Night Eight - V.E

V.E: Yo, Rif!
    -I’m sorry about what happened today. Looks like you ended up drawing the short end of the stick.
    -All because Jade said there wasn’t anyone in Slenge Mines…

Rif: Come on, Master, calm down…

V.E: Moreover, that Anise and whatever those other guys are called put our Rif through so much horrible suffering…
    -I’ll never forgive them for that…

Rif: Kinda sounds like you want revenge.

V.E: That’s not it. Not that I can explain exactly why it isn’t it, just know that it’s not the same thing at all.

Rif: Gee, thanks for clearing that up…
    -By the way, um… When Master Rob… when he died, he went out by himself, didn’t he?

V.E: Well that came out of nowhere… And don’t you remember? I think we were both at the house when it happened, right?
    -There was a report of a suspicious guy wandering near the Town of Prosban, and since it made him uneasy, he decided to check by himself…
    -Bostaph, who was on patrol at the time, happened across him. He came back, his body riddled with wounds, and Rob’s memento in his hand…
    -I could only accept what he’d picked up…

Rif: And, um… he didn’t meet anyone called Voijin, did he?

V.E: Voijin… geez, let me think… wait, didn’t you mention someone with that name during the conference earlier?
    -Wasn’t that the name of Anise’s boss? Why would you ask me if he’d met with a creep like that?!

Rif: Yeah, you’re right… of course… nevermind, then.

V.E: What’s going on? You think there might be some connection between Rob and that Voijin guy?

Rif: No way! There couldn’t be any kind of connection, no way, no how!

V.E: What is that suppose to mean? Honestly, you…

(fade to black)

-That’s right, there couldn’t be something like a connection between them. Master Rob couldn’t have killed this “Voijin” person…
-I’ve decided. Anise must have been lying!

Night Eight - Tier

Tier: Ah, Rif!
    -Are you doing all right, Rif?

Rif: Huh, what do you mean?

Tier: Because didn’t those guys put you through something horrible?! You weren’t injured or anything, were you?

Rif: Ah, no… I’m just fine. Physically, anyway.

Tier: Wait, what?! What do you mean by that?!

Rif: Um… well, you remember that creep in drag? He gave me a hug… that turned into a stranglehold… ahh, just thinking about it makes me wanna keel over…

Tier: Wait wait wait, who? Oh, wait, I get it! The man… no wait… woman…
    -Whatever, he’s a man! He hurt my Rif, didn’t he…

Rif: Quit talking like that!

Tier: Poor Rif… but you can rest easy now… I’m here now…
    -I won’t do anything to make you hate me…

Rif: I wonder if I should be glad or not…

Tier: It’s okay, Rif, you don’t have to hold back… here, you can cry.
    -Just lay your head on my chest…

Rif: (blushing) Uh, no thanks, Tier, but I appreciate the thought.

Tier: Wow, Rif, you’re really resilient, huh?

Rif: I wonder about that…

Night Eight - Murno

Murno: Ah, Rif…
    -Um… thank you.
    -Thanks to your help, it seems that the townspeople finally believed my story…

Rif: I’m just glad it turned out so well. It looks like even Bostaph will help in capturing Anise’s gang.

Murno: But once again, you had to suffer through so much hardship because of me. I’m so sorry.

Rif: Don’t worry! Those guys put me through the wringer too, you know. It’s not like it’s somebody else’s problem.

Murno: Rif…

Rif: And anyway, those guys… with Master Rob, as well…

Murno: Eh? What…?

Rif: Ahh, no… it’s nothing.
    -In any case, I also have some business to settle with those guys… So, next time for sure…
    -I’ll definitely catch them…!

Murno: Rif, don’t do anything too rash. No matter what happens, you absolutely have to come back, okay?

Rif: I understand, Murno. Whatever happens, I’ll be sure to come back for you, okay?

Murno: Thank you, Rif.

Night Eight - Lemmy

Lemmy: So you were here…
    -(blushing) Um…

Rif: What is it? Oh, how is your injury from when you were fighting Red Wing? Is it all right?

Lemmy: Ah, yeah, it’s already fine now.

Rif: Thanks for today, by the way. We were really saved thanks to you.

Lemmy: Ah… yeah…

Rif: Really, if you hadn’t come when you did, Anise really might have done me in for good.

Lemmy: Yeah… I suppose so. Um…

Rif: You know, if it was only me and my partner up against Red Wing, I don’t know if we would’ve had an edge.

Lemmy: Yeah, about that, I…

Rif: Not only that, but you were even able to persuade Bostaph…

Lemmy: It’s fine, just let me speak already!

Rif: Huh…? Go right ahead.

Lemmy: Anyway… I’m sorry.

Rif: What? You mean about how you saved us? Weren’t you listening to anything I said?

Lemmy: No, not that. I just meant about how you said Anise and her gang were really bad people!

Rif: Oh, I see! I get it now. I’m just glad you came around!

Lemmy: I just wanted to say that I was at fault. I shouldn’t have doubted you.

Rif: That’s right. Maybe from now on you’ll believe me a little more, huh?

Lemmy: Well, I suppose… I’ll think about it.

Rif: Hey, weren’t you apologizing a second ago? It’s because you’re always saying that kind of stuff that I can’t help but think you’re not being very honest with yourself.

Lemmy: … You know, I wouldn’t want you to get too cocky. Maybe I should do something about that…

Rif: N-no, that’s okay. I’ll be good.

Night Eight - Killfith

Killfith: Heh…
    -You must be feeling back to your usual energetic self to be strolling around at a time like this…

Rif: What about you, Killfith? Are you doing okay? They put you through the ringer too, right?

Killfith: I already mentioned I was in the same room with that shaggy-headed idiot, but the magnitude of the disgrace… just thinking about it makes me angry.
    -Next time I encounter that clown, I’ll be sure to reward him with a generous disembowelment.

Rif: Haha… I was in a bind, too, but I think I was way worse off.
    -I did hugged by that Gillan person, you know.

Killfith: Heh… if it was me, I would’ve wiped him off the face of the planet before I got into such a pathetic situation.

Rif: Don’t laugh, I was in some serious pain…
    -And then, there’s also what Anise said…

Killfith: And what was that?

Rif: Ah, no… it was nothing special, don’t worry about it.

Killfith: … You’re backtracking… she dropped some kind of bombshell on you, didn’t she?

Rif: Ah, no… how could that be…?

Killfith: Heh… it doesn’t matter. Next time we cross paths with those cretins, I’ll be sure to pass on my gratitude for what they did to the both of us.
    -I’ll show them such delicious agony that they’ll wish they were dead…!

Rif: I am both happy and a little freaked out…

(fade to black)

-In the end, I couldn’t bring myself to talk to Killfith about Master Rob…

Night Eight - Jade

Jade: Yo, Rif!
    -You did good today. Thanks to you, we have a better understanding of what Anise and her gang are up to.
    -You even got rid of Red Wing for us.

Rif: Well, that was thanks to both me and Lemmy. And if he hadn’t come when he did and caught Anise red-handed…
    -We might’ve been goners back there…

Jade: Well, good on ’im, charging into a nice little place like that.
    -But on the other hand, I got in so late I didn’t get a chance to say my catch phrase…

Rif: Come on, don’t feel down about that…

Jade: Moreover, that you guys could defeat Red Wing by yourselves…

Rif: We could only win because Lemmy had weakened it when he fought it before… even though I don’t want to admit it, he’s amazing.

Jade: Lemmy… I see… by the way, you didn’t see a Summon Creature back then, did you?

Rif: Summon Creature? There was Red Wing, but that was it…

Jade: I see… guess he’s done it again…

Rif: What do you mean? Was there something else?

Jade: Huh? No, nothing.

Rif: Uh-huh. Someone’s acting a little too suspicious…

Day Eight, Part Nine

After Rif and Killfith win against Red Wing…

Rif: Whew… thank goodness we somehow made it through that…
    -I can’t believe we got to fight against Red Wing…

Lemmy: I’m not going to thank you just for doing whatever you want.

Rif: I don’t really want to be thanked. Besides, we could only defeat him because you fought with him first.

Lemmy: Eh?

Killfith: In other words, that Red Wing joker was severely weakened from his fight with you… tch… took all the fun out of it.

Rif: Which means Red Wing was only defeated thanks to the combined efforts of you, Killfith, and me—

???: Rif…! Killfith…!

Lemmy: Sounds like everyone’s making a racket.

Rif: Heeyy! We’re over heere!

Jade: HERE, I HEARD SOMETHING!

(The whole gang rushes in, consisting of Jade, V.E, Tier, and Zakk)

Jade: Don’t you know how to wait! I mean, it’s a relief you’re okay, but geez! Anyway—

Tier: Rif! Killfith! Are you all right?!

V.E: For the time being, it looks like you’re safe. That’s good, at least.

Zakk: Lemmy! So you were here!

Lemmy: Zakk, you too…?!

Jade: Anyway, you guys should fall back and leave the rest to me! ’Cuz after all—

Zakk: That’s right! We should go, Lemmy! It’s really dangerous!

Tier: Hurry hurry! If we don’t run away, it’s going to suck up our blood and eat us!

V.E: (?) Wait, where is Red Wing hiding, anyway? I’m not sensing him at all…

Jade: I guess Red Wing was smart enough to beat it once he heard me coming, considering—

Rif: Oh, Red Wing? Yeah, we knocked him out just now.

Jade: (annoyed) Let me finish a sentence already!
    -Wait, what? You knocked him out?!

Zakk: As expected of Lemmy! I wish I could’ve seen your battle!

Lemmy: Ah… no… actually, I didn’t finish off Red Wing…

Tier: Are you trying to tell me Rif and Killfith did it?!

Rif: Well, as much as I’d like to take the credit, that’s not quite how it happened.
    -Actually, Red Wing was defeated by all three of us.
    -Right, Lemmy?

Lemmy: (stunned) …

V.E: I see. You guys did very well. You managed to grab a huge victory thanks to the power of your friendship.

Lemmy: (blushing) Wha?! No! There’s no friendship or anythi—

Jade: So I guess you really managed to get rid of him… but it’s too bad for you guys, since it means—

V.E: Guess this means it would’ve been fine to capture that lot just now, huh?

Jade: This just isn’t my day…

Rif: You ran into Anise?

V.E: I wanted to capture them right then, but since I thought you were being attacked by Red Wing…

Lemmy: You had to let them go… even though we heard their plans after so much trouble…
    -They deceived Master Bostaph. I absolutely cannot let them get away with this… I need to hurry and notify him.

Jade: Do you mean that, Lemmy? If you want to testify against them, then you should come with us to the Council of Gold and—
    -Ah… sorry… I forgot that Miss Janna’s…

Lemmy: It’s fine, Mr. Jade. It’s between my mother and I, so you don’t have to worry about it.
    -Let’s hurry to the Council of Gold.

(Multiple exclamation points!)

Rif: Wait, back up a second! Did you say your mother?!

Tier: Y-you and Janna… now that I think of it, you do look like you could be her son…

Lemmy: I do…?

(Nighttime)

-After that, we went to the Council of Gold and explained the situation.
-With Lemmy backing us up, even Bostaph believed that Anise and her gang are up to no good.
-Thanks to that, any suspicions about Murno have also been cleared up, and in order to protect Govan’s Demon Stone, they agreed that Anise and her gang have to be apprehended.
-Although I wanted to go out and settle everything once and for all, I felt Anise’s words weighing down in my chest…

Rif: (…) Could Master Rob have been a murderer?
    -There’s no way it could be true… just no way…
    -(?) Looks like someone’s coming this way. Maybe it’s…

Day Eight, Part Eight

Killfith is in the next room over, handcuffed.

Rif: Killfith, are you okay?!

Killfith: Never better… I just got these annoying handcuffs slapped on me again…

Rif: What a horrible thing to do…! Give me a second, I’ll get you out of them!
    -(breaks the handcuffs with her hammer)
    -All right! They’re off!

Killfith: What on earth was all that noise about earlier?

Rif: Lemmy came to save me, and now he’s fighting Red Wing all by himself…! Anyway, we have to get out!

(Side Conversation)
Rif: Are you okay, Killfith? Come on, we have to get out of here!

Killfith: I got it…
(End)

(In the main cavern room, there is rumbling coming from the next room over…)

Keekeekeekeekeekee…!

Rif: What? Lemmy…

Killfith: Sounds like they’re having a party over there. What’s the plan?

Rif: The plan…
    -We have no choice but to run away now. >No Choice
    -We have to go save Lemmy! >Engage Hero Mode

No Choice
Rif: I think, for the time being, we have to find a way out of here…

Killfith: I get it. You’re saying we should abandon Lemmy.

Rif: I don’t want to… but…

(Flashback)
Anise: He killed my lord, Voijin!
    -You’re his apprentice. Surely you cannot be surprised that I curse you as well…?

Lemmy: I’ll deal with that Stray somehow.
(End Flashback)

Rif: Kh…!
    -It’s no good after all… I can’t run away now… that would be way too uncool!
    -Let’s go help Lemmy!

Killfith: Whatever you wish.

Engage Hero Mode
Rif: Do you even have to ask?
    -There’s no way we’re going to leave Lemmy to fight that thing by himself!

Killfith: That sounds like something you’d say. Well, as it pleases you.

Rif: Uh… thank you!

In the next room up, we see Lemmy standing by himself.

Rif: Thank goodness you’re safe…
    -Where’s Red Wing?

Lemmy: I defeated it… I think.

Rif: Amazing! All by yourself?!

Lemmy: Huh?! Uh, yeah…

Killfith: (!) Above you!

(A giant bat with red wings swoops onto the ground, knocking Lemmy aside.)

Lemmy: Urgh…

Rif: Crimany! Are you okay?!

Red Wing: KEEKEEKEEEEE!!

Killfith: Here it comes!

(Rif and Killfith fight off Red Wing)

Day Eight, Part Seven

Rif slowly rouses from unconsciousness…

Rif: Uh… ugh… mm…

(Rif wakes up, handcuffed, in a cave with Gillan and Anise standing near her.)

Gillan: Are you waking up, little miss…?

Rif: Nn…
    -(gets up slowly, shaking her head)
    -(?) Where… this place… ouch… what… is this?
    -(panics, looking around)
    -Wh… where’s Killfith…? What have you done with Killfith?!

Gillan: Such a disrespectful mouth… you should address your elders properly, especially when they’re as beautiful as I am.
    -UNDERSTAND?!

(Gillan walks up to Rif and punches her. Rif falls to her knees, panting.)

Rif: (…) Ugh…

Gillan: Heeheehee… you don’t have to play tough, you know. You can scream louder if you want.
    -The place where we’re standing is the nest of the sca~ary Stray Summon everyone’s been talking about.
    -What idiots you are, to be puttering around a place like this without a care in the world. You have no idea what position you’re in.

Rif: Nest…? This is Red Wing’s…

Gillan: What’s this? Are you scared, little miss? How adorable.

Rif: (gets up) Screw you… I’m not scared at all!

(Gillan punches Rif again, forcing her back to her knees)

Gillan: Didn’t I tell you to address me properly?

Rif: Ugh…

Gillan: Although they say that little Red Wing has returned, it’s all right. See that over there?

(Screen moves to a box with blinking red lights at the entrance of the cavern room)

Gillan: Even though little Red Wing is just in that cave, that thing over there is sealing the passageway, so it won’t be able to come in here.

Rif: … Killfith… where is …?

Gillan: That Summon Creature was being so gloomy, so I left him with Pike in the next room over.

Rif: With that guy!

Gillan: He really loves tormenting Summon Creatures, you know… I wonder how it’s going by now…

Rif: N… no… I won’t let you get away with this!

(Gillan, annoyed, punches her twice, once for each cheek)

Gillan: A kid with a brain this rotten… it’s like you’re asking me to teach you some manners.

Anise: (…) While she is definitely a fool, it seems she can make some rather good weapons. Maybe we should take those next?

Rif: Stop it!
    -For someone as villainous as you… to take our precious weapons…

Anise: Villainous…?
    -Ha! What… are you going to say that you yourselves have done nothing wrong?

Rif: What do you…?

Anise: What an excellent opportunity. Come, I will tell you the truth about your mentor, Rob.
    -That man was a murderer.

Rif: (!) A… mur…?!

Anise: He killed my lord, Voijin!

Rif: (!) Tha… but… Master wouldn’t…

Anise: Ha…! What’s with that face? Are you going to say you believe in him? That your Master wouldn’t do that kind of thing?
    -(Whips out her spear and points it at Rif)

(Rif and Gillan are both shocked)

Rif: …!

Anise: He did it… your Master killed my Voijin!
    -You’re his apprentice. Surely you cannot be surprised that I curse you as well.

Gillan: Hold just a minute there, Anise… if she dies, we won’t be able to use her as a hostage!

Anise: There are many different ways of obtaining the demon stone without exposing our hostage.

Gillan: That… that may be true, but…

Anise: I know… wouldn’t it be exquisite for her life to be taken by the very weapons she herself had forged?

Rif: …!

Gillan: Anise… you’re serious…

Anise: Don’t worry. They’re a naïve bunch of fools. Even without seeing the hostage is alive and well, there is no doubt they will obtain the demon stone for us.
    -I will honor Voijin’s memory by carrying on his mission, and finish what he started!

Rif: Mission…? What in the world are you planning to do with Govan’s Demon Stone…?

Anise: What, she asks… that’s right… how about I tell you one last thing…
    -What you don’t understand is that everything that Voijin did was to liberate humankind from Summon Creatures.

Rif: Liberate from Summon Creatures…? What are you talking about…?

Anise: Ha! You really are a thoughtless little fool!
    -Do you have any idea how much suffering humans have had to endure because of Summon Creatures? Have you never even considered it?!

Rif: Because of Summon Creatures…!

(Flashback to the bloodied pendant and V.E crying in the rain)

Rif: (…) People’s suffering…

Anise: That is why we must use the demon stone’s power—to liberate us from humankind’s suffering!

(A blast of purple lightning interrupts Anise’s speech)

Rif: Wha… what on earth?!

Anise: Is that a Summon Creature? Who’s there?!

???: I can’t believe that you were thinking such a ridiculous thing.

(Enter Lemmy)

Gillan: Little boy… what are you doing here? What happened to our lookouts?!

Lemmy: They fled once they realized they were found out by someone of higher rank than they.
    -But what I care about is that you cretins deceived Master Bostaph…!
    -I won’t let you get away with that.

Anise: You think we deceived him? Ha… what are you talking about, he…

(Another blast of lightning cuts her off, destroying the seal)

Lemmy: Honestly, just look at the state you’re in.

Rif: You…? Why’re you…

(Pike comes in)

Pike: Hey! What’s going on here?!

Gillan: Look! The barrier is broken!

Anise: This is bad…! Now Red Wing can get through!

Pike: Bah. Should we call a retreat?

Gillan: Obviously! Well, au revoir!

(They flee)

Anise: Hey, you guys…!

(From the next cave over, there is a high, keening noise)

Keekeekeekeekee...

Anise: Dammit… no way around it.
    -(flees)

Lemmy: That must be the rumored Summon Creature… come on, we have to get out of here.
    -(Breaks Rif’s handcuffs)
    -Come on! Hurry up!

Rif: Thank you, Lemmy… but my hammer… over there… my weapons too…

Lemmy: Hammer?
    -(Looks towards the other side of the room)
    -Over there, huh… okay.
    -(Grabs the bag and brings it back to Rif)

(Regained possessions!)

Lemmy: Is that it? We need to go!

Rif: I can’t…! Killfith is…

Lemmy: Is this really the time for that…?! If we don’t hurry up and get out of here, then Red Wing will…!

Rif: I can’t just run away and leave Killfith behind!

Lemmy: (…) Oh for pity’s sake…! You do whatever you want, I’ll deal with that Stray somehow.

Rif: Wha—?! You can’t…

(Lemmy runs off)

Rif: Lemmy! Darn it… Killfith!

//Fun fact: the Japanese word Anise uses when she calls Voijin her lord is 主, and can mean anything from “lord” to “master” to “employer” to “husband” or “lover.” Although it is usually used to mean “lord,” there is some room for interpretation, particularly when you consider Anise’s behavior and her words.//

Day Eight, Part Six

Cuddling Kills (Gillan wraps his arms around Rif’s neck and starts nuzzling her.)

Rif: HUH?!
    -What are you doing?! Let me go! Let me go now!!

Killfith: Rif!

Gillan: You’d best behave, Summon Creature. If you don’t, then—well, I do have a nice grip on the little miss’s neck…

Killfith: …!

Pike: So what’s the plan now?

Anise: I know… we should exchange these kids’ lives for Govan’s Demon Stone… what do you say?

Rif and Killfith: (!)

Rif: What did you say? Stop it! Let me go! You’re disgusting!

Gillan: (…) Oi, you want me to strangle you…?
    -(grip tightens)

Rif: (!) Th-that hurts… owowow!

Gillan: And now, this… this is for calling me disgusting…
    -(Grips even tighter)

Rif: (panicking) AAUUGH!

Gillan: A little punishment is necessary… for a kid like this…

Anise: Heh… that sounds good. Be my guest.

(Gillan releases Rif)

Gillan: Heheheh… prepare yourself, because there is plenty of punishment awaiting you.

Rif: Wh-what the heck! Who do you think you are, you…!

Gillan: First of all, let’s shut up that big mouth of yours!

(Punches Rif in the face twice, while Killfith panics behind her)

Killfith: Rif?!

(Rif collapses to the ground and blacks out, as does the screen.)

Day Eight, Part Five

Leftways Halfway through, Killfith stops, looking across the gorge.

Killfith: Who’s there?!

Rif: What is it, Killfith? Is someone there?

Killfith: Tch… ran off.

Rif: There’s no one there. Could it have been your imagination?

Killfith: Tch. I thought I just spotted that slow-moving dullard.

(Side Conversation)
Rif: It seems that Anise is in the Slenge Mines after all. Let’s go in!

Killfith: Maybe we should plant an ambush for them, to pay them back for those other times…

Rif: Hold up…! Don’t make threats!

Killfith: You call that a threat?
(End)

//Now would be a good time to finish your side quests, if you haven’t already.//

(In the next area, a gang headed by Anise is waiting.)

Anise: Do you always drag your feet? I was getting tired of waiting.

Rif: Why you… you… creeps…!

Pike: You can thank our Summon Creature lookout for discovering you. You didn’t even realize you’d been spotted.
    -Stupid brats!

Gillan: What are you saying? They came out all the way here just to become my little brother. Isn’t that right?

Rif: Huh?! That’s not it at all!

Killfith: You are the ones we’ve been looking for. No doubt about it.

Gillan: (blushing) My!

Rif: Don’t give him any weird ideas!

Anise: (…) However, the fact that you were able to follow this guy here is an inexcusable failure.

Man: But if the next lookout had come to relieve me like he was supposed to, then this never would have…

Anise: SAVE YOUR EXCUSES!
    -Instead of quibbling about who should have been doing what or where, you should hurry up and seize those brats!

(The funny-hatted man, annoyed, faces Rif)

Rif: Bring it!

(Man, Rif and Summon Creature fight. Rif wins.)

Man: (…) Dammit… These brats…

Anise: (sigh) This guy is completely useless…

Gillan: Leave this to me. You just watch and see how it’s done.

(The man steps onto the sidelines while Gillan and the others walk up to Rif)

Rif: (…) Kh…!

>Go to Cuddling Kills

Rightways If you take the path to the right, our heroes will stop as they see the Summon Creature paused up ahead.

Killfith: It’s him!

Rif: The Summon Creature from just now!

(The Summon Creature turns around, annoyed, and attacks; Rif wins)

Rif: Whew… that took me by surprise.

Killfith: Tch… someone might have overheard our battle with that garbage heap just now…

Rif: Even so, let’s try and go as far as we can!

Killfith: Heh… figures you’d say that.

(Side Conversation)
Rif: It seems that Anise is in the Slenge Mines after all. Let’s go in!

Killfith: We might have drawn some attention this way during our fight with that piece of garbage back there.
    -Well, it makes no difference either way. We’ll wipe out the whole lot of them regardless.

Rif: Come on, Killfith, settle down, just settle down…
(End)

(In the next area, two men are arguing.)

First Man: I already told you I didn’t forget, and anyway I’m here now so I’ll take your shift, I just thought… huh?

(Man notices Rif)

First Man: Ah!

Killfith: (to Rif) Don’t just stand there gawking.

Second Man: What are you staring at? I told you, hurry up and stand guard! … Huh?
    -(turns around and sees Rif)
    -AH!
    -You little runt! How did you get here?

First Man: (smirking) Aw, did you get followed? What a schmuck… have fun reporting that.

Second Man: Shut yer yap! We’ll be fine as long as we grab ’em, right?

Rif: No way you’re grabbing me!

(Fight ensues)

Man: Dammit… these guys…

(Crap! The cavalry!)

Anise: Do you make a ruckus wherever you go?

Rif: It’s you!

Anise: (to nameless minions) I will teach you both a lesson after this for letting them infiltrate so far into our territory.

Man: Y-yes, ma’am…

Gillan: (blushing) I’m so happy. You came all the way out here just because you wanted to become my younger brother, didn’t you?

Rif: Huh?! That’s not it at all!

Killfith: You are the ones we’ve been looking for. No doubt about it.

Rif: Wait a… Don’t give him any weird ideas!

Gillan: ♥ Really?! I’m so happy!

>Go to Cuddling Kills

Day Eight, Part Four

(Outside Benson’s Workshop, Tier and Zakk walk up)

Tier: Ah, Rif, how was the conference?

Rif: Not good at all… if we can’t get a hold of any evidence that Anise and her gang are bad people, they won’t do anything.
    -So, we decided to split up in order to find them…

Tier: (to Zakk) Hey, I don’t suppose you know something, do you? Aren’t you like the eyes and ears of this town?

Zakk: Of course I know!
    -But, until everything is cleared up, Master wouldn’t want me to betray those people.

Rif: What are you talking about? Eyes and ears? That’s the first I heard of it.

Zakk: That’s because you’re not important enough to feed information.

Tier: Isn’t that just another way of saying you don’t know? You were actually lying about being this town’s eyes and ears. How aw~ful.

Zakk: I do too know! They’re in the Slenge Mines! The mines just outside of the West Gate!

Rif and Killfith: (!)

Killfith: What…? Wasn’t that near where that guy said the Red Wing is?

Zakk: Yeah, but they really are there! I overheard those guys talking before!

Rif: Hmm, I see… and we don’t have any other leads… should we try going there…?

Tier: If it’s that dangerous, maybe it’d be a good idea to invite Miss V.E and Jade along?

Rif: But Master is searching Lute Caves, and Aniki’s gone to Bayreat Forest…

Tier: Crimany, what an annoying situation. Guess there’s nothing for it.
    -The only solution is for us to go track down Miss V.E and Jade.

Zakk: (!) By “us,” do you mean me too?

Tier: Of course I mean you too! You spilled the beans, so obviously you should ask for Jade!

Zakk: Ugh… I got it.

Killfith: (…) Exactly whose side is this kid on, again?

Zakk: Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?!

Tier: Time is money, so let's not waste any!
    -Catch you later, Rif!

Rif: Take care, okay?

Zakk: You too.

(Tier and Zakk depart stage left)

(Side Conversation)
Rif: It seems Anise is somewhere in Slenge Mines. Let’s check it out!

Killfith: It sounds like there’s a ferocious Summon Creature known as Red Wing residing there. This should be fun…

Rif: That’s one thing I hope we don’t find there!
(End)

(In front of the West Gate, we find out why the gatekeeper’s letting us through)

Gatekeeper: The usual gatekeeper caught a cold, so today I’m substituting for him. What a pain…
    -It seems there’s a scary Stray called Red Wing out there, but if you want to go I won’t stop you.

(In the Slenge Mines, Lemmy is standing in front of a gorge)

Rif: Huh? Lemmy, what are you doing here?

Lemmy: W-what, you ask?

Rif: Didn’t you know? They’re saying there’s a scary Stray called Red Wing around here.

Lemmy: I know about that! And anyway, what are you doing here if you know it’s dangerous?

Rif: What are we… Zakk told us that Anise and her gang were hiding around here.

Lemmy: Zakk… saying too much again…

Killfith: Hmph. And what exactly are you doing in a place like this?

Lemmy: M-me?! Weapons, I… that’s right, I just came to forge weapons.

Rif: Oh, is that what you’re doing? Specially came to a dangerous corner of the world so you could forge, huh?

Lemmy: But I was on my way back just now.

(He rushes off in a panic)

Rif: (…) What’s with him? And what was he so upset about this whole time? I got a really bad feeling about this.

Killfith: Hmf, no kidding.

(While trekking through Slenge Mines, Killfith suddenly stops Rif.)

Killfith: Tch… over there…

(Nearby, a bad guy stands beside a large ogre-looking Stray.)

Man: What are those guys doing! We were supposed to change shifts ages ago! Dammit…
    -(paces back and forth)
    -(…) Forget it, I’ll go call them over!

(The man departs.)

Rif: That must have been one of their comrades! Their hideout has got to be nearby!
    -We’ve gotta go after him!

Killfith: Cool it… what are you planning to do about the watchdog?

Rif: You don’t think we’ll have to knock him out, do you?

(The Stray walks away.)

Rif: (?) What? It doesn’t want to keep a lookout?

Killfith: How am I supposed to know?

Rif: Anyway, let’s keep moving.

At this point, there will be a difference depending on which path you choose:
    -Path on the left >Leftways
    -Path on the right >Rightways

Day Eight, Part Three

(Outside the Council of Gold)

Jade: Well now! For the time being, how about we sniff out those guys’ whereabouts?

(For some reason, Rif, Killfith and Murno are surprised. It's like they don't know him at all.)

Rif: Wait a second, Aniki! Didn’t she just say that the Patrol Unit should focus on their job?

Jade: It’s fine. After all, it’s still patrolling, isn’t it? Nothing to worry about!

V.E: Honestly. You are such a man…

    -Okay! Then let’s split up and search for them!

Jade: I have to disagree with Rif and Murno on one point, because I don’t think that band is coming back to this town…

    -First, we should try searching the town’s perimeter. Leave the Bayreat Forest near the South Gate to me!

    -V.E should cover Lute Caves, and Rif can take care of the Bearded Forest up until Marneil Inn Town.

V.E: Couldn’t they also be near the west gate down the stairs? What are we going to do for over there?

Jade: It should be fine to leave Slenge Mines alone for now. Rumor has it there’s a dangerous Summon Creature there called “Red Wing.”

Killfith: “Red Wing”…? Heh… what’s that supposed to be, a red birdie?

Jade: That’s right… and it’s huge enough to swallow a man whole.

    -That “birdie” is dyed in deep red with the blood of its kills.

Rif: Amazing! So that Red Wing is really something cool…!

Killfith: It’s cool?

Jade: As long as you don’t approach it, you won’t get hurt, since it doesn’t seem to move around much, but…

    -Well, considering how few there were of those guys, if they decided to hide there, they’ve probably been eaten by now.

V.E: All right! Shall we start investigating, then?

Murno: Um… then I…

Jade: Since that demon stone you’re carting around is so important, you should lay low and go back to the workshop. Isn’t that what Ms. Janna said, too?

    -‘Exercise some prudence?’

Murno: But…

V.E: Aha… what Jade is trying to say is that Murno needs to keep a strict guard over the demon stone.

    -And since Master Benson is at the workshop, it would give us some peace of mind, you know?

Murno: All right… I understand.

V.E: (to Rif) On a related note, Rif, Killfith, I’m gonna ask you to be Murno’s escort to the workshop.

Rif: Got it! Just leave it to us!

Jade: Then let’s go! Just be sure to pay extra attention so you don't get lost. Especially V.E.

V.E: Although your undying concern for me moves me to tears of joy…

    -… if you keep throwing that crap into the wind, it’ll eventually end up in your eyes.

Jade: Don’t worry about me. I’ll just dodge so it’ll get in Rif’s face instead.

Rif: Hey! I’m right here!

V.E: Then, we leave it to you!

(Jade and V.E leave; Jade to the south, V.E to the east)

Rif: (…) Geez, what the heck…

Murno: Will you lead the way, Rif?

Rif: Ah—right! Let’s go to the workshop!

(Side Conversation)

Rif: Let’s escort Murno to the workshop!

Murno: I’m sorry. It’s my fault that you have to do something like this, since I’m so useless…

Rif: What are you talking about? You’re protecting the demon stone. That’s super useful!

Killfith: It’s a serious responsibility. You’ll have to give it your utmost.

Murno: Thank you, Rif, Killfith…

(End)

(Rif and the others arrive at Benson’s Workshop)

Rif: Um, Master.

Benson: Hm?

Rif: We’re going to go out for a little bit. Please look after Murno while we’re gone!

Benson: Hm.

Murno: I’m very sorry for the trouble.

Benson: Hm.

Murno: Thank you very much.

Benson: Hm.

Rif: (…) Man, it looks like they can communicate just like that… I’m a little embarrassed that I can’t follow…

    -(stares at Killfith) …

Killfith: (annoyed) What?

Rif: Hm.

Killfith: What’s that! Don’t be disgusting, I’ll kill you!

Rif: (shocked) Di—?!

    -(disappointed) It seems I just can’t do it…

Eliez: Do your best, big sis!

Rif: Eh?! Ahahahaha…
    -Okay! Let’s go and find out where Anise and her gang are hiding!

(Side Conversation)

Rif: Now then! Time to find out where Anise is hiding!

Killfith: We have to go along the road up till Marneil Inn Town. You’ll do your part by doing your absolute best.

Rif: Yeah! I won’t let a single clue pass us by!

(End)

Day Eight, Part Two

(Scene fades back in with Eliez running up to the workshop)
 
Eliez: I'm ba~ack!
    ‑(goes inside)
    ‑Is everyone still not here yet?

(Inside the Council of Gold)

Rif: … And that's everything.

Bostaph: …

Rif: Um…

Velworen: (while looking at the demon stone) So perhaps Govan's Demon Stone really is concealing such extraordinary powers…
    -I can’t believe that something so amazing was hidden in that Mishews Village!

Jade: Do you mean the Council of Gold already knew about that village?

Janna: Around the time this town was established, we sent out a thorough investigation of this area. That was when we discovered it.
    ‑However, since we believed the village had very little worth, we refrained from getting too involved.

Velworen: At that time, I was sent to this town to offer our greetings.
    ‑I discovered some rather interesting ruins. I've lost count of how many times I’d wandered through them.
    -But after the deaths of Rob and the others, I was no longer permitted to enter them…

Janna: In any case, what you’re saying is that if we return this demon stone to your village, the Stray Summons should settle down.

Jade: Except Anise's gang is trying to get their hands on it.

Velworen: It's hard to believe they’re such evil people… what will you do, Bostaph?

Bostaph: What shall I do, you ask...? I don't intent to do anything.

V.E: (annoyed) Hold on, what are you—

Bostaph: I have a contract with her group. Unless you can offer me definitive proof, I see no reason to doubt them.

V.E: That ‘group’ laid hands on my precious apprentices! Are you really going to stand up for those creeps?

Bostaph: As long as they continue to bring down Stray Summons, yes.

Killfith: Wake up. Those cretins…

Bostaph: Silence!

(Le shock!)

Bostaph: A Summon Creature should keep his mouth shut!

Killfith: …!

Janna: (…) Certainly, Bostaph does have a point.
    -It would not be good to rake these people over the coals simply on these children’s word.

Rif: But that…!

Janna: (To Bostaph) I am sorry to ask this so bluntly, but we will need you to put together a dossier of the party in question.

Bostaph: I am not of such poor principles that I would betray those I have a contract with. I will not do as you ask.
    -Excuse me.

(Bostaph leaves)

V.E: Hold on a minute there!

Jade: Forget it, V.E! Bostaph’s not gonna listen to anything we say right now.

V.E: … Tch! I suppose making a move in public would only make a scene.

Jade: That’s right. First things first, we should try to do some of our own investigating.

Janna: I think it would be good for you not to forget your job as a member of the Patrol Unit. The damage caused by Strays has been increasing.

Jade: You really know how to rub salt in it, don’t you? That’s fine, though. I get what you’re saying.

Murno: (…) Um… if that’s everything, then the demon stone…

Velworen: Ah, sorry, of course.

(Govan’s Demon Stone has been returned to Murno)

Janna: Hold on! Why are you returning it? If we had a little longer to inspect it, then…

Velworen: But if we have this in our possession, we will also end up being targeted…

Janna: Ah… I-I suppose… all right then.

    -(to Murno) But will you be all right, Ms. Murno? Until Anise and her gang’s identity comes to light…
    -I also have my doubts about whether you manipulated Summon Strays, since the details are not perfectly clear yet.

Murno: …

Janna: From your explanation today, it seems that we will not have to place you under arrest, but please be sure to exercise some prudence in the future.
    -In accordance with the aforementioned conclusion, we expect that you will offer us Govan’s Demon Stone at another time so that we might inspect it.

Murno: Yes, ma’am…

Janna: Then, we are adjourned for the day.

(fade to black)

Day Eight, Part One

Rif: Okay! Today we have a meeting at the Council of Gold! … Well, easy enough to say…
    -The truth is, I'm really bad with speeches.

Killfith: Feeling self-conscious, are we?

Rif: ... That's not what I wanted you to say!
    -Anyway, I'll do my best. I just have to make everyone understand that Anise and her gang are trying to nab the demon stone!

Killfith: Heh... do the best you can.

Rif: For some reason, I feel kind of cheated, but thanks anyway!
    -All right! Let's go!

(Rif exits the forging room)

Tier: Oh, Rif, how are you? Were you able to sleep all right?

Rif: Yeah, I slept like a rock!

V.E: Is that so? I'd like to ask if you've already figured out what you're going to say, but…
    -Knowing you, I'd be happy just as long as your eight hours of sleep helped your brain to put everything in order.

Rif: You'll see! Soon we'll tell everyone flat-out how Anise and her friends have been trying to get the demon stone!
    -But if Master Bostaph really is friends with those guys, I wonder what'll happen…
    -Master Bostaph is still pretty suspicious... not to mention scary-looking...

Eliez: (...) Master Bostaph is... suspicious...?

Jade: (annoyed) Hey, Rif! Don't be so bent on distrusting someone just because they're ‘scary-looking!’

Rif: Uh, right! Sorry, Aniki.

Jade: Hold on there! What kind of apology was that?

Killfith: Hmph. If it's just a scary face that makes a villain…

(Everyone looks at Master Benson)

Benson: Hm?

Murno: Killfith, be nice!

Jade: Anyway, don't give that kind of nonsense a second thought. Okay, Eliez?

Eliez: (still upset, but with a small smile) ... Mmkay.

V.E: Well, shall we go, then?

Jade: We'll be waiting outside, so hurry up.

Eliez: I’ve got stuff I need to do, too!

(Everyone departs)

(Side Conversation)
Rif: Today's the big meeting. Let's get to the Council of Gold and stir things up!

Killfith: I think you might actually be incapable of shutting up.

Rif: That’s beside the point!
(End)

(Outside the workshop)

V.E: Are you ready to go to the Council of Gold yet?

Rif:
    -Of course I'm ready!  >To the Council
    -Just a little longer.  >Arg

Arg

V.E: Hurry up.

To the Council

V.E: All right, let's go.

Tier: Yay~!

V.E: Hold up, who said you're coming with us?!

Tier: Huh?!

Jade: There’s no helping it. Even if you came, there's nothing you could do.
    -Just keep an eye on the workshop for us.

Tier: Cheh… Fine, I'll just leave, then.
    -(departs)

Jade: H-hey, wait up…

Murno: (to Killfith) I wonder where she went.

Killfith: Business transaction, probably.

Jade: Good grief. She goes off on her own just because of a little scolding.

V.E: Only because she didn't want to consent to a little house-sitting. Really, how dreadful.
    -Well, no point in dwelling on it. We have some business of our own to put in order.
    -Time to get serious! Put on your war face!

Rif: Yes, ma'am!

In front of Bostaph's workshop, Lemmy watches the group, fuming silently. Without a word, he goes into the workshop. Meanwhile, everyone else is staring after him.

Rif: What was that about...?

V.E: Don't get distracted. We’re moving out!

Rif: Uh—yes, ma'am.

(They head off; fade to black)

Night Seven - V.E

V.E: Oh for pity's sake…
    -What are you doing out here? Didn't I already say you could take it easy for the rest of the day?

Rif: But after eating the stew you made, I'm full of energy! Master’s stew is the best!

V.E: You guys were so hungry when you got back, I could practically see right through you. I'm glad I could whip something up for you.
    -Sorry you ended up with so many vegetables.

Rif: If it meant that Murno could get a little more meat, I don't mind. Besides, I just felt like coming out here and patrolling a bit…

V.E: By patrolling, you wouldn't mean that you're looking for Anise's comrades, are you?

Rif: Of course! I know for sure they're going to target Murno again!

V.E: Sounds like you're trying to beef up this town's security all by your lonesome. But is that really necessary?

Rif: Yeah... but, with just me…

V.E: You never go half-way with anything, do you? It’s just like that cat Randy we used to feed way back.

Rif: What on earth does that cat have to do with this?!

V.E: Everything! Because both of you suddenly disappeared! Who do you think has to worry when something like that happens?

Rif: I—I see... I'm sorry…

V.E: So at the very least, be good and stay home for tonight. Tomorrow we'll explain the situation to everyone.

Rif: Yeah... it's just that whenever I start to think about this stuff, I can't get to sleep…

V.E: If that's all, then you should just snuggle up with me and I could sing you a lullaby. In fact, I can think of a really good rock 'n' roll lullaby—

Rif: Umm... somehow I don't think that would help me fall asleep…

Night Seven - Tier

Tier: Here you are!
    -What are you doing? Weren't you supposed to stay at the workshop for the rest of the day?

Rif: Sure, but Anise and her gang could be anywhere, planning to capture Murno again, you know.
    -I can't just sit still and do nothing.

Tier: You should stay home and do nothing. Didn't you ever pause to consider you might be causing everyone else a lot of trouble?

Rif: I never meant to do that…

Tier: Oh yeah?! Do you have any idea just how worried I was?

Rif: Oh, well... I guess it would be harder at the Smile Cottage with one less poster girl than you had planned...

Tier: MORON!!

Rif: Wha—what?!

Tier: Quit joking around! I was seriously worried about you!
    -After you fell of that cliff... I couldn't help but wonder if... maybe...

Rif: I'm sorry...

Tier: Are you really reflecting on your actions?

Rif: I'm reflecting! I'm really sorry!

Tier: Okay then. In that case, I forgive you.
    -So from now on, let's pick up a new mindset and plan out our future in earnest, okay?

Rif: Aha… ha, ha…

Night Seven - Murno

Murno: Here you are.
    -What's wrong? Are you thinking about something...?

Rif: Yeah... I just don't understand how sitting back and not doing anything can be a good thing.

Murno: Miss V.E already told us we could take it easy for the rest of the day.

Rif: I guess a lot did happen in Louise Village. I even got to summon a Phantom Dragon.

Murno: We really did a lot today, and after all the trouble we went through to come back, wouldn't it be all right to take it easy just for tonight?

Rif: Sure, but... we don't know when those guys will show up again...

Murno: I'm sorry. This is all because of me...

Rif: Don't worry about that. I mean, you've gone through so much all this time, so don't over-think all that other stuff too much.
    -You've already spent enough time on the run, so you can just leave the rest up to me!

Murno: Rif...

Rif: Besides, tomorrow we'll be able to explain to everyone how bad those guys are, and then everyone will understand!

Murno: They might if it was you, Rif, but I don't know if anyone would listen to my words...

Rif: What are you talking about? Of course they'll listen. Heck, when you sit down to talk, they'll be tripping over each other just to get the seat next to you.

Murno: Heehee… that's very kind of you to say. Thank you.

Night Seven - Lemmy

Lemmy: So it is you…
    -What are you doing? You're not planning on sneaking out of the town again, are you?

Rif: What are you trying to imply? I was just patrolling the area a bit so that...

Lemmy: Patrolling? What for?

Rif: Right now, Anise and her group could be anywhere, and maybe even looking for Murno as we speak, so…

Lemmy: Hmph… still insisting that they're some kind of comic book villains, I see.

Rif: Are you still saying those guys are your allies? Just because of what Bostaph told you?!

Lemmy: Well… I… haven't been able to speak with Master yet...

Rif: But… the way you reacted just now…

Lemmy: Master is very busy! He shouldn't have to listen to such trivial concerns!

Rif: …! You don't have to get mad like that…

Lemmy: Tomorrow, everyone is going to gather to discuss this matter, correct? Surely then everything will be made clear.
    -And you will see once and for all that you have been gravely mistaken in Master Bostaph.

Rif: …

Night Seven - Killfith

Killfith: Here again…
    -Hmph... is it okay for you to be out here when that woman told you to be good and stay home for tonight?

Rif: But Anise and her gang could be anywhere right now, waiting to get the jump on Murno. I can't just sit around doing nothing...

Killfith: They won't make life very easy for us, but we should be able to expose their true colors in due time.
    -We'll go as far as we have to in order to beat them.

Rif: That's right. One day soon we'll capture those guys and then Murno won't have to worry anymore!
    -Especially now that you can transform, it should be a piece of cake! I'll be counting on you!

Killfith: Tch… Don't get carried away.

Rif: What are you talking about! Hey, you can do it with me now, right? From way back when, with a whole lot of fighting spirit put in!

Killfith: Fighting spirit? You can't mean—

Rif: Exactamundo! You've already learned it, right? Come on, let's yell it together!

Killfith: I knew it...!

Rif: For a Craftknight!
    -A hammer is…
    -... What's wrong?

Killfith: I’m begging you... anything but that.

Rif: (surprised) Huh?! Killfith politely asking me a favor? … I think the world might be coming to an end…