A/N: Welcome to the interlude of Phase 2 of Ar Tonelico: Heroes of Elemia! It is three parts. The 1st and 2nd have Dive Chapters and 3rd Chapter will have it focused on the anime characters learning about Ar Ciel and why they're helping Lyner and company. Other than that, here is a opening of Phase 2! So enjoy!
Hologram from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood plays
Opening scene shows the sun shining on Ar Tonelico.
Then we see Lyner and his main party with the Mews looking at the sky. Then we see Ar Tonelico again with the title appearing.
We see Lyner walking in Viola Forest for 50 seconds then looking up in the sky.
We see the anime characters from Phase 1 staring at the screen. The most notable is a blond boy who looks like Ed only taller. (That's Al by the way.)
We see Aurica in Platina singing a Song.
We see Misha's true form in shadows.
We see fire in the background with Saizen with his back turn. Then an image of Cyner grinning evilly with two images of Bourd and a mysterious person in the background.
We see Krusche on a airship staring at the sky in thought.
Then we see Radolf practicing his spearman skills in Ion Plate.
Then we see Jack staring at Em Pheyna from afar.
Ayatane sheathed his sword and leaned on a wall and stared at the screen.
We see Shurelia's true form sleeping in the Rinkernator.
We see Lyner fighting some monsters with his powerful sword.
We see the anime newcomers in shadows.
Lyner clashing swords with Cyner and another scene with Lyner clashing swords with Ayatane.
We see the Mews battle monsters in the Musical Corridor.
We see an mysterious Alien like creature (Cough! Mir!) in shadows.
Final scene shows Lyner and Aurica on a ledge staring at the sky holding hands with the title appearing.
Chapter 20: Interlude: Part 1: Dive Lyner Dive! 4: Aurica Level 3
Lyner slowly opened his eyes. He was in his room in the Inn. It's been three days since he and his party saved Platina from the viruses. But something still bothers him. Who is Mir? And why did the fake Aurica called humans viruses? And Saizen and his minion, Cyner are still at large. So many questions still bothered him. He then realized someone or something was holding on to him. He turned to see Aurica sleeping in the same room as him on his bed. "A-Aurica?" Lyner muttered. Aurica slowly got up and yawned. "Oh… Good morning Lyner." Aurica smiled warmly at him. "What are you doing sleeping in my room?" Lyner rubbed his eyes. Aurica blushed. "Well, um… I couldn't sleep well in my room. So I decided to sleep in your room without you knowing. I'm sorry." Aurica apologized. Lyner warmly smiled at her. "No, it's alright. I don't mind having someone as company in my room." Lyner told her. "Oh! That reminds me. Let's go to the Dive Shop for our third dive. And don't worry. Misha told me you are gonna dive with her too, so after our dive, you and Misha will dive after that." Aurica smiled as she grabbed Lyner's arm and the two of them head for the Dive Shop.
(Now let's check on Ed and Al shall we?)
"You wanted to see us, Lady Shurelia?" Ed asked politely. The Elric Brothers were at the Great Hall. Apparently, Lady Shurelia asked them to come to the Great Hall.
"Just curious… but what is Al really?" Lady Shurelia asked. Ed gasped then looked down in sadness. "Well, Al was once human. Back in our homeworld, we attempted a forbidden art of Alchemy to bring back our dead mother, however, that went horribly wrong. Cause of that, I lost my right sleeve and left leg because of it, and Al lost his body so I have to place his soul in that armor you see before you." Ed revealed his automailed sleeve and leg to Lady Shurelia. "I see… Al… Can you come to me please?" Lady Shurelia asked politely. Al was confused but he did what he was told and stand before Lady Shurelia. Lady Shurelia placed her arm on Al's armored body. "I will now sing a Song that can restore your body." Lady Shurelia stated as she began to sing. Ed gasped. Can Lady Shurelia do that?
EXE_RESTORE/
Was au ga, yorr, whou vit so waze zash,
yorr, whou firle so waze crudea,
yorr, whou nozess so waze...
(You who has seen so much suffering, Was yea ra sonwe sos fowrlle yor near, (I will be glad to sing for your healing, Was ki ga, rre near bexm en nozess, (Life comes and goes, Sorr "Manaf". (This is what we call "existence", Den, Rrha ki ra exec flip sor, (Despite this, I will reverse it, Was apea ra coall yor near (I will be glad to restore your life Was ki ga yorr rete hierle oz yor gyaje (Forget the sadness of your faults,
you who has felt so much pain,
you who has lost so much...)
en coall yor yehah tes yor.
Presia, reen mea hymme hymmnos sos yor,
en accroad sor ween yor sphilar.
and to return your happiness to you.
Please, listen to the song I sing for you,
and allow it to reach your heart.)
nnoini en endia,
ween na endia melifan.
starts and ends,
in a neverending circle.)
Na flip melifan,
en ween futare endia.
a cycle that can't be reversed,
and that sometime has to end.)
sos coall yor yehah,
sos yorr firle
walt warma wis, walt yehah wis.
so you can regain your happiness,
so you can feel once again
what warmth is, what happiness is.)
tes nnoini, sos yor yehah.
Presia, reen mea hymme hymmnos sos yor,
en accroad sor ween yor sphilar.
to it's former form, for your happiness.
Please, listen to the song I sing for your,
and allow it to reach your heart.)
en accrroad fountaina futare yehah.
Accroad ar ciel ween leat hymmnos
sos rre hymme syana an yor, aiph yor manaf endia.
and let the happiness of your future fill you.
Allow the songs that play in this world
to resound with you, until the end of your life.)
A white light covered Al and in about 4 minutes, the light cleared and a young boy who is slightly taller than Ed and has the same hair color as Ed and wearing 1900s clothes appeared in Al's place. Infact, it is…
"Al!" Ed shouted in shock and happiness as he ran up to him and pulled his cheek. "O-Ow! Brother, stop!" Al panicked. "I don't believe it! Your body is back! Lady Shurelia, that was incrediable! Can you bring back my sleeve and leg back!" Ed asked hopefully. Lady Shurelia shook her head. "I'm sorry. That Song is only used one time and it needs to be recharged for about 5 years." Lady Shurelia apologized. "Oh, it's okay. But thank you for getting my brother's body back." Ed bowed politely. "Wait till Winny finds out I got my body back!" Al grinned. "Oh yeah. I wonder if she is in this world too." Ed wondered. (A/N: Yes, Winny will appear in Aurica's Story, so will the rest of the FMA crew. So keep an eye out!)
(With Aurica and Lyner.)
"So, you two wanna dive?" Horai asked. Lyner and Aurica nodded. "Alright. Be careful now." Horai agreed as Lyner and Aurica got in the capsules.
Aurica Level 3 Cosmosphere: Healing Hand
Lyner arrived at Stonehenge and he looked around.
Don Leon appeared.
"What's wrong?" Don Leon asked. "So… how long have you been Aurica's Mind Guardian?" Lyner asked in curiosity.
"Let's see… I'd guess about 10 years now…" Don Leon guessed.
"That's pretty long… Aurica is 17 now… Which means, since she was 7 years old." Lyner calculated.
"That sounds right…" Don Leon nodded, then something click in his head. "Wait a minute! You seem to know a lot about Aurica! Are you a stalker?" Don Leon narrowed his eyes fiercely at Lyner.
"W-Wait a minute! Just because I know her age doesn't mean much. That kind of subject matter would come up in a normal conversation." Lyner waved his arms up and down in panic.
"…Hmph. Very well. Aurica was only 7 years old when I first met her." Don Leon stated. "Since then, I've been Aurica's Mind Guardian."
"Wow. Becoming her Mind Guardian so quickly is amazing. You need a lot of emotional input to become a guardian, right?" Lyner asked.
"Of course! That is how much Aurica cares for me." Don Leon nodded. "But, I won't tell you why. You'll have to ask Aurica yourself." Lyner sighed as he head to the world map.
Lyner head to the church.
"Who are you?" Claire asked.
"Miss Claire! What are you doing in this church?" Lyner gasped.
"I got sick….so I came here to get cured… I have a serious illness, so I don't have much time to live." Claire coughed.
"Oh no… Where's Aurica? She should be able to cure you!" Lyner asked.
"I think she's at the Cave Inn." Claire said weakly.
Lyner went to the Cave Inn. Inside a room, he saw Aurica, but she wore a shrine maiden outfit this time around.
"No! Who is it!" Aurica covered her mouth in shock.
"Aurica?" Lyner raised an eyebrow.
"Lyner?" Aurica gasped.
"Why are you dressed like that?" Lyner asked.
"Huh? Do I look funny? I'm a healing priestess…but I'm no good at it…" Aurica said sadly.
"Don't say that. What happened to you this time?" Lyner asked in concern.
"Claire has a serious illness, but I can't cure her…" Aurica looked down.
"You like Claire, right? You should be able to cure her if you really want to. This is your world." Lyner encouraged her.
"I know that, but I haven't been able to cure her, no matter how hard I try…" Aurica said sadly again.
"Let's try one more time. I'll go with you this time." Lyner offered.
"…Okay." Aurica said.
Back on the Cosmosphere map, Don Leon appeared.
"What's her struggle about this time? Is it her lack of confidence?" Lyner wondered.
"I do not know for sure. You must listen to people's stories again." Don Leon stated. Aurica was silent.
The two decided to head back to the Cave Inn. Radolf was in a room.
"So, I heard Miss Claire is sick. How is her condition?" Radolf asked in concern.
"I can't say it's good… But I'm sure Aurica will be able to take care of it." Lyner said with confidence.
"H-m… It's Aurica though. I'm very worried. She has little talent… She can't even do anything without my support." Radolf frowned.
'Hm…Aurica's image of Radolf is pretty strict.' Lyner sweat dropped.
"Th, there there. Just watch. I'm sure Aurica will solve this." Lyner told him.
"No, it's impossible. It's pointless to make Aurica do anything." Radolf shook his head. Aurica looked down.
"Radolf… that's a little too harsh…" Lyner frowned. In his thoughts. 'But, it's pointless to tell this Radolf anything…'
"Anyway, to lose an extraordinarily beautiful, highly skilled, and glamorous bodied Reyvateil like Miss Claire would be a grave matter. I'm worried to leave it to Aurica alone. Lyner, support her to the end." Radolf stated.
"Me?" Lyner gawked.
"The future of a high-spec Reyvateil is in your hands. I leave it to you!" Radolf told him.
"Alright, alright. I understand." Lyner sighed.
'Either way. This Radolf is seriously distorted. Aurica has a pretty bad inferiority complex…' Lyner thought to himself.
Lyner and Aurica head to the Church.
"Aurica, why are you here today?" Claire asked.
"We came to cure you." Lyner told her.
"Can I try to heal you one more time?" Aurica asked.
"Of course. Thank you for trying." Claire smiled.
"Okay, are you ready? Ha!" Aurica crafts Life Warmth.
"Please, Life Warmth. Help me cure Claire." Aurica pleaded. Life Warmth looked at her in worry.
"Do you still want to try? I don't think this'll work out." Life Warmth shook his head in worry.
"You don't know that. Don't listen to him. Keep believing in yourself, and you can cure Miss Claire." Lyner encouraged Aurica.
"…Alright." Aurica merely nodded.
"I'll try…" Life Warmth gulped as he began playing his harp, a soothing light appeared on Claire.
"I'm not getting any better." Claire coughed.
"Aurica, do you really wish that Miss Claire will get better?" Lyner asked seriously.
"Of course! How can you ask me that? I love Claire. I really want her to get better…" Aurica frowned.
"Please don't blame Aurica! It's my fault. My healing power isn't strong enough." Life Warmth said sadly.
"I don't think that's it…" Lyner stated.
"No, it's true! I'm useless. I'm always getting in people's way." Life Warmth said sadly again.
"I don't think it's your fault. I've seen her Cosmosphere. There must be another reason." Lyner reasoned.
"Really?" Life Warmth looked up.
"Yes. Let's find the way to cure her." Lyner said.
Lyner and Aurica decided to head to the Disappointment Mountain.
Lyner and Aurica looked around.
"I don't think we'll find any clues here." Lyner sighed.
"Wait! Maybe we can find an herb that can cure her up in the mountains." Aurica suggested.
"Let's look around." Lyner nodded in agreement.
20 minutes has passed.
"…Nothing. Maybe the altitude is too high for the herbs to grow." Lyner shook his head.
"I found it!" Aurica called out.
"Really?" Lyner brighten up.
"Hmm, what an interesting choice. That's a poisonous weed." A voice said sinisterly.
"What?" Aurica gasped as she covered her mouth in shock.
"Who are you!" Lyner demanded as he got his hand on his sword just in case. Suddenly, another Aurica who wore a almost revealing demonic like outfit appeared and by the looks of it, she's smirking evilly.
"How do you do? I'm an Aurica you haven't met before." Demon Aurica bowed evilly.
"She looks like a demon…" Lyner twitched as Demon Aurica winked seductantly at him before she turned her attention to Aurica.
"You picked an poisonous weed. I think you know yourself better than you think." Demon Aurica said with a hint of darkness.
"What do you mean?" Aurica questioned.
"Oh, you are sadistic. Do you really want to hear the horrific truth? Okay, I'll tell you. You hate Claire, right? Why don't you kill her already?" Demon Aurica levitated in the air with a laid back position.
"What are you saying! Aurica, is she telling the truth?" Lyner gasped.
"No, she isn't! I love Claire…she's my…" Aurica clutched her head in horror.
"'She's my best friend.' Do you really think that?" Demon Aurica asked sarcastically.
"…What?" Aurica stammered.
"Think about it. How much hardship have we gone through because of Claire? Claire is smart, beautiful, and an excellent Reyvateil. I was always in her shadow. Nobody paid attention to me. I was always hiding behind cheerful and active Claire, but I didn't like hiding behind her back. I wanted to be out in front and be noticed. If Claire wasn't there, I would've been the center of attention. The beauty pageant at our village is a prime example. Tenba only scouted Claire. They didn't even noticed me." Demon Aurica frowned.
"Stop it…" Aurica stammered.
"I was always in Claire's shadow. Now is our chance for revenge." Demon Aurica smirked evilly.
"No! Claire is…" Aurica panicked in fear.
"My precious Aurica, you need to be more courageous. You can create a brand new world…" Demon Aurica stated.
"Wait a minute! There's no way you can create a new world!" Lyner protested.
"You shut the heck up. You're just an outsider. You don't understand what it is like to be humiliated, to live in Claire's shadow. Aurica, you've suffered, right? Now is the time to say goodbye to the past. By giving that poisonous weed to Claire, you can erase your sad past. You can start over!" Demon Aurica told her.
"You're right. I'll be cleansed of those ugly feelings that I have toward Claire. All I have to do is to give her this poisonous weed…" Aurica clenched her fists in anger.
"Aurica?" Lyner gasped.
"You don't understand. I was always compared to Claire. I was discriminated against because of her. People used to tell me that I'm no good compared to Claire who is smart, athletic, and an excellent Reyvateil! I want to say goodbye to that life forever!" Aurica screamed as tears fell down her cheek as she ran off.
"Aurica! Damnit! I have to chase her!" Lyner glared at Demon Aurica.
"It's too late. She's realized her true feelings." Demon Aurica giggled sinisterly.
"You tricked her!" Lyner shouted angrily at her.
"No, I didn't. I'm also Aurica. I'm just telling you my true feelings. But, shouldn't you go after her?" Demon Aurica shook her head.
Lyner hurried to the church. Life Warmth came up to him in panic.
"Emergency! Aurica is…!" He panicked.
"No!" Lyner gasped. Aurica was about to give the fatal poisonous weed to Claire.
"Take this medicine. It'll make you feel better." Aurica said bitterly.
"Really? Thank you!" Claire smiled.
But luckily, Lyner caught her arm.
"Don't do it, Aurica!" Lyner shouted.
"Lyner, it's too late. This is going to change my life." Aurica shook her head.
"Is that how you want your life to be?" Lyner questioned.
"I'll be the best from now on. I won't have to cry in Claire's shadow." Aurica struggled.
"Wait!" A voice called out. Then Angel Aurica appeared.
"Are you sure about this? Did you forget how much Miss Claire has helped you? She was always there for you." Angel Aurica asked in concern.
"You…!" Lyner gasped.
Aurica covered her mouth in shock.
"I'm only here today because of Miss Claire. She protected me from bullies. I wasn't good at making friends. She was my only one, best friend. Are you sure want to kill someone as special as her?" Angel Aurica questioned.
"I…" Aurica stammered.
"It's not too late…" Angel Aurica stated.
"But Claire was…always… That's enough! I don't know what to do!" Aurica screamed as she ran off in tears.
"Aurica!" Lyner tried to stop her, but no avail. "She's gone… what's happening to her…" Lyner wondered.
"Aurica is fighting with herself. She has some negative feelings towards Miss Claire. Miss Claire helped her out, but we were also living in her shadow. There's a conflict inside her. That's why Aurica can't cure her." Angel Aurica stated.
"…I see." Lyner understands.
"Please save the Aurica of this level. Please don't listen to that devilish girl." Angel Aurica prayed as she vanished.
"Miss Claire is Aurica's best friend. But at the same time, she's also her worst enemy." Lyner looked down.
"Will Aurica be okay?" Life Warmth asked in concern.
"I got to find her!" Lyner shouted as he heads off.
Lyner found Aurica at the Town of Dusk.
"Lyner…" Aurica sniffled.
"There you are!" Lyner sighed in relief.
"I don't know what to do. I almost killed Claire… Part of me wants to kill her…but, she's my best friend. I don't want her to die." Aurica sniffled.
"Both of your emotions are true. You know, it's not unusual to have mixed feelings about someone. And, it's perfectly normal to get mad at someone you love and wish they were dead. You just can't help it." Lyner put his hand on her shoulder.
"You've… felt like this before?" Aurica asked.
"Everybody does. But, it's important to distinguish your true desires from your emotional ones. You have to look beyond your negative feelings. Then, you'll see what you really want." Lyner told her.
"I… want to stay with Claire. I just want to go shopping with her. I also want us to make a music box together. We both love music boxes…" Aurica looked up.
"See, you know what you want. Now, just try to make it happen." Lyner smiled.
"Okay! I have to imagine what I want my life to be like. Hmm, everything is much more clear. I think I can make the right decsions." Aurica smiled.
Demon Aurica appeared and she doesn't look too happy.
"Are you sure about that, honey?" She asked coldly.
"Yes. I made up my mind. Lyner helped me realize what I really want. Claire was always better than me. I hate having to compare with her. But, that wasn't her fault. Claire has always been there for me, and I want her to always be a part of my life." Aurica said with confidence.
"…But, then people will compare you to her. They'll humiliate you and you'll always feel discriminated. You will always have cruel humans trying to make you split up." Demon Aurica protested.
"I don't care! I want to live with Claire. You can't trick me into changing my mind. Claire has always been my friend. It's the other people who make me upset. Claire's never done anything to hurt me, but I tried to kill her for my selfishness." Aurica glared at Demon Aurica.
"…Whatever. Have it your way. Just remember that I know we really feel better than you do. You have to accept that I'm a deeper part of you." Demon Aurica frowned as she vanished.
Aurica turned to Lyner and he nodded and the two of them head back to the Church.
"Oh, hi guys. I'm feeling a little better today. I hope the pain goes away soon." Claire smiled.
"Oh it will, you won't have to suffer anymore. I'm sorry. I was jealous. You're smart…and kind… But, I made up my mind. I want us to be friends, Claire. I can't help being jealous of you sometimes, but I want to get past that. I'll make you feel better." Aurica told her.
"…Alright then. Make me feel better." Claire smiled at her.
Aurica summoned Life Warmth.
"Please work, I want Claire to be better again." Aurica prayed.
"You're trying that again? I don't think that will work…" Life Warmth shook his head.
"It will work. Believe in me." Aurica told him.
Suddenly, a white light appeared around Life Warmth.
"W-What is this power?" Life Warmth gasped as he changed shape. He is now, Life Refresh.
'Wow, did I got a lot better?" Life Refresh gasped in awe.
"Aurica's wish made you a better healer." Lyner told him.
"Ah, yes…I think it'll work this time. No, wait, I know it'll work." Life Refresh said with confidence as he plays his harp. A soothing light appeared on Claire and Claire is better now!
"I feel so much better. I'm really comfortable now." Claire smiled.
"Does it really feel better?" Aurica asked.
"Yes, thanks to you." Claire smiled at her.
"Really? I'm so happy! Please be my friend, Claire…forever and ever!" Aurica smiled as she and Claire did a pinky swear.
On the world map, Stonehenge began to glow.
"You know what to do." Don Leon told Lyner, he nodded as he and Aurica head to Stonehenge.
"…." Aurica was silent.
"Lyner, I'm scared. If I go to the next level, what if I meet some of my darker side of my personality?" Aurica asked in a frightful tone.
"Don't worry, I'll be with you. I'll protect you, no matter what we face." Lyner smiled at her.
"…You promised?" Aurica looked up.
"Promised." Lyner nodded. Aurica then held Lyner's hand.
"Your hand is so warm." Aurica smiled as she blushed and went towards the light.
"See you in the next level." Aurica smiled warmly at him as she stepped into the light.
Aurica Level 3 Cosmosphere: Completed
Costume get!: Holy Maiden
TBC
Next time: Interlude: Part 2: Dive Lyner Lyner! 5: Misha Level 2
Me: Well folks, after quick thinking, I decided to put in Evangelion and Slayers in the third part of the Interlude.
Asuka: What the hell! You putting us in the chapter!
Me: Yes, so?
Lina: Without thinking! Geez! You're even dumber than Goury…
Goury: What?
Me: Shut up before I decide to sic Demon Aurica on you and your gangs.
Demon Aurica: (Seen with a whip and sword on her hip) I'll punish you all! (Laughs diabolical)
Evangelion and Slayers cast: (Scared and most of them, Shinji wet their pants.)
Aurica: Well, anyway, next chapter is Misha's dive.
Misha: See ya later! (Winks)
Demon Aurica chases Evangelion and Slayers gangs with her whip and sword.
Me: (Sweat drops)
Shurelia: And remember to vote for the crossover for the sequal.
Me: Also, special credit to aquagon for coming up with EXEC_RESTORE and its lyics.