the Armorica region," Shirley suddenly jumps to her feet. Seeing her daughter getting excited over the return of her rival, Sigmund cannot help but laugh.

On the other hand, in the Downtown area where restoration work is still underway, Wald stares at his surroundings expressionlessly. Dino from the Saber Vipers catches sight of him and comes running, however, Wald coldly sends him flying and disbands the Saber Vipers. Afterwards, just when Wald is about to leave the Downtown area, members of the Testaments block his way. Wald thought that Wazy has already left Crossbell, but when the Testaments counter with, "He'll be back for sure!" Wald laughs out loud while saying, "Finally I can settle things with him."


The three members of Ouroboros look down at the city from the roof of the Orkis Tower while they confirm their plan hereafter. They have achieved their goal here in Crossbell, and the "Phantom Flame Project" has already moved its stage to the Erebonia Empire. Since Arianrhod plans to observe the situation for a while longer, she declares that she'll remain in Crossbell. Novartis is also highly interested in the Treasure of Zero surpassing its original in power, therefore he decides to stay in these lands in order to see with his own eyes that power's evolution.

On a lower floor, Shizuku calls out to KeA who is staring out the window. Shizuku has recovered her eyesight through the power of the Treasure of Zero, and she thanks KeA for it. However, Shizuku is worried about KeA and asks her, "Is this really okay?" In tears, Shizuku continues, "Going as far as to leave Lloyd and the others in order to use your power for the sake of Crossbell, and making yourself so sad in the process... I think KeA has made a big mistake. Mariabell, Dieter, and my dad (Arios), they've also made a big mistake." Seeing Shizuku so worried about herself, KeA tightly embraces her and says, "Thank you." But at the same time, KeA shows her firm resolve and tells Shizuku, "This is a decision I made after knowing everything."


>> The Spirit to Persevere Until the Last Minute

Inside a jail room of the Knox Prison, Lloyd recalls what Noel said. When Lloyd was taken in, Noel brought up her responsibility to protect Crossbell and about the threat posed by the two big countries. Even though she does not agree with Dieter's methods, but if it means being able protect Crossbell from the two big countries' harm, she'll obey her orders despite it being cowardly to do so. Hearing those words, Lloyd did not know how to respond. In the end, he wasn't able to protect those things important to him, and wasn't able to fulfill his promise to uncover the truth. All these has caused Lloyd to lose his self-confidence.

Imprisoned in the same jail room is Garcia, who sees such a depressed Lloyd and starts throwing abusive words at him. He mentions that "only someone like Guy would fight back even in this situation." He continues, "Guy wasn't an especially talented guy. However, he had the spirit to persevere until the very last minute no matter what he was faced with, which connected to his outstanding ability to take action." Those words remind Lloyd of what his brother was like when he was alive, and make him feel their similarities as brothers. In this way, Lloyd picks himself back up and is determined to break out of jail despite Garcia thinking it ridiculous.

Lloyd and Garcia put on an act as if they're fighting and successfully trick the National Defense Force soldiers on patrol into the room. They pull off a surprise attack and knock the soldiers unconscious, then hurries in the direction of the exit. After finally disabling the lock on the entrance gate, the two successfully escape from the prison. However, Garcia suddenly stops and tells Lloyd of his intention to stay behind by himself. Garcia says, "As the second-in-command of Revache, I can't abandon Marconi and my men." After Garcia refuses to leave together, Lloyd can only thank him and bid him farewell. As he silently prays for Garcia's safety, Lloyd rushes through the Knox Woodland Road. However, Lloyd almost gets caught in front of the Crossbell Police Academy gate and is forced to escape into the Knox Woodlands.


Inside the Knox Woodlands, Lloyd tries his hardest to escape from his pursuers, however the consecutive battles are quickly draining away his stamina. Lloyd ends up surrounded by the National Defense Force soldiers, but still he readies his weapon, unwilling to give up until the last minute. At that moment, a huge wolf shining in white appears and scares off the soldiers. Saved from a tough spot, Lloyd realizes from its appearance that the huge wolf is actually Zeit.

With Lloyd riding on his back, Zeit leaves the Knox Woodlands and runs forward at a tremendous speed. To Lloyd, Zeit begins to tell of the Seven Treasures gifted to mankind by the goddess Eidos and of the Divine Beasts, which he himself is also one. Afterwards, Zeit starts to speak of a story that happened in a distant past.

1200 years ago, the Treasure of Illusion called Demiurge guided the humans as a god on earth using its power over Fate. However, due to being continually exposed to human nature and karma (sins), and the irrationalities of the world, Demiurge's heart gradually became ill. Demiurge determined that "at this rate, it would cause harm to mankind," and as a result, Demiurge chose on its own volition the path of self-destruction. The humans left behind did not reflect on the reason behind Demiurge's destruction, but were instead obsessed with the Treasure's revival. The beginning was filled with trial-and-error, but after over 700 years of research, they successfully invented an original craft which they called "alchemy". In this way, the core of the Treasure, KeA, was born. Afterwards, they created a puppet called the D∴G Cult, and gave KeA over to them to be the object of their faith -- "God's Child". The Cult was therefore entrusted with the raising of KeA. The ancestors of the Crois family controlled the D∴G Cult from the shadows, while at the same time, continued to be active as a banker in order to arrange funds for their research. 500 long years then passed by, and KeA finally awoke in the present-day to successfully become the Treasure of Zero. Zeit says that the Treasure of Zero also possesses power over Space and Time, both which the original Treasure of Illusion didn't have, and that its potential power is immeasurable. After hearing all this from Zeit, Lloyd now has a renewed understanding of KeA. Furthermore, Lloyd learns that KeA is a homunculus created by the Crois family.


>> Chariot of the Sky Descending from Above

Zeit runs through the lands of Crossbell and brings Lloyd all the way to the Tangram Hills, a place out of sight of the National Defense Force. After getting down onto the ground, Lloyd notices the mysterious white-blue, dome-shaped field covering the entire Crossbell City. According to Zeit, it is similar to a barrier that envelops the entire city, and only specified people with permission can pass through inside.

In addition, Zeit tells Lloyd that "the existence of the Pleroma flower is to allow the Treasure of Zero to gather outside information." The D∴G Cult has made use of this property, using the Gnosis in their rituals in order to send information about their test subjects to the Treasure. As a result, after the accumulation of vast amounts of knowledge over 500 years, the Treasure develops a dignified personality and KeA awakens.

After telling Lloyd all the necessary information, Zeit reminds him that the Crois family's plans are very thorough and implies that there are not much choices left for Lloyd. Under this situation, Zeit suggests to Lloyd, "How about escaping to another country until the whole situation settles down?" Although thinking that it is not a bad idea to seek out his uncle in the Calvard Republic, Lloyd decides to remain in Crossbell because there is something he must know the answer to. The truth that Lloyd seeks, even going as far as putting himself in danger, is "What's KeA's true feelings? What does she really want to do?". Lloyd believes that he can't let KeA stay in an environment that the Treasure of Illusion couldn't handle in the past. He shows his determination and says, "Even if I have to send the President and Arios flying, I'll bring KeA back!" At that moment, a familiar laughing voice can be heard from somewhere nearby, "You're really a doting parent."


Following the voice, Lloyd sees Wazy and Abbas in Grals Ritter attire, along with Kevin and Ries. Judging from their unfamiliar attire, and the fact that Kevin and Ries are beside them, Lloyd realizes Wazy and Abbas' true identities. And so, Wazy introduces himself as the 9th Dominion "Blue Testament", and Abbas also reveals himself to be a Knight of the Grals Ritter that supports Wazy.

Wazy explains, "The reason we're here is because Zeit called for us." Zeit has already predicted Lloyd's firm resolve to rescue KeA and asked Wazy and the others beforehand to assist Lloyd in his endeavor. Wazy and the others further explain, "The Grals Ritter has, to a certain extent, predicted the current situation. Then we learned about the Crois family's plan and the true identity of KeA from Zeit, as well as how the Treasure of Zero is an existence created by human hands." If that is the case, then the current situation is outside the Grals Ritter's mission to "retrieve artifacts". Therefore, they have decided to interfere in the name of "assisting Lloyd".

To this proposal, Lloyd confirms one thing, "What do you all plan to do with KeA?" Wazy and the others admit that it is a difficult question to answer, however they believe that it is only right to give Lloyd an honest answer, and so begin to explain from the viewpoint of the Grals Ritter. They point out that KeA is far more troublesome compared to the Treasure of Space during the Liberl Calamity, and that there is the danger that someone will use that power against KeA's will. Although this implies that "the Grals Ritter may interfere when it comes to how to deal with KeA", Lloyd accepts Wazy's assistance. Lloyd understands full well that the situation is not one that he can solve alone. However, he strongly adds, "In the case that the Grals Ritter decides to make their own decisions regarding how to deal with KeA, at that time, know that I'll do everything in my power to stop you." Lloyd goes on to say that not just him, but Elie, Tio, and Randy, all members share that same determination.

Hearing those words, Wazy promises, "When it comes to dealing with KeA, we'll be certain to listen to your opinions." Upon finally deciding on their cooperation, two Merkabah appear from above.



<FIN>

5 comments:

  1. thx again, played directly until the final chapter ^^ looking at the walkthrough the last chapter could probably be the longest of the game (similar to sora sc)? will wait for the rest of the summary and probably beginn in the meanwhile cold steel (the part they said about erebonia in this chapter was interessting) :) a half year ago i´d have never thought that i´ll catch up with the series so fast (though i´m still missing 3rd :/)

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    1. your welcome :)
      yeah, the last chapter is super long, I'll probably have to end up splitting it into two posts (it's about 2-3 times as long as most chapters lol...) I forget if SC's epilogue's that long, been a while since I played (reason I'm playing SC evo, to refresh my mind :P) what's keeping you from playing 3rd? or are you waiting for english release for that one? anyway, enjoy cold steel~! the thing that's said about erebonia in this chapter is certainly interesting hehehehe won't say more :)

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    2. would love to play the 3rd but there is no script/summary (except for the prologue and the doors you´ve translated) and my japanese is far from what i need to understand it.. sad to jump it for now but wanted at least play zero/ao before sen ^^ i know i missed a lot of details in the crossbell games but i got the general gist of it thx to you and the french summary from waji for zero (played the evolution versions now, will replay them on psp if the fan trans will be finished one day - my hopes for an official localization are a bit low atm^^). thx, hope cold steel will arrive soon (<- european - imported it) :)

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    3. Ahh ic, well at least 3rd has more of a chance of getting localization compared to zero/ao :) i think it'll be hard to find summary or script for 3rd now since there's really no point in doing them now. Unless xseed confirms that they'll not do 3rd. It's one reason I'm not doing 3rd related translations anymore, I'm moving onto stuff that I'm pretty much certain will have no english (drama cds, guidebook info etc) but still quite important to the Kiseki universe. Anyway, enjoy cold steel! :)

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