Ilia (Dragalia Lost)

Woman: EEEEEEEEEEEEEK!
Mysterious Person: Heh heh heh. I can already imagine the uses for a toy like this. How greedy of you to try and keep it all for yourself, Augus!
Mysterious Person: That won't do. No, it won't do at all. I will be taking a piece of this for myself. Heh heh... Aaaaah ha ha ha ha!

Meene: I'm home, Ilia! That was quite the success.
Ilia: Oh, hey, Mom. Welcome back. Er, and WHAT was a success, exactly?
Meene: Your creations! The people loved them. I heard more than one call you a genius.
Meene: Like that strange canister that gives a burst of light when you throw it? The children were just beside themselves with glee. Your alchemy really is quite popular.
Ilia: Well, I'm glad it's getting the reviews it so richly deserves.
Meene: You don't SOUND very glad.
Ilia: No, I am! It means my alchemy's being useful, right? Who could ask for more?
Ilia: But I guess the opinions of random strangers aren't as important to me as certain other things. That's all.
Meene: Are you back at that recipe again?
Ilia: I'll never give it up, Meene; it's what my parents left me. ...Be nice if it wasn't full of gaps and unintelligible bits, but hey, what's a girl gonna do?
Meene: You simply cannot leave a mystery be. You've been so ever since you were a girl.
Ilia: And you think research into other worlds is too dangerous and have told me so a million times SINCE I was a little girl!
Soldier: You there. Silver-haired girl. Are you Ilia, the alchemist?
Ilia: Here's a question for you, jarhead: Ever heard of knocking before barging into a lady's humble abode?
Soldier: Criminals merit no such courtesy. You are to answer for violating the peace with your precious alchemy.
Ilia: I have no idea what you're on about.
Soldier: Feigning innocence, eh? That won't do. No, it won't do at all.
Soldier: An alchemical weapon was used in a terrorist attack in the city a few days ago.
Soldier: Further investigation revealed that it was developed by your parents.
Ilia: No! That can't be true!
Soldier: Your parents researched the military applications of alchemy until the day they absconded with their work.
Soldier: They were hunted down and slain for their treason, and their work recovered... leaving only a daughter behind.
Ilia: And you're suggesting I used a weapon they invented as a way of getting revenge against the military?
Soldier: Avenging one's parents is a tired cliché, but it makes for a fine motive.
Ilia: You're lying. My parents would never construct tools of war.
Ilia: Neither me NOR my parents would allow our alchemy to be used to hurt people.
Soldier: I have not come to hear your excuses. You can shout them at the prison walls once we have you in chains.
Ilia: THIS is why I hate military types... Okay, fine. You wanna go? Let's go!
Soldier: Your valor is most impressive, but I am afraid it won't do. No, it won't do at all. Stop and have a look around, hmm?
Ilia: Meene!
Meene: I'm sorry, Ilia. I was careless. Oh, but it pains me to be a liability to you like this!
Soldier: Not another word, if you value your life. Now then, I am certain a genius alchemist like you can read the writing on the wall?
Ilia: You're a damn coward. ...But fine. I won't resist. Let her go.
Meene: No, Ilia! You mustn't!
Soldier: Heh heh heh... Aaaaah ha ha ha ha! Oh, but working with a genius is such a pleasure. Always so quick on the uptake!
Logius: Alchemist Ilia! I, Logius, hereby arrest you for the high crimes of violence against the people and the disruption of order!

Ilia: OW, geez! I'm a lady, you jerk! I mean, since you've clearly never handled one of those before!
Ilia: Ugh, this is the WORST. I have no idea what's even happening...

Ilia: (Was that Logius guy lying, or did Mom and Dad really use alchemy as a weapon?)
Ilia: (I don't want to believe that, but I also don't actually KNOW anything about them. So how do I get the truth now?)
 ???: Forgive me for speaking to you through bars like this. You are the much-touted alchemical genius, yes? Ilia, was it?
Ilia: Who's asking?
Augus: I am Augus, chief of staff of the army, and I have come here to recruit you. You have ample talents, child—why not use them in service of your country?
Ilia: Sorry, but I'm not working for the military. My alchemy isn't for hurting people.
Augus: Your parents did not appear to share your reservations; their contributions to the cause were considerable indeed.
Ilia: I'm sure any "contributions" they made were done at the tip of a sword.
Augus: I wonder. I've seen the recipe they left behind—such a thing isn't the sort of work that could be produced under duress.
Ilia: Wait. They left an intact recipe?
Augus: Logius didn't mention it when he collected you? The research your parents stole when they fled was a recipe for something called an omega key.
Ilia: Is that it?!
Augus: It is one page of a copy, yes—but it should be more than sufficient to see the passion they held for the project.
Ilia: ......
Ilia: (I have to admit it's possible... You can hear it in the tone of these notes.)
Ilia: (So were my parents actually...? No! It can't be true!)
Ilia: And you think this scrap of paper is enough to say what my parents felt in their hearts about their work?
Augus: If you do not trust me, why not ask them?
Ilia: What's that supposed to mean?
Augus: If you wish to know the truth of their cooperation with the military, you ought ask your parents directly.
Ilia: My parents are dead, jerk—and you animals in the army are what killed them!
Augus: Heh heh. It's true, your parents were executed for treason some years ago. And yet...you can meet them still.
Augus: If you cooperate as bidden, I will see that you get the chance to speak with them. All is possible with that omega key.
Ilia: So that's your game: You want me to finish the work my parents started.
Augus: Just so. I'm certain it will be a simple task for their daughter, assuming your genius lives up to its reputation.
Ilia: ......
Augus: I suppose you need time to consider this most generous of offers. I will leave these things here for you to look over.
Augus: Ah, but before I go... Your parents' original recipes are still in the lab they used.
Augus: If you agree to carry on their will and aid us, I would be happy to take you there. Well then, I hope we are able to come to an agreeable arrangement.
Ilia: My parents were cooperating with the army? And working on an "omega key"?
Ilia: Gya! I won't get anywhere just climbing the walls like this—I'll have to go there and check it out for myself!

Soldier: E-explosion! Explosion in the cells!
Ilia: A little paper and the materials inside the cell were plenty. They don't call me a genius for nothing, bud.
Ilia: Now let's go see what's REALLY going on with all this!

Ilia: *pant* *huff* Looks like I managed to shake 'em off my tail.
Ilia: So this was my parents' lab, eh? Well, their recipes must be here somewhere. Time for a good old-fashioned ransack!

Ilia: ...Interesting. I think I've put most of it together at this point.
Ilia: Their work on the omega key was never completed, but it gave rise to new discoveries that were later adopted by the military.
Ilia: That weapon Logius said was used in town must be one of them...
Ilia: But the military would definitely have all that stuff under heavy lock and key, which meeeans...
Ilia: Well, whatever the case, I won't forgive anyone who uses alchemy to hurt people— especially not with my parents' research!
Ilia: Gah! They found me!
Logius: The fact you would come here is almost too absurd to believe. Yet here you stand.
Logius: But this won't do. No, it won't do at all. You were meant to await judgment in your cell like a good little criminal.
Ilia: I'm no criminal! That attack was an inside job perpetrated by the military!
Logius: And just what have you found here, mmm?
Ilia: These notes show my parents' research into the omega key, as well as how the army adapted it for military us.
Ilia: And if the same methods described here were utilized in the attack...
Logius: Then it is likely the perpetrator was a military member with access to this lab. I admit, there is logic to it.
Logius: By way of rebuttal, I would ask you: What of it?
Ilia: Are you dense? I'm saying you should be investigating your OWN people instead of coming after somebody like me!
Logius: Oh, I see little need to investigate; the perpetrator you speak of was myself.
Ilia: Okay, WHAT?!
Logius: Augus asked me to bring you in. I needed a pretext. Your actual guilt in the matter is entirely beside the point.
Ilia: So you're gonna frame me for a crime YOU committed?!
Logius: I found a most delightful toy in here and simply couldn't resist performing a little experiment. Surely you've felt that urge?
Ilia: I've told you before, I'll never use alchemy to hurt people. Don't lump me in with a monster like you!
Logius: Then what does that make your parents?
Ilia: They would never have knowingly let their work hurt anyo—
Logius: NOW who is dense?! You have seen the records here; it's obvious they adapted their research for military use themselves!
Logius: They knew full well they were making tools of murder, yet they continued their research all the same.
Ilia: That can't be true! They meant for the omega key to help people!
Logius: You don't even know their faces, yet you are so certain you know their hearts?
Ilia: I know enough to know they never would have gone along with a big loser like you! And neither will I, you...you RAT FINK!
Logius: Oh dear, that won't do. No, it won't do at all.
Logius: You know something? Augus asked me to bring you in alive, but I think I am going to kill you here and now instead.
Logius: I'll simply have to tell him you were a naughty thing who resisted arrest, leaving me with no choice.
Ilia: (Crap! The only exit is blocked!)
Meene: Ilia!
Ilia: Meene?! How?!
Meene: I have been waiting for the chance to spring you ever since they brought you in.
Meene: But then you went and broke yourself out, because of course you did. Do you have ANY idea how hard you are to track?
Ilia: I know, I know. I'm a terrible daughter. So then! Any chance you thought up a genius plan to escape on your way here?
Meene: No plans, but I DID bring a few of your little craft projects along.
Ilia: That's my mom! Those should be plenty!
Logius: Are you morons enjoying listening to them chat? KILL THEM ALREADY!
Ilia: Hey, any of you guys got kids? I'm told these are all the rage with the young'uns!
Soldiers: M-my eyes! I can't see!
Soldiers: Nwaugh?!
Ilia: Time to make like a banana and split!
Logius: Damn you, girl! You won't escape. Mark my words, I WILL hunt you down!

Ilia: *gasp* *pant* I think...we're clear...
Meene: Well, I'm not sticking around and find out. They'll have sent soldiers to the house, and if they're going to keep chasing us...
Meene: We have to leave, Ilia. We have to go far enough that they can't follow—to a place where no one will know who we are.
Ilia: Aw, are you asking me to elope?
Meene: How can you joke at a time like this?!
Ilia: Just how I'm wired, I guess. Sorry. But look, I can't leave. I've got something I need to finish up here.
Meene: Does it have to do with your parents?
Ilia: Yeah, I may have purloined all of their omega key research back at the lab.
Ilia: I have to know what was driving them to do this work, which means I need—
Meene: Enough. I know better than to try and change your mind once it's set.
Ilia: Thanks, Mom.
Meene: *sigh* I really do spoil her. But if this is what she wants...

Ilia: There, just according to the recipe... In theory, it should be complete!
Meene: Well, THAT was fast.
Ilia: Yeah, it helps when you're an alchemical genius. So without further ado... Ta-daaah! My prototype omega key!
Ilia: Time to give it a whirl and open up an otherworld gate.
Meene: Are you certain it's safe? Who even knows what's going to come through?!
Ilia: Look, I know faeries aren't big fans of otherworld stuff, but tomorrow's successes are built on top of today's failures!
Meene: Unless the failure invites a monster into the world that eats you alive...
Ilia: Forcing connection of opposing poles. Completed conceptual construction of omega key.
Meene: Aaaand she's already started. Lovely.
Ilia: Dedicated mana-kiln conversion rate sub-70. Engaging backup kiln...75...80. Space-time distortion and mana phase transition detected.
Ilia: Commencing conceptual construction of otherworld gate... Linked. No, wait— errors in the real number conversion. They're rising...
Ilia: Field stability falling. At this rate, I could burn through all the otherworld fragments I have left and I still don't think it would—
Meene: Ilia, wait! I hear footsteps—LOTS of them. I think it may be the military!
Logius: You led us on a merry chase, alchemist, but you've nowhere left to run!
Ilia: Hasn't anyone ever told you that ladies hate the clingy type, Logius?
Logius: Oh, that won't do. No, it won't do at all... I will see that forked tongue of yours removed from your spiteful head!
Ilia: Gah?!
Meene: Aaaah!
Logius: All of that genius, and it still couldn't save you... What a pity indeed.
Logius: Hold on. What's that you're holding? Is it an omega key?!
Ilia: What if it is?
Logius: Ah, I see now why Augus wanted you so very badly...
Logius: We have sought that holy grail of alchemy for over a decade—and now here it is, right before my very eyes!
Logius: I've just had a delightful idea, girl! If you open a gate here and now, I will spare your sorry life.
Ilia: You think I'll take orders from you?
Logius: Death is all that awaits if you refuse. And I assure you, your faerie friend will be the first to go.
Meene: No!
Ilia: Fine. You win.
Meene: Ilia, don't! It doesn't matter what happens to me, you can't—
Ilia: It's all right, Mom. Trust me.
Logius: Now let us see your purported genius! Show me a world that none before have ever succeeded in reaching!
Ilia: Lucky for you, I was working on opening a gate right before you guys arrived and the prep work is basically done.
Ilia: All that's left is to stick the key in and turn. Otherworld gate gestalt construction initiated... Linked. Routing to real space.
Ilia: No key rejection response detected. Gate opening in 3...2...1... Opening!
Logius: An otherworld gate! Yesss! This will allow me to surpass Augus with ease! Ah ha ha! AAAAH HA HA HA HA HA HA!
Soldier: W-what?! I-it's sucking me in! I can't... NOOOOOOOO!

Logius: What have you DONE?!
Ilia: Created an otherworld rift to swallow up my target. Same theory as the weapon you used on the city, but just...bigger.
Logius: Take that key from her at once!
Soldier: Key retrieved, sir! But, uh... how do I use it?
Logius: You don't, you fool! You give it to me! I've read her parents' recipe!
Ilia: Good luuuck. Even I can't operate it in that state, 'cause it's an incomplete prototype.
Logius: Then it is a failure? ...Deceitful girl!
Ilia: YOU'RE the one who assumed it worked. Besides, I said before I'd never help a rotten rat fink like you!
Logius: And just what, pray, does that make your parents—they who so eagerly worked to make new and exciting tools of murder?!
Ilia: That was their choice. This one is mine.
Ilia: And, uh...shouldn't you be running? Believe me, being sucked into a rift is NOT a pleasant way to go.
Soldier: I'm not dying here! Ruuuun!
Soldiers: Everyone who wants to live, get the hell out of here NOW!
Logius: Stand your ground, cowards! That is an order!
Ilia: That's our cue. Let's bolt!
Meene: Did you know that would happen all along?
Ilia: I told you to trust me, didn't I? Now let's get moving!
Logius: THIS WILL NOT DO AT ALL!
Meene: Ilia! Behind you!
Ilia: Gah?! Let go of me, Logius, or we're BOTH gonna die here!
Logius: Then you will perish in fine company!
Ilia: Meene, get out of here! I'll be right behind—WAAAAAUGH!

Meene: Wait, Ilia! ILIAAAAAAAA!

Ilia: I can't believe stupid Logius dove headlong into an otherworld rift just so he could drag me along with him!
Ilia: Well, dying with him in a space-time hole is NOT high on my to-do list, so lemme just find a way to... Ah! There's the rift!
Logius: You're not going anywhere, girl!
Ilia: Knock it off, weirdo! If we don't get out of here soon, we'll get stuck in the space between worlds!
Logius: You have humiliated me at every turn, and I will bear it no longer!
Ilia: Ugh, he's not even listening. Looks like I don't have a choice...
Ilia: Don't blame me for this, rat fink! Blame your own dumb greed!
Logius: Gwaugh?!
Ilia: Good, the rift is still open. I just need a few more...
Ilia: No... NO! I was too late! Damn, damn, DAMN!
Ilia: ......
Ilia: Just existing in here puts a heavy burden on a body. The otherworld fragments I've got will buy me...maybe a few minutes?
Ilia: Poor Meene must be furious. All I ever did was worry her and make her depressed. And as a good buddy of mine likes to say, that won't do. No, it won't do at all...
Ilia: Huh? What's that light?
Voice: —a, can y—ear our voi—s?
Ilia: Wait... Dad? Mom?
Voice: —eloved daughter. This isn't how I hop— ould meet, but it's such a joy to see you.
Ilia: There's so much I want to ask you. SO much. So many things to talk about. Things I never got the chance to say.
Voice: We feel the same, but time is short. We'll have to settle for telling you the most important thing.
Ilia: What's that?
Voice: We researched other worlds since long before you were born in pursuit of a single dream.
Voice: That dream was corrupted along the way; taken by the military to be used in war. But even still, we had faith.
Ilia: In what?
Voice: In the endless possibilities the otherworld gate holds. Its power can make any dream come true, and produce things that we never dared imagine!
Voice: We didn't live to see that dream realized, but it needn't die with us...if you wish it.
Voice: There's so little we were able to leave you, but we still have faith that our dream can lead you to a happy future.
Ilia: How happy can it be if you aren't there? What kind of future is THAT?!
Voice: Reach out to the light, Daughter.
Ilia: This is...the omega key? The one Logius took?
Voice: Ilia, the omega key we designed holds boundless possibilities.
Voice: We believed in its potential—in the future it might bring. That's what drove all of our work, and it seems to have driven you, too.
Ilia: Me?
Voice: You are our greatest joy, and all we ask is that you find joy in turn.
Voice: We are a part of your future still. Just knowing we passed our curiosity and hope down to you is enough for us.
Ilia: But what if it's not enough for ME? Stay with me. Teach me. PLEASE!
Voice: You will understand in time. But for now, it's time to go. ...Use the key, Ilia.
Voice: A happy future is waiting for you on the other side.
Meene: —Ilia?!
Ilia: Meene? So I'm...outside the hideout? I made it back?
Meene: Oh, I'm SO glad you're alive!
Ilia: Yeah, I actually thought this might have been the end.
Meene: Well, now we've all learned our lessons and can put this otherworld business to rest for good and all!
Ilia: Actually, uh... I'm REALLY close to finishing this key for real.
Meene: You got sucked into a space-time hole and STILL haven't had enough?! Incorrigible! Also, you know the army will never let this go, correct?
Ilia: Oh yeah, good point. Maybe we should have this convo in a safer place.
Ilia: (I don't know if those voices were my real parents or a hallucination, but either way, my mind's made up.)
Ilia: (I'll keep doing my research to build a happy future, just like they did.)
Ilia: (Dad... Mom... Thank you. And goodbye.)

Soldier: Reporting in, sir! We searched the area thoroughly, but found no sign of Major Logius's remains.
Soldier: Our conclusion is that the witness reports from his men claiming he was pulled into an otherworld rift are accurate, sir.
Augus: An appropriate end for a greedy fool. ...Well? Anything else?
Soldier: We sighted a girl matching the description of the alchemist he was pursuing in a nearby city.
Soldier: According to the report given by Logius's men, she was supposed to have been swallowed up by the rift along with him.
Augus: So either your scouts are mistaken or she made it back alive. And if the latter is true, it means she has a working key.
Augus: Ha ha ha ha! Splendid! I knew I was right about that girl from the first!
Augus: Stop looking for Logius and inform the search party they are to bring me that alchemist immediately.
Soldier: Yes, sir!
Augus: Soon, Ilia... Soon you will be mine.

Mordecai: Do you think Saint Starfall will come visit me, Ilia?
Dragonyule Ilia: Who the heck is Saint Starfall?
Mordecai: I heard about him from the children in town. He brings presents on Dragonyule.
Mordecai: He wears all red, rides a sleigh pulled by reindeer, and passes out presents all night long.
Dragonyule Ilia: Oh yeah. That guy. I read something about him when I was researching Dragonyule.
Mordecai: He must be a fellow of true skill if he can leave presents by so many people's pillows in a single night!
Mordecai: So what do you think, Ilia? Will Saint Starfall visit me?
Dragonyule Ilia: Uh...well...maaaaaybe?
Dragonyule Ilia: (Oh geez, I actually have no idea. I mean, I haven't done THAT much research into the fellow.)
Dragonyule Ilia: (But I don't wanna give Mordecai some half-baked answer either.)
Priest: Gather 'round, children! Today we shall discuss both Dragonyule and Saint Starfall!
Children: YAAAAAY!
Dragonyule Ilia: Nice timing, church lady! We should lend an ear to this little chat, 'cause I bet the Church knows aaaaall about Saint Starfall.
Mordecai: Okay. I can't wait!

Priest: Saint Starfall follows the way of Elysium, who gave a present to the Goddess Ilia.
Priest: In other words, he only has gifts for little ones who are good in the Goddess's eyes.
Priest: Saint Starfall sees when you are good and when you are naughty, so let's all be good children every single day!
Children: Yaaaaay!
Ilia & Morecai: !

Mordecai: ......
Dragonyule Ilia: You okay, Mordecai? You don't look so hot.
Mordecai: I would never have thought Saint Starfall was imitating Elysium, of all things.
Mordecai: Also, I cannot imagine that Elysium would think to give you a present after what he did to you.
Dragonyule Ilia: Yeaaaah, I didn't hear anything like that from Meene or Midgardsormr either.
Mordecai: ...Which means there is no Saint Starfall.
Dragonyule Ilia: Huh?
Mordecai: If Elysium never gave you a present, then no one could have mimicked him.
Mordecai: Which means that Saint Starfall himself is all just a lie...
Dragonyule Ilia: Oh, Mordecai...
Mordecai: ......
Dragonyule Ilia: I think he's real.
Mordecai: But the story about Elysium was clearly invented out of whole cloth, no?
Dragonyule Ilia: I mean, it's PROBABLY not true, but I can't say it's definitely, for sure, one-hundred percent false. It all happened when I was a baby, you know?
Dragonyule Ilia: Besides, this Saint Starfall has solidified himself as a vital part in the lives of both the children and the Church.
Dragonyule Ilia: And that means he's got the kind of track record we can believe in.
Mordecai: Ah, I see! Because if the children never received presents, there's no way they would bother believing in him!
Mordecai: Yet the fact remains there are uncountable numbers of children who DO believe.
Dragonyule Ilia: Ergo, there are lots of people who got loot from the guy!
Dragonyule Ilia: And that's why I'm pretty certain he's gonna show up for you, Mordecai.
Dragonyule Ilia: You've just gotta be good and wait like that church lady said.
Mordecai: Got it! Oh, I can't wait to see what Saint Starfall's going to get me!
Dragonyule Ilia: (Ha! Look how excited he is. I just love how pure and innocent Mordecai can be.)
Dragonyule Ilia: (But since we can't be sure Saint Starfall is real, I'm gonna stack the deck a bit and just become him.)
Dragonyule Ilia: (First things first though: I gotta find the PERFECT present for Mordecai!)

Dragonyule Ilia: Oh man, I have NO idea what to do...
Dragonyule Ilia: (This is WAY beyond what I could've predicted. I mean, I wanted to get Mordecai whatever he asked for, but...)

Dragonyule Ilia: Hey, for no particular reason whatsoever, what kind of present were you gonna ask ol' Saint Starfall for?
Mordecai: Your happiness.
Dragonyule Ilia: Uh...sorry, what?
Mordecai: What I want is for you to be happy.
Dragonyule Ilia: Well, that's a super sweet thought, but I think Starfall is more about delivering tangible goods, ya know?
Dragonyule Ilia: And besides, how would you even know if he brought you my happiness or not?
Mordecai: Hmm. That's a fair point.
Dragonyule Ilia: So why don't you ask him for something you could buy at a store, maybe?
Mordecai: Hmm, yes. In that case...
Dragonyule Ilia: (NOW I'll get something to work with!)
Mordecai: I want a present that will make you happy!
Dragonyule Ilia: (Shoulda seen that one coming...)

Dragonyule Ilia: I never did get an answer on what would make HIM happy. I really should've taught him to be a bit more selfish sometimes...
Dragonyule Ilia: (I mean, grateful he feels this way, but there's no point to me doing this if it doesn't make him happy, so... Hmm?)
Dragonyule Ilia: A pendant with a feather motif? Say, that reminds me...

Mordecai: Birds fly in the sky like faeries?
Dragonyule Ilia: That's right. They have wings just like faeries that let them fly.
Mordecai: That must be nice.

Dragonyule Ilia: Oh yeah, this could DEFINITELY work.
Ilia & Nino: I'll take this! Huh?!
Dragonyule Ilia: Oh, I'm sorry!
Nino: No, it's my fault.
Dragonyule Ilia: You went for it first. You should have it.
Nino: No, please. You were before me.
Nino: Besides, I don't even think he'd like receiving an accessory...
Dragonyule Ilia: Looking for a Dragonyule present?
Nino: Yeah.
Dragonyule Ilia: Hey, me too! Maybe you can give me some advice on the subject.
Dragonyule Ilia: I wanna buy a present, but I don't even know where to start.
Nino: Probably want to ask someone else; this is my first time picking out a gift for someone.
Nino: And I have zero idea what's gonna make him happy.
Nino: But when I just flat-out asked what he wanted, he came back with abstract answers like "peace and safety for the people."
Dragonyule Ilia: Oh, I very much know how that feels.
Nino: You do?
Dragonyule Ilia: Absolutely. The guy I'm buying a present for couldn't give a straight answer on the subject if I held a dagger to his throat.
Nino: I had no idea surprising someone would be so difficult.
Dragonyule Ilia: Well, since neither of us have a clue as to what we're doing, why don't we figure something out together?
Dragonyule Ilia: Two heads are better than one, after all!
Nino: Sounds good to me.

Dragonyule Ilia: ...Oh man. So you're trying to buy a present for a Paladyn?
Nino: A very serious and stubborn Paladyn who desires for absolutely nothing.
Dragonyule Ilia: Yikes. No wonder you're having trouble finding a gift.
Nino: What kind of person are you buying for?
Dragonyule Ilia: He's kind and pure-hearted and... Well, I guess you'd say he cares about his mom? Kinda embarrassing for me to say that, but it's the truth.
Nino: You have a child? But you're so young!
Dragonyule Ilia: Well, he's not REALLY my kid, but we have a similar sort of relationship.
Nino: The outside world has so many kinds of people...
Dragonyule Ilia: The outside world?
Nino: Oh, just talking to mysel—GYA!
Man: Oy! Watch where yer goin', lass!
Dragonyule Ilia: From where I'm standing, bub, you're the one who ran into her.
Man: Don't blame me, lady—and getch'r damn hands off'a me already, yeah?!
Dragonyule Ilia: I'll let you go as soon as you give this nice lady her wallet back.
Nino: Huh? Hey! My wallet!
Man: Let go'a me!
Dragonyule Ilia: Like hell you're getting away!

Man: Heh heh! That oughta shake her. Now lessee how much is in—
Dragonyule Ilia: Gotcha!
Man: Cor blimey!

Man: *gasp* *wheeze* Finally...lost her... But what the hell was that board thing?
Dragonyule Ilia: You ain't lost nothin'! Haaaaah!
Man: AAAAUGH!
Dragonyule Ilia: And that's one wallet retrieved! Looks like everything's still in there too.
Dragonyule Ilia: Don't EVER do something like this again, or I'll kick your butt six ways from Sunday.
Man: Dammit! I'll getcha for this!
Dragonyule Ilia: What did I JUST say, huh? *sigh* Maybe I should've handed him over to the authorities and been done with it.
Nino: *pant* *wheeze* I'm...I'm here...!
Dragonyule Ilia: Sorry to leave you in the dust like that, but I've got your wallet, er...
Nino: Oh yeah, we didn't exchange names, huh? Well, I'm Nino—thanks for the help.
Nino: So what's your name?
Dragonyule Ilia: My name? My naaaaame...
 ???: Ilia!
Nino: ...Ilia?
Dragonyule Ilia: Shhh! I told you not to scream my name in public like that!
Mordecai: Terrible news, Ilia! The children have all been kidnapped by Saint Starfall!
Dragonyule Ilia: ...What?
Mordecai: A good number of children went missing last night and in the early hours.
Mordecai: People said they saw a man dressed in red riding on a sleigh along with all the children outside the town...
Dragonyule Ilia: Red clothes and a sled? Yeah, that'd be Saint Starfall, all right.
Mordecai: The true Saint Starfall would never do something like this. We must save those children from that impostor at once!
Dragonyule Ilia: Sorry, Nino, but I think our little shopping trip will need to take a back seat.
Dragonyule Ilia: I hope you find a good present for that Paladyn. Oh, and maybe get back to the inn early tonight—weird people are clearly about.
Nino: Wait!
Nino: She has the same name as my ancestor...

Dragonyule Ilia: You said that kidnapper-type was seen over here, Mordecai?
Mordecai: That's what I heard, but I fear the snow has covered up any possible clues.
Dragonyule Ilia: And now it's dark. Dammit, if we don't find those kids soon, there's no telling what might happen to them...
Mordecai: Ilia! I hear footsteps!
Dragonyule Ilia: Might be the kidnapper. C'mon!

Pickpocket: Damn that girl! I got squat today cause'a her, so I gotta find me some scratch!
Dragonyule Ilia: That's the pickpocket from earlier.
Mordecai: He's clearly up to something.
Dragonyule Ilia: Well, he certainly didn't get my message last time, because now he's trying to break into that store!
Mordecai: What are you going to do, Ilia?
Dragonyule Ilia: I know we're supposed to be finding clues about the kidnapper, but this guy is REALLY torquing my chain...
Dragonyule Ilia: We can't just ignore something bad happening right in front of us! C'mon!

ickpocket: Crikey, but feedin' all'a them snatched rug rats costs a pretty penny, and no mistake.
Dragonyule Ilia: HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, BUSTER! JUST WHAT DID YOU MEAN BY THAT?!
Pickpocket: Aw, crap! It's that lady what chased me all over hell'n breakfast earlier! Lemme go, ya daft chickadee!
Dragonyule Ilia: Mordecai? Some help, please.
Mordecai: Of course.
Pickpocket: Lemme go... LEMME GO!
Dragonyule Ilia: You might as well stop struggling. You're not going anywhere.
Dragonyule Ilia: Now then, what was that little aside you just had about "feeding rug rats?"
Pickpocket: I ain't talkin'!
Dragonyule Ilia: You sure? 'Cause you can either talk to me, or I can drag you over to the local guard and tell them all about your little crime spree.
Dragonyule Ilia: I'm pretty sure THEIR investigations are much more harsh than mine. Who knows when you'll ever see the outside again after they lock you up?
Pickpocket: I'll talk! I'LL TAAAALK!
Pickpocket: I was just tryin' to get money what so we could feed all them kids we snatched up!
Dragonyule Ilia: So you're stealing money in order to feed stolen kids?
Pickpocket: Oy, them kids are precious bargaining chips! Can't have 'em keelin' over on us, now can we?
Mordecai: What kind of "bargaining chips"?
Pickpocket: We're holdin' all of 'em for ransom, yeah? Their parents are all rich as anything, so once they find their wee darlings are gone, they'll pay through the nose!
Pickpocket: Kya ha ha! Easiest plan ever, actually. Them kids'll follow Saint Starfall anywhere durin' Dragonyule, so they will!
Pickpocket: Been doin' it for years now, we have, and it's always a right trig business.
Dragonyule Ilia: Committing crimes on top of crimes is too risky to be a smart business, if you ask me.
Pickpocket: Ain't ya never heard'a high risk'n high reward, girlie? We pull this off one day a year and it feeds us the other 364!
Mordecai: Until you are captured in the act as you now have been.
Pickpocket: Aw, dry bones to ya both! I done went and spilled me guts, so ya gotta let me go. That was the deal!
Dragonyule Ilia: That was most specifically NOT the deal. Now show me where your hideout is.

Pickpocket: ...There it is, ya stubborn arse. That's where all'a them kids be.
Dragonyule Ilia: Thanks for the help. Now get some sleep.
Pickpocket: Buh? WAAAAUGH!
Dragonyule Ilia: How's it sound in there, Mordecai?
Mordecai: I can hear the children's voices, as well as that of an adult man.
Dragonyule Ilia: In that case, all that's left is to launch our surprise atta—
Kidnapper: Damn Ben always takes ages to get baaaa... Huh? Who the hell are you?!
Dragonyule Ilia: Right! Plan B: Charge in fists swinging!

Kidnapping Leader: Intruders! Seize them!
Dragonyule Ilia: Mordecai, you take care of the kids while I sort these jokers out!
Mordecai: At once!
Kidnapping Leader: Don't let the children escape!
Kidnappers: Yes, sir!
Dragonyule Ilia: You're not getting past me!
Dragonyule Ilia: HAAAAAH!
Kidnapper: You impetuous little—AAAAAUGH!
Dragonyule Ilia: I don't think you've got the skills to talk and fight at the same time!
Kidnapping Leader: Enough of this! Grab the children! Use them as shields!
Mordecai: I won't let you touch them.
Kidnapping Leader: Move, damn you!
Kidnapping Leader: How long can you withstand our attacks and protect those children, eh?
Mordecai: Nnngh...
Kidnapping Leader: Enough of this! Hand the children over, and you may walk out with your lives!
Dragonyule Ilia: Not happening!
Kidnapping Leader: Tch! What the hell are those worthless subordinates of mine doing?!
Dragonyule Ilia: Sorry, buddy, but they're in dreamland. It's just you against me now.
Kidnapping Leader: You smart-mouthed little...
Dragonyule Ilia: Heh!
Kidnapping Leader: You can't dodge me in midair, fool!
Dragonyule Ilia: Ack!
Kidnapping Leader: NOW DIE!
Dragonyule Ilia: Not today, pal!
Kidnapping Leader: She used the blast to right herself? What IS that weapon?!
Dragonyule Ilia: Mana output at maximum. Going in full throttle!
Kidnapping Leader: No! Stay back!
Dragonyule Ilia: TIME TO CHILL OUT, DUDE!
Kidnapping Leader: NOOOOOO!

Mordecai: Ilia! Are you okay?!
Dragonyule Ilia: Yeah, I'm good. What about the kids?
Mordecai: All well, although quite frightened.
Dragonyule Ilia: No surprise there... Don't worry, kiddos! We're gonna get you home.
 ???: No...
Dragonyule Ilia: Huh?
Kidnapping Leader: I WON'T LET IT END HERE!
Dragonyule Ilia: (Shoot! I was too slow! He's gonna—!)

???: ILIA!

???: Ilia!
Dragonyule Ilia: I know that voice...
Dragonyule Ilia: It's Nino!
Nino: Haaaah!
Kidnapping Leader: Gyaaargh!
Nino: Phew! That was a close one. Are you all right, Ilia?
Dragonyule Ilia: Yeah, thanks to you. But what are you even DOING here?
Nino: I kept thinking about you. Going after kidnappers is dangerous work and all.
Dragonyule Ilia: You were...worried about me?
Nino: Yeah, basically... I'd been looking around for you, and then what do I see when I finally find you? You in big trouble!
Dragonyule Ilia: Heh. Sorry to worry you.
Mordecai: Oh, she's the one from back in town... Is she a friend of yours, Ilia?
Dragonyule Ilia: Yep. Her name's Nino. Nino, this is Mordecai. He's my...my family.
Mordecai: Thank you for saving Ilia. Also, your wing is beautiful.
Nino: My what?
Dragonyule Ilia: Yeah, what's up with that, anyway?
Nino: Ack! I didn't mean to leave it out! So that's...um... Geez, how to explain?
Nino: I was just so desperate to help my friend that I...
Dragonyule Ilia: Hey, that's explanation enough for me. Thanks for the assist, Nino.
Nino: Ilia...
Dragonyule Ilia: Welp, thanks to Nino, we managed to defeat all those lousy kidnappers.
Dragonyule Ilia: Now you kids really ARE safe, so let's go home for real.
Girl: WAAAAAAAAAAH!
Children: WAAAAAAAAAAH!
Mordecai: Why are they crying, Ilia? Aren't they safe?
Dragonyule Ilia: They were probably too scared to cry until just now.
Dragonyule Ilia: Don't worry, kiddos. Those bad guys won't ever bother you again.
Boy: *sniff* But...Saint Starfall...
Dragonyule Ilia: What about Saint Starfall?
Boy: *sniff* There's no Saint Starfall, is there?
Girl: He brought us here...
Girl: But then he turned into a scary man!
Boy: And when we asked where he went, the scary man said he was all made up.
Boy: I was trying to be good for him, but...
Girl: They said everyone was lying about Saint Starfall giving us presents! WAAAAAAH!
Nino: Kidnapping is bad enough, but did they have to crush their dreams while they were at it?
Mordecai: Easy, children. The Saint Starfall you saw in this place was false.
Boy: No! You're a liar like all the other grown-ups!
Girl: Yeah, you can't fool us again! There's no Saint Starfall!
Dragonyule Ilia: OH YES THERE IS!
Children: ?!
Mordecai: Er, Ilia?
Dragonyule Ilia: There IS a Saint Starfall, and he's gonna KEEP bringing presents to all the good children like he always has!
Boy: Liar! You're a big, fat, smelly liar!
Dragonyule Ilia: Okay, that seems unnecessary. Also, how about you wait until tomorrow morning before calling me a liar?
Girl: ...But why?
Dragonyule Ilia: Remember how the lady at the Church said Saint Starfall sees when you're good?
Dragonyule Ilia: All of you are good kids who didn't let the bad men scare you at all.
Dragonyule Ilia: Saint Starfall will remember that.
Children: ......
Boy: Are you sure?
Girl: Will he really come?
Dragonyule Ilia: You bet your bunions he will! Now go home and get some rest already.
Dragonyule Ilia: Mordecai, can you take these kids home?
Mordecai: Of course. But what about you?
Dragonyule Ilia: I've got something I have to take care of. I'll meet you back at the inn once I've got it all sorted out.

Nino: Are you sure everything will be all right?
Dragonyule Ilia: Whatcha mean?
Nino: You told those kids Saint Starfall was real. Heck, you practically had ME believing it.
Dragonyule Ilia: Oh, that? Yeah, that's not a problem. I'm just gonna be Saint Starfall myself.
Nino: What? How?
Dragonyule Ilia: Should be obvious enough—I'm gonna throw some presents together and then hand-deliver 'em to their houses.
Nino: But it's already dark, and most of the shops are closed.
Dragonyule Ilia: Then we just have to find some that stay open late or beg the others to reopen.
Nino: Why would you go so far for a pack of children you don't even know?
Dragonyule Ilia: Because there's nothing worse than denying a kid's possibilities.
Dragonyule Ilia: Nothing good comes from crushing dreams—you gotta grow those puppies!
Dragonyule Ilia: And as an alchemist, I'm going to keep showing everyone new possibilities.
Dragonyule Ilia: Because that's going to lead to a better future.
Nino: ......
Dragonyule Ilia: It's the same thing with Saint Starfall.
Dragonyule Ilia: Telling them that Saint Starfall MIGHT exist will make their tomorrow so much more fun than just admitting he doesn't.
Dragonyule Ilia: Us adults shouldn't deny them that. We shouldn't rob them of their choices.
Nino: !

Tobias: So it sounds like you DO have a choice. And all of them are equally valid.

Nino: I think I understand.
Nino: Please allow me to help, Ilia. I would also like to become Saint Starfall.
Dragonyule Ilia: Oh man, that'd be GREAT! This'll be so much easier with you helping out!
Dragonyule Ilia: Now let's go prove that Saint Starfall's real!

Nino: Gya?!
Dragonyule Ilia: Nice one, Nino! You're a natural!
Nino: You think so? I've never seen anything like this thing of yours that uses mana to slide along the snow.
Dragonyule Ilia: It's called a snowboard. Pretty slick invention, if I do say so myself.
Nino: Wait. You INVENTED this?
Dragonyule Ilia: Sure did.
Nino: It's amazing you could whip something like this up out of materials we found at the kidnappers' hideout.
Dragonyule Ilia: And now that I've made it once, I can crank these babies out by the ton!
Nino: That's so impressive.
Dragonyule Ilia: Well, we've got the presents in order. All that's left is to make our deliveries!
Nino: When we had to go to a big town to get the presents, I was worried we might not make it—but I think we're gonna pull it off thanks to these snowboards!
Dragonyule Ilia: I couldn't do it without you helping me out, so seriously, thank—BLARGH!
Nino: Ilia?!
Dragonyule Ilia: Ow! Ow, ow, ow...
Nino: Are you okay?
Dragonyule Ilia: I'm fine, but why the heck did it just break like that? I don't... Oh!

Dragonyule Ilia: Ack!

Dragonyule Ilia: That must have weakened it.
Nino: I'm glad you're unharmed, but your snowboard...
Dragonyule Ilia: Yeah, it's kaput, all right.
Nino: Can you fix it?
Dragonyule Ilia: Not likely. I saw a bunch of parts go flying when I wiped out, and finding them here would be a pretty big ask.
Dragonyule Ilia: (And I highly doubt there's anything we can substitute for those parts just hanging around nearby...)
Dragonyule Ilia: (Maybe I should just have Nino deliver the presents without me?)
Dragonyule Ilia: (No, that won't work. We'll only finish in time if we're both on snowboards.)
Dragonyule Ilia: (Think, lady! Think! There's gotta be something to get us outta this mess!)
Nino: Ilia, you should use my board.
Dragonyule Ilia: I appreciate the sentiment, but we can't deliver all of these with just one of us.
Nino: I know. That's why I want you to use it.
Nino: See, 'cause...I have a wing.
Dragonyule Ilia: Whoa! Hang on, are you sure?
Dragonyule Ilia: You looked pretty shaken when it came up earlier, so I figured you didn't want anyone to see it.
Nino: I'd be lying if I said I wasn't afraid of people seeing it...
Nino: But I can't ignore a friend in need, and I won't use that as an excuse to do so.
Dragonyule Ilia: Aw, Nino!
Nino: With my wing out, I can match your speed on your snowboard. Now let's quit talking and just do this already!
Dragonyule Ilia: Right. Let's get this show on the road!

Boy: Saint Starfall came!
Girl: He came to my house too! He really WAS watching over us this whole time!
Mordecai: Look! Saint Starfall came for me as well!
Dragonyule Ilia: That's great, Mordecai!
Mordecai: Saint Starfall's real! He's really real!
Boy: Hey, you're that nice man from yesterday!
Girl: Did Saint Starfall come to your house too, mister?
Mordecai: He certainly did—and he left this by my pillow!
Girl: Ooo! What a pretty little bird!
Boy: Hey, we should all show off our presents!
Nino: Well, the kids certainly seem fond of him. That's the one you were buying a present for, right?
Dragonyule Ilia: Sure is—and I was pretty worried about what to get him too.
Dragonyule Ilia: But turns out he's just thrilled to get a present in the first place. It's a real weight off my shoulders, lemme tell you.
Nino: And mine as well. Thanks to this, I feel confident I can give my present too.
Dragonyule Ilia: Did you finally manage to find something for that picky Paladyn of yours?
Nino: I did indeed. He told me he likes to read, so I got him an embroidered bookmark.
Dragonyule Ilia: Oh, that's a GREAT gift! Those reader-types can never have enough bookmarks.
Nino: Thank you. ...Say, Ilia?
Dragonyule Ilia: What's up?
Nino: Are you not going to ask about my wing? Don't you think it's odd that a human would have one?
Dragonyule Ilia: Hey, it's not like a wing or three is gonna change how we feel about each other.
Dragonyule Ilia: And I'd never force a friend to talk about something they're uncomfortable with.
Dragonyule Ilia: Besides...
Nino: Yes?
Dragonyule Ilia: You haven't asked about my name either!
Dragonyule Ilia: It gets complicated having the same name as the Goddess, so I try to keep it on the down-low as much as I can.
Nino: I completely understand that feeling.
Dragonyule Ilia: Heh. This is just like when we first met.
Dragonyule Ilia: Back then, we were both worried about what presents to get, and now we're trying to hold on to our secrets!
Nino: We really are alike!
Dragonyule Ilia: Ha! Yeah, we sure are.
Nino: And while there are so many things I'd like to talk to you about...I should go.
Dragonyule Ilia: Got a final present to deliver, eh?
Nino: After all the effort I went to picking it out, it would be a shame not to deliver it.
Nino: Can we see each other again, Ilia?
Dragonyule Ilia: The Goddess will make sure of it.
Nino: Well then, have a merry Dragonyule.
Dragonyule Ilia: I know we'll see each other again. After all, she brought us together.
Dragonyule Ilia: (Nino is your descendant, right, Meene?)
Dragonyule Ilia: (That beautiful wing was just like yours. It really brought me back...)
Mordecai: Hello, Ilia. Where's Nino?
Dragonyule Ilia: Oh, she's already gone on her way.
Mordecai: Aw. I wanted to show her my present.
Mordecai: Did Saint Starfall visit you, Ilia?
Dragonyule Ilia: He sure did—and he came with the best present in the world.
Dragonyule Ilia: (To think she'd send me a friend a thousand years in the future... Heh. That really is just like Meene.)
Dragonyule Ilia: Thank you, my Saint Starfall.