A Void at All Costs script
|
|
Alpha
|
Kw...kwibbit?
|
|
Nero
|
So that was Halicarnassus. I must congratulate Omega on her appearance. She looked exactly as I imagined her.
|
Nero
|
Though, if I were to pick fault, it did take certain liberties with her character. The queen of the tale was rather more restrained.
|
Garlondgatekeeper
|
Good evening/morrow/day/evening to you, madam/sir. Will you be descending into the Yawn?
|
|
Cid
|
The next battle is with Subject Delta IV─this test world's final resident.
|
Nero
|
From what I have been able to gather, your opponent is, and I quote, “a great tree born of an agglomeration of evil will, which assumes the form of a dark mage.” All of which I suggest you ignore.
|
Nero
|
His name is Exdeath, and he plays the role of chief antagonist in another ancient tale.
|
Nero
|
Though I was unable to glean the specifics of his abilities, he appears to command the power of the void─as indeed the story states.
|
Nero
|
When I first encountered the work, I naturally assumed said power to be a metaphor of sorts. But I am quite sure Omega will have interpreted it as something more tangible.
|
Nero
|
Alas, no amount of analysis can tell us what may happen when Exdeath calls upon the power of the void. Which is to say: beware.
|
Cid
|
Tell me something, Nero. What happens at the end of the tale?
|
Nero
|
Why, good triumphs over evil and the heroes defeat Exdeath, of course. What did you expect?
|
Cid
|
I expected exactly that, which is precisely what troubled me earlier. If the heroes won, why did Omega not make them its test subjects?
|
Cid
|
If it seeks to determine the strongest being, why would it bother with those who were defeated?
|
Cid
|
One moment─linkpearl. ...Ah, Biggs. At the control room, are you? What news?
|
Cid
|
...I see. Very well. I'll tell the others. You two take care over there.
|
Cid
|
Sorry for the interruption. That was Biggs.
|
Cid
|
He reports that the stasis system shows every sign of being engaged, despite the fact that it clearly isn't.
|
Cid
|
It can only be a malfunction. While we were able to turn it off, it would seem the reverse is not possible.
|
Nero
|
The system may have taken damage during the Calamity. Does it look like it can be repaired?
|
Cid
|
Hard to say. They tell me it seems complex even by Allagan standards. While they may be able to fix it, there's no telling how long it might take.
|
Nero
|
Well then, we must keep on fighting the good fight here, must we not?
|
Cid
|
Nero has the right of it. At this time, focusing on Exdeath would seem to be our only recourse.
|
Nero
|
The chocobo certainly has no objections. Come then, I would see you follow in the footsteps of the heroes of the tale!
|
Cid
|
The void... 'Tis not unlike the nothingness that Emperor Xande sought in the Crystal Tower.
|
Cid
|
To desire nothingness is to deny life, yet life seeks to endure─to perpetuate itself. It is the nature of all creation. Be it reality or fantasy, man shall ever fight to survive.
|
Cid
|
Biggs and Wedge had a further message for you. They said they were sorry they couldn't resolve things at their end, and wished you luck in the coming battle. I do too, old friend─unless I'm mistaken, this is like to be the toughest test yet.
|
|
Nero
|
According to the tale, when the power of the void is finally unleashed, the laws of the universe will give way to chaos. I for one am eager to find out what that looks like.
|
|
Alpha
|
Kweh, kweh! Kweeeh!
|
|
Alpha
|
Kweh, kweh! Kweeeh!
|
|
Cid
|
[Player Name]! Thank the gods you're safe! When the shell around this place began to crack, we feared the worst!
|
Nero
|
Hmmm... Given that all of us are present and corporeal, does this mean this area is no longer the Deltascape?
|
Omega
|
<beep> Deltascape shutdown complete. Alpha group is victorious. Congratulations.
|
Omega
|
Your combat record has been archived for future matchmaking.
|
Omega
|
Results from other test worlds are still pending. In the meantime, please tend to your hurts and await further instructions. <blip>
|
Cid
|
And with that, we've taken a significant step towards solving the mystery that is Omega. It hasn't been easy, but all in all, I'd say things were proceeding rather smoothly.
|
Cid
|
We couldn't have done it without you, old friend. Come, let us return to reality and enjoy what rest we can.
|
Nero
|
Things are proceeding smoothly indeed. Too smoothly...
|
Midgardsormr
|
'Tis well that thou harborest doubts, mortal, but they are misplaced.
|
Midgardsormr
|
Omega could have conducted its tests in complete secrecy, unbeknown to all.
|
Midgardsormr
|
Yet not only did it betray its presence to you; it allowed you to come this far.
|
Midgardsormr
|
Alpha. What art thou, truly?
|
Midgardsormr
|
The instrument of the mortals' triumph? Or the bait that lureth them unto the abyss?
|
Midgardsormr
|
Hm. Thou knowest not thine own purpose. Then we can but watch and wait.
|
Omega
|
<blip> Outcome unexpected. Projections gave Delta subjects the upper hand.
|
Omega
|
Outcome supports hypothesis. As previously observed, certain beings may unleash hidden potential when subjected to stress.
|
Omega
|
Initiating new test: subject Alpha group members to severe stress. Searching database for suitable event...
|
Omega
|
<bloop> Event found: the death of a comrade.
|
|
Alpha
|
Kweh!
|
|
Nero
|
For all Garlond's whining, I was cooperative and helpful, was I not? I look forward to many more such forays together, hero.
|
|
Garlondgatekeeper
|
Good to have you back, madam/sir! Worry not─I shall see to it that no one falls in.
|
|
Cid
|
Ahhh, it feels good to be back on solid ground. Thank you again, old friend.
|
Cid
|
You did well too, Alpha, fearlessly going into battle whenever you were called upon. We're glad to have you with us. Speaking of which, are you...comfortable joining us out here?
|
Cid
|
I'll take that as a yes. Well then, at the risk of obeying Omega's orders, I suggest we permit ourselves a moment's respite─ Ah. But mayhap I should take this opportunity to compile the results of our investigation thus far. No rest for the righteous...
|
Quest complete.
|