Script of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - From Atop Her Throne

The following is the script of dialogue used in Melia's ascension quest, From Atop Her Throne.

This page or section is incomplete. In other words, yes we know it's unfinished; we just didn't want to leave it blank in the meantime. You can help complete it. The editor who added this tag elaborates: Missing stage+VA directions, sections need more splitting for non-cinematic cutscenes

Queen's Aide

You're having a laugh. You think this is going to make it all better, do you?

Aizel

I will bear full responsibility!
Otherwise... Well, there is no "otherwise"!

Melia

What *are* you two bickering about?

Aizel

Your Majesty...
What a welcome sight, to see you return!

Melia

Has a problem arisen in my absence?

Aizel

Ah, no no... Just a trifling matter, really...

Queen's Aide

Actually, we do have a bit of a problem on our hands, Your Majesty.

Aizel

Hey! Mind your-

Queen's Aide

We have to report the facts as they are. How much longer are you going to leave this hanging, eh?

Aizel

...Tch.

Noah

What's the problem?

Queen's Aide

Couple of days ago, we had a small run-in with our Agnian opposites.
Aizel took care of them, but things got out of hand a little bit...

Aizel

"Out of hand", nothing! They insulted Her Majesty's honor! I'm spitting feathers!

Queen's Aide

But we'd no reason to fight. You were the one who earned their ire!

Melia

Did they come to any harm? You hurt them?

Aizel

I'd only intended to, er, scare them. But, then they resisted...

Melia

So you sought to defeat them.

Aizel

No! Nothing of the sort! They had no Flame Clocks, so I would never-

Melia

The presence of a Flame Clock is not what instigates a battle. The glimmerings of war are always there, within us.
I imagine discovering that fact must have come as quite a shock to you.

Aizel

...!

Taion

Circumstances aside, if you've incited their wrath, then I assume we haven't heard the end of this.

Queen's Aide

...As you say, they have since begun to rally together in opposition.

Aizel

I am ashamed... Truly ashamed!
Now that this has come to a head, I cannot but take full responsibility...
I will thwart their objective, even if it should cost me my life!

Melia

You shall not!
Do not speak of throwing your life away so lightly.
I've already lost so many of my friends. I could not bear to lose another...

Aizel

Your Majesty!

Melia

I told you, did I not? You are my hope.
I will speak to the Agnian chief retainer personally about the matter.
In the meantime, cool your head.

Aizel

...

Melia

Any more unfinished business that I should know about?

Queen's Aide

Couple of house calls to make, Your Majesty. They want you at Colony 9 and the City.

Noah

Colony 9? So Zeon, then?

Aizel

Indeed. They've asked for some urgent backup following the recent Origin attack.

Queen's Aide

And the other request is from Monica. Wants you to give her people a pep talk.

Melia

The descendants of Ouroboros...
I've caused such grief for them, and for an unfathomably long time.

Noah

...But now they get to speak to their real Queen.
I'm sure they'll be overjoyed.

Melia

...Yes, perhaps.
Speaking face to face with another... There's nothing quite like it.

Noah

Um, Melia...?

Melia

I'm sorry. I'm afraid I'm going to be taking up some more of your time...

Mio

Now, you can cut that out.
Agnus or Keves, soldier or Queen... What difference does it make?

Eunie

The future is to be created by each and every person in the world.
I think you were the one who taught us that.

Melia

...True enough.
Your unyielding spirit...gives me the strength to go on.

Noah

Sometimes when Melia smiles... I see sadness in her eyes.
As if she's all alone in the world...

Lanz

Well, better start making the rounds. We've gotta stop by Colony 9, the City, and...

Sena

Agnus Castle, right?

Aizel

Safe journey to you all.

Aizel

There are three requests that we would ask of Her Majesty.
We would need you to assist Colony 9, give a speech of consolation at the City...
and attend a meeting at the Agnus Castle. I'm so terribly sorry to trouble you with this...
We will be awaiting your return until such time as you conclude these matters.
As instructed, I will take it upon myself to...cool my head...in the meantime.

Kurt

Oof, that'll leave a bruise...
Be more gentle, Commander!

Zeon

Don't expect miracles. I'm trying my best to heal you here.

Melia

Here, let me.

Zeon

Thank you, miss. That would be gr-
Wha...?! You're...

Melia

That should suffice.
Can you walk?

Kurt

Y-yeah, I think so.

Zeon

Queen Melia...! To what do we owe the honor?

Melia

What good is a ruler if they cannot send aid to their people in times of need?
I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Zeon. Please, let me have your report.

Colony 9 Soldier A

Hey... Hey, look. Isn't that the Queen?

Colony 9 Soldier B

What? Like, the real deal?

Zeon

Right... Back to my post.
Excuse me.
Origin's attack unfortunately caused a landslide near Alfeto Valley entrance.
We've been treating the wounded, and also dispatched a survey team to scan the area.
The thing is, we've lost contact with the survey team. The line just went dead...

Kurt

There was a really loud sound earlier on! Could be more rocks!

Melia

I see. Then we'll take it from here.
Eunie, how are you doing over there?

Eunie

I've healed up the worst of 'em. Now they just need a little R&R.

Colony 9 Soldier C

Aw, really? I've gotta lie down?

Eunie

C'mon. If you've got the energy to flap yer trap already, you'll be back on your feet in no time.

Melia

I see I had no cause to worry.

Noah

How many were on the survey team?

Zeon

Three. One was piloting the Levnis.
...OK, I've sent the landslide's location to your Iris. You can confirm it for yourself.

Noah

Got it.

Kurt

Uh, if you happen to see an Anita from the survey team...could you, er...
T-tell her to give back what she owes!
'Cause I'll be waiting here until she does!

Melia

...I'll be sure to deliver the message.
I am so sorry to have let this come to pass, everyone. This ordeal will be over, ere long.

Colony 9 Soldier A

You watch yourself too, Your Majesty! Don't wanna see you get hurt neither!

Colony 9 Soldier B

I hope you find our friends!

Sena

Hey, look at that!

Eunie

A survey branch Levnis?!

Melia

Quickly! We must rescue them at once!

Anita

Hello...? Who's...there...?

Melia

It's all right. We're here to help.
Stay still. I'll get that heavy thing off you right this instant!

Eunie

Right, that's her injuries about treated!

Melia

You're a survivor by nature. Good fortune that we made it in time.

Anita

Oh, I can't thank you enough! I thought I was a goner...

Eunie

Say, you wouldn't happen to be Anita, by any chance?

Anita

Yeah, I'm Anita.

Sena

Oh, that's great news! There was a guy in the rescue tent who was really worried about you!
He said he wanted you to pay him back, or something?

Melia

I suspect that was merely an excuse.
He seemed really rather worried. Very insistent that you make it back.

Anita

Ah, it's got to be Kurt. We've been in the same unit since first term.
He can be a little faint-hearted at times. I'd better go and try to calm him down...

Melia

Ah... So you've been joined at the hip since childhood.

Anita

Joined at the... Sorry?

Melia

I mean that you were...inseparable. You've had a special connection throughout your lives.
You understand each other's feelings, and you lift each other up in times of need, is what I'm trying to say.

Noah

...Hm?

Melia

Your friends are irreplaceable. Be sure to treasure them.

Anita

Yes, ma'am! Thank you, thank you!

Noah

Did she have someone in mind herself? There's someone out there special to her?
But then, she was imprisoned in Origin for so long...
So maybe they're already...

Colony 9 Soldier

Urggh...

Mio

His foot's trapped. We'll need to move the rubble very carefully...

Melia

Using Arts would be far too dangerous. In which case...

Lanz

Someone call for heavy lifters?

Sena

Aw, yeah! We'll clear this out in no time!

Melia

You're in safe hands now.

Colony 9 Soldier

Y-yes, thank you!

Mio

Hang in there just a little longer. We don't want to overlook anything...

Noah

Hold on! It's going to be OK!

Colony 9 Soldier

There was a...second landslide... Don't mind me... Look for the others...

Melia

We're well aware. But firstly...

Colony 9 Soldier

Ah! Feels warm...

Melia

Do not move from this spot. We're going to check the immediate area.

Colony 9 Soldier

A-ah, yes... Of course!

Eunie

Right. I think that's the lot of 'em accounted for!

Taion

I wouldn't relax just yet.
The landslides have formed a sharp incline, in turn increasing the risk of loose rocks.
I hardly need to state this, but the possibility of further landslides remains high.

Melia

Getting caught in another landslide would be undesirable.
We must make some distance, and quickly. Back to Colony 9.

Colony 9 Soldier B

The Queen has returned!

Colony 9 Soldier A

Welcome back! We're glad to see you safe, Your Majesty.

Melia

We were at the site of the landslide, but the situation remains precarious.
It is vital that we remove the remaining rocks upon the slope in the coming days. You shall have the Castle's aid, of course...
But your own assistance in this matter would also be most appreciated.

Colony 9 Soldier A

Oh, we'd be glad to help! Never want to have to go through this again...

Anita

But if we hadn't, we'd never have got to meet Queen Melia...
I don't regret it. Because I learned today that we weren't forsaken...

Melia

Forsaken?

Colony 9 Soldier B

The only time we normally ever get to meet Your Majesty is at the Homecoming.
We've been through so many bitter times, but we've never known you to help us. Not so directly.

Melia

...You make a valid point.
From this moment on, I will endeavor to the best of my ability to allay your fears.

Kurt

Ah! You're too kind, Your Majesty!

Zeon

Then, in the interest of allaying fears, there may be another matter I would like to discuss with you...

Melia

Oh, yes? Speak up, then.

Zeon

I would like, from this moment on, to let the colony elect their commander, of their own volition.
And I don't mean just for appointing a successor after death or for the purposes of reform.
If they make their voices known, then I think I would gladly relinquish my position as commander this second.

Anita

What?!

Kurt

What brought this on...?

Melia

Then...you wish to formally step down?

Zeon

Well... I was always the Consul's favorite plaything.
I was a mere pawn dancing to his whims, enacting his orders...
But in coming to terms with our new life, I began to realize the qualities needed in a commander are very different nowadays.

Noah

Please don't belittle yourself, Zeon.
You've worked so hard to get where you are.

Zeon

Believe me, I've thought about this long and hard. About who really fits the role of a commander.
It must be someone we all look up to. Someone with whom we can share our path.

Noah

Zeon...

Melia

While I do not object to your logic, Zeon, I hope you realize that our role is in essence naught but a figurehead.
What that figurehead represents, however, is something only you can decide.

Zeon

It's down to me...?

Melia

A person is not shaped solely by their birthright or innate qualities.
As long as you remain critical of who you are, whether you deserve the position or not has little relevance.

Zeon

This crisis of conscience... You once experienced it as well, Your Majesty?

Melia

Of course. Everyone has their battles with self-doubt. How else does one grow as a person?
...If you remain true to yourself, then you have nothing to fear.
In this rich tapestry of life, you must find the path that you are willing to weave.

Zeon

...I will give it more thought, then.

Melia

Very good. I look forward to hearing your answer.

Noah

Melia must have had her share of hardship, to talk about these things in such depth...
If she's ever stuck in a rut, I wonder if we'll be able to console her in the same way?
Would she even want that...?

Melia

Penny for your thoughts, Noah?

Noah

...No, it's nothing.
We should get going. We've got some traveling ahead of us.

Kurt

The landslide's near the entrance to Alfeto Valley.
There was a huge rock up that way for ages, kind of a landmark. If that's fallen down then, oof...
Uh, if you happen to see an Anita from the survey team...could you, er...
T-tell her to give back what she owes!
'Cause I'll be waiting here until she does!

Anita

I'll be fine. Go and look for the others - it's them you should be worried about!

Zeon

The area's crawling with monsters, no thanks to the landslide.
I'm afraid I have my hands full guarding the colony right now. If you could look into it, I'd be very grateful.
The survey team comprises three people. One of them pilots the Levnis.
Please... Find them.

Melia

Nia... This is a surprise.

Nia

Don't worry, I know the whole story.
...Oh, bloody hell-
Ahem. I see you are in good company.

Melia

They're kindly serving as my bodyguard.
They're assisting me with a number of other matters, too.

Mio

The assistance goes both ways, actually.

Manana

We all one big happy family!

Melia

...Yes, that's right. Family.

Nia

...Indubitably.
I have a rough grasp of our present predicament.
You've come to hear *their* side of the story, have you not?

Taion

You make it sound as if these are no ordinary Agnians.

Nia

With Queen Melia's assistance, we have been closely monitoring them on both sides.
I'll get to the point: these people belong neither to Keves nor Agnus.

Melia

To be precise, they were formerly Agnian soldiers, but...
Now they claim to have lost their faith even in Agnus.
This intense distrust of the future has driven them to wanton destruction.

Mio

So they stopped believing in anything, and now they just want to ruin things for everyone?

Sena

That's awful...

Nia

The Keves and Agnus of today are founded upon mutual trust and respect. At least, that is the mood we try to foster...
But the reality is that not all of us can readily accept these changes.

Melia

The recent outburst was just an act of passion, but if like-minded people were to congregate...

Taion

They may gain enough momentum to pose a legitimate threat, is that it?
So they're the ones who have incited the latest uproar, I take it?

Noah

We might have to prepare for the worst-case scenario...

Manana

Manana bite. What make worst case so bad?

Eunie

He means, there could be an attack on the Queen's life.

Manana

Meh-meh?! That worse than worst case!

Melia

That's one of the reasons, but we simply can't afford to leave this be.
I don't believe they truly want to oppose us. Rather, they feel they are at an impasse.
One cannot so easily change their way of life, or how they view the world.

Nia

Perhaps I ought to assert my authority as Queen after all, and-

Melia

No, if you lock horns with them now, it's very possible they will shut you out completely.
I would rather have you prepare to welcome them in with open arms.

Nia

That's incredibly kind of you...

Eunie

So? Where do we find these troublemakers?

Nia

It seems they're lying low at Hovering Reef 6.

Eunie

Seriously? That's right next to the Castle!

Taion

Presumably they approached under the guise of their fellow Agnian soldiers.
The Castle isn't on particularly high alert, so it makes sense that they wouldn't arouse too much suspicion.

Nia

Yes, as sad as it is...
I hear they're pooling their forces. You'd best be on your guard.

Melia

Fear not. I am no stranger to battle.
And besides, look at my entourage.

Nia

You shouldn't have to get used to this.
Experience can make a person stronger, it's true, but it can't take away one's pain.
That goes for Queens, too, you know.

Mio

The mood's turned dark all of a sudden...

Melia

I'm aware of that. Thank you, Nia.

Nia

Take care, you guys...

Sena

Agnian Auto-Levs...

Eunie

They've hauled those things out here? Can't catch a break, can we?

Melia

As Lady Nia informed us, we should expect them to be hiding in an ambush somewhere on this island.
I must remind you that we are only here to negotiate. If possible, I would like to avoid combat...

Lanz

Sure, but what if they're the ones to come at us first?

Melia

Then suppress them at once. We could even disable their Levnises, so that they have nothing with which to fight back.

Lanz

Hey, I've been meaning to ask for a while now... You really know how to handle yourself in a scrap, don't you?

Melia

Yes, I'm no stranger to the field of battle. Nor is this the first attempt on my life.

Sena

Whuh? Even though you're the Queen?

Melia

Precisely because I am the Queen.
Is it really so strange for nobles to be acquainted with violence? There was even an assassin within my family once.

Sena

Huh?!
I'm sorry, I hope we didn't bring back painful memories for you...

Melia

Please, it's perfectly fine. Many are the things that have shaped me into who I am today.
Learning to accept my weaknesses, understanding each other's differences...
Opening one's heart to others...

Lanz

(whistle) You must've been in some real good company to learn all that.

Melia

Haha! Perhaps, yes.
Back when I was young and naive, my companions taught me some invaluable lessons.

Mio

And you took those lessons to heart.
That's how you came to be such a magnificent Queen.

Melia

Though times may change, their teachings will never fade.
Which is why I still believe...
I believe that our last breaths should not be those of despair...

Sena

Hello? Nobody at home?

Annihilationist Soldier

Don't move!

Mio

Melia...

Melia

I'll handle this.
My name is Melia Antiqua. I wish only to speak with you.

Annihilationist Leader

Speak with us? Rip us to shreds, more like, Queen of Keves.

Melia

...You are the ringleader, are you? State your name.

Annihilationist Leader

And why should I tell you?
The world I once knew is gone! They told us defeating Keves was the only way for us to be saved!
It was the right thing to do. The *just* thing to do! And I believed it!

Melia

...

Annihilationist Leader

Do you realize how many of my friends died in pursuit of that dream?
You think I can just tell them, "Yeah, sorry guys, you died for nothing"?!

Mio

He's lost his cool. Maybe we should step in and deal with him...
But...Melia told us she'd handle this.

Annihilationist Leader

You ruined it. You joined forces with the Agnian Queen, and you drilled these... notions into our heads!
You take away our friends, then sully our reasons to live... My friends died that day... but you've killed them all over again!

Mio

And that's why you've decided to destroy everything?

Annihilationist Leader

That's right. We don't need a shitty world like this anyway.

Melia

Is that all?

Annihilationist Leader

I told you to stay where you are!

Mio

Melia?!

Annihilationist Leader

Hey...! What are you trying to pull?

Melia

I could ask you the same thing.
Why do you hesitate? You could attack me right now.

Annihilationist Leader

Sh-shut up!

Melia

You have no desire to destroy anything.
You are simply trying to get by in a world where nothing makes sense any more. And that's why I'm here.

Annihilationist Leader

Shut up, shut up, shut up!!!
Fire and ash...!
So that's how it is...? That's how you look down at us?

Melia

Sorry?

Annihilationist Leader

I know all about you. You Queens live longer than any of us could ever dream.
You aren't like us, are you?! That's how you can just sit on your thrones, toying with our lives like-

Mio

She *is* like us!
If you hurt her, she feels pain... She bleeds all the same...

Melia

Mio...

Mio

That's why she's come all this way, to hear your story!
She wants to know more about you... She wants to share her time with *you*!

Annihilationist Leader

Wha... Yeah right. Our lives are like the blink of an eye to her ilk!

Mio

Just because she lives longer, it doesn't mean she's any different from you!
We're all here, aren't we? We're all alive...

Melia

...That's enough, Mio.
I see now how you feel about all this.

Lanz

Mate, have you been making that speech to the Kevesi officers too?
Telling everyone that Melia's different to everyone else?

Annihilationist Leader

You bet I did. She's so far up herself, it makes me sick.

Lanz

If anyone's warped...distorted here... it's you.

Annihilationist Leader

Then what am I supposed to do?! Who else am I supposed to take my rage out on?!
Tell me the truth. Right now. The pure, unadulterated truth!!!

Melia

That, I cannot tell you. The answer lies in you, and you alone.
You must have realized by now. There is no weight to the "truth" of another if you cannot judge it for yourself.

Annihilationist Leader

(gasp)

Melia

If you must have an object of hatred in order to live your life, then let it be me.
But promise me that someday, you'll live for the things that truly have worth.
Just as you and your comrades-in-arms once did...

Annihilationist Leader

It's already too late... I can't go back. Not after what I've done...

Melia

...I highly doubt that.
You are still breathing, are you not?

Noah

Are you all right?

Melia

I told you, I am no stranger to battle.
Besides, I could not tolerate simply watching from the sidelines...

Noah

Melia...

Melia

Their sadness, frustration, anger... I shall never forget these feelings.
Come. Let us proceed to the next location.

Nia

It seems they're lying low at Hovering Reef 6.
I hear they're pooling their forces. You'd best be on your guard.

Monica

Your Majesty...?!

Melia

Sorry to bother you - I'm sure you're rushed enough as it is. I'm here to discuss the speech you mentioned...
Did I come at a bad time?

Monica

No, not at all!
We've been stretching our necks every day waiting to see if you'd turn up.

Melia

I too have been...anxious to meet you.
I'm sorry, to have been a source of anguish for you this long.

Monica

...It's all been for today.
I don't consider any of it a waste.
...Now, onto the matter at hand: rallying the troops.
With the final battle with Moebius looming before us, we're doing our best to prepare, but we need more than just supplies.
A battle to determine the fate of the world is hardly a light topic. Everyone's beside themselves with worry...
Some poor souls have completely snapped. We're never going to last in actual combat at this rate.

Melia

I don't blame them...
No matter how noble our cause, the fighting *will* cost us lives.
We're caught between the future we desire, and the present, which is ours to lose. It's a place beset on all sides by fear.

Eunie

You got that right.
Especially when there's no guarantee you're gonna be coming home.

Monica

Even a brief address would do. Just as long as you speak to them somehow.

Melia

I understand.
I don't know if I'll be able to get through to them, but I will try.

Noah

We'll be your guides while in the City, make sure you don't lose your bearings.

Melia

That would be most appreciated.
While we're here, would it bother you if I took a look around the City itself?

Monica

Please, be my guest. I think we'd all like that.

Noah

Maybe we could take her to Centrilo Parade. There's plenty of people around there.

Monica

No objections from me. But...
There are some rather...shall we say, ardent followers of the Queen up that way.
If they get too insistent, you might need to give them a friendly nudge.

Noah

Oh yeah? All right, we'll keep a lookout.

Melia

Now this is a far cry from the colonies and the Castles.
Here is a place where people can truly live...make a home.

Eunie

I couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw this place.
All these different people I'd never seen before. Things of all shapes and sizes...

Melia

I wish I had been there to see your reaction. A shame.

Eunie

And see my mouth hanging open like a lummox? Not worth it!

Noah

You seem to take it all in your stride. None of this surprises you?

Melia

It's more that I am assailed by old memories.
Technologies of old are put into practice here. I feel the industry of those times.
...Ah?!

Elderly Man A

Is that...really you? Queen Melia?

Melia

Er, yes? I do go by that name...

Elderly Man A

I knew it!
I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on you. You were something special!

Jansen

Huff... Finally caught up...

Nissick

Hey old man, you're gonna give yourself a heart attack.

Elderly Man A

Thanks for your concern, but I'll decide when and how I'm going to pop my clogs!
I've lived my whole life for this day...
Heck, you all have, haven't you?!

Middle Aged Guy A

Of course we have!

Middle Aged Lady A

You've returned to us at last, my Queen! You really are as radiant as they say...

Michiba

Hey, fancy a bite? You should come by my restaurant, sample a few of the local dishes!

Middle Aged Guy B

Nobody wants to see your seedy little bistro! She wants something memorable!

Michiba

Oh! Say that again, I dare you! If you hate my establishment so much, I'll be more than happy to bar you from it, permanently!

Kryto

All right people, don't shove! And stop arguing!
We don't wanna scare the Queen now.

Kryto Groupie A

OH.

Kryto Groupie B

MY.

Kryto Groupie C

DAYS.

Kryto Groupie A

KRYTO!!!

Taion

Come on now, this is getting excessive...

Cyma

Ah, leave 'em. Everyone's been living for this moment.

Olive

It's always been my dream to see the true Queen come back to us...
A lot of us die before we get the chance.

Kryto

...Yeah, but now it's actually happening! Before our very eyes!
How can we possibly keep calm when a miracle is unfolding?

Melia

I'm so grateful to you all, my people. I would like to express a few words of gratitude, if I may.
It is a joy to see real human activity once again, after all these years. I see that you continue to remain strong.

Michiba

'Course we do! Gotta protect what we love, right?

Elderly Man A

That's right. I'm not resting these old bones so long as there's life in 'em!

Nissick

We'll hold out for decades more if we have to!

Middle Aged Guy A

We have our Queen, and even Ouroboros stand by her side!

Jansen

With their strength behind us, Moebius won't stand a chance!

Noah

Looks like that takes care of that.

Melia

Indeed.

Eunie

Wow... "Decades" plural...
And here we are, happy enough if we can reach one.

Middle Aged Guy B

The way I see it, you lot are far more incredible. You've achieved so much in so little time.

Eunie

Huh? That's only natural, ain't it? Gotta get stuff done in the time you have.
No way I could imagine having to fight for 40 or 50 years...
Feels so snuffin' far away...

Melia

Eunie...

Middle Aged Guy C

By the by... I'm not seeing the Storyspinner anywhere.

Melia

Storyspinner?

Olive

He's this old guy who knows more about the City's history than anyone. He's like a walking encyclopedia!

Cyma

Real curious bloke. Normally he'd jump at an opportunity like this...

Middle Aged Guy C

He's no spring Tirkin, though. If he hears he's missed his chance to meet Her Majesty, he might drop dead from the shock...

Melia

Heavens...
Where might we find this person? I think we should pay him a visit.

Eunie

What, really?

Middle Aged Guy C

I'll bet it'd make his day, but are you sure?

Melia

I would like to try to meet him, if at all possible.

Noah

...As you wish. It's your call.

Cyma

You'll probably find him at Mitia Lookout.
I hear it's one of his favorite spots.

Storyspinner

Oi! What's all the fuss?
Whose funeral is it this time?

Melia

Nobody's, I should hope. We were just wondering if-

Storyspinner

Hgwah?!!! Old Melly?!
Oh... This...this can't be real... Somebody pinch me!
What if...it's actually my funeral? Then that would mean...
Wh-where the blazes have I ended up?!

Eunie

Yeah, uh, this is Mitia Lookout? In the City?

Melia

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.
I'm told you have quite the wisdom. I was hoping to ask you a few things, if it doesn't bother you.

Storyspinner

Ahh, I get ya.
The Queen herself is asking me personally to tell her a story! Huh, now I know I'm dreaming...
Hey, Ouroboros kids! Gimme a good wallop. Here, right on the kisser!

Lanz

Sure thing.

Melia

Have you gone quite mad?!

Taion

Lanz...

Lanz

I-I didn't throw my weight into it!

Mio

Let's all calm down for a second and just talk sensibly. Please.

Storyspinner

Ahh, I see. A rousing speech for the City, eh?
What a stroke of luck! Even after that battering, I'll know I'll be content in the afterlife!

Lanz

Oh, don't start! You were the one who asked us to!

Storyspinner

Well, it seems life's worth living a little while longer. Don't want to disappoint old Queenie now, do I?
Go on, then. Ask away.

Has it been tough fighting on for decades?

Melia

I hear you have accumulated a wealth of knowledge over the years. If you don't mind my asking...
Is it not painful to know so much more than people around you, and be so much older?

Storyspinner

Why Melly, do you mean to say...
you're worried about my ailments?!

Melia

...Pardon?

Storyspinner

I've got arthritis, dermatitis, constipation... Bones are as brittle as all hell, and I can never get a wink of sleep!
When I do sleep in, the doc's gotta come and check my breathing... Can't do what I used to. If it's not one thing, it's another!

Eunie

Yeah, that's not what she was talking about.

Storyspinner

Oh, aye? What was it, then?

What do you know of Melia?

Sena

I've been wondering...
When you first saw Melia, I kinda got the impression you knew more about her than you let on...?

Storyspinner

'Course I do! Have you seen the stacks of literature they've got here in the City? Packed to the rafters!
There's passages on the true Queen, too. And you betcha these eyes have read 'em all back to front, twenty times over!

Sena

So you know all about her?

Storyspinner

Naturally, naturally! Here, I'll give you an example...
It is a lesser-known fact that Her Majesty is squeamish around shiny bugs!

Melia

Wha... How can you possibly know that?!

Storyspinner

There was also a little morsel about how she found Rainbow Bugs particularly revolting.
They're extinct now, but I reckon they're beasties about the size of your fist, whose bodily excretions make 'em glow, and-

Melia

All right, enough! You don't need to go into such detail! The mere memory gives me goosebumps...

Storyspinner

Oh don't you worry, I've got plenty more tidbits like that up my sleeve!

Eunie

We don't wanna hear it! Look, I'll tell you what I want to know.

Storyspinner

Oh yeah? I'm all ears.

Eunie

When you get to the age you are, after living for so many decades...
you must've had to say goodbye to so many of your friends, and stuff. Must be a lot of crap to deal with.
So uh... How do you cope?

Storyspinner

Ha ha ha, the pits is what it is! There are times when I wonder why I don't just curl up and die!
But see... Life ain't all sunshine and roses. I think that's part and parcel of it.

Eunie

So what, you just have to go on living in misery? You've gotta be joking...

Taion

Eunie, are you all right?

Eunie

I just wanna know what it's all about. Growing old.
There's folk out there who get to live so much longer than us. And they still choose to fight.
It just feels like I'm always taking a back seat. Like I'm getting left behind...
But I wanna be there with you guys. Even if it's just in spirit...

Noah

Eunie... I had no idea that was how you felt.

Eunie

Yeah, sorry... Hard to put it into words, really.

Melia

Even if those you once loved are no longer a part of this world...
Lonely as it is, and painful though the memories be, it is not wholly a tragic tale.
For you can keep close to your heart your memories of those dear to you.
And that is something to take pride in. That is what will give you strength.
Admittedly, my life took a very different path to the likes of my companions here...
But such are my thoughts.

Storyspinner

Ahh...! Never a truer word was spoken...
That's one for the ages! Where's my notepad?

Mio

The fact that you're worrying about us, here and now, Eunie...
I don't think we'll ever forget that. Your feelings will transcend time...

Noah

I'd have to agree.
So don't feel like you need to be doing anything special for us, Eunie.
It's reassuring enough just being the way you are.

Eunie

Hah... Don't suppose you've got any tissues on you?
Spark... Why'd you have to go and make it all soppy?

Melia

Nobody is leaving you behind, Eunie.
If you ever feel distance between you, you need only speak out.

Eunie

Wait... Was this all just to tell me that...?

Storyspinner

That's about the size of it. Good luck out there, young'uns.

Lanz

Don't just pass it off as your own speech!

Storyspinner

Say, Melly... Would you mind if we shook hands?

Lanz

He's straight-up ignoring me!

Melia

I don't see why not...?

Storyspinner

Oh, you angel! Now I can shuffle off this mortal coil without regrets!

Taion

...

Eunie

Knowledgeable my arse...

Storyspinner

Life's a cruel journey from one end to the other. You only get one chance to walk it.
But if there's one thing that gives it all meaning, it's love.

Mio

That's very sweet...

Storyspinner

That ain't something I have to teach you young folk, though. Your friends are lucky fellows.

Eunie

Monica said something like that, too. Still doesn't make much sense to me, though...

Storyspinner

Ho ho ho... Well, love takes many forms. There are as many ways to show it as there are people.

Eunie

I'll remember that. ...Thanks.

Melia

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we should probably be getting on.
Till we meet again, Storyspinner.

Storyspinner

Indeed, indeed. Safe travels to you, Your Majesty.

What will you ask?

Monica

With the final battle against Moebius looming before us we're doing our best to prepare, but we need more than supplies.
A battle to determine the fate of the world is hardly a light topic. Everyone's beside themselves with worry...
Feel free to show Her Majesty around Centrilo Parade. I'm sure it'd make everyone's day.

Storyspinner

There's probably not much life left in these old bones, so I don't know if we'll ever meet again...
But I hope you'll live your life with no regrets. I'll be looking forward to hearing your exploits in the world beyond.
It's been a pleasure meeting you. You've warmed the cockles of my heart, so you have!

The Future is Ours!

Aizel

Your Majesty!
You've returned!

Melia

I trust it's been...quiet in my absence?

Aizel

Yes.

Melia

I see that you have calmed down.

Aizel

Yes, I have realized. However fervent my loyalty,
If I am ever the source of Her Highness's anguish, it does no good.

Melia

You think too deeply, Aizel. 'Tis your mind's fiction.

Aizel

Ah... I will rectify that!

Melia

I am sure you will.

Queen's Aide

How was your trip? And what of the world?

Melia

Mankind's follies... People never learn.
Whatever the passage of fate may bring,
we must never lose the spirit of defiance.
Lest we submit to injustice.
As we once did...

Noah

Again... Why does she look so sad...?

Melia

My friends and I, we... We fought hard for all this.
We staked our lives on this future.
And if there's a chance to keep it that way...
I too will be happy...to sacrifice myself for this world.

Eunie

Snuff that for a laugh.
I hate that. You're the important one here.

Melia

Pardon?

Noah

It's true. It's something I noticed before.
As befits a Queen, you're always thinking about your subjects.
But, who thinks about what's best for you?

Mio

Seeing you suffer alone like this... None of us like it.
It's too sad to think about. Losing you, that is. You're one of us.

Eunie

Yeah, think about how much you always think of us.
It's only fair...if you let us do the same for you.

Melia

I am speechless...

Noah

Melia, you *are* needed in this world.
But, you weren't born solely for the world's sake.

Melia

That may be so...
However, I...

Noah

If you'd permit me, I'll gladly lend you my strength.
Not because you are our Queen...
But because we're travelers, in the here and now.
So we should live. Together.

Shulk

(I'm glad you're with us, Melia!)

Fiora

(Fighting alongside you all is the best!)

Melia

Yes... You are right.
How funny.
Though wisdom is said to come with age...
still you all seem to teach me so much.
If some things elude my grasp,
your words...show me that there is more. More to life.
They guide me when I run astray. Again...
and again...
How fortunate I am...to have you.

Eunie

Haha! Now that's more like it, girl.

Noah

Melia... Thank you.
Thank you...for always having believed in us.

Melia

That's one thing I would never doubt.
Now we embark on our quests.
To create...the future.

Noah

Yes... It's ours!