In Termina...

Board the boat?

>OK, let's go!
Wait a minute

In Marbule(Hw)...

The Great Explorer Toma:Hmm? Hey, what's up, guys!? Did you come here just to see the great explorer? Just kidding! Hah-hah! Hah haha ha ha...! Yeah? What's up?

>Ask about this village

The Great Explorer Toma:Marbule used to belong to the demi-humans at one point. Demi-humans were originally located up in the northern region, but after Porre's colonization, they were forced out of the mainland and ended up here. But their bad luck continued. Marbule, with its rich Element resources, became the target of Element hunters. With nowhere else to go, most of the demi-humans left the village to work on the Cruise Ship - S.S. Zelbess -. They work as laborers and are treated like dirt. I feel really bad for them. Anyway, that's why you have this ghost town here. The rooms are still furnished, so feel free to spend the night if you're tired. Use the hut right by the entrance.

>Ask about the Dead Sea

The Great Explorer Toma:The Dead Sea!? Nobody would dare approach that place! I don't know the details, but I've heard that the place is cursed by the most hideous dragon! Everyone's afraid of defying this Dragon God, but being the great explorer that I am, I plan to make an expedition there someday. Oh? So you wanna know how to get inside the Dead Sea? Rumor has it, there's only one way... "Death's Door"... The entrance is out there, somewhere... Unfortunately, even I don't know where this door is. Hmmm... Let's see... Who might know...? Oh yeah! Why not ask the sage aboard the Cruise Ship - S.S. Zelbess -?

>Ask about these monsters

The Great Explorer Toma: Oh, these creepy monsters? I'm not too sure, but I believe they've been here a long time. You can see them, but they have no substance. You can't touch them, nor can they touch you. So there's no way to communicate. I think people call them "The Black Nightmare." I guess they're like a bad dream. Maybe a song would wake them up? Hah-ha... Just kidding... Anyway, there's nothing we can do about 'em. Don't worry about it.

In the room of entrance...

Would you like to rest?

>Yes
No

You hear voices outside..

>Check it out
Go back to sleep

The Great Explorer Toma: What are you doing up at this hour? A mermaid? A homecoming, maybe? Oh.. You say she was crying? Hmmm... A mermaid returns in the middle of the night, crying... Actually, it could possibly be that mermaid who lost her singing voice... Mermaids are known to have a beautiful voice and sing about love and happiness. But mermaids are forbidden to sing songs about holding grudges against humans. If a mermaid breaks the taboo, she will lost her singing voice. I don't blame her though, for all that's been happening in this day and age...

The Great Explorer Toma:You're heading to the Zelbess tomorrow, right? You should get some sleep. Oh, and don't forget to give your regards to Captain Fargo when you get there. He can be devious, so keep an eye on him.

???:The Cruise Ship - S.S. Zelbess -? Fargo...

Another Morning...

???:Excuse me, son of man.

Irenes:Will you be boarding the Zelbess? Take me with you. Let us go.

Harle:...... W-What'z zat...?

In Isle of Earth Dragon...

Man:Hey, guys! That's quicksand over there! Step in there and you'll never see the light of day again!

Jump in quicksand...

Man:What are they, crazy!? I warned them, too! Dammit.. Damn amateurs...!

Inside... A monster blocks the road...

Radius:What is this thing? We can't get through with this in the way.

Harle:Can't we just push zis t'ing out of ze way?

Radius:The thing won't budge. I don't think the 3 of us can move it, either.

Harle:We should probably head back up for now. Zere'z no use staying here.

Go down into the sand boil?
>Yes
No

Go outside...

Captain:Are you guys alright!? I thought you were goners for sure! So the quicksand is the entrance, and the sand boil is the exit... Now why couldn't I figure that out? So there was something blocking a pathway, you say? OK, let us take care of it. It may take some time, though. Let's see, now.. I need to assign some men to investigate and prepare explosives to move that rock... Would you mind coming back in a little while? We have some preparations to do. But thanks a lot for your help.

In S.S. Zelbess...

Fargo:It's been quite some time, Irenes... You're grown up...

Irenes:Fargo... You have not changed at all... You are still here drowning in memories of the past...

Fargo:What do you know...!? I lost everything when I lost Zelbess...

Irenes:Dat ist untrue... My sister left hope... A treasure dat may one day bring humans and demi-humans together...

Fargo:You mean Nikki...?

Irenes:Ja... And his sister... Marcy.

Fargo:......!? That child died with Zelbess when Luccia...

Irenes:You do not know anything do you...? Or you refuse to know.You only remember the past which ist favorable for you. Luccia tried to save my sister Zelbess... But she was only able to save the baby... Marcy... Luccia felt responsible and has supported Marcy from a distance throughtout her life. Look at you now... Where ist the old you, who had the passion and desire to build a new world with my sister?

Fargo:I told you... The old me is dead...! Now what do you want!? I don't need to be lectured by you!

Irenes:...... Understood. Let me get to the point. You have taken away the "song" of the demi-humans. In otter words, we would like to free the sage...

Fargo:I see... But why? You know that song, too, don't you?

Irenes:Do not feign ignorance, Fargo. You should know better... Only when the song is sung by one with special power can the effects be brought into full play. My sister, Zelbess, ist dead, and you been taken away the sage. Marbule no longer hast its true power without dat song... Marbule is now a nesting ground for evil dream spirits...

Fargo:Interesting... But so what? I don't want outsiders in Marbule... That suits me just fine.

Irenes:How much longer are you going to be stubborn? The Marbule you once knew ist no longer there...! You will only find a nightmare. Open your eyes to reality...

Fargo: I'm not releasing the sage, no matter what you say.

Irenes:...... Fine... I will not beseech you. I will not give up on the restoration of Marbule. I will continue to strive to make my sister's dream come true...

Irenes leaves....

Fargo:.....

To Lynx...

Fargo:Hey, you're a new face! Relax and stay awhile. This ship belongs to me, myself, and I. I want everyone to enjoy themselves, courtesy of me! Stay as long as you like.

B2... In a room...

Old Man:Excuse me, but I need to get to work ... Please let me through.

>Let him through
Ask about the Marbule sage

Outside...

Old Man:I have to mop the floors. Let me through.

Man1:Alright, go. Don't slack off! (to Lynx) That old man used to be the leader of Marbule. But now he's down in the dumps, moppin' the floors of the Zelbess. Through this door is the "Grand Slam," a world where the weak are victims of the strong! Power is justice! Just what the captain preaches! Anyway, I'll let you through if you get the captain's permission!

Captain's room...

Harle:We'd like to get t'rough to ze Grand Slam...

Fargo:Oh? The Grand Slam, eh...? So you're out for blood... Tell me, where did you folks come from?

Harle:Marbule.

Fargo:What...? Marbule...? What are you doing here, anyway?

Harle:We're looking for ze sage of Marbule.

Fargo:Well, well, well... I'm sorry, but there's no one of that sort aboard the Zelbess. Plus, I don't want strangers ruining my fun on my ship. Sorry... I can't grant you access.

Fargo:But that wouldn't be fun now, would it? The foundation of the Zelbess is entertainment. What do you say you try your luck?

Harle:Try our luck...?

Fargo:That's right. There's a casino down below.If you win, I'll give you access to the Grand Slam. But if you lose, how about you give me your boat docked by the entrance? Well, what do you say?

>Let's do it!
No, thanks

Fargo:Good. That's the spirit! I'll meet you down at the casino! Don't chicken out now... Hah hahahaha!

In Casino...

Sneff:Noooooo...! Not again...!!!

Fargo:Give it up, old man Sneff. You don't have what it takes. Just keep doing your shows, that's all.

Sneff:Nuff...!!! One of these days, I'm gonna slap your dirty fface wiff a wad of cash and get the hell offa this ship!

Sneff leaves...

Fargo:Well, well, well... Look who's here. That old man has built up quite a debt from this casino. So now, I own him. I suggest you don't let the same happen to you!

Fargo:Excuse me, everyone... May I have your attention please... I need to have a private game with these folks. Would you mind leaving us alone for a while? I'll clear any debts you may have.

Man2:Are you serious, Captain?

Fargo:Did I stutter?

Man2:Alright!

Man3:The captain is G-O-O-D! Better watch it!

Man4:Take it easy on 'em, captain.

Fargo:Hah hahahahah! Thanks everyone. I'll be done soon. OK then , let's begin.

Waiter:The usual, Captain?

Fargo:Yes, "Sudden Death." The rules are simple. Press the button after the dealer spins the compass. We'll alternate turns. The pointer will stop on north, east, south or west. Should the point stop on south, where it stands now, you lose. Simple game, isn't it? Just don't make the pointer stop on south. It's a game of luck rather than skill. OK then, I'll go first...

Lose...

Fargo: Hah hahahah! You've got a ways to go before you can beat me!!! Well then, it looks like you owe me your boat. Don't hold a grudge. I won that game fair and square. I guess that means you'll have to swim back! Hah hahahaha!

In inn...

Waiter:Ohhh... Sorry about that! ... Didn't realize I had a customer. Please do excuse me, hehe... So, what can I do for you?

A cat go upstair...

Waiter:HEY! Don't go up there!!!

Radius: Right above this inn is...

Harle:Ze casino where we played Fargo...

Radius:Something's fishy... If only we could move around freely, like that cat...

A rest...

In a room...

Sneff:Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Sneff's ffantastic magic show!!! Is there anyone in the audience who would like to volunteer ffor this next trick? Would you like to volunteer?

>Sure
No, thanks

Sneff:Excellent! Please step up to the stage. Are you ready!?

The party turn into cats... leave...

Cat1:Oh, you're a new feline face, meow. You've got manners to be paying your respects to me, meow. I like you, meow. Stay as long as you like, meow. This ship belongs to me, myself, and I, meow. Let me give you a welcome present, meow.

Serge received the "Monster Mouth" frame!

Cat1:Use it at you leisure, meow.

In inn...

Cat2: He always yells at me when I try to go up there, meow... Sometimes, my master doesn't come down for a long time, meow. I wonder what's going on up there, meow...

Go up...

Waiter:Hehehe... Pop's at it again...

Casino...

Sneff:Noooooo! Why me!? This happens to me every time I start winning big!!!

Fargo:Hah hahaha!!! Too bad, old man! You have to learn when to quit!

Sneff:Nuff...! I wanted to buy some cat ffood ffor those ffolks...

Fargo:Cat food...? For whom?

Sneff:Nuff...! None of your beeswax! O-O-Ouch...!!! M-My back...

In inn upstair...

Waiter:!!! Phew... Don't scare me like that...

Lynx received Handle!

Meet Sneff...

Sneff:You had me worried sick...!!! I had to lie down a bit because I strained my back running... Ffinally... I'm able to stand up. I'm not 100% better yet, but... I fink I can change you back...

Sneff:Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Sneff's ffantastic magic show!!! Uhhh... I have to start offf like that to concentrate. Anyway, here we go...

Change back normal...

Sneff:Ffew... That's a load offf my shoulders... I better stop using that magic. Listen, I'm very sorry you had to put up wiff being a cat. Iff there's anyffing I can do to make it up to you... I would like to help, but... Due to unfforeseen circumstances, I'm fforced to stay on this ship... Please do come by again iff you're ever around. The least I can do is offfer you a cup of tea...

In captain's room...

Fargo:I can't allow you to go to the Grand Slam.

Nikki:But why? I really need to talk to the sage about teaching me the song...! Or else... that beautiful island, Marbule, will be gone forever! I can't just stand here and do nothing...!

Fargo:You don't understand.. True beauty is found within a dying entity. Therefore, I will watch over Marbule when its time comes... Furthermore, you and I have a contract. For the time being, you are in my possession. What am I supposed to do should anything happen to you? That would be a great financial loss for me...

Nikki:So you're saying I'm nothing but a mere object...

Fargo:...... If that is what you think, so be it.

Nikki:(see Lynx)!!! Th- That dressing table... It look exactly like my mother's...! There's even that scratch I made when I was a child...! Wait a minute...!? Could it be that you are my... Father...!?

Fargo:......

Nikki:The gentle and caring father I used to know? You're my father, aren't you!? But why are you participating in such dubious acts!?

Fargo: I am no longer the father you once knew... I lost everything when your mother, Zelbess passed away... Including myself... Laugh at me all you want. Pity me if you wish... But remember this, Nikki, man is not as strong as you think.

Nikki:......Father......I......

Nikki leaves...

Fargo:Do you folks want to challenge me again? You know you can't beat me.

>Let's do it!
Forget it, then

Fargo:Oh really!? You folks never learn... I'll meet you down there.

In casino...

Fargo:I thought you might have chickened out. OK then, I'll go first...

Fargo loses...

Fargo:WHAT...!? Impossible! ......!!! Interesting little item you got there... So I guess you found me out. I lose...heh heh... As promised, I'll give you access to the Grand Slam. Of course, you'll get your boat back as well. But how did you get a hold of that handle?

B1...

Man1:The captain gave me the OK to let you through. But I'm warnin' ya! You might not make it out alive!

Follow the old man...

Old Man:Yes, what is it? Why are you following me? As you can see, I am quite busy. I do not have time for a game of tag.

>Where's the Dead Sea?
It's nothing

Sage:The Dead Sea...? Why do you wish to enter the Dead Sea? Do you realize humans have stolen our land along with our legendary treasure? Humans will do anything for profit, no matter what the cost. The demi-humans aboard this ship are living proof. We have lost all sense of pride, with no dreams for tomorrow. We just cling to the mercy of humans every day. Why must we demi-humans lend a hand to humans? What will you do if I refuse...? Will you go as far as using brute force?

>Of course!
Let's talk it over...

Sage:I see... Then prepare yourselves...

Battle vs. Sage...

Received 23/23

Sage:Hmmm... I sense that you are quite serious about entering the Dead Sea... Could it be that you are carrying the burden of fate for the human race, no, for all life-forms...? Then let me give you this... I am sure you will be able to put it to good use. But just remember...opening a new gate also brings forth a new misfortune. Do not forget.

Lynx received Fiddler Crab!

Sage:There is an area near the Dead Sea where the tides are different. Use that item there. Nature will take over from there.

Nikki appears...

Nikki:Finally... I knew I'd find you here... You know the legendary song of Marbule, right? I want you to teach me the song... Please...!

Sage:Why do humans have to be so selfish? That song only has a place in the hearts of demi-humans. Why should I teach you the song?

Nikki:Irenes asked me...

Sage:Heh... I see that she has not given up.

Nikki:But it's not only because she asked me to. I personally have a great interest in that song. A beautiful song, originating from a beautiful island... I'm not 100% sure I'll be able to pull it off... But if it means I can save someone through my song...

Sage:There was once a man just like you...

Nikki:......!Who?

Sage:Fargo...

Nikki:...My father!?

Sage:Ahhh, so you are his son... I guess history does repeat itself. I had high hopes for that man. High hopes that he would one day tear down the wall between demi-humans and humans. But look at us now. The walls seem even higher.

Nikki:Please... Don't speak badly of my father... No one understands the pain and suffering he's going through! Even though he has built up this lively place, he screams in sorrow alone, within his dark, deep self... But I can hear him! His screams of despair, which no one else can hear... or wants to hear...

Sage:...... So you can hear him, too...

Nikki:I beg of you, please... I bet if my father hears that song...

Sage:I am sorry, but I have other areas of the ship I must mop...

Nikki:But...!

Sage:... While I hum myself a song...

Sage leaves...

Nikki:Then you'll...!?

Nikki: I saw the way you fought back there. I've been looking for tough guys like you. It would be an honor if we could talk inside my ship.

In Nikki's ship...

Nikki:Rochin'! I knew you'd come! Well, now that we're all here, here's my idea. How would you all like to save an island with a song?

Miki:Hah! Think before you speak, Nikki! You've gotta be out of your mind!

Nikki:No, I'm serious. According to Irenes, the island of Marbule is infested with monsters. Their only weakness is a demi-human song that the sage knows... While we perform our gig near the island, these people will exterminate all the monsters. That's the plan. Of course you'll help out, right?

>Of course!
No, we can't

Nikki:Rockin'! I knew you'd help.

Irenes:I shall gat'er all the demi-humans on dis ship to play backup instruments. It will be difficult for humans to play the proper notes for our song...

Miki:But don't we have to bring this ship over to Marbule? Our ship's chained to the Zelbess, you know?

Man:And plus we have a contract with that Fargo guy! We can't just leave...!

Nikki:Yes, I know. I don't intend to go with our ship alone. Wouldn't want to disappoint our fans aboard the Zelbess... The only hurble left to clear now is how to convince my fath... I mean, Fargo. I'll leave that up to you, Irenes. We have to concentrate on setting up the gig.

Miki:Hey, you know... This is starting to sound interesting... It's almost like a test to see how far we can take our show.

Nikki:So you're with me on this, Miki!? Great! Let's get ready for rehearsal, everyone!

Nikki:Thank you for your support, Sage.

Sage:Heh heh heh... I trust you will put on a good "gig!"

Irenes:(to Lynx)Excuse me... We seem to have involved you in quite a task... If there ist anyt'ing at all I can do, I will be happy to join you...

>Have her join your party
Decline her offer

Irenes joined your party!