It seems I've got another invitation to a Divine celebration... Ugh. I never know what to wear to these things.
Not that I'm complaining. Any chance to have a powerful Divine Dragon for an ally is a chance I'll gladly take!
(Did you perhaps mean me? Hello, Eliza -- I've chosen you as my special guest to escort to the Underworld Ruins party!)
At last, a party I won't need to worry about my family crashing! And with a faithful old friend at my side--
I'm touched, Eliza my old flame! Did you mean me?
Are you serious, you old gear-head? Of course she means her favorite big brother: ME!
(... I'm sorry, Eliza. I promise you I did not invite them. Perhaps some of my family members did--? Ah, she's off running.)
Oh, thank Chronos -- I think we lost them. I was looking forward to a lavish Divine party... ALONE.
(Anubis, is this your special guest? I hear that Ra, Hathor, and Seth have also invited their own select humans.)
(Indeed -- and they neglected to tell me beforehand! Isn't that just like them?)
(Well, let's see how your human compares in battle prowess!)
At least I can look forward to winning battles without their nagging--
(Oh, look! The guests!)
THERE you are -- you know we're totally lost in here without our hosts to guide us. And to think, I've been here before--
RUN!
(My apologies, Eliza -- I wasn't aware that the rest of our guests would be such a burden on your heart.)
Ugh. It's all right. As long as I can stay a step ahead of them, I'll enjoy myself. Is it so much to ask for a little one-on-one with the Divines?
(I'll just lead us onward, then...)
Ahh, the majesty of the Underworld Ruins! Full of riches and wonders!
(Are you thinking of stealing anything? It would be very "Viking" of you, Eliza.)
Heh. And would that be a problem for you, Anubis Dragon?
(Why should material possessions matter to me? I'm a Divine Dragon!)
(Anubis, I sense a delicious discord in our guests. These two in particular... Come on now; let's pit them against each other and see what happens!)
Eliza! Isn't it wonderful? The Seth Dragon's taken QUITE a shine to me. And just when I thought I was COMPLETELY unlovable...
Ugh, Heinrich... you're almost too pathetic for me to despise -- but I'll enjoy crushing you AND the Seth Dragon in battle anyway!
(An incredible battle! This human's mind is so chaotic, it's delightful to behold. Yours too -- Eliza, was it?)
You Divines are a weird bunch. You and Heinrich deserve each other...
Why thank you! Honestly, Eliza, I'd hoped we could perhaps--
Not interested. Goodbye! I've got a party to enjoy!
(That human, Heinrich -- he's a complicated sort. He was indeed a threat to our order once upon a time, but now...)
(Somehow, I do not sense any malice in him. Confusion, yes, but that is obvious.)
I'm not here to bother with annoyances from my past; I'm here to BATTLE! Let's get going already!
(But Eliza, wouldn't you prefer the company of--? Ah, well...)
This part of the Underworld Ruins always gave me the creeps... But you guys seem just fine strolling around the chasm of infinite cosmos, or whatever it is.
(You should try dipping your toe in! It's nice and cool to the touch.)
Err... I'll pass. I hear a peculiar sound in the air that makes me think I'll have to BE on my toes...
(Great Ra! I hope you're enjoying this summer's party. I must admit, your choice of guest is... unusual.)
Ha HA! There you are, Eliza! I've been waiting for my chance to play my new sound for you! The Ra Dragon REALLY seems to "dig" it, as they say.
(Yes, bearded human. We must... rock on. I crave the discordant tempo. The predictable chord progressions. Play the lute. Play it!)
I'd much rather simply BATTLE you!
(We have lost this battle. But I still have you, O Cacophonous One, to make these halls of death echo with harmony and chaos.)
See that? A genuine nuzzle from a genuine Divine Dragon! Mother sure had the wrong idea -- the way to a dragon's soul is MUSIC!
(Amazing! Eliza, your brother's unique style seems to soothe Ra. He is at once unpredictable and familiar -- perfect for one who must maintain order!)
(This is quite a successful party, isn't it--? Oh, Eliza's wandered off again.)
(Old comrade, I can't help but notice you don't seem to be enjoying yourself.)
I'm enjoying myself just FINE. I wish I could be left alone to gather my thoughts, or just battle and forget everything else!
Everyone's been so annoying lately, distracting me from my training... I'm supposed to become a warrior to surpass even Duncan! I could be the next Dunkelviking!
But I won't accomplish anything just playing around and forgiving fools who've mistreated me in the past. So let's go -- I've got strength to prove...
You're awfully quiet, Anubis Dragon. Did I upset you?
(The purpose of a party is sacred. It is a space of joy and revelry that we orderly Divines don't often get to experience...)
... I'm being a "party pooper," aren't I...
(Yes. In a sense. But don't worry; I know just the Divine who can change the atmosphere!)
(Oh, Anubis! How wonderful that you've arrived! I've been having a beautiful time with this lively human. We're getting into all sorts of fun!)
Eliza! I'm so happy you're here! What a trip it is to be back in the Underworld Ruins together, huh?
(Argh! Tyrant spit! Anubis Dragon, this is exactly the person I DIDN'T want to see!!!)
What are you whispering about over there? Get that gloomy scowl off your face, Eliza -- let's battle!
Ahh, that was great! Y'know, the last time we were here was the first time I ever thought you were cool. I know you're dorkier than you let on now, though!
... Yeah, this was the first place I began to respect you. For your love of battle, of course.
(Oh... I sense much love and joy bubbling under the surface of your guest, Anubis. But it's buried deep, and stubbornly ignored...)
Aaaand on that note, I'll be taking my leave! Come on, Anubis Dragon!
Wait up, Eliza! You don't want to hang out? Enjoy the ruins? The dragons here are really unique!
Yes, and I just want to battle them! You'll distract me with all your... running around and... smiling and... grabbing my hand a-and RAMBLING!
Hmm... Yep, I think I'll tag along with you. I'm sure the Anubis Dragon has its claws full trying to get you to enjoy yourself.
(Thank you, human Arya...)
All this gold... If I were just a bit stronger, I could take it, and build an unbeatable fleet...
Hey now, that sounds a little like the old Eliza. Tell me: What would you do with that "unbeatable" fleet, huh?
Yes, I'M curious too. We already TRIED an unbeatable fleet, remember?
But maybe, if outfitted with heat-seeking custard pie cannons... Hey, wait up, you lot!
I've somehow managed to gather all the people I didn't want to see -- and THIS is the cherry on top of the whole spoiled sundae: MOTHER?!
We've been through this before, whelp. Don't ye recognize a GHOST when ye see one? We're in the UNDERWORLD Ruins, ye know!
(My apologies, Anubis -- I've been trying to wrangle this wayward soul, but she's terribly stubborn!)
That's not just any old soul; that's Carnelia Carnage: the first Viking to ever conquer Dragolandia in the far distant past...! Please let me battle her!
Perhaps 'tis a sign that I meet you again, whelp. Now that I've seen my legacy in good hands, I can go take a load off in the afterlife!
W-wait! How can you say that? I feel like I've lost my way! We all have! Our great conquest failed and now-- ...
Oh, sister...
... When I first took Dragolandia from the claws o' Tyrants, it was 'cuz the land was in peril. Maybe ye should think on who yer allies an' enemies TRULY are.
... Well? Isn't anybody going to address my little outburst back there? It's almost more embarrassing to see you all sneaking glances behind my back!
I, er... I had no idea you felt that way, sister. I'd be lying if I said I didn't experience those same feelings every once in a while.
Likewise. I admit I've felt a bit... directionless since your mother took her little break from conquering. Why, I've even begun to model a robot after her--
Okay, that's enough moping! I know we've all had... complications in the past, but this is a PARTY! And we've got fun to catch up on! Let's go, you sullen Vikings!
(I see that everyone's spirits have lifted thanks to the blonde-maned one. However, there's still a discordant rhythm between you two.)
Yes, well, feelings can be difficult to change. I still don't know what I want to do with myself, or what exactly Carnelia meant by what she said...
(While I appreciate your maturity, I think perhaps your biggest weakness, Eliza, is that you OVERthink.)
Sheesh! Eliza, save the deep thought until after the party, okay? This room is just BEGGING to be frolicked in.
Anubis Dragon? You plan on fighting me? You may be a Divine, and my friend, but I hope you're ready to lose!
(I hope to show you, Eliza, that it doesn't matter who wins, nor who loses!)
(After observing you, I feel you need to evaluate what matters to you... And I believe we all feel that a good battle can clear the heart and mind!)
(You won. And you are stronger for it. Now, what will you do with that strength...?)
Hmm...
You know, it's been pretty amazing watching you get along with the Anubis Dragon, Eliza. I feel like it's helping you, somehow.
It makes me want to learn even more about dragons. And even more about you, too!
I think I have an idea of how I'd like to direct my energy. For now...
(Oh? Do tell me. After all this time, I'm very curious!)
I know who my allies are in this world, and until I figure more out, I think I'd like to grow stronger in their company. Learn from them...
Heyyy, why're you looking at me like that, Eliza? I'll only share my cake if you ask REALLY nicely!