Chapter 37: Origin Guardian of the Eternal Sword, And the Master Sword
Elf Elder: Lloyd, welcome. Your visitor has already entered Torent Forest, where Origin sleeps.
Lloyd: …Thank you.
Raine: Then, we'll see you when you get back…
Lloyd: Wait, Professor, Genis. (to the elf elder) Elder. Please let these two into the village! It's only for now. They're my close friends, and I want them to be there when I face off against Kratos!
Elf Guard 1: Unthinkable. No half-elf may enter our village.
Link: …That kind of attitude gave rise to Cruxis!
Elf Guard 2: What did you say?
Elf Elder: Stop, both of you! The chasm that separates us from the half-elves is deep and dark. Nevertheless, there is reason in what you say. Thus, from now until Origin is released, I will grant these two entrance to the village.
Lloyd: Thank you!
Elf Elder: However, they may not use any of our facilities. Is that clear?
Raine: …That's fine.
Genis: …Gee thanks.
(Inside the Village ...)
Lloyd: Then let's go to where Kratos is…
Colette: Lloyd, wait! You should relax a little first. You're about to fight your father, remember?
Lloyd: I know that!
Regal: …Colette is right. Don't be hasty, Lloyd.
Raine: The fate of the world rests on your battle with Kratos. Let's rest here tonight and you can sort out your feelings. …This will be the end of our journey.
Lloyd: …All right.
(The team takes this time to rest and everyone scatters through the village)
Raine: (To Lloyd)What is it?
Lloyd: Ah, nothing.
Raine: Are you feeling uneasy?
Lloyd: What?
Raine: If you don't kill Kratos, Origin will not be released. Even if you somehow manage to avoid fighting, you still have to release Origin. If you release Origin, Kratos may die and you're right back where you started.
Lloyd: …Yeah. I want to ask with him. I want to ask him if there isn't any other way.
Raine: You must prepare yourself for the possibility that there isn't.
Lloyd: …Professor.
Raine: I'm sorry. I always say things so coldly…
Lloyd: No…You say the harsh things on purpose. It's for our benefit. Thank you.
Raine: Lloyd…
Lloyd: Tonight…I'll make up my mind about whether or not I will kill Kratos.
Genis: Hey, you know how they say, "He who chases two hares won't catch either"?
Lloyd: (puzzled) Hairs? How do you chase hairs? You mean chase someone and grab 'em by the hair?
Genis: …You know, Lloyd, sometimes I think you are a true genius.
Lloyd: Heh heh, thanks, Genis!
Genis: That wasn't a compliment. What it means is, if you're greedy and try to get everything, you'll fail. Like me…
Lloyd: Genis?
Genis: I wanted to be friends with both you and Mithos. Mithos was the first friend I've ever had that was my race… But in the end, with my own hands I…
Lloyd: I'm sorry, Genis. He was your friend, and I…
Genis: I don't want you to apologize for that.
(Genis takes out a Cruxis Crystal.)
Lloyd: Is this…Mithos' Cruxis Crystal?
Genis: …I'm sorry. I picked it up in the Tower of Salvation, but I just couldn't bring myself to destroy it. I took it with me. I thought, I'd at least show him the regenerated world…
Lloyd: …I see.
Genis: Lloyd, don't do anything you'll regret. That's all I wanted to say.
(Later Link and Sheena are walking through the village)
Sheena: Hey, are you all right?
Link: What? Yeah…
Sheena: …Haha. Sorry. You're not someone who would answer that question with a "No"… I'm so stupid.
Link: Sheena…No, I'm really okay. I just... I feel it... the Sword of Evil's bane..
Sheena: What? Here in the village?
Lloyd: Not in the village itself … Out there In the forest.
Sheena: What is a Sword from your home, from Hyrule, doing in Tethe'alla?
Link: I don't know … but I think something happened when Mithos split the two worlds.
(Suddenly the Elf elder approaches)
Elf Elder: Excuse me, Link. But can you come with me for a moment.
Sheena: Huh?
Link: Sure, is something the matter?
Elf Elder: Not at all. I have something to give you.
(Sheena and Link follow the elder into his home)
Elf Elder: Here Link, we were requested to give this to you when the time was right.
Link: What in Hyrule... This is … the Mirror Shield used by the Hero of Time … and this is Magic Armor … crafted by the Great Fairy of Magic herself!
Elf Elder: You are correct. You may have figured it out for yourself. But when the world was split in two … parts of your world's past became fused with this world.
Sheena: How is that possible? I mean, there were no signs of Link's home anywhere in Sylvarant.
Link: It doesn't matter … this just means that I was right. The Master Sword is in the forest. Elder … thank you for holding on to these items for me; they will be of great assistance in the final battles ahead.
(Link and Sheena leave the Elder's home.)
Sheena: (Holding Link's hand as they walk) So .. this is why you've been acting strangely
Link: Yeah. Seeing so much of Ancient Hyrule here... It's a lot to take in. Though I have to say... it does feel like home.
(Later in the night, Colette goes to Lloyd's room in the Inn)
Lloyd: What is it?
Colette: Are you still up?
Lloyd: …I couldn't really get to sleep.
Colette: The stars are so pretty. Do you want to come see them with me?
Lloyd: …Okay then, just for a little while.
(Outside)
Colette: Wow…it feels like they might come falling down at any moment!
Lloyd: Yeah.
Colette: You know, it still feels strange. The fact that I'm still here, talking.
Lloyd: How come?
Colette: My grandmother told me that I could never return to the village once I left on the journey to regenerate the world. So when I talked with you the night before leaving Iselia, I thought it would be the very last time. But I'm still here, right beside you.
Lloyd: And that's the way it'll always be.
Colette: Hm?
Lloyd: (stops walking) Cruxis is gone. And tomorrow…when I win against Kratos and have him remove the seal, the worlds will be reunited. (faces Colette) You don't have to worry anymore.
Colette: (approaching Lloyd)…So you're going to fight Kratos?
Lloyd: I…have to.
Colette: But he's your father.
Lloyd: It's because he's my dad that I have to fight.
Colette: Wh…why?
Lloyd: He wants to settle things. He wants to settle the score with his own past. That's what it feels like to me.
Colette: …Hmm…maybe you're right. After all, he saved us.
Lloyd: Yeah. And I also want to settle things myself.
Colette: What do you mean?
Lloyd: I've spent this whole time expecting you to do everything. I just took it for granted that you're the only one who could regenerate the world. I never questioned that.
Colette: You didn't know. It's not your fault. And besides, you saved me, just like you promised you would.
Lloyd: But because of that, a lot of people lost their lives. I have to shoulder their sacrifices. For their sake and mine…I have to defeat the Kratos of the past.
Colette: …I understand.
(Lloyd and Colette sit on a bench.)
Lloyd: When this is all over, I hope the world becomes a place where everyone can live together.
Colette: When this journey ends and the world really becomes like that, what are you going to do? Will you return to Iselia?
Lloyd: I don't think I'm going back there again. I plan to go on a journey to collect all of these.
Colette: Exspheres?
Lloyd: Unless they are all retrieved, there'll be more victims like you and Presea. So I want to gather all of them before that happens. That's my way of showing gratitude to these guys, for using their powers to fight.
Colette: Do you mind…if I come along with you?
Lloyd: What?
Colette: I want to continue to be by your side, just like I've been up until now.
Lloyd: …All right. We'll go together. Let's go explore the new world together.
Colette: Okay!
(The next morning everyone gathers at the Entrance to the forest, and speak with the Elder.)
Elf Elder: Are you going to the Torent Forest?
Lloyd: Yeah.
Elf Elder: Kratos traveled the world in search of the legendary ore, Aionis. He came here, too, of course. Do you know why?
Lloyd: In order to allow a human to wield the Eternal Sword, right?
Elf Elder: …So that you can wield it. But in the end, Aionis could not be found in this world. It had to be taken from Derris-Kharlan.
Lloyd: …So that's why he sent Zelos and Link to get it.
Zelos: Speaking of Link... Just where the hell is he?
Sheena: Don't worry, He'll be here.
Elf Elder: Even if you cannot avoid the battle, do not forget… Kratos was still one your companions.
Lloyd: …I won't.
Elf Elder: Torent Forest lies this way. Speak to the watchman.
Link: (Wearing the Magic armor and Mirror Shield) Sorry to keep you all waiting.
Lloyd: Holy...
Zelos: … Shit!
Raine: Glorious!
Link: Don't we .. uh … need to get going?
Watchman: Kratos should be in the deepest region of the forest. Be careful.
(The team heads into the Torrent Forest. The team gets about half way in, when they come across a lone Sword in the middle of stone Pedestal.)
Regal: Is that … a sword?
Link: Not just any sword … THE sword. The Master Sword.
(The team approaches the Sword)
Raine: It's been here for centuries.
Genis: Raine … we're not here for archeology...
Link: Stay here...
(Link approaches the Master Sword and pulls it from the pedestal. But suddenly, a dark figure appears in front of him and the team)
Sheena: Link!
Dark Link: Ehheheheheheheheheh. I knew you would finally come here!
Link: (Taking a defensive stance) And just who are you?
Dark Link: I'm you. At least your Evil side that is. Lord Yggdrasill gave me new life.
Link: Humph. What you're no longer Ganondorf's Boy Toy anymore?
Dark Link: You will pay for you insolence! Now Die!
(Link and Dark Link face off against each other, seemingly evenly matched.)
Link: You're strong.
Dark Link: And you're as pathetically weak as your ancestor!
Link: Guess I won't need to hold back anymore! (Link charges his mana into the Master Sword ) Thunder Blade!
(Link casts a powerful Thunder Blade at Dark Link, enveloping him in a pillar of light, disintegrating him)
Zelos: Now that's a sword!
Link: We should get moving
Sheena: Link, that was amazing!
(Later, the group enters a grove with Origins marker, where Kratos awaits them)
Kratos: …So you've come.
Lloyd: Is there no other way?
Kratos: …Are you still thinking like that? You'll die if you fight me with any doubt left in your heart. If you want the pact with Origin, then you must defeat me.
Lloyd: So…that's your way. (to the team) Everyone. Leave this to me.
Kratos: …You're going to fight alone?
Colette: Lloyd won't lose. Lloyd bears the weight of all the lives that you and Cruxis sacrificed.
Link: Go for it Lloyd!
Lloyd: (To Kratos) …If it's your wish to settle things with your past, then it's my duty as your son to see it through.
(Kratos faces off against Lloyd and is defeated)
Kratos: …You've grown strong.
Lloyd: …Thanks to you.
Kratos: Aren't you…going to finish me?
Lloyd: I defeated Kratos, the angel, the one who betrayed us. And I forgive Kratos, the hero of the Ancient War, who helped us. That's all.
Kratos: Humph…and I thought I'd finally earned the right to die. …But you're as soft heartened as ever.
(Kratos stand up and approaches the seal.)
Lloyd: H…hold on! You can't be…are you going to break the seal?
Kratos: …That is what you desire, is it not?
Lloyd: But then, you'll…
(Kratos reveals his wings and with his angel powers removes the seal on Origin)
Lloyd: Kratos!
(Yuan heals Kratos as Lloyd approaches)
Yuan: …Don't worry, he's alive. I gave him some of my mana.
Lloyd: Da… …Kratos. Are you really okay?
Kratos: …Looks like I failed to die once more.
Lloyd: You stupid jerk! You can die any time! But when you die, that's the end.
Yuan: You want him to live in eternal damnation?
Lloyd: Who said anything like that? What will you accomplish by dying? Nothing! There is no meaning in dying!
Kratos: …You're…right. To think, I had to have my son teach me such an obvious lesson.
Lloyd: Kratos!
Yuan: Kratos will be fine. Form the pact with Origin.
(Later, The team faces the seal and Origin appears.)
Origin: You who lack the right. I have lost faith in all things. Have you come here to disappoint me as well?
Lloyd: Origin. Are you bound by a pact with Mithos?
Origin: My pact with Mithos was broken the moment I was freed. Never again shall anyone make use of my power.
Sheena: Even if we make a vow? We need the Eternal Sword!
Lloyd: I want to use the Eternal Sword to reunite the two worlds and revive the Giant Kharlan Tree! Unless we do something, the worlds will never stop vying for mana and everyone will suffer!
Origin: That situation was born from the weakness of creatures who are unable
to accept those that are different.
Link: That may be true, but mistakes can be corrected.
Origin: Some things cannot be corrected.
Colette: Even so…we have to do everything we can.
Lloyd: Exactly. I'm not gonna give up. From the moment they are born, everyone has the right to live. I want to reclaim that. Humans, elves, half-elves, dwarves, and even Summon Spirits… Everyone has a right to life!
Kratos: Origin…
(Kratos approaches Origin.)
Kratos: For almost an eternity, I thought that the only way to save this world was to cling to Mithos' ideals. Just as you once agreed with Mithos' ideals, I, too, thought his was the only way. But Lloyd is different. He taught me that in order to change something, you must do it yourself. It is not enough to merely rely on someone else and go along with their ideals.
Origin: …You who possess the right of summoning. Make your vow.
Lloyd: Origin! Then…
Origin: I will try once more to believe in people. I shall do my duty in order to create a world you speak of—a world in which everyone can live equally.
Sheena: I, Sheena, have but one vow. To reclaim a world in which everyone can live freely… A world in which no life is sacrificed meaninglessly! That's all.
Origin: Then we shall create a pact upon that vow. Now, fight!
(Origin draws his weapons, and faces off against the team and is defeated)
Origin: Pact-maker Sheena…and Lloyd. I place my power in your hands.
Link: Heh!
Origin: …With that power, transform the Eternal Sword into a blade to save all life! However, the Eternal Sword remains, as by Mithos' pact, unusable by those who lack the blood of elves. You must master the sword by your own power and forge a new bond with it.
(Afterwards ...)
Genis: You did it, Lloyd…
(As Genis approaches Lloyd, Mithos' Cruxis Crystal leaves Genis and attaches to Lloyd.)
Genis: A…ahhh!
Mithos: There's no time… I'll take your body!
Lloyd: (possessed) N…n…no!
Raine: No! It's Mithos! He survived in the Cruxis Crystal. Lloyd's body will be taken over unless we do something!
Colette: Lloyd!
(Colette runs over to Lloyd and removes the Cruxis Crystal and places it on herself)
Colette: (Mithos' voice) Damn, you interfered! Fine. I'll just take this body.
Lloyd: Colette! Wait! Let her go! We promised…that we'll go on a journey together when the world is reunited… Let her go!
Colette: (Mithos' voice) Ahahaha! What do I care? I'm leaving this filthy world behind!
(Suddenly Dark Link reappears)
Dark Link: Don't forget about me! ...(To Link) Guess what, your girl is mine too! Muahahahahaha!
Sheena: Let me go! Link, help me!
Link: SHEENA!
(Mithos and Dark Link Vanish with the two girls and return to Welgaia)