Script of Xenoblade Chronicles 3/Chapter 7

The seventh chapter of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Time Moves Again, has the party make their way into and through Origin.

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Queen Nia's Story, Part 1

Queen Melia

300 days remain to the Intersection.
It seems we might make it.

Queen Nia

Yes.
It took every bit of our combined intellects... But we built it.

Queen Melia

To prepare for the time our two worlds collide...

Queen Nia

All that we are is contained within.
Memories, and our souls...

Queen Melia

We will all be gone, and then reborn.
Will it be a new beginning, or our demise...?
No one can tell us that.

Queen Nia

Time will run its due course,
and show us the true meaning...of our deed.
In the distant past,
what was once a single world was cleft in twain.
Plus and minus... On the surface, they were identical.
These two worlds, of opposing nature,
knew nothing of each other
as they wended their way towards their own respective futures.
However, the worlds yearned for each other.
Against the solitude of existence,
they strove to reunite...
though it would spell certain destruction.
Should the two worlds intersect,
they would cancel each other out and cease to be,
leaving only light.
Light...
A shining beacon in the darkness. The last common language left to us.
Though we inhabited separate worlds, the medium of light allowed us to communicate for the very first time,
and so we sought for a way to prevent total oblivion...
We pooled our knowledge, and through time gave birth to a single point of hope...
Origin.
An ark, containing all the worlds' data,
recorded in words of light,
carrying hope into the future...
Origin was a system we constructed to reboot the worlds' states.
And then...
the time was upon us.
The reboot process failed to initiate.
Instead, in that instant,
the worlds became still.
By the will of Moebius.

Noah

So it's their fault...

Queen Nia

And at the heart of it,
was their ringleader, Z.
You could say Z embodies this frozen world.

Lanz

But what does that achieve? Freezing everything?

Queen Nia

Not a thing...
He didn't need to do anything after that.
Only...
to keep everything in its place, in stasis,
and create an eternity to abide within,
as was their wish.

Noah

He made our lives their sustenance...

Queen Nia

Precisely so.
In order to gain control of Origin,
Z captured the Kevesi Queen.

Mio

To what end?

Queen Nia

To access the memories in Origin,
to bend them to his will,
he needed a key, held only by its creators.

Mio

A key?

Queen Nia

A heart...might be more fitting.
Z used the key held by the Queen of Keves
and seized Origin in its entirety.
Controlling Origin...means controlling the world.
And having shackled it, he can bend it to his will.
Life and death...are his playthings.

Noah

Life and...death...

Queen Nia

No one, not even M, knew the origins of this world.

Taion

So I guess... You have another key?

Queen Nia

Yes, it's in my possession.
With its help, I was able to create...
the Ouroboros Stones.

Noah

(gasp)

Queen Nia

Though most of the power is with Z,
I have been able to...resist him, to a small extent.

Sena

It's a...cogwheel?

Queen Nia

One of the gears from Origin.
Through a process of catalysis, between the Origin substrate and the Core in my chest,
I can generate the Stones.

Lanz

And thanks to that, we became Ouroboros...

Queen Nia

Yes, but...not completely.

Sena

Huh?

Queen Nia

Remember. Have you not succumbed to Moebius's power before?
As I've said before, Z commands the world's very fabric.
Unfortunately, my own powers are sorely limited.
And yet, you too can break Z's fetters, as you've shown,
smashing through the rules he established.
With your Ouroboros powers, and the Sword of the End both.

Noah

The Sword...of the End?

Queen Nia

The sword you hold...
It is a byproduct of resonance... between the Kevesi Queen's heart, and Origin.

Taion

Does that mean...

Queen Nia

it's like an Ouroboros Stone?
The Ouroboros Stones, and the sword...
They're mere gimmicks.
The crux of them lies with you.
You see, there are keys inside of you too.

Lanz

Inside of us...

Sena

Keys...?

Queen Nia

Finally,
my efforts were rewarded.
I'm glad... To meet with all of you who embody hope...

Noah

Majesty, what is it that we must do?

Queen Nia

Right.
Infiltrate Origin, then free it and the Kevesi Queen...
from Z...
From the hands of Moebius, once and for all.

Sena

If we do free it, will we get to change the world?
It's so cruel and senseless... Can we undo that?
Your Majesty...?

Queen Nia

If you desire...to have a future before you...

Noah

I need to know.
Z, and Moebius... Must they be our enemy?

Mio

Noah...

Queen Nia

Now that...is something for you to decide.
After confronting them, and discerning for yourselves what they truly are.

Noah

All right.

Queen Nia

Come this way.

Queen Nia's Story, Part 2

Queen Nia

Behold...
There at the nadir of the vortex... sleeps Origin.

Noah

In the sea?!

Queen Nia

Deep beneath the sea where none may tread,
Z spins his world-spanning web.

Sena

So you're saying...the Queen of Keves, she's there as well?

Lanz

Well snuff me...
I want to save the Queen as much as the next guy,
but how are we supposed to even get there?
You can't even get near, without being ripped apart.

Eunie

Yeah, but... If anyone were to know the trick,
it's Queen Nia!
Seeing as, y'know, she's the mastermind behind the whole Origin shebang, yeah?

Queen Nia

(uneasy breath)
Right...
Actually, I kinda don't.

Lanz

Abuh... But you're the Queen!
How do you *not* know that?!

Eunie

This is shocking...

Taion

Absolute nonsense.
I simply cannot believe this!

Queen Nia

I...
I don't know how to respond...

Mio

C'mon, you lot. Rein it in now.

Lanz

Huh...? Hang on...

Mio

Hm?

Lanz

Mio, don't you...get to use those Moebius powers?

Mio

Uh? U-uhm, well...

Lanz

Then it should be a snap, right? Peww! We're there.
Those clowns were doing it all the time!

Mio

Actually...

Lanz

Go on?

Mio

I can't...use them right now...
The Moebius powers.

Lanz

What?

Mio

I noticed it...right after we liberated the Castle.
I couldn't work out why myself, it was so sudden.

Eunie

Noooo...!
Is this why you blew us off saying to ask the Queen ourselves?!

Mio

Uh... Sorry, Eunie...

Eunie

Oh love...

Queen Nia

I suspect, it must be Z.

Mio

Huh?

Queen Nia

The power of Moebius... It's part of the flow and fabric of the world.
What is permitted, and what is prohibited,
is subject to Z's whims.
Even with Origin, not every Moebius knows of its existence.

Mio

But I was able to use the Ouroboros powers...

Queen Nia

The power you currently wield is, let's say, external to the flow.
Even Z himself cannot grasp what's beyond his reach.
Therein is my hope based.

Mio

Hm...

Lanz

We're still stuck though.
We know where to go, but we're kinda dead in the water here.

Noah

How to tackle the vortex, then...
Mr. Samon...!

Mio

Mr. Samon was, uh... That Nopon from the City?

Noah

Yeah!
Recall what he said?
About a ship that could brave the Great Sea.

Noah (in flashback)

Ultimate...vessel?

Samon (in flashback)

That right.
Even vortex in raging Great Sea not slow advance. It go down in history as Queen of boats!
Still work in progress, but sure to bring to fruition someday.
Is Samon's dream!

Eunie

Yeah, he did say that!
Something about it being able to take on stormy weather?

Lanz

Wait, wasn't that a work in progress, though?

Taion

I think he might've been drawing up blueprints...?

Noah

Whatever Mr. Samon said, he was pretty ardent about it.

Eunie

Which must mean...

Sena

There might be a way to get there, after all!

Mio

All right, let's go!

Noah

Yeah!

Lanz

Finally, our lucky break.

Sena

Looks like this place was worth the trip!

Taion

Better hurry.
I hardly imagine Moebius will stand idly by.

Mio

Agreed.

Noah

Your Majesty!

Queen Nia

Huh?

Noah

Thanks a lot! Things are looking up!

Queen Nia

Uh, sure...

?Travis?

Right, OK... I think I understand.
If you're looking for Samon, he'll be in maintenance, same as usual.
I'll send someone to get you. Just head on over.

Noah

Many thanks. We'll be outside the Cloudkeep.

A New Vessel

Samon

...Ah, friends mean old beaut?
She tucked away, all cozy in Dock No. 3.

Lanz

What, really?!

Samon

Curious?

Noah

We are!

Samon

Alrighty! Then, please follow Samon to port.

Incomplete Engine

Mio

So this is it? The ship that can conquer the Great Sea's vortex?

Lanz

Suh-WEEEET!
And you got it all ready, too!

Eunie

It's like a different beast from what we've been using...

Taion

I'd venture to call it a masterwork.
There's a real sense of power behind this craft.

Samon

Please not to get garments in twist.
This is just hull.

all

Just the hull?!

Samon

Key element of engine not quite ready yet.
Ship without engine is like...
It like Torpedo wrap without filling of Tasty Sausage!

Manana

That crime against cuisine!
Torpedo wrap without Tasty Sausage like ship without engine!

Sena

Mr. Samon, what is it the engine needs?

Samon

To be precise, just need core component.
Is this part here, and still need six more to make.
Unfortunately, only have this one here.

Mio

I've seen that metal before...
It's the same as Noah's sword, right?

Noah

Yeah, looks like it.

Samon

Also, it same as metal that go inside fancy eyepatches of Lost Numbers.
Friends know eyepatches block Moebius tracking, surely?

Taion

Yeah, we heard that from Monica.

Samon

That because eyepatch emit special wavelengths.
This here show sources of such waves.
Points of light on map indicate where metal can be located.
But Samon could not visit. Every place is fearsome-scary.

Sena

Can't you just use the metal from the eyepatches?

Samon

Those important equipment for Lost Numbers, so no-can-do.
And even if could, metal is stretched into thin foil, making total amount not sufficient.

Sena

That's a shame...

Noah

Mio, look over here...

Mio

Yeah! The Cloudkeep.
It's that thing that the Queen had!

Noah

Mr. Samon.
So if we got you six more, you could complete the ship?

Samon

Naturally.
With that, can make ship with power and defense that weather any storm or hole in sea.

Noah

How long would it take to build?

Samon

Would give it three days, tops.

Eunie

Wow, that's real snappy.

Taion

Good. As time is of the essence.

Lanz

Awwrite. Let's crack on!

Noah

Yeah.
Mr. Samon. Don't you worry. We'll get you your parts.

Samon

Meh?

Visiting Queen Nia Again

Queen Nia

Whuh? Why're you here again?
Whaaaaaaat?!

Sena

(collective befuddlement)

Lanz

(collective befuddlement)

Eunie

(collective befuddlement)

Noah

(collective befuddlement)

Mio

(collective befuddlement)

Taion

(collective befuddlement)

Queen Nia

Ah!
A-ahem...
The gears of Origin...
What fate, that they would be the ones to guide you...

Noah

Ouroboros and the Sword of the End have. They've brought us this far, so...
I wouldn't be surprised.

Queen Nia

I understand.
Well in that case, I will gladly concede it.

Sena

You knew we'd be coming back though, right?
It was all a part of your grand design, yeah?
"The future must be sculpted with one's own hands..."
Something like that?

Queen Nia

R-right, certainly.
The future isn't something you can just be given.
You do have to reach for it, with your own hands. Yes.

Noah

Well, that's the first.
Five left to go...

Taion

A promising start.

Lanz

Yeah, could be worse!
Keep going like this - and job done!

Noah

Thank you, Majesty.
I promise you, we won't waste this gift.

Queen Nia

Wait a moment!
How will you access Origin, even with the ship?

Noah

I mean...

Sena

We're gonna plunge into the Great Sea's vortex...

Queen Nia

And after that?
Origin is protected on every side by thick armor plating.
You think you'll find a berth?

Mio

I guess, uh...maybe?

Taion

For starters, we don't even know Origin's general schematic.
We're going in blind.

Noah

(frustrated sigh)

Queen Nia

Take this.

Noah

Wh-what's this?

Mio

Is this...Origin?

Queen Nia

A certain Nopon engineer was involved
on the Agnian side of Origin's construction.
That's an early blueprint, left behind from those days.
The Great Sea's vortex...is likely born from the force field emitted by this middle part,
amplified by the structure built up around the circumference. That would be my best guess, anyway.
As for the original purpose of the structure,
it was a device to deploy a field to protect the facility while it generated an omni-static space.
Consequently, this middle section here... It lacks the armored shell, making it Origin's only weak point.

Noah

So then, basically, this is our entrance.

Queen Nia

Enter the vortex, and then using its flow, break through to the inside.
Once you are within, destroy the force field generator at the center.
That's the trick.

Noah

Yes, I see...

Queen Nia

However, the internal structure of Origin
may well have been heavily modified by Z.
Even after you make it in, you must be on your guard.

Noah

Understood. We'll be fully prepared.

Queen Nia

Huh, you gotta hand it to the Queen, though.
How could anyone know all that?!

Eunie

Shocking, I know!

Taion

Absolutely.
I simply cannot believe this!

Mio

C'mon you lot, make your minds up already, will you?
By the way...
After you met up with M, you were sleeping here all this time, right?

Queen Nia

Yes.

Mio

So then, how did you know we'd become Ouroboros?
You seemed to know what had happened at the Castle as well...

Queen Nia

Even as I sleep,
I learn. Information on everything in this world collects right here.

Noah

Thank you so much, for all this!
I promise you, we will seize the future!

Homecoming Commences

(none)

1,000 years ago...

Consul V

Congratulations!
You're special. Precious few make it all the way to their Homecoming.
But, this won't do at all.
Your lives shine all the brighter...if they're extinguished right here on the battlefield.
Hm?!
What's the meaning of this, Commander Crys?

Commander Crys

I bid you sheathe your Blade, my Lord Consul.

Consul V

Come again? You want to take his shine for yourself?

Commander Crys

I am simply stating there's no need. Why kill him now?

Consul V

Hm?!

Commander Crys

His time is at an end...
How brightly he shone, he himself knows better than anyone.
Your actions will not make him brighter, I'm sure.

Consul V

M-mutiny...?

M

Why not just let it go, V?

Consul V

M...? Why are you here?

M

When their appointed hour arrives, should we not grant them an appropriate departure?

Consul V

Don't be a fool.
Then their life...will be lost from circulation, will it not?!

Commander Crys

(surprised gasp)

M

Z also wishes it so.

Consul V

Z does?!
I refuse to believe it!
V-very well...
Do as you see fit, then.

Commander Crys

If I may? Let me send him on...

Noah

That's a good tune.
A Crys original?

Crys

Yeah, I suppose it is.

Noah

Maybe I'll pinch it as well.

Crys

You've got your own tunes, Noah.
Those are...just as good.
Wonderful, I'd say...

Noah

Really?
I only tweaked a few notes in a score from my previous Colony...

Crys

It's not the notes that matter...
It's the feelings you imbue them with.

Noah

Feelings?

Crys

Raw emotion... It resonates.

Z

O all ye formless dead...
Will you respond to the Queen's awakening?
The Sword of the End...
Of all the vestiges of Origin, strewn through the world... Who knew this fragment yet remained?

Moebius Crys

It is no longer one with the flow.
We have no means of controlling it.

Z

Will you go, then?

Moebius Crys

No... There's no need, is there?
He will come to me.
I know it.
To share with me his feelings...

Noah

Is it here...?

Eunie

It's not inside the Castle.
O...K...
So that puts it at...
Gardin Defense Base?

Lanz

Gardin Defense Base?

Sena

Gardin what now?

Noah

It's a guard outpost at the Castle rear.
They bring new recruits there too, for basic training.

Sena

Well, phew!
You had me worried there for a second. Thought we'd be back in the Antol's jaws...

Taion

Even so, it's an enemy base.
We can't expect to just waltz in without a fight.

Noah

First, let's just try to scope it out.

For the script of Side Story: Noah, see Side Story: Noah/Script.

What Lies Beyond Death

Lanz

Finally... Origin.

Moebius K (in flashback)

Nooo...
I don't want to diiiie!!!

Moebius Crys (in flashback)

Moebius are...an entity bound by the confines of this world.
Strong, yet somehow fragile...

Noah

Moebius... What even are they...?
Harvesting our lives, to cling to life...
Even stopping time...

Taion

Mio?
Allowing for limiting conditions,
we are reborn after we have died.
Are Moebius as well?

Mio

Moebius, uh...
They can't be brought back once they die.

Taion

Why's that?

Mio

I'm not sure, myself.
Although, each of them is fundamentally aware of this.
That's why they're afraid. Of death.

Lanz

They're scared, huh?
I guess...Joran knew too.

Eunie

And he still...killed himself...
And now, he's really gone.

Noah

Still... He left us a parting gift.

Lanz

Yeah...
The smile on his face...
I'll never forget it. Not until my dying breath.

Eunie

Mm...

Noah

What lies beyond death, that Moebius fear it so?
What the Queen said, about the key that we hold...
That smile might be it.

Sena

Because he broke free of Z's control?

Taion

The power of hope...
If we're being trite.

Manana

Power to create future? Big props from Manana!

Lanz

Any way you slice it, it's not about lookin' backwards.
More like, the opposite.

Riku

There no need to wrack brains about.
Riku think it fine to just be true to self.

Mio

Riku makes a good point.
Wanting to do what *we* want, to be how *we* want to be...
That's how we should carry on.

Noah

In that case...
I'll continue down the road
of the future that was meant to be...

M/Mio (in flashback)

If I were given the chance...
If this road I've walked...were to keep on going...
I'd like to spend that time...with my Noah.

Noah

Forever isn't it...

All Aboard Origin!

Riku

We here. Middle of Great Sea.
Noah! Please to activate cloaking device.

Noah

Roger.
Cloaking activated. No issues yet.

Sena

Are we sure this is really gonna work...? They're not gonna, like, open fire when we get too close...?

Mio

Maybe I shouldn't be here. If it ends up working to our disadvantage...

Riku

We cross bridge when we get to.
Eh, anyhow, we small target, so won't take every bullet.

Eunie

Riku, you don't seem to be taking this seriously...

Ghondor

If worse comes to worst, we'll try to draw the heat for ya.
Heh. That'll take the wind outta their sails!

Sena

OK...? Hey, uh, what's a "sail" again...?

Lanz

We've made it this far!
Just quit worrying. Go with the flow, yeah?

Taion

Spark's sake, talk about carefree...

Riku

It go time!
Full power to engine!
There be a little drop, so make sure to hold on tight!

Eunie

Wait... What drop?!

Manana

Mehmehmeh?!
Need prior warning!
Meh-mehhhhhh?!

Z

So you've come... Ouroboros.

Sena

Huh? Check it! The sea's looking funky!

Riku

It not only sea!

Manana

No-no-no! We going to get blown away!

Lanz

Ngh- We can hold on!

Noah

Something's
coming!

Taion

Out on the other side...
What is that?!

Mio

I sense Moebius... Lots of them, beyond the vortex...
It must be... Origin!

Lanz

So that shadow, that's what we're after?!

Eunie

It's sparking ginormous!

Taion

Easily ten times the size of a Castle...

Noah

The place where everything began...
Origin.
The Kevesi Queen is there...
Not to mention...

Z

Why even resist...?
When you could simply resign yourself to the flow...
The endless now is our cherished wish.
Any resisters will be pacified, and returned to the perpetual cycle...

all

(distressed screams)

Eunie

Oh crap...

Lanz

Moebius mudders... What're they thinking?!

Sena

They're even shooting at Colonies that haven't been freed!

Taion

Taking potshots now?!

Eunie

They're still their allies!
Have they lost the plot?

Monica

You alive?

Mio

Monica!

Ghondor

Just barely.
They dropped one of our ships...
How're you?

Monica

We're holding out here.
Bastards... I can't believe they're firing at their own.
I thought we were the only ones they wanted gone.

Ghondor

Yeah...
If this keeps up, they'll as good as raze the entire world.

Eunie

They're all about life, aren't they?

Mio

As long as they have Origin, they can keep on making more of us.
For them, this might just count as charging up.
Reveling in the final glimmers of our lives.

Noah

They want us to flicker out...

Mio

When the last light fades, they're planning on starting over.
In a world without us.

Lanz

That's all kinds of messed up.

Manana

Please to look there!

Sena

Isn't that...the Colony 30 detachment?!

Taion

But that's suicide!

Mio

Turn around!

Z

Such drama...
So much unavoidable tragedy,
in order to preserve...the endless now...
Fear not. You need not grieve.
Lives come back around...
In due time, you will all be reborn once again...

Manana

Meh-meeeeh!

Ghondor

Tch... Those punks are gettin' rowdy!

Taion

They do seem thoroughly committed to ensuring our deaths, yes.

Noah

Or maybe...
they're not even conscious of the whole notion of killing.

Taion

How so?

Noah

It's like a natural instinct...
To them, it's as basic as breathing...

Monica

Nice theory, kid, but don't make excuses for 'em.

Noah

Of course.

Monica

Heheh. All right then.
Ghondor!

Ghondor

Hmph. Guess it's time to pull out all the stops.
We'll play the decoy for ya!
You guys gun it, yeah?
Go and clear us out a path!
A path to give this world a future!

Noah

Ghondor...
We got it.
If we're gonna get to the vortex, we'll need your help!
Riku, pass me the controls!

Riku

Aye-aye!

Noah

How's the engine doing?

Riku

Spick and span.
Admittedly, we lose some instruments to attack just now...
but engine proper is raring to go!

Noah

All right. Let's punch clear through!
Hold on to something!
It's gonna be a rough ride!
Ghondor!

Ghondor

It's just a scratch. Keep goin'!
Mind your own ship, dag!

Riku

Distance to vortex rim, 300 and falling!
Powering shields to max!
Noah! When punch through, open throttle to full!
We climb up flow in one big swell!

Noah

Roger that!
Kh... We can't...take much more!

Ghondor

Get in, Ouroboros!

Noah

Over there... The center!
Riku! Deploy the ram!

Riku

Riku on it!

Noah

We've got a clear shot!
Here goes!

Taion

Origin...

Eunie

Almost like a Ferronis, huh?

Mio

The original Ferronis...

Noah

This one's the first?

Mio

Not just first... I think all Ferronises
derived from this one right here.

Lanz

Whoa...
So this is what it's like on the inside...
It's all just...machines, and more machines...

Taion

I also see...trace amounts of the black fog.

Sena

Hey, this metal... It's like Noah's sword!

Noah

You're right. It is the same.

Eunie

Mio, you know what's in here?

Mio

Sorry, no.
Whenever we teleported, it was always to a large, dim room.
I think that was Z's doing, to keep the location secret.

Eunie

Well...
Guess we're searching the old-fashioned way, then.

Noah

What about the other Moebius?
Anything?

Mio

About that...
It's odd.
It's like they're right here beside me,
but also far away.
I feel like I'm surrounded by them on all sides.

Lanz

Well... This is the enemy base and all.
Kinda makes sense.

Mio

Or maybe...
this whole place...floor, walls and ceiling...
Everything here could be Moebius.

Taion

Is it them?!

Noah

No...
The transmission pattern's different.
This feeling... It's like it's calling to us.

Sena

You think it's...the Kevesi Queen?

Noah

Maybe.

Mio

Where, then? Can you tell?

Noah

Below.

Taion

Do we go, Noah?

Noah

Yeah. Let's go.
It's all been leading to this.

Those Who Thwart Hope

Z

You who wield the Sword of the End.
The endless now is under threat of being cut short.
Could you do it, I wonder?
Could you slay the ones who advance relentlessly toward despair?
You do after all desire eternity... above all others.
Now. Take it in your hand.
For the endless now. For that which you so desire.

The Battle with N

Noah

Over there...!

Lanz

Man, that's our Queen, Melia.

Mio

That's vile... How could they do this to her?

Taion

With all we've seen of Moebius...
I'd put nothing past them.

Sena

We have to release her!

Noah

Yeah.

N

Took you long enough...

Noah

I know that voice...
It's N.
You look unwell.
Like me...
When you had us locked up.

N

Heh.
Got my just deserts?
Well don't you look smug, with my woman on your arm,
Noah...

Noah

Does this face really look smug to you?

N

What else would you call it, huh?

Mio

N...

Noah

Poor clod. You don't understand anything...

N

You cannot have the Queen.
She is the fulcrum of Origin itself.
By my very existence, I will keep her from you.

Lanz

Well that's not gonna happen.
Our schedule's tight enough as is.

Eunie

And also, this is *our* Queen you're talking about!
So get ready for a right royal thrashing!

Taion

You're effectively a part of Noah himself.
We'd really rather not hurt you.

Sena

But, we will if we have to.
'Cause if you get in our way, then Moebius or not,
we're throwing out all the stops and then some!

N

Hmph.
Don't fool yourselves. Willpower alone won't change the world.

Noah

We'll prove you wrong.
You'll see. Watch.

N

You cannot hope to win.
Not while I stand here, at the brink of the void.

Noah

Void...

N

Hm?

Noah

That's just...
your grief.

N

What?

Noah

It's called sadness, N.

N

(aggrieved grunt)

Noah

We came here...for you.
To honor M's wishes.
And to rescue you from your sorrow!

N

To rescue me...?
What meaning does that tripe hold for me?
Now that all is past, why should it matter?
If you don't know, then let me teach you.
I'll drag you with me...
Deep into the void! To the depths of despair!

Regret and Hope

Noah

I'll ask again...
Why did you do it?
Tell me! How could you murder the City's people?
Just think... They were the lives of your own kin!

N

My own kin...?
You're wrong.
They were nothing but mere chaff.

Noah

What?

N

They were superfluous for us Moebius living in the now.
Furthermore! All those lives wouldn't have existed without me!
As their original creator, I held dominion over their lives and deaths!

Noah

Listen to yourself!
Tell me... What about M, then...?
What about the love *Mio* had for them?!

N

Mio...!
Mio! Mio! Mio!!!
You're the one who couldn't protect her!
In the end you were powerless!
And now she's gone...!
How could you?! Answer me!!!

Noah

You really don't know? Don't you understand anything?
I don't get it!
Why, N... Why do you keep punishing yourself like this?!

N

(wracking sob)

Noah

You took the wrong path,
and then you had to walk it alone...
You just messed up...
You messed up royally!
Regret owns you...

N

What do you know...?

Noah

"If only I'd made the right choice..."
"If what happened, hadn't..."
Clinging to the past, obsessively...
You just had to keep walking that path.
What you've become...is "regret" itself!

N

Really. And what does that make you, then...?

Noah

I am...
All of us... We're hope.

N

They're hope, he says...
Ha-hah! What lofty heights of arrogance.
Like some self-proclaimed savior?

Mio

Not at all. They're the words of the one you held most dear.

N

Huh?!
That's her...inside there?

Noah

She felt regret... Just like you did.
And yet, she had hopes for the future.
That's why she left everything to Mio.

N

This "Hope" of yours...
How can there be anything like it?!
In this world, there is nothing but the void!
Peer now into it, and watch your precious hope crumble to nothing!

Noah

I'm trying to tell you...!
That's just the sadness, speaking through you!

Meeting Queen Melia

Mio

"I want to be with you forever"...
Those words back then were the truth.
It's what she really wished for...

N

Yes, that's right...
I wasn't... I wasn't mistaken.
When I tried to give her eternity, that was the correct choice...
And you ruined it...!

Mio

Because you've changed!
You still don't understand?
You were together so long... How can you not get it?!
She wanted you to go back,
back to the name "Noah"...
She wanted you to call her
by the name "Mio"...

N

Why...?
Why are you the ones
who get to stand there together...?
In this world, edge to bleeding edge filled with sorrow...

Noah

Perhaps...
we just got lucky.

N

"Got lucky"...?

Noah

Trace it to chance encounters.
I've met...so many people.
Lanz, Eunie, Taion, Sena, Riku and Manana...
My friends have been invaluable.
And of course,
I met Mio, too.
There's a very small difference,
between you and me.
If I had been in your shoes,
I'm sure I would have chosen the same.

N

You would, would you...?

Noah

Yeah...
But not any more.
Mio and my friends
and not just them,
but the other Mio, and the other me...
Every person I have met... has shaped me and changed who I am.
Thanks to them, I can choose the future.

N

Even if you do succeed at returning the world to its original form,
there's no guarantee you'll live long enough to enjoy it.
What about that?
Do you still intend to persist regardless...?

Noah

Yeah, we will.
We'll fight our way out of these ten years.
That's all.

Mio

N...
You were just like us once, an Ouroboros, fighting for the future.
But one day, you gave up on it,
and made the choice to protect the "now".
But you know, that's OK too!
To protect, and to endure... They're shapes a wish can take...

Mio/M

And I, I knew exactly what that meant.

N

Mio...

Noah

Won't you come with us?
You could try - try to move forwards again.

N

After so long...?

Noah

It's what you both wanted, right?
Well then... Easy choice.

Lanz

What in the...?

Sena

He vanished...

Taion

What exactly does this mean...?
Noah?

Eunie

Is he...dead, or what?

Noah

No... He's fine.

Taion

Fine in what sense?

Noah

For now, let's do what we came for.
(astonished breaths)

Queen Melia

I had...
a long dream.
A very, very long dream.
In my dream, youths were fighting.
And as many times as they fell,
they always got back up again.
A dream of young people, simply trying to survive...

Noah

Majesty...

Queen Melia

Noah...correct?
I have been watching you,
all this time, through the eyes of my simulacrum.
Well done making it here.

Noah

The Queen of Agnus is already free.
Now you are too.
And now...
that leaves only him.

Queen Melia

You mean... Z?

Noah

Yes.

Queen Melia

About Z...
He is not a person,
but a concept.

Noah

Concept?

Queen Melia

Everyone can feel uncertain, frightened...
These feelings, coagulated,
and then given human form, are Z.
Unlike those people who were granted a Moebius body,
he is a true Moebius.

Noah

Sounds ominous...

Taion

So he's not even an individual?

Queen Melia

He is and he isn't.
There is some Moebius within you, too.
But...perhaps you've realized that?
Your Aionios...lies in frozen time.
Born from the Moebius wish that chose the endless now.

Taion

So then, both us and the world...
Everything that exists, it's all false?

Queen Melia

Everything that exists is reality.
Present lives,
and future ones...
Moebius aside, the wills of countless people persist...
inside of Origin.
The Sword of the End you carry, and Ouroboros, they take their shape from these thoughts.
Protect the now, or carve a path to the future? The wielder decides.
The future is undeniable.
But you must realize your own.
I've seen what you've done. You can do this too.
Very well. There remains but one more thing I have to say to you.
Noah.
Mio.
Lanz.
Sena.
Taion.
Eunie.
This world...is yours.
Further below this point lies the nucleus of Origin.
You will find Z there.
I shall return to the Castle, and free the soldiers from the Flame Clock's bondage.
Otherwise, their lives will only feed Z's power.

Lanz

Nice thinking, Your Majesty!
Countin' on ya!

Sena

Oh, uh, will you need an escort...?

Queen Melia

I would think not.
Might you have forgotten who I am?

Lanz

Whoa... Awesome!

Noah

All right. This will be the last battle.
We're all gonna make it through this, I promise!

Eunie

Yeah!
This new world, sounds like a blast.

Sena

There's no way we can lose!

Mio

We're strong now. Just look how far we've come together.

Taion

The world is in our hands.

Lanz

Right!
Let's grab it, and hold tight!

Monica

What a sight, the worlds fighting together.
If you'd told me I'd live to see it, I'd have never believed it.
Hehe.
The time has come for the City to mobilize!
Keves, Agnus - support them all!
Gilgamesh, deploy!
Ghondor!

Ghondor

What is it now?
And can you not use that name?

Monica

We're ready to launch a full offensive on Origin.
Back us up!

Ghondor

Mother, dear...
Like I wasn't gonna do that anyway!

Monica

Our main goal is ultimately defense.
Only destroy weapons on the outer rim.
Noah and the others are heading for the core.
Leave the middle intact.

Ghondor

Screw that up and we can't restore the world, right?
Roger, Wilco!

Use the South Sector Passage elevator

Sena

Actually getting to meet both Queens... Isn't this crazy, Mimi?!

Mio

Too true, Sena... Just a few months ago, It's have been unimaginable...

Mother and Daughter Join the Fight

Lanz

Sparks' sake, there's no end to 'em!

Eunie

Well we are in the wringer here...

Taion

I had accounted for this, but these numbers...

Noah

I know. But it's the only way!

Mio

Right. The core shouldn't be too far now!

Sena

C'mon, hang in there!

Noah

(surprised gasp)

Monica

Oh good, looks like we managed not to hit you.

Noah

Monica!

Monica

We've been trying to aim for the highest energy signatures.
Score one for us.

Noah

Good call!
You're not going back?

Monica

Hm? Well, y'know...
I got curious, and wanted to see the face of our real enemy with my own eyes, so...
Here I am.

Ghondor

I thought I'd drop by, since the attacks wouldn't let up...
And what do I see but you dags having a picnic.

Sena

Ghondor!

Ghondor

The Queen?

Noah

We got her out safely.
It's just us and Z...
Our real enemy, finally.

Ghondor

Right on.
Then, you won't mind a little company.

Sena

What are you coming for?

Ghondor

"What for"? Well, y'know...
The head honcho's biggin' it up in there, ain't he?
I got curious. Gotta see the big bad with my own eyes, right?

all

(stifled laughter)

Ghondor

Huh? You wanna clue me in on the joke?

Noah

Sorry!
Déjà vu... Or something like that.

Ghondor

Huuuh?!

Noah

Thank you.
Thanks to you, now I can say definitively, there are things in this world
we must protect.

The Final Fight - X

Consul X

Hmph. Look at all you roaches, scurrying out of the woodwork. You've got some guts, Ouroboros.

Eunie

X...

Moebius X

You want Z, right? Well, you can't have him.

Eunie

You still think you're calling the shots here?
I'll prove you wrong, once and for all.

The Final Fight - Y

Mio

Y...

Moebius Y

Warm welcomes to you, Ouroboros! Long have I waited.

Sena

Mimi...

Mio

We'll end it here.

Moebius Y

Well then. Let us verify the truth of this.

The Showdown with Z

Bolearis

Come on now, you lot!
It's time for Colony 4 to show off its fangs!
So what're you loafin' around for?!
Get your arses in gear!

Keves soldier

S-s-sorry, boss! It's just, th-the engine's conked out and won't start!

Bolearis

Then *kick* the mudder till it does!
You gotta be firm! Really give it some elbow grease here!

Keves soldier

Sir, that's insane! This is a delicate instrument!

Bolearis

Delicate, my arse!
Whack it! Smack it!
Show it who's sparking boss!

Keves soldier

I'm telling you, you can't just kick it and...

Bolearis

Well lookee here, guess I'm the boss!

Keves soldier

...Is this a joke?

Bolearis

Alllll right!
Now we can come out swingin'! Who's with me?!

all Keves soldiers

Yeah!

Bolearis

We owe our lives to 'em.
Now's the time to show 'em how *we* shine!
C'mon, full throttle!
Can't let the other colonies steal our thunder now!

Noah

Where...are we?
Z...

Sena

We found him...at last.

Z

How many times is it now...
that I...and you... have confronted each other here like this...?
Yes, you're welcome to come on up.
How many incarnations? How many ascents into the spotlight?
And once again, I shall endeavor to ask this of you...
Tell me...why not resign yourself to the flow?

Noah

It's unfortunate... Sounds like my memory isn't all that.

Z

You have come to stop the flow, have you not?
This march of time, stilled for eternity.
You intend to stop it by removing me.

Lanz

So is it flowing, or is it stopped?
You're not making any sense, mate.

Eunie

Basically, if we can take you down, the world kicks up again.
At least, that's what I'm picking up from all that.

Z

Human desires can be... much likened to a river flowing.
All humanity yearns for it...
The endless now.
That is why I'm here, you'll find.
My existence alone... It is proof and evidence.

Taion

Cut the crap.
Who in the world would possibly wish for this?
I refuse to be controlled by you!

Lanz

Although, thanks to the stunts you pulled, we managed to twig on to a whole lotta stuff.
We learned how best to use the time we have.
And for that, you get a real good thanking.

Noah

You said it.
Though ten years is a mere glimpse, we now know the importance...of true choice.
We'll build it for ourselves.
A world with the freedom to choose!

Mio

Not a hollow world of fiction like this one!
Everyone wants a reality that they can believe in!

Z

Freedom is nothing more than fiction... A deception.
Those with power, those who can choose think nothing of it.
What then of those who cannot choose?
What about the meek and frail?
Not everyone is granted as many options as you all have!
Will you share? Give them some of yours?
Will you call that charity?
Or compassion? Will you show it?
Imagining them who are granted it to be thus satisfied?
Imagining not a piece of wretchedness to remain?
Making the best possible choices under duress. Living the best life.
There are no losers in the world I offer.
With a turn of the clock, anyone can be a winner, given the time.

Sena

The only thing we ever do is take lives! There is no winning!
You can't just invent some rule!

Z

Why do you recoil from taking lives?
The world itself has set this rule - why...resist?
It is through consumption of life that this world persists.
Denying it is self-delusion. The only outcome, self-destruction.
It is unequivocal fact!
The imperative that is intrinsic to all living things!
The source of our power, and of all living things, lies therein.
Young, spirited people, trading lives, aiming for new, ever-loftier heights with each new day...
That explosive motive power is something we lack.
The essence - of life!
And we are here...to express ourselves as an embodiment of life!

Noah

So that's it... That's what you're getting at...
And just for that...you gave those two an impossible choice?!
Is that why you made Joran and Crys into Moebius?!

Z

...Of course.
As for the why...
It's because it amuses me!

Taion

(appalled gasp)

Z

The action-packed drama of your lives... We are its foremost audience!
Now then, play it out for me. What will the next act entail?
Bereavement? Or revenge?
A revolution, perchance...
This world is never boring.
Not while your lives continue to make it so effervescent!

Lanz

I'll end him...!

Mio

I just got it.

Noah

Huh?

Mio

Fighting in order to live...
The words Miyabi left me with...
Now... This is exactly when they were for.

Eunie

Yeah... Mio's got it right.
At first it was all fun and games.
When we got Ouroboros powers, we were just like, happy to get to live a little longer.
That was it.

Lanz

But now,
things're different.

Sena

We learned that for many, there aren't any choices on the table at all.
Because they were taken from them, by a bunch of crusty old mudders.

Taion

The strength you talk about is all just smoke and mirrors.
Real strength is different!

Noah

That's right.
Knowing when to be close and when to let go...
Walking together, eventually choosing who you really are...
That is strength.
And that's the real battle here...
To find that answer!
The will to choose our actions, moment to moment.
And if you dare denounce that common right,
we will defy you!
To live in a future...over which you lay no claim!

Royal Commands

Noah

This...is all a sham!
Is this...
Z's true form?
Or...Origin's?!

Z∞

Why do this...?
If you restart Origin, time in perpetuity will flow once more.
The opposing worlds will overlap. What lies beyond is oblivion.
You ought to be aware of this.
Yet even knowing it, you advance toward the future.
Why?!

Noah

Why...? Hah.
Let me turn it around for you.
How can you be so sure?
There should be a future where it doesn't happen!

Z∞

No such thing exists.
The present is all.
The present is all we need...
That is our unyielding wish!

Queen Melia

Hear me, my loyal subjects.
Starting imminently, we shall commence a full attack on Origin.
The battle is not a fabrication.
It is a fight to seize control of our lives!
I need you now. Entrust your lives
to your rightful Queen, Melia Antiqua!

Keves soldiers

(roars of triumph)
(roars of triumph)

Queen Nia

Right now, inside Origin,
there are people fighting against all odds, to create a future for us all.
Those brave ones, they want to teach us the true meaning of life.
For the future they dare to forge...
Let us join the path that they showed us!
Let us join the fight!

Queen Melia

It has been a while, Nia, Queen of Agnus.
I am in your debt, across the centuries.

Queen Nia

Nonsense. Don't mention it.
I simply did what needed doing, and entrusted the rest to the right people.

Queen Melia

I see that you're still...affecting that elocution.

Queen Nia

Oh my. It befits me not?

Queen Melia

Do not hide your stripes.

Queen Nia

Hm!
All right...
Then let's thrash those goons, Melia!

Queen Melia

Gladly! Together!

Bolearis

Look at all those Colonies, fighting as one...
Now that is a sight...
If we can just come out on top today...
Commander... We'll do it.
We'll build it for you!
A new world for every one of us!

Queen Melia

The will of young people, weaving a future...
That is...the indispensable force that drives worlds forward.

Queen Nia

I know just how scary taking the first step can be.
And yet, it was young folks like that that set whole worlds in motion,
overcoming their own fears.
In the hope,
that the future will birth more such people...

Z∞

I am afraid I cannot allow you to proceed!
This world must remain in the endless now!

Noah

...Now I get it.
The true source of power, from which Moebius stems.
And why they so desperately seek the "endless now"...

Taion

Yes, I think I see it too.
What the Queen said...
There is some Moebius within us as well!

Eunie

Yeah...
And it's our own selves.
We're scared of ourselves, and...we lose track.

Sena

We cut off our own way to the future!

Lanz

The possibilities!

Mio

In that case...
There's only one thing we can do.

Noah

To believe.
In the path we've walked this far!
And in the future that lies ahead!

Epilogue: Time Moves Again

Taion

Ngh... What power...!
Crazy... This is the force of people's will?

Eunie

You taking the mick?
It's terrifying!
Not knowing how tomorrow will turn out,
how you will!

Mio

But still, you can't just hold it in place...!
If you did that, you'd never change...
You can't change the world like that!

Noah

That's why...I want to move on.
We'll claim the future, and shape it ourselves!

Z∞

And when you cannot choose? What then?
In that desperate moment, who will be there to soothe you?
The self is all that exists!
As such,
the only cure for despair is total oblivion!
That is the face of the world!
I hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it hate it hate it!
This rotten world... I LOATHE IT!!!

Keves soldiers

L-Lieutenant! What's that light?!

Bolearis

It's coming from inside Origin...
No... The cries of Moebius?
The sheer ferocity of it...
Noah... Mio...

Noah

N! M!

Taion

So he...*didn't* disappear back then?

Sena

Nuh-uh. They were inside, with us!
Think about it.
They're still really the same people!

N

We were conceived from regret.

Noah

Sorry...

N

Unlike you, who sprung forth from hope,
regret is our be-all and end-all.
"If only we'd made the right choice..."
"If only things had been different..."

M

Blindly, we never tried to change ourselves,
wishing only that the world would instead.
We clung to the egotistical dream, of being together forever...

Mio

But that's only natural!
Anyone would wish for that!
Nothing to be ashamed of!

M

Thank you.
But now...our prolonged existence here, it only serves to strengthen those within this frozen moment in time,
who would keep it thus.

N

So you see, we have but one choice here.

Noah

Stop it, N! M!
Don't do it!
We'll think of a way to deal with Moebius!

M

What you see over there... It's not Z or Moebius.
But a single, intense desire.
Your thoughts, they can never affect a desire.
But we... We who embody that very same desire...

Noah

You can just stay here!
Please, stay!
Walk this world with us. We can walk it together!

Mio

Noah's right! You've done enough!
You don't have to do this!
You could finally be here together!

N

Such kindness.
Your eyes, they brim with it...
I ask myself... Were our eyes the same, on that day...?

Noah

N...!

N

Noah, Mio...
Though we came from different worlds, we were able to leave a life behind.

M

It was a hope for the future.
Our hearts and our dreams intertwined,
and we were given the chance to weave new life.
And therefore... It's all good.

N

Believe in yourselves.
All of you
will certainly reach
heights that we were unable to.
You guys can surely...make it.

M

You can take our place...in the future.

Noah

Z and the other Moebius...
They wanted to protect the world too.

Taion

That's why they created one they could control.
I see where they were coming from.

Lanz

That's something that...
we feel almost every day.

Eunie

Having to change...
To continue to change, that's sparkin' scary.

Mio

But...we can say this:
Even if we are reborn later,
right then, what we think and feel that moment is real.
To sacrifice that is never the right way.

Sena

If you can't be true to yourself, then you're doing something wrong.

Queen Melia

Are you content? With your decision?

Queen Nia

Very soon, the stilled flow of time will restart.
You can change your mind, if you act now.

Lanz

Uh-uh-uh.
You did not just tell us to become Moebius.

Eunie

Yeah, can you even imagine...?
Uh, Noah?

Queen Melia

Why are you wavering, Noah?

Noah

Some want to go on, and some want to stay...
In this world, there are so many mingled desires.
But do we... Does anyone have the right to choose?

Ghondor

Oh, don't you start minding us now.
Just having the chance to be born in that world you make,
that'll be plenty.
So, you know.
Ya just gotta do it your way.

Noah

Ghondor...

Ghondor

Uh, though if I can...
I might want a better name, eh.

Mio

Noah, all of us here want the same thing...
It's how the future should be.

Noah

Yeah... You're right.

Queen Melia

The future is right there.
Believe in the actions you've taken, in your friends,
and above all,
you should believe in yourselves.

Noah

Well then... The answer's simple.

Lanz

Noah, c'mon!
Ain't got all day.

Noah

Yeah, I know.
Right with you!
...I realized, there's something I haven't said yet.

Mio

Oh yeah?

Noah

I haven't thanked you.

Mio

What's this now?

Noah

Thank you.
For sticking with me.
Without you by my side, I'd never have made it here.

Mio

Oh come on, you had to say that?

Noah

I'm serious here!

Mio

I know you are.

Noah

Huh?

Mio

Listen, Noah... I feel just the same.
Without you, I think...my wishes would never have come true.

Noah

I see...
I guess so.

Mio

Mm. So I'll say it too...
Thank you, Noah. Truly.

♫

Where We Belong

Lanz

We weren't half bad as a team, were we?

Sena

Yeah, uh...passable, for sure!

Lanz

Just "passable"?!
I'm sure you meant..."unsurpassable", right?

Sena

Oh, I think I'll let you decide the passing grade,
Lanzy.

Lanz

Ah, come on, weirdo...

Sena

Guess...we won't be working out together any more.

Lanz

Yeah...
I'm not keeping tabs, but don't you slack off.

Sena

I am not gonna slack off!
I'll train every day, thinking of you.

Lanz

Yeah...
Same here.

Taion

Here.

Eunie

What's this?

Taion

Herbal tea recipe.
You have to dry your own leaves... You should manage.

Eunie

Isn't this kinda, pointless?

Taion

Pointless?

Eunie

I mean, if the worlds are gonna drift apart again,
this paper won't last...

Taion

I considered that, of course.
The paper and the ink, it all comes from your world.

Eunie

And the leaves for the tea? Even those, and all?

Taion

What do you think?

Eunie

Heh, well check you out!

Taion

Who am I if not scrupulous?

Eunie

Who? Well... You're my best bud!
Fourth best, to be exact.

Taion

Only fourth?!
Huh? Wait a minute...
There's Noah...and Lanz...
D-did she count Joran?!
...Huh. Why am I only listing guys...?
J-just chill out, Taion!
Erm, uh...

Eunie

What's up? Is there a problem?

Taion

A-at least put me...
second, or even third...!
Fourth seems a little harsh...

Eunie

I'll think about it.

Manana

Rikuuuuuu!

Riku

Mananaaaaaa!

Taion

It is time.

Mio

Guess this is goodbye.

Noah

Yeah...
Still, even if we're worlds apart,
I swear I won't...

Mio

I won't let go.
Not ever. I'll always be with you.
Our feelings...forever interlinked.

Noah

Wherever we are...

Mio

Yeah. Wherever we are...

Queen Melia

Our worlds in their current states...are still young.
If in passing, they do themselves harm,
I suppose, even then they cannot but carry on.

Queen Nia

Still, I have faith.
Even if now, we become separated for a time,
one day we'll surely
get to walk hand-in-hand again...

Queen Melia

Everyone... Thank you.

Queen Nia

I will see you soon, then.

Noah

One day...!
I'll come see you!
I promise!

Mio

Me too!
One day...!
I promise!

Noah

This...is the truth of our world.
Memories melt in the morning light, and then, a new day begins.
Roads stretch out before us.
So many paths.
Which do you choose? That's up to you.
Sometimes, you might run astray.
You'll stop, maybe cry in frustration.
But, you know, that's all right.
For the roads... They go on without end.
So look up, face forward, toward your chosen horizon...
And just...
walk on.

young Lanz

Noah!
What're you doing, man?
They'll start the fireworks without us!

young Eunie

Get a move on already, or all the good spots'll be taken!

Joran

Exactly! So c'mon, move it!

young Noah

Sorry! I zoned out for a sec.
I'm coming...!

As the morning sun rises,
my lingering memories fade.

I no longer see your silhouette.
It's too far gone into the haze.

But, hey... it's all right.

I won't forget you. Not until we can meet again...

I swear it.