Eternal Sonata English Language PlayStation 3 script by ProfessorTofty This FAQ is the result of nearly a year of on-and-off effort and an exhaustive exploration of the PlayStation 3 version of the game "Eternal Sonata." A quick explanation of what is and isn't included follows: What is included: *The complete dialogue for all cutscenes in the PlayStation 3 version of Eternal Sonata *Conversation with NPCs in towns and other locations *Dialogue for finding items with an indication of the item found *Dialogue for when the characters are examining objects in the field, such as a painting, fountain, etc. *Alternate dialogue for examining things as Polka or Beat during the sections these characters are playable *The dialogue for the various ranks in each Score Piece session *Tutorials *Certain game messages such as explanations of features such as Costumes Not included: *Anything specific to the XBox 360 version of "Eternal Sonata" (I'm hoping to eventually do a comprehensive guide to the differences between the two versions.) *Messages for finding treasures if there is no accompanying dialogue from a character *Messages on signposts - these usually just say something like "Forte - 1 Mile" and there is no indication that the characters read these loud *In-game descriptions of items - I believe thse may be found in another FAQ *Pretty much any battle quote that is not mandatory - you can find a detailed guide for these at the Battle Quote Guide by wonderKNIGHT at GameFAQs *The text displayed during the Chopin story sequences - you can find a complete guide for this at the Chopin Story Transcript by Kamisamaa at GameFAQs. Note that although it says "XBox 360," it also includes the "Little Dog Waltz" that is exclusive to the PS3 version *Dialogue in French or Japanese - this guide is English-language only *Song lyrics of "Kyotenka - Heaven's Mirror" - You can find these at the Eternal Sonata Wiki *Anything that I forgot, though I searched the game pretty thoroughly, so you'd be hard-pressed to find something that I missed The basic format of the script is as follows - explanation of events being shown on-screen will be presented in parenthesis. These will often be in-line with the dialogue, though may be presented separately if they occur before or after a character's lines. The mandatory cutscenes for each area will be presented first, followed by the dialogue for various NPC encounters and exploration of various objects/finding treasures. "Eternal Sonata" is generally pretty linear, but I will generally indicate if something requires backtracking, or if can only be found in Encore Mode, this game's "New Game Plus" feature. (The term "Encore Mode" having been coined in the game's official strategy guide.) [sic] indicates that something is quoted as is and is therefore a mistake in wording in the game, but so far I have only found four of these. Any other mistakes can be assumed to be my own, though I have both spell-checked and thoroughly proofread this script, so hopefully you won't find any. In general, dialogue when examining objects or talking with NPCs in this game is not spoken out loud, though cutscenes are. If a cutscene is presented in text-only, I make a note of it. (Opening. A single tree is shown at the edge of a field on the night of a full moon. A woman enters the field from the right edge of the screen.) Frederic Chopin: (voiceover) Why? Why did it happen? (The woman stops and stares up at the sky. The voiceover continues over the starry sky.) Why was she destined to die? What crime could a girl like that have possibly committed to deserve such a grim fate? (A gnarled tree is shown filling the screen from the right.) She was only 14. And during those brief 14 years, what did she do? Simply cherish a love of music and revel in her girlish dreams. (The camera pans down to reveal another woman, standing at the base of the tree. She seems to be possessed of great age and wisdom. As the voiceover continues, the scene changes to a moonlit field again.) I'll never forget her. Even if the cruel passage of time should wear the threads of memory so thin they break, I will always remember. (The second woman is shown again.) Woman: So, once more, a new journey begins. (She stares out into the sky, which angles up to show a shooting star.) Frederic: (voiceover) Emilia. (The scene angles down, this time to show the first woman, again staring at the original tree in the distance.) Woman in the Field: Once again, it all comes to an end. (She walks forward and holds out her hands, palms open.) It's lovely to meet you. Or perhaps it would be more fitting to say, "welcome back." (The scene changes to show a girl. After a moment, the angle changes to indicate that she is standing at the very edge of a cliff.) Girl: I must do this. And it's for the person who means the most to me. My life is nothing compared to his. Doing this is easy if it's for him. (She closes her eyes and launches herself backward, off the cliff. She is then shown falling slowly.) Thank you, everyone. I know it didn't last very long, but really, this was the best time I've ever had in my life. (She opens her eyes.) If I blow him a kiss, I wonder, will it reach him up there? No, I guess it won't. (The scene changes, now showing a wide view featuring the original tree from before, but with the village now in daylight. A waterwheel is shown turning and then the view cuts to a forest scene. A man narrates over the view, which shows several more peaceful scenes as he continues.) Narrator: The rippling surface of the flowing water transforms the soft light of the morning sun. The beams combine, becoming a spotlight that paints the stage. The flowers awaiting the curtain's rise display faces of bright red and brilliant yellow. They turn their ears to listen to the performance that is about to begin. Accompanied by the gentle rhythm of the babbling brook, the birds begin to sing. Meanwhile, a mischievous sea breeze causes a rustling amidst the leaves of the trees, disrupting the concert. It is a familiar scene, one that has unfolded every morning since the beginning of time. And even now, the daily overture continues, its delicate, perfect balance, never faltering, never changing. In the midst of this joyous orchestration, at the center of the morning's discordant musical performance, lies a small village, nestled deep in the wood. The name of the village is Tenuto. It sits atop a hill which overlooks the coastline. In fact, the town is only about four miles from the sea. Tenuto is very lucky in this regard, for the town enjoys a wonderful cool breeze and a view that is nothing short of amazing. And then, there are the flowers. They seem to blossom almost everywhere in the town. They paint the landscape with color as far as the eye can see. And they are the reason Tenuto is also known by another name: "The Village of Flowers." (The scene changes to indicate the nighttime view and the narrator continues, now describing the view of a nearby town.) There is a harbor town at the foot of a hill that can be seen from Tenuto. When night falls, the lights from the town shine like diamonds... ...and open the hearts of those who gaze upon their illustrious splendor. (The scene changes back to the interior of the village.) Under normal circumstances, one might expect to find a bustling shopping district for tourists in a village as beautiful as this one. However, no such shops are to be found. Not here. In fact, the village is quite calm. Almost strangely quiet. It is a place that exudes a peaceful tranquility. A tranquility that further increases its allure, as well as its mystery. (The scene changes to show the daytime view again and the first woman from before and the girl are shown strolling in the flower field. The girl, however, is much younger than originally shown. The girl takes the woman's hand.) Girl: (turning to her mother) Mommy? Why are there waves in the sea? Mother: Well darling, there are waves because of the moon. Girl: Because of the moon? Mother: That's right. The moon charms the water in the ocean with its beauty. And because the moon is so beautiful, the sea water just can't sit still. Girl: Is that true?! Really?! Mother: Really! Don't you feel your heart start fluttering inside of you when you look at the moon? Girl: I do! (As they continue walking, the girl turns to observe a small puddle.) What about the puddle? Will it make waves when the moon comes out, too? Mother: No dear, there's not enough water. You need lots and lots of water, like the ocean, before it can make any real waves. Girl: Oh, I see. But that's weird. Why can't a little bit of water make waves, too? (The girl lets go of her mother's hand and runs to the puddle. She looks down at her reflection.) Mother: (off-screen) The amount of water is the most important part of creating waves. That can be said about people, as well. (The angle changes to show her observing her daughter from behind.) There are many things in this world that can charm people's hearts, just like the moon charms the sea. (The mother is now shown in the foreground again, her daughter off-screen. Things like wealth, vanity, status, image, and power. (The camera pushes in closer on her face.) People who are drawn to these things create waves and the fear in their hearts makes the waves grow bigger, and stronger. (The scene changes to show the girl staring at her reflection again, then changes back to the mother as she continues talking.) The more people there are, the bigger the waves can become. (The scene now shows the girl and sky reflected in the water.) And as the number of people grows, the waves grow bigger and bigger. (The mother is shown again.) It can lead people to start terrible conflicts. (The mother turns to the girl, who walks toward her.) This is probably too hard for you to understand. Girl: I guess. (The mother offers her hand, and she takes it. They start walking again.) Mother: If something like that ever were to happen, the only way to stop it would be for you to jump into the ocean. Because when you do, those big waves will become calm again. It may be difficult to do, but if you can be very brave, you'll bring joy to the person who means the most to you. Girl: Really? (raises the hand that isn't holding her mother's into the air) Then I'll do it! Mother: (as the camera angle pans up to the sky) Really though, comparing sea water stirred up by the beauty of the moon to the ugly waves created by the effects of human desire is rather an insult of the ocean. (Scene ends.) October 16th, 1849 10:48 PM Number 12 Place Vendôme Paris, France (A man is shown lying in a bed underneath a chandelier. At the foot of the bed are a woman and an elderly-looking gentleman. The woman is Chopin's sister, Ludwika Jedrzejewiczowa.) Ludwika: He seems to have calmed down, hasn't he doctor? He doesn't look like he's in pain the way he did before. Doctor: It seems as though he must be having a pleasant dream. Woman: Yes, well, that would be nice. It would be even better if that means he's headed towards recovery. A full recovery. (The Doctor lowers his head and turns away, facing a girl standing in the distance. According the closing credits of the Japanese version of the game, this is Delfina Potocka, who was a student of Chopin. This is apparently poetic license on the pary of the game's creators, as Duchess Marcelina Czartoryska was present at Chopin's deathbed, not Delfina Potocka.) Doctor: It's said that people can have the most peaceful dreams just before they pass on. Ludwika: What are you talking about? How can you say that?! Doctor: I apologize. Hopefully, it's just an old wives' tale. (The scene changes to show only the man lying on the bed.) Ludwika: Frederic... Chapter 1 Raindrops (The scene changes to show a peaceful forest path with a butterfly flittering about and a small bridge over a stream.) ===Path to Tenuto=== (The girl from the earlier scenes is shown entering the path, appearing approximately the same age as she did when she jumped off the cliff. She stops to look around.) Girl: Oh! I guess I took longer than usual. Mom's probably worried about me. I'd better get home before it gets dark. (She walks forward. The screen goes dark and the player is allowed to take control of the character and can now enter the menu. Doing so reveals that the name of this girl is Polka. The girl continues her journey forward and finds the path blocked by a monster that looks something like a small, round, leaping green vegetable.) (Mandatory battle with Very Very Empty) Polka: The animals that live in the forest around here aren't really very strong, so I should be able to defeat them without too much trouble. But, just to be safe, I'll go over the basics of how to fight again. View the tutorial? - Yes No Let's see, the turn order goes from fastest to slowest, right? It looks like it's my turn now. I should try moving around a bit to start with. Move (The player moves the character using the left stick. After one second of movement, Polka stops and the Action Gauge is highlighted in red and indicated with a red arrow.) Until this Action Gauge runs out of time, I can move around to anywhere I want. The Action Gauge only decreases when I'm actually doing something. So if I don't know what to do next, I can stop and think about it, without losing my turn. Moving around isn't the only thing I can do. I can attack enemies, too. This time, I think I'm going to try using the Attack button. Attack (The player presses X to attack. Doing anything else will have no result.) Now I've got it! I'm starting to remember how to do this more and more! There's also one other thing about the Action Gauge. Every time one of my attacks hits an enemy, the Action Gauge goes up a little. Which means that the more I attack my enemies, the more extra time I'll get to keep on moving and fighting. All right, I think maybe it's time to try attacking. Move Attack (The character can do either of the indicated actions until the time on the Action Gauge runs out.) Ah, it looks like all the time in the Action Gauge has run out already. I guess that means my turn is over. I guess I'll just have to wait until it becomes my turn again. (After a brief while into the enemy's turn, Polka draws attention to the "Next" indicator over her head.) Oh, that's right! I almost forgot about that. When the "Next" arrow appears overhead like this, it means that my turn will be coming up next. That way I have time to prepare, and I won't be surprised by it suddenly becoming my turn. (Once the enemy's time runs out, Polka gets to take another turn.) Okay, it's my turn again. I feel sorry for this little guy, but I guess I'd better finish him off. (Polka takes a turn, but no matter what, her attack will not finish off the enemy. The enemy gets a turn and attacks Polka. The "Chance" indicator appears. Due to the tutorial, Polka does not take any damage from the enemy's attack, despite the damage indicator displayed on-screen.) Oh! Look out! By pressing the Guard button when an enemy attacks and this icon appears, I can defend myself. But I have to get the timing just right, so I really need to concentrate. And if I want to run away, I press and hold down the L1 and R1 buttons at the same time when it's my turn. But I need to hold down the buttons during my entire turn. So I have to watch for the "Next" arrow. That way I can start holding down the L1 and R1 buttons before my turn even starts and make sure I'm able to get away. I think that pretty much covers all the basics of fighting. Okay, I'm almost done. I just have to keep at it! (Polka easily dispatches this single, weak opponent and continues her journey, reaching the North Section of the path. There, she can examine the view of the ocean at the edge of a cliff.) Polka: Oh, the ocean is sparkling. It looks so beautiful! (Polka enters the next section of the forest.) Polka: Oh, I'm so tired. There are so many people living in Ritardando. Why won't any of them buy from me? And now... (Polka spots a chipmunk. She kneels and it runs up to her. She reaches out her hand and it seems interested, but then runs away. Polka gets up.) Polka: I see. I guess you don't want to be touched by me either. (Polka has a flashback. She is standing in front a bunch of colorful flowers.) Polka: Come and buy some of Tenuto's famous floral powder! It works very well! Please give it a try! Woman: Floral powder? Hm. I didn't know people still made that. What with the mineral powder we can get these days, why would anyone need that stuff? Now, I don't mean to be rude, honey, but floral powder just isn't useful anymore. Polka: I guess no one around here wants to buy it. (She closes her eyes and off-screen a thumping noise is heard and a man says "Ow!") Man: Hey, what was that for? Man 2: What's your problem? Man: I didn't do anything! Man 2: Who do you think you're talking to? Huh? (Throughout this scene, which curiously isn't subtitled, sounds of punching and kicking can be heard. The man that was being hurt is knocked backwards into the visible scene. The view cuts to Polka, who looks around, then approaches the man. She bends down, observed by a boy and his mother.) Polka: Are you all right? (She holds her hands forward and a mystical noise is heard. Glowing green light appears. The man groans and the scene pans to a wide shot to show three other on-lookers. The glowing fades away and the man gets up, seemingly okay.) Well? Did that help? Does it feel any better? (The man stares at her and starts backing away.) Man: S-stay away from me! D-don't touch me! (He runs away. Polka lowers her head in disappointment.) Boy: Wow! Did you see that, Mom? She was glowing! (The mother starts to run away, then returns and takes her son's hand and starts pulling him away.) Mother: Come back here, right now. Never go near anyone that glows like that girl did. Do you understand me? (She tries to drag him away, but he resists.) Son: But why? Mother: (dragging him away again) Because I said so, that's why! Now come on. (The scene ends and the player continues navigating Polka along the path. Eventually, she reaches her village and a cutscene is shown, displaying many of the sights seen in the introduction of the game.) ===Tenuto Village=== (The player retains control of Polka, whom the various members of the village will talk to.) Woman on Pathway: Oh, my. Welcome back, Polka. How was the city? You don't look very good. You're probably tired. You better hurry on home and get some rest. - You should go home and rest. Boy by Stairway: Hey, Polka! Welcome back! So, how was it? I'd love to go see the big city someday. - Take me with you the next time you go to the city, okay? Squat Man Sitting by House: Oh, my. Hello, Polka. You've gone and gotten bigger since I last saw you! Still selling medicine in Ritardando? I've gone pretty far to try and sell things, but it's really tough. All the markets are filled with mineral powders. Not a lot of people are buying floral powders. - You let me know if you hear of any promising business leads. We've got to stick together, you know? Woman far along Pathway: Polka, where have you been? The city? Oh, you went to sell floral powder, huh? Oh, it's nothing really. I was just wondering how you liked the bread I gave you earlier. It was good? That's great. - Next time, I'll teach you how to make it yourself. I'm a strict teacher though, so you'd better be ready. Man standing in front of Horse: Hanako, why are you so cute? Man sitting on ledge near Horse: Of all the... Why I oughta... Huh?! Oh, Chris. What can I do for you? - Oh, hi there. Maria. No, that's not right. Mariko? No, it was Candy, wasn't it? - Oh, Miss Polmina. Isn't dinner ready yet? (If Polka walks continues to walk forward along the main path...) Polka: I'll go to the forest later. Mom is waiting for me at home. (She can examine the mill wheel.) Polka: The mill wheel is hard at work as usual. Good job! (Polka can enter a house nearby the squat man and speak with a woman there who is sweeping...) Grandma: Oh, that Grandpa. He's gone and made a mess of the room again. - He's always getting into something. (Polka can examine a flower vase in the house.) Polka: Oh, what a cute flower vase! Huh? There's something here. (Acquired Peach Cookie.) (Polka can also examine a jar.) Polka: There's a strong smell coming from this jar. I better not open it. (Polka can visit another house nearby the man who can't remember her name.) Woman: Let's see. I've finished the cleaning. Maybe I'll go take a look at the flower field. Oh, that's right! I have to water the flowers! - Oh, dear. There's still some dust here. I almost missed it. (Polka can examine a bed in the house.) Polka: Oh, there's something underneath the bed. (Meow.) Oh, it's a cat. Are you playing hide-and-seek? (Polka can visit the flower field, where there are two young girls, maybe about 6 or 7. Talking with either triggers a scene involving both.) Sop and Rano: Polka! Sop: A lot of flowers blossomed this year. Rano: Yeah! And they're so pretty! Sop: I bet these will make great floral powders. Rano: We'll put them in nice containers. Sop and Rano: It'll be so much fun! (After the scene, Polka can talk with the girls a bit more.) Sop: Make a crown out of flowers for me later, okay? Rano: Make a doll out of flowers for me later, okay? (Polka can examine a spot at the far edge of the flower field.) Polka: Oh, what's this? (Acquired Angel Trumpet.) (She can also examine the inside of a small shack near the entrance to the field.) Polka: It's all dirty in here. Everyone has to use this place, so it really needs to be kept clean. (Acquired Floral Powder.) (With nothing else to do, Polka heads for her house. Before that, she can examine a cat sleeping on a bench. The cat meows.) Polka: This cat sleeps all day long. I guess he must really enjoy his dreams. (She can also examine the stream by her house.) Polka: Oh, that's right! I'd better fetch some water later. (She enters her house. It seems to be a homely place. There is a steaming cup of tea and her mother is inside.) Polka: (pushing open the door) I'm home. Mother: Welcome back, Polka. Oh, you must be exhausted. I've made some nice hot stew. (Polka walks inside, then stops with her head drooped down, looking depressed. She walks towards her mother.) Polka: Mom, do you... Are you afraid to touch me? Mother: You used your magic in Ritardando, didn't you? Polka: Why does everyone avoid me? Mother: Because they think they'll get sick if they touch you. Even though it's not true. (reaches for her arm) I'm living proof that it's not true. After all, I live with you and I'm fine. Polka: I... I'm not afraid of dying from the illness, Mom. It's just, well, I'm just sad that, no matter what I do, I can't make any friends. Mother: Polka.... (The scene changes to show Tenuto Village at night, then switches to the same village that Polka was in before. Here, a teenage boy and his eight-year-old companion are in hot water. Teenaged Boy: (entering from off-screen, with loaves of bread in his hands) Beat! Run! Beat: (following behind, with more loaves in his hands) Hold on, Retto! Wait for me! Baker lady (following far behind, holding a broom) Hey, you! Where are you going with my bread?! (She stops, as Retto and Beat are already out of sight.) It's those brats again! Maybe I should poison the dough next time. (She looks around a bit, but then walks away in defeat. The camera angles to show that Retto and Beat are actually hiding just around a corner nearby. Beat closes his eyes in relief, then opens them.) Beat: Oh boy. That was a close one, Retto. Retto: Nah, that was easy. Beat: Easy? Geez. If that's what you call easy, I'd hate to see hard. Retto: (chuckles) Don't worry. Come on, let's deliver the bread. I'm sure everybody's getting hungry. Beat: Yeah, okay. But I don't like the rats down there. Retto: Come on, what do you expect? I mean, they live in the sewers. There's bound to be a rat or two! And plus, we're carrying fresh-baked bread. You don't have to be a rat to want a bite of this. Beat: Well, what do we do if we get attacked? Retto: Don't let a few rats get you all freaked out. Hey, I took care of them the last time, didn't I? Beat: Yeah, I guess. Retto: Besides, the people lucky enough to live in houses aren't the ones who need us to take bread to them. (The camera angles to show the entrances to the sewers. It then shows several other views of the city.) ===Ritardando=== (At this point, the player can assume control of the teenaged boy. The menu reveals that this character's full name is Allegretto. Before proceeding to the sewers, he and Beat can explore the town and talk with the people there. They begin not far from the stairwell leading to the sewers.) Man near Stairwell: Hey, Allegretto! Isn't it great to sing? Why don't you join the choir at the church? - Oh, that's right. You were in the choir for a while, but quit pretty quickly. Was that because the priest forced you to join? Woman by Shop: Have a listen, take a look! Come on now, step right up and see for yourself! Welcome to the most fantastic weapon shop in the world! - Once they're gone, they're gone! So get yours today! Woman by Flower Cart: Hey! You kids! You're not misbehaving, right? You guys are always up to no good. - You're disrupting business. Scoot, now! Scoot! - Come one, come all! Fresh flowers direct from Tenuto! Woman near Flower Cart: Recently, I've heard some children are stealing things. The lady at the bakery had her bread stolen yesterday and she was furious. Wait a minute. No, you'd never do anything like that, right? - That reminds me, just a little while ago I saw some suspicious looking children. They were sneaking into the sewers. Maybe they were the thieves! Boy by Bakery: Whoa. I can't believe the sun's so high already. - I'm sleepy. But I won't let myself sleep. Elderly Lady by Stairwell to Beach: Well, if it isn't Allegretto. Instead of standing around all day, why don't you try and make yourself useful? - If you've got so much spare time, why don't you go with the men and help them haul in fish? - You're still here? Don't hang around an old bag like me! Get your act together and maybe you'll find a girlfriend. Squat Man at Edge of Beach: A single day is so short. But time goes on forever. I wonder if a person might be able to eat time. You know, sort of stretch it out really thin and then eat it a little bit at a time. I wonder if I could get full that way. - I bet you think you can't measure a day, don't you? Well, you can. All you need is a stick. Laughing Man at Beach in Green Shirt: Wah ha ha! Wah ha ha! Worrying won't get it done! 1! 2! 3! Exercise! Wah ha ha! Wah ha ha! - Wa ha ha! Wah ha ha! Say goodbye to tears! Wah ha ha! Wah ha ha! Laughing Man at Beach in Orange Shirt: Wa ha ha! Wah ha ha! When your mind is troubled, go to the beach and exercise! 1! 2! 3! Feel the burn! Wah ha ha! Wah ha ha! - Wah ha ha! Wah ha ha! I haven't been able to swim since I was a kid! But I still love the ocean! Wah ha ha! Wah ha ha! (A group of three kids is standing in front of a cave.) Boy in Front of the Other Two Children: You said you were going, so I just went with you. Girl: Wow! I'm impressed! Orange-Headed Boy: And then when we peeked in there, there was this huge rat! He took one look and was like, "Aaaaah!" (Allegretto can examine things around the town.) (Allegretto examines the fountain.) Allegretto: Hey! There's something in the water. (Acquired 10 Gold.) (He examines some boxes near a ladder.) Allegretto: Looks like no one's taking care of this place. Huh? There's something on the ground. (Acquired Angel Trumpet.) (He examines the flower cart.) Allegretto: These smell great. Flowers seem like they should taste sweet when you eat them. (He examines some bottles next to the shop near the flower cart.) Allegretto: There are lots of bottles here. Whoa! They really smell! I wonder what was in them? (He examines the view of the ocean.) Allegretto: I love this spot! Maybe I'll throw some bread to the seagulls. (He examines a device near the item shop.) Allegretto: The priest told me what this thing was. I think it was called a sundial. (He examines some crates of fruits under an awning of a residential house.) Allegretto: Hey, it's a startle berry and a star apple. I ate those with Beat the other day. I'm drooling just thinking about it. (He examines a canoe near the group of three kids.) Allegretto: I wonder if there's anything here. Woah! Look at all those bugs! - I don't think I want to look here. (He can enter the various buildings within the town. He enters the church, which the subtitle states is called Mandolin Church.) (He examines a dim bulb set on a pew.) Allegretto: Huh. This is the only one where a blue light isn't shining. (He can speak with the priest inside.) Priest: Truly our daily bread is an important thing. People cannot live without eating. However, it cannot be said that people can subsist upon bread alone. Kindness, compassion and affection for our fellow brethren: these are the things we can truly not live without. - Do you understand what it is I'm trying to tell you, Allegretto? I've known you since you were very little. And you've grown up well even though you have no parents. People in town may think you're a bad seed, but I know better than anyone that you really have a kind heart. - Just take care not to cause trouble for others. May God be with you. (A sleepy tune plays and the party is fully healed. This can be repeated as desired.) (He can examine a doorway at the back of the church.) Allegretto: It's locked. I guess we can't go in. (He can enter the item shop. There is a customer there who is examining a suit of armor.) Armor Admirer: This armor is so cool. I wish I could have armor. - There are lots of different types of armor. Armor like this is really sturdy, but it's heavy so you have to be strong to use it. Lighter armor isn't quite as dependable, but it's easier to move around in so it's better for small kids. - Oh, there are monsters who like the light and those who like the dark. The ones that like the light are said to have light attributes and the ones that like the dark are said to have dark attributes. (He can examine a shield in the shop.) Allegretto: "Limited Time Offer! The one and only Hero's Shield! Can easily repel any weapon! Available for 1,000,000 Gold!" One million?! Man, that's expensive! (He can examine a blade as well.) Allegretto: "Limited Time Offer! The one and only Blade of Heroes! Cuts through any armor like butter! Available for 1,000,000 Gold!" One million?! Wow. (He can talk to the shop owner.) Shop Owner: Hey, Allegretto! You got money to go shopping with? (Shop screen is presented) (He can enter the house with the fruit crates and talk with an elderly woman there who is sweeping.) Woman: Are you one of my boy's friends? He's not here right now. He's probably down at the item shop. - If you see him, please tell him to come home. (He can examine a toy pony within the house.) Allegretto: Hey, a wooden pony. That'd be perfect for Beat! (He can also examine an organ.) Allegretto: The old pipe organ. I remember when the priest used to try to teach me how to play this. (He can enter the shop nearby the flower cart. The subtitle identifies it as Pharmacy. He can talk with the lady there, who is identified as Store Clerk.) Store Clerk: Welcome. What sort of medicine are you looking for? Medicine for a stomach ache? Cold medicine? Maybe some painkillers? Not to worry, mineral powder can fix it all. Mineral powder is a government-approved miracle drug. No matter what your ailment, you'll recover in no time. Allegretto: Um, we'll pass on the mineral powder for now. (He can speak to the Store Clerk again.) Store Clerk: Please come back when you want some mineral powder. (He can examine various vials within the Pharmacy.) Allegretto: (examining vials on left) "Mineral Powder Muscle Drink: Drink this to become a macho muscle man!" Whoa, cool! I might want to try this. "Warning: All muscle turns to fat after three weeks." On second thought... Allegretto: (examining vials on upper right) "Mineral Powder Growth Tonic: Take this and you'll sprout up like a weed!" Hey, this sounds like something Beat could use. "Note: Nose grows 10 meters." Hah hah. Yeah, definitely need to get Beat to try this. Allegretto: (examining vials on lower right) "Mineral Powder Super Slim: Drink this and cut your weight in half!" I wonder what would happen if we gave this to the lady at the bakery. "Also decreases height by 50 percent. Please consume with Mineral Powder Growth Tonic." Sheesh, that's crazy! (He can climb down a ladder near the flower cart to enter an Underground Path area.) (He can examine a set of crates in the area.) Allegretto: There really isn't anything of value here. I looked through all of it not that long ago. (He can examine a set of crates in the middle of the path.) Allegretto: This stuff is always in the way, but I don't really feel like cleaning it up right now. (He can climb down another small ladder to his and Beats' Secret Hideout.) (He can examine Beat's collection.) Allegretto: Beat's collection is getting pretty big. Is this the toy horse he found? (He can examine the water.) Allegretto: The water here is pretty clean. It'd be great if there were fish in it. (He can examine some crates.) Allegretto: Oh, what did I do with that book? It said something like, "Attack your enemies from the back but make sure to cover your own back." Stuff about fighting. I was going to make Beat read it. Oh, well. (He and Beat can enter the bakery.) Woman: Oh, it's you two! Here to steal my bread again, huh?! Allegretto: Yikes! Let's get out of here, Beat! (The two rush out.) (If you attempt to re-enter...) Allegretto: If we go in now, we'll get caught. Better not. (He can attempt to exit the village using the path on the far left.) Allegretto: Shoot! The sewers aren't this way. (Once ready, he and Beat can enter the sewers. A panning shot is shown, indicating the presence of the rats that Beat had mentioned.) ===Ritardando Sewers=== (The two move forward briefly, but find a rat blocking their path. Mandatory battle with Florite Mouse) Allegretto: Come on, Beat. Let's take care of these guys. Beat: Retto, can you tell me what it is we have to do to fight again? Allegretto: What? Wait a minute. I thought I taught you all that. Did you forget already? Beat: Uh, well... View the tutorial? - Yes No Allegretto: Okay, fine. But I'm not explaining the basics again. Beat: Huh?! Item Selection and Use Allegretto: First off... How to use items. (The item selection is outlined in red.) Press the L1 and R1 buttons to rotate through the items you've got equipped, until you find what you want to use. Then you just have to press the Item button. That isn't too hard, is it? Beat: No, I get it, Retto. Special Attacks Allegretto: Next, I'll show you how to use special attacks. There really isn't much to it. All you have to do is press the Special Attack button. And you can't use them up or anything, so you can use them as often as you want. Anyway, I'm gonna show you how it's done. So pay attention, okay? Use Special Attack (The player presses the Triangle button to use the indicated special attack, Sun Slash. Attempting anything else will have no result.) Sun Slash! Just move in close to the enemy and use your special attack. You'll finish 'em off in no time with an attack like that. You understood all that, right? Beat: Yeah, sure! To use your special attack, you just have to press the Special Attack button, right? Light and Dark Places Allegretto: Okay, one last thing. Listen close 'cause I'm gonna teach you something super important about special attacks. Make sure you remember this. Now, take a good look at what you see around us, Beat. Even though we're inside a sewer, there are some places that are light and some places that are dark, right? You see, the thing with special attacks is, depending on whether the place where you're standing is in the light or in the dark, the special attack you can use will change. Beat: What?! I don't get it. What do you mean? Allegretto: If you're standing in sunlight or some other bright place, you'll use a "light" special attack. But if you're standing someplace that's dark, like in the shade, then you'll use a "dark" special attack. Okay, that's all I'm gonna to tell you for right now. Come on, let's go, Beat! (With this information at their disposal, Allegretto and Beat easily defeat this single, weak opponent. Allegretto continues forward along the path and can examine a Wanted poster.) Allegretto: Hey, is that me?! Guess I've made quite a name for myself in this town. Not in a good way, though. (Further along the path, he can examine another poster...) Allegretto: I've never seen a rat like that before. I wonder if we could get the reward! But this wanted poster looks pretty old. (Your party continues to navigate the maze and eventually reaches Ritardando Sewers, where they come upon a switch in front of a gate.) Allegretto: Oh! Found the switch! Let's give it a push! (The gate opens.) (He can examine another wanted poster of the rat and gives a slightly different response.) Allegretto: I've never seen a rat like that before. I wonder if I could get a reward! This wanted bulletin looks pretty old. (Eventually, the party goes as far as they can in the sewers and spots a large, squirrel-like monster.) (Boss battle with Bread Gang and Florite Mouse x2. The battle is somewhat more challenging than normal fighting, but ultimately, this first, weak boss doesn't present much difficulty. Following the battle, a little girl is heard speaking off-screen...) Girl: Thank you so much! (The view switches to show the girl standing in front of Beat and Allegretto, holding the bread.) Allegretto: You bet. Don't eat it all at once! (She walks away and Beat waves.) Beat: Hey, Retto. Why is bread so expensive anyway? If it was a little cheaper, we wouldn't have to steal it for people. Do you think the baker lady is just being greedy? Allegretto: Well, you know, Beat, it's not actually the baker lady's fault. Beat: Huh? What do you mean? Allegretto: The reason the bread is so expensive is the high taxes on it. (He points at Beat's face, then lowers his arm and Beat shakes his head.) It's not just bread, either. In Ritardando just about everything you need for everyday life has high taxes on it. That's why there's a lot of kids out there who can't get a decent meal to eat these days. Beat: And that's why they need us to help them, right? Allegretto: Yeah. The only thing that's not taxed is mineral powder. Beat: Oh, I see. So that's why anybody can get it. Because it's so cheap. I guess the Count of Forte isn't really that bad after all. I mean, at least he keeps the tax on medicine cheap. (As Beat continues to talk, the camera focuses in on Allegretto's face. He does not appear pleased by what Beat is saying.) Besides, you and I have the bread problem pretty much taken care of. Allegretto: Hey, don't get cocky. Be careful what you say, Beat. (Beat covers his mouth, looking confused. Allegretto walks away.) Come on, let's hurry up and drop off the rest. Then it's time for us to eat. (He exits and Beat tags along. The scene ends.) (The scene changes to Polka's house in Tenuto where the mother walks towards Polka's room.) Mother: Polka? Dear, what's wrong? You've been sitting in your room all day. (She listens at the door, but doesn't seem to hear anything.) Oh, what am I going to do with you? I guess what happened is still bothering her. Poor thing. I should just stop her from going to Ritardando. (She walks away from the door.) Whenever she goes there she ends up getting hurt. Polka! Help me pick some flowers later, okay? (The scene changes to show Polka sitting on her bed in her room, then changes back to Allegretto and Beat, now in their hideout. Beat is leaning against a crate, eating the bread, but Allegretto is sitting with his half-eaten piece and looking troubled.) Beat: Hey, Retto. Did you notice that magician girl from yesterday wasn't around today? Allegretto: Yeah. You're right. Beat: (with his mouth half-full) I guess Ishould have taken a picture of her. Allegretto: Are you still messing around with that stuff? You need to look at things with your own two eyes. You'd see things a whole lot clearer if you weren't always lookin' at them through bent glass. Beat: That's not what photography's about at all, Retto. And another thing: it isn't called "bent glass". It's called a lens! Allegretto: Still, you have to feel sorry for that girl. I guess she won't be around for much longer. Beat: What? She won't? What are you talking about? Allegretto: Don't you know anything? That girl was able to use magic. And that means she must be sick with some kind of incurable illness. Beat: And it's always fatal? Allegretto: That's right. Yeah, only people who are gonna die soon are able to use magic like that. Beat: Oh. I didn't know that. Well, I guess being able to use magic isn't that great after all. Allegretto: No, it's not. You can't use magic powers unless you're really sick. This world's pretty messed up. Beat: I get it. That's why no one in town wanted to get near her yesterday. They didn't want to catch her illness, too. Allegretto: Yeah, that's right. But the disease isn't actually contagious. That's just a rumor somebody started. Beat: A rumor? Allegretto: Yeah. It's weird. Most of the time, people don't really trust each other, but when it comes to something that they think might hurt them, they'll believe just about anything they hear. And they'll ignore almost anything else that doesn't help them directly. Beat: I guess. Allegretto: As long as they have food on their table, they don't care if other people out there are starving. Beat: And that's why we steal bread to bring them, right? Allegretto: (standing up) Okay, Beat. We leave first thing in the morning! Beat: (dropping what little remains of his bread) What?! (The scene changes to show the town of Ritardando and the Mandolin Church again. Credits are shown on-screen.) Story & Director Hiroya Hatsushiba Character Design Kumiko Yoshioka Technical Director Shigefumi Nakahara Art Director Nozomi Shibahara (The scene changes to the flower field in Tenuto.) Music by Motoi Sakuraba Chopin pieces performed by Stanislav Bunin Allegretto Sam Regal (Polka is shown standing in the field, holding a flower.) Polka Erin Fitzgerald Beat Mona Marshall Frédéric François Chopin Patrick Seitz (Polka picks another flower. The scene changes to show the forest.) Planning Director Takeshi Yamamoto Map Director Kaori Tosa Character Model Director Junichi Kobe Motion Director Yasunori Takahashi System Graphic Director Motonori Nakamura (Beat is shown back at the hideout, holding his toy pony.) Event Director Rina Okamura Field Program Director Takayuki Kashiwagi Battle Program Director Kenji Sugizaki (Tenuto is shown at night. From this point, two credits are shown on the screen at the same time.) Planner Yu Ito Monster Design Nobuya Aoki Sound Programmer Kunimi Shibui Camp Programmer Morio Inuduka (The hideout is shown again and a set of names is shown under one job title.) Programmer Takashi Asai Yoshiharu Miyake Shuhei Rokumoto Munehito Yasui (Allegretto and Beat are shown lying down, asleep. Beat twitches in his sleep.) Character Model Designer Tomohiko Okubo Tomomi Kawabata Motion Designer Yuko Matsuda (The camera pans to focus on Allegretto only.) Map Designer Kentaro Hata Akira Tomino Tsuyoshi Kaita Yusuke Okamoto (The camera pans again to show both Allegretto and Beat. Beat rises, apparently not actually having gone to sleep, and moans.) Beat: Hey, Retto? I'm too excited about tomorrow to fall asleep. And besides, it's way too early to go to bed anyway. Visual Effect Designer Kentaro Ishihara Sayaka Fujino Akiko Takahashi (Beat looks over at Allegretto, who isn't answering. He is apparently out like a light.) Beat: Oh, well. I guess I'll go out and look at the stars or something. (He gets up and heads for the ladder. The scene changes to show Ritardando at night.) Event Designer Seungmin Oh Risa Shinada System Graphic Designer Mai Fukuda Sound Director Kazufumi Sato Sound Engineer Kohei Sagara Riei Saito Etsuko Shimada Ippei Shiraki (Beat looks around.) Beat: I don't see many stars in the sky tonight. I guess all the bright lights from the city make it hard to see them. Sound Advisor Yusaboro Shimojo Development Support Maiko Tsujita Eri Shiba (The camera pans up to the night sky, showing the few visible stars.) Project Manager Takeshi Kaneda (The scene changes to the view of Ritardando at night from the flower field in Tenuto.) Assistant Producers Maskai Miyakoshi (NBGI) Maya Yamada (NBGI) (The camera pans to show that Polka is viewing this scene.) Producers Shinji Noguchi (NBGI) Hideo Baba (NBGI) (Polka is shown close up. Her mother approaches from behind.) Mother: Polka. There you are. I was wondering where you went when I didn't see you in your room. (The view changes to the wide shot again.) Ritardando certainly is beautiful at night. Polka: Do you think so? (The mother is shown briefly, then Polka again.) Somehow when I think back on it, I get the feeling it was much more beautiful when I was a little girl. Mother: Yes, well things always seem nicer in our memories. It's still just as beautiful. You'll have bad dreams if you stay up too late. Come on. Let's get some sleep. (She turns around and walks away, but Polka sits down.) Polka: Is Ritardando really the same as it's always been? Really? Developed by Tri-Crescendo Inc. (The screen angles to show the moon again. The name of the game is presented on screen on a musical staff with notes.) ETERNAL SONATA (A star streaks and lights up the name briefly. Polka is shown again and a male voice is heard speaking off-screen. It's the same man that was lamenting Emilia in the opening credits.) Man: No, it's not. (The angle changes to show the man from the middle down, standing behind Polka.) This place used to be much more beautiful. (The angle changes to show that this is the man seen lying on the bed in the scene from before. This is Frederic Chopin.) You have a heart that sees the world with open eyes, don't you? Polka: Who... who are you? And what are you doing out here this late at night? Frederic: (ignoring her questions) Everything in the world slowly fades with time. It is very difficult to remain still and keep things exactly as they are in just one particular moment. But because everything shifts only a little bit at a time, no one really notices the change. (The scene changes back to Paris, France, where Ludiwka is crouched at the foot of Frederic's bed. The doctor is standing.) 11:09 PM (The woman stands.) Ludwika: The things that Frederic is seeing, is it all really just a dream? The difference between dreams and reality may very well just be relative. Doctor: (turning to Ludwika) Oh? And what makes you say that? Woman: Well, I don't know. I guess it just came into my mind when I was watching Frederic's face while he was sleeping. Doctor: (hmms) That may be more true than we know. Perhaps what Mr. Chopin is experiencing is not a dream. Only the individual can determine what is a dream and what is reality. Just because his eyes are closed that does not necessarily mean he is dreaming. However, if he comes to think that the world he's in on the other side is the true reality then... (The camera shifts to show the younger woman, Delfina.) Delfina: Then it's possible he may never return to our reality. Doctor: Hmm... (The scene changes back to Tenuto at night.) Polka: Wow! So you can use magic powers, too, Frederic? Oh. But then that must mean you're like me and that you're gonna die soon, too. Frederic: Yes, you're right. I'm afraid that may very well be true. (The angle changes to show the two in a wide shot from behind.) Polka: So, what kind of magic can you use? Frederic: Well, essentially, any and all kinds of magic. After all, this whole world is in my dream. (The camera changes to show Polka only, who lowers her head and giggles.) Polka: You're a strange man, Frederic. (The camera shows Frederic, then him and Polka.) Frederic: No, it's true. Everything around us is all a part of my dream. Even you are just a product of my imagination. Polka: Okay, then if what you say is true, can you tell me what I'm thinking about right now? If we really are inside your dream, then reading my mind should be easy for you. Frederic: Of course, it is. You were thinking that you don't want to use your magical abilities in front of other people anymore. Am I correct? I don't blame you for feeling that way. No one likes to be hurt. Polka: (standing up) Frederic. There's something I'd really like to show you. But it's in the forest. Would you come with me? Frederic: You want me to go with you to the forest? You mean, right now? Polka: Yes. Because it can only be seen at night. (The scene ends and the player can take control of Polka. Polka
can examine an object in the middle of the field.)

Polka: I wonder which flower would look best on Hanako.

(Polka can examine the view at the edge of the flower field.)

Polka: Aah, the breeze feels so nice.

(In the village, Polka can talk with the woman on the pathway again.)

Woman on Pathway: My, my. Good evening, Polka. A little moon
gazing is part of my daily routine. If I can see the stars, the
next day will be sunny. If I can't, well then it'll be rain.
- Oh, my! There's the night wind blowing. It feels so nice.
- I wonder what tomorrow's weather will bring.

(She can also talk with the boy by the stairway, who is now
sitting on a ledge.)

Boy by Stairway: (taking a sip from a cup) Evening, Polka. Would
you like some, too? A cup of floral tea and the night wind make
for a good combination.
- Look at that. I've got the full moon floating in my cup.
- I can't sleep on nights like these.

(She can examine the water-wheel.)

Polka: Even at night the mill wheel is still hard at work.

(She can examine a small flower patch at the
bottom of the stairwell.)

Polka: Good night, flowers. Hm? There's something here. I wonder
if that boy dropped this. (Acquired Peach Cookie.)

(She can enter the house on the pathway again.)

Grandma: All right, all right. I'll be along in a minute. Off to
bed with you now.

Boy: My mom says that if I'm not with her, she gets lonely and
can't fall asleep.
- Oh, well. I guess I've got no choice. I'll get in the bed
first and warm it up for her.
- Yawn. Good night, Polka. See you tomorrow.

Grandpa: Oh, Julia. What are you doing up so late? I'm sleepy.
- All right, g'nite. I'm going to sleep.

(She can visit the house near the horse stable.)

Woman: Apples, apples! The apples from our garden
are the sweetest around!
- The apples from our garden are really sweet. My mouth is
looking forward to them already!

Woman 2: The apples in the garden are starting to color really
nicely. You'll be able to eat them pretty soon. I'll give you
some once they're ripe. Oh, but you better get them quickly or
my sister will eat them all.
- My younger sisters love apples, too.

(She can speak with either Sop or Rano, initiating another scene with both.)

Sop: Apples!
Rano: Bananas!
Sop: Okay, Polka, next is "C"!
Polka: Umm... hmm....

-Cantaloupe
Cherry Tomatoes
Cumquats

Sop: Ooh, cantaloupe. Good one! Now I'm D?! A fruit that begins
with the letter D? Uh, um...
Rano: Durian!
Sop: Hey! No fair! It was my turn! I was going to say, "dates!"

(The scene ends and Polka can speak with both Sop and Rano.)

Sop: Huh?! The pumpkin turned into a princess?!

Rano: And also, uh, it was a flying pumpkin.

(If Polka chooses one of the other choices...)

- Cherry Tomatoes

Sop: Ha! Tomatoes aren't a fruit! You lose, Polka!
Rano: Um, actually, I think tomatoes are a fruit.

- Cumquats

Sop: Cumquats? What the heck are cumquats anyway??
Rano: Come whats?

(If she attempts to leave the village...)

Polka: It's dangerous to leave the village at night.

(She can examine the stream by her house.)

Polka: Oh, there's something in the water. (Acquired Floral Powder.)

(She can enter her house for a scene. This scene is text only,
not spoken out loud.)

Polka: Mom, I have a friend with me. This is Frederic.

(The text reveals that Polka's mother is named Solfege.)

Solfege: Oh!
Polka: What's wrong, Mom?
Solfege: What? Oh. It's nothing.
Frederic: Please pardon the intrusion at such a late hour.
Solfege: Frederic, was it? You don't look like you come from
around here, is that correct?
Frederic: Uh, yes. A journey. I've been on a long journey
searching for something.
Solfege: I see... Well, you must have traveled far to get here.
Are you hungry? I'm afraid it's only leftovers, but won't you
stay for dinner?
Frederic: Dinner? Oh, I couldn't....
Polka: My mom's stew is delicious. You should stay and try it!

(Solfege walks to the stove to start preparing.)

Frederic: Well, then, I accept your kind offer.

(The scene ends. Polka can talk with her mother again.)

Solfege: I'm getting it all ready now, just wait a little while.
- You're going to the forest? All right. But it's pretty late,
so come back soon.

(Polka can visit her room. She can examine a plant
in the lower right corner.)

Polka: Hm? Oh, I'd hung this on the plant, but now it's falling
off. I guess I'd better take it down. (Acquired Angel Trumpet.)

(She can examine a desk.)

Polka: Oh. The book that was sitting here is gone. Mom must have
taken it. But she had promised that I could read it before bed.

(If playing on Encore Mode, a bonus feature available after
completing the game at least once, she can examine her bed.)

Polka: (sound of cat meowing) And this is my bed. It's really
comfy. Hm? There's something on the floor underneath. Oh! I've
been looking all over for this! (Acquired Polka's New Costume.)

(Whenever Polka is ready, she can enter the forest. The sights
of the forest are shown and the name of this forest is displayed
on-screen.)

===Heaven's Mirror Forest===

(Polka and Frederic make their way through the forest and
eventually reach Heaven's Mirror Forest: North. After walking
just a little ways along the path, they encounter a boss. The
boss, a sort of wild boar looking creature grunts and snarls.
The camera zooms toward Frederic and Polka, showing them looking
resolute. The boar charges. Boss battle with Forest Boar. The
boar is rather more powerful than Bread Gang, with a number of
strong attacks, but is eventually dispatched by Frederic and
Polka. The two stop for a breather.)

Polka: I guess it's kind of dangerous out here when it's late at
night. The animals in the forest never used to
be this aggressive before.
Frederic: (turning away from her) By the way, you never told me
if I'd answered your question correctly.
Polka: What?
Frederic: Of course, this is all just a story in my mind. So,
I'm sure there's no way I could possibly be wrong.

(Polka walks away, deeper into the forest. Frederic taps his
chin and Polka stops and turns to him.)

Polka: Come on, it's almost time. We have to hurry if we're
gonna make it, Frederic!
Frederic: Wait!

(The scene changes to the area Polka and Frederic
have walked into.)

Polka: These flowers are what I wanted to show you.
Frederic: Flowers?
Polka: Just watch. They're about to blossom!

(The two are shown from behind and then the flowers are shown.
Their petals are a dark black and red and are closed. They then
open, each emitting a brilliant burst of light. The lights are
shown flickering throughout the flower field.)

Frederic: Wha... what are they?
Polka: They're called Heaven's Mirror. They're like a reflection
of the starry sky on the meadows. This is the only place they
bloom in the forest. These flowers never bloom during the day.
Only at night. When the sun is up, they stay in their buds, but
they're able to absorb sunlight with their leaves. And after
night falls, they let out all the light they've stored when they
blossom. It always happens at exactly two o'clock in the morning.
Frederic: They're beautiful. Absolutely stunning. It truly is a
wondrous sight.
Polka: But, they're also called Death Lights.
Frederic: Death Lights?
Polka: The sun brings life, but the dark brings death. And these
flowers bloom in darkness. So, darkness is evil, light is good.
Whether you want to call them Heaven's Mirror or Death Lights,
that's up to you Frederic. But it seems like, these days, nearly
everyone has taken to calling them Death Lights. Long ago, it
was thought they looked like the light that guided people to
death, since they blossom the opposite of regular flowers. Even
now, a lot of people don't like these flowers. To many, they're
still considered a bad omen. That's also how they think of me.
(Frederic mouths something silently and gives a little shake of his head.)
Frederic, you said before that this whole world is
all just a dream you're having. Right? But, if you're in your
own dream, how can you be so completely positive that what's
happening is only a dream? And if what you're experiencing in
the dream is so realistic to you, how can you even tell what's
actually the real world? And, to prove my point, you didn't read
my mind earlier. (Frederic looks surprised.) You were wrong. I
was thinking about leaving Tenuto. I want to go out into the
world and live my own life. Even if that life only exists inside
your dream. I don't know how much time I have left to live, but
I want to live what's left of my life in a positive way,
bringing happiness to others. I just want to help people
somehow. Like these flowers. Even though people call them Death
Lights, they still blossom and struggle to live on.
Frederic: You're going to leave the village? But where do you
intend to go after you leave Tenuto?
Polka: I'll go to Forte Castle. And then I'm going to meet with
the Count. To ask about the taxes on floral powder. Because
right now, they're hurting everyone in the village. You know,
you should be happy you couldn't read my mind. Since you can't
use magic, it means you don't have an incurable illness. (She
begins to walk away.) Please, stay at my house tonight. I'll
tell my mom you're coming. You're a guest in our dream world,
after all. That's not something that happens every day.
Frederic: A flower that resembles you. A bad omen. Death Lights.

(He walks away and the scene ends. The scene changes to
Ritardando in the daytime. The ladder leading to the secret
hideout is shown, then the scene changes to inside, where Beat
is excited about leaving town...)

Beat: Wow, Retto. This is the first time I'm going outside Ritardando.
Allegretto: It's not like we're going on a picnic, Beat.
Don't get so excited.
Beat: Yeah, I know that, Retto. We're going to help Ritardando's
poor by getting the leaders to lower taxes on stuff besides the
mineral powder, right? That way everyone can afford blankets,
and cheese, and all the honey-covered bread they could ever
possibly want! Then everyone can finally be happy! Right, Retto?
Allegretto: That's exactly right. Hey, I'm proud of you, Beat.
We can't solve things by just stealing bread. We have to
uncover the real root of the problem.
Beat: Yeah, you said it! (giggles) So, where are we going, anyway?
Allegretto: (sighs wearily) You mean you don't know? Geez, I
take back what I just said. (He starts climbing the hideout
ladder.) We're heading to Forte Castle to talk to the guys in
charge! Come on, let's go.
Beat: Hey, Retto! Wait up!

(Allegretto emerges in the town. After walking a brief distance...)

Allegretto: Before we leave, we should probably see how the kids
in the sewer are doing.

(Allegretto can talk with the people in town again, though not
everyone has something new to say and the locations of some have changed.)

Man near Stairwell: Mi mi miii~ Hack! Ooh, my throat. I sang too
much yesterday. We're having a concert next month, so I'm
practicing every day.
- Why don't you come back to the choir? I mean you had
a pretty good voice.

Woman by Flower Cart: Come one, come all! Fresh flowers direct
from Tenuto!
- You again? These flowers aren't for eating! Scoot, now! Scoot!
- Come one, come all!

Boy by Bakery: Why's the weather so nice? Darn it all, I'm so sleepy.
- I just can't let myself sleep. Ah, I'm going crazy.

Man in Green Shirt: Our boat got smashed in the last storm. We
were planning on doing some fishing tomorrow. Not even exercise
seems to dry my tears.
- You may have already noticed this, but my brother is
pretty good at making money.

Man in Orange Shirt: Wah ha ha! Wah ha ha! Listen to those
seagulls squawk! Wah ha ha! Wa ha ha!

Lady near Orange-Shirt Man, Previously by Ladder: How long has
it been since the ferry stopped running? It used to be easy to
go to Baroque on the ferry. Ever since pirates started appearing
on Fusion River, they've suspended travel because it's
dangerous. If I can't get to Baroque, how am I supposed to keep
up with the latest fashions?
- I wish a white knight in shining armor would come along and
teach those pirates a lesson.

Elderly Lady: Did you happen to see my husband? He took my
dentures and went off someplace! If you see him, grab him for
me, would you? I need to teach him a lesson! He won't be getting
any dinner tonight, that's for sure!
- How can I talk if I don't have my dentures in? Well, I always
keep a spare set with me, of course. I'm not a
dunderhead like my old husband.
- Find my husband for me. Please!

Boy by Elderly Lady: Um, I guess boys really need to be strong,
huh? I mean, I'm not very good at sports and stuff. But I guess
you have to be good at them to be macho, huh?
- What does it mean to be macho?

Red-Headed Boy Running along Beach: Whaddya think? I'm pretty
tough, huh? You need a really strong body to be able to run
across sand at full speed!
- But don't fall in love with me because I'm so macho.

Girl watching Running Boy: He said he's trying to show me how
macho he is by running on the beach. But he just looks stupid.

(He can visit the cave that the kids were blocking the entrance
to before. He can examine some writing on a wall inside.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's something written on the wall! "It
hurts... but there's no way I can escape the pain...." Kinda creepy.

(He can follow the path inside the cave to the end.)

Allegretto: Was this the way to Forte Castle? No, wait. This
will take us to Tenuto Village. Better go back. (He turns around
and walks a couple steps.)

(He can revisit the various buildings in town, but again, not
everyone has something new to say. At the Mandolin Church...)

Priest: You're going on a journey? Travel will strengthen your
inner self and help you grow. Go forth and learn from your
experiences, Allegretto.
- Beat is still small, so don't push him too hard. I wish you
all the best on your journey. (He heals the party.)

(He can revisit the elderly's woman's house again.)

Woman: My son's not here right now. All he does is play, play,
play every day. I wonder if he's even thought once about his
future. What he wants to be when he grows up and such.
- I swear, that boy will make me old before my time.

(He can do as he originally suggested and revisit the sewers. He
can examine the wanted poster of the rat from before,
which was Bread Gang.)

Allegretto: This guy's a pushover!

(He eventually reaches the Rear Section of the sewers and talk
with the kids again.)

Ad: (yawns) Man, I'm so bored. I want to go outside. Come on,
Retto, don't look at me like that. I know better than to
actually do it! If we went outside to play, somebody'd probably
take us away or something.
- I'll look after everybody while you're away. Just leave it to me!

Sym: Hey, where does the bread that you guys always give us come
from? It's really good!
- I wanna be a baker if it means you can eat yummy bread like
that every day.

Phony: Oh, you're going outside of the city?
- I hope you and Beat come back soon.
- You have to come back soon, okay? Promise?

Lib: Hey, can I have that? Can I? (Handed over Rat Tail) Thanks!
Here, I'll give you this in exchange. (Acquired Stick.)
- Thanks, Retto!

(He can examine a blanket.)

Allegretto: I'd like them to have better blankets, but this is
the best I can do for right now.

(He can examine some creatures that have apparently taken up
residence in a treasure chest in the area, who have hearts
floating up from them.)

Allegretto: (as the creatures make squeaking noises) Guess I
shouldn't bother them.

(He can talk with the squat man at the edge of the beach again.)

Squat Man: I bet you think you can't measure a day, don't you?
Well, you can. All you need is a stick. (Handed over Stick) Ah,
one just like this. If you put this into the ground you can
measure the time there is in a day. The shadow of the stick
moves, you see. Slowly, slowly, it gets long and narrow. And
when it disappears, that's the end. The end of a single day.
Here's something you can have that I had in my pocket. Do you
like it? (Acquired Dentures.)
- Aah. I really did a lot of talking today. The sun's about to
set. I suppose I'll get ready to settle in. It's surprisingly
warm beneath the eaves of the church.
(When ready, he and Beat can leave town.)

Allegretto: Okay, you gotta watch yourself, Beat. It's not gonna
be the same as fighting the rats in Ritardando.
Beat: I know. Don't worry, I'll take some good pictures. (He
pulls out his camera.)
Allegretto: (looking shocked and annoyed) Pictures?! Come on,
don't waste time on that stuff. You need to help me fight.
Beat: Hey, that's not nice. Don't say things like that! Taking
pictures isn't a waste of time.
Allegretto: Fine, fine. You can tell me all about it later. Come
on, let's get moving.

===Agogo Forest===

(He and Beat can return to town if they like. When they're
ready, they can proceed forward, where they are approached by an
enemy. Mandatory battle with Very Very Empty.) 

Allegretto: Our Party Level has gone up, and we're getting
better at real fighting, so now I'm gonna teach you something
else that's really important.

View the tutorial?
- Yes
No

Allegretto: This is the Action Gauge. (It is highlighted in red,
with a red arrow pointing to it.)
Beat: Yeah, I know that already.
Allegretto: Come on, just listen. Up until now, your Action
Gauge has only gone down when you're actually doing something,
right? But from now on, as soon as you make your first move,
your Action Gauge down no matter what.
Beat: Huh? What does that mean?
Allegretto: What it means is that even when you're standing
still, time will keep on passing. If you're not paying
attention, your turn will be over before you know it, and it'll
be your enemy's turn.
Beat: What?! That's no fair! Fighting like that's going to be
really, really hard!
Allegretto: Yup, that's right! And that's where Tactical Time
(TT) comes in.
Beat: Tactical Time? What's that?
Allegretto: Tactical Time is the time you get at the beginning
of your turn to figure out what it is you're gonna do. As long
as you don't move or attack, you can stay in Tactical Time for
as long as you want.
Beat: Okay. So then what you're saying is, the Tactical Time you
get is unlimited. And that would mean... Oh, I get it. So when
it's your turn, all you have to do is stay standing still. And
then you'll have lots of time to think about what you're gonna
do when you start fighting.
Allegretto: Exactly. One more thing. From now on, the more
Echoes you build up, the more power your special attacks will
have when you hit an enemy.
Beat: Echoes?
Allegretto: An Echo is what you get when your hit count reaches
a certain number. And they just keep accumulating right over here.
Beat: Oh, I get it! In that case, we should just use our special
attacks all the time. That way, we'll be building up lots and
lots of Echoes, and our special attacks will just keep stronger
and stronger, because we'll have so many Echoes. It's perfect!
We'll be killing two birds with one stone. I am so smart!
Allegretto: Not so fast. Unfortunately, when you use your
special attacks, all the Echoes you've accumulated get used up.
Basically, the power of your special attack increases but you
lose all of your Echoes because of it. So if you want to build
up a lot of Echoes, you can't do it by using your special attacks.
Beat: Oh. But how can you ever get enough Echoes to use them
with your special attacks? It must be really hard for one person
to build up so many all by himself.
Allegretto: That's right. And that's why we have to work
together to build them up. Echoes don't just belong to you, they
belong to everyone who's fighting.
Beat: But then, that means that you could use up all the Echoes
that I had worked so hard to build up. That doesn't sound very
fair, you know.
Allegretto: Come on, don't say things like that! I'm counting on
you, partner! (The enemy gets a turn.) Beat! Look over
there at that enemy!
Beat: What about it? (The enemy moves from an area of sunlight
to shade and morphs into a larger and much more dangerous
looking monster.) How did that happen? It just turned into a
completely different monster!
Allegretto: There are some monsters that can transform depending
on whether they're in sunlight or in shadow. Some will get
really strong, and some will even change the kinds of attacks
they use, so you gotta be really careful.

(Allegretto and Beat dispatch the enemy, either Very Very Empty
or Great Coconut depending on whether they left it in sunlight
or shadow, and continue on their way. As they continue their
journey through the forest, they can find and talk with a
frustrated painter in Agogo Forest. )

Painter: My inner voice cries out for me to capture in paint the
full essence of this great landscape! But the lush bounty of
nature is more lush than I imagined! I've almost used
up all my green paint!
- The clouds in the sky are starting to look threatening. But I
cannot leave this place! My inner voice cries out that I must
not run! I'm almost out of time and paint! So many
obstacles stand before me!

(The two continue forward in this section and there is a
cutscene. Ominous music plays and the two encounter a monster
that looks like some sort of baby dragon. Boss battle with
Florite Mouse x2 and... Baby Dragon. The two have a pitched
battle, but eventually defeat them. They continue
to walk forward.)

Allegretto: If we don't hurry, we're gonna get caught in the rain.
Beat: So what? We can handle a little rain. I mean, the
hideout's roof leaks like crazy. (giggles) And that's
just when it drizzles.
Allegretto: Yeah, you got a point there.

(Chopin Story Sequence - Raindrops)

(The scene changes to show Frederic and Polka, who are in a
different area of the same forest as Allegretto and Beat.)

Polka: Oh! Looks like it's finally started raining.
Frederic: You know, the rain makes the plants look even more alive.
Polka: For Tenuto's flowers, the rain is a blessing from heaven.

(She walks forward and this brief scene ends. If she
tries to exit the forest...)

Polka: Since we've come this far, we'd best hurry on ahead.

(The two continue through the forest and eventually reach a new area.)

Polka: Did you hear that? It's starting to thunder now, too.
Frederic: We should get out of this storm. Is there someplace
around here where we can take shelter?
Polka: Hm. I don't know. (She turns around, looking startled.)
Hold on a second! Someone's coming.

(Frederic turns and a man is shown walking into the scene. At
first, he is shown only from about the chest down and then
slowly comes into view...)

Man: Oh! Why, hello there. Are you two out looking for something
in this wretched weather? (The camera pans up and shows his
face. He is wearing a monocle.) I am looking for something
myself. But I'm learning that it's not such an easy task when
it's pouring down rain like this. (He shakes his head and his
tone turns sinister.) Perhaps you wouldn't mind providing me
with entertainment to ease my frustration?
Frederic: What?! (Both he and Polka look angry.)
Monocled Man: (the camera zooms in on the monocled eye) I really
do hate it when my clothes get wet and here I find the two of
you just as I was starting to get irritated!

(Boss battle with the monocled man. The battle screen next to
his Active Time bar reveals that this man is named Fugue. At the
start of the battle, he will speak to Polka and Frederic.)

Fugue: I can't stand the smell of this forest. The plants, the
animals and the sweat coming from you people!
Polka: Ah! What are you doing?!

(Both Polka and Frederic are swiftly defeated, as this man's
attacks are strong enough to defeat them in or two hits.)

Fugue: (as the battle ends) Eh. I got dirt on my clothes.

(Polka and Frederic are lying on the ground. Lightning
flashes and thunder crackles.)

Fugue: Oh, dear, what am I doing? I really don't have time to
play around with the likes of you. I need to go find that
glowing creature. Thank you kindly for the workout. It helped me
relieve some stress. I think I should be able to get back to my
work now. I'm very grateful to both of you.

(He walks away as the storm continues and the scene ends.)

11:23 PM

(Ludwika looks at her reflection in a rain-streaked
window. A thunderstorm is coming to an end.)

Ludwika: Oh. Finally. It looks as though the thunderstorm has
passed. (She turns away and walks back to the bed.)
How is Frederic's condition?
Doctor: Better. He appears to have settled down somewhat. Just
like the weather outside. (Frederic is shown on
the bed, sleeping peacefully.)
Ludwika: I hope he's all right.
Doctor: His violent spasms have stopped for the time being. I
think he's all right for now. He looks peaceful again.
Ludwika: Perhaps he was startled by the lightning. Maybe that's
what caused his seizure.
Doctor: Yes, madam, that may very well be true. But I have a
suspicion that that wasn't the only cause. I think tonight will
be crucial to his recovery.

(The scene changes back to Agogo Forest. It is bright and sunny
again. Beat is looking around.)

Beat: Looks like all that rain and lightning have stopped. Thank goodness.
Allegretto: Hey Beat. Did I see you shaking back there?
Beat: What?! No way! I wasn't shaking!
Allegretto: Oh? Really? You were hanging on to your camera for
dear life, weren't you?
Beat: Let's just hurry up and get out of here, okay?

(He walks off and the player takes control of Allegretto. The
pair reaches Agogo Forest: North, where they find an elderly
gentleman stomping up and down in a nook nearby where Polka and
Frederic were defeated. If the party does not have the Dentures
in their inventory...)

Elderly Man: Darn, my wife! That old hag! I can't take it
anymore! Always complaining day and night! Well, she's not going
to be doing much talking at all once I break her dentures! Like this! Hah!

(But if they do have the Dentures in the inventory...)

Elderly Man: I've had it up to here with that old hag! Always
complaining day and night! I'll show her! She's not going to be
doing much talking at all with her dentures in pieces! Hah!
What? She said she's not going to give me dinner? Oh no! She
must be really mad! I'd better go back and apologize right now! 
But I smashed her dentures. If she finds out about that, she's
going to do even worse to me. (Handed over Dentures) You're
giving me these? Thank you so much! You've saved my life! Please
take this return. It's the least I can do. (Acquired Green Paint.)
- I'm going to head back now. Thanks again. (He leaves the area.)

(Allegretto and Beat can return to the painter in
Agogo Forest: Middle South.)

Painter: No! It's not enough! I'm going to run out of color!
(Handed over Green Paint) Oh! You've got green paint! And you'll
give it to me?! Thank you, stranger! Let me give you
this in return! (Acquired Long Johns.)
- What vivid green! My brush will dance with delight!

(The two continue their journey just past where the upset
husband was and eventually reach a village. Sights of the
village are shown.)

===Agogo Village===

(The two can return to the forest if they want, but eventually
make their way forward, up a steep path. Near the top,
a cutscene is shown...)

Allegretto: What? Oh, terrific! It finally stops raining, so, of
course, now we find a house.
Beat: Hey, I think I see someone over there.

(A girl with purple hair and pointed ears approaches the
stairway that Allegretto and Beat are standing at the bottom of.
She turns around and Beat climbs the stairs. Allegretto follows
after. The girl turns around again to face them.)

Beat: Hello there! Do you live in this house?
Girl: Yes, I do. My name is March. Nice to meet you. My sister
and I are the guardians of this forest.
Allegretto: So, it's just the two of you? Alone? All the way out
here? Must be tough. (There is the sound of a door opening.)
March: Not at all. I suppose it is dangerous sometimes, but my
sister always manages to take care of things. Lately, though, I
must admit I've been surprised at how many guests have been
showing up around the forest. (As she continues to speak, the
view angles up slightly to show the very bottom of the legs of
the person who just emerged from the door behind her. Based on
the outfit, it appears to be Polka. March turns around and sees
her.) Oh! Are you awake already? You know, you could have stayed
in bed longer if you wanted to.
Polka: (approaching the group) Huh? Where... where am I?
March: You were found lying unconscious at the upper entrance of
the forest. The agogos came to me, and told me where I could
find you. I think your friend is out taking a walk somewhere
nearby. He kept mumbling to himself. Something about trying to
find inspiration for his music.
Allegretto: (turning to March) Um. Excuse me, but what are "agogos"?
March: They're, hmm... well, they're round creatures.
Beat: Huh? Round creatures?
March: Anyway, they don't approach human beings. And recently,
it seems as though the agogos haven't really been showing
themselves at all. You're a very lucky person. It's quite
unusual for agogos to take a liking to a human. In fact, I still
can't believe they came to me about rescuing a human being at
all. This is the first time anything like that's ever happened.
Polka: So the agogos rescued me? Even though... even though I'm....
March: I think maybe you should get some more rest right now.
I'll fix you something warm to eat. (She turns around and walks
away. She stops and turns around.) Oh, I'm sorry. I just
realized I don't even know your name.
Polka: Who, me? Well I'm....
Allegretto: You're Polka, right?
Polka: (turning to him) What?!
Allegretto: You sell floral powder in Ritardando. Yeah. I heard
someone say your name once.
Beat: Oh, yeah! And that magic you used was really great, too!
(Polka backs away.)
Allegretto: Hey, Polka, what's the matter?! (She runs off.)
Beat: Why'd she run off like that? Did we say something wrong?

(Frederic arrives, carrying a basket with fruits.)

Frederic: Oh! Polka, you're up. I've picked a snack for us.
(Polka dashes by him and he approaches the group.)
Allegretto: Did something happen?
March: She really shouldn't be running around like that. She's
only just recovering. That path doesn't go very far off though.
So at least she shouldn't get lost.

(Polka is heard screaming.)

Allegretto: Huh? That's Polka! (He and Beat rush forward and the
player is given control of Allegretto. He, Beat and Frederic can
go off to rescue Polka immediately, or they can explore the
village first, and talk with the people there.)

March: That voice sounded like Polka!

Agogo Boy: I just saw some girl run by.

Squat Man Near Save Point: I heard noises coming from the
direction of the cave! And it definitely wasn't an animal!

Woman wearing Orange Headscarf: If you're looking for the cave,
it's over on the west side of the village.

Man in Orange Shirt: I just heard a scream!

Woman by Vegetable Patch: What happened? What was that?!

Woman in Item Shop: My, my! It's rare that I get customers here.
(Store screen appears)

(He can examine some things around the village.  He examines a spring.)

Allegretto: It looks like the fountain in Ritardando. Oh, it's a
natural spring!

(He can examine a little structure by March's house.)

Allegretto: Mmm, this rice looks good! And no one's looking.
Heh, heh. Don't mind if I do. Ow! It's hard!
Something was inside of it. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(He examines a strange statue by the bottom of the stairway.)

Allegretto: What's up with this statue? Hey, I think that guy
squashed underneath it is that god EZI I keep hearing about! I
guess I'll try praying. (Acquired 1 Gold.)

(He can examine a strange pumpkin-like fruit with a face.
A tribal drumbeat is heard.)

Allegretto: Man, that looks weird.

(He can examine the vegetable patch.)

Allegretto: These vegetables are huge! I wonder if anybody'd
notice if I took one. I should give the kids some vegetables to
eat along with their bread.

(He can examine some crates in the Item Shop.)

Allegretto: This box looks suspicious. Hey, look what I found!
(Acquired Floral Powder)

(He can also examine a nook at the top of the Item Shop.)

Allegretto: Wow, nice! Nobody'll mind if I borrow one, right?
(Acquired Glowing Tail.)

(He can enter Salsa and March's House and examine a bird cage.)

Allegretto: Huh, it's an empty bird cage. Hm?
(Acquired Twilight Feather.)

(He can examine a trash can in the house.)

Allegretto: Ack, I started sifting through the trash out of habit!

(He can examine a vase nestled in a nook.)

Allegretto: This vase smells funny. What the heck's in it?
(Acquired Club Clover.)

(If he attempts to leave the village through either the upper
path or the path back to Agogo Forest...)

Allegretto: This isn't the direction Polka's voice came from!

(Eventually he and the others enter the area that Polka ran off
to. There, Polka can be seen being menaced by a monster carrying
a mammoth sword. It howls at her and the group is shown rushing
in and forming a protective circle around her, also shielding
her from two L'Opera Knight enemies.)

Beat: Polka! Are you okay?
Allegretto: (addressing Frederic) I can understand that you want
to fight. But are you sure? After all, you're recovering, too, aren't you?
Frederic: I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. (One of the
L'Opera Knights squawks at Frederic.) Right now we have to
concentrate on keeping these things away from Polka!

(The large monster with the sword slams a fiery fist at
Allegretto and the battle begins. Boss battle with Ogre Champ
and L'Opera Knight x2. The Ogre Champ uses some powerful
physical attacks, but with the party now fighting as a group of
three, they overcome him reasonably easily. After the battle,
Polka sinks to her knees and Allegretto walks toward her.)

Allegretto: Did you get hurt?
Polka: No, I'm all right. Thank you.
Frederic: Thank goodness you're all right. Huh? What is that thing?

(A small glowing orb bounces toward Polka.)

Allegretto: Hm. I bet it's one of those agogos that girl was
talking about before.
Beat: It's kind of weird. Look, Retto, it's glowing.
Polka: Agogo, thank you for saving me.
Beat: I've never seen one of those before. Oh, I know! I'll take
a picture of it. (He reaches for his camera, but the agogo
bounces and dissipates.)
Polka: Where did it go?
Allegretto: Great job, Beat. You scared it off by taking that
stupid thing out! I wish I could have touched it.
Beat: Gee, I'm sorry, Retto. (He looks sad.)
Polka: So, your name is Beat? Agogos are probably very shy
creatures. I'm sure it'll come out again. (She turns to
Allegretto.) And I take it your name is Retto?
Is that short for something else?
Allegretto: I'm Allegretto. I have a little store in Ritardando.
It's small, but we have a tough time keeping stuff in stock each
day. (Beat covers his mouth with his hands, clearly giggling.)
Anyway, enough about me. What's a powder seller like you doing
way out here? Are you headed somewhere?
Polka: I... uh...

(Polka has a flashback. She is in her house with her mother, Solfege.)

Polka: Mom, I'm going to see the Count at Forte Castle!
Solfege: Now is not the time to discuss this! We have a guest in the house.
Polka: I told you the reason floral powder isn't selling is
because people can buy mineral powder so cheaply. I'm sure he'll
understand if I talk to him.
Solfege: Polka dear, don't be foolish! You can't possibly go all
the way to the castle in Forte by yourself.
Polka: I've already made up my mind! Don't try to stop me! (She
runs into her room and slams the door.)
Solfege: (holding out her arm) Polka! Dear, it's not that
important if floral powder doesn't sell! We'll survive somehow.
(She walks toward the door.) Polka, are you listening? (She
listens at the door, but gets no answer.) Polka, please! If you
can hear me, then answer me!

(The scene changes back to the group, showing Polka.)

Allegretto: (offscreen) Polka! (camera shows him) Are you listening?
Polka: (camera shows the whole group) Oh, yes. (showing Polka
again) I... I'm on my way to Forte.

(The party is gathered in March's house and is sitting around a table.)

Beat: (sitting across from Frederic) That's a pretty long name.
Could you say it one more time?
Frederic: Frédéric  François Chopin. But, you can just call me Frederic.
Beat: Frederic, huh? Okay. No problem. I'm really good at
remembering people's names.
March: You said you're going to Forte. Do you mean Forte Castle?
Polka: Yes, I do.
March: You should know that Forte is not a very friendly place
right now. It's much nicer here in Agogo Forest. The Count of
Forte Castle is responsible for mining Mt. Rock. He's been
making some kind of medicine.
Beat: Ah! You mean mineral powder, right?
March: Yes, that's right. My sister, Salsa, is on her way there
right now. She's going to ask them to please stop all the
mining. If something isn't done soon, the agogos are going to
lose even more of their home.
Polka: That's just terrible. You know, I was actually going to
ask them to reduce the amount of mineral powder they're selling.
Allegretto: Hey, hey, hold on. Wait a minute, you guys.
Beat: What about the people of Ritardando? If they can't get
mineral powder, they're the ones who'll suffer.
Polka: Oh!
Allegretto: I know you gotta sell your floral powder, but
there's other people out there tryin' to survive, too.
Beat: And with the taxes as high as they are now, people can't
even afford bread most of the time.
Polka: Oh no! Really?
Allegretto: It's true. Everybody's already weak from hunger. And
if they can't buy medicine when they need it, on top of that,
you're gonna see people start dying.
Polka: But wait, floral powder is medicine, too. I know right
now it's more expensive than mineral powder because of the taxes, but....
Beat: Exactly! That's the problem right there. The taxes are
just way too high!
Allegretto: That's why we're on our way to speak with Count
Waltz. We're gonna ask him to lower the taxes on some
things other than mineral powder.
March: That all sounds reasonable, but I'm afraid it won't solve
the problem Agogo Forest is facing.
Allegretto: Well, yeah, I guess you're right about that. Then,
instead of stopping the mining completely, maybe we can get them
to cut back, or even find a totally different way to make the stuff.
Frederic: (notices that Polka looks troubled) Polka?
Polka: It's just that... I'm so ashamed of myself. I thought I
was doing something that would help everyone, but now that I've
met all of you, I realize I was only thinking of my own village.
I'm so sorry.
Allegretto: Hey c'mon, you don't need to beat yourself up about
it! You're just trying to help people, same as the rest of us!
Beat: Yeah, and anyway, if people could get floral powder at a
cheaper price than now, then there'd be less need for mineral
powder right there. Two birds with one stone.
March: I think what Beat is saying is more or less correct.
(stands up) Oh, I forgot! I hate to ask this since we've only
just met, but could you do something for me? (She picks up a hat
that is sitting nearby.) If you happen to come across my sister
when you're in Forte, could you possibly give her this hat?
(She gives the hat to Polka.)
Allegretto: But how are we gonna find her? I mean, we don't even
know what your sister looks like.
March: Oh, I don't expect that will be a problem. You see, we're
twins. So, I think you'll recognize her right away.
Allegretto: Gotcha. All right, then, I think we can handle that.
Come on, let's get going, Polka. We'll go together.
Polka: What? Go to Forte together? But I...
March: Yes, you should go together. I think that's a very good idea.
Allegretto: I mean, we're all heading to the same place, so we
might as well stick together, right?
Beat: Besides, if you collapse again, the agogos might not be
around to rescue you the next time.
Polka: Together? Really?

(The scene changes to the flashback in Polka's house, except
this time, Polka is listening to her mother from inside her room.)

Solfege: Dear, it's not that important if floral powder doesn't
sell! We'll survive somehow. Polka, are you listening? Polka,
please! If you can hear me, then answer me!

(Polka walks to her window and stares at the moon.)

Polka: Oh, Mom. I'm sorry. The truth is, this is about more than
just selling floral powder. I don't have long to live, so I want
to do something meaningful with that time! I think that meeting
Frederic helped me realize what I really want to do with my
life. I don't have much time. But I... I want to use my power
for good somehow. I want to help as many people as I can before
it's too late. I'm not gonna worry about what other people
think! If they're scared of getting sick and they want to stay
away from me, that's fine. Up until now, every stranger has been
my enemy. I'd convinced myself of that and couldn't trust
anyone. But not any more. Now, I'm going to start off by
trusting people. Because if I can do that, then... I think I can
become a Heaven's Mirror.

(The scene ends and Polka is shown back at March's house.)

Polka: I... Yes, I'd like to go with you very much!
Allegretto: Okay! Then we should get going. Oh, Frederic. By the
way, what are you gonna do?
Frederic: I was heading for Forte as well.
Beat: What? You're going to Forte, too, Frederic? Oh, that's
great! I guess that means we're all going to the same place!
Allegretto: This trip is really getting crowded, huh?

(The group has gathered outside March's house.)

Polka: March, thank you so much for everything.
(She bows and Beat does also.)
March: Don't mention it. And if you ever come through the forest
again, please drop by. (Polka bows again and the group walks away.)
Beat: Aw, darn. I wish I'd gotten another chance to take a
picture of that glowing agogo. Oh well.
Allegretto: Are you still going on about that? You know you can
just go back to that same cave again later.
Polka: Allegretto's right. As long as some agogos show
themselves, I'm sure you'll get to take a picture of them next time.
Beat: Yeah, I guess so. (chuckles)

(The scene changes to the inside of March's house.)

March: I wonder what they meant by a glowing agogo. That's so
odd. I've never heard of agogos glowing before. Maybe this is
something I should try looking into.


Chapter 2
Revolution


(The scene changes to show a brightly colored palace.
Ominous music plays.)

===Forte Castle Throne Room===

(A teenaged boy wearing a crown is shown sitting on a throne,
chuckling. This clearly is the Count Waltz that the party was
speaking of earlier. An elderly adviser stands before him.)

Count Waltz: (chuckling) Please. There is no need to do any such
thing. What can Andantino possibly do? Do they think they'll
start a revolution just by declaring they oppose the government?
Adviser: Still my lord, we've received reports of Andantino
engaging in activities to disturb the peace. Perhaps it would
best to nip this in the bud.
Count Waltz: Legato, stop worrying. Disturbing the peace is
exactly what rebels do.
Legato: Well, yes...
Count Waltz: But a revolution involves toppling a country's
government. Do you really think Andantino is capable of doing that?
Legato: No...
Count Waltz: (standing) No matter how many followers they
gather, Forte Castle will not fall. Andantino knows that,
perhaps better than anyone. And yet they continue to fight. Why
do you think that is?

(Chopin Story Sequence - Revolution)

(The scene changes back to Forte Castle.)

Count Waltz: Didn't you hear me? I asked you a question: why
does Andantino continue to fight?
Legato: (shakes his head) Well, I... (Legato looks surprised.
Count Waltz has walked right up to him.)
Count Waltz: Don't know the answer? It's because someone else is
backing them. They aren't stupid. The reason they haven't
stopped fighting is because they think they actually have a
chance to win. (He walks around, behind Legato.) So, in simpler
terms, our real enemies are the ones who are behind the scenes,
backing Andantino. We'll let Andantino play out their game.
They're no threat. And besides, Legato, we're already
one step ahead of them.

(The scene changes to  show a wide plain with windmills, many
dandelions and goats.)

===Chorus Plains===

(At any time while exploring this area, Allegretto can return to
Agogo Village and talk again with the people there.)

Agogo Boy: What? There's no such thing as glowing agogos, dummy!
I'm an agogo expert. If I say it, then you know it's true!
- I hardly see them at all anymore. Where'd all the agogos go?
Oh! Maybe I can find them in the forest! But March
won't let me go there.
- Where did all the agogos go?

Squat Man Near Save Point: If you wanna know more about the
village go talk to my momma. She's the official tour guide for
the village after all.
- She can introduce you to the chief anyway.

Woman wearing Orange Headscarf: This? This is the village chief
and his staff. They're romantic men who always shed
a tear on full moon nights.
- Lately, they don't seem to hear too well.
Maybe they're getting old.

Man in Orange Shirt: Whoa! Strangers! You city kids sure are
tall. What're they feedin' ya'll over there?
- You can't play all the time. You need to study some, too!

Woman by Vegetable Patch: I haven't seen the other guardian
around. Don't tell me a forest guardian is lost in the forest?
Oh, well. That girl is always disappearing.

(He can visit the area where Polka was attacked by the monster
before, Agogo Village: Cave Front.)

Young Girl: I want to grow up as fast as I can! Once I'm a
grown-up, then I can go to the forest!
- I heard there's huge onions and stuff in the forest!
I really want to see them!

Blue-Shirted Man: Up until just recently, agogos used to come
visit this village. But they never come 'round anymore.
Maybe it's because of the state the forest is in.
- I hear the leader of that country over there is doing
something up in the mountains. And when the mountain isn't
healthy, neither is the forest.

Elderly Woman: Oh, honestly, he's so overdramatic. It's
considered inappropriate to enter that cave except
during coming-of-age ceremonies.
- Anyway, it's best if you stay away from it, like he says.

Elderly Man: You'll earn the wrath of the gods if you approach
that cave! You must never go near it! Never!
- You must never go near that cave! Never!

(He can attempt to approach the cave.)

Elderly Man: I told you never to go near that cave!
(Allegretto turns back.)

(He can examine a mushroom patch in the area.)

Allegretto: I've never seen mushrooms this color before.
Can you eat these? (Acquired Poison Whitecap.)

(He can examine the area to the left of the Elderly Woman.)

Allegretto: Is this someone's grave? It's pretty dirty.

(He and the others can revisit Salsa and March's House at any
time for free healing and a little conversation.)

March: You must all be tired. Why don't you rest for a while?
- Rest
Don't Rest

March: Were you able to rest? Don't push yourselves too hard and
be careful on your journey.

(Allegretto can speak with her again after choosing either
option and she'll talk a bit more.)

March: I wanted to introduce you all to my sister, but I'm
afraid she's gone to Forte. I'm sorry.
- Oh, I'm fine. It does feel a bit empty with just one person,
but I'm used to it.

(The party can return to Ritardando, but there's only one person
there who has anything new to say, assuming you did the trading earlier.)

Elderly Lady: My husband came home. Thank you, dearies.
- Oh, you bet! I really let him have it.

(Allegretto can reexamine any of the posters of himself in the sewers.)

Allegretto: This thing is still here? I'd kinda rather
Polka not see that.

(He can examine the sea view along the edge of the Path to Tenuto.)

Allegretto: The breeze feels nice. I wonder what's across the ocean.

(He and the others can visit Tenuto Village.)

Woman on Pathway: Oh, my! Isn't this a surprise!
- What is? Well, it's been quite some time since
our village has had visitors.
- Please enjoy your stay here.

Boy by Stairway: This? This is called floral tea. It has a nice
fragrance, don't you think?
- I tell you, there's nothing finer than drinking floral tea
beneath a clear blue sky.

Red-Headed Stomping Boy: Come! On! Come! Out! They just won't come out.
- Huh? What? Oh! I'm catching startle bugs! If you stamp on the
ground like this, they come out. Didn't you know?
- When I catch one, I promise I'll show it to you!
They're really cool!
- Just give me a little time, okay?

Woman Examining Mill Wheel: Isn't this mill something? It was
built through the combined efforts of everyone in the village.
- Thanks to this mill, I'm able to make all kinds of tasty bread!
- This mill is the pride of our village!

Squat Man Near End of Pathway: I've been selling floral powder
as a peddler, you see. I make my way from house to house,
visiting all my previous customers. Lately though, it's all
about this mineral powder stuff. Isn't the idea of a medicine
that cures anything sort of creepy?
- It's almost time for the flower harvest.

Elderly Man at End of Pathway: Humph. Oh! Well, if isn't
General Good-for-Nothing. Have you finished peeling the radishes yet?
- If you don't hurry up, you'll be in hot water with your mother.

Man standing in front of Horse: We're best pals for life.
- Look at that, she only smiles like that for me.
- *whisper* *whisper*

(Allegretto can examine the mill wheel.)

Allegretto: Wow, look at it go. We don't have any mill wheels
like this in Ritardando.

(He can visit the house along the pathway.)

Grandma: Okay, Grandpa. Here's your pickled plum burger like I
promised you yesterday.
- I hear you, Grandpa. Just wait a bit longer, now.

(He can examine the jar in the house.)

Allegretto: What's in this jar? It really smells.
Is it for cooking? (Acquired Fish Incense.)

(He can examine a shelf as well.)

Allegretto: This place is really kept clean. Huh? What's behind
this plate? (Acquired Peach Cookie.)

(He can visit the house by the horse stable.)

Woman: Honestly! Where has that sister of mine gone to now?

(He can examine bed in the back left.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's something under the bed. (sound of
barking) There's a dog in this town?

(He can examine the cat lying on the bench nearby Polka's house.)

Allegretto: Why do cats sleep all the time anyway? Hey! Wake up!
Let's play, cat! Come on!

(He can visit Polka's house, but Solfege is not there. He can
examine the stove.)

Allegretto: It looks like tonight's stew will have shrimp,
scallops.... Hm? It's a Very Very Empty! It's the same shape as
an onion, but can you eat it?

(He can examine the plant in Polka's room, if Polka did not
examine it previously.)

Allegretto: Huh? There's something stuck to the leaves?
(Acquired Angel Trumpet.)

(He can examine a lamp.)

Allegretto: Hey, Polka left the lights on. Waste not, want not,
I always say.

(If Polka did not examine the cat on her bed earlier, and you're
playing in Encore Mode...)

Allegretto: Man, cats have it so easy. They get to just lay
around all day long. Huh? There's something sticking out from
under the bed. (Acquired Polka's New Costume)

(He can examine the stream by Polka's house.)

Allegretto: I wonder if there are any river crabs in here. Yum, crab.

(He can visit the flower field and talk with the girls.)

Rano: Okay. I'll put next year's seeds right... here.

Sop: Here, touch them. The flower petals are all smooth!

(He can examine the view from the ledge.)

Allegretto: Whoa! You can see all of Ritardando from here! I
guess it's really not that big.

(If Polka did not examine the dirty shed earlier, Allegretto can
examine it instead.)

Allegretto: Fertilizer, shovels and spades.... It's full of
things used for farming. Hey! This looks like something I could
use! (Acquired Floral Powder.)

(Whenever they're finally ready, Allegretto and the others can
continue their journey into the Chorus Plains. In the first
area, Allegretto can examine any of three scraps of paper.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's a piece of paper here. You're supposed
to put trash in a trash can.

(He and the others eventually reach a bridge across a small
stream and find their path blocked by three goats-- two white
ones and a black one in the middle. They decide to speak with
the goats. This scene is displayed in text only.)

Allegretto: What? What are goats doing in a place like this? If
you're going to play, couldn't you do it somewhere else? (One of
the goats bleats.)
Polka: (stepping forward) Please, Mr. Goat. We're trying to get
to the other side of the bridge. Do you think you could let us
pass by? (The goat bleats again.)
Frederic: It appears futile. He doesn't seem to have the
slightest intention of moving. (More bleating.)
Beat: I know! (The others turn to him.) You have to use food in
a situation like this. Everybody knows that animals always
listen to people who give them food.
Allegretto: You think?
Beat: It's true! This one time in Ritardando, I gave a seagull
some bread crumbs, and it brought me my hat that was stuck in a tree.
Allegretto: ... Well, I suppose we've got nothing to lose. We
might as well look for something they can eat.

(Allegretto can attempt to approach the goats again, or to exit
back to Agogo Village. As long as one or more goats remain...)

Allegretto: We have to find something for that goat to eat.

(Allegretto can examine one of the pieces of paper that is lying
on the ground in the area.)

Allegretto: There's a piece of paper here. I've heard goats eat
paper. Maybe we should try giving this to him. (Picked up Paper)

(He can either gather up all three scraps and present them to
the goats, or do it piecemeal.)

Allegretto: Do you think he'll eat it? (Handed over Paper) (The
goat bleats and walks away.) I guess goats really do eat paper.
I guess he's satisfied.
Beat: Retto, there's 2/1 more.
Allegretto: All right. Let's go find more.

(If Allegretto picks up a piece of paper after having already
fed at least one of the goats...)

Allegretto: There's a piece of paper lying here.
That goat is sure to eat this.

(Whenever Allegretto has found all of the pieces of paper, he
feeds the final one to the black goat and it bleats.)

Polka: It looks like that satisfied him.
Allegretto: Come on, Mr. Goat. Won't you pretty please let us
pass by? (The goat bleats and walks away.) Phew, finally we can
get going.
Beat: See, Retto? It's just like I told you. Animals listen to
you if you give them something to eat.
Allegretto: All right, you win. I guess I'll have to start
listening to whatever you say, Beat.

(The scene ends and the party can continue their journey. In the
next area, they encounter a goatherd. If they don't have the
Long Johns in their inventory...)

Goatherd: Cute? Me? You're too kind. Oh, you mean the goats. You
think they're cute, huh? Trust me, they're not. If you take
their eyes off them for a minute, they run off somewhere. They
never listen to you. They're always getting into things. You can
only say that because you don't work with them.
- You think the wind feels refreshing? Trust me, it's not. It's
actually pretty chilly, um, down south. Ahem.

(But they do have the Long Johns...)

Goatherd: Hi, there. Um, I have sort of an embarrassing request.
You wouldn't happen to have a pair of long johns handy, would
you? (Handed over Long Johns) Hey, thanks! It was getting a bit
chilly down south, if you know what I mean. I was just resting
in the shade of a bush when all of a sudden, a goat came up
behind me and bleated right in my ear! Needless to say I was
surprised, and when I stood up my long johns got caught. It was
terrible. If I give you this, would you mind giving me some
privacy? (Acquired Goat's Milk.)
- Hey, come on. Give a fella some privacy. I can't bring myself
to change my clothes with you guys around.

(If you exit the area and re-enter, they can speak with the
goatherd again.)

Goatherd: You really helped me out back there. Now I can
concentrate on my work.

(The party continues along the path and eventually reaches a clearing.)

Frederic: (pointing) Look up ahead, everyone. There's someone there.

(The camera shows a girl surrounded by several goats and being
menaced by a strange looking phantom-like figure.)

Girl: Get back! I won't let you lay a finger on my goats! You'll
have to get through me first!
Polka: (walking forward) We have to help that woman!

(Boss battle with Maledictor x2. The girl joins in the battle,
fighting with a bow and arrow, replacing whichever character was
in third position in your party. The battle screen identifies
her as Viola. The Maledictors have some powerful attacks, both
up-close and long distance, but with the help of Viola, they are
eventually defeated. After the battle, Viola speaks to the party.)

Viola: Hey, thanks a lot for your help. You all managed to save my goats.
Beat: What was with those guys anyway? They were weird, and they
all used magic.
Frederic: Yes, they had the ability to use magic. Which means
that they must be terminally ill, doesn't it? But why on earth
would they attack us like that? They had a strange,
evil look in their eyes.
Viola: What? You mean you don't know? That's what happens to
people when they use mineral powder for too long.
Allegretto: What?! You mean if you keep using mineral powder,
you might end up like those guys?
Polka: But, lots of people in Ritardando are using it. That's
why floral powders aren't selling.
Allegretto: So that's it. The mineral powder. I knew something
fishy was going on. It's been bugging me for a while, and now I get it.
Beat: Huh? What do you get?
Allegretto: Come on, think for a minute, Beat. Why do you think
mineral powder is the only thing that's not taxed?
Beat: Well, that's an easy one. It's because Count Waltz is
doing something nice for his people.
Allegretto: No, dummy. You can't see things for what they are
because you're always looking through that lens. Listen, try
again. And this time think about it more. Isn't it strange that
mineral powder is the only thing that's not being taxed?
Beat: Yeah, I guess. But that's okay! 'Cause, since mineral
powder is so cheap, it can help lots of people.
Viola: True, mineral powder does cure most illnesses, but it has
some very serious side effects. Mineral powder is actually
closer to a poison. It drives people mad, and eventually can
lead to death. You saw it for yourselves.
Polka: That's horrible.
Viola: Well, grazing time is over for today. Hey, why don't you
all stop by my place for a while? It's not very far from here at
all. So, come on!

(The scene changes to the inside of Viola's house, where the
party has gathered around a table.)

Viola: My name is Viola. And this little guy over here is my
partner, Arco. (The camera angles to show a creature sitting on
the table that looks like a sort of cross between a squirrel and a rabbit.)
Polka: Oh! How cute! (Arco chirps.)
Allegretto: So mineral powder's a poison!
Frederic: But there must be more to it than just that. Something
to be gained from spreading it amongst the people like this.
What could Count Waltz's real objective be?
Viola: That's what I'd like to know, too.
Frederic: He cannot possibly want to kill all of his own
subjects, can he?
Viola: Who knows? I've heard that there are lots of dark rumors
about the Count.
Allegretto: But if he wanted to kill his own people, there are
easier and faster ways to go about doing it.
Polka: Now, wait a minute. Maybe he doesn't know about the side
effects of the mineral powder?
Frederic: Is it really possible that he doesn't know?
Viola: Well, mineral powder does have its uses, y'know. But just
because it's useful, doesn't mean it should be used. Those
involved might not realize what's wrong until it's too late.
Unless someone does something about this soon, there won't be
anything anyone can do to stop it. And since we can see what's
going on, it's up to us to let them know.
Polka: They like the convenience of it so much, they don't see
the danger they'll be faced with later.
Beat: I see. People might notice that something isn't right, but
they can't bring themselves to give it up because it makes life
easier for them.
Allegretto: It's true what they say, "the longer you wait, the
harder the cure."
Frederic: (nods) Regardless of whether Count Waltz knows or not,
I don't see any other option than to go to Forte Castle. Once
there, we may learn more. If possible, we should try to meet
with the Count in person, and discuss his intentions directly.

(Viola is now standing at her window. She giggles.)

Viola: You guys are really something. I'm actually starting to
believe you'll be able to make a difference. And since my bow
has some life in it.... (She turns around quickly.) Okay, that
settles it. I'm going with you guys to the castle! Besides, I
owe Count Waltz some payback. A bunch of my poor little goats
have been killed because of what he's done.
Allegretto: What? You're telling me we've got another one now?
Oh, terrific.
Viola: Sorry, buddy. Not so fast. You've actually got two more
coming with you. Arco and I always travel together. (Arco mews
from atop her shoulder. The scene ends.)

(Allegretto can poke around in Viola's house. He can examine an
object on her bed.)

Allegretto: Whoa. I wouldn't have expected that. Viola's got a
teddy bear. I wonder if it was a gift from someone.
Yep, there's the gift tag.

(He can examine a basket in a nook.)

Allegretto: So this basket is Arco's house. Not bad.

(He can examine a pile of boxes.)

Allegretto: She's got as much stuff as we do in the hideout.
Maybe she's a pack rat. I can relate to that.

(He can examine a map in the main foyer of the house.)

Allegretto: This is an impressive map. Let's see,
where is Ritardando?

(He can examine a shelf.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's something written here. "Essentials of
Archery: 1. Aim at your enemy from afar. 2. Aim for your enemy's head."

(He can examine a barrel.)

Allegretto: There are a lot of different types of arrows here. I
wonder how much she practices.

(After leaving the house, he can speak with an elderly man who
appears to be searching for something.)

Letter Carrier: Gone! Gone! The three letters I had for Miss
Viola are gone! W-where did I drop them?!
- After thirty years as a letter carrier, how could I make such
a blunder? And right before my retirement!
- This is terrible!

(Poor Viola. It seems her correspondence is being digested by
some goats. The party can continue their journey, up a steep
hill, and eventually reaches a new area with a wooden bridge
spanning a large gap. This is...)

===Cabasa Bridge===

Polka: (offscreen) This is a really old bridge. (The camera
angle changes to show her and Beat. Beat looks worried.)
Beat: If you fell from here, you'd be dead for sure.
Viola: Since I don't usually take the goats this far out to
graze, this is actually the first time I've ever crossed this bridge. 
Allegretto: You have to cross the Cabasa Bridge... if you wanna
get to Forte Castle from Ritardando.
Frederic: I understand. This bridge is a form of protection. It
creates a single point of defense for Forte territory, against
any attacks that may come from the south.
Allegretto: (pointing at him) Bingo! Hey, you're pretty darn
smart, aren't you? (Stops pointing at him and gestures off
toward the distance) That's right. And it's also why there's a
fort at one end of the bridge. It's called...
Polka: I think it's called Fort Fermata, isn't it?
Allegretto: Yeah, right! Fermata, that's it.
Polka: Let's be careful going across, okay? We don't want to fall.
Beat: Uh, guys? I think I'm gonna wet myself.
Allegretto: Hang in there, Beat. You can do it. Okay. Come on, Polka.
(He holds out his hand.)
Polka: What?
Allegretto: If you slip or something, it'd be dangerous.
You better hold my hand.
Polka: Um, are you sure that's okay?
Allegretto: What are you talkin' about? Of course it's okay. Come on.
Polka: Thank you. (She takes his hand.)
Viola: Well, well, well. You're quite the gentleman, aren't you?
Allegretto: What? No, I wasn't tryin' to-- Oh, let's just go!
(He walks forward with Polka and the scene ends.)

(Allegretto can examine either of the pillars at the beginning
of the bridge.)

Allegretto: Whoa! Better not lean over too far.

(A little more than halfway across the bridge, a cutscene
begins. The scene changes to the throne room of Forte Castle.)

Count Waltz: Well, Fugue? Did you learn anything new?
Fugue: Yes, my lord. It was relatively easy to find the
creatures in question, but unfortunately, I could not find a
single one that glows.
Count Waltz: I've no interest in hearing about your failure.
Fugue: Yes, but...
Count Waltz: From our experiments, we've discovered that mixing
those creatures into the powder doubles its effectiveness. We've
also come to learn that it only works with the type that glow. I
don't care what it takes. I must have them. If we can get the
glowing ones, even by conservative estimates, the potency will
increase tenfold. (His eyes widen.) It's our duty to protect the
well-being of our citizens. And the role of our government is to
serve its citizens to the utmost of its ability. (As he
continues talking, the camera angle rises to a banner with the
crest of Forte, then the angle changes back to him.) If the
powder's effectiveness increases, the people will be happy. Will
they not? (Closes his eyes and shakes his head) I can already
see the smiling faces of my subjects. (laughs maniacally)
So, now that you understand what's at stake, you will go and
search for them again. And don't come back until you've found
them. This is for our beloved subjects.
Fugue: (bows) Yes!
Count Waltz: I won't listen to another report of failure. (He
stamps his foot.) Understand?

(Fugue turns around and exits. Legato approaches.)

Legato: My lord, the mining operation at Mt. Rock is proceeding
smoothly. Mineral powder production is also increasing according to plan.
Count Waltz: There's no need to report when things are going well.

(The scene ends and your party continues and reaches the end of
Cabasa Bridge. A little further ahead, a cutscene begins.
Frederic looks back at the bridge.)

Frederic: Well, we made it across in one piece.
Allegretto: How's it going Beat? So, did you wet yourself?
Beat: No! Of course not! (He gestures his hands emphatically.)
Polka: It's strange though. Do they actually think that someone
will attack Forte from the south? After all, the only big city
that's south of here is Ritardando. Do they really need to keep
watch from here?
Allegretto: That's a good question. But just take a look around
this place. I never said they were actually keeping watch.
Frederic: Yes. Now that you mention it, I do not see any
soldiers posted here.  (The camera shows several angles that
indicate that the place does appear entirely deserted.)
Beat: Yeah, that is weird. I figured a fort of all places would
have lots of guards.
Allegretto: Well this fort was in use a long time ago. You see,
Ritardando was attacked by pirates lots of times. This is the
best spot for a fort if Ritardando was ever beaten by enemy forces.
Viola: Even so, right now it's just a comfy home for people
who've been driven mad by the mineral powder.

(The scene ends. Allegretto approaches and opens the front gate.)

===Fort Fermata===

(Allegretto tries the main entrance, but...)

Allegretto: Huh? This door is locked. I guess we better find
another way in.

(He and the others approach the fort from the side instead,
beginning at the west side. This is the game's first true
dungeon area and there is very little dialogue until the very
end of the fort. He and the others eventually reach a floating room.)

Allegretto: Huh? It felt like the room sank for a second. Is
this room floating on water?

(He can examine a flame in the middle of the room.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's something written here.
At... I... found....
Moving... room... opens... path....
And... I.... outside....

(Allegretto can examine a map in another room with a chest that
contains a Red Velvet.)

Allegretto: Hey, is this a map of the fort?

(He can also examine a switch within that room.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's a switch here. But it looks like it's
already been pushed.

(Or, if the party has already pushed at least one of the other
switches in the fort...)

Allegretto: Another switch? Hey, there's something written here.

This switch....
Locations... rooms... return... beginning....

What should I do?

Push switch
Do nothing

(He can examine some greenery along a walkway.)

Allegretto: Hey! Look what I found! (Acquired 100 Gold.)

(He can walk up to a door past the greenery, but...)

Allegretto: This door is locked.

(He can examine a pillar by waterfall.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's something written here.
Four... rooms... switches....
One... moves... back....

(In another room, he can examine a switch that hasn't been pressed...)

Allegretto: Hey, there's a switch here. What should I do?

- Push switch
Do nothing

(The switch emits a radiant light and a thumping noise is heard.)

Allegretto: Did something move?

(Near the exit from the East Side area, Allegretto can examine
another pillar...)

Allegretto: Hey, there's something written here.
The key... fortress... monster... exit....

(The party eventually reaches Fort Fermata: Central Road -
North. They encounter another hulking boss, this time carrying
two swords. Boss battle with Killer Knight and Maledictor x2.
The party dispatches this group and stops for a brief chat.)

Polka: My goodness. This isn't really much of a fort, is it?
Allegretto: Nope. They're more worried about an invasion from
Baroque these days. They've probably pulled out almost all the
troops from here.
Frederic: No matter how much time passes, war remains. (He
closes his eyes.)
Allegretto: Yeah, that's true. I've even heard rumors that
Baroque has been supporting Andantino. For Baroque, it's an easy
way to shake up things in Forte, without getting their hands too dirty.
Frederic: Andantino?
Viola: They're an underground group that's been trying to start
a revolution in Forte territory. Basically, they're a bunch of rebels.
Polka: Wouldn't a revolution be destructive?
Beat: But isn't a revolution better than nothing? It may improve
people's lives a little, and that's a good thing, right?
Allegretto: Hm, it's not that simple, Beat. Think about everyone
involved: Andantino, Baroque, Forte.... Which one should win? We
ordinary people don't have any way of knowing which of them is right.
Frederic: I would imagine they have their own agendas.
Beat: But one of them has to be the good guy, right?
Allegretto: (closes his eyes) Who knows? They might all be evil
in their own way. Then again, they might all
be right. It's hard to be sure.
Polka: Then... how are we supposed to figure out whose "justice"
really is true justice?

(The scene changes to show a house where three people - a man
and two women are sitting around a table. The man has black
hair, one of the women silver, and the other pink.)

Man: Understand?
Pink-Haired Girl: Ah, can you explain it again, Jazz?
Silver-Haired Girl: Ugh, Claves! Why do you always need things repeated?
Claves: I'm sorry. But this is an important mission, so I want
to make sure I get it right.
Jazz: Yes. This mission is vital to our cause. I'll explain it
once more. Is that all right, Falsetto?
Falsetto: Fine.
Jazz: The objective of this mission is to rescue the guardian of
Agogo Forest, who is being held captive in the dungeon beneath
Forte Castle. We'll infiltrate the castle tomorrow at dawn.
Claves: But the castle gates are heavily guarded.
What will we do about that?
Falsetto: We'll use the underground passage between Hanon Hills
and the prison. This information is solid. Our members spent a
full year investigating it.
Jazz: Falsetto's right. It won't be a difficult mission. We just
have to bring the guardian back.
Claves: Excuse me, but why are we rescuing her anyway? I mean,
how will this mission benefit Andantino?
Jazz: Apparently Waltz is searching for glowing agogos. One of
our members spotted his man Fugue in the Agogo Forest. So, it
makes sense that they would want to detain the guardian and make
her tell them about the glowing agogos.
Claves: The glowing agogos? But, what on earth does Waltz want those for?
Falsetto: Well, they do taste good in soup.
Jazz: Falsetto! If you don't take this seriously, we'll end up
making a mess of even the easiest missions!
Falsetto: Huh, fine.
Jazz: Apparently, agogos dramatically increase the effectiveness
of mineral powder. But it seems that only the glowing ones have
that effect. If Waltz gets his hands on them, he'll be able to
create an unlimited army of mindless soldiers.
Falsetto: I guess from Waltz's point of view... ...by
multiplying the effect of the mineral powder with the glowing
agogos, he'll be multiplying the number of troops he has at his disposal.
Claves: I get it now. And then he'll use those troops
to fight against Andantino.
Falsetto: I don't know about that. I seriously doubt he'll be
attacking Andantino any time soon. He probably considers Baroque
more of a threat.
Jazz: All right, you two. Come on. I think it's about time we
cut the chatter and got to work.

(The scene ends and control is returned to Allegretto. He can
use the Fort Fermata Key that was dropped by the boss to travel
as far back as Ritardando and Tenuto, but there is absolutely
nothing new to see or do there, so there's not much point.)

(He can use the Fort Fermata Key to visit the locked room in the
Fort that couldn't be accessed earlier.)

Used Fort Fermata Key.

(He can talk with what appears to be a squatting Maledictor in
the room, but it doesn't have anything of interest to say...)

Maledictor: Uuh... ah....

(When ready, he can open the gate at the exit and continue the
party's journey. The party is presented with a peaceful,
pastoral view. They have reached...)

===Hanon Hills===

(Allegretto can examine a small nook with a strange symbol on a
rock-face, for a small cutscene. He listens and appears to hear
a breeze from the other side.)

Allegretto: What the? Hey, there's a breeze coming from the
crack in this rock.

(At Hanon Hills: Midway, the party encounters an Item Merchant
and his horse, who are being menaced by an Earth Shaker.)

Item Merchant: (backing away) Aaah! Somebody help me! (The horse whinnies.)
Allegretto: (running forward) Someone's being attacked!

(He rushes forward, attacking the enemy from behind. Mandatory
battle with Earth Shaker/Dark Bat x2 and Eternal Green. Having
managed to attack from behind, the party has an easier time
dispatching the group of enemies. After the battle...)

Item Merchant: That was close. Thank you! (He turns to his
horse.) I thought I'd give this fella a rest so I stopped my
cart, but then those monsters showed up and caught me by
surprise. (The horse whinnies.) I'm so glad my merchandise is
okay. Oh, that's right. I forgot to mention that I'm a merchant.
I pack all my goods on my cart and sell my wares wherever I go.
From time to time I carry items you won't find anywhere else!
Why don't you take a look at what I've got before you go? I'll
even cut you a deal since you did save my life.

(Allegretto can talk to the Item Merchant.)

Item Merchant: What can I help you with?

- Shop
Rest
Quit

(Shop screen opens.)

- Rest

(The party is fully healed at no charge.)

Item Merchant: That comforter was nice and warm, right? It's
brand new and filled with very expensive goose down.

(As the party continues their journey in this area, they can
find a squat man sitting by a tree. If the party does not have
the Goat's Milk in their inventory...)

Squat Man: Oh, hello. Are you travelers, too? I'm on a journey
myself. I finally managed to pull myself up that slope, so I'm
resting here at the top.
- Leaving so soon? Well, take care. I'm gonna rest my feet here
a little longer.

(But if they do have the Goat's Milk...)

Squat Man: Oh, hello. Are you travelers, too? I'm on a journey
myself. You climbed that hill in this weather? I'm dripping with
sweat. Phew. Oh! That's goat's milk, isn't it? Do you think I
could have some? (Handed over Goat's Milk) Ah, that was
refreshing. Thank you very much.. This is something I bought in
Count Waltz's town. I'll give it to you in exchange.
(Acquired Piggy Bank.)
- So, where are you all headed? I'm on my way to Ritardando.
- Leaving so soon? Well, take care. I'm gonna rest my feet here
a little longer.

(The party continues their journey and eventually reaches the
place they've been seeking. The environs of the city are shown
at twilight. This is...)

===Forte City===

Allegretto: It's gotten really late.
Polka: Yes, you're right. All of today's public audiences with
the Count must be over by now.
Allegretto: Huh. Guess we'll have to give up on it for today. We
can always come back to the castle in the morning. Come on,
let's go find a place to stay for the night. (Polka nods and the scene ends.)

(Allegretto can explore the town and speak with the people
there. He begins in the main city area that's the starting point.)

Man Near Entrance: Finally finished for the day. Free at last. I
don't get along very well with my boss, see? So he gives me all
sorts of impossible jobs. He thought I'd never be able to finish
them all. Made me so mad! I wouldn't let him beat me though. I
gave it my all and finished everything in one day. That'll show
him! Ha! I feel great!
- Now it's time for a well-deserved break!

Marching Guard: People have been rebelling against the Count
lately. This is about the time of day when things get dangerous.
The scoundrels! They use the cover of darkness to hide
their fiendish deeds.
- We can't let things like that disrupt the lives of the people.
This is when we guards are put to the test.
- Hmm. That guy looks shady.

Woman by Bulletin Board: So, that's when I really gave him a
peace of my mind. "Are you prepared to back up that statement.
You'd better be serious when you tell a lady you're gonna make
her the happiest woman in the world!" After that, he looked sort
of ill and took off running.
- You can't say that kind of thing unless you mean it.

Other Woman by Bulletin Board: (talking with her will initiate a
cutscene) Oh! I almost forgot! What time is it?! No way, you're
kidding! My Darling will be home any minute! I've got to go and
get dinner ready! (She leaves and Allegretto can speak to the
first woman again...)

Woman by Bulletin Board: I don't envy married couples. I think
I'm better off single.

Squat Man Near Bulletin Board: Lately, my stomach has sort of
grown a spare tire, know what I mean? What do you think I should
do about it? Do you think I need to work out?
- Should I start jogging? Maybe squats would help.

Moocher: C'mon. Gimme something so I can buy a drink.
Shopkeeper: Don't you ever give up?

Woman by Honey's House: Aaah, I just can't bring myself to do
anything. It feels like my medicine is less effective every day.
I'm also taking it more than I should. No matter how good it is,
I guess I shouldn't over do it.
- I've already gone through five bottles of medicine today.

Woman Across from House: I wonder what happened to the people
who used to live in that house. As I recall, it was a young boy
and his sickly mother living on their own. Then one day, they
just weren't there anymore. Where could they have gone?
- He was such a good son, that boy. He took care of everything
for his poor mother. Did the cooking, and everything else, too.
But then the two of them just up and vanished.
I wonder whatever happened to them?

(He can examine a wastebasket by the Save Point.)

Allegretto: Heh, heh. There's always treasure in garbage cans
like this. Gross! I got something slimy on my hand!

(He can examine the bulletin board.)

Allegretto: "Thieves, pick pockets and other evildoers will be
shot first and asked questions later." Yikes! Better mind our
manners in this town.

(He can examine a pillar.)

Allegretto: This is a weird pillar.

(He can examine an uncovered sewer hole by the item shop.)

Allegretto: Hey, who left his open? This is dangerous! What if
Beat had fallen in there?

(He can attempt to exit the town.)

Allegretto: The sun's starting to set. Guess we should head to the inn.

(He can talk with a couple of people at a cliffside area to the
left of the shop.)

Darling: Hey, almost finished?
Darling's Brother: Hold one on second. I'll just move that one there....
Darling: When I finish this bit, we'll be all done for the day.

(He can speak with Darling again.)

Darling: I smell pretty bad, huh? Well, that's the
smell of a hard day's work.
- I'm finished up here, so I guess I'll head on home.

(He can speak with Darling's Brother.)

Darling's Brother: I'll just put this one here....

(He can attempt to approach the cliff.)

Darling's Brother: Stay away from the cliff! It's dangerous!

(He can enter the tavern and speak with the people there.)

Proprietress: Sorry, this is a tavern. I don't have
anything for kids to drink.
- This man is really depressed about something. I wonder what happened.
- You really shouldn't drink when your spirits are low.

Tipsy Old Man: I know just how you feel. Trying to figure things
out is part of being alive.
- It's my dream to fly like a bird some day. I've been trying to
figure out how to make it happen for eighty years now.

Heartbroken Man: Darn it all. This is so frustrating! No, no,
it's not that she turned me down. More than anything, I want her
to be happy, and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
It's just that something she said suddenly made this huge wave
of doubt come crashing down on me. I felt so pathetic when I
realized I'd ended up coming here. I can't forgive
myself for running away.
- It's just no use. Who would ever want a pathetic guy like me?

Man Lounging on Upper Level: ...
- ...
- ... What?

Bobbing Man: Whee! Hic!

Elderly Lady: The work you're doing now will pay off someday.
It'll be a huge asset to you in the future.
- That's right. I can tell that everything's looking up for you.

Man across from Elderly Lady: Why won't they accept me? I could
do a great job!
- Why won't they give me a chance?

Man in Green Shirt: Whoo! That hits the spot!
This mineral beer is delicious!
- There's just nothing finer! Beer is the greatest. It's no
exaggeration to say I live for my first taste of beer every day.

Elderly Lady 2: Did you know the border between this country and
the next is right at the summit of Mt. Rock? A lot of mining
goes on at Mt. Rock. And I've heard they're mining what I think
are called "mineral stones" on the Forte side, too.
- Not long ago one of the men working at the mine told me that
the excavation work is pretty brutal.
- That reminds me, the miners staged a rebellion some time back.
It was stamped out pretty quickly by the army though. What was
the name of the leader of the miners? Hmm. No, I've forgotten
what it was. I'm bound to remember sooner or later. Come back
and ask me again sometime.

(He can examine a piano at the upper level of the tavern.)

Allegretto: Looks like we can listen to a piano piece.
What should we do?

- Listen
Not now

(Piano Sonata "Mazurka" is played)

(He can visit the house of Darling's wife, Honey, the woman by
the bulletin board who went home.)

Honey: Darling will be home soon! I've got to hurry
and get dinner ready!

(He can examine a sign in the house.)

Allegretto: Ooh, something smells good. Hm? There's something
written here. "One meal per person, per day! More than that, and
the Iron Mask will cry." The Iron Mask is a wimp.

(He can visit the Castle Gate and speak with the people there.
Speaking with an elderly man just ahead will initiate a cutscene...)

Elderly Man: Argh... ugh...
Polka: Are you all right?!
Elderly Man: M-my chest....
Polka: (stepping toward him) Your chest hurts? I'll use my magic to--
Elderly Man: (turning to her) M-magic?! Don't touch me! Please,
get away from me!
Allegretto: (stepping toward him) Hey!
Polka: (turning to Allegretto) It's okay, Allegretto. I'm used
to it. Let's just go. (She walks away. The scene ends.
Allegretto can speak to the man again...)

Elderly Man: Leave me alone! I have this all the time! I'll be
fine if I take some mineral powder.

(Allegretto can talk with the rest of the people in the area,
beginning with a boy. If the party does not have the Piggy Bank
in their inventory...)

Boy: Sigh~ I spent all my money.

(But if they do have the Piggy Bank...)

Boy: Sigh~ I dropped my money. Why's it so hard to save money?
Just when you think you're almost there, it disappears right
away. Why is that? My dad said I'd find happiness if I could
save up my money. (Handed over Piggy Bank) What? You're giving
this to me? Yay! Thanks a lot! If I put my money in here right
away, it won't go anywhere. These shoes are too big for me, so
I'll give them to you. (Acquired Speed Shoes. [Accessory])
- I'm saving up happiness bit by bit in this piggy bank.

Guard in front of Castle Entrance: Who are you guys? This place
is off limits to civilians!
- You don't think I'd let you into Count Waltz's castle, do you?
Now scram!
- Go away!

Guard to right of Entrance: Have you heard? Apparently they've
got an awful monster locked up in Fort Fermata.

(He can speak with a gentleman who is the first individual in
the game's "Score Piece" sidequest. If the party does not
currently possess any score pieces...)

Gentleman: What's this? You don't have a score piece? Then we
can't perform a session.

(The player is offered the options regarding performing anyway,
but cannot perform a session. But if they do have one or more...)

Gentlemanly Pop: What's this? You're holding a score piece
there, aren't you? What a coincidence. I have one, too. Surely
this is some kind of sign! Won't you play a session with my
score piece?

Perform a session
Do not perform a session
- View information about sessions

- Sessions
Score Pieces
Ratings

Sessions: If you have a score piece in your possession, you will
be able to perform sessions with other characters in the game.
To perform a session, you must first select a score piece from
the list of those you have collected. After the session is
completed, you will be given a rating for the performance.

(He can examine the other information options.)

- Score Pieces

Score Pieces: Score pieces are music that you need in order to
perform a session. Some pieces are part of a matching pair. The
other half of the pair may be found by looking for similar
patterns of music or by finding similarities in the instruments
played. However, the pitch of the music may not be the same as
what is depicted in the bars of music.

Score pieces are scattered throughout the world, so try to find
as many as you can.

- Ratings

Ratings: A rating is given after a session is performed. Higher
ratings can be obtained if the score pieces are a pair. However,
unusual combinations may actually sound pleasant and could lead
to a special rating. Make sure to try out different
combinations. You may meet characters who find such unusual
combinations appealing.

(When he is ready, Allegretto can speak with the man again and
this time perform a session.)

- Perform a session

(If playing on Encore Mode, Allegretto can play Score Piece 8
for an S Rank...)

Gentlemanly Pop: Hey! I heard some new sounds in that session!
(Acquired Lion's Mane.)

(Allegretto can perform more sessions. Playing with Score Pieces
other than 1, 2, 3 or 8 will obtain an F Rank...)

Gentlemanly Pop: Hey, how's it going? Do you have more score pieces?

- Perform a session

Gentlemanly Pop: Hmm. Something wasn't right about that session.

(Performing with Score Piece 1 or 3 will obtain a B Rank...)

Gentlemanly Pop: What's this? It's you. Want to play another session?

- Perform a session

Gentlemanly Pop: Oooh. That session was pretty good.
(Acquired Peach Cookie.)

(Performing with Score Piece 2 will obtain an A Rank...)

Gentlemanly Pop: Oh, you again? Want to play a session? Think
you'll do better this time?

- Perform a session

Gentlemanly Pop: Wow! Awesome! That session sounded great.
(Acquired EZI Cracker.)

(He can speak with Gentlemanly Pop again...)

Gentlemanly Pop: Your score piece was simply superb! Won't you
play one more with me, please?

(A note about sessions. While the response a particular score
piece player will give will always be the same based on the rank
you get, the dialogue when talking with them again changes based
on previously attained ranks, and once you attain a rank, it
won't change again until you attain the next rank. The priority
is as indicated above- S Rank, then F Rank, then B Rank, then A Rank.)

(He can examine either of the suits of armor next to the guards
in front of the castle entrance.)

Allegretto: That's some impressive armor. Keeping quiet makes
him seem tougher than the guy next to him.

(Once ready, the party can visit the hotel. There, they find a
little red-headed girl.)

Girl: Darn that Phil. Where could he have run off to now? If he
gets caught goofing off again, he's gonna be in big trouble!
(She shakes in fear.)
Allegretto: Hey, what's the matter?
Girl: Oh, did you want to stay the night? My friend Phil is
supposed to be watching the front desk right now, but I can't
find him anywhere. Knowing him, he's probably run off to play
somewhere in the city. But Phil's mother is really scary. I
don't even want to think about what might happen if she finds
out he's goofing off. He's practically risking his life by
wandering off like this.
Allegretto: Aren't you overreacting? Being punished is just a
part of learning how to behave.
Girl: It's not that simple. You don't know what Phil's mom is
like! It'll be terrible if she finds out. It would be a lot
worse than him getting sent to bed with no dinner, or a hundred
spankings. (Beat looks shocked.) Hey, I've got an idea. Could
you guys go find Phil for me?
Allegretto: Huh? Why us?
Girl: Don't you feel sorry for poor Phil? Please go find him.
You'll be saving his life! Literally!
Allegretto: All right, fine. I guess we could go look around for
him. It's already getting pretty late, so I'm guessing he
probably hasn't left the city.

(The scene ends. Allegretto can talk with the girl again and the 
subtitle reveals that her name is Koto.)

Koto: Please go look for Phil!
- That Phil! I wonder where he's gotten to.

(He can look around behind the desk of the inn.)

Allegretto: Hm? There's something on the ground. (Acquired 100 Gold.)

(He can examine a door on the balcony.)

Allegretto: So this is a suite room? Well, I'll never stay in a
place like this.

(He can speak with the people in the town again.)

Man Near Entrance: You're looking for someone? Sounds tough. But
there's nothing better than finishing all your work in one day!

Marching Guard: Phil? That little punk! He threw bird droppings
at me before!
- Let me know if you find him. I'll give him a steel knuckle sandwich!

Squat Man Near Bulletin Board: Lately, my stomach has sort of
grown a spare tire, know what I mean? What do you think I should
do about it? Do you think I need to work out?
- How about push-ups? Or maybe pull-ups?

Honey's Friend: Phil? Sure. I saw him this afternoon. He was
drawing on the face of a guy sleeping on that bench there. After
that? The man chased him away when he woke up.
- He knows his mother would scold him for playing pranks, so I
wouldn't be surprised if he's hiding out somewhere.

Woman by Honey's House: Phil? A little boy? No, children
shouldn't take too much mineral powder. What's that? You want to
know if I've seen him? Hmm, can't really say without
a better description of him.
- I haven't really been paying attention so I don't know. Sorry.

(He can visit the cliffside area again.)

Darling's Brother: We're building this fence so kids can't get
near the cliff.

(He can visit the tavern again.)

Tipsy Old Man: Whee! Hic! Look at me, I'm flying!
- Climb on my back! I'll take you for a ride!

Bobbing Man: Hee! Hic! Shall I tell you about all the hardships
and troubles that lay before me? What? You'd rather I didn't?
Are you absolutely sure?

Elderly Lady: Count Waltz has a man named Tuba working for him.
But he's just a brute and only causes trouble. He came by the
other day, got drunk and broke some chairs and a table. And he
always complains about everything. I wish he would stop coming here.
- The soldiers have really strict rules of conduct. If they
violate any of them, they get punished severely. But the
annoying thing is, they try to push those rules on us. Like you
can't go outside after ten o'clock and you can't use any
medicine but mineral powder. I have a feeling Count Waltz just
doesn't trust anyone.
- The Forte I knew used to be much more easy going. It all
changed when Count Waltz came here.

Man across from Elderly Lady: Phil? I've got no idea! That
doesn't matter right now! My life's at a major crossroads here!
- Why won't they let me do it? I could do much better.

Man in Green Shirt: Ahh! I could drink a hundred of these!
- Come on! Have a drink with me?

(He can visit Darling and Honeys' House again.)

Darling: Phil? Haven't seen him.
- I don't think he came near the cliffs.

Honey: My Darling's building a fence to keep the children from
going near that cliff.

(He can find the Heartbroken Man from the tavern now at the
Castle Gate area.)

Heartbroken Man: I'm so pathetic.

(He can attempt to exit the city.)

Allegretto: Hmm. I don't think Phil is anywhere around here.

(He can speak with the Moocher that is blocking the shop.)

Moocher: You know, if I can't get a drink I turn into a wolf.
So, come on, give me 100 Gold.
Shopkeeper: I told you before, I'm not giving you a cent!
Moocher: It won't be pretty if I turn into a wolf! I might go
nuts and trash this whole town!
Shopkeeper: Go right ahead! I need money more than
I need this town anyway!
Moocher: Whoa, how heartless! You're terrible, you hypocrite!
Shopkeeper: Hmph, call me whatever you want!
Moocher: Drat! Huh? (He turns to Allegretto.) Hey, son! You're =
just in time. Actually, I'm all out of cash and in quite a
pickle. Whaddya say, can you spare me some change?

Give 100 Gold
- Don't give anything

Moocher: Hmph!

(When Allegretto is feeling more charitable, he can give the guy 100 Gold.)

Moocher: Hey, can you spare 100 Gold for a poor guy down on his luck?

- Give 100 Gold
Don't give anything

Moocher: Huh? Really? This is my lucky day! I guess it doesn't
hurt to ask. (He walks away.) All right! I'm going to the tavern
with this money! I can drink tonight, baby!

(Allegretto can now talk to the Shopkeeper.)

Shopkeeper: I've got the best products in town! Step right up
and take a look! (Shop dialog opens.)

(He can talk to the Heartbroken Man again.)

Heartbroken Man: Phil? He's not around anymore. It's so sad.
Try asking the tavern proprietress.
- I'm so pathetic.

(He can talk with the Proprietress at the tavern.)

Proprietress: Phil? Hmm. Oh, that's right! Did you see where the
old man who was sitting in that stool went? Phil played a prank
on him and he was very upset. I'll bet he knows something.

(He can talk with said old man, who is now standing in the
center of the main town area.)

Tipsy Old Man: Whee! Hiccup!
- Buurrp! Ph... il?
- Oh! I remember now! That's the little brat who drew all over
my face! He ruined my beauty sleep. But I have a black belt in judo!
Just as he was painting on the finishing touches, my sixth sense
tingled, and I opened my eyes! He must have been frightened by
my fierce gaze. He took off so fast, he forgot his brush.
- Huh? Phil? Oh, right. I took off after him, thinking I'd teach
him a lesson. But he's a fast one, I'll give him that. I lost
sight of him just before the cliffs. No use looking for him now,
he's long gone.
- I wouldn't think he'd go out to the cliffs though. Why don't
you ask one of the guys building the fence out there?

(He can return to the cliffside area and talk with Darling's Brother.)

Darling's Brother: What? A kid could be on the cliffs? All right
then, I'll let you pass.

(With the information they've gained, the party heads for the cliffs...)

Allegretto: (bending over for an object) Hey! There's something
on the ground. (He picks it up. It's a boy's shoe.) It looks
like a kid's shoe. Wait a sec. Do you think he could
have fallen off the cliff?!

(He can  examine the view of the sunset from the edge of the cliff.)

Allegretto: Wow, what a nice sunset. I guess this is what Beat
would call a perfect shot.

(He can examine the edge of the cliff.)

Allegretto: Whoa! Better be careful not to slip.

(He can talk with Darling's Brother again.)

Darling's Brother: Well, did you find the kid?

(He can talk with the Tipsy Old Man in town again.)

Tipsy Old Man: I'm on top of the world!

(He can talk with Darling again.)

Darling: How's Phil? The sun is about to set.

(When ready, he and the others can proceed on down to the cliffs
to find Phil. These are the...)

===Glissando Cliffs===

(In the first area, they encounter an old man who is another
participant in the Score Piece sidequest.)

Wiseman Maracas: It's rare for people to come all the way out
here. Me? I'm the wise guru of this peak. Wait, what's this?
Those eyes filled with doubt. This will never do, the youth of
today are so jaded. You've got to be more open-minded.
Here, let's rehabilitate your heart by playing a session.

- Perform a session

(Playing anything other than Score Piece 5 or 23 will result in
a F Rank. Allegretto has neither unless playing on Encore Mode.)

Wiseman Maracas: Now that was just sad, sonny.

(Performing with Score Piece 23 will obtain a B Rank...)

Wiseman Maracas: It's going to take quite some time to
rehabilitate your heart.

- Perform a session

Wiseman Maracas: You've still got some learning to do.
(Acquired Tailored Clothes.)

(Performing with Score Piece 5 will obtain an A Rank...)

Wiseman Maracas: Your heart is starting to loosen up.

- Perform a session

Wiseman Maracas: You've got it! That's just right! You're not
too shabby, if you set your mind to it!
(Acquired EZI Certificate.)

(Allegretto can talk with Wiseman Maracas again.)

Wiseman Maracas: There's something I want to tell you before we
play. You may not have noticed, but I'm not really a guru at
all. I'm just an ordinary old man!

(Eventually, the party reaches Glissando Cliffs: Area 4.
Allegretto can examine the edge of a cliff.)

Allegretto: Whoa! That is one long drop. You've really gotta
watch your step up here.

(Soon, the party reaches the bottom of the Glissando Cliffs and
after moving forward a bit, a boy's voice cries out.)

Boy: Hey, help! Somebody, help!

(The scene changes to show the entire party gathered. They have
rescued the boy.)

Boy: Thanks a lot! That was close. (The camera angles up to show
a red-headed boy with a bandage on his face.)
Allegretto: Are you sure you're really okay? I mean, you fell
down from pretty high up there, kid. (The boy examines himself
and seems to be all right.) Anyway, shouldn't you be getting
back home soon? (Beat nods.)
Boy: Oh no! You're right! I really have to get going! I don't
want to get killed by my Mom right after having my life saved.
(So it would seem that this boy is indeed Phil.) See ya! Thanks again!

(He runs off and Allegretto waves after him. The party is
automatically returned to the top of the cliffs.)

Darling's Brother: We'd better hurry up and finish this fence so
no more kids fall off the cliff.

(Allegretto can talk with the people in town again.)

Man Near Entrance: Did you finish all your work? Nice going!
Good for you!

Darling's Friend: You found Phil? That's good. Well, not for
him. His mother's really scary when she gets angry.

Marching Guard: You found him?! Well, where is he? He went home?
Well, his mother's a mean one. She'll let him have it for the both of us.

Squat Man Near Bulletin Board: Lately, my stomach has sort of
grown a spare tire, know what I mean? What do you think I should
do about it? Do you think I need to work out?
- Maybe I could take up dancing?

Woman by Honey's House: You found that boy, Phil? That's good. I
can't even find myself.
- Heh, just kidding.

(He can talk with the people in the tavern again.)

Proprietress: So, where was Phil? What? He fell off the cliff?
Really? That boy, I tell you. I've told him before not to go
near that cliff.

Bobbing Man: Everything's happening so quickly!

Elderly Lady: Oh, you found him, did you? I can stop worrying now.
- When you're drinking, you drink your drink. Don't let your
drink drink you. That's today's lesson.

Man across from Elderly Lady: Can't you do anything about the
drunk guy behind me? His beer breath is the worst!

Man in Green Shirt: Whoo! That hits the spot! This mineral beer
is delicious!
- Oh, no you don't. You're underage.

Moocher: How's the drinks, brother?

Elderly Lady 2: I remembered the name of the miner who led that
rebellion I told you about! It was something like
Tenor, if I recall correctly.
- I wonder whatever happened to those men after the rebellion
was put down. You don't think....

(He can talk to Darling and Honey in their house again.)

Darling: The children's safety comes first. There'd be no excuse
if one of them got hurt.

Honey: I'm so glad Phil wasn't hurt.

(He can the others can proceed to the inn.)

Phil: Hey! Thanks for helping me back there. Mom didn't find
out. I really owe you one. Koto told me you guys are looking for
a place to stay for the night. Since you guys saved my life,
you can stay here no charge. On the house! (Music plays
indicating the party has stayed overnight. In the morning, they
can talk with Phil's Mother.)

Phil's Mother: Good morning! Were you able to sleep well?
- Take care! Please come again!

(They can speak with Phil's Father too.)

Phil's Father: When I was young, I always dreamed of running an
inn. We were finally able to build this place right around the
time Phil came along.
- I want to say a man should be the king of his castle, but my
wife wears the pants around here. It's well known around here
that I'm just a henpecked husband.
- Sigh~

(Allegretto can examine a safe behind the counter...)

Allegretto: This safe looks promising. I'll bet it's packed full
of... ...absolutely nothing.

(He can re-enter the inn and talk with Phil's Mother again.)

Phil's Mother: Come on in!

100 Gold a Night
- Stay
No

Phil's Mother: Thanks for your business. Come again!

(He can talk with the people in town again.)

Red-Headed Elderly Lady Near Entrance: I had a headache the
other day and went to see the doctor. He recommended that I take
mineral powder. I know mineral powder is supposed to be good for
you, but I couldn't help being leary.
- But I wanted to get rid of the headache quickly, so I took
some mineral powder. It's amazing. I was back on my feet in no time.

Marching Guard: What? Never seen Forte before? Stop standing
around staring.
- Don't get in our way.

Man with Backpack Near Inn: You wanna know something really
helpful? There are two types of weapons, light and dark. Light
weapons are great against dark monsters, but weak against light
monsters. And dark weapons are great against light monsters, but
weak against dark monsters. Basically, they're great against the
opposite element and weak against the same one.

Squat Man: (now in center of town) Hey, look at my belly. My
gut's bigger than it's ever been. I guess I really need to work out, huh?
- What?! You think I should fast?! Does that mean I can only eat
lunch three times a day?!
- I could never fast! Are you trying to starve me to death?!

Darling's Friend: It must be hard having a job and keeping house
at the same time. No matter how much others might help out, in
the end, the housework gets left to the women.
- When I look at my friends, married life doesn't look very
easy. Yeah, I think I'm better off on my own.
- To be honest, there are times when I get lonely. And I think
it would be nice to find Mr. Right.

Woman by Honey's House: One in the morning and one during work.
I couldn't do without my mineral powder.
- How does mineral powder taste? What does that matter?
Why don't you try it yourself?

Kid across from House: It's always fun hanging out with Phil. He
comes up with the best pranks!
- But Koto has got him under her thumb! Ha ha!

Phil: Hey, buddy! Thanks for helping me out back there! Am I
hurt? Nah, I'm fine! I've survived living with my mother.
Falling off a cliff is no sweat!
- Hey, if you need a room for the night, stay at my family's
place. I'll make sure you get a good price!

Koto: Phil and I have known each other ever since we were
babies. He's always goofing off and playing pranks on people.
And he never finishes anything, so I'm always cleaning up after him.
It gets really annoying.
- Without me, he'd be a hopeless wreck.

Shopkeeper: I've got the best products in town, I tell you! Step
right up! Don't be shy! (Store dialog opens)

(He can visit the tavern again and speak with the people there.)

Tipsy Old Man: Hic! Where'd the sun come from?
- Hic! Huh, I'm all on my lonesome?
- Where'd those young folks go who were drinking with me?

Proprietress: Ha ha! When did kids like you start hanging out in
taverns? Well, for coming in so early, I'll give ya a little
something on the house! Or rather, I'd like to, but
unfortunately, I don't have anything here you kids could drink.
- Why don't you all come back when you're a little bigger. It'll be on me.

(He can examine a trash can in the tavern.)

Allegretto: Huh? There's something inside. Wonder if someone
dropped this after they'd been drinking. (Acquired Lead Slug.)

(He can revisit the cliffside area.)

Darling: How's my Honey's cooking? Oh, that's not important. She
might not be able to compete with the proprietress of the
tavern, but who cares? This sandwich may look a bit lifeless,
but it's chock-full of my Honey's love. And we're going to be
together forever. Her cooking is only going to get better with
age, like fine wine! I get a thrill just thinking about all the
goodies I have to look forward to.
- I'm always telling my brother he's got to toughen up. That
guy's got no motivation!
- I guess the important thing is having someone to take care of.

Darling's Brother: My brother keeps talking about his wife while
we're working on the fence. Give me a break already.
- I had no idea marriage could change a guy so much.

(He can examine the view from the cliff again.)

Allegretto: It's so high! I can't believe they built a town up here.

(He can revisit Glissando Cliffs: Area 4 and examine a tree root there...)

Allegretto: Huh? There' s some writing here. "I am the legendary
Elder Chapper, who has ascended and descended one thousand
cliffs! Congratulations on getting all the way here!
You've completely wasted your time. Now, now. Don't cry. Here.
I'll give you this." (Acquired Star Clock.)

(He can revisit Honey and Darling's house.)

Honey: Before I met my Darling, I hated cooking! For one thing,
I was terrible at it, and it was such a bother. But he tells me
everything I make tastes good, so I've started to enjoy cooking.
And now I'm pretty good at it.
- Well, I'm going to get started on the cleaning and laundry
while my Darling's at work. And then I've got to get everything
ready to make dinner!

(He can talk with a couple of people at the Castle Gate area again.)

Boy: I just have to save money inside this piggy bank.

Heartbroken Man: I think I'll give up. I mean I professed my
love, but she rejected me. I have no regrets though.
- I just want her to be happy.

Guard: It's thanks to Count Waltz that we're at peace now!
Understood?!
- We are the soldiers of justice chosen by Count Waltz himself.
You commoners owe us your respect.

(He can attempt to leave the town.)

Allegretto: Oh, we're here to talk to someone at Forte Castle.
Let's do that first.

(He and the party can proceed to the Castle Gate area and after
advancing far enough, a cutscene begins.)

Gruff Man with Eyepatch: I see the whole group has arrived.
Allegretto: Hey, he looks like someone in authority around here.
(Beat is behind the others and is angling for a better look.)
Polka: You're right, he does. Let's go ask him if he can get us
an audience with Count Waltz.
Gruff Man: Hold it. We already know all about your plan.
Let's keep this very simple. Don't resist us, and none of you
will get hurt.
Frederic: Now just hold on. Something doesn't appear to be quite
right with this situation.

(Beat runs out from behind the others and approaches the man.)

Beat: Hey, mister. We came here 'cause we want to see whoever's
in charge of this castle.
Gruff Man: (staring down at him) Oh, you'll see him all right!
From your cell! (He backhands Beat out of the way.
Allegretto runs over to Beat.)
Allegretto: Beat, no! (turns to the gruff man, looking angry)
Hey, mister! What do you think you're doing?!
Gruff Man: Let's have a little fun!

(Boss battle with the Gruff Man, whom the battle screen
indicates is named Tuba. If Beat was in the active party, he is
automatically forced out in favor of whoever is next in line.)

Tuba: Just stand still and give up already!
Allegretto: (if in the party) I'm ready for you! Bring it on!

(The party wins the battle, as such, but Tuba is still standing.
He pants and backs away from the party.)

Tuba: I guess I underestimated them. You there!
Throw them into the dungeon!

(Two guards surround Allegretto.)

Allegretto: C-Cut it out!

(Two others have surrounded Frederic.)

Frederic: What are you doing?

(The scene ends and the party is shown in a cell in a dungeon.
They have a companion with them. This girl has bright red hair
and a bright outfit, but in all other respects resembles March.
This clearly must be her sister, Salsa.)

Viola: Hey. Who's this little girl?
Salsa: Just who do you think you're calling a little girl?
(points at her) Huh, old lady?
Viola: Old lady?! (steps toward Salsa) Why, you little....
Beat: Now, now. Don't fight.
Salsa: Oh, what's this? (puts her hands on her hips) Just who do
you think you are, you little runt? Can't you see I'm busy
talking to this old lady right now!
Beat: Huh? Runt?! Hey! I'm almost the exact same height as you!
Viola: You called me "old lady" again! You're gonna pay for that!
Polka: Please, you three! Let's all just settle down!

(Everyone quiets down.)

Frederic: Unfortunately, I must admit I'm rather at a loss as to
what to do next.
Allegretto: No problem, that's an easy one. We'll just have to
break out of here.
Salsa: Huh! It's one crazy after another with you people. If it
was that easy to get out, they wouldn't call it a dungeon.
Allegretto: Hey, your name is Salsa, isn't it? We saw your
sister and she told us to give this to you. (He hands her the
hat that March gave them.)
Salsa: Ooh. Thanks a bunch! (chuckles) I just never feel quite
myself if I don't have this. So then, you people met March? My
sister can be so unfriendly and rude sometimes. I hope she
didn't say anything that might have upset you.
Allegretto: Huh. I'm guessing March has all the social skills in the family.
Beat: (giggles) No kidding.
Salsa: (who has put on the hat) By the way, how the heck did you
people know that I was Salsa anyway?
Allegretto: (rubbing the back of his head) Well, uh, all we had
to do was take one look at ya....
Salsa: (pointing at him) Wait. I've got it! You're a magician!
(stops pointing) That's how you knew who I was! And a magician
can make himself disappear. (Allegretto puts up his hands and
shakes his head.) So you're going to disappear and then reappear
outside the cell walls, right?
Beat: Yeah, well, disappearing isn't the only thing magicians
can do, y'know. The same way they can break out of handcuffs,
they can unlock things like cell doors. (He winks.)
Salsa: Of course! (snaps her fingers) I forgot about that part!
So, you are a magician! Hey, you may be a little runt, (turns to
Viola) but at least you're way smarter than that old lady over
there. (Viola budges toward her, her hand clenched in a fist.)
Allegretto: (whispering) Hey. Thanks, Beat. (He picks the lock
and opens the door.)
Polka: Wow, Allegretto. I'm impressed, you really seem like you
know what you're doing.
Allegretto: Oh! Uh, well... you know, I am a magician after all!
Beat: (waving) I get it, Retto. You just don't want Polka to
know what it is you really do, right? Well, you don't have to
worry about me spilling the beans. My lips are sealed tight as a clam.
(He places both hands over his mouth and giggles.)
Viola: (turned away from the group) I think we can all imagine
what kinds of things you were up to in Ritardando. Don't worry about it.
Frederic: Tight as a clam. Is that so? Come to think of it, I
don't think I've ever seen a clam that had its shell completely closed.
Salsa: Come on, let's hurry and get out of here already.
(She closes her eyes and smiles. The scene ends and the player
can take control of Allegretto. He can attempt to exit through
the main stairway.)

Allegretto: Wait a minute, we're inside Forte Castle. We'll wind
up back in the dungeon if we just walk out the front door.

(He can examine a table with some boxes piled on it.)

Allegretto: Did the guard leave his post? Hey! What have we
here?! This almost makes up for getting thrown in the dungeon!
(Acquired Club Clover.)

(He and the others proceed forward but as they continue, Salsa's
attention is distracted by something. She turns to face herself
in a mirror.)

Salsa: Wait, hold on a minute. (Beat, Polka and Allegretto turn to her.)
Allegretto: What is it Salsa? We need to keep moving.
Salsa: Hey, just come here a second.
Beat: (not moving) Huh? Well, what is it? (He approaches her.)
Salsa: (pointing at him) Now stand right there. (He turns his
body so that he too is facing the mirror. The camera angle
slowly pans toward the mirror.) Ah-hah! See? I knew it! (drum
clash) Just like I said before. I am taller than you! Hah hah!
Beat: What are you talking about?! You're only taller because
you have a hat on! That's not fair!
Salsa: Come on, we gotta hurry! (She walks off.)
Beat: Aw, jeez...

(Allegretto can talk with a man in a cell. This is another
player in the Score Piece sidequest.)

Thief Slur: I am the world's great burglar, Slur! From the
jewels of the gods to the devil's own treasure chest, there's
nothing I can't pilfer! Or so I thought. Apparently my luck ran
out sneaking into this place. I was caught before I knew it.
Punishment in Forte is known to be nasty, and now I'll never get
out of here. You wouldn't happen to have a score piece, would
you? If it comes out nice, I'll give you something real good.

- Perform a session

(Playing anything other than Score Pieces 14, 16 or 17 will
result in a F Rank. If not playing on Encore Mode, Allegretto
has nothing that will satisfy him.)

Thief Slur: You've still got a ways to go. It'll take more than
something like that to touch my heart.

(Playing with Score Piece 14 or 16 will result in a B Rank...)

Thief Slur: What's wrong? Want to give it another try?

- Perform a session

Thief Slur: No, that's not quite right. It's missing the tension
you feel right before a big heist. (Acquired Copper Necklace.)

(Playing with Score Piece 17 will a result in an A Rank...)

Thief Slur: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Just remember that.

- Perform a session

Thief Slur: That was amazing. You really tugged on this old
thief's heartstrings. (Acquired Emerald Bracelet.)

(Allegretto can speak with Thief Slur again.)

Thief Slur: What? I already gave you my treasure! I've got
nothing else to give you, but you still want to play, huh?

(Allegretto can examine a set of boxes near the end of the area.)

Allegretto: Hey, look what I found! (Acquired Club Clover.)

(He can proceed to the end of the area, where there is a hole in
the wall. This next scene is in text only.)

Beat: What's with this hole?
Frederic: Mmm. Whoever made this hole must have been in quite a hurry.
Viola: It looks suspicious to me.
Polka: But this seems to be our only way out. (She and
Allegretto turn to the others.) There are bound to
be lots of soldiers upstairs.
Salsa: It'll be fine! I'll bet this hole was dug by a great
burglar! I'm sure it will get us outside!
Beat: (turning to her) I don't know.
Viola: Well, fearless leader, what should we do?
Allegretto: Hmm. All right, let's give it a try! (He adopts what
he thinks is a heroic stance.) You know what they say, "If you
don't go into the lion's den, you can't count your chickens."

(There is a sound of wind blowing.)

Viola: That doesn't make any sense.

(The scene ends and control is regained of Allegretto. He and
the others proceed through the hole and reach...)

===Andantino's Secret Passage===

(The party makes their way through the passage, battling or
ignoring enemies as they choose. They eventually reach the exit
to the passage. Meanwhile, the rebellious group that said secret
passage is named for has approached that exit from the other
side. This is the rockface that Allegretto examined
in the Hanon Hills earlier...)

Jazz: All right then. There should be a switch behind this rock.
Falsetto, if you wouldn't mind?
Falsetto: Right. (She presses the switch. The rockface, which is
actually a secret door, opens and Salsa comes rushing out,
accompanied by a comical "whee" noise.)
Salsa: (stretching her arms) Whew! Finally! I've been dyin' for
some fresh air! But I can't believe that huge rock moved out of
the way, just by giving it a little push! (The rest of the party
is shown behind her.) I guess I'm even stronger than I thought I was!
(She twirls her right arm in a windmill.)
Falsetto: Who are you people? And how did you
know about this secret passageway?
Frederic: We've just escaped from being held in
the dungeon of Forte Castle.
Salsa: That's right. We didn't even do anything wrong, and they
threw us in a cell like criminals.
Viola: No kidding. Anyone would've run away. Oh, my hair is a
total mess. (Her hair doesn't appear any different
than it normally does.)
Beat: Oh, those guys are terrible! They just arrested us and
threw us in the dungeon. And we didn't even do anything wrong to
deserve it. Well, I guess there are a few things we might've
done. Like that one time, and that other time.... (Allegretto is
standing behind Beat and looks worried. He runs over to Beat and
covers his mouth.)
Polka: It's true. We were arrested at the entrance to the castle
for no reason. I swear, we haven't done anything.
Jazz: It would seem they're not our enemies.
Falsetto: I suppose you're right. Let's hurry up and get back to
the mission. (She takes a couple of steps toward
the entrance to the passage.)
Jazz: Wait a minute, Falsetto. (She turns to him.) These people
might just be able to help us. We are members of Andantino, and
we're trying to find the guardian of Agogo Forest.
Frederic: The guardian of Agogo Forest? Yes, I think we can help you.
Salsa: You're looking for me? Well, you found me. And that's
pretty surprising, considering how I ended up here.
(Salsa has a flashback. She is in Legato's office in Forte
Castle.) Please! Listen to me! What you're doing is destroying
the whole forest!
Legato: Young lady, I'm tired of repeating myself.
Salsa: But if you don't stop the mining at Mt. Rock, the forest
is gonna die. The mountain and the forest are dependent on each
other! (She makes hand motions to emphasize her point, but
Legato doesn't seem interested.)
Legato: I've told you. We cannot make mineral powder without the
mines at Mt. Rock. That powder is responsible for saving the
lives of many of our people.
Salsa: Sir, Agogo Forest is our home. But if you keep digging....
Legato: (standing up) Hold on. Agogo Forest? You're telling me
you live in Agogo Forest?!
Salsa: I have been a guardian of Agogo Forest since the day that
I was born. This is the first time I've come to a city like this.
Legato: Guards! Please come and show our "guest" to a room!
Salsa: What? (The flashback ends.)
Claves: So, this girl is the guardian of Agogo Forest?
Jazz: It seems our mission is complete.
Viola: Hey, you guys sound like you know something about what's
going on around here. Why don't you come back to
my village with the rest of us?
Polka: Besides, once they realize we've escaped, they might come after us.
Frederic: She brings up a good point. We shouldn't stay here
much longer. We must leave. What are you people going to do?
Claves: What should we do, Jazz?
Jazz: Good question. I'm not really sure. Though, I must admit,
it's thanks to them that our mission was a resounding success.
Falsetto: That's right. And much earlier than we planned, too.
It looks like we've got some extra time now.
Jazz: Let's listen to what they have to say. Maybe they can tell
us about the inside of Forte Castle.
Falsetto: It's boring when things always go according to plan.
It's nice to have things shaken up every once in a while.
It's okay with you, isn't it, Claves?
Claves: Yes. Of course.
Jazz: Then it's settled.

(The camera changes to show Allegretto and Beat. Allegretto is
still covering Beat's mouth with his hand.)

Polka: Allegretto? Is something the matter?
Allegretto: N-no, it's nothing, really. I was just thinkin'. I
need to pay more attention to Beat, that's all.
Frederic: Well, Beat did do his best.
Viola: Yeah, he didn't do too badly for a clam, anyway.

(Allegretto removes his hand and the scene ends. Control is
given back to Allegretto. He can examine the rockface again.)

Allegretto: This contraption is really amazing.

(He can travel along the Hanon Hills: North path toward the
entrance to Forte City. Eventually...)

Allegretto: The castle gate is being guarded. Looks like they
discovered we got out of jail. It's too dangerous to return to
Forte right now.

(In Hanon Hills: South, he can talk with the squat man that he
gave the Goat's Milk to earlier. If the party does not have any
Speed Shoes in their inventory for some reason, or if all that
they have are equipped...)

Squat Man: Well, if it isn't the group I met up on the hill. How
fortuitous! You see, I've got holes in my shoes and my feet are
killing me. Do you think you might be able to loan me a pair?

(But if they do have at least one pair of Speed Shoes in the
available inventory...)

Squat Man: Well, if it isn't the group I met up on the hill. How
fortuitous! You see, I've got holes in my shoes and my feet are
killing me. I don't suppose you'd lend me those shoes for a while?
(Handed over Speed Shoes) Thanks a lot! I don't know what I'd do
without you guys. It isn't much, but take this as a token of my
appreciation. (Acquired Fruit Basket.)
- You never can tell what might happen on a journey.
Make sure you're prepared before you set out.

(He and the others return to Fort Fermata. As they do, Count
Waltz is expressing is irritation in the Forte Castle Throne Room...)

Count Waltz: (knocking his fist against his throne
and standing up) Really, Tuba. Were you expecting Andantino to
just show up at the front gate bearing gifts for us?!
Tuba: My apologies, Count Waltz.
Count Waltz: Listen carefully, Tuba. I don't think I need to
tell you that this is your last chance. Find them,
and eliminate them all. Immediately.
Tuba: Yes, my lord. (He turns around begins to leave.)
Count Waltz: No, wait. (Tuba stops and turns around.) The
guardian of Agogo Forest, bring her back alive. That is the will
of the people, after all.

(The scene changes to the show party in Fort Fermata.)

Allegretto: (turning to Frederic) By the way, Frederic, what're
you making this trip for? I don't think you ever told us.
(Everyone turns to look at Frederic.)

(The scene changes back to the room in Paris, France where
Frederic is lying ill. It shows a piano inscribed with his name
and 1830.)

October 17th
12:16 AM

Ludwika: Frederic...
Doctor: Mr. Chopin is taking a journey on which he will have to
face himself. Whether that journey will end with his return
home, or with his acceptance of death, we can not be certain.
Woman: Frederic. Please, come back to us.

(The scene changes back to the group.)

Frederic: How should I put this? If I told you that your world
exists in a dream I'm having, would it startle you? At this
moment, I'm asleep in Paris. As a pianist -- and as a composer,
as well -- I have produced many popular works that have brought
me a rather good deal of renown there.
Jazz: Did you say "Paris"? That's not a place I've ever heard of.
Allegretto: If this is all some kind of joke, you've got a
really weird sense of humor, mister.
Frederic: Oh no. I assure you, I'm not joking.
Salsa: Well you're sure saying some pretty funny stuff! If you
want us to believe you, (she points at him) you better
show us some proof!
Frederic: I'm afraid you find me at a loss there. But perhaps
that proof is the very thing I'm searching for on this journey.
And to be perfectly honest, my own certainty that this world is
only a dream, has begun to waver.
Viola: Oh, really? Are you sure you just haven't had too much
mineral powder? Not that I've ever heard of a side effect that
makes people confuse dreams with reality.
Frederic: (chuckles and looks rather amused) No, I haven't taken
any mineral powder. But as for confusing dreams with reality,
well, there is something to that. This world does seem
incredibly close to reality. And that being the case.... ...can
it possibly be that I have somehow lost my ability to
distinguish between what is real and what is unreal?
Falsetto: Hold on a minute there. I don't think figuring out
whether something is real or not should be quite as complicated
as you're making it.
Claves: Yes, reality's something that just is. It's like the way
we're not consciously aware of air when we're breathing it.
Frederic: True. I suppose it is nearly impossible to confirm the
existence of things which seem so natural to us. However,
"unconfirmed" and "nonexistent" are two entirely different concepts.
Beat: Geez, this is makin' my head hurt. Can you start over
again, Frederic? Why are you going with us on
this trip in the first place?
Frederic: A good question. I believe that I am somehow being
tested. That I am on this journey to come to some realization.
And in order to do so, I think I'm supposed to live my life to
the fullest, even if it is in this muddled world of dream and reality.
Allegretto: What the--? So then you're not really traveling for
any particular reason at all? Man, you sure are a strange one, mister.
Polka: (walking up to Allegretto) Allegretto!
Allegretto: (turning to her) Wh-what? What did I do wrong?!
Polka: No matter what you think, you shouldn't talk to people
like that. You're being rude to Frederic!
Allegretto: I'm being rude? Wait, you don't actually believe this guy?
Polka: His name is Frederic!
Allegretto: Fine, fine. So then are you saying that you actually
believe "Frederic's" crazy story?
Polka: Why shouldn't I? I happen to think it's a wonderful way
to think about things.
Beat: Whoa! Hold on. Do you really mean that, Polka?
Polka: W-well, I don't actually believe that we're living in a
dream world, but I think the thought is nice.
Allegretto: So I was right! You don't believe him either!
Polka: Oh! I should have known you wouldn't understand! (She runs away.)
Allegretto: Hey! Polka, wait! (He reaches his hand after her.)
Viola: (chuckles) You've still got a lot to learn about women, don't you?
Allegretto: Oh, be quiet! Let's go! (He motions and runs ahead.
Control is returned to him. He proceeds to the exit back to the
Cabasa Bridge side of the fort. If he didn't use it earlier, then...)

Used Fort Fermata Key.

(A cutscene begins in text only. The group is walking along...)

Jazz: Do you know why this fortress was built? (Everyone stops.)
Allegretto: To protect Forte from things like Baroque and pirates, right?
Falsetto: Well, that's the official reason.
Claves: What was it really built for then?
Falsetto: It was built to keep the subjects of the king of Forte from escaping.
Beat: Huh?

(The camera angles to show the view of the distance.)

Falsetto: Long ago, there was a king of Forte known as the Sage
King. It's said that due to his honesty and benevolence he was
revered by his subjects. The people were so willing to work hard
for such a king that the whole kingdom was energized by it.
Labor, culture, technology--everything combined contributed to
the country's prosperity. (The angle changes again to show the
group in profile.) It was during these times that Fort Fermata
was erected. The king wished to keep all his admiring subjects
close at hand. He couldn't stand losing the love and respect of
even one of them. (She turns to the others.) Once the fortress
was completed, people weren't able to leave Forte at all. The
people put up with being confined in Forte at first, but a
situation like that couldn't last. Eventually, discontentment
spread, rebellion erupted, and the selfish king was dethroned.
Viola: How sad.
Allegretto: Not really. Sounds like he got what he deserved.
Jazz: No, I think that's the only way he thought he could
protect himself. He wanted to be thought well of, to be praised
and admired, to be loved forever. He turned his back on his
faults and lived a life of fantasy. He built this tall fortress
to keep his world from slipping away. It was how he eased his cowardly heart.
In the end, the king lost all the friends who might have pointed
out his mistakes, made up for his shortcomings, and helped him grow.
The truly important thing is to accept both our strengths and
our weaknesses: to believe in ourselves without fearing the
judgment of others. We learn from our mistakes and grow from
them. The fact that the king wasn't able to realize that is
really the saddest thing of all. That's what you meant, right?
Viola: ...
Jazz: Of course, that's all in the past.
Polka: But now it looks like Forte is just going to make the
same mistake all over again.
Frederic: With the mineral powder, right?
Claves: (turning to the group) How much do all of you know about
the mineral powder anyway?
Frederic: We heard about the dangerous side effects from Viola.
Jazz: (turning to the group as well) Good. I'll tell you
everything we know while we're walking.

(The scene ends and control is returned to Allegretto.
Eventually, the party reaches the Cabasa Bridge. At about
halfway across, a cutscene begins...)

Viola: That was about what we expected.
Beat: Huh? Gee, I didn't get it. That was kind of hard for me to understand.
Salsa: (putting her hands on her hips) Oh? I understood it just
fine. But why don't we explain it one more time, for the little
guy? (Beat looks shocked.)
Frederic: To put it simply, if there's no tax on mineral powder
then it follows that everyone will keep using it.
Falsetto: And a side effect of the powder is that it allows
people to use magic.
Jazz: Then, once they go mad and become mindless warriors, they
can be made soldiers.
Viola: And that means that Forte's army is about to get much,
much bigger. And they'll easily defeat Baroque.
Allegretto: But only people who are dying can use magic, right?
So, when they do die, Forte will lose its soldiers.
Claves: Yes. So, in order to maintain their forces, they'll have
to make sure even more powder gets sold.
Polka: And that means that even more people will be turned into
magic users, like me.
Frederic: Then, as more mineral powder is sold, the number of
soldiers will go on increasing. It is an endless cycle that,
once begun, will be hard to stop.
Beat: Wait a second. If they keep on doing this, building up an
army for a war that may or may not happen, then sooner or later,
there won't be any people left!
Viola: Yes, that's exactly right, Beat! You figured that out fast.

(Beat looks pleased and Salsa mutters to herself.)

Falsetto: It really is just a complete waste. And Waltz realizes
that, too. That's why he's trying to increase the strength of
the mineral powder.
Frederic: The Count understands that if he can supply soldiers
to the front line at any time, Forte's military power will
essentially be without limit.
Claves: And apparently they need to mix glowing agogos into the
mineral powder in order to accomplish that.
Though I hear they also taste good in soup.
Falsetto: Huh?
Salsa: Glowing agogos? I don't remember there being any glowing agogos.

(She looks puzzled and the party is shown in profile. Tuba's
voice is heard from off-screen.)

Tuba: I'm glad you people like babbling so much. (The camera
angles to show him at the end of the bridge.) It made finding
all of you here very easy.
Beat: Huh? Hey! That's him! That's the guy who locked us away in the dungeon!
Tuba: That's right. And this time I really mean business.
'Cause my life's on the line, too!

(Boss battle with Tuba. If Beat is not already in the active
party, he is placed into it automatically.)

Tuba: Even if you run, you won't get away, got it?
Beat: I'm gonna get you back a hundred times for before!

(The party dispatches Tuba and he moans in agony. After the
battle, he leaps high in the air and sends his mace down
crashing in a fiery explosion, blowing up the bridge. Everyone
is knocked off the bridge and screams. Everyone lands in the
water below and they have to fight the swift current. Allegretto
spots Polka lying unconscious and swims to save her, or try to
anyway. He reaches for her hand, but can't grab it, and is
pulled away by the current.)

Chapter 3
Fantaisie-Impromptu

(The scene changes to a forest setting late at night, with a
campfire. The camera angles to show Allegretto.)

Allegretto: It's been four days already. I hope that Polka and
the others are okay.
Viola: Oh? "Polka and the others," huh? Not, "Beat and the others?"
Allegretto: What's that supposed to mean?

(Viola chuckles and the camera angles to show that the members
of Andantino - Jazz, Falsetto and Claves, are also gathered
around the campfire.)

Viola: I'm sure they're doing just fine. Look at us.
We're managing. (Arco approaches Allegretto and chitters.)
Look, Arco's saying cheer up, too. Oh, hey, Jazz, by the way,
what's the name of that river we fell into back there?
Claves: Fusion River. It carries rainfall from Mt. Rock down to
the Blues Sea. The rich earth from Mt. Rock flows down with the
water. So, crops tend to grow very well in the nearby regions of the river.
Jazz: No. That was in the past. Ever since Waltz started mining
Mt. Rock things have changed a lot around this area.
Falsetto: A lifetime to build, but it only takes a moment to
destroy. You know, human beings really are masters of destruction.
Everything we do has some effect on the environment. And
ultimately, that ends up affecting human society as well.
Viola: That's very true.
Jazz: There should be a small inn past this swamp. Once we make
it there, the rest of the way shouldn't be a problem.
Claves: We'll need to be up early tomorrow.

(Arco, who has settled on Allegretto's shoulder, chirps.
The scene changes to show the area in the morning. This is...)

===Adagio Swamp===

(Allegretto takes the lead as the party continues. As he
approaches an area of water, a scene starts in subtitles...)

Claves: Wait, we're going in here?!
Falsetto: Is there a problem?
Claves: N-no, but.... It's just, well, filthy.
Falsetto: Oh, come on. We can't get to the hideout
without going through here.
Claves: I know that!
Viola: ... (She walks ahead into the water.) Come on, you two.
Let's go! (She proceeds along a bridge and the scene ends.)

(The party make their way through Adagio Swamp and eventually
reaches the East Side, where Allegretto encounters a Blue Gil
enemy in a corner that seems to have gone mostly inert...)

Allegretto: What's this guy doing here? Is he trying to toughen
himself up or something? He's going to dry up if he stays like this.

(The party exits the Adagio Swamp and is presented with a
peaceful scene. They have reached the small inn
that Jazz mentioned...)

===Cantabile Inn==

(They stop for a moment to look at the inn.)

Viola: (sighs) I'm really worn out.
Falsetto: (pointing) That's the inn we told you about. We've
only ever been here once before, and that was quite a long time ago.
I'm glad to see it's still here.
Allegretto: Hey, it' s already pretty late. Let's just stay here
for the night.
Jazz: Good idea. We'll set out again tomorrow morning. But for
tonight, let's get some rest.

(Claves nods and the scene changes to the Forte Castle Throne
Room, where Legato is giving Count Waltz a report.)

Legato: My lord, the Cabasa Bridge has fallen. It appears Tuba
fell to his death along with the others.
Count Waltz: (tapping his foot) That useless fool! He wasn't
satisfied taking his own life. He had to kill the
guardian of Agogo Forest, too.
Legato: What shall we do, my lord?
Count Waltz: (relaxing) Oh, well. All we need to do is find the
glowing agogos. This just proves how worthless Tuba really was.
I feel more sorry for the bridge. After all, it had to support
that behemoth's weight. (He chuckles meanly and the scene ends.
The scene changes to the area outside Cantabile Inn at night.
Viola is shown out for a walk in the night air.
Apparently, she is not alone...)

Viola: So this is where Andantino's fearless leader's been hiding.

(The camera angle changes to show Jazz, right in front of her.)

Jazz: Viola: Sometimes the cool night air is just the thing I
need to get my thoughts in order.
Viola: To think, all that time I was happily looking after my
goats, you were making plans and doing things to change the
world. I'm ashamed I didn't act as soon as I knew something was wrong.
Jazz: There's nothing to be ashamed of. You took good care of
Arco and your herd, and you managed to do it all on your own.
The kindness and protection you show towards the things that are
important to you: we're the ones who could learn something from you.
Viola: (chuckles nervously) Stop it, you're gonna make me blush.

(She looks around and the camera angle changes to show that she
and Jazz are not the only ones out on this fine night.
Allegretto is sitting at the edge of a pier.)

Jazz: Oh? Are you out for some air, too, Allegretto?
This area gets kind of cool at night. So, it's nice.
Viola: What's bothering you, Allegretto? (Allegretto stands up.)
I know what it is. I bet you're thinking about Polka. Right? (An
owl hoots in the distance. Allegretto does not reply.
What's the matter?
Allegretto: (turning to face them) I've been thinking about this
for a while now. The people that attacked us, I get the feeling
they thought we were part of Andantino.
Viola: Huh?

(Allegretto has a flashback to those events...)

Tuba: I see the whole group has arrived.
Allegretto: Hey, he looks like someone in authority around here.
Polka: You're right, he does. Let's go ask him if he can get us
an audience with Count Waltz.
Tuba: Hold it. We already know all about your plan. Let's keep
this very simple. Don't resist us, and none of you will get hurt.

(The scene changes back to the party.)

Viola: (nodding) You have a point. No matter what they might say
about Count Waltz, even he wouldn't give orders to kill ordinary
citizens who were just coming to visit him.
Allegretto: (nods) Exactly. That guy sounded like he knew that
someone was supposed to be showing up at that time.
And he was waiting for them.
Viola: Jazz. It sounds like you might have an information leak.
Jazz: What?
Allegretto: Yeah. It's possible you've got a spy working in your group.
Jazz: But Claves and Falsetto were the only ones who knew about
that mission. That would mean....

(The scene ends and Allegretto finds himself in the Guest Room
of the Cantabile Inn. He can examine a calendar in the guest room...)

Allegretto: What day is today, anyway? I've lost track of time
with so much going on.

(He can talk with the innkeeper, who is sweeping the floor.)

Innkeeper: Oh, hello there. Are you folks guests?

200 Gold a Night

- Stay
No

Innkeeper: Take care.

(He can examine a note on a desk.)

Allegretto: Hey, here's a note. Maybe it's from someone who
stayed here before. "The food here is great! I'm coming back
again!" That's right. I saw a menu out front.

(He can talk with a man in the other guest room is looking
around back and forth. If the party does not have the Fruit
Basket in their inventory...)

Traveler: Mr. Squeakers! My little Mr. Squeakers has run away!
W-what'll I do?! What'll I do?!

(But if they do have the Fruit Basket...)

Traveler: Mr. Squeakers! My little Mr. Squeakers has run away!
Allegretto: Mr. Squeakers?
Traveler: He's my precious pat rat! Please help me catch him!

(The rat is shown scurrying about the floor.)

Allegretto: (turning around) I guess I'd better help. (He runs
over and tries to catch it.) Argh! He got away! (He tries again,
but...) He got away again! He's really fast! (He looks around.)
Now where did he go? (He spots him and manages to snag him.) All
right! I got him! (Handed over Fruit Basket containing Mr.
Squeakers) Be careful not to lose him again.
Traveler: Oh, great! Thank you so much for catching Mr.
Squeakers! When I think about life without him,
I get all choked up. Here, it's not much, but I want to give you
something to thank you. (Acquired Winder.)

(He can talk with the Traveler again.)

Traveler: Thank you so much. From now on I'll make sure to keep
Mr. Squeakers shut tight in his cage.

(He can examine a plant in the guest room.)

Allegretto: This plant is awfully close to the bed. I tend to
toss and turn in my sleep, so I'd probably skewer myself.
(Acquired Meat Hook.)

(He can talk with a man on a bench outside the inn.)

Man on Bench: Going to Woodblock, are you? That place is
poisoned to the core. Don't eat any of those spores by mistake,
now. You look like the kind of guy who would eat anything.
- Antidotes are useless. They won't work on the
powerful poisons in Woodblock.

(He can examine the inn menu.)

Allegretto: Oh, it's the inn menu! "Local Specialties Full Course!
-Foil-baked Devilfish
-Poison Up-Mushroom Stew
-Adagio Bog Water Steamed Rice
-Drop Dead Pudding (Ingredients change daily!)

All dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients and a
touch of elegance. Bon Appétit!"

I think I'm going to be sick.

(He can examine a cart along the path.)

Allegretto: Hey! Nice! (Acquired 45 Gold.)

(He can examine the water at the pier.)

Allegretto: Are there any fishes? Here, fishy, fishy!

(He can examine an overturned boat along the path to
Woodblock Groves.)

Allegretto: What's a boat doing in a place like this?! I wonder
if it goes down this river. What's this? There's something in
here. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(When ready, the party can continue to the Woodblock Groves, the
poisonous area that the man on the bench mentioned.)

Falsetto: We'll reach the town of Andante just after these woods.
Claves: We're finally back home.

(The camera angles to the mushrooms and bogs of...)

===Woodblock Groves===

(In the first area, Allegretto can talk with a man in front of
some poison mushrooms who is another participant in the
Score Piece sidequest...)

Hungry Drum: I ate a mushroom and now I seem to be paralyzed. My
body's tingling all over. Hmm, do you think it will go away if I
take a rest? Hey, would you mind keeping me company while I take
a breather?

- Perform a session

(Playing with Score Piece 1 will obtain an S Rank.)

Hungry Drum: What?! That harmony! It's like my mom's Casserole
Surprise! You couldn't tell by looking at it, but it's
delicious! (Acquired Brilliant Brooch.)

(Playing with anything other than Score Pieces 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 or
17 will result in a F Rank...)

Hungry Drum: A session with you is like forbidden fruit. I know
it's not right, but I've got to have just one more bite!

- Perform a session

Hungry Drum: Whoa! Could it be you're really awful at this? I've
got a mushroom for you to try!

(Playing with Score Pieces 4, 7, 9 or 17 will result in a B Rank...)

Hungry Drum: Yo, how's it going, Mr. Incredibly Awful? Wanna eat
a mushroom?

- Perform a session

Hungry Drum: Hmm. I guess that was so-so. It's not quite as
tasty as that mushroom was. (Acquired Poison Whitecap.)

(Playing with Score Piece 8 will attain an A Rank...)

Hungry Drum: If the session doesn't go well this time, there are
some mushrooms growing over there you could eat!

- Perform a session

Hungry Drum: Woo hoo! My cup of joy runneth over, baby! If this
session were a drink, I'd be getting refills! (Acquired Gold Necklace.)

(Allegretto can speak with Hungry Drum again.)

Hungry Drum: If it's a session with you, I'll have seconds!

(Upon entering the third area, North Center, of Woodblock
Groves, there is a scene in text only...)

Jazz: From here on, the toxins from the spores will get even
stronger. (He turns to the others.) Everyone, put these on. It
won't protect us for long, but it should help purify the toxins
for a little while. (He hands something to Falsetto, Claves and
Allegretto.) (Acquired Neutralizing Stone.) (Finally, he hands
it to Viola, but...)
Viola: Hey, you gave me two by mistake.
Jazz: (walking ahead) One is for Arco, of course. Okay. Stick
close and keep moving!

(In this area, he and the others encounter a Bloody Onion enemy
that is tucked in a corner. If the party does not have the
Winder in their inventory...)

Allegretto: What's up with this guy? He seems pretty weak. Maybe
he's hungry?

(But if they do have the Winder...)

Allegretto: I wonder if this guy's hungry. (The onion squeaks.)
Huh? You want this? (Handed over Winder) (The onion squeaks
again.) Whoa! (Allegretto runs out of the way. The onion exits
the nook it was in and squeaks, then exits the scene.) Is the
winder making him move? Huh? There's something on the ground.
(Acquired Empty Vase.)

(He can return to Adagio Swamp: and examine the Blue Gil enemy
from before.)

Allegretto: What's this guy doing here? He's going to dry up if
he stays like this. Oh, of course! We can fill this empty vase
with water and dump it on him! (He runs to the stream and fills
the vase with some swamp water.) (Splashed monster with water
from the empty vase.) (The Blue Gil gives a big spin.) Whoa! (It
leaves the area.) You could at least say thanks. Hmm? There's
something on the ground. (Acquired Power Ring.)

(Eventually, the party reaches Woodblock Groves: Waterfall and
receives a message...)

The Neutralizing Stone has cracked!

(A little ways ahead, the party encounters a monster. Boss
battle with Trick or Treat and Red Cap x2. The monsters are
dispatched in due course. The party continues ahead and there's
a cutscene...)

Claves: At last, we made it. I didn't think we'd ever get back
after we fell into that river.
Allegretto: (looking around, confused) Um. What do you mean, "we
made it"? There's nothing here.
Falsetto: (chuckles) It's no wonder you're confused. You can't
see it, but the town of Andante is right under your feet.
Viola: It's underground?!
Jazz: Yes. Though it's not that impressive. But it's more than
enough for us to live comfortably.
Claves: After all, we are a rebel army. We're supposed to be
underground, right? (She giggles and Falsetto gives a small chuckle.)
Jazz: This is Andantino's headquarters. Everyone here is one of
us. Please, make yourselves at home. Falsetto, would you mind
showing our guests around the town?
Falsetto: No problem.
Jazz: Okay. We'll go on ahead. When you get tired of
sightseeing, come and join us.
Allegretto: Where're you going?
Falsetto: To the house we've been using as a base. It's right on
the shore of Lake Reverb. Basically, it's our hideout. It's a
short walk from here.
Jazz: Later. (He gives a wave. He and Claves leave.)
Falsetto: Well, let's get going. (The scene ends.)

(The party proceeds into a hole in the rockface, into Andante.
They can speak with a man just past a save point.)

Entrance Guard: You're not one of us. How'd you get in here?
Oh, I see. Jazz brought you.
- Don't tell anyone about this place.

(The party proceeds past this antechamber into the next area. A
view is shown of the town and its people. This is...)

===Andante===

(There is another brief, text-only scene.)

Allegretto: It's inside a cave, huh?
Viola: Wow.
Falsetto: It's nothing special on the inside, really. Anyway,
let's go on in. (The brief scene ends.)

(Allegretto can talk with the various Andantino members in the village.)

Member near Entrance: Andantino isn't a violent organization
bent on indiscriminate terrorism. Forte just doesn't realize how
angry other people are about what's going on there. To make them
take notice, we target only their important facilities. We make
sure that no civilians are hurt by our actions.
- We will continue our campaign until Forte changes its ways.

Member standing on Bridge: Jazz is an amazing man. He has the
conviction to risk his own life to protect the powerless. He's
calm and composed and has the wherewithal to charge forward
without losing sight of his objective. And he'd never abandon
his comrades. It's because we have a man like him as our leader
that I'm willing to pledge myself to Andantino.
- Brother! Let us lay down our lives for the sake of true freedom!

Woman by Stream: Men aren't the only ones who come here to
support Jazz. There are also lots of women who oppose the
government. But most of us don't take part in combat. We stay
here to guard our children and homes. Though we may not go out
and fight, our thoughts are with the men.
- Falsetto and Claves? They're special cases. Falsetto's been a
member since the organization was formed. She's Jazz's right
hand man. The women go to her whenever there's a problem because
she's kind and dependable. Claves joined only recently, but
she's a great swordsman, so she moved up the ranks quickly.
- All the women fight in some way.

Member doing Squats: A soldier's body is his weapon! How about
it? Are you up for some Andantino Special Training?
- The training menu is written on the board in front of you.
500 push-ups! 500 sit-ups! 500 back lifts! 500 bunny hops! 500
sword swings! 500 weight lifts! 500 head butts! 500 nose hooks!
500 toilet cleanings....
- One! Two!

Member near Item Shop: I haven't seen you before. Are you new?
Guess that means I'm not the new guy anymore. The training is
rough, but only in the beginning. And you'll get used to waking
up early. Don't worry.
- Feel free to ask me anything. Just follow my lead and you'll be fine!

Woman near Exit to Lento Cemetery: This whole place was
originally just the passage to Lento Cemetery. When we first
came here, flowers bloomed everywhere. Simile flowers. They glow
in the dark and are really beautiful. But as the town grew, they
gradually decreased in numbers. You don't see them anymore.
- We know why the flowers are gone. Apparently, the water that
flows through here is no longer good for them. Back when the
flowers still bloomed, I tried watering some once. They wilted
in no time. I was shocked. They say it's because the water from
Simile Spring no longer reaches here.
- I'd feel terrible if it turned out that the flowers all died
because we came here.

Member near Exit to Lento Cemetery: People say monsters inhabit
Lento Cemetery. It's an ancient legend in this land. Most people
believe in and fear those kinds of things. That's why we built
our hideout here.

Shopkeeper: Take a look around! You're sure to find something
you need! (Store dialog opens)

(He can examine some bottles near the exit to Lento Cemetery.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's paper inside this bottle. "Look by the
small waterfalls, darling."

(He can examine the area by the waterfalls.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's a note stuck in here. "Here's my
address, big boy. Come on by and we'll have some fun!" (Acquired
some guy's address.) ... (There is a sound of paper shredding.)
(Tore up some guy's address.)

(He can examine some boxes on the far left path...)

Allegretto: Hey, there's a note stuck in here.
"Search around the stone pillar."

(He can do as the note suggested and search around the stone
pillar. Fortunately, this time there's something more there than
just some guy's address.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's a note stuck in here. "Congratulations
on finding this. Take it. It's yours." (Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can attempt to use the exit to Lento Cemetery.)

Allegretto: The air here is really cold. Something about it's
giving me the creeps. Better stay away.

(He can enter the first room, a residence just past the
entrance, and speak with the people there.)

Chaconne: I think the desire to free people from oppression is
very noble. But I don't want Etude to throw his life away.
What's the use of freedom if it costs you your life? A world of
freedom is meaningless to me without him.
- I just hope he doesn't do anything foolish.

Etude: Rather than live a comfortable life submitting to those
in power, I want to fight for the weak who are made to suffer at
their hands. I have great respect for Jazz and this organization he's built.
- I'd give my life for Jazz's sake.

(He can examine a basket on a table in an area by a waterfall.)

Allegretto: I smell honey. I love eating bread with honey.

(He can examine some boxes and barrels.)

Allegretto: Whoa, that smells good! I think it's corned beef.
I'll bet it's rations for the soldiers.

(He can visit the next room, the Infirmary and talk with the
Doctor there.)

Doctor: Welcome to our infirmary. It isn't that big, but we're
equipped to handle just about any injury. In an organization
like this, it's not unusual to see patients with serious
injuries. It's my job to patch them up before their young lives
bleed out of them. Lately I'm seeing a lot of youngsters
glorifying the idea of becoming martyrs for the cause. You can't
build a future if you're not alive to do it. Death is not glamorous.
- What? Are you hurt? Rest here for a minute then. (The party is
healed for free.) Don't push yourself too hard.

(He can examine some bottles on a table.)

Allegretto: There's a lot of medicine here. Of course, there's
no mineral powder though.

(He can examine a book on a table.)

Allegretto: It's a medical textbook. Let's see what it says:
"Treatment of External Injuries: Medicine." "Mineral powder
produces fast results, but causes heavy side effects. Floral
powder takes some time to work, but has no side effects."

(He can enter the Storage Room past the bridge and talk with the
people there.)

Young Member: Don't tell anyone you heard it from me, but Jazz
and Claves are an item. I sure hope having our top brass in love
with each other doesn't affect their objectivity.
- I'm sure Falsetto is none too happy about it. Why's that, you
ask? It's because she's.... Well, anyway, there are a few reasons.

(The little girl in the room with a bow on her head is another
participant in the Score Piece sidequest...)

Sullen Melody: What do you want? Score piece? Huh? Why should I
do that? Oh, fine.

- Perform a session

(Playing using Score Pieces 10, 12 or 15 will result in an S Rank...)

Sullen Melody: W-what the heck was that?! That was surprising!
(Acquired Floral Powder.)

(Playing using any pieces other than 1, 5, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23,
or 28 will result in a F Rank...)

Sullen Melody: This session thing isn't so bad after all.

- Perform a session

Sullen Melody: That was terrible. You owe me an apology.

(Playing using Score Pieces 1, 5, 13, or 23 will result in a B Rank...)

Sullen Melody: You again? You need to learn when to give up.

- Perform a session

Sullen Melody: What the heck was that? Now I'm really in a bad mood!
(Acquired Peach Cookie.)

(Playing using Score Piece 28 will result in an A Rank...)

Sullen Melody: This is getting annoying. Hurry up and get our
your score piece.

- Perform a session

Sullen Melody: W-whoa. Not bad. (Acquired Amethyst Bracelet.)

(He can talk with Sullen Melody again.)

Sullen Melody: Well, I guess I don't mind doing sessions with you.

(He can examine a shelf on the left side of the Storage Room.)

Allegretto: Hey! What have we here? Oh, it's nothing.

(He can examine another shelf on the right side of the Storage Room.)

Allegretto: Hey! What have we here? (Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can visit a room just past the Item Shop, where some members
of Andantino are planning something. A scene in text only...)

Soldier 1: Why aren't we attacking Forte?
Soldier 2: Jazz is overly cautious.
Soldier 3: Yeah. We're just going to have to take matters into
our own hands.
Soldier 1: Right! It's time to put our plan into action!
Soldier 3: Shh! Keep your voices down!
Soldier 2: But can we really pull it off on our own?
Soldier 3: Yeah, it'd be nice if we had someone to back us up if
things go sour.
Soldier 1: How about asking Etude? He can hold his own in a fight.
Soldier 3: Etude practically worships Jazz. You really think
he'd go along with this?
Soldier 1: I'm sure of it. Knowing him, standing around doing
nothing like this is probably driving him nuts. That's the kind
of man he is.
Soldier 2: Sounds good. All that's left is to pick a time to
enact the plan. According to intelligence reports....
Falsetto: (entering the room with Allegretto) What are you three doing?!
Soldier 1: F-Falsetto!
Soldier 2: Nothing, ma'am.
Soldier 3: Well, we're done cleaning the room. Guess we'll head
back now.
Soldier 2: (nods) Yeah.
Soldier 3: Please excuse us. (The soldiers all leave.)
Falsetto: ...

(In this room, the Meeting Room, Allegretto can examine some
notes lying on a table.)

Allegretto: Meeting Log #352 "Regarding the vulnerable areas
within Forte territory...." Hmm. I don't understand any of this.

(He can examine a bookshelf in the back...)

Allegretto: Meeting Log #215 "Regarding foods Waltz doesn't like...."
Hmm. This seems pretty simple.

(After this sequence, the three soldiers can be found standing
on places in the main village area...)

Soldier before Bridge: I don't approve of outsiders meddling in
our business.

Soldier near Storage Room: Humph!

Soldier near Meeting Room: Don't tell anyone you heard it from
me, but there are some nasty rumors floating around about the
mineral powder. For example, have you heard the stories about
the test subjects that took it before it was sold? They say it
fried the brain of the first guy who tried it.
- We now know the mineral powder was developed at the cost of
those victims. I don't think Forte's citizens know about that.
If they did, there's no way they'd buy it.

(He can visit Lake Reverb and talk with a man standing along the
side of the road, another participant in the Score Piece sidequest...)

Lonely Pitch: In the end, people who crowd themselves together
are all weak of heart. I never want to become such a person.
Yes, so long as I have the music of loneliness, I need nothing more.

- Perform a session

(Performing with Score Piece 23 will result in a S Rank...)

Lonely Pitch: So, this sound is your response? Let me tell you
what you lack. Loneliness is not a bad thing. Only through
understanding loneliness can true compassion for others be born.
(Acquired Onyx Bracelet.)

(Performing with any Score Pieces other than 1, 3, 9, 14, 20, or
23 will result in a F Rank...)

Lonely Pitch: Have you come to understand loneliness? Give me
your answer in your music.

- Perform a session

Lonely Pitch: Humph. It appears your heart is rotten. I can hear
it in your sound.

(Performing with Score Pieces 1, 3, 9, or 14 will result in a B Rank...)

Lonely Pitch: Again? It's not easy dealing with your rotten
music, you know.

- Perform a session

Lonely Pitch: Loneliness is truly something people cannot do
without. You had better set aside some time to be alone with yourself.
(Acquired Shadow Tail.)

(Performing with Score Piece 20 will result in an A Rank...)

Lonely Pitch: Well? What is your impression, having looked
within yourself? No, you need not say a word. Your music will
speak for you.

- Perform a session

Lonely Pitch: Ooh! So this is a session. This is the feeling of
truly sharing another's company. (Acquired EZI Photo.)

(He can speak with Lonely Pitch again.)

Lonely Pitch: I've learned that music made with others can be
beautiful, too. Would you play a session with me?

(He can proceed along the trail, reaching the house that Jazz
and Claves headed for. But when he gets there...)

Allegretto: Man, the wind is cold. Maybe I'll go back to town
and get some hot soup first.

(He turns around and leaves the area.)

(Having explored everything else there is to do in the area,
Allegretto, Viola and Falsetto can enter the final room in
Andante, where a scene begins in text only. A little girl is
sobbing her eyes out...)

Younger Sister: Waaaah!
Father: It won't help to cry about it.
Younger Sister: Y-Yeah, b-but....
Falsetto: (entering with the others) What's wrong?
Father: Oh, hello, Falsetto. Well, take a look at this.
(He turns to a plant sitting on a table.)
Falsetto: Wow, this is unusual. It's a Simile flower, isn't it?
I didn't think any still existed.
Viola: But it looks like it's wilting.
Father: Yes. We don't have any water for it.
Allegretto: Water? There's tons of water right outside.
Falsetto: (turning to him and Viola) No. Simile flowers need
water from Simile Spring.
Father: If you give them ordinary water, they die in no time.
Allegretto: (motioning with his hand) Then you just need to go
get water from that spring, right?
Father: (shaking his head) Don't be ridiculous! To get to the
spring, you have to go through the cemetery! I don't want to go
to that creepy place.
Allegretto: (motioning again) You're her father, aren't you?
Father: But they say monsters live there. What if they eat me?!
Younger Sister: Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Older Brother: ... (He runs out of the room.)
Allegretto: Ah, man.
Viola: The poor thing. Allegretto, how about we go get that water?
Allegretto: (turning to her) What?!
Viola: Think of it as your good deed for the day.
Allegretto: (doing hand motions again) Since when are you so
nice, Viola?
Viola: (leaving) I've always been nice. Come on, stop grumbling
and let's go! (The scene ends and Allegretto finds himself
outside the room. He can go back in and talk to the father and
younger sister again...)

Father: My children picked this flower somewhere. I was shocked
to find it was a Simile flower.
- My son's run off and my daughter won't stop crying.

Younger Sister: Waaaah! Make the flower stop wilting!

(He can examine a shelf in the back of the room.)

Allegretto: "Our Daughter, Age 0" "Our Daughter, Age 1" "Our
Daughter, Age 2" "Our Daughter, Age 3" "Our Daughter, Age 4"
It's full of photos of his daughter. Hey, what's this?
(Acquired Flare Head.)

(He and the others can proceed to the Lento Cemetery. After
traversing a short connecting path, they enter a graveyard with
many tombstones and the sound of an owl hooting.
This is, indeed...)

===Lento Cemetery===

(Allegretto can examine any of a number of candles within the cemetery...)

Allegretto: This candle isn't lit. I wonder if the wind blew it out.

(He can examine any of a number of entryways that he can't enter...)

Allegretto: [Color] fog is stopping us from going through. What
can we do to get rid of it? (He turns away.)

(The party finds the boy standing in front of one of these
entryways, this one with yellow fog. Another text-only sequence begins...)

Allegretto: (making those hand motions again) So this is where
you went. Your dad's worried about you.
Falsetto: It isn't safe here. You should go straight home.
Older Brother: But I can't! Somebody's got to get
that water for my little sis!
Viola: You're a good brother for thinking of your sister. But
you shouldn't make your father worry about you. Just hurry home.
And don't worry, we'll get the water for your sister.
Older Brother: But it's not easy to get to the Simile Spring.
See? With that fog there, the way to the spring is blocked.
Allegretto: What? By that fog? (He approaches it.)
Older Brother: My father says it's something called the Goblin's
Grudge, but I don't really know what that means.
Allegretto: Whoa, it's true! I can't go a single step further!
What do we have to do?
Older Brother: See that candlestick over there? (The others turn
to look at a red candlestick, which is lit.) When the candle on
it is lit, the fog disappears. It comes right back as soon as
the candle goes out though.
Allegretto: Hmm. (turning to Older Brother) Hey, wait. if the
candle is lit, why isn't the fog disappearing?
Older Brother: Look. You see that other candlestick there?
(Allegretto and the others turn to look at a green candlestick,
which isn't lit.) When there are two candlesticks, you have to
light both candles on them, or the fog won't disappear.
Viola: Okay, got it. So we just need to light a flame on this candle.
Older Brother: But it can't be just any flame. If you look
carefully, you'll see each of the candlesticks has its own
color. The candle won't light if the flame's not the same color
as the candlestick.
Viola: So that means we've gotta find a green flame to get rid
of this fog.
Allegretto: Hmm. Well, since we'll need more than one flame,
let's start by taking this red one. (He takes the flame.) I see.
So, that's how you take the flame.
Older Brother: There should be other flames somewhere in the cemetery.
Allegretto: Okay, got it. We have to find the other flame to get
rid of the fog and pass through.
Older Brother: You really think you can do it?
Viola: Oh, absolutely! It'll be no problem at all! If there's a
cute girl involved, this guy'll find a way to make it happen.
Right, Allegretto?
Allegretto: ...
Older Brother: I don't want my sister to be sad. She's kinda
cute, so please do whatever you can!
Allegretto: (hand motions, again) All right! All right! I
promise we'll help her. Just go home and wait for us there.
(The Older Brother turns around and runs off and the scene ends.)

(Allegretto can return to the house and talk to the family,
though only the father and son have anything new to say...)

Father: I'm sorry to trouble you.

Older Brother: Well, we've got a boy here who'll do anything for
the sake of a girl. He'll get that water in no time!
Allegretto: ... Yeah, no pressure there.

(He can examine the flower.)

Dear Diary. The Flower is unhappy. What'll I do if it wilts?

(At the cemetery, he can again attempt to approach any of the
blocked entryways...)

Allegretto: [Color] fog is stopping us from going through. The
fog should disappear if we light the candles. (He turns away.)

(He can approach any of the candles. If he doesn't have a flame
that can light it...)

Allegretto: This candlestick isn't lit. [Color] flame could
light it if we had some.

(But if he does have a flame of the needed color...)

Allegretto: This candlestick isn't lit. Red flame could light
it. What should we do?

Light the candle
Do nothing

(If he lights the candle, the fog will disappear if the color
matches, or the other candlestick has already been lit for those
that require combined colors.)

(If he examines a candlestick that has already been lit...)

Allegretto: Look at this candlestick. Red flame is burning on it.
It looks like we can take it with us. What should we do?

Take it with you
Do nothing

(If he takes it, then the barrier goes back up, if it was down.)

(In the various cemetery areas, he can find burning flames...)

Allegretto: [Color] flame is burning on it. It looks like we can
take it with us. What should we do?

Take it with you
Do nothing

(Eventually, after passing through various areas and acquiring
the correct flames, the party reaches Simile Spring. Boss battle
with Death Crow and Light Antique x2. The Death Crow uses some
powerful physical attacks, and can be somewhat hard to target,
but is eventually defeated.)

Allegretto: (sighs wearily) Looks like we won.
Viola: You know, we did kind of just barge in here all of a
sudden. Now that I think about it, it may have just been
protecting the graveyard against intruders.
Allegretto: Well, I'd feel kind of bad about that then.
Falsetto: Don't worry. The spring guardian is a spirit, so even
it's gone temporarily, it'll go back to normal soon. Come on,
let's get the Simile water and start heading back.

(The shimmering spring is shown and the scene ends. The scene
changes to the hideout at Lake Reverb, where Jazz is looking troubled...)

Claves: What is it, Jazz? It seems like you have something on your mind.
Jazz: Claves, what do you think of Falsetto?
Claves: Huh? What do you mean?
Jazz: We have an information leak on our hands. There's a spy
within our ranks, and, I think, that it may very well be Falsetto.
Claves: What?!
Jazz: You don't think she's been acting strange lately? She's
being oddly combative. Especially toward you. Think about it.
She never used to be like that.
Claves: Well, it could be that Falsetto is just jealous of us.
Jazz: I sincerely hope that's all it is. Even so, there is
definitely something she's hiding from me. I've known her since
childhood, so we can tell almost everything about each other.
Claves: Everything.... (standing up) Hold on. If there's a spy
among us, wouldn't the guards have been watching the dungeon?
Remember, our plan was to infiltrate the dungeon directly
through the secret passage.
Jazz: Yes, that is true.
Claves: It must have been a coincidence. I can't believe
Falsetto is a spy.
Jazz: Yes, you're right. Thanks, Claves. That's a relief. I was
just about lose my faith in Falsetto. It sure is taking them a
long time. You think I should go to Andante and get them? (He
stands up and heads for the door.)
Claves: Yes, that's a good idea. (Jazz is shown leaving. The
scene changes to outside the house, where Jazz is jogging ahead,
then stops suddenly. He turns to look back at the house,
apparently having heard a noise. Nothing seems to be amiss, however...)
Jazz: Guess it's nothing. (He waits a moment longer, then leaves.)

(The scene changes and sinister music plays. Claves is clutching
her stomach, in pain. The camera angles to show another woman,
holding a lance.)

Woman with Lance: You fool. The information you provided us was
very valuable. But I was ordered to kill you if your identity
was revealed. Don't take it personally.
Claves: I know you. You're Rondo.
Rondo: Falsetto has suspected you for some time now. I suppose
sooner or later, they were bound to find out. You had the
perfect opportunity to frame her as a spy, and let it slip away.
(points at her) That failure cannot go unpunished. (Claves
collapses to the floor. Rondo leaves.)
Claves: I already knew that Falsetto suspected it was me.

(There is a series of flashbacks.)

Falsetto: Ugh. Claves, why do you always need things repeated?

Well, they do taste good in soup.

I don't know about that. I seriously doubt he'll be attacking
Andantino any time soon.

It's boring when things always go according to plan. It's nice
to have things shaken up every once in a while. It's okay with
you, isn't it, Claves?

A lifetime to build, but it only takes a moment to destroy. You
know, human beings really are masters of destruction. Everything
we do has some effect on the environment. And ultimately, that
ends up affecting human society as well.

Claves: Waltz really made a mistake when he chose me for this
mission because I went and fell in love with the target. I guess
I'm a failure as a spy. But more than that I'm an idiot, too.
Why did I... why did I say those things to him?

(She has another flashback.)

Claves: Well, it could be that Falsetto is just jealous of us.
Jazz: I sincerely hope that's all it is. Even so, there is
definitely something she's hiding from me. I've known her since
childhood, so we can tell almost everything about each other.
Claves: Everything....

(The flashback ends.)

Claves: When he was saying that he and Falsetto knew everything
about each other, I felt so.... The truth is, I guess I'm the
one who was jealous... of them. As a woman, I just didn't want
to lose to Falsetto. I wanted to fight for him fairly and have
him choose me! What a joke. A fair fight? That's the last thing
anyone would expect from someone as deceitful as me. And yet,
after all that I've done....

(Another flashback...)

Claves: Hold on. If there's a spy among us, wouldn't the guards
have been watching the dungeon? Remember, our plan was to
infiltrate the dungeon directly through the secret passage.

(Back to the present...)

Claves: I even surprised myself when I said it. I can't believe
I didn't take advantage of my chance to frame Falsetto. Maybe
Rondo was right. (She starts to get up.) If I had just made her
out to be the spy, my job and my love life would have been easy.
But it's strange. I don't regret it at all. For once, it
actually felt like we were on equal footing.

(She has another flashback...)

Jazz: Yes, that is true.
Claves: It must have been a coincidence. I can't believe
Falsetto is a spy.
Jazz: Yes, you're right. Thanks, Claves. That's a relief.
I was just about lose my faith in Falsetto. 

(The flashback ends, for good.)

Claves: (at the edge of the window, panting) Well, ultimately I
guess I lose both in work and in love. I wish... I wish I had
grown up with Jazz. Then just maybe I would have led a life
better than the one I did. I truly envy Falsetto. (A dove flies
in through the window and lands on her arm.) This will be my
final gift to both of them. Now go. Fly! But your destination
isn't Forte anymore. (She releases the dove, with a message tied
to its leg.) It's Baroque! (She collapses.) It's done.
I had to do at least one good deed in the end or else the
valkyries wouldn't even come for me. I wonder if they'll ever
figure out who the spy was. That it was me? Yes. I'm sure
Falsetto will tell them. Were my feelings real? Or was it all
just some kind of illusion? Everything I've ever done has always
just been an act, but at least at the end I want to be the real me.
(She closes her eyes. The view changes to show the house from
the outside.) I... I truly loved you.

(Chopin Story Sequence - Fantaisie-Impromptu)

Chapter 4
Grande Valse Brillante

(The scene begins with snow softly falling in a garden where
flowers are nevertheless blooming. The backdrop is a grand
castle and Beat is walking along the icy path. He spots Polka
resting against a gate.)

Beat: Oh, Polka! There you are! I've been looking all over the
place for ya, ya know?
Polka: Oh. Hi, Beat. I'm sorry about that.
Beat: Hey. Are you thinkin' about Retto and the others? You
don't have to worry about 'em. I'm sure they're all okay.
Besides... ... Retto's not the type to croak from just falling
off a bridge.
Polka: You have a point there. I'm sure you're right. Thank you, Beat.
Beat: Still, we were pretty lucky back there, don't you think?
Polka: If we hadn't been picked up by that Baroque ship, I don't
know what would've happened.

(She has a flashback. She and Fredric are shown sitting in a
comfortable room aboard said ship.)

Frederic: Thank you so much for helping us like this.

(The camera angle changes to show that they are speaking with a
well-dressed man with blond hair and a snowflake ornament on his shirt.)

Well-Dressed Man: Don't mention it. It was nothing.
Polka: Is there any way we can repay you? You did save our lives.
Beat: Yeah, you've already done so much for us. (He turns to
look at Salsa, who is sitting next to him, but is not wearing
her hat.) Is there anything we can do to help out? This little
squirt here can wash dishes for you or something.
Salsa: (looks shocked and gasps) Hey! No fair! You can't start
calling me "little squirt" just because my hat washed away!
Well-Dressed Man: (chuckles) At least it sounds like you're all
in good spirits. But I'm afraid there's nothing you could help with.
Really, you should probably all just get some rest. Oh and allow
me to introduce myself. My name is Crescendo. I suppose you
could say I'm the captain of this ship.
Beat: Huh? Cre-Creshe-Cresh-Creshendo? Gee, that's kind of a
tough name to say. Couldn't we call you something else?
Something easier to say?
Polka: Beat, please. Don't be silly. Besides, I thought you said
you were good at remembering people's names.
Frederic: I must say, you're very young to be the captain of a ship.
Salsa: You're a captain? (She walks over to him and gives his
gloved hand an appraising glance.) Hey, hold on now. This guy
doesn't even have a hook or an eye patch. Hmph. There's no way
he's a real captain! (She walks back to her seat.)
Beat: (holding out his arms appeasingly) I'm sorry, Captain.
I apologize for her rudeness. Hey, maybe I'll just call you
Captain for now. I could remember your name no problem, but you
need to show respect to the ship's captain. (He salutes.)
Crescendo: (chuckles) Feel free to call me whatever you like. Really.
Polka: Well, Captain Crescendo. Thank you for your kindness. I
think we'll get some rest as you suggested. (She stands up and
the scene ends. The scene changes to show Salsa sleeping in a
room on the ship with a Christmas tree and a fountain. Polka is
there too, but she's awake, and brooding....) I wonder if
Allegretto and the others are all right. I think I'll go outside.
Maybe some fresh air will cheer me up.

(The scene ends and playable control is given to Polka. She can
attempt to talk to Salsa...)

Salsa: Zzz....
- Snort!
- ZZZZZ....
- A lady like myself can't eat a cake that size.
- You're not going to eat it, March? Well, I guess I'll just
have to force myself.
- Mmm, the cake is soft and warm.
- The fish are dancing.
- I can see something red.
- Something's simmering.
- Huh?! It's fried fish! Get it away from me!
- Aaaaaaaaah! Ugh.
- Urm. It's only a dream. It has to be a dream.
- M-mm... zzz....

(She can talk with the sailor outside her and Salsas' room in West Hallway.)

Sailor: You must be exhausted. Would you like to rest?
- Rest
Don't Rest

Sailor: Good luck.

(She can talk with another sailor at the end of the hallway.)

Sailor 2: Are you feeling all right? It was certainly a surprise
when we found you. You'd have been in trouble if you'd drifted
out toward the ocean still clinging to that wood. After dark,
the temperature falls and beasts increase in number. It was very
fortunate we came by when we did.
- You'll be fine now that you're on this ship. Please relax and
get some rest.

(She can examine a barrel and a box underneath the stairway in
West Hallway.)

Polka: I wonder why it's so hard to resist looking inside these barrels?

(At the end of the hallway, she can talk with a sailor in
Baroque Ship: Bedroom.)

Sailor: It's dark out there so watch your step when you're on deck.

(She can examine a snowglobe in the bedroom.)

Polka: Oh! A snowman! How cute!

(She can exit the West Hallway area to the deck of the ship.
This is...)

===Baroque Ship===

(She can talk with the people on the deck of the ship.)

Merchant: The Captain has kindly allowed me to conduct business
aboard his ship. (Store dialog opens)

Sailor guarding Doorway: I'm sorry. The bridge is currently off
limits to unauthorized personnel.

Sailor on Deck: Are you getting hungry? If you'd like, I'll make
you my famous hungry-sailor rice.
- You have to have strength to make it as a crewmember. You
should eat up, too, and build up a muscular body that can stand
up to the rough waves!

Sailor at Edge of Ship: If I gaze into the river at night, I
start to feel like I'm sinking into its depths. Who awaits in
that deep darkness? What is drawing me to it?
- The waves ripple in the gently flowing wind. Will this steady
melody that beats upon the ship guide me to the kingdom of darkness?

(She can inspect a barrel in a Drawing Room.)

Polka: It's full of liquor. I feel dizzy just smelling it.
(Acquired Hell Mustard.)

(She can inspect an aquarium in another Drawing Room.)

Polka: Look at all the different colors! How fun!

(She can also inspect a ship model.)

Polka: Is this a model of the ship we're on?

(She can go down to the East Hallway and talk with a sailor there.)

Sailor: The slightest mistake can lead to an accident. As long
as we're on this ship, we cannot afford any carelessness.
- Ship status normal! Nothing to report!

(She can inspect a barrel underneath the stairway in this area too.)

Polka: Samba? That sounds like the name of a fun drink.
(Acquired Bubble Straw.)

(She can visit the Bedroom in the East Hallway and
talk to a sailor there.)

Sailor: I'm glad to see that none of you have any major
injuries. Onboard a ship like this, we don't really have
extensive medical supplies, so I was rather nervous. I'm really relieved.
- I'm just glad that you're all safe and sound.

(She can also inspect a model fountain in that room.)

Polka: What's this? A miniature fountain?

(She can examine a blue bookshelf in the room.)

Polka: Oh, there's something between the books. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(She can visit the Guest Room at the other end of the hallway,
where she'll find Beat.)

Beat: Where's this ship from, anyway? I mean, look at this! A
soft bed in a big room! It's like a hotel! The worn out fishing
boats in Ritardando are nothing like this!
- Is Salsa asleep already? The movement of the ship doesn't
bother her at all, huh?
- (stretching) I'm starting to feel sleepy, too.
- (stretching again) Yawn~

(She can inspect the model of the castle that Beat is looking at.)

Polka: Wow! It's snowing! How beautiful! I wonder what castle that is?

(When ready, she can head to the stern of the ship for a cutscene...)

Polka: (approaching Frederic) So the world is all just
Frederic's dream. Good evening, Frederic. I see you haven't
woken up from your dream yet. (giggles)
Frederic: Oh. Hello, Polka. Are you having trouble sleeping?
Polka: Yes. I'm still worried about the others.
Frederic: Polka, there was something I said to you before. About
the way everything in the world slowly fades away gradually
losing its color. But, since I've come to this place, I have
begun to feel as if that is somehow being reversed.
Polka: Hm? What do you mean?
Frederic: Well, compared to when I first came to this world...
...now, when I look around, I feel as if everything in the world
is becoming more vivid. More clear. Could this be the proof I sought?
Is this world, which must be a dream, somehow becoming more real?
Or does it only prove that I, myself, am slipping away?
Fading even faster than the world around me.
Polka: Oh.
Frederic: For example, I find myself wondering about whether the
others are all right. Not long ago, I wouldn't have cared what
happened to them. Why should I, when none of this is actually
happening? But now, I'm genuinely concerned. I don't know why,
but I feel a strong sense of solidarity, a connection with the
people of this world.
Polka: Well, I think that's a perfectly normal way for you to
feel. After all, it's only natural to worry about people you've
spent time with and grown to care about.
Frederic: You know, before I had this illness, everything around
me seemed so dull and ordinary. But since I found out my life
would soon be over, even little things seem to shine with an
inner light. Like the sound of wood crackling in a fireplace.
The smell of a campfire. Leaves slowly floating down a stream.
The gentle sound of falling snow. Now that I think about it, I
probably only feel that way because I am approaching death
myself, and have begun to fade more rapidly. Just as Emilia did.
Polka: Emilia?
Frederic: My sister. She was only fourteen when she was struck
down by tuberculosis. The exact age you are now.
Polka: Oh. Your sister was my age when she...? I see.
Frederic: How terrifying it must have been for her. Forced to
accept an inescapable fate. She must have had so many hopes and dreams.
(clenching his fists) Why? Why does God allow such things to
happen to good people? Taking away even her chance to live. (He
shakes his head.) Poor Emilia....
Polka: It is sad. But everyone dies eventually. It's just that
for some people, like Emilia and me, it happens a little bit
earlier. That's all. Besides, in a way Emilia still lives on,
doesn't she? (Frederic looks calmed by this.) She lives on
inside your heart, Frederic. And lives in the wonderful music
that your heart creates. She also lives on inside all the people
of the world whose hearts are moved when they listen to your music.
Emilia will never really die. She'll touch the hearts of every
generation to come. Through her brother's melodies, she will
live on forever. I think that's wonderful. Frederic, do you need
any more proof that part of her still lives on, than the thought of that?
Frederic: You know, Polka, whenever I am with you, I feel like
I'm talking to Emilia. It's almost as if Emilia is saying the
very same things to me. (He begins to walk away, then turns to Polka.)
Thank you, Polka. I believe you've taught me something very
important tonight. Very important indeed. (He turns back around
and walks away.)
Polka: Frederic. There's just something about you that draws
others to you. And since I met you, my way of thinking has
changed quite a bit. Although I didn't realize it before, I
think I've been dwelling on the past. And ignoring the future.
Because thinking about the future is just too painful when you
know you're going to die soon. But you told me when we met that
this whole world existed inside your dream, right? At first, I
thought you were teasing me by saying that this was your dream.
But now, I actually think that it's a really beautiful idea. And
now I realize that believing in you is really the same thing as
believing in the future. That's especially important for someone
like me, who uses magic. You help me be more positive about the future.
And what I need to do. I should really be thanking you,
Frederic. Because you've taught me something very important, too.
(The ship quakes and there is a sound of a cannon blast.) Ah!
What was that?! (The scene ends and control is returned to Polka.
She can examine some boxes not far from her position.)

Polka: Oh, there's something in this box. (Acquired Piercing Shell.)

(She can also examine some barrels.)

Polka: Oh, look what's in this barrel. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(She can talk with the sailor guarding the entrance to the
bridge again.)

Sailor: They headed for the stern!
- I'll hold things here!

(She can speak with the sailor by the stairway in the West
Hallway again...)

Sailor: W-what was that?!

(She can speak with the sailor in the Bedroom at the end of the
West Hallway.)

Sailor: What's going on?!

(She can speak with the sailor in East Hallway.)

Sailor: It's outside!

(She can speak with the sailor in the East Hallway Bedroom.)

Sailor: Ouch. A-Are you all unhurt?

(Once ready, she and the others can proceed to the stern...)

Crescendo: Damn it! Of all the times for this to happen! (The
camera angles to show a ship displaying the skull-and
crossbones. It's a pirate ship!)
Beat: That's a big ship. W-what is it?
Crescendo: It's a pirate ship. They appear out of nowhere
sometimes and attack vessels that travel up this river. The
pirates sneak up from behind, and ram their unsuspecting target.
Frederic: That's terrible.
Polka: (turning to him) Maybe there's something we can do. We
should repay them for helping us.
Frederic: I agree. But whatever we do, we have to move quickly
or those people will try to board this ship.
Crescendo: (turning to the others) It's far too dangerous. These
pirates, even their underlings, are very strong.
Beat: Hey, that's no way for a captain to talk! Don't worry
about a thing. Just leave it to us!
Salsa: (offscreen) Hm? What's all the fuss? Is something
happening? I'm still really sleepy. (Indeed, she has her eyes
closed, and is yawning. She opens her eyes, spots the pirate
flag, and is wide awake in a hurry. She stares, wide-eyed, then
leaps and pumps her fist in the air.) That's it! That's it! You
know they've got a captain with an eye patch and a hook! Ooh,
and I'll bet they have a lot of treasure!
(She makes a dash for the ship.)
Beat: Hey! Wait! (He runs after her.)
Polka: Beat, don't! Oh, not you, too! (She runs after him.
Frederic hesitates, then makes his choice...)
Frederic: All right. We'll go over and keep them occupied.
Meanwhile, try to pull the ship away as far as you can to keep
them from boarding.
Crescendo: (nods) Right. I'll do everything I can.
Frederic: Very good. If you'll excuse me. (He bows and runs
after the others. The scene ends.)

(Polka can speak with a sailor that accompanied them to the deck
of the pirate ship.)

Sailor: Heading back to the ship?

Go back
Stay here

(If she and the others choose to turn back, they are returned to
the Baroque Ship. They can speak with everyone there again,
though only the sailor on the upper deck has anything new to say.)

Sailor: We're under attack!

(When ready, she can speak to the sailor from before to cross
back over to the pirate ship.)

Sailor: Cross over to the pirate ship?

Go to the pirate ship
Stay here

(The party enters the dungeon of the pirate ship. This is...)

===Pirate Ship Dolce===

(After proceeding a little ways along Basement Level 1 -
Hallway, there is a cutscene. Polka stumbles, falls and an oddly
shaped red rock tumbles ahead of her.)

Polka: Ah!
Frederic: Are you all right? (He offers his hand.)
Salsa: (picking up the rock) What the? What's this thing? It
looks like some kind of weird rock or something.
Beat: Hey, Polka, why are you carrying around this weird stone?
Polka: (getting up and dusting off her dress) To be honest with
you, I don't even remember how long I've had that stone.
According to my mother I was already carrying it around with me
when I was just four years old. She would tell me to throw it
away, but I wouldn't listen to her. Apparently, I said it was a
gift from someone I loved and I would never throw it away, no matter what.
Salsa: Huh? You had a boyfriend when you were four? Wow, you
really were precocious, weren't you?
Polka: I don't know why, but for some reason this stone feels
very important to me, and I've never been able to throw it away.
Salsa: (crosses her hands and numerous pink hearts float up from
her) The distant memories of a fleeting love. It's so incredibly romantic!
Beat: (waving his hand) Enough with the mushy stuff. Let's just
get moving. (He turns away and leaves. The scene ends and
control is returned to Polka.)

(She can examine a table in a cabin in Basement Level 1.)

Polka: There're a lot of shoes here. Are pirates always barefoot?

(She can talk with a man tucked in a cabin of Basement Level 3.
This is Captive Conga, another participant in the Score Piece sidequest.)

Captive Conga: Oh, ho?! Have you come to help me out? The
pirates captured me when I was transporting my cargo. I'm
begging you! Get me out of here! Huh? A score piece? You'll help
me out if I play a session with you?

- Perform a session

(Performing with Score Piece 3 will result in an S Rank...)

Captive Conga: Don't know about that one.
It might be a tough call. (Acquired Dark Brooch.)

(Performing with any Score Pieces other than 3, 4, 16, 18, or 20
will result in an F Rank...)

Captive Conga: That's it! I'm going all-out this time!

- Perform a session

Captive Conga: W-wait a minute, I messed up! Just give me one
more chance!

(Performing with Score Pieces 16, 18, or 20 will result in a B Rank...)

Captive Conga: I'm really not that bad of a person, you know. I
can get the job done when I set my mind to it!

- Perform a session

Captive Conga: How was that?! Are you gonna help me out?
(Acquired Twilight Feather.)

(Performing with Score Piece 4 will attain an A Rank...)

Captive Conga: Still no good? That's it! I'm going all-out this time!

- Perform a session

Captive Conga: That was good! It was totally perfect! (Acquired EZI Scarf.)

(She can speak with Captive Conga again.)

Captive Conga: It's crawling with pirates out there. I'm gonna
sit tight here a little longer.

(Eventually, after exploring the depths of the Pirate Ship
Dolce, she and the others find a locked door in Basement Level 4.
She can examine the locked door...)

Polka: It looks like it's locked. I wonder if the key is around somewhere.

(Eventually, they find the Pirate's Key and can use it on the
locked door.)

Used Pirate's Key

(They reach the back of the ship and there is a scene in text
only. A pink-haired, sexy pirate captain addresses the group.)

Dolce: Oh, it's you lot. So, you've been having your way with my
ship, have you?
Salsa: (turning to Beat) Look, Beat! It's a real pirate captain
with an eye patch and a hook and everything!
Beat: Well, just because she has an eye patch and a hook doesn't
mean she's the captain. I thought pirate captains were, you
know, supposed to be grizzly old men with scraggly beards.
Salsa: (jittering about) Don't stereotype! Who says they have to be men?
Plenty of women are pirate captains!
Bell: Well, eye patches and hooks are stereotypes, too, aren't they?
These days, pirates can pretty much wear whatever they want.
Salsa: (shaking her head) That's not true! Eye patches and hooks
are pirate's trademarks! They'd be naked without them!
They can't help it if it makes them look stupid!
Polka: (turning to face Beat and Salsa) Okay, you two. Stop bickering.
Dolce: (stamping her foot loudly) Scurvy dogs! No one ignores
Captain Dolce!
Guitar: Yikes! The skipper's gonna blow her top again!
Dolce: You like hooks, do you? Well, then I'll give you a taste
of this one!

(She advances on Salsa and Beat in a cutscene and the battle begins.
Boss battle with Dolce, 1st Lieutenant and 2nd Lieutenant)

Dolce: Oh, I'll hang you very slowly.

(She and her lieutenants are extremely strong physical
attackers, but they are eventually dispatched. After the battle,
Polka and Beat open up the pirates' treasure chest. It is loaded
with colorful, shimmering jewels.)

Polka: Oh, wow. It looks like what Salsa said was true after all.
Frederic: Yes, so it would seem. Amazing. We've actually managed
to find the pirates' treasure.
Salsa: You see, it's just like I told you! I knew we'd find it!
Polka: But wait. Is it really okay for us to take it? I mean,
this is an awful lot of treasure. I feel kind of guilty taking so much.
Salsa: Come on! You'll never be a big shot if you say silly
things like that! Taking this much treasure is no big deal at all.
Frederic: (nods) I'm quite sure these items were all stolen in
the first place, so I doubt anyone will complain.
Beat: Yeah, exactly! With a huge pile of treasure like this in
front of you, nobody would be interested in any of this other junk.

(There is a drumroll and the camera angles in on Salsa, who is
standing in the other corner. She turns around and puts on a cap
with a skull on it that looks rather like her old one.
She gives a thumbs up and she is surrounded by bright pink
streaks on a white background. There is a triumphant fanfare.)

Salsa: Look! I got the ultimate treasure!
Beat: (putting his hands up in exasperation) Except her.
Polka: Oh, poor Beat. I guess now you go back to being the short one again.
Frederic: Now, then, I think it's time for us to be heading
back. We should hurry and let Captain Crescendo know everything
that happened.
Salsa: (with her arms crossed) That's fine with me. (She
uncrosses them.) But before we do that, as luck would have it,
there just happens to be a full-length mirror right here. Beat,
go stand in front of it for a minute, will you? (She points at him.
He sighs, exasperated and appears to walk off, as the scene
fades to black. This is the end of the flashback and Beat is
shown back in the courtyard area.)

Beat: (shakes his head and opens his eyes) Oh. I just remembered
something I wish I hadn't.
Polka: Hm? What's wrong? Did something happen?
Beat: It's nothing. Never mind. All right, I'm going back inside now.
You should come in soon, too, okay? It's probably gonna start
any minute now. (He toddles off and the scene ends.)

(Polka can examine an ice arch in the courtyard.)

Polka: It's beautiful. There's something glowing inside.
(Acquired Goddess Bouquet.)

(As soon as she exits the courtyard area, a Chopin story sequence starts...)

(Chopin Story Sequence -  Grande Valse Brillante)

(After the story sequence ends, the party finds themselves in
the audience chamber / ballroom of...)

===Baroque Castle===

(And you know what they say, if it's not Baroque, don't fix it.)

Polka: That was wonderful! Everyone danced so beautifully! I
wish I could dance like that.
Beat: Yeah. And wow, I never knew Frederic was that good, either.
Polka: Huh? Good at what?
Beat: At the piano, of course. Weren't you watching? Didn't you
see him playing? The way he played was just so amazing!
Way better than any piano player I've ever heard before. It was
almost like he was a real professional pianist.
Polka: What? Are you saying Frederic was playing that music? I
was watching the people dancing the whole time. I didn't pay any
attention to who was playing the music.
Salsa: (running up to them and making motions with her arms)
Hey, you guys! We have to go see the captain! Hurry!
Beat: See the captain?
Polka: You two need to stop calling him the captain. You should
call him Prince Crescendo for he is the Prince of Baroque.
Salsa: (completely disregarding this) I'll bet the captain's
going to have a feast prepared to thank Frederic for playing the piano!
It isn't fair if they get a head start!
Polka: Oh. So Frederic has already gone to join Prince Crescendo?
Salsa: Yeah, and if we don't hurry up, they'll eat all the food.
Beat: I wonder if they're gonna feed us something really good?
Come on, let's go! I don't want to miss out on that!

(The scene ends and playable control is given to Polka. She can
talk to the people in the ballroom. Starting from the back...)

Attendant: It is my pleasure to welcome you to Baroque Castle.
The Prince has informed me that you are important guests.
Please don't hesitate to call on me if you need anything.
- The Prince is currently in his room on the second floor.

Lady in Pink (clasping her hands) Mr. Chopin is simply marvelous.

Man next to Lady in Pink: Mr. Chopin's piano performance was splendid.
I do hope he can come to the next ball.

Lone Man in Red: If only someday I could work up the courage to
ask her to dance with me.
- She's so beautiful.
- She's an exquisite flower. But I know she'd refuse me if I
asked her to dance. I can't even bring myself to talk to her,
much less make such a request. I feel so pathetic just standing
here watching her.

Roving Woman: I feel like someone's watching me.
- This always happens when I come to the ball. If they have
business with me, I wish they'd come and talk to me.
- It makes me very uncomfortable.

Woman in Yellow: Those beautiful, flowing melodies have stolen
my heart. If only I could spend my days in the company of a man like that.
- You're Mr. Chopin's acquaintance, aren't you? Could you please
convey my feelings to him?

Man in Red by Wall: Damn it!
- I stepped on her skirt again and embarrassed her. I'm so stupid.
- Idiot!

Roving Man: The feeling of her hands as I held them still
lingers fresh. Soft and gentle. They felt as if they would melt
away if I were to squeeze them too strongly.
- She promised to dance with me again. I've died and gone to heaven!

Woman in Blue: Why, thank you.
- Please, stop flattering me. It's embarrassing.

Man by Woman in Blue: You're even more beautiful than usual tonight.
- Amidst this great ballroom, you are like an elegant peony, the purest lily.

Lone Woman in Dark Blue: The next ball is at the full of the moon.
It's going to be a masquerade.
- At the masquerade ball, the women ask the men to dance.
The opposite of what's usually done. Doesn't that sound fun?

Lone Woman near Roving Man: I suppose everyone must be heading home.
The crowd has dwindled considerably.
- It certainly is getting late. I should really be going myself.

Lone Woman in Center: What a splendid time! Tonight was truly a
wonderful night. Those beautiful melodies stirred my heart.
- I'm going to be in a good mood all the way home.

Lone Woman near Exit: What's taking the coach so long to arrive?
Just how long do they plan to keep me waiting?!
- What in the world are they doing?!

(She can examine the throne at the end of the chamber...)

Polka: Oh! What a beautiful throne! It's just like a fairy tale.

(She can speak with the guards in the Main Hall.)

Guard at Left: This is the audience chamber, but today it's
serving as a ballroom.

Guard at Right: The Prince is in his room on the second floor,
performing his duties.

(She can examine the doorways on either side of this area. Both
result in the same message.)

Polka: Oh, I guess we can't go through here. It could be a
secret garden or something. Now I'm really curious.

(She can attempt to exit the castle.)

Polka: I guess we shouldn't leave the castle on our own.
(She turns away and walks a few steps.)

(She can talk with the guard in the West Hallway.)

Guard: I'm keeping watch for anyone suspicious!
- All's well! Nothing to report!

(She can examine a tea-set in the first Guest Room.)

Polka: This tea smells wonderful! I guess there are teas like
this as well as floral tea.

(She can talk with a man in the second Guest Room.)

Man: Hey! Don't you have any manners? Introduce yourself before
you start asking questions!
- The King is suffering from a serious illness. He is out of the
country for treatment. His wife is with him. Prince Crescendo is
handling the management of the government in his absence.

(She can examine a model of the Baroque Ship in that same Guest Room.)

Polka: Oh! This is the ship we were on. Heh heh, and we were on
a pirate ship, too. I'll bet Mom'd be surprised to hear about that.

(She can speak with a woman in East Hallway, Impatient
Pizzicato, who is another participant in the Score Piece sidequest.)

Impatient Pizzicato: What? Do I have a score piece? You wanna
play a session? Oh, all right. But hurry up!

- Perform a session

(Performing with Score Pieces 3 or 14 will result in an S Rank...)

Impatient Pizzicato: I never expect to hear a sound like that.
Well, I guess that kind of thing makes these sessions interesting!
(Acquired Angel Trumpet.)

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 2, 3, 9, 14,
17, or 22 will result in an F Rank...)

Impatient Pizzicato: Let's see what kind of session we have this time!

- Perform a session

Impatient Pizzicato: What the heck was that?! If you're not
going to try, don't talk to me!

(Performing with Score Pieces 2, 9 or 17 will result in a B Rank...)

Impatient Pizzicato: You'll do it right this time, won't you?
If you sound like you're not trying again, I'm going to get angry!

- Perform a session

Impatient Pizzicato: That was close! It was just missing a
little something. We could try again. But hurry up!
(Acquired Peach Cookie.)

(Performing with Score Piece 22 will attain an A Rank...)

Impatient Pizzicato: Ah, you want to try again? That's the spirit!
Now, hurry up and get out your score piece!

- Perform a session

Impatient Pizzicato: Okay! Good job! I guess you aren't half bad!
(Acquired Ruby Bracelet.)

(She can speak with Impatient Pizzicato again.)

Impatient Pizzicato: You want to do that great session again? Okay!

(She can speak with a woman in the first Guest Room of the East Hallway.)

Woman: The Prince and Princess Serenade are always together. I envy them.
I hope I can find a man as wonderful as the prince.

(She can speak with man in the second Guest Room of the East Hallway.)

Man: Lately people are saying there may be a war brewing between
Baroque and Forte. You folks are from Forte, right? Have you
heard anything?
- Speaking of Forte, I hear they sell mineral powder there.
It's supposed to cure any illness or injury. Does something like
that really exist?

(She can examine the gramophone player in the room...)

Polka: Oh, there's something stuck in here. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(She can speak with a woman in the Drawing Room at the end of East Hallway.)

Woman: The castle is very large, so be careful not to get lost.

(She can examine a set of cards in the room.)

Polka: Playing cards? I used to play cards with Mom a lot.
But it gets boring with just two people.

(She can examine a mirror as well.)

Polka: Wow. What a big mirror! I guess they use this for putting on dresses.
I'd like to try that some time.

(She can speak with the people in the Second Floor Hallway,
including Celebrity Marcato, who is another participant in the
Score Piece sidequest.)

Celebrity Marcato: My, what a commotion. Oh, what have you got
in your hand there? Have you come for a session, then? I have
some experience with score piece sessions, myself. Would you
care to perform with me?

- Perform a session

(It is not possible to attain an S Rank with her. Performing
with any Score Pieces other than 1, 7, 9 or 17 results in an F Rank...)

Celebrity Marcato: You are greatly lacking in refinement.
Can you not perform more delicately than that?

(Performing with Score Pieces 7, 9 or 17 results in a B Rank...)

Celebrity Marcato: I don't ever want to participate in such a
vulgar session again. I trust you are ready this time?

- Perform a session

Celebrity Marcato: That was unfortunate. I was hoping for a more
elegant sound. (Acquired Club Clover.)

(Performing with Score Piece 1 will attain an A Rank...)

Celebrity Marcato: You must do more than merely play your instrument.
Well then, shall we begin?

- Perform a session

Celebrity Marcato: I've never experienced such a spectacularly
elegant session! You are marvelous! Truly marvelous! I'd love to
have you as my partner at my next presentation!
(Acquired EZI String Phone.)

(She can speak with Celebrity Marcato again.)

Celebrity Marcato: Let us refine this beautiful sound to
complete perfection before my next presentation!

(She can speak with the rest of the people on the Second Floor Hallway. 
Starting having entered from the right...)

Guards by Stairways: All's well! Nothing to report!

Guard by Prince Crescendo's Room: This is Prince Crescendo's room.
Please conduct yourselves appropriately.
- I am keeping watch over Prince Crescendo's room to make sure
that nothing happens.

Woman in Red Vest: I won the last chess game. That puts me at
three wins, one loss.

Man across from Red-Vested Woman: Oh, that's nothing. How about
we play cards next? You won't find it so easy this time.
Cards are my specialty.

Boy: I'm supposed to learn the Baroque Dance by the next ball
for my debut into society. But my dance instructor is really mean.
I don't want to do this anymore!
- I don't want to do this anymore!

Woman near Boy: My job is to care for the flowers, giving them
water and making sure they get sun.
- Doesn't looking at beautiful flowers warm your heart? The
Prince seems troubled lately. I hope these flowers can cheer him up.

Wandering Woman: Lately I've gotten into fortune telling. Using
tarot cards, I can really see people's future.
- I've developed a reputation for my accurate predictions!

Maid near Laboratory: Are you headed to the laboratory? You'd be
better off staying clear of it. The man who runs that place is
studying magic. I don't know what he does in there, but I doubt
it's anything good.
- Sometimes purple smoke leaks out of the doors, too.
- I think the castle is granting that man research funds. Sure,
he says he's studying magic, but I'll bet he's just embezzling
the money for himself.

(She can examine the view from the balcony where the boy is standing.)

Polka: You can see the whole ballroom from here. It's really big.
I'll bet it takes a long time to clean.

(She can examine the flowers by the lady whose job it is to care
for them.)

Polka: What a wonderful fragrance! It reminds me of Tenuto Village.
I hope everyone there is doing all right.

(She can visit the various rooms along the Second Floor Hallway.
Beginning from the right again, she starts with the first Guest
Room and talks with a woman there...)

Woman: I love to read books. The books on my shelf were given to
me by the King. His Majesty is out of the country for medical
treatment right now. I'm praying for his quick recovery.
- Let me share with you a stanza from the poetry anthology I
always carry with me. "For as long as you breathe, for as long
as your ears can hear, I will continue to sing, with all my voice."
Can you hear the way the words just flow? Isn't it a beautiful piece of verse?

(She can examine the bookshelf where the woman is standing.)

Polka: There are a lot of complicated looking books here.
I wonder if I'd understand any of them.

(She can talk with the people in the second Guest Room.)

Girl: Even if bad people come, it'll be okay. Prince Crescendo
is a great prince, and daddy will protect us, too.
- Well, actually, Daddy isn't all that strong. But don't tell
him I said that.

Daddy: Even if the Forte army invades this castle, I would
protect my wife and daughter!
- But I've been slacking off on my sword practice for a while now.
Actually, I'm not very confident about my fighting skills.
Luckily, this castle has lots of knights and guardsmen, so I'm
thinking of learning to fight again.
- Yes, that's it. I'll start training right now.

(She can visit the room at the very end, next to Prince
Crescendo's room, and examine a clock there.)

Polka: What a beautiful clock. It looks like it's made of
emerald. Hm? Something's moving with the pendulum. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(She can talk with the people in the next Guest Room on the other end.)

Woman: My, my. It's been some time since I've seen a commotion like this.
Where did you charming people come from?
- From Forte? That's quite a journey. Here, have some hot floral tea.

Man: Greetings. Would you care for some chocolate? I know
children love sweets.
- I used to ask for candy all the time when I was young. I
wasn't allowed to eat too much, though. They said it would give
me cavities.

(She can examine some beds in the next Guest Room.)

Polka: Everything is neatly organized. The castle maids are very professional.

(She can visit Serenade's room and examine a tube of pink light there.)

Polka: Are these bubbles a light source? The furniture here is
very different from Forte.

(She can attempt to visit the laboratory...)

Magic Researcher: There's no need to clean up! And don't come in
here uninvited!
Polka: (outside the room) Clean? Uh, what?

(When ready, she and the others can visit Prince Crescendo's room,
where things are definitely not laid out for a feast.)

Crescendo: Mr. Chopin. Thank you for your stellar performance.
(He is sitting next to a woman who must be the Serenade that was
mentioned earlier. A little dog sits next to her.) Allow me to
introduce my fiancée. This is Serenade. And the little one with
her is Minuet.
Serenade: Hello. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance.
(Minuet yips.)
Beat: Hey, what's going on here, Salsa? They're just talking
about boring stuff. I don't see food anywhere.
Salsa: Well, I just thought they were probably gonna eat all the
good stuff before we could get here.
Crescendo: There is something I wanted to tell all of you about
the position Baroque is in right now. Count Waltz is using
mineral powder to convert his population into soldiers who fear nothing,
not even death, to create an unstoppable army. As soon as his
preparations are complete, it is almost certain that he and his
armies will invade Baroque. However, if Baroque were to
preemptively challenge Forte, many innocent civilians would
surely get caught up in the resulting all-out war.
Frederic: The suffering of innocents is one of the greatest
tragedies of war. It's appalling.
Beat: So, what are you gonna do now?
Crescendo: Well, I thought that the solution to the problem
would be to find a way to assassinate Count Waltz to avoid any
other casualties. So, I aided Andantino.
Serenade: But you see, I am opposed to that plan. I believe
assassination would be the equivalent of a declaration of war
against Forte. And if we were to do that, would it not be the
same kind of evil for which Count Waltz is responsible? History
always repeats itself. Even if we managed to succeed in
assassinating Count Waltz, another Count Waltz would appear,
then another. The problem itself would still remain. If we throw
all our support behind a band of rebels, I believe it will be
Baroque that is disgraced in the end.
Frederic: I see. And you're correct. Looking back on history,
mankind does indeed repeat the same mistakes over and over again.
Someone else with evil designs will surely appear to fill the void.
Beat: If it's really as important as all that, how can people
just forget about it?
Frederic: It's because the passage of time allows us to forget
tragic and painful events. We let them go, so that we're able to
continue on with our lives. Like letters written in sand and
then blown away by the wind. They're all forgotten.
Polka: But there are some things we must never forget. No matter what.
Tragic memories that we have to carve firmly in stone, so that
the wind can never blow them away.
Serenade: I have a favor to ask. I understand that all of you
are acquainted with Jazz? There is a message I would like you to
pass on to him. It is this: "Baroque can no longer provide you
with any assistance." No matter how much of a tyrant Count Waltz
may be, there is no way we can be absolutely certain that he
will ever attack us. If we were to make a preemptive strike
against him, it would be a classic example of man's suspicious
nature leading him to war.
Crescendo: Serenade, I know in my heart that everything you've
said is correct. That's why I wanted.... (He hesitates.)
Salsa: What is it, Captain?
Crescendo: It's nothing. We must achieve true peace, not simply
the appearance of it. But, because of the current situation with Forte,
there is no way I can leave Baroque at the present time.
Besides, if I were to be seen making contact with Andantino,
that very thing alone could as a trigger for war. Is there any
way you could meet with Jazz, and tell him for me that this
struggle itself... ... is the very thing that's leading the
world into chaos?
Beat: What do you mean, exactly?
Frederic: You want us to inform Andantino that Baroque can no
longer provide support for its actions?
Crescendo: I know that it's selfish of me to ask this of you.
Frederic: Yes, you're right. As you say, it is rather selfish of you.
Beat: Frederic?
Frederic: Up until now, you have been providing Andantino with
support, is that correct? Denying them that support because your
opinions have changed is rather irresponsible.
Serenade: That may be true. But you must understand, we have
come to realize that the actions we have taken up to this point
have been mistaken. Regardless of the criticism that we may face
later, should we not correct those mistakes?
Frederic: I imagine it won't be difficult for the two of you to
shake off any criticism. However, have you stopped to consider
what this will do to Andantino, who will be cut off without any warning?
Crescendo: Of course, it wasn't our intention for the people of
Andantino, or Forte, to suffer. And yet, as the Prince of
Baroque, I have a duty to put the welfare of my people above all
else in any decision.
Frederic: Then, Prince Crescendo, do you admit that you were
merely using Andantino to push forward the interests of Baroque?
It is rather convenient that your ties to a rebel band from a
neighboring country could so easily be severed once the need arose.
Serenade: (turning to Crescendo) That is not true!
Prince Crescendo would never do anything like that.
Crescendo: (holding his arm toward her in a conciliatory
gesture) That's enough. Jazz and I have known each other since
the days of our youth. We may have different social positions,
but he has always been someone I could confide in, and speak openly to.
Polka: Really? I didn't know that. But then, why is Jazz living
in Forte instead of here?
Crescendo: Are you familiar with Mt. Rock? It's a mountain rich
in ore located on the Forte border.
Salsa: I know all about it! Thanks to all the digging Forte's
been doin' out there, Agogo Forest is in big trouble!
Crescendo: Jazz is originally from that area. And through its history,
Forte has always maintained very strict control over that place.
Oppressively strict. Many people opposed their cruel treatment
of the miners, as well as their utter disregard for the delicate
ecology of the mountain. Unlike me, Jazz was always a passionate
leader. Since we were young, he's always had a talent for making
decisions and taking action. So, to be honest, when I heard he
had taken part in a revolt of the Forte miners, well, knowing
him, I can't say it came as much of a surprise at all.
Beat: So, what happened in the revolt?
Crescendo: Forte's forces showed the miners no mercy. Much blood was spilled.
By the time Baroque intervened, it was over. After that, Jazz
never returned to Baroque. He founded Andantino to continue his
fight against Forte.
Frederic: And that's why you agreed to cooperate with them.
Crescendo: Even though I shared his feelings when we were
younger, there was nothing I could do then to help his cause.
But now.... I owed it to him to offer my support. Especially
since we're both trying to accomplish the same goal. Believe me.
Even though I can no longer support Jazz directly, I haven't
forsaken that bond of friendship. With Serenade's help, I am
hoping to find a peaceful means for both our countries to live
happily, side by side.
Polka: Frederic, I believe Prince Crescendo. I think what he's
trying to do makes a lot of sense.
Frederic: Yes. Now that you've explained it, I can also
understand your point of view. We'll make certain to convey your
feelings to Jazz.
Beat: Great! Then we can get goin'! I'll bet Retto and the
others're all looking for us anyway. If we can get back to
Ritardando somehow, I'm sure we can find Jazz and everyone else!
Frederic: All right. Then let's return to Ritardando.
If Allegretto and the others are all right, I expect they are on
the way there as well.
Salsa: Hm. I wonder if March is holding out okay. She's hopeless
without me around.

(The scene ends and control is given back to Polka. She can
speak with Crescendo and Serenade again...)

Crescendo: You're the only people I could ask to do this. You
have my deepest gratitude.
- Please be careful on your way to Ritardando.

Serenade: Please be careful.

(She can examine a bookshelf in the room.)

Polka: Wow, these books all look hard to read.
I wonder if Prince Crescendo's read all of these.

(After proceeding to the end of the hallway, a cutscene begins...)

Salsa: All right then, let's get moving!

(Polka nods and the party begins to proceed forward. The camera
angle changes to show a couple of guards carrying a mirror. Then
it cuts back to Salsa...)

Salsa: Come on, Beat! We're gonna leave you behind if you don't
pick up the pace! (She bumps straight into the mirror.)
Polka: Salsa! Are you okay? (She runs forward.)
Salsa: Aw, man! That hurt!
Guard: I'm sorry. I didn't see you! Are you all right, miss? Are you hurt?
Salsa: What the heck? What's with the gigantic mirror?!
Guard: Oh, this? It's one of Baroque's royal treasures, passed
down through the generations. 

(There is the sound of a door opening. The camera angle cuts to
show that Serenade and Crescendo have emerged from their room.
Minuet yips and runs forward.)

Serenade: What in the world is going on? What is all this
commotion about?

(She and Crescendo walk forward. Minuet has approached the
mirror and is yipping at her reflection.)

Serenade: Oh my. What have we here? What exactly were you
planning on doing with this huge mirror?
Guard: Ah! Princess Serenade! Uh, well, you see, um....
Crescendo: This mirror was one of my grandfather's most precious possessions.
It's called, "Lament." I requested that it be moved up to my chamber.
I'm told my grandfather would often stand before this mirror to think.
Pondering what the future might hold for our country. In his
day, Baroque was surrounded by much stronger nations. The
responsibility of protecting Baroque must have been an
overwhelming burden.
Serenade: Prince Crescendo....

(Minuet is continuing to yap at her reflection...)

Salsa: C'mon, don't tell me ya don't know what thing is? Mirrors
are shiny things that show your reflection. Silly dog.
Nothing's gonna come out of there no matter how much ya bark.
(She turns around and begins to walk away. There is a strange
glow from the mirror and it falls forward.)

Crescendo: No!
Serenade: Minuet?!
Salsa: She... she got flattened! (The two guards lift the mirror
upright. There is no flattened dog there. Nothing.) Huh? What the...?
Serenade: But she was....
Beat: She disappeared!
Polka: What could have happened?
Crescendo: The blinding flash of light we saw. It can't be!
Serenade: Prince Crescendo, do you know something that can
explain this?
Crescendo: (approaching the mirror) How could it be possible?

(He extends his hand to touch the mirror and there is another
flash of light. It overtakes the entire party. They scream and
the screen spirals. Polka is lying on the ground with her eyes
closed, alone. She moans, opens her eyes and starts to rise. All
dialogue within the mirror is in text only...)

Polka: Uh.... Where am I?

(A fractured, crystalline landscape is shown. This is...)

===Lament - The Royal Mirror===

(Polka proceeds through the first area and eventually reaches a
mirror that looks just like Lament...)

Polka: Oh! What a big mirror! It looks like I could just step right inside.

(She does so and reaches Lament: First Eve - New Moon. At the
end of this area, she discovers Prince Crescendo, who is staring
at a painting of a man in shadow, that looks similar to him.)

?: To think that even now he makes ready to invade my lands!
Polka: Prince Crescendo!
Crescendo: (turning to her) Polka. (turning back to the portrait)
Take a look at this.
?: To think that even now he makes ready to invade my lands.
Forte has grown in strength at an astounding speed. The power
he's acquired has put him on equal footing with Baroque. If it
should come to war between us... ...it would be a clash that
would threaten the very existence of both our nations. (He
disappears and the portrait slides up, revealing an opening.)
Polka: (turning to Crescendo) Prince Crescendo, what is this?!
Crescendo: ... I can't be sure. But....
Polka: (turning to face the way she came from) And where are we?
Crescendo: It seems we've somehow been pulled inside the mirror.
Polka: (turning to him) What?!
Crescendo: Do you remember the light that came from the mirror?
There's a legend about the royal mirror... ...that it has the
ability to "hide" those who stand before it.
Polka: It can hide people?
Crescendo: (turning away from her) Yes. However, until now I
thought it was nothing more than an old wives' tale. (walking a
little ways ahead) But considering what's happened, it would
appear that the legend is true.
Polka: I wonder if we'll ever be able to get out of here.
Crescendo: (folding his arms) The legend also says that those
pulled behind the mirror's glass are trapped there forever.
(He turns to her and waves his hands in a placating gesture.)
Oh, excuse me! I don't want to scare you. That was just part of
the legend. Serenade and the others must be here somewhere.
Let's keep moving. I'm sure we'll find some kind of an exit eventually.

(The scene ends and control is returned to Polka and she and
Crescendo proceed to the next area, Mirror's Flipside.)

Polka: (observing Minuet running across a path) Look!

(Crescendo has joined the battle party. The two proceed a little
ways ahead and have another brief scene...)

Polka: Oh, she's not here.
Crescendo: But I'm sure we saw her.

(She and Crescendo reach Lament: Second Eve - Crescent Moon and
discover Serenade standing in front of painting of the same man as before.)

Crescendo: Serenade! Are you all right?
?: Prosperity built on a foundation of sacrifice cannot last forever!

(A new man appears in the portrait.)

?: You simply refuse to understand. It will take much more
money, and more land, to truly satisfy the people. (The man disappears.)
Serenade: Prince Crescendo. This portrait....
Crescendo: Then, you think so as well?
Serenade: Yes.
Polka: Huh? Do you know what this all means?
Crescendo: (turning to her) Long ago... ...in the days when my
grandfather ruled this nation, a war broke out between Baroque
and Forte. In those days, Forte saw the expansion of its borders
as the only means of strengthening itself as a nation. I think
this portrait portrays the tensions that came to a head between
the two countries. I also believe that these men were the
leaders of Baroque and of Forte at that time.
Polka: However, if that is the case, what on earth are the
previous King of Baroque and the former Lord of Forte doing
inside this mirror?
Serenade: After all, if the legend regarding the royal mirror is
true, would that not then mean that the two of them had somehow
been pulled inside the mirror and trapped? But that can not be
what happened. I have never heard anything about a previous king
disappearing into a mirror. So then, what could all this be?
King Baroque: If we attack them head on right now, neither side
will emerge unscathed! The royal family is sworn to the
protection of this land! No one with the training of a knight
would allow such a reckless maneuver! How will all of this end?!
The snow that encases our pride will be stained red, then melt
into a river of blood that will traverse this whole nation! No
dawn will greet that bloodied jewel, it shall tumble ever
downward into hell's gaping maw! Prosperity built on a
foundation of sacrifice cannot last forever!
Lord Forte: You simply refuse to understand. It will take much
more money, and more land, to truly satisfy the people. When
prosperity is ours, none shall know want due to lack of food or rest.
Nor will anyone have cause to fear a morning of darkness.
The people need only prepare themselves for the bright future
that awaits them. And I will build the golden road that leads us there!
(The portrait slides up, revealing the next pathway.)
Crescendo: Perhaps what we're seeing is a depiction of their thoughts.
The objectives of the two leaders at that time, imprisoned
inside the mirror.
Serenade: History tells us that this struggle ended in victory
for Baroque, bringing a temporary end to the ambitions of Forte.
Crescendo: (turning to her) Perhaps there's more we can see.
Let's keep moving forward. (The scene ends and control is given
back to Polka. Serenade has joined the battle party. In the next
area, Lament: Mirror's Maze...)

Serenade: Oh! Minuet!

(Minuet runs ahead. The party continues ahead and eventually
reaches Lament: Third Eve - Half Moon. Up ahead, they find
another of the portraits, as well as Beat...)

Beat: Ah! Polka!
Polka: Beat! Oh, I'm so glad you're all right.
Beat: Yeah! I was carried away by this really big wind, and I
came to I was here. And there's no doors in this room, so I was
getting kinda worried. Man, am I glad you all showed up! Hey, wait.
Where are Salsa and Frederic?
Polka: Hmm. I suppose they were carried off some place the same
way you were, Beat.
Beat: Well, then we've gotta go find them! (Crescendo has
approached the portrait.) I bet Salsa's so worried by now, that
she's crying like a little baby! But how are gonna get out of this room?
Crescendo: Everyone, look at this.
King Baroque: Is the tide of oncoming war as unstoppable as the
flow of the great Fusion River? Can nothing be done?
Lord Forte: Are the lives of others truly so precious to you?
Are you really so self-important? To make a request like that
with no thought of shame! This is nothing less than an entreaty
from the king of a proud nation of tradition. Well then, I have an idea.
If you cannot stop your heart from trembling inn the winds of
cowardice... ...then hand over "Lament" to me! Bring me that
royal treasure unparalleled in excellence: the very symbol of beauty.
If you do, I will lay down my arms. (The portrait rises.)
Beat: Whoa, it opened!

(Playable control is returned to Polka. Beat has rejoined the party.
They proceed forward to the next area, Lament: Mirror's Edge,
where everyone is shown upside-down...)

Polka: Ah! We're upside down?! But how...? (Minuet is seen
running ahead.)
Beat: Huh?!

(Eventually, they reach the next area, Lament: Fourth Eve -
Gibbous Moon. Here, they find another portrait, and also
Frederic and Salsa...)

Salsa: Sniff, sniff.... I... I feel so weak....
Frederic: Well, of course you do. Who wouldn't after crying out,
"I'm hungry!" over and over as many times as you have?
Salsa: (turning to him) Why won't you magic up a steak for me?
You should be able to make one up in a flash with those magic
powers of yours.
Frederic: ... Excuse me, but magic is not a tool of convenience.
And if it could be used for such things, our first thoughts
should be of all the children going hungry in the towns.
Besides, getting upset won't solve anything. We have to keep
calm and decide what we're going to do.
Salsa: (covering her eyes with hands and sobbing) Wah! Wah! Wah!
(stomping the ground, causing the screen to shake) I... am...
gonna... starve!! (Frederic facepalms.)
Polka: (offscreen) Frederic! Salsa! (She and the others approach
and Salsa stops sobbing.)
Salsa: You found us! We're saved!
Frederic: Phew. Yes, saved in more ways than one I should say.
Polka: (turning to him) Huh?
Frederic: Nevermind, it's nothing. (approaching the portrait)
I'm very interested in the person depicted in this picture.
They seem to be wrestling with some difficult decision.
Minister: Give him our royal treasure?! How dare he speak so to
the sovereign of this mighty nation?! And making such exorbitant demands!
King! Hear me, O wise King! This is a blatant affront to our
proud nation! To relinquish the mirror would be to tarnish the
good name of the valiant knights of Baroque! Now is not the time
to be led astray by the talk of fools! Be guided instead by the
light of your knightly spirit! They await your orders, my liege!
At your command, the young and old, men and women alike, even
the beasts, will rise up proudly to smite our enemies!
King Baroque: So, the nation moves ever closer towards war.
"Pride." The name we give to that precious treasure which those
who came before us cultivated with such care. A treasure that,
perhaps, lives within the heart of every man. Or, do we choose
the treasure of "life"? Which burns within the breast of every man.
A treasure like no other. (The portrait rises. Frederic and
Salsa have joined the battle party. The group proceeds to the
next area, Lament: Mirror's Surface, where again...)

Crescendo: It's Minuet!
Serenade: (running after her) Minuet! Please, wait! (Everyone follows.)

(The party explores the Mirror's Surface area and eventually
finds a treasure chest containing something decidedly special...)

(Acquired Polka's New Costume.)

"Costumes" has been added to the main menu.

Costumes
It is now possible to change a character's costume. Search for
other costumes while traveling throughout the world.

(The party eventually reaches Lament: Fifth Eve - Full Moon and
the final portrait.)

King Baroque: Since the days of old, it has been said that
spirits reside in all things that endure the passing of the seasons.
Mirror, I put to you. Should I leave the royal house, and march
toward my enemy's lands? To a future where the royal family
honor is defiled! Or instead... ...should I rally the people
beneath my banner, and spill the blood of thousands in bitter conflict?
Bringing forth cries of agony, pain, and hatred! (The camera
angle draws back to the party.) Tell me, Mirror! Now!

(A light bursts forth from the portrait. Then, a spinning orb of
red and darkness appears and a monster emerges. Boss battle with
Spirit Svetovit. After the battle, Minuet approaches the group
and the scenes are no longer in text only.)

Serenade: Minuet!

(Minuet approaches Serenade, who holds out her arms for her, and
the radiant light appears again. The party finds themselves back
where they were before in Baroque Castle.)

Salsa: (hopping and throwing out her arms) Hey! We did it! We
made it back to our world again!
Beat: (wipes his brow) Phew. For a minute there, I was actually
getting pretty nervous.
Salsa: (with her hands on her hips) Please. I can't believe
that's all it takes to shake you up! You really need to toughen
up, small-fry!
Beat: What did you say?! (points at her) What about you? You
were practically bawling back there!
Salsa: No way! Me? I never cry! The only time I ever tear up is
from the beauty of a perfect sunset! (She shakes her fists at him.
Polka has been watching the two, but she turns back to address
Crescendo and Serenade.)
Polka: War between Baroque and Forte. Maybe your grandfather,
the king, was wrong about leaving such an important decision up to a mirror.
Crescendo: The purpose of a mirror is to show us a reflection of ourselves.
(He approaches the mirror and touches it.) Not only outward
appearance, but also, what is inside of us. It may seem as
though he left the decision up to the spirit of the mirror. But
in the end, I believe the choice was his own. My grandfather was
searching for an answer within himself, and I believe that he found it.
(The camera angles to show Frederic, standing in the middle of
the arguing Beat and Salsa.) People face countless choices.
Everything from what wine to have with dinner, to grave
decisions that are matters of life and death. (Beat and Salsa
turn their backs to each other, arms crossed. The view changes
to show Polka.) Every choice creates a path and determines what
tomorrow will bring. But regardless, we cannot expect others to
make those choices for us. After all, if left to others, there's
no guarantee they'll make the right decision. And when that
happens, who is it that will have to accept responsibility? (The
camera angles back to Crescendo.) The answer, of course, is ourselves.
No one else would be willing to accept it. So, we all strive to
live our lives to the fullest. (Minuet yips and the view changes
to her with Serenade as Crescendo continues...) We can't allow
ourselves to be led by others. We must take charge of our own
destinies and decide our future. (The camera zooms in on the
panting Minuet.) It doesn't matter what the outcome may be. The
choice is the important thing. (The camera cuts to him and he
turns to the others.) I, for one, don't want any regrets.
Polka: (nods) Right.

(Chopin Story Sequence - Little Dog Waltz)

(Following the scene, the party is outside the castle...)

Beat: So, what are we gonna do now?
Polka: (nods) It looks like we'll have to cross over that mountain.
It'll be pretty difficult with all the snow, but Ritardando is
in that direction.
Beat: Well, let's go. I'll bet Retto's at the hideout right now,
wondering when we're gonna show up.
Salsa: No way do I want to get lost in those cold mountains.
Oh, I really wish I was back in Agogo Forest.
Frederic: Indeed. Let's be certain we're well prepared before
setting out on this journey.

(The scene ends and control is given to Polka. She can talk with
the various people in this area...)

Sailor by Stairway: Take it easy! Take it easy! Swim, boys! The
sea is the earth! Take it easy! Take it easy!
- Take it easy! Take it easy!

Guard at Left: This is Baroque Castle.

Guard at Right: We've been expecting you. Please go inside.

Elderly Man near Castle Entrance: Once a month, the King holds a
public court. He tells us himself what is happening with the
country and asks for the people's continued support.
- Currently, Prince Crescendo performs that duty in place of the King.
Every month I go to the castle on the day public court is held.
The Prince always makes it easy to understand what he's trying to say.
- I think we can rest easy that the next generation of
leadership is in good hands.

Man Walking Up and Down Left Stairway: Now that the Fusion River
is safe again, I hear they'll be starting up the ferry service
to Ritardando before too long.
- That'll mean we'll finally start getting some of the tourist
traffic from Ritardando again like we used to.

Man Walking Up and Down Right Stairway: Are you the people the
Prince invited? You do seem to possess an air of refinement
other children lack.
- The Prince frequently looks upset lately. Do you think you
could soothe whatever troubles the Prince's heart?

Older Sister: Little sisters can get away with anything they want.
I'm always being told to act my age. Humph.
- I would much rather be the younger sister!

Little Sister: My older sister always acts bossy just because
she was born a little earlier than me. Even my clothes are all
her old hand-me-downs.
- I wish I could grow up fast!

Man in Sailor's Uniform: Hello, there. Are you from another country?
Being in a foreign land must be kind of difficult. Feel free to
come to me if you need anything. I'll help you. No, I won't.
Actually, I'm not really a Baroque ship crewman. Did I fool ya?
- I really look up to Baroque sailors. They're strong, polite,
bold--real men! This uniform looks just like the real thing,
doesn't it? I can tell kids are looking at me!
- I'm back in my homeland for the first time in a while.
That's my story!

Wandering Boy: When I open my mouth, the snow goes right into my mouth.
- Mom told me that snow is a gift from God. Well, he's giving me too much.
I can't eat all this.

Man in Red Shirt: My friend is trying to start a business
selling mineral powder in this city. It's a medicine that's
highly regarded in Forte, but I have a bad feeling about if from
the rumors I hear. I feel like I should stop him, but I don't
know what to do.
- What should I do?

Painter: The castle gates are beautiful. I'm going to paint them
and enter the painting in an exhibition. I'm going to teach
those people who laughed at me last year a lesson.
- Last year, I entered a painting of my girlfriend, entitled "My Beloved Mary."
But maybe my style was too progressive because my painting was
rejected. Then my girlfriend got angry and broke up with me.
- Art is very complicated.

(She can speak with a little boy named Lonesome Loco, who is
another participant in the score piece sidequest.)

Lonesome Loco: I'm so cold. Please listen to my score piece. P-please.

- Perform a session
 
(Performing with Score Piece 15 will result in an S Rank...)

Lonesome Loco: What a kind and gentle sound. It's making me sleepy.
Hm? Am I seeing things? I can see Mom waving to me from over there.
(Acquired Sky Blue Brooch.)

(Performing with any Score Pieces other than 15, 22, 28 or 30
will result in an F Rank...)

Lonesome Loco: Mom was here a moment ago. I thought I'd never
see her again.

- Perform a session

Lonesome Loco: M-my hands were so cold I couldn't move them.
That's why I messed up. Please give me just one more chance!

(Performing with Score Pieces 22 or 28 will result in a B Rank...)

Lonesome Loco: Oh, I'm so cold, so cold. Please listen to my score piece.

- Perform a session

Lonesome Loco: T-tears were blurring my eyes and I couldn't see
the score piece! Please give me just one more chance!
(Acquired Fallen Feather.)

(Performing with Score Piece 30 will attain an A Rank...)

Lonesome Loco: Score piece! Score piece! Do you need a score piece?

- Perform a session

Lonesome Loco: Ahh. How nice. So this is the warmth of a score
piece. Just having the chance to know this feeling is enough for me.
(Acquired Topaz Bracelet.)

(She can speak with Lonesome Loco again.)

Lonesome Loco: Your score piece is so warm. You are a very kind person.

(She can examine some bags in a nook past Lonesome Loco.)

Polka: I guess this is a trash heap. I wonder if there's
anything here we can use. Oh! I'm turning into Allegretto.
(Acquired Mouse Metronome.)

(She can examine a locked hut to the left of the castle.)

Polka: Oh, it's locked.

(She can examine the door of an office by the path of the Sharp Mountains.)

Polka: "Sharp Mountains Management Office
<--- Beware of avalanches!"

The sign says it's an office, but there's no one here.

(She can examine the fountain at the bottom of the stairway.)

Polka: Is this a fountain? I guess it can't work if it's frozen.

(She can speak with the people in the castle again, though most
don't have anything new to say.)

Guard at Left: This is the audience chamber. But the King is
away for medical treatment at the moment.
- This is the audience chamber.

(In the audience chamber...)

Attendant: Have you been to visit the surrounding town yet? The
sight of the city covered in snow is famous in nearby countries
as the most beautiful view in the world.
- The Sharp Mountains lie to your right upon exiting the castle gates.
The depths of the mountains are covered in snow and rarely
visited by human beings. It is a land ruled by monsters, so
please take care.

(She can speak with Prince Crescendo in his room again.)

Crescendo: The things that happened inside that mirror.... What
is the right thing to do?
- Ah, it's you. I hate asking this of you, but please talk to
Jazz for me.

(She can examine the mirror, which is in his room now.)

Polka: This is the Royal Mirror. It looks as though we could get inside.
What should we do?

Give it a try.
Better not.

(The party is pulled into the mirror if they chose the first option.)

(She can talk with the two gamers in the Second Floor Hallway again.)

Woman in Red Vest: I accept your challenge. I'll take you for
everything you've got.

Man across from Red-Vested Woman: Heh heh. I could say the same thing.

(She can speak with Serenade in her room.)

Serenade: Who would have thought that we would be pulled inside
a mirror like that. For a while I thought that we might never
get back, but we managed to find Minuet and return safely. And
it was all thanks to the help you gave us. You have my eternal gratitude.
- And from here, you will be heading for Ritardando, correct? I
have heard that the mountains along the way can be quite treacherous.
Do make sure to be careful.

(She can now enter the laboratory that she was denied access to
earlier. She can talk with the Magic Researcher in there...)

Magic Researcher: Who are you people?! Don't just come barging
in here!
You've come to laugh at my research, haven't you? Get out! Out!
(He turns away.)
Polka: W-wait, please! That's not why we're here.
Frederic: You're studying magic, aren't you? We've come here to
ask you about your research.
Magic Researcher: (turning back to face them) My research?
It's rare to find people who are actually interested in magic. Are you serious?
Polka: Yes. Well, it's not exactly that we're interested in magic.
You see... I can use magic
Magic Researcher: What?! You can?!
Polka: Oh. Frederic can as well.
Magic Researcher: Amazing! I never imagined I'd meet two magic
users at once! This is a surprise! Ah, excuse me for getting so excited.
I don't have the opportunity to meet magic users very often.
People who can use magic are not really that rare, but few will
come forward and talk about it. Of course, that's to be
expected, since admitting you can use magic is the same as
saying you're sick. In addition, people say the magic user's
illness is contagious. So they keep it a secret from the people
around them. Ah... um, I mean... I'm sorry.
Polka: It's okay. I'm used to it.
Magic Researcher: My apologies. But I want you to know, that
rumor about it being contagious is completely false. The illness
that magic users suffer from-- Oh, actually, that's kind of
backwards.
Because they're able to use magic because of the illness.
Though just catching a cold or having a stomach ache doesn't
make you able to use magic. My research has shown that only a
particular illness enables people to use magic. But I've
probably said too much already. Do you want to hear more? It may
not be pleasant for you.
Polka: Please continue. I want to know about myself.
Magic Researcher: (turning away) I don't yet know what causes
the illness to occur. But those who suffer from it will eventually die.
(turning back to them) However, it cannot be transmitted to others,
in spite of what people might say. That rumor is a product of
the human tendency to judge based on appearances instead of
investigating the truth.
Polka: ...
Frederic: Besides the illness, have you discovered anything
about the magic itself?
Magic Researcher: I understand very little at this point. A
moment ago, I believe I used the words, "only a particular
illness"--but in fact, there may be multiple types. I'm not
positive there's only one. And I don't know whether all those
who contract the disease can use magic, or if it varies from
person to person. It's possible the illness has nothing to do with it.
It could be a completely separate factor is at work. To begin with,
what is magic, exactly? Why does it have the effect it does? I'm
lacking in both materials and time to uncover the details. But I
still intend to try. To understand the workings of magic will
mean understanding the nature of the mineral powder Forte is producing.
We might be able to neutralize that terrible drug. In so doing,
we may be able to avoid war. That's how I'd like to repay the
Prince for granting me this research opportunity. That is my
gift to the Prince for giving me this space to conduct my research.

(The scene ends. Polka can speak with him again.)

Magic Researcher: I'm sorry, but I'm busy. Please don't talk to
me right now.
- Hmm, hmm....

(She can examine the large cauldron in the room.)

Polka: This color is amazing! What in the world is this?!
Maybe I'm better off not knowing.

(She can examine a bookshelf in the room.)

Polka: The books here all look very complicated. They also seem
to be pretty old. "Regarding what is generally called the 'heart.'
In legends and in mythology, the inner feelings of humans are
often referred to as a glowing jewel...."

(She can examine a green flask in the room.)

Polka: Aah! It's hot! W-what is that? (Acquired Magatama.)

(She can visit the main city area. This is...)

===Baroque City===

(The first little girl in this area is called Contrary Marimba
and is part of the score piece sidequest...)

Contrary Marimba: Don't stare at me. What do you want? A session?
Hmm, that sounds interesting. Well, show me what you can do.
What? You want to do it with me? I have to do it, too?

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 5 or 6 results
in an F Rank...)

Contrary Marimba: What the heck was that? This session thing is
stupid.

(Performing with Score Piece 5 will result in a B Rank...)

Contrary Marimba: You want to do another session? What a pain.
Give up already.

- Perform a session

Contrary Marimba: Mine is the best. Your score piece is pathetic.
(Acquired Glowing Tail.)

(Performing with Score Piece 6 will attain an A Rank...)

Contrary Marimba: I'm giving up my precious time for this.
You brought the ultimate score piece this time, right?

- Perform a session

Contrary Marimba: So, you've finally brought the ultimate score piece.
It sure took you long enough. (Acquired Smiling EZI.)

(She can speak with Contrary Marimba again.)

Contrary Marimba: You want do another session?! You already got
the highest rank!

(She can speak with the other people in the area.)

Wandering Man near Entrance: You mustn't go around saying how
cold it is all the time. No one likes a person who's always complaining.
Now, someone who can take a negative and turn it into a
positive-- that's the kind of person who's well-liked.
- It's cold when you're alone, you know? Especially in a place
like this.
- Why don't you try saying how hot it is? People might come
closer just to check out the weirdo.

Woman by Hotel: Goodness, you look cold in those clothes.
Can't you afford coats? Poor things.
- My husband is grouchy and doesn't like strangers.
Otherwise, I'd invite you over and give you something warm to eat.

Girl near Item Shop: My friend and I are going to play today.
So I'm waiting for her here.

Boy near Train: What? Can you ride on the train? Nope. It
doesn't run because the snow's always piled up like this.
I heard it used to run a long time ago, before I was born.
- Granny says she's ridden on it. You think it's true?

Woman near Bulletin Board: What should I do for dinner tonight?
Stew? Or gratin? Which do you think is best?
- I've made up my mind. I'm going to make stew! I'll cook it up
in a big pot and serve my darling a delicious dinner.
- Stew is perfect for cold days like this. It's his favorite.

Man near Save Point: They say you can find whatever you're
looking for in Baroque, but it's not really true. Or is it just
that living here, you don't realize what's good about your own town?
- I want to get away from this cold place and go live somewhere warm.

Man with Walking Stick: My wife sent me out to buy tea. Nothing
beats hot tea or cocoa on a cold day.
- Tenuto's floral tea was fantastic. I wish I could have some again.
But with the trade ships gone now, that's impossible.

Man in front of Pub: Come to the pub! Come to the pub! Not the
hub, the pub! Fried chicken, roast fish, sautéed and marinated pork.
From high class wine to green juice, we've got it all! Come one,
come all!
- Come to the pub! Come to the pub! How about a drink? Don't
stop with just one!
- Drink your fill! But no minors, okay?

Woman by House: It was hot inside the house, so I came outside.
It's cold outside, but I get all sweaty inside when the stove is on.
- I've cooled off now, so I think I'll go back inside. I need to
finish my knitting.
- What am I knitting? A sweater! It's cold here all year long,
so even if it takes me a while to knit it, I don't have to worry
about it not being ready in time.

(She can speak with the shop merchant in town.)

Merchant: My, what a cute young lady! I'll give you a discount,
so stock up! (Store dialog opens. After closing the dialog...)

Merchant: I'm always getting new items in stock! Make sure you
check back!

(She can inspect the divider near Contrary Marimba.)

Polka: I think I saw something sparkling. (sound of cat meowing)
Oh, it's a cat! How cute! But is it really okay out in the cold
like this? Here, kitty, kitty. Do you want to come with me? Hmm?
You want to stay here? Are you sure?

(She can inspect the train.)

Polka: Wow! How lovely! I'd love to ride that.

(She can inspect the bulletin board.)

Polka: Hm, it says, "Caution! The Sharp Mountains are extremely
dangerous." We'd better make sure we're prepared before we go!

(She can inspect the divider near the bulletin board.)

Polka: I think I saw something sparkling. (Acquired Snowpuff Cookie.)

(She can inspect a sign posted on the pub.)

Polka: Hm, it says "Today's Special: Slow-cooked, one-week
curry." One week? Am I the only one that thinks maybe that's a
little too slow?

(She can inspect the left window of the pub.)

Polka: Oh, there's someone who looks like he's having fun dancing.
But he seems to be having trouble keeping his balance. Oh! He
grabbed on to that lady and she slapped him! Now he's
apologizing over and over. I feel kind of sorry for him.

(She can visit the town hotel, Hotel Ensemble, and speak with
the people there.)

Boy Running in Circles: I love hotels! The food's really delicious!

Attendant at Left Stairway: Stop it! You can't run around like
that in a hotel!
- Stop! Oooh! I'm so embarrassed!

Hotel Bellhop (Lower Level): If you run around, you may disturb
the other guests. Please try to be quiet.
- I beg your pardon. Could you let me through?

Man by Table: This hotel is really something, isn't it? It has
an arcade, and even a spa. I've been enjoying myself here for three days.
- I'd expect no less from a super deluxe hotel! I always wanted
to try one just once, so I saved up my money and finally had
enough to make a reservation.

Hotel Bellhop (Upper Level): What is your room number? I'll
carry your bags for you.
- You're not staying with us?

Man in Front of Guest Room: (stamping his foot) Hey! How long
you plan on holing up in there?

Front Desk: Welcome. Will you be staying with us?

200 Gold a Night

- Stay
No

Front Desk: Thank you for your patronage. Take care on your travels.

(There are a couple of rooms on the upper level that have signs
on them and Polka cannot enter. The room at left with a sign on it...)

Polka: There's something written on the door card. "Occupied."

(And the one at right...)

Polka: There's something written on the door card. "Sleeping
like the dead. Please do not disturb."

(The third one from the left...)

Polka: Oh, it's locked. Maybe there's something behind it.

(She can examine a painting at the upper level.)

Polka: Oh, this is a picture of a cat! I wonder if it belongs to
the owner? It's so pretty.

(She can visit the two other rooms and speak with the people
there. Beginning with the one in the hallway on the left...)

Woman: Rooftops covered in white, the light of warm fireplaces.
I love the view of Baroque City from here.
- What you look at and how you feel about those things is up to you.
When the one you love looks at the same things and feels the
same way, don't you think that's a beautiful thing?

Man: I always thought of the scenery as being the same
everywhere, but depending on who you have beside you, it can
look completely different. If my beloved wife wants it, I'll
come here any number of times.
- At first, I couldn't see the beauty of this place. My wife has
taught me all sorts of new things.

(She can examine the tea-set.)

Polka: The tea's ready. Oh, look, behind the cup. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(She can examine the view from the window...)

Polka: What a lovely view.

(She can next visit the Guest Room at middle left...)

Granddaughter: Granny knows a lot of stories.

(She can talk with the Grandma in the room for a poem.)

Grandma:

The stars that float in the sky
are sunken lower than the moon.
They actually shine very bright,
but no one knows that.
They are in a place no one can reach.
So no one notices.
The stars never come near us.
Their light is too brilliant. It would take away our sight.
But someone is crying,
screaming in a dark place.
Then she casts out her frightened heart.
Look. She's standing right there.

It's an old poem.

(The cutscene ends. Polka can speak with Grandma again.)

Grandma: If you act cold, you'll never be able to warm others.

(She can enter the pub and speak with the people inside.)

Elderly Man: That drunk guy over there's going on and on
complaining about his wife. He's so loud you couldn't ignore him
if you tried.
- He's making my drink taste bad.

Complaining Sailor: (pounding the table) What's she want?
She gives me hell if I go gambling, but then turns around and
buys all the clothes she wants. And today, too, just 'cause I
was a little late getting home she's ranting about me missing dinner.
- Hic! Who does she think earns the money, huh? Huh?! But in the
end...in the end...That's the only home I have to go back to!

Sailor towards Back Right: There's nothing tastier than land
food. Just look at this crisp lettuce!
- Not that I'm giving you any.

Miner by Back Door: I'm a miner. I'm on leave from work right
now, though. They said there's gonna be a war with Forte and
they closed the mountains near the border. We were ordered back
to Baroque 'cause they said it was too dangerous. It's been a
big mess, that's for sure.
- What? I don't look like a miner? Maybe I've been drinking too
much, huh? Won't be able to work with this beer belly! Bwa ha ha!

Waitress: Hey, come on! Out of the way! What? You want to order
something? Then hurry it up!
- I'm going crazy here with how busy we are and he just keeps
rearranging the wine!

Bartender: Welcome. What can I do for you?
- Of course, you can't have alcohol. But you can talk to the
other customers if you like.

Sailor at Right Side of Left Table: The beer's good and so is
the cooking! And it's cheap, too! That's what makes a top-class pub!
I've been to a lot of ports, but I've never seen one as nice as this.
- Whoops, I forgot, kids aren't supposed to drink.

Sailor at Left Side of Left Table: On long sea voyages, food can
rot, so we can't bring perishables. So when we get to eat food
on land like this, it's the most delicious thing ever.

Tipsy Sailor by Window: Wah! You're... triplets? Hey, you're all
trembling and blurry. Hic! You okay? Hic!
- Hmm? Me?! What? I'm not drunk! Hic! How can you call this drunk?
I'm fine fine fine fine fiiiiiiine! I can walk home JUST fine. Hic!
- Pretty girly...I wuv you!

(She can speak with the man in the Wine Cellar of the pub.)

Employee: Whoa! You startled me. Don't do that. What is it? Are
you one of us? Huh? No?
- (taking a sip from his drink) Ah, it's rough by myself. I was
hoping maybe you were going to help. They're really hard on me here.
Do this, do that, always angry. I swear this place is adding
wrinkles to my face. Oh! Hey, don't tell them I said that! I'm
still doing my job!
- What? Just now? N-no, I wasn't goofing off! I was, uh, just
taking a break!

(She can visit the house at the end of the street and speak with
the woman there.)

Woman: Did the dogs startle you? Don't worry. They always obey
my husband.
- When my husband first brought them here, they were so small
and cute. Of course, they're still cute now.

(She can inspect some barrels in the house.)

Polka: Oh, there's something under this barrel. I'll just clear
away this dust. (Acquired Feathered Hat.)

(She can visit the city entrance up ahead and talk to the people there.)

Woman in Light Blue: This is the entrance to Baroque City.
- Snow doesn't fall in Forte? That's strange!

Man in Blue: We live near the mountains, so it snows a lot. The
children love it, but it can be a real challenge.
- Every day begins with shoveling snow. I've been doing it since
I was a child, so it's just a part of life for me now.

Woman with Walking Stick: The cold is rough on an old lady. Oh,
my poor back. Ow....
- I was once called the most beautiful girl in Baroque, but you
can't hold back the passage of time.

Girl building Snowman: Look! Look! I made this snowman!
- Isn't it pretty? I put a bucket hat on it.

Leaping Girl: Snow is so pretty. Soft and sparkling. Who makes
snow fall, anyway? I guess it's God, right?
- I'm playing here! Don't get in the way!
- Hey, get out of the way!

(She can inspect a stain-glass window that looks somewhat like a door.)

Polka: (sound of thudding) Aah! Ow! It's a window!

(She can examine one of the snowmen.)

Polka: Wow, what a cute snowman! Oh, but there's trash frozen
inside it. I'll pull it out! (Acquired Score Piece.)

(She can attempt to exit the village.)

Polka: Wait. Is this the way to Ritardando? (She turns away and
walks a couple steps.)

(When ready, she and the others can take the left path in the
Castle Gate area. This is the...)

===Sharp Mountains===

(In this first area, she can inspect a plaque on a sealed doorway.)

Polka: Oh, what a mysterious plaque. Could the Sanctuary of EZI
be up ahead?! I don't think I should go near it. I'll just pray from here.

(She can speak with a man standing at a shrine.)

Amateur Comedian: It's dangerous to wander around here right now.
The monsters look like they're playing hide-and-seek or something.
- This statue is of EZI. He's the patron god of comedians.
Legend has it that every visit you pay him guarantees another
one of your jokes will go over well.
- O great EZI! People with my talent appear but once a decade!
Please grant me success as a professional comedian!

(She can examine the shrine.)

Polka: So this is the famous EZI Shrine. He has a such a refined
and dignified face! But the statue on the right is broken. Poor
thing-- Oh! (Acquired 321 Gold.)

(She can examine a patch of snow on the upper left, past the shrine.)

Polka: Oh, something's buried here. (Acquired Snowpuff Cookie.)

(At Sharp Mountains: Sixth Point, you'll find Killer Bell Lyre,
another participant in the score piece sidequest, in a nook.)

Killer Bell Lyre: Unbelievable! You discovered me! This means I
have no choice but to fight you!

- Perform a session

(Performing using anything other than Score Pieces 3, 7, 14, or
18 results in an F Rank...)

Killer Bell Lyre: What fools to challenge me with such little
strength. If you value your lives, leave my sight at once!

(Performing using Score Pieces 3, 7, or 18 results in a B Rank...)

Killer Bell Lyre: I'm on a mission. I have no time for games!
Leave before you pay dearly!

- Perform a session

Killer Bell Lyre: Your skills are impressive. But you are not
ready to challenge me! (Acquired Star Cookie.)

(Performing using Score Piece 14 will attain an A Rank...)

Killer Bell Lyre: So, you've come! I will not lose to you! En garde!

- Perform a session

Killer Bell Lyre: I can't believe I lost to the likes of you.
I'm so ashamed. Very well. I shall acknowledge you as my rival.
(Acquired EZI Egg.)

(She can speak with Killer Bell Lyre again.)

Killer Bell Lyre: What?! Are we under attack?! Oh, it's you.
Care for a drink?

(Eventually, she will reach Sharp Mountains: Eighth Point.
She can inspect a pillar at the upper left.)

Polka: Oh, there's something written here. "Celebrating over
three hundred members in the Baroque Mountain Hiking Club!" Is
it really safe to hike around here when there are monsters?

(As she and the others reach the area of the inn, a cutscene begins.)

Salsa: (arms crossed, shivering) It's so cold up in this mountain.
My nose won't stop running. (Beat is shaking, too, and Polka's
cold as well. Only Frederic appears okay, but he's dressed for
the weather.)
Polka: It is kind of cold. Why don't we all rest for a while in
this little lodge?
Beat: (looking up) Huh? Who in the world would be flying a kite
all the way up here on top of a mountain?! (The camera angle
changes to show what Beat has spotted. It's not a kite, it's a
bird - a dove.)
Polka: That's not a kite. It's a dove. But I'm surprised to see
one flying over a cold, snowy mountain like this. It's strange.
Salsa: Who cares about a bird at a time like this?! Let's just
go inside already. (She goes inside.)

(The scene changes to the Forte Castle Throne Room, where Rondo
has just finished making a report.)

Count Waltz: So Claves became enamored with him, even though she
knew she couldn't escape her deception, and that he'd eventually
learn she was a spy. (He seems to shake off his anger regarding
the matter.) Oh well. Once we have an endless supply of insane
soldiers, there'll be no need to spy on Andantino.
Rondo: What about the one in Baroque?
Count Waltz: You mean Serenade? No, she's very dependable. And
besides, her interests coincide with mine. (He rises.)
Rondo: What do you mean?
Count Waltz: Forte would be in a difficult position if we were
to be attacked before we finished developing a more powerful
mineral powder. Serenade's betrothal has made her a Baroque
citizen, but she's still a princess of Forte. She's the perfect
person to prevent Baroque from starting a war with us. She won't
let them follow a path that could harm Forte. More importantly,
Fugue should be busy searching Agogo Forest for glowing agogos.
Rondo, I want you to go there as well. If you find him slacking
off, give him some encouragement.
Rondo: (nods) Yes. (She leaves.)

(The scene changes to show the party at the inn. Salsa is in
ecstasy in front of a crackling fireplace.)

Salsa: It's so warm in here!
Polka: Hm. There's something familiar about this place.
It reminds me of my home in Tenuto. (The screen flashes a couple
of times and Polka moans.) What's going on?

(Polka is having a flashback. She is a young girl, about the age
she was when she was talking with her mother about waves in the
opening scene.)

Solfege: Well, you see, each and every one of us has a jewel
inside our hearts.
Polka: A jewel?
Solfege: That's right. And that jewel is called an "astra." In
some people, it glows very brightly, and in others, not very
much at all. Nevertheless, everyone has one. Do you think your
astra is glowing, Polka?
Polka: Well, there were some cookies I ate without asking you,
so.... Maybe mine's not glowing. I'm sorry.
Solfege: Ah. So it was you that ate them. But you told me the
truth, so it's all right. I'm sure that your astra is still glowing.
Polka: I don't know. I'm kind of worried. Hey, Mommy? Do I still
have time? If I do a whole bunch of good things, will it glow even more?
Solfege: Of course, it will!
Polka: Then I'll start tomorrow!
Solfege: Oh? You won't start today? (growing serious) Oh, Polka.
Your astra is glowing. But it's glowing far too brightly for this world.
It's glowing so brightly that it is unconsciously leading you
toward a deep darkness. One that must be illuminated.
And someday, the moment will arrive when a sea of unending
darkness will lie waiting before you. Oh, how I wish you weren't
the only person who could bring light to that deep, dark abyss.
If only there was someone else who could take your place. Then
it really wouldn't matter if your light ever dimmed.

(The flashback ends. Polka is sitting on the floor in the inn.)

Beat: Polka! What's the matter with you?
Salsa: Hey, are you feelin' all right?
Polka: It's nothing. I just felt dizzy for a minute. That's all.
(She gets up.)
Frederic: Well, the mountain air up here is very thin. Perhaps
that was what caused your dizziness.
Beat: Thin air? Huh. Now that you mention it, my head has been
hurting, too.
Salsa: I guess it's just time for us to take a break. My legs
are all worn out from all that climbing anyway.
Frederic: I agree. Let's try and get a little rest before we
continue on. All right?
Polka: I'm being led toward some place that must be illuminated?
A sea of unending darkness will lie before me?
What, what does it all mean?

(The scene ends. The party is healed, though there is no sound of resting.)

(She can examine some furniture in the inn.)

Polka: It's fully furnished, too. I wonder if someone takes care
of this place.

(She can examine the fireplace.)

Polka: Ahh, it's so nice and warm. Hmm? What's that? (Acquired Score Piece.)

(The party can re-enter the inn at any time for more rest and healing.)

Polka: Shall we rest here for a while?

Rest
Don't Rest

(She and the others proceed up ahead to an area that is
decidedly fiery instead of icy..)

Salsa: This is crazy. Now it feels like summer all of a sudden.
Beat: And it was so cold just a little while ago. If the weather
keeps changing back and forth like this, we're all gonna end up getting sick.
Frederic: There seem to be pools of magma around here. Let's all
be very careful passing through this place.

(The camera angles to show bright orange flowers and the pools
of magma Frederic described. This is the...)

===Wah Lava Cave==

(Eventually, in the Middle 3 area of these caves, the party
discovers an X on the ground by a flower, which Polka can examine.
A scene begins in text only...)

Off-Screen Voice: So, it's you lot again, huh? (The party turns
to face the voice. Dolce and her two lieutenants come running at them.)
Beat: Hey, it's that pirate captain! What are you doing in a
place like this?! I thought we'd seen the last of you.
Guitar: (waving his sword) Don't expect the invincible Dolce
Gang to give up that easily! We could say the same thing of you
people! What are you doing here?! Don't tell me, you've come for
our treasure, right?
Frederic: Treasure?
Dolce: (whacking Guitar over the head with her musket) You moron!
Why'd you have to go and say that?! (turns back to the party)
Oh, nevermind. What luck that we should run into you lot here. I
can finally repay you for what you did to me the last time we met!

(Boss battle with Dolce, 1st Lieutenant and 2nd Lieutenant)

Dolce: Ooh, you've been naughty, haven't you?

(The party wins the battle, but Dolce has some parting words.)

Dolce: I suppose I'll spare your lives today. You haven't heard
the last of me! (She and her lieutenants run off.)
Beat: Geez, she never learns does she?
Polka: Hey, she mentioned something about a treasure, didn't she?
Salsa: Hey! I know! This is a treasure map! That pirate captain
came here looking for treasure. That's got to be it!
Beat: You think so? (Acquired Pirate's Paper 2.) (The scene ends.)

(The party exits the Wah Lava Cave and...)

Salsa: Well, look at that! This is Agogo Village! (Indeed it is.
It's the same area where Allegretto, Beat and Frederic fought
off a monster that was menacing Polka.) We just kept walking along,
and then boom! We ended up in the woods right smack dab next to it!
I must be some kind of directional genius.
Beat (pointing) Huh? Hey, isn't that your sister, March?
Salsa: (noticing March, who hasn't noticed the others and has
her back turned, picking some mushrooms) You're right! It is! Hey!
March: (turning) Salsa! Welcome home.
Salsa: I'm glad to see you're okay. I know you're totally
hopeless without me around, so I was a little worried about you.
(She puts her hands on her hips.) But goodness, I sure ran into
a lot of trouble on this trip. First I was thrown in a scary
dungeon, and then I climbed a frozen mountain. I'm telling you,
it was a spectacle. A truly astoundingly big adventure!
March: Um? Salsa? More importantly, you should probably take a
look at that. (points)
Salsa: What is it? What could possibly be more important than
the story of my trip? (Salsa turns and is flabbergasted. A large
number of agogos have gathered around Polka, and they are glowing.)
Oh, my goodness! The agogos are glowing! In all the time I've
lived here, I've never seen anything like that. It seems like
something really has them all worked up.
Beat: This time I've got to take a picture of them.
Polka: I think they're trying to tell us something. Just look at
how excited they are.

(Polka looks up at the sound of a voice from off-screen. It's Fugue!)

Fugue: I came to find out the secret of the glowing agogos, but
I never expected to find the place where they lived. I suppose
luck is on my side today. (The camera pans up to show his face.
Now that I think about it, I never did check around here before.
Frederic: You again!
Beat: Frederic? Do you know who this person is?
Polka: He attacked us for no reason at all in Agogo Forest.
Fugue: Did I really? I'm afraid I do tend to forget unimportant
little details like that. But I have to tell you, today is not
only my lucky day, it's all of yours as well. I had intended to
take you all to Forte Castle. There, you would have been made to
suffer, until you revealed the secret location of the glowing agogos.
But now that I know where they live, well, there's simply no
need for extended torture. I'll just put you out of your misery right now.
After all we really have no need for you anymore!

(Boss battle with Fugue. As before, he is a powerful swordsman,
but this time, the party can win the battle. After the battle,
Fugue has collapsed to the ground...)

Polka: Please, stop! If we keep on fighting each other like this
we'll never resolve anything.
Fugue: Maybe you have a point. Fine. I'll allow myself to be
swayed by the beauty of your eyes, and I'll lower my blade.
Beat: You sure talk big for someone who just got his butt kicked!
Fugue: Be sure to keep yourselves safe and sound until the next
time we meet. Remember, that's all the time you've got left.
(He runs off.)
Beat: Hey! Wait!
Salsa: Well, he's sure good at running anyway. Hey, is everybody okay?
Beat: Yeah, but that got pretty rough. Polka, you're not hurt, are you?
Polka: No, I'm all right. Thank you.

(The camera cuts to Rondo, who is watching the party while
hidden in a nook.)

Rondo: Huh. So much for Fugue. But that young girl. The agogos
only seem to glow around her. Why? Who is she? (chuckles) Of course!
It's no wonder we couldn't find them all this time. It turns out
that where they live isn't important at all. I think I'm
starting to understand the so-called mystery of the glowing agogos.
Yes.... It must be the girl. She is the key to everything. (She
turns and begins to leave.) So sorry, Fugue. But I'm going to
get the credit for this one.
Beat: So, uh, what did that guy want anyway?
Salsa: He said something about the secret of the agogos.
It didn't make any sense!
Frederic: It sounded as though he wanted to find where the
glowing agogos live.
Salsa: Yeah, exactly! Glowing agogos!? Who ever heard of such a
ridiculous thing?
Beat: Huh? Wait, you mean agogos don't usually glow?
Salsa: Of course they don't glow! Geez. If you don't know that
much, you're even more of a baby than I thought ya were.
March: Actually, I've been doing a little research about it, and
I've made a rather interesting discovery. The first time you
came into the forest, you saw an agogo that was glowing. Isn't
that what you told me?
Polka: Yes, that's right. It was definitely glowing.
Salsa: What!? Are you serious?! I just can't believe it. (She
puts her hands on her hips and shakes her head.)
March: I know. At first, I didn't believe it either. But when I
looked into the tales passed down by previous forest guardians,
I came across an old legend that talks about glowing agogos.
Beat: A legend, huh? (giggles) Ya know, this is getting pretty exciting.
Salsa: Well, come on, tell us what it said!
March: (nods) Right. Well, the legend went like this: Agogos are
mirrors of the forest and mirrors of the heart. Reflecting the
gleam of the shimmering jewel, when they glow you will know the
time has come. They shall become a light that comforts the
dearest wish of the maiden's tears.
Salsa: (looking absorbed in thought) Hmm. Very interesting....
Beat: Come on then! What does all that mean?
Salsa: It means... (throws her hands up) I've got no clue.
Beat: What?! You were acting like you understood it!
Polka: Mirrors of the heart? The shimmering jewel? Oh!
Beat: (running up to her) Did you figure something out, Polka?
Polka: The jewel it mentions, could that be an astra?
March: Yes, I think it could. I thought of the same thing as a
possible explanation. In other words, perhaps the glow of the
agogos is the light reflected from an astra.
Beat: Hold on. I always thought that astras were just somethin'
out of a fairy tale. If they are real, then I guess our astras
must be shining pretty bright to reflect that much light!
Frederic: It's not so much the agogos around us as it is the
ones around Polka, that appear to glow.
Polka: What?!
Beat: Well, now that you mention it....
Frederic: Hm. This makes me wonder all the more about that thug
we encountered. And didn't we hear that Count Waltz is searching
for glowing agogos?
Beat: Oh, I get it. Do you think maybe that guy coulda been
working for Count Waltz or somethin'?
Frederic: It is a possibility. After all, Salsa was imprisoned
for doing nothing more than going to Forte and asking to speak
with the Count.
Salsa: This is startin' to sound kind of dangerous. I don't
wanna leave March alone, so I think I'll keep an eye on things
here for a while, okay?
Polka: Actually, I'd really like to go and see my mom.
So I'm going to stop in Tenuto for a while.
Beat: All right. Then let's pick a time for us to meet up again
in Ritardando! I'm going to head back to our hideout there, and
see what's up. You never know. Retto might already be back there
waiting by now.
Frederic: That's true. Then perhaps I'll go along with you, Beat.
I must find Jazz. And Ritardando is where he's likely to be.

(This scene ends and the scene changes to Crescendo's room in Baroque...)

Serenade: Look. A dove is sitting on the windowsill.
Crescendo: That's unusual. (The dove coos.) I'm surprised a dove
would even be out flying in this snow.
Serenade: What is that? There appears to be something on the
poor thing's leg. I wonder what it is. (Crescendo approaches the
dove and sees the message tied to its leg.) Is something the matter?
Crescendo: Uh... No. (He is holding the message. He unfurls it
and the camera pans to the message. It reads: "Serenade is a spy for Forte.")
But why? What does this mean?

(Serenade leaves the room and the scene ends.)

Chapter 5
Nocturne

(Falsetto is alone on a forest path and it is pouring rain.)

Falsetto: (gazing at her hands) Why did you have to die?!
Now Jazz will never forget. And he won't ever be able to get over you!

(The scene ends. In a new scene, Beat is climbing down the
ladder to the hideout.)

Allegretto: (off-screen) Well, it sure took you long enough.
Beat: Retto! (He runs over to him and Frederic follows.)
Frederic: What a relief. I'm glad to see that you all got back
here safely.

(Allegretto grunts and looks sad.)

Beat: What is it, Retto? Did someone get hurt or something on
your way here?
Allegretto: Actually...

(The scene changes to show Jazz standing outside the entrance to Baroque.
He gives a slow nod and walks forward. The scene changes back to
the hideout, where Allegretto has obviously been bringing Beat
and Frederic up to date.)

Beat: Oh, geez. That's just terrible. I can hardly believe it. Poor Claves.
Frederic: She must have been struggling with her conscience for
a long time because of what she was doing.
Beat: What about the others? Where are they?
Allegretto: Viola went home to set her goats free. After that,
she's gonna head for Salsa's house. We weren't sure, but we
thought you'd probably all be heading over to Salsa's place.
Frederic: And what about Jazz and Falsetto?
Allegretto: Well, actually... Ever since we learned about
Claves's death, we kinda haven't been able to find Falsetto anywhere.
Frederic: She's gone missing?
Allegretto: (nods) Yeah. I mean, we tried looking for her all
over the place. But she's just nowhere to be found. (shakes his head)
I don't know. Maybe she feels like she's somehow responsible for
Claves's death.
Beat: Poor Falsetto.
Allegretto: Anyway, when we couldn't find her, Jazz headed for
Baroque Castle. He said he needed to talk to someone there.
Frederic: At the castle? I suppose that would most likely be
Prince Crescendo. We must have just missed his arrival.
Allegretto: Who's Prince Crescendo?
Beat: Oh, we were fished out of the water by a ship from Baroque.
It was this really cool ship, and guess who the captain was? The
prince of Baroque himself!
Allegretto: Are you kidding me? While we were all miserable
trudging through swamps and poisonous forests, you guys were off
having fun on a pleasure cruise?
Beat: Don't think it was all fun and games, Retto. We had a
pretty rough time ourselves, you know. We even had to fight with pirates!
(puts his hands on his hips) Isn't that right, Frederic?
Frederic: Yes. And after the fighting, the Prince entrusted us
with a message he wanted us to deliver to Jazz.
Allegretto: I never would have figured Jazz was the type to have
a prince for a friend. But, hey, at least this clears up one thing.
I guess we know where we're headed to next. Oh, hey, by the way,
Beat, where did Polka end up?
Beat: (chuckles) I figured you'd be wondering about her.
Allegretto: Well, of course. She's a friend!
Frederic: Polka said that she wanted to make a quick stop in Tenuto,
so that she could look in on her mother.
Allegretto: Okay, then that means we're gonna have to go there
and bring her back. (He heads for the ladder.)
Beat: Hold on a minute, Retto. We all agreed that we were gonna
meet back here in Ritardando. Don't worry, she'll show up here
before too long. So, instead, why don't we give Frederic a tour
of the town while we wait for everyone else to show up?
(Allegretto clutches him on the shoulders playfully, then heads
back to the ladder.) Or maybe there's some reason that you just
gotta go see Polka right this very minute? Huh?
Allegretto: (letting go of the ladder and turning to Beat)
I don't know what the heck you're talking about! (He turns to Frederic.)
Fine, you want a tour guide, then you got one! (Beat puts his
hands out in exasperation.) Come on, let's get going! (The scene ends.)

(Allegretto can talk with some of the people in Ritardando...)

Man in Orange Shirt: Wah ha ha! Wah ha ha! It's kind of noisy
behind me, but I'll just ignore it and exercise! 1! 2! 3!
Wah ha ha ha! Wah ha ha!

Elderly Woman: Have you seen the person who sits on this bench
always saying "I can't go to sleep. I can't go to sleep"?
Actually, he's not from this town. He's just a drifter who
showed up one day.
- No matter what you ask him, he says the same thing. He's
really an odd duck. A while ago I saw him mumbling as he headed
off in the direction of that cave.

Man at Edge of Beach: There's some sort of commotion over at the church.
Doesn't concern me, I suppose.

Red-Headed Boy Running Along Beach: Real men keep on running!
Run! Run!

(The boy by the fountain is another participant in the score
piece sidequest...)

Worrywart Horn: I-I've got a score piece with me. Would you
maybe play a session with me? If you've got the time.

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 1, 3, 17, or
23 will result in an F Rank...)

- Perform a session

Worrywart Horn: Oh, how terrible. I'm so sorry. That was my mistake.

(Performing with Score Pieces 1, 17, or 23 will result in a B Rank...)

Worrywart Horn: Um, uh. Wait, before we start the session...
don't you think maybe we just don't work well together?

- Perform a session

Worrywart Horn: That's not a bad rhythm. If you just keep going
like that.... Oh, sorry! I don't mean to act like a know-it-all.
(Acquired Star Cookie.)

(Performing with Score Piece 3 will attain an A Rank...)

Worrywart Horn: A session? I-I'll do my best.

- Perform a session

Worrywart Horn: Wow! That was totally awesome! Oh, sorry. I got
a bit carried away there. (Acquired Cherry EZI.)

(He can speak with Worrywart Horn again...)

Worrywart Horn: Oh, you'll play another session with me?
Wonderful! I'll try to do my best!

(He can talk with the shopkeeper in the item shop...)

Shopkeeper: Well, if it isn't Allegretto! Haven't seen you for
quite a while. Where've you been? (Store dialog opens)

(He can visit the residence at the left edge of town and speak
with the mother and her son there...)

Mother: My son never helps out with the chores around here.
He's like that every day.

Son: I'm trying to think seriously about what sort of work I
want to do in the future. But my mom just doesn't understand.
- (taking a sip from his drink) I prefer armor over weapons. An
item that protects life, rather than steals it. I bet it's more
satisfying to make things than to sell them.

(He can visit the bakery and the Baker Lady isn't in at the
moment. He can examine the area behind the counter...)

Allegretto: Hey, there's a mushroom growing in the bread basket.
Did it sprout from the mushroom bread? Yuck!
(Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can examine the shelf with loaves of bread...)

Allegretto: Hey! It's fresh bread! Or not. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can speak with the man in the cave that the elderly lady
mentioned earlier, but doesn't get much of a response...)

Man: Hrmm... ummm.

(He can follow the path to the exit to Tenuto Village...)

Allegretto: This is the way to Tenuto Village. Polka told us the
bread in Tenuto is really good. Man, I'm hungry. Maybe I'll drop
by the priest and see if he has anything to eat. (He turns back.)

(He can attempt to exit Ritardando through the path to Agogo Forest...)

Allegretto: That's right, I'd better stop by and see the priest.
If I don't, I'll never hear the end of it. (He turns back.)

(When ready, he and the others can approach the general
direction of the church and a scene begins...)

Beat: Hey, what's going on? Why are all these people here?

(They approach the gathering of people at the top of the steps...)

Allegretto: Huh? Did something happen?
Mustached Man: Someone said they heard a strange voice coming
from underneath the church.
Allegretto: What? Underneath it? Does the church have a basement?
Mustached Man: Ritardando used to get attacked by pirates all
the time. They built an underground shelter so they'd have
someplace to hide in case it happened.
Frederic: Oh. I see. This church is on high ground, and it's
quite far from the shore. That makes it an ideal spot for that
kind of shelter.
Woman: Oh, how creepy. The shelter must be infested with some
sort of strange creatures. After all, it hasn't been used in ages!
Mustached Man: No. I'm sure it must be ghosts. The souls of the
people who were killed by the pirates, have come back to haunt
this place! Just kidding.
Allegretto: (moans) Yeah, right, give me a break already.
I'm sure it's no big deal. It's probably just some rats
scratching around or something.
Baker Lady: (pointing) Hey! It's you two!
Beat: Huh? Uh-oh! (He covers his face with his hands.)
Baker Lady: I know them! These are the brats who've been
stealing my bread!
Mustached Man: What?! You're a couple of petty thieves?!
Allegretto: No, wait. There was a reason we were....
Baker Lady: Perfect. You have experience with this kind of thing then.
Go investigate that noise.
Woman: I agree with her. That's right. Since you've done nothing
but go around causing trouble for this city, you need to make up
for it somehow.
Mustached Man: You're used to dangerous jobs like this.
Allegretto: This doesn't look good.
Beat: No, Retto, it'll be okay. Let's just agree to do it. We
can always come up with some way out of it later.
Allegretto: Yeah, you're right. That's a good idea.
Baker Lady: Well? What's it going to be?
Allegretto: All right, all right! Calm down! We'll check it out,
just hold on for one minute.
Beat: It's a good thing Polka's not here, huh? She'd have
definitely found about all the bad things we've been doing.
(Allegretto gives him a little knock on the head.) Ow!

(The scene changes to the inside of the Mandolin Church. The
door is heard opening...)

Salsa: (off-screen) There you are, Allegretto! How are you doing?
(The others turn to face her and she runs forward. Viola and
March are with her.)
Allegretto: Hey, Salsa! You sound the same as always.
Viola: When I asked Salsa where everyone was, she said that you
were all heading for Ritardando. So we came to join you.
Beat: But then how did you know that we were in here?
Viola: Easy. We saw you just as you were going inside.
Frederic: Well, in that case perhaps you could all help us out a little bit.
Viola: Help you? With what? What are you guys trying to do?
Beat: We're supposed to get rid of the ghosts underneath this place.
Hmph! It's pretty stupid.
Salsa: What?! Ghosts?! But ghosts are scary. I really hate ghosts.
Viola: Aah. So that's why there were so many people standing
around outside the church.
Allegretto: I'll see you guys later, then. Thanks! (He walks off.)
Beat: Huh? Where're you going now, Retto?
Allegretto: Well with this many talented people helping out, you
don't really need me, do you?
Beat: That's not fair Retto. You can't push all the work on us
and then just leave!
Salsa: (pointing at him) Ah! I know what it is! He's scared of
ghosts, so he's running away!
Allegretto: Yep, that's right. I've been keeping it a secret,
but I'm actually completely terrified of ghosts. See ya, Beat.
And hey, good luck!
Viola: Hey, wait!
March: Excuse me, Allegretto, but what are you going to do now?
Allegretto: Once you guys finish up here, we'll be getting on
the first ship headed for Baroque tomorrow morning. They opened
up the shipping lanes now that the pirates have stopped
attacking ships. And as for right now, I'm gonna go get Polka.
That way tomorrow morning, we can all meet up in the harbor.
(leaving) Don't be late! See you.
Salsa: Hey! That's so not fair!

(The scene changes to Allegretto, outside the church.)

Allegretto: I don't care whether it's ghosts or something else.
I don't have time to waste on stuff like that! Okay. It's time
to go and get Polka. (The scene ends.)

(He can attempt to approach the church again.)

Allegretto: I'll leave the church to Beat and hurry to Tenuto.
(He turns back.)

(He can attempt to exit to Agogo Village again...)

Allegretto: This isn't the time to get sidetracked. I have to
hurry up and find Polka. (He turns back.)

(He can visit the sewers, but when he reaches the gate again...)

Allegretto: Darn, it's closed again!

(He can try the lever, but...)

Allegretto: No dice. That's weird.

(When he reaches the beach area...)

Allegretto: Huh? What do we have here? (He picks something up
from the sand and clutches it in his hand. We don't get a look at it.)
Oh, it's just a rock. It has a really weird shape to it, though.
Guess it must have washed up on shore. I'm not much of a rock
collector, but it really is strange looking. Maybe I'll show it
off to Salsa later. Well, I'd better hurry up or it's gonna get dark.
(He walks forward and the scene ends.)

(The scene changes back to the group in the church.)

Beat: Stupid Retto.
Frederic: Let's just concentrate on what we need to do and get going.
Viola: Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Let's get this over with. 
Frederic: Oh, by the way, are you planning on joining our endeavor, March?
March: Yes. I'll do my best not to get in the way. I hope that's alright.
Salsa: Bringing her along with us is much safer than leaving her
in Agogo Forest alone.
Beat: Well, it's good to have you along. At least you're a lot
more reliable than Retto. I can't believe he took off and left
the work to us.
Viola: Who knows? Maybe he really was scared of ghosts.

(She giggles and the scene ends. Playable control is given to
Beat. He can speak with the priest inside the church...)

Priest: The catacombs are this way. Please take the greatest care.
(He heals the party.)

(He can examine the dim lamppost on the pew.)

Beat: Huh. This is the only place where a blue light isn't shining.

(He can talk with the people outside the church.)

Mustached Man: You're doing a favor for the town, right?
Well, you'd better go check it out.

Baker Lady: If you take care of this, I'll forget all about the
bread you've stolen up until now.
- Now stop whining and get going!

Woman from Cutscene: You're going to the church basement, aren't you?
Wouldn't want to go to a place like that without the proper weapons!
No doubt there's plenty of danger down there!

Man by Mustached Man: Go clobber that ghost already, will ya?

Woman by Baker Lady: I'm counting on you guys!

Boy: Ooh, I'm scared. If only there was a big strong man who
would smash that ghost for me.

Man by Boy: Make sure not to hurt yourselves.

(He can talk with the other people in town, but nobody in the
main town area has anything to say that they didn't already say
to Allegretto. He can examine the sundial...)

Beat: Retto said that this was a sundial, but I don't know how it works.

(He can examine the bottles by the pharmacy...)

Beat: The bottles here really stink even though they're washed.
I don't like how they smell.

(He can examine the flowers by the cart.)

I wonder if these are flowers that Polka grew.

(He can examine the fruit crates by the house.)

Beat: Oh, a star apple! These are delicious. Next time I want to
eat the entire thing and not just half.

(He can examine the overturned canoe at the edge of the beach.)

Beat: Oh, cool! There are so many bugs here! Darn, they all ran
away and I couldn't take a picture of them.

(If Allegretto didn't do so earlier, Beat can examine the fountain...)

Beat: Oh! There's something in the water! (Acquired 10 Gold.)

(He can visit the pharmacy and speak with the lady Store Clerk...)

Store Clerk: What? A ghost in the church basement?! T-that's scary.
But never fear! If you've got mineral powder, that ghost doesn't
stand a chance!
- There's no problem too big or too small for mineral powder!

(He can examine the vials on the left...)

Beat: "Mineral Powder Muscle Drink: Drink this to become a macho
muscle man!" Wonder if Retto would like this? "Warning: All
muscle turns to fat after three weeks." Hmm, maybe not.

(And on the upper right...)

Beat: "Mineral Powder Growth Tonic: Take this and you'll sprout
up like a weed!" Whoa, cool! Growth tonic! I might have to try this.
"Note: Nose grows 10 meters." Uh, on second thought....

(And on the lower right...)

Beat: "Mineral Powder Super Slim: Drink this and cut your weight
in half!" I wonder what would happen if we gave this to the lady
at the bakery. "Also decreases height by 50 percent. Please
consume with Mineral Powder Growth Tonic." Mineral powder is
really scary stuff.

(He can talk with the shopkeeper at the Item Shop...)

Shopkeeper: Well, if it isn't Beat. Allegretto send you to get something?

(He can examine a new sword in the shop...)

Beat: "Limited Time Offer! The one and only Blade of Lard!
Covers any armor with butter! Available for 2,000,000 Gold!"
It's probably all slimy. Yuck.

(And a new shield...)

Beat: "Limited Time Offer! The one and only Lard Shield! Coats
any weapon in grease instantly! Available for 2,000,000 Gold!"
What kind of lard is it made of? Anyway, sounds disgusting.

(He can visit the bakery, and if Allegretto didn't earlier, he
can examine the areas with the score pieces. Beginning with the
area behind the counter...)

Beat: Huh, so this is how bread is made. Hmm? There's something here?
(Acquired Score Piece.)

(And the loaves on the shelf...)

Beat: Heh, heh. This bear is actually a container. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can visit the house on the left, but neither the mother nor
the son has anything new to say. He can examine the objects in the house.)

Beat: (examining the toy pony) Oh, a wooden pony. B-but it's not
like I want to ride it or anything. I'm not a little kid any more!

Beat: (examining the organ) That's a nice organ. Wonder if I
could play it?

(He can visit the cave and speak with the man who wouldn't give
Allegretto the time of day earlier...)

Man: Who are you?!
Beat: Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you. I was wondering
what you were up to, so I thought I'd come over and say hello.
Man: I haven't done anything! I don't know anything! Just leave me alone!
Beat: You don't look so good.
Man: I haven't slept in quite some time.
Beat: You don't sleep at night?
Man: When I shut my eyes, day or at night, he always appears.
Beat: Appears?
Man: Ah! It doesn't matter anymore. I just want to be at peace!
I just want to be free. I may not look it, but I'm actually one
of the original developers of mineral powder.
Beat: A developer of mineral powder?!
Former Developer: I was following Count Waltz's orders to make a
drug that could produce the perfect soldier. (He turns away from Beat.)
When the ordinary citizens who've been taking mineral powder
find out the truth, they'll despise me. They're sure to come
looking for the unforgivable fool who made this devil drug.
That's why I was so scared. I was terrified! So terrified, I had
no choice. I had to get out of that place as fast as I could.
And driven by that compulsion, I fled Forte. But that did not
put an end to my fears! Those who are after me follow wherever I go!
I worry so much that someone's going to get me, I can't even
close my eyes! And when I do sleep, he always appears.
Beat: Who appears?
Former Developer: Ah, no more! The way Chord looked at me after
he'd taken the drug! I don't want to remember anymore!
Beat: Chord? So it's a man named Chord, right? But what could he possibly....
Former Developer: Chord is the name of the man who first took
mineral powder as our test subject! Please don't ask me anything more.
If you want to know more about Chord, go to Baroque. There is a
woman who took care of Chord during the experiments who later
fled to Baroque.
- Please don't ask me anything more. If you want to know about
Chord, you'll have to go to Baroque.

(He can attempt to exit the cave to the path to Tenuto Village...)

Beat: If I went to Tenuto Village right now, I don't think Retto
would be very happy with me. (He turns back.)

(He can visit the sewers, but like Allegretto, finds the gate closed...)

Beat: Oh! It's closed again!

(He can try the lever.)

Beat: Huh? It didn't open.

(He can attempt to exit the village through the path to Agogo Forest.)

Beat: Almost forgot! I have to find out what that strange voice
at the church is!

(If he approaches the entrance to the hideout, he is approached
by Sym, one of the kids living in the sewers...)

Sym: Beat! I've been looking all over for you!
Beat: What's the matter?

(The scene changes to the kids' hideout inside the sewers.)

Sym: Lib's forehead feels really hot.
Beat: She's got a really bad fever!
Ad: What are we gonna do? We've got no money to buy medicine with.
Phony: She's been like this for so long! She's not going to die
or anything, right? Right?!
Beat: All right! I'll go and buy some cold medicine!
Sym: What?! But do you have money? Do you think you can do it
without Retto?
Beat: Hey, I'm not a little kid. I have some money of my own.
Just leave it to me.
Phony: Beat! Promise you'll bring some medicine, okay?
Beat: Don't worry! You guys just relax and try to stay calm. (He
turns around and starts to walk away...) Am I really that unreliable?
(The scene ends. He can talk with the kids again...)

Ad: Please get some cold medicine!
- Isn't there anything we can do? We'll do anything!

Lib: Uh, uh....

Sym: Everybody stayed up all night watching over her. But she
isn't getting any better.
- If we had more money, do you think we could have called a doctor?

Phony: Lib, you're going to be just fine! You hear me?!
- Just a little longer, and we'll get some medicine. Come on,
Lib! Don't give up!

(He can examine the blanket...)

Beat: Oh, the blanket is all squished again. Retto and I need to
take it outside and air it in the sun.

(He can examine the wanted poster for Allegretto in the sewers...)

Beat: R-Retto! I guess he's famous.

(And the one for Bread Gang...)

Beat: Huh? Even though I beat him, I didn't get a reward.

(And another for Bread Gang...)

Beat: Hey! We beat this guy, but we didn't get any reward!

(And another for Allegretto...)

Beat: R-Retto! I guess he's famous, huh.

(He can attempt to approach the hideout, but...)

Beat: There's no reason to go to the hideout now.)

(To try to obtain the cold medicine, he can talk with the lady
at the pharmacy.)

Beat: Cold medicine, please!
Store Clerk: Cold medicine? I'm terribly sorry, but someone just
bought our last one.
Beat: S-sold out?!
Store Clerk: However, we do have mineral powder. It costs less
and it's a cure-all for any illness. The demand for other
medicines has shrunk, so we don't carry them much anymore.
Beat: (shakes his head) I don't want to use mineral powder. Who
was it that bought the cold medicine?
Store Clerk: The woman who lives across the street says mineral
powder is bad for her complexion, so she bought the last cold medicine.
Beat: The person in the house across the street? Thanks a lot!
(He turns around.) Let's tell that person our story, and see if
they'll give us the cold medicine.

(He can talk with the mother in the house on the left. If the
Power Ring item is not in the available inventory...)

Mother: You want me to give you my cold medicine? I'm not sure
what to say when you ask me out of the blue like that. I've been
trying to get a hold of this for a while. I don't really like
just giving it away. Hmmm, let's see. I wouldn't mind exchanging
it for something. Like a ring or something like that.

(But if he does have in the inventory...)

Beat: Excuse me, do you have any cold medicine you could give us?
There's a child who's really sick with a fever!
Mother: Cold medicine? I actually just bought some. Hmm, I don't
mind giving it up, but I'd been waiting so long to get it.
Oh, that's a nice ring. I wouldn't mind exchanging my medicine
for that ring.
Beat: Fine by me! I'll trade you this for the cold medicine!
(Handed over Power Ring)
Mother: What a pretty ring. It looks good on me! (Acquired Cold Medicine.)
Beat: All right! We finally got some cold medicine. But now that
lady's gonna become super strong. That's kind of scary. Anyway,
better hurry back to the sewers!

(He can talk with the Mother again.)

Mother: This is a very nice ring. I feel like I'm full of energy!

(With the Cold Medicine in tow, he can return to the Rear
Section of the sewers. Once he speaks with Sym...)

Beat: Is she all right?! I brought the cold medicine!
Ad: Beat!
Phony: Quick, hurry! Give her the medicine!

(Beat approaches. The scene goes black for a minute, then...)

Lib: Zzzzzz....
Sym: Her face is looking better.
Beat: It looks like it's working.
Ad: That was close!
Beat: She'll be fine after she gets some sleep. (He begins to
walk away.) I'm sorry to leave you like this, but I've got to get going.
Ad: It's okay! Since Retto's not around, you must have a lot of
things to do, right?
Sym: I'm so glad we had you around, Beat. If it had just been
us, we wouldn't have known what to do.
Phony: Thank you, Beat!
Beat: I'll come back again. And then we'll all eat some fresh
baked honey bread together.
Sym: Hey, Beat! Here, I found this. It might come in handy
sometime, so take it with you. (Acquired Spell Book.)
Beat: Okay, back to the church! I've got to figure out who that
creepy voice belongs to!

(He can speak with the kids again.)

Ad: People really depend on you, don't they? Someday I'm [sic]
wanna be as dependable as you!

Lib: Zzzzzz....

Sym: I'm so glad Lib is okay. I guess there really is a God.
- Oh, yeah. It wasn't just God. You helped, too.

Phony: Thank you!

(When ready, he and the others can proceed with their mission.
This is the...)

===Mandolin Church Catacombs===

(At the end of the East Section, he can enter the back area of
the secret hideout and examine it...)

Beat: Hey, this is our hideout! I didn't know it connected like this!
Gotta remember to tell Retto later.

(He can examine a hole in the floor in North Section...)

Beat: Whoa. That was close. If you fell from here you'd really get hurt.

(When Beat reaches the next area, a cutscene begins
automatically. Count Waltz has just received another report...)

Count Waltz: So, the crucial person in all this wasn't the
guardian of Agogo Forest after all. And to think, we almost
killed that girl. We're lucky that Fugue and Tuba were so
incompetent at their assignments. Or maybe I should say they
performed their jobs perfectly.
Rondo: The agogos only glowed when they were around that girl.
If we're to get a hold of them, we'll need to find some way to
lure the girl to us.
Count Waltz: Hm. In any case, it appears she can use magic,
which means that she doesn't have very much time left to live.
Rondo, I want you to bring her to me. And you had better do it
before she dies.
Rondo: Understood. (She bows.) Locating the trail of one little
girl should not be too difficult if I ask in Ritardando. (The scene ends.)

(He can examine messages inscribed on a series of pillars...)

Beat: Huh? There's something inscribed on this pillar.

Oh, Lord. Oh, heavenly Lord.
Please hear my prayer.
As I kneel before thee,
please hear this this prayer.
If you do hear my prayer,
please banish the blue light.

(Eventually, the party reaches the end of the Mandolin Church Catacombs...)

Beat: There it is. It looks like that's our "ghost."

(The camera angles to show a monster with fiery hands.)

Viola: So this is what's been living down here.
Salsa: What? That's it? If it's not a ghost, then it's no
problem at all.

(She raises her chakram in anticipation of the battle and the
monster surges forward, its eyes red. Boss battle with Root Lurker.
After the battle, the scene changes to Allegretto, who has
reached Tenuto Village at night. In text...)

Allegretto: So this is Polka's village. Country towns don't get
much more laid back than this.

(Playable control is given to Allegretto. He can talk to a
couple of the people in the village...)

Elderly Lady by Save Point: Oh my. You came all the way from
Ritardando to pick up Polka? That's a lot of trouble to go to
this late at night. I think she's probably at home.
- Polka's house? It's on the way to the flower field, across the bridge.
- Polka is a very kind young lady.

Man by Stairway: (sipping from his cup) A steaming cup of floral
tea goes perfectly with this cold night wind. One clears the
head, while the other warms the heart. Give it a try the next
time you find something weighing on your mind.
- You're looking for Polka? Have you checked to see if she's at home?

(He can examine the mill wheel.)

Allegretto: Wow, this thing's really going. We don't have any
mill wheels like this in Ritardando.

(He can attempt to exit through the path to Ritardando.)

Allegretto: They said Polka'd be in the village. (He turns back.)

(He can attempt to visit the Heaven's Mirror Forest.)

Allegretto: Wait, I came here to get Polka. This is no time to
get distracted. (He turns back.)

(He can attempt to enter either of the houses.)

I've gotta go find Polka.

(As he approaches the general direction of Polka's house, he
spots Polka's mother, Solfege. Another subtitled scene begins...)

Solfege: Oh, good evening. What brings you to our village at
this time of the night?
Allegretto: Um, hello. I'm looking for a girl named Polka.
Solfege: I see. So then you're one of the people that Polka has
been traveling with?
Allegretto: Huh? But how did you...?
Solfege: It's nice to meet you. I am Solfege, Polka's mother.
Allegretto: Nice to meet you, ma'am. I'm Allegretto.
Solfege: I know it must be inconvenient for you sometimes, but
please look after my little girl.
Allegretto: (making hand motions) Oh, no. She's the one who
looks after us! But you don't have to worry. I'll make sure that
Polka stays safe.
Solfege: Oh, my. Well, it's nice to know I can count on you,
Allegretto. My Polka hasn't always had an easy life, but I think
that traveling with all of you has made her very happy.
Allegretto: Um, excuse me but.... Polka's illness... it's pretty
serious, isn't it?
Solfege: Yes. But Polka's illness is a little bit different from
that of other magic users.
Allegretto: (walking a couple steps toward her) What do you mean?
Solfege: Allegretto, do you know what astras are?
Allegretto: Astras? You mean those things in the fairy tales?
Solfege: Yes, many believe them to be the stuff of fairy tales.
But astras are quite real. We all hold a jewel within our hearts.
Allegretto: (hand motions again) What does that have to do with Polka?
Solfege: Polka has an astra that shines brighter than anyone
else's in the whole world. Because of it, she must live her life
chained to a tragic fate. And someday, she will sacrifice her
life to protect the one she holds dear.
Allegretto: Sacrifice her life?! There's no way I'd let her do
something like that!
Solfege: (turning to him) I don't wish to lose her, either. But
I don't think we can fight fate.
Allegretto: (making a cutting motion with his arm) Who cares
about fate anyway?!
Solfege: Thank you, Allegretto. You should be able to find Polka
in the flower field.

(The scene ends. Allegretto can speak with Solfege again...)

Solfege: Thank you, Allegretto. Polka is out in the flower field
enjoying the breeze.

(He can attempt to visit Polka's house, but again...)

Allegretto: I've gotta go find Polka. (He turns back.)

(He can examine the stream by Polka's house.)

Allegretto: Wonder if you can catch river crabs out here. Mmm, crab.
(Acquired Floral Powder.)

(When ready, he can go see Polka in the flower field. He
approaches Polka, but scratches his head, apparently not sure
what to say. Polka, apparently having heard him approach, turns to him.)

Polka: Hi, Allegretto.
Allegretto: Hey. I came to get you, Polka.
Polka: Oh, thank you. Where're the others?
Allegretto: Aw, don't worry about those guys. I left 'em with a
really important job to do back in Ritardando. We're gonna be
heading off to Baroque on the first ship that sails tomorrow morning.
(He walks over and sits down beside her.) So this is what my
town looks like from far away, huh?
Polka: Yes.
Allegretto: Wow. From way up here, it actually looks really beautiful.
Polka: Oh?
Allegretto: Yeah, when you're down there it's all cluttered and noisy.
And the streets are dirty. The reality isn't nearly as peaceful.
Polka: Oh, I see.
Allegretto: But I guess this is how you see it all the time, huh?
Wow, I gotta admit, it's not too shabby.
Polka: It's strange. I seem to remember the view being much more
beautiful when I was younger. Even though there weren't nearly
as many lights then as there are now.
Allegretto: Oh? Really? Hmm.... (He folds his arms and his eyes
widen, as he realizes something...) Oh yeah. Of course. I know
why it used to look prettier.
Polka: You do?
Allegretto: (pointing up) Take a look at the sky. (The camera
angles up to the show the sky, where only a few stars can be seen.)
Polka: Oh!
Allegretto: Back when the lights from the town weren't so
bright, I bet you could see way more stars. As the town got
brighter and you could see fewer and fewer stars, maybe that's
when the view started to get a little less beautiful.
Polka: The stars. Yes, you're right. I think that must be what it is.
Allegretto: (turning to her and looking concerned) Hey, by the
way, Polka.... How're you, uh...y'know, how's your health and all?
I mean, are you feeling okay these days?
Polka: I'm fine. I enjoy myself so much when I'm with all of
you, sometimes I even forget I have this illness. (Allegretto
frowns at this, clearly troubled or not convinced...) You know,
I've been thinking about it a lot, and if I couldn't use magic,
I don't think I would have ever felt this desire to go out and
help other people like this. If that had been the case, I would
have never set out on this journey. And I probably would have
never had the chance to meet you.
Allegretto: You really think so?
Polka: I know so. That's why I'm so grateful to have been given
these powers. (Allegretto dips his head.) What's the matter?
Allegretto: I mean, it's fine and all to want to do things for
others, but Polka, come on, shouldn't you really be thinking a
little bit more about yourself?
Polka: (puzzled) What?
Allegretto: Ya know, don't be afraid to speak up about the
things you want to do and the places you want to see.
Polka: But I'm fine, Allegretto. Being able to travel around
with all of you, that's enough for me.
Allegretto: (slapping the ground, clearly frustrated) Why do you
say things like that?! You may not have that much time left to live!
I'm sorry, I just....
Polka: No. It's okay.
Allegretto: This is all so frustrating. More than anything, I
don't want to let you die. But what the heck can I do? If I
knew, I would do it.
Polka: I'm so sorry.
Allegretto: (eyes wide in surprise) What for?
Polka: Well, I... I had no idea you'd been worrying about me
this much. But, for some reason, knowing that, actually makes me
feel kind of happy. (The scene goes black, then changes to
another angle. Apparently some time has passed. Polka stands up.)
Maybe I should just jump off this cliff right now. Then maybe, a
new life would be waiting for me. A life without sickness and fear.
(She closes her eyes and there is a very brief flash to the
scene of her standing before the cliff.)
Allegretto: (getting up, looking and sounding panicked) No!
Wait, Polka! Don't!
Polka: What's the matter, Allegretto? You look so shaken. Did
you think I'd really jump off? Even if I don't have long to
live, I'm not going to do something as stupid as that.
(Allegretto relaxes.) But thank you anyway for wanting to stop
me from doing it.
Allegretto: Polka, I....
Polka: All right. How about I have my special rock make the jump for me?
It can go in my place. (She is holding the stone that she showed
to Salsa, Frederic and Beat before...) Please. Let it go all the
way to the sea. (She tosses it.)
Allegretto: What did you throw?
Polka: My special treasure. It's just a rock with a strange
shape, but it's the perfect thing to take my place, don't you think?
Allegretto: Oh. It was a just a rock? That was your treasure?
Actually, that reminds me, I found a rock with a weird shape
today, at the shore by Ritardando. (He picks it up, juggles it a
couple of times, and holds it out for her.) Here.
Polka: Huh?! (She is understandably startled - the rock looks
just the one that she just threw.)
Allegretto: Keep it. Hold on to this one in place of the one you threw away.
(He hands it to her.) Besides, I'm sure this one is much more unusual.
Look how weird the shape is. But don't throw this one away, okay?
After all, it's the first gift I've ever given to a girl. Well,
I guess I'll see you tomorrow morning in the harbor. Don't be
late getting to the ship. (He walks off.)
Polka: What does this mean? Could it really just be a
coincidence? (She holds out the rock to examine it.) I can't
believe there are two rocks like this with the same strange shape.
No. This is definitely the exact same one. It's been mine
forever, there's no way I could be wrong about it. The weight,
the feel, everything is identical. But that means that
Allegretto somehow picked it up on the beach before I threw it away.
That rock wasn't my treasure because it was unusual. It was my
treasure because I received it from someone I loved. And now
Allegretto's given me a rock that has the exact same shape.
Does that mean...? A treasure that I received from someone I loved.
A treasure that was from Allegretto.

(The scene ends.)

(Chopin Story Sequence - Nocturne)

(The party is on the ship headed for Baroque...)

Allegretto: (off-screen) Haha! Now this is travelin' in style!
Yeah, it's definitely way better than fallin' in a river!
Viola: You're not kidding. No way I'm doing that again.

(There's the sound of a door opening.)

Allegretto: (waving) Hey! Polka!

(The camera cuts to show Polka. Frederic is with her.)

Polka: (running over to him) Allegretto!
Frederic: Well, what have we here? I see the two of you have
become awfully friendly all of a sudden. (The two were smiling
and nodding at each other, but Allegretto turns away in mock exasperation...)
Allegretto: What? I don't know what you're talking about!
Viola: I see. I guess sticking us with all the dirty work in
Ritardando worked out pretty well for you.
Polka: What does she mean, "all the dirty work?"
Allegretto: Uh, listen, instead of dwelling on the past, it'd be
more constructive to think about our next move.
Frederic: Yes, of course. You know, he does have a point there.
Viola: I suppose. I for one plan on joining up with Andantino.
Allegretto: Yeah, l want to help Jazz fight, too. I don't care
if Crescendo is a prince. I think Baroque's being really
irresponsible about all this.
Polka: But Prince Crescendo is only doing what he thinks will
avoid a dangerous war.
Viola: Well, that might be a noble idea and all, but wishful
thinking isn't gonna help the people who are suffering from the
effects of mineral powder.
Allegretto: Exactly! Hey, you never know though. Jazz might have
already been able to work out something by talking with the prince.
Polka: I have to do it. For everyone.
Frederic: Polka?
Polka: Sometimes it can be hard to do something that'll help
other people, can't it? I mean, how are you supposed to know
that what you do will make a difference?
Frederic: (looks thoughtful) How can we ever know what is truly right?
It's strange. Even though this is my dream, I no longer have any
idea what's going to happen next. What could it all mean?

(The scene ends. Baroque Castle is shown from the outside, then
the view changes to inside, to a room with a crackling
fireplace. Beat, Salsa and Viola are playing a card game, but
Viola is frustrated and tosses her cards on the table.)

Viola: Oh, forget this. I'm in last place again.
Beat: What are you talking about, Viola? That's not true. You're
in third place!
Salsa: He's right, you know. Third place is a bronze medal! Not
bad at all!
Viola: Hey, are you two trying to make me angry? I'm in third
place out of three players! You can't tell me that deserves a
bronze medal!
Beat: No! We didn't mean it like that. Salsa, come on, say
something to her.
Salsa: Yeah. Beat's right. Without you, old lady, we wouldn't....
Viola: What?!
Beat: (holding his hands out, motioning her to stop) Hey!
Salsa: Oh. Oops. Without you playing sweet and kind Lady Viola,
the game wouldn't be any fun at all.
Viola: Hm. Since when do you two get along so well with each other?
Well, whatever. Anyway, I'll play again later if I'm in the mood.
(She leaves, tossing a wave from behind as she walks off. The
door is heard opening and closing.)
Beat: Great, nice job Salsa. You could have at least let Viola
beat you a couple of times. Now she got mad and left.
Salsa: What about you? You could have lost a few, too. If she
keeps getting bronze medals the whole time, the old lady might
decide not to play with us.
Beat: (sighs wearily) It's already been a whole week since we
arrived in Baroque. I'm so bored. What in the world could Jazz
and the captain possibly be talking about anyway?
Salsa: You can say that again. I'm tired of sitting around.

(The scene ends. We get to see just what Jazz and "the captain"
are talking about...)

Jazz: If we wait for Waltz to make a move it'll be too late. Too
many have already lost their lives to that mineral powder. If we
don't eliminate the source of the powder, we can never hope to
resolve this.
Crescendo: War is nothing more than a battle of egos. A desire
to surpass your adversary. And as long as both sides feel that
way, this clash will just continue on indefinitely. It's simply
not worth it. By putting so much effort into a never-ending
battle, we all lose sight of the things that really matter.
Eventually, the reason for the conflict is forgotten, replaced
by the challenge of battle. The battle for power. You may still
think you are fighting against your opponent, but at some point,
it's no longer about who wins or loses. It's a power struggle.
A childish fight between adults who should know better. It's
just embarrassing.
Jazz: Listen. When you eliminate all the other possibilities,
you cannot escape the truth that remains. No matter how
difficult it may be to accept. I let myself believe in something
that wasn't true. That Claves wasn't a spy for Forte. Looking
back, I let myself believe what I wanted to be true, without
realizing it. I know that my weakness was the very thing that
lead to her death. Maybe, in some way, I was trying to make up
for a lack of faith in myself by believing in Claves. Is what
you're doing any different? Crescendo, please, I don't want to
watch you make the same mistake that I did.
Crescendo: I already know.
Jazz: Huh?
Crescendo: I realized it a long time ago. That a Forte spy had
infiltrated my inner circle, and was hiding very close to me.
Jazz: What? A spy! Who is it?!
Crescendo: Jazz, my friend, could you please give me some time
alone, to think? I want to find the best answer. (Jazz turns and leaves.)
Serenade.... It doesn't matter to me, whose side you're really on.
In fact, if there's one thing I'm sure of it's that the things
you've said to me are absolutely true. I always knew that you
were connected to Count Waltz. I assumed you were assigned the
role of preventing Baroque, and me, from attacking Forte first.
An attack from Baroque would be a problem for Forte, so Count
Waltz sent you to me as insurance. But from a different
perspective, it also means that right now we have the power to
defeat Forte. The more you rejected the notion of war, the more
my suspicions were confirmed. But I know you, Serenade. And I
understand that this is not the real reason why you oppose this war.
There are absolutely no arguments that I can use against you.
Once I realized that, I could no longer see aiding Andantino as
a just course of action. No. A rebellion no longer serves us any purpose.
To avert this war, we have to find a new solution. Well?
Wouldn't you agree? Serenade?

(The camera cuts to another part of the chamber, where Serenade
has overheard Crescendo's entire monologue. The scene ends. The
scene now changes to Viola and Polka, who are out in the courtyard.)

Viola: Hey, Polka. Do you believe in good luck charms?
Polka: Yes. I tend to take them too seriously.
Viola: Okay, then I'll teach you a good one. Hold your fingers
out like this. (She holds up her hand.)
Polka: Like this? (She holds up her hand too.)
Viola: Yeah. This charm works really well, and it's easy to do, too.
Polka: Great, what do I do?
Viola: Just hold your hand like this, in front of the person
that you love. (She extends her hand so that her thumb and pinky
finger are extended, and the others are closed.) If you do that,
the charm's supposed to make them fall in love with you, too. Easy, huh?
Polka: (doing the charm too) That's it? Really?
Viola: Really. And you can see the results right away. Hey, how
about giving it a try next time you see Allegretto?
Polka: Oh Viola, please. Don't tease me like that.
(She runs off. Jazz approaches.)
Viola: Well, Jazz? Is your meeting thing finally over?
Jazz: Not yet. It's an important decision. I don't think it's
something he can decide on quite that easily. He's going to
think about it alone. It seems like it's going to take him a
little while. So let's spend the day exploring Baroque Castle
tomorrow, alright? By the way, I don't think I've ever heard of
that "charm" before.
Viola: Well, yeah. Of course you haven't heard of it. It's
something I thought up just now. Maybe I should patent it.
Jazz: Don't joke around with her too much, Viola.
Viola: Don't worry about it. Of course the charm won't work. I
was just trying to give her a little courage. Watching those two
together is making me crazy.
Jazz: Well, don't go overboard. (He turns and leaves.)
Viola: I'm the one who really needs courage. (She makes the
charm as Jazz continues to walk away.)
Jazz: (turning to her) What about you?
Viola: (with her hand at her side) What?
Jazz: Do you have someone special like that, too, Viola?
Viola: Don't be silly, of course I do. He's with me all the time.
Arco! Come here! (Arco squawks, hurries over to her, and
shimmies up her leg to her shoulder. Jazz shakes his head and
leaves.) Claves, then Falsetto.... Well, it looks like I'm third
out of three players. I'm the bronze medal winner again.

(The scene ends. Later, Beat and Salsa are alone at the table,
bored. The door opens, and...)

Beat: Oh. Hey, Viola. Are you here 'cause you want to play some more?
Salsa: Wow, this is certainly a surprise.
Beat: Yeah, I figured you'd got mad and left, Viola. You know,
because you kept losing to us all the time.
Viola: Nah. It's okay. I kind of realized something. Bronze
medals suit me. Besides today's the last day we'll be able to relax.
Jazz just told me we're heading out tomorrow. Now, hurry up and
deal the cards.
Salsa: Whoa, she's scaring me.
Beat: Me too. Maybe she's got some kind of super-secret strategy
worked out. I'm starting to get nervous. (He rubs his hands
together in anxiety.)
Viola: You know guys, bronze medals aren't that bad after all.
They're kind of nice.

(Both Beat and Salsa give noises of puzzlement. The scene ends.
The next day, Jazz is briefing the party...)

Jazz: Prince Crescendo wants some time alone so he can plot the
best course of action for Baroque. I suppose it's going to take
a little while for him to reach a decision. In the meantime, why
don't we take a walk around Baroque?

(The long series of scenes has finally ended and playable
control is given to Allegretto, who is standing just outside the
entryway to the castle. He can talk with the people in the
Castle Gate area...)

Sailor by Stairway: Fry! Grill! Poach! Fry! Grill! Poach! You
are what you eat! The fish don't come out of the sea already cooked!
Fry! Grill! Poach! Fry! Grill! Poach!
- Fry! Grill! Poach! Fry! Grill! Poach!

Guard at Left of Stairway: Normally, citizens are forbidden from
entering the castle. However, on public court day, citizens of
all ages may enter the castle. On those days, we're a bit more
tense than usual as we have to make sure no criminals sneak in
with the other people.
- The King describes the public court as a way to help the
citizens understand the government, to make it more accessible.
When working for the sake of His Majesty's high ideals, we will
gladly put forth any amount of extra effort.

Guard at Right of Stairway: You could search far and wide, but
you'll never find a prince who is as well loved as Prince Crescendo.
- Of noble birth and gentle heart, yet very courageous. The
Prince undoubtedly inherited his father's characteristics.

Elderly Man near Castle Entrance: What?! Today's not a public
court day?! Grrr! And after I dragged my old body all the way
here! I demand an explanation!
- Well, I won't leave! I'm just going to sit here until public
court is held!

Man Walking Up and Down Left Stairway: We're starting to see
tourists from Ritardando. I think the souvenir shops are going
to be busy.
- Maybe I should go into business myself!

Man Walking Up and Down Right Stairway: A clouded face is not
becoming to the Prince. Though he's only standing in for the
King, when the leader of a nation has such an expression, it
only worries the ministers and citizens.
- I'm probably overreacting. There's probably nothing to worry about.
As long as Prince Crescendo is here, this nation has a bright future.

Older Sister: First my boss chews me out, then when I come home,
my little sister just won't stop talking to me! I'm so tired. I
wish she'd leave me alone.
- It's so annoying with my little sister around all the time.

Younger Sister: My big sister came home from work all tired.
So I tried to cheer her up by telling her what happened to me
that day. But she just got mad and told me I shouldn't be up
that late. Isn't that mean? I was up because I was waiting for her!
- I wish I could grow up fast!

Man in Sailor's Uniform: "Once I head out to sea, I don't come
back for years. Never knowing when my life may end, a man like
me could never make you happy. Please forget about me." Heh,
heh, it's perfect!
- Baroque sailors are so cool. I wish I could be one.

Wandering Boy: Look at the road tiles. Aren't they pretty? Mom
said they're pretty 'cause they have sapphire in them.
- Twinkle, twinkle. Twinkle, twinkle little stars!

Man in Red Shirt: The truth is, I'm afraid. If I disagree with
him, it may wreck our friendship. But I guess it's not a real
friendship if that happens. Still, I can tell he's obsessed with
that medicine.
- When he talks, he gets this strange look in his eyes. I'm
scared he's changing. I'm scared I won't be able to stop him.
I'm scared our friendship is changing.
- I'm a coward.

Painter: Hmm, hmm, hmm.... I feel like something's still missing.
Maybe there are too many pedestrians. Maybe I'll remove some of them.
- The nice thing about oil painting is that you can easily
repaint things.

Man near Sharp Mountains Exit: I came here on vacation from
Ritardando. You know how the pirate ships are gone now? Well,
they started up the ferries along the Fusion River again.
- Ritardando is a nice town, but the taxes are just so high there.

(He can talk with an elderly lady near Lonesome Loco. This
initiates a cutscene in text only if Beat talked with the Former
Developer before...)

Polka: I apologize if I'm mistaken, but did you once live in Forte?
Elderly Lady: Y-yes, that's correct.
Polka: And didn't you once do work related to the mineral powder?
Elderly Lady: H-how did you know that? N-no! I don't know
anything! I have nothing to do with mineral powder!
Polka: I'm sorry, it's okay. Don't worry. We don't want to
question you about the mineral powder. We just want to know
about the first person who took mineral powder. The very first victim.
Allegretto: I believe his name is Chord.
Elderly Lady: Chord?! I never thought I'd hear that name again.
Maybe he would want this.... It's true that I once worked at
Forte Castle. And I was involved in the development of mineral powder.
It was my job to take care of Chord. As you know, Chord was an
unfortunate child who became a victim of the mineral powder. He
was originally a servant at Forte Castle, like myself. He
volunteered to be a test subject in the top secret experiments.
Allegretto: He volunteered to test the mineral powder?!
Polka: W-why?!
Former Servant: I asked him that myself. He told me: "The notice
said I'd be able to use magic."
Polka: Magic?
Former Servant: Chord's mother was suffering from a grave illness.
He wanted to use magic to save her.
Allegretto: ...
Former Servant: He was just a kind boy who cared about his mother.
He always had a pendant from his mother with him. But as he was
given the mineral powder test samples, it affected his body very quickly.
He became unable to use his arms, legs, and mouth, and drifted
in and out of consciousness. But he never let go of that pendant.
It was painful to watch.
Polka: Oh, Chord....
Former Servant: Finally, Chord gained the magic he sought. The
instant he obtained that power, he broke through the walls
containing him and went berserk. It was a terrifying sight.
I prayed that God would stop him. Just when I thought we were
done for, a Forte official appeared. Light flashed from the
official's hand, and Chord fell to the ground.
Allegretto: A Forte official?
Former Servant: Yes. Someone with tremendous power.
Polka: W-what happened to Chord?!
Former Servant: Chord stopped moving. I thought he was dead. But
the Forte official said, "He cannot be killed. Seal him away."
Allegretto: He was locked up somewhere?!
Polka: Where?!
Former Servant: Hmm, where was it? I think it was a fort? It was
a place called Fort something.
Allegretto: Fort Fermata!
Polka: Is Chord still alive?
Former Servant: I don't know. I hope he is, but....
Polka: Does Chord's mother know about this? Is she still ill?
Former Servant: Actually, shortly after Chord became a test
subject, she passed away. A message arrived at the castle, but
they told me it would interfere with the experiments and forbade
me to speak of it. I was never able to give the message to Chord.
Allegretto: (stepping forward) What?! But he did all that for his mother!
Former Servant: Looking back now, maybe when Chord gained the
ability to use magic and went berserk, he was trying to get to
his mother and cure her illness.
Polka: What happened to his mother's pendant?
Former Servant: Oh, the heart pendant? What did happen to it?
After Chord went out of control and was struck down, was it
still in his hand? No, I think someone picked it up. Sorry, I
don't remember.
Polka: I'd at least like to find the pendant.

(The scene ends. Allegretto can speak with the Former Servant again.)

Former Servant: Where did that child's pendant go?

(He can examine the fountain.)

Allegretto: Whoops, almost fell. The water's frozen because of the cold.

(He can examine the shack to the left of the castle.)

Allegretto: It's locked. I guess they don't want people going in.

(He can examine the office near the exit to the Sharp Mountains.)

Allegretto: "Sharp Mountains Management Office
<--- Beware of avalanches!"
Looks like no one's here. Are they skipping work?

(He can attempt to exit to the Sharp Mountains.)

Allegretto: We can't leave Baroque right now. (He turns back.)

(If Polka didn't examine the trash heap earlier, he can examine it instead...)

Allegretto: It's a trash heap--no, a treasure heap! Let's see,
what can we use. Ooh, found something good! (Acquired Mouse Metronome.)

(He can visit the Main Hall of the castle, but the guards there
don't have anything new to say. He can examine the doorways on
either side...)

Allegretto: Humph, we can't go through there. I bet it's full of treasure!

(He can speak with the guard in the West Hallway.)

Guard: There've been reports of suspicious behavior lately.
We've received orders to be on our guard!
- The enemy is often right under your nose! I mustn't let down my guard!
- All's well! Nothing to report!

(He can examine the tea set in the first Guest Room of the West Hallway.)

Allegretto: This isn't floral tea. I like the floral tea that Polka makes.

(He can speak with the man in the second Guest Room of the West Hallway.)

Man: How rude of you to barge in like this. What is the Prince
thinking, inviting people like this into the castle?
- (folding his arms) The fate of this nation rests on the
Prince's shoulders. I wish he'd take that a little more seriously.

(He can speak with the woman in the first Guest Room of the East Hallway...)

Woman: The other day, I asked a fortune teller who my soul mate was.
It turns out he's someone from Forte.
- Baroque and Forte. Unrequited love between enemies kept apart
by fate. Oh! Do you think maybe it's you?

(He can speak with the man in the second Guest Room of the East
Hallway, but he doesn't have anything new to say. If Polka
didn't do so earlier, he can examine the gramophone...)

Allegretto: Hey, there's something stuck in here.
(Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can also speak with the woman in the Drawing Room of the
East Hallway...)

Woman: Before working here, I used to play cards with my brother
and sister at home. There was so much snow, we couldn't play
outside very much. Watching people enjoy themselves playing
games brings back memories of those days.
- I return home to visit on my days off. But my brother and
sister have already started working, so we don't get to see each
other often.

(He can examine the card set in the room.)

Allegretto: Playing cards? That brings back memories. I used to
play cards with the kids in Ritardando.

(And the mirror...)

Allegretto: The most handsome boy in all of Ritardando! Heh heh,
just kidding.

(He can speak with the Attendant in the Audience Chamber.)

Attendant: We castle attendants have a variety of duties. We
manage the laws, schedule audiences, and generally support Prince Crescendo.
- The Prince performs his duty with outstanding devotion. I send
periodic reports to the king, who's out of the country for
medical treatment. I'm sure he's pleased and relieved when he
receives them.

(He can examine the throne in the Audience Chamber.)

Allegretto: This is where the king sits, right? I wonder if
anyone would notice if I tried it out.... Better not.

(If Polka did not examine the icicle in the Side Garden, he can
examine it instead...)

Allegretto: Hey, there's something inside the ice!
(Acquired Goddess Bouquet.)

(He can speak with the people on the Second Floor Hallway,
though not everyone has something new to say. Starting from the right...)

Guard by Right Stairway: Not just anyone can join the Baroque Knights.
You must have the will to pledge yourself to your lord, and the
strength to fearlessly charge forth. You need a mind that stands
strong before any threat. And you must follow strict discipline.
Only those who possess all of those traits can be accepted as a knight.
- We proudly perform our duty standing guard.

Woman in Red Vest: Your skill with the bow the other day was
quite impressive.

Man across from Red-Vested Woman: No, it was nothing special.
I just shot at some fleeing rabbits.

Boy: Father can't dance at all, but he tells me I have to learn
because it's refined. I'm my father's son, you know?
There's no way I'm going to be able to dance.
- I don't want to do this anymore!

Woman near Boy: Did you know that plants have hearts too? If you
tell them fun stories or play beautiful music for them, it keeps
them healthy. But if all you do is complain and tell them
unhappy things, they wilt. Many things affect them.
- By living each day to its fullest, we can make sure that the
flowers in our hearts get the nutrition they need, too.

Wandering Woman: My fortune-telling is flawless!
Countless people come to me to have their fortunes told.
- All right, I'll read you fortune. But just this once. In your
future, I see... oh! What's this? One of my tarot cards is missing.
- Where could that card have gone?

Maid near Laboratory: The man who's holed up in laboratory there
won't let me inside. As a maid, it's my job to take care of all
the rooms in the castle. I just want him to let me clean it.
It's not like I want to go in there.
- But recently, I found a way to get him to let me inside the
laboratory. Want to know what it is? I make him mad on purpose.
You can tell just by looking at him that he has a lot of pride,
you know? So, I make use of that. If I carefully goad him on, he
gets hysterical and does just what I want.
- For a scientist, he's actually pretty simple-minded.

(He can examine the view from the balcony where the boy is standing.)

Allegretto: Looking down at everyone like this, I feel like a big shot!

(He can examine the flowers by the lady whose job it is to care for them.)

Allegretto: This castle is full of flowers. Where in the world
did they find them in a snow-covered country like this?

(He can examine the rooms along the hallway. Beginning from the
right again, he can speak with the woman in the first Guest Room...)

Woman: I came across the following passage in a book that I read recently.
"The graceful golden moon, the fierce silver stars. Silver and
gold collide, illuminating the night sky." Whatever could it
mean, I wonder?
- Books are wonderful things. Through them, our forefathers pass
on knowledge to us.

(He can examine the bookshelf by the woman.)

Allegretto: "Even if we're far apart, I will come for you. Like
the gulls in Ritardando, I will fly to you." That's really corny.

(The people in the second Guest Room don't have anything new to
say. In Prince Crescendo's room, Allegretto can speak with
Prince Crescendo...)

Crescendo: I'm sorry. Could you leave me alone to think for a while?
- ...

(He can examine the bookshelf.)

Allegretto: Whoa, these books all look hard to read. Huh, what's
with the title of this one? "You'll Suffer Misfortune If You
Read This Book" Hah, like anyone's going to believe that.
I didn't read it, so I'm okay, right?

(He can examine Lament.)

Allegretto: So this is the Royal Mirror, huh? It looks like we
might be able to get inside. Want to give it a try?

Give it a try.
Better not.

(If Polka did not do so earlier, he can examine the clock in the
room at the end...)

Allegretto: Yawn. is it still this early? I wonder if lunch is
ready yet. Hey, I think there's something in this clock.
(Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can visit the second Guest Room on the other side, which has
a new resident. This is Shallow Sweet, another participant in
the score piece sidequest...)

Shallow Sweet: Oh, what brings commoners to see me? Is it my
stunningly handsome face, second only to Prince Crescendo himself?
What's that? You wish to hear my score piece? Hah hah hah! A man
as beautiful and elegant as myself does not simply perform on demand.
However, it is my duty as a noble to listen to the pleas of the
unwashed masses. Let your heart dance to my melody like a maiden
entranced by a bird's song!

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 3, 12, or 28
results in an F Rank...)

Shallow Sweet: How incredibly vulgar. I will spare no words.
You have absolutely no talent for music!

(Performing with Score Pieces 3 or 28 results in a B Rank...)

Shallow Sweet: Have you improved enough to at least perform my
background music?

- Perform a session

Shallow Sweet: Stop! Your insensitive sound inhibits me from
expressing subtle nuances, like that of trees rustling in the wind.
(Acquired Poison Whitecap.)

(Performing with Score Piece 12 attains an A Rank...)

Shallow Sweet: Let us once again produce a sound as fleeting and
beautiful as a winter's flower! As usual, I entrust the
background performance to you.

- Perform a session

Shallow Sweet: Hah hah hah hah hah! Marvelous! Only I, second in
beauty to Prince Crescendo himself, could play music of such caliber!
My melodies open the door to a world of magic that no other can
reach! (Acquired EZI Pajamas.)

(He can speak with Shallow Sweet again...)

Shallow Sweet: So, you've returned, have you? I trust you've
learned the essence of elegant music? Well then, let our
graceful melodies echo upon the wind!

(He can examine the beds in the room.)

Allegretto: Would they get mad if we had a pillow fight?
Heh, I guess I'm still a kid.

(He can speak with Serenade in her room.)

Serenade: I see. Then I shall wait until Prince Crescendo has
made his decision.
- There is nothing for me to say. It is all up to Prince Crescendo.

(He can examine the tube of pink light.)

Allegretto: Looking at these bubbles is really relaxing.
It's making me sleepy.

(He can visit the laboratory and speak with the Magic Researcher...)

Magic Researcher: Hmm, this means.... I'm really going to need
that book in order to decode this. Hmm, hmm....

(He can examine the large pot in the room.)

Allegretto: What the heck are they making here?! The smoke is purple.

(He can examine the bookshelf.)

Allegretto: Man, these books aren't only complicated, they're
also really old. "Regarding what is generally called the
'heart.' In legends and in mythology, the inner feelings of
humans are often referred to as a glowing jewel...."

(If Polka didn't do so earlier, he can examine the green flask...)

Allegretto: Ow! Hot, hot! Hey, there's something floating in
this flask. (Acquired Magatama.)

(He can speak with the people in the main town area.)

Wandering Man near Entrance: A friend gave me some herbal tea,
but it's way too bitter to drink. And looking at the label, it
says "100 Percent Kale!" Maybe I'll try adding some honey.
- They say herbal tea is good when you're cold, so I got some
from my friend. But is this really drinkable? It looks
disgusting. Maybe my friend is pulling my leg.
- Now, let's see, what should we do about this?

Woman by Hotel: Where did you come from? Ritardando? Oh, I think
I've heard of a city with that name in Forte. What kind of place is it?
- Oh, Ritardando's a harbor town? Now that you mention it, I
heard that a ferry has resumed between here and a town in Forte.
Would that be Ritardando?
- Maybe someday I'll have a chance to visit Ritardando. I hope
you'll show me around if I do.

Girl near Item Shop: My friend isn't here yet. I wonder what we
should play? Dolls or cards, or maybe play house. Hmm... I can't decide.

Boy near Train: I wonder how far these tracks go. If I kept
walking along them, maybe I'd get to a town I've never seen before.
- I'd like to play with kids from another town.

Woman near Bulletin Board: What should I do for dinner tonight?
Curry rice? Or roast beef? Which do you think is best?
- I've made up my mind. I'm going to make roast beef! I'll cook
it a little rare and seal in the juices! I'll keep the spices to
just salt and pepper and draw out the natural flavor of the meat!

Man near Save Point: Have you been to the Ensemble? The Hotel Ensemble.
It's a famous, high-class hotel. Rich travelers love to stay there.
- I hear the food at the Ensemble is something else! And you can
see how well they take care of the way the place looks.
Some couples even have their weddings there. Those of us who
live here rarely get to stay there, though.

Man with Walking Stick: They got rid of the pirates and finally
resumed trade with Ritardando. And it's all thanks to the
Baroque military patrolling Fusion River.
- The first thing that comes to mind when I think of goods from
Ritardando is Tenuto's flowers. Not many flowers grow in
Baroque, probably because of the cold. So, when I was a child,
they had me run to the harbor to buy flowers whenever we had guests.
Ritardando's fish are great, too.
- We used to have trade with Forte, but that ended when Waltz
became Count.

(He can speak with the shop merchant in town.)

Merchant: My, what a polite young man! I've many wares, so take
a look! (Store dialog opens. After it closes...)

Merchant: I'll be refreshing my stock again soon! Who knows what
I might have next time?!

(He can examine the divider near Contrary Marimba.)

Allegretto: Hey, I just saw something sparkle. (sound of cat
meowing) Oh, it's a cat. Don't scare me like that, kitty.

(He can examine the train.)

Allegretto: What's this thing? Doesn't look like it runs anymore.

(He can examine the bulletin board.)

Allegretto: Let's see. It says, "Beware of giant monsters in
Celesta Forest!" Woah, I can't wait to take them on!

(He can examine the sign on the pub.)

Allegretto: What's it say, "Today's Special: Beef, pork &
chicken mystery broth! [sic] That's kind of overdoing it on the meat.
And the heck is the mystery?
 
(If Polka did not examine the other divider when she visited...)

Allegretto: Hey, I just saw something sparkle.
(Acquired Snowpuff Cookie.)

(He can visit the hotel and speak with the people there, though
not everyone has something new to say...)

Running Boy: Hey, look! The carpet's so soft!

Man on Bench at Left: I've come from Ritardando and I'm exhausted.
I always get sick when I travel by boat.
- No matter where we go, Ma sure talks a lot.

Woman in Frilly Dress: I was told the Cabasa Bridge collapsed
the other day. I heard about it from someone else. Did you know about it?

Man by Right Stairway Attendant: I don't ever want to go home now!
I could live here forever.

Man in Front of Guest Room: (stamping his foot) Open up already!
We've got you totally surrounded!

(He can examine the doors of the rooms on the main level. The
message for the one on the left hasn't changed, but for the one
on the middle right...)

Allegretto: It's locked... wait, this knob won't even budge.
I think I better stay away from here.

(And the one on the right...)

Allegretto: There's something written on the door card. "Doing
my laundry. Maybe some other time"

(He can examine the painting on the upper level.)

Allegretto: What's this picture? Is this fine art?

(He can visit the room on the far left and speak with the people there...)

Woman: Have you seen the snow on the church cross that's visible
from here? It's such a fleeting image.
- The coldness of the falling snow and the warmth of the people
who live in it, come together to form this city.

Man: The color from the lamp is marvelous as well. When night
falls, this room is lit up by the beautiful night sky and this
fantastic light.

(If Polka did not do so earlier, he can examine the tea-set...)

Allegretto: That looks like an expensive teacup. I'd better not
touch it. I don't want to break it. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can examine the window.)

Allegretto: It's nice looking at the snowy landscape through a window.

(He can speak with the Granny and her granddaughter in the other
Guest Room...)

Granny: Zzz...zzz....

Granddaughter: When Granny falls asleep, it's hard to wake her up again.
- I wish she'd wake up. I want to hear her stories.

(He can visit the pub and speak with the people there. The
waitress and bartender don't have anything new to say, but
everyone else does.)

Elderly Man: My wife's visiting family, so I'm eating dinner here.

Complaining Sailor: What's she want me to do?! I sail the seven
seas! I don't just hang out at home like her!
- Hic! I can't stand her!

Sailor towards Back Right: (taking a sip from his drink) This is
the first time I've been home since setting out on my tour.
I wonder how that girl I know is doing...?

Miner by Back Door: Urp! I think maybe I ate a little too much.
Hmm? You kids ain't eaten yet? The vegetable-stuffed lamb
sausage is really good.
- Delicious! This scallop cream chowder is the best. I can't get
enough of it!

Sailor at Right Side of Left Table: Absinthe, tequila, triple
sec, sherry. I like the sweet stuff!
- Whoops, I forgot, kids aren't supposed to drink.

Sailor at Left Side of Left Table: Burp! I'm stuffed!

Tipsy Sailor by Window: Whoa! How many of you are there?!
- Whatcha doin'? Whatcha doin'?
- Pretty girly...I wuv you!

(If Beat and the others won the fight with Dolce in the Wah Lava
Cave and Beat examined the pillars in the Mandolin Church
Grotto, then when he talks with the Employee in the cellar of
the pub...)

Employee: Whoa! Geez! You scared me! What do you want?

- Dolce is great!
Dolce is strong!
Lately, her skin's starting to sag

Employee: Well, it used to be great, but lately.... Oh! Don't
tell anybody I said that!

- Dolce is strong!

Employee: Yeah, she sure is strong. She's seriously scary when
she's angry. Oh! Don't tell her I said that!

- Lately, her skin's starting to sag.

(A cutscene in text only begins.)

Employee: Yeah, that's right! She's getting wrinkly.
Off-Screen Voice: Who's getting wrinkly? Hmm?

(There is a crashing noise and Dolce & her two lackeys approach.)

Employee: Aaah! D-D-D-D-Dolce!
Dolce: So, you've been talking about me behind my back. (She
stamps her foot.) You're going to get it for that later!
Employee: Aaah!
Allegretto: So, this is that pirate, huh.
Dolce: (turning to him) My, my. Famous, am I? It's my beauty, I know.
Salsa: (shakes her head) Nobody said anything like that. And
only old ladies worry about that, anyway.
Dolce: Little girl.... I want that hat back!

(Boss battle with Dolce and her two lieutenants.)

Dolce: Oh, I'll be gentle.

(Dolce and the two hit harder than ever before, but they are
eventually defeated. After the battle, if the party is playing
in a normal playthrough...)

Allegretto: Hey, they dropped a treasure chest.
Salsa: This must be the pirates' treasure! Let's open it!
(Allegretto walks forward and opens the chest.)
(Acquired Peace Earring.) (The scene ends.)

(But if they are playing on Encore Mode...)

Dolce: Grrr.... I'll let you off for now. But next time... that
hat is mine! (She and her lieutenants turn and run out.)
Salsa: Hah! You'll never beat us!
Polka: But if doing what this paper says leads us to the
pirates, then....
Allegretto: It really is a treasure map. This says where your
treasure is, doesn't it?
Employee: Zzz... zzz....
Allegretto: (stomping) Hey! Well, does it?
Employee: Yes, it does. Zzz....
Allegretto: Then that settles it! Let's go find their treasure
before they do!
Polka: But we shouldn't take other people's things.
Allegretto: Don't worry about it. It's all stolen to begin with it. [sic]
Salsa: Yahoo! A treasure hunt! This is gonna be fun!
(Acquired Pirate's Paper 3.)

(He can talk with the Employee again...)

Employee: Zzzz...

(He can examine the barrels.)

Allegretto: There's something in between the barrels.
(Acquired Score Piece.)

(After proceeding past the general area of the pub, the party
spots a priest preaching in the street. A cutscene begins in text only.)

Priest: Never forget, the light is always with you. It sees all
things, both good and evil.
March: I think that's a priest.
Salsa: (turning to her) What's a priest? Is it warm? Does it
taste good?!
March: Oh, March, don't be so silly. It's disrespectful.
Polka: Shall we listen to him for a little?

(Most of the party approaches him, but Salsa and Allegretto hang back.)

Allegretto: What? Do we have to? (He and Salsa join the group, but...)
Salsa: I just want some hot soup.
Priest: What you see with your eyes is not the truth. It will
disappear the moment it is touched. For it is not the truth. The
path leading to it is false. Only the faithful can see truth.
Pure deeds nurture the heart, while evil deeds cloud it. Walk
toward the light. The light from the heart will guide the
wayward soul. The first step may be the most difficult, but a
bright future surely awaits between the sky and the sea.
Polka: Between the sky and the sea....
Priest: Thank you for stopping to listen in this cold. You must
be very devout.
March: There's no priest in our village. It's an honor to meet you.
Your words were very moving.
Priest: It seems you have an interest in learning about the light.
March: Yes! I would like to hear more about the light.
Priest: Then why not pay a visit to Aria Temple? They say the
legend of the astra is housed in Aria. You will feel the light
more strongly there, and you may even be able to touch its source.
March: Really? (turning to the group) We have time now, don't we?
If so, I'd really like to see that temple. What about everyone else?
Wouldn't you all like to see Aria Temple?
Salsa: March! You can't just tell everyone what to do!
Being selfish like that will disrupt our teamwork!
Frederic: Oh, I think it's all right. Well, I've got some free
time, so I guess I can give it a look.
Polka: (nods) Yes, let's go take a look. Okay, Allegretto?
Allegretto: The legend of the astra, huh? Yeah, I guess we can't
miss out on that.

(Allegretto can speak with the priest again.)

Priest: What you see with your eyes is not the truth. It will
disappear the moment it is touched. For it is not the truth.
The path leading to it is false.
- Aria Temple is on the other side of Celesta Forest.

(He can speak with the woman near the house on the lower right.)

Woman: Hmm, what pattern should I knit?
- An alpaca print is always good. Hmm, but lately capybara is popular.
- By the way, what is a capybara anyway?

(He can examine the left window of the pub.)

Allegretto: Hey, there's some guy laughing and dancing. He looks
like he's gonna fall over. Whoa, he hit on some girl and she
kicked him! And she's still kicking him! That looks painful.

(He can visit the house on the lower right and speak with the woman there.)

Woman: Every year around this time, he climbs Sharp Mountain.
I think he's crazy to go out in those snowstorms, but he'll
never change his mind.
- I worry so much about him when he goes mountain climbing in
that weather.

(If Polka did not examine the barrels in this house earlier, he
can examine them instead...)

Allegretto: Hmm? Hey, there's something under this barrel!
(Acquired Feathered Hat.)

(He can speak with the people in the Entrance area.)

Woman in Light Blue: This is the entrance to Baroque City. If
you head south, you'll find Celesta Forest.
- It's always snowing in Baroque, but the amount that falls
changes with the seasons. Hey! Don't laugh! We still have seasons!

Man in Blue: In the afternoon, because of where the sun is, the
colors from the stained glass window over the gate shine down here.
It's very beautiful. You should see it at least once.
- Travelers enjoy it when I tell them about this. They like to
tell their friends about it when they go home.

Woman with Walking Stick: My husband is quite old now, too. He
went up on the roof to shovel the snow and almost slipped. I was
so frightened.

Girl building Snowman: My friend made a big snowman. It's not fair.
She's taller!
- But mine's prettier! I'll make it even better!

Leaping Girl: When I jump, my shadow flies.
- See! Jump! Fly! Jump! Fly!

(He can examine the stain-glass window that looks like a door.)

Allegretto: Ouch! This isn't a door?

(If Polka did not do so earlier, he can examine the snowman...)

Allegretto: So, this is a snowman, huh? How are you supposed to
eat it? Hey, there's something stuck in its head.
(Acquired Score Piece.)

(When ready, he and the others can proceed to the next area.
This is...)

===Celesta Forest===

(As they continue ahead, a merchant turns to them...)

Merchant: Hey, are you on your way to Aria Temple?
Allegretto: Yeah, we are.
Merchant: (taking a couple steps forward) Well, don't bother.
The entrance is sealed up tight. You can't get in without the
Aria Temple Key. I heard that some guy at the castle doing magic
research borrowed it from the Prince.
Allegretto: (turning to the others) What should we do? Head back
to the castle?

(The scene ends. Allegretto can speak to the merchant again...)

Merchant: To get inside the temple, you'll need the Aria Temple Key.
But I heard that some guy at the castle doing magic research
borrowed it from the Prince.

(Even without the key, he and the others can travel as far as
the entrance to Aria Temple...)

Polka: Huh? Hey, everyone, I think I saw someone go in that door just now.
Beat: Really? Where? I didn't see anyone going anywhere, Polka.
Allegretto: Yeah. I really doubt that there is anyone around here.
Polka: Are you sure? Hm, I could have sworn.... It looked like
it was a woman. (The camera angles up to show the temple. This is, indeed...)

===Aria Temple===

(Allegretto can approach the temple, but if you haven't gone to
get the key...)

Allegretto: Hey, the door won't open.

(The party returns to Baroque Castle and speaks with the Magic
Researcher. If they do not have the Spell Book accessory or if
someone has it equipped...)

Magic Researcher: What?! You want me to give you the Aria Temple Key?
Don't be absurd! This key is very precious. It was entrusted to
me by the Prince himself so that I could research the temple and
its magic. I'm not going to just hand it over to some random
strangers! And the reason you want to go there is just to take a
look around?! You've got to be joking!
Allegretto: Oh, come on. We'll bring it right back. Just because
you're studying it doesn't mean no one else should go in there.
It's not like it's going to get used up. Come on. You're acting
like a kid who grabs all the strawberries off a birthday cake.
How immature.
Magic Researcher: W-w-what did you call me?! I'm not immature!
All right, then! I'll lend you the Aria Temple Key! What do you
think of that, huh?!
Allegretto: Great!
Magic Researcher: But first, I'm going to test you.
Allegretto: Test us?
Magic Researcher: Yes. In situations like this, I think a test
is necessary to determine your worthiness to have the key.
Allegretto: I don't know.
Magic Researcher: Oh, come on. It won't take long.
Allegretto: Well, okay. So, what do you want us to do?
Magic Researcher: I want you to bring me a spell book. It's an
important text that will provide clues to the inner workings of magic.
It used to be in the castle library, but someone snuck in
recently and stole it.
Allegretto: So you want us to find that book?
Magic Researcher: Supposedly there are several copies floating around.
Any of them will do.
Allegretto: That's it, huh? Okay, we'll go look for it.

(If Allegretto speaks to the Magic Researcher without the Spell
Book in the available inventory, but it is equipped to a
character...)

Magic Researcher: Hey, wait a second. Don't tell me you have the
spell book equipped! Hurry up and hand it over!

(Once he speaks to the Magic Researcher with the Spell Book in
the available inventory...)

Allegretto: We brought the spell book. (Handed over Spell Book)
Magic Researcher: Oh! Yes, that's it! Thank you! Now I won't get fired!
Allegretto: Fired?
Magic Researcher: Oh, uh, nothing. Anyway, you've passed the test.
Congratulations. (Acquired Aria Temple Key.)
Allegretto: Thanks!
Magic Researcher: I'm only lending it to you. Don't lose it.

(The scene ends. Allegretto can speak with the Magic Researcher again...)

Magic Researcher: What do you want? You're going to Aria Temple,
aren't you? The temple is past Celesta Forest.

(If the Spell Book is in the available inventory the first time
the party speaks to the Magic Researcher, then the scene
proceeds differently once the Magic Researcher says "I want you
to bring me a spell book.")

Magic Researcher: It used to be in the castle library, but....
Allegretto: Do you mean this? (Handed over Spell Book)

(The rest proceeds from there. Key in hand, the party can return
to the Celesta Forest: Entrance area and speak with the Merchant
from before...)

Merchant: Were you able to get the Aria Temple key? Oh, by the
way, I happened to find this. (Acquired Score Piece.)
- I've never been inside a temple before. I wonder what sort of
place it is.

(Note: If the player is playing in an Encore playthrough, and
they spoke to this merchant in a previous playthrough, then the
merchant will not be there. The party can now return to Aria
Temple [or visit it for the first time if they didn't go
before...])

Allegretto: What the...? It wasn't even locked.
Beat: Hey, you're right. It's open.
Allegretto: I wonder if the person Polka saw opened it. Anyway,
let's go inside.

(Inside, Allegretto can approach a red platform...)

Allegretto: Looks like we can go up to the next floor from here.
What should we do?

Go up
Stay here

(On the next floor, if he approaches the platform again...)

Allegretto: Looks like we can go down to the next floor from here.
What should we do?

Go down
Stay here

(The party reaches the Gallery of Light and proceeds into a
seemingly empty room...)

Polka: What the? It's just a dead end.
Beat: See? I told you you were just seeing things.
Polka: But I'm sure I saw someone. She was right there, going in
the entrance.
Rondo: (approaching the party from behind) Incredible. Here you
all are. You really did come to Baroque. Looks like what I
learned in Ritardando was true after all.
Beat: Hey, she was right. There really is someone here besides us.
Allegretto: Yeah. I guess this is who Polka saw at the entrance earlier.
Polka: Uh. I don't know. She doesn't seem like the same person to me.
Rondo: (pointing at Polka) Listen carefully. I have business
with that girl. If you all do precisely as I say, I won't harm
the rest of you. Understand?
Falsetto: Don't make a move! (The camera angles to show her
standing at the doorway.)
Polka: (gasps) Falsetto!
Falsetto: Hi, guys. I'm sorry I worried all of you. It's just
that, I realized I'll never be able to compete with Claves now.
No matter how fast I run, I can never catch up. I'll only just
become more and more bitter and she'll always have a smile on
her face. That was all I could think about and before I knew it,
I had run away. (Her voice becomes passionate.) But now I may
have this one chance to catch up! One way... One possible way of
standing on equal footing with Claves. Even now, after she's
gone on to the great unknown. (He voice becomes resolute and she
points at Rondo.) And the way I can do it by defeating you!
(lowers her arm) I am not... ... going to run anymore!
Rondo: Not bad. I'm so impressed you were able to figure out I
was the one who killed her. (She walks toward Falsetto.) Perhaps
we should have had you ferret out information about Andantino.
Actually, it's not too late. What do you think? Would you like
to take the place of Claves? You could work with us. (She
extends her hand as if offering the hand of friendship.) Think
about it. Andantino's leader is about to die. No one will ever
find out that you're a spy. (giggles)
Falsetto: It's because of despicable people like you that
tragedies like what happened to Claves occur in the first place.
It's unforgivable. The way people like you can use and discard
feelings without so much as a second thought! (points at her)
And now you're going to pay for it!

(Boss battle with Rondo.)

Rondo: So, all the lost sheep will flock together.

(Rondo uses a number of multi-hit attacks or attacks dealing
status ailments, but is eventually dispatched. Following the battle...)

Falsetto: Jazz....

(Jazz slaps Falsetto on the cheek, but then, after a pause,
gives her a hug. The scene ends and a new scene begins, entirely
in text, as the party approaches the wall at the end of the room...)

Allegretto: Hm? There's writing carved on the wall. Is this the
legend of the astra?! ... I can't make heads or tails of it.
Falsetto: It looks like it must be really ancient.
March: (proceeding right up to the wall) Pardon me, do you mind
if I take a look? Hmm. I see.
Beat: You can read this, March?!
March: Yes, reading ancient texts is a hobby of mine. I've got it.
I think it goes something like this:

Forget not from whence the true light gleams.
Not from the noonday sun, nor from the moon
that pierces the night.
Only light from the heart can truly illuminate the darkness.
If those without hearts run rampant,
this world will become a land of everlasting darkness.
The light from the heart is the very spark of life.
Therefore, when darkness overwhelms,
the heart that illuminates the darkness must
give its life and all will be reborn.

Viola: It's kind of abstract.
Polka: What the heck does it mean?


Chapter 6
Tristesse

(The party returns to Baroque.)

Jazz: Let's go see Prince Crescendo. It's been long enough.
He has to have an answer by now.

(The scene ends and playable control is given to Allegretto,
with the party at the Entrance to the city. Nobody has anything
new to say. If the party returns to Aria Temple, Allegretto can
examine the ancient writing in the Gallery of Light.)

Allegretto: This is that ancient writing. ... I can't make heads
or tails of it.

(In the main city, the Priest has something new to say...)

Priest: A short time ago, I traveled as a missionary to a
village isolated by the sea. I took several people with me, and
we were all greeted warmly. There is nothing more moving than
man's kindness. I am grateful to God for creating people.
- Even when you encounter something beyond your power to change,
you must not give up. Stand face that challenge. For God is
testing your courage.
- God is always with us, watching over us.

(And the item shop merchant...)

Merchant: Welcome! I have new products in stock! (Store dialog opens)

(There is now a boy sitting nearby the bulletin board...)

Boy: What does it say? It says, "EZI." Can't you tell by looking
at it? I thought I did a good job....
- The Church of EZI will send you a certificate if you can draw
EZI 321 times in 10 minutes.
- If you have an EZI certificate, happiness will run away from you.
A grown up crying in the alley said that.

(He can talk with the employee in the Wine Cellar of the pub.)

Employee: .... .... Zzz.... Whuh?

(He can revisit the Hotel Ensemble and speak with the
granddaughter girl, who is now identified as one of the
participants in the score piece sidequest, Granny's Girl Quena...)

Granny's Girl Quena: I'm bored. Let's do score pieces until
Granny wakes up.

- Perform a session

(Performing with either Score Piece 10 or 25 will result in an S Rank...)

Granny's Girl Quena: Ah ha ha! Score pieces are fun!
(Acquired Obsidian Mirror.)

(Performing with any Score Pieces other than 1, 7, 9, 10, 16 or
25 will result in an F Rank...)

Granny's Girl Quena: That sounds weird.

- Perform a session

Granny's Girl Quena: Ah ha ha! This is hopeless!

(Performing with Score Pieces 1, 9, or 16 will result in a B Rank...)

Granny's Girl Quena: You wanna do a score piece? Try hard!

- Perform a session

Granny's Girl Quena: Ah ha ha! You stink!
(Acquired Fish Incense.)

(Performing with Score Piece 7 will attain an A Rank...)

Granny's Girl Quena: Wanna do a score piece? Come on! Let's play!

- Perform a session

Granny's Girl Quena: Ah ha ha! This is great!
(Acquired EZI Paddle.)

(He can talk with Granny's Girl Quena again.)

Granny's Girl Quena: More score piece! Let's do more!

(Nobody else has anything new to say, either here or in the
Castle Gate area. After approaching the general area of the
fountain in the Castle Gate area, a cutscene begins. Polka
suddenly closes her eyes and begins to stagger...)

Allegretto: Huh? Polka? Are you all right?
Polka: (sounding woozy) Oh. I'm... fine. (She falls forward and
collapses on the ground.)
Allegretto: Hey, Polka! (He runs over to her and holds her.)
Viola: Could it be the illness?
Frederic: Whatever the cause, we must explain the situation to
Prince Crescendo, and find a room where Polka can rest.
Allegretto: Polka! You've gotta hang on! Polka!

(The scene changes to a guest room in Baroque Castle. The Magic
Researcher is there with the party. The door opens and Viola &
Frederic enter.)

Allegretto: How is she?
Viola: She seems to be sleeping peacefully. For the time being, anyway.
Beat: Poor Polka.
Falsetto: The girl can use magic, can't she? Wow, that's really too bad.
Allegretto: (turning to the Magic Researcher and sounding angry,
or perhaps just frustrated) Hey, you! You're a magic researcher, right?
Isn't there anything you can do for her?
Frederic: (placing his hand on Allegretto's shoulder)
Allegretto, let's try to stay calm.
Allegretto: I'm begging you. I'll do anything. Whatever it takes
to help Polka. Please, help us!
Magic Researcher: Forgive me, but the realm of magic is still
shrouded in mystery, even for me. However, if anything can help
her, it may be the legend of light connected to Aria Temple, the
place you recently explored.
Allegretto: The legend of light? Hold on. That's the astra
legend, isn't it? So then, astras do have something to do with
Polka's illness!
Viola: Wait a minute. Astras are somehow connected to magic?
I've never heard about that. What are you talking about, Allegretto?
Allegretto: It was when I went to Tenuto, to go and bring back Polka.
Something her mom said. She told me Polka has an astra that
shines brighter than most people's, and that's why she's
destined for a tragic fate. I assumed she was just talking about
the illness.
Falsetto: But aren't astras just make-believe things from
children's stories? People can use magic either because of a
disease or the mineral powder, right?
Magic Researcher: That is the accepted explanation. However, the
actual cause is not fully understood yet. For one thing, not
everyone who becomes ill can use magic. We also don't know if
the powers drawn out by mineral powder... ... and the magical
abilities of those suffering from terminal illness are truly identical.
Frederic: Are you saying there could be some other cause?
Magic Researcher: I am. And all my research has given me the
strong suspicion that astras may very well be that cause. (The
camera cuts to Salsa and March, who have just nodded at each
other in unison.)
March: Well, it is true that Polka's astra does seem to give off
a most extraordinary glow.
Salsa: Yeah, that's right! I saw the agogos around her light up
with my own two eyes!
Magic Researcher: Agogos? Are you saying that agogos are
connected to astras?
March: There's an old legend passed down among the guardians of
Agogo Forest. It says that the agogos will gather together in
the glow of a powerful astra, and reflect its light back with a
dazzling brilliance.
Jazz: The secret behind the glowing agogos is astras?
Falsetto: And Count Waltz must be searching for glowing agogos
because he knows they'll increase the effect of the mineral powder.
This explains everything.
Allegretto: Okay, so if magic powers and astras are related,
then what do we need to do to help Polka?!
Magic Researcher: Well, I don't--
Allegretto: All your theories are completely useless! What we
need now is a way to save Polka!
Beat: Retto.
Salsa: (raising her hand) I've got it!
March: Ah, Salsa?
Salsa: The agogos! Her astra's glowing too bright, so let's just
have the agogos absorb it!
March: I don't know if that will work. Agogos can reflect the
light of astras, but that's not quite the same as absorbing it.
Salsa: This is the perfect time to ask the Agogo Queen Mother
for help!
March: The Agogo Queen Mother. Of course, that's it! Salsa,
you're absolutely right! (They give each other a high-five with both hands.)
Beat: What the heck are you talkin' about? What is that?
March: The Agogo Queen Mother is a special agogo that gives
birth to all the other agogos. It's also said she possesses
mysterious powers, so it's possible she'll be able to help Polka.
Viola: It sounds promising. I think we should at least give it a try.
Allegretto: Salsa. March. How do we find this, "Agogo Queen
Mother?" Do you guys know where she is!?
Salsa: Of course. She's in Agogo Forest!
Frederic: Well, considering where we are now, that's rather far.

(The camera angles to show Crescendo, who has been sitting in a
chair in the room this entire time...)

Crescendo: (getting up) You needn't worry about the distance.
(He approaches Allegretto.) This Warp Room Key has been passed
down through generations of Baroque's royal family. Using it,
you can instantly travel from the room beside the castle gates
to any place you've previously visited.
Allegretto: That'd be a huge help. Are you sure?
Crescendo: What's the point of having the key if you don't use
it when it's needed most? Now, take it. Go and get help for that
girl as fast as you can. (He gives Allegretto the key.)
Beat: (running over and saluting) Thanks a bunch, Captain!

(Allegretto bows and Prince Crescendo nods back.)

Allegretto: All right! We're going to Agogo Forest!
(Acquired Warp Room Key.)

(The scene ends. Playable control is returned to Allegretto, who
finds himself in Crescendo's Room. He can speak with Crescendo...)

Crescendo: The Warp Room is in the small building next to the
castle gates. You'd better hurry and get to Agogo Village.

(He can talk with the man and woman across from each other in
the Second Floor Hallway again...)

Woman in Red Vest: No, no, it was truly amazing. I was covered
in sweat after defeating 10 boars, myself.

Man Across from Red-Vested Woman: Well, well. How about next we
see which of us can catch the most birds?

(He can also speak with the guard at the left stairway...)

Guard: Our duty is to protect the peace and uphold the authority
of the royal family. In other words, to protect the castle and
towns of Baroque. No matter what actions Forte takes, we cannot
surrender to them.
- We have undergone harsh training for that purpose.

(He can visit Serenade's Room and speak with her...)

Serenade: The finest doctors reside in this castle. So, please
don't worry about Miss Polka.

(He can speak with the Magic Researcher in the laboratory...)

Magic Researcher: Just... a little... bit... more....

(He can revisit the Audience Chamber and speak with the
Attendant there...)

Attendant: Please help the Prince.

(He can attempt to exit the Castle Gate area to the Sharp
Mountains, but...)

Allegretto: We don't have time for detours! We have to get to
Agogo Forest fast! (He turns back.)

(Nobody else has anything new to say, so when ready, the party
can visit the Warp Room...)

(Used Warp Room Key.)

Guide: Oh, it's you! Please come over here.

(If he attempts to approach the platform first...)

Guard: Please come here.

(When he talks with the Guide...)

Guide: Welcome. The Prince told me that you'd be coming. This is
a secret chamber belonging to the Baroque royal family known as
the Warp Room. From here, people can transport across great
distances in a single moment. The teleportation device has been
acting strangely of late, and is not functioning at full capacity.
There is no need for alarm, however. It still has enough power
to send you to your destination in Agogo Forest.
- The device on the left will activate when you stand on it, and
you will then be sent to Agogo Forest. I wish you the best of
luck in your journey.
- The device on the right cannot be activated without the
permission of the Prince.


(When Allegretto stands on the device...)

Where should we go?

- Agogo Village

Stay here

(The party is transported to Agogo Village and a cutscene begins...)

Beat: Wow! That was amazing. We're really here!
Allegretto: (heading toward Agogo Forest) Come on. There's no
time to waste.
Salsa: The Agogo Queen Mother should be somewhere in the forest!

(Allegretto can talk with the people in the village...)

Agogo Boy: You're looking for the Agogo Queen Mother? You've
gotta be kidding! You'll have better luck finding a needle in a
haystack! I'm an agogo expert and I've never come across her.
She's not that easy to find, you know!
- Well, if you're determined to give it a shot, try looking in
the forest. But you better be careful. If you anger the Agogo
Queen Mother, you'll really regret it!

Squat Man near Save Point: You want to know about the Agogo
Queen Mother? That sounds like a job for my mom! She is the
official village tour guide after all.

Woman by Stairway: The dark lord of terrible heartburn is sealed
away in that blue pot. If that guy got out, we'd all be feeling
sick to our stomachs, and wouldn't even be able to enjoy a
decent meal. Yeesh! It scares me just thinking about it!
- The Agogo Queen Mother? Um.... Well, of course, a proper
village tour guide has to know about that! A-And I do know, but,
the thing is, I just can't tell you about her today.
- You know, I had everything about the Agogo Queen Mother
memorized up until yesterday.

Man in Orange Shirt: I've been seeing this guy wandering around
the forest lately. He's been acting like he owns the place! So,
I went and reported him to the village chief. Heh, he's gonna
get what's coming to him now.
- That guy's up to no good, I'm sure of it. He's probably a
pervert or something!

Woman by Vegetable Patch: Oh, I was wondering where you were, March.
You're traveling with that young man and his friends, right?
- The outside world is full of monsters. You'd best be careful.

(He can attempt to exit to the Chorus Plains.)

Allegretto: If you're looking for the Agogo Queen Mother, she's
probably somewhere in the forest. (He turns back.)

(He can visit the Cave Front area and speak with the people there...)

Girl: Salsa and March aren't in the village lately and I really
miss them.
- I want to play with them again.

Elderly Man at Left: The damage done to the mountains has
blanketed the whole forest in darkness. If this keeps up....
- Not even the Agogo Queen Mother will be able to help us.

Elderly Woman: He's been acting like that ever since you came
out of the cave.
- I hear there's a new disease that's sprung up in some far-off
corner of the world. Isn't that just typical?

Elderly Man: O great gods, forgive us.
- Hrmm, hrmm... zzzz....

(He can attempt to approach the cave and get the same message as
if attempting to exit to the Chorus Plains. He can speak with a
little girl with a red bow in her hair. This is Precocious
Flute, another participant in the Score Piece sidequest...)

Precocious Flute: Scorn peas? Popular in the city? O-of course I
know about those! Don't treat me like a country bumpkin! I have
some, too! Really! I'll show you! Um-hmm. Here! See! Scorn peas! Right?

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 2 or 29
results in an F Rank...)

Precocious Flute: W-well? What do you think of my scorn peas?

(Performing with Score Piece 2 results in a B Rank...)

Precocious Flute: If you bow down and ask nicely, I'd be willing
to do it again.

- Perform a session

Precocious Flute: W-well? What do you think of my scorn peas?
Those city folk have nothing on me! (Acquired Guardian Clothes.)

(Performing with Score Piece 29 will attain an A Rank...)

Precocious Flute: As the representative of Agogo Village,
I'll show those city folk who's really got it!

- Perform a session

Precocious Flute: W-well? What do you think of my scorn peas? I
think they're pretty nice, if I do say so myself.
(Acquired Small EZI.)

(He can speak with Precocious Flute again.)

Precocious Flute: You found my sound unforgettable?
Oh, well, if you say so.

(When ready, the party can continue to Agogo Forest and after
proceeding through a few areas, they encounter Fugue, who is
backing away from an agogo.)

Fugue: Get away, infernal creature! I have no use for an
ordinary agogo! (He swats at it.)
Allegretto: What's with him?
Beat: (holding his hand to his head in exasperation) Oh, brother.
Not this guy again.
Allegretto: What? You know him, Beat?

(In the background of the scene, Fugue is continuing to mess
with the agogo. It slips between his feet and tries to stomp on
it, only to end up leaping straight over it.)

Beat: Not exactly. He's some weirdo who says he's looking for
glowing agogos. He attacked us for no reason! (Fugue leaps at
the agogo, trying to catch it.)
March: Salsa! The agogo that man is harassing, it's the Agogo
Queen Mother! (She runs toward Fugue.)
Salsa: Some people never learn, do they?
Fugue: (waving away the agogo) Well, fancy meeting you here? Out
for another group picnic are we?
Salsa: Hey, if I were you, I wouldn't be so arrogant! I got no
problem sending a wimp like you packin' a second time around!
(She wheels her arm to indicate her resolve.)
March: You'd be wise to listen to my sister. (points to him)
We will show no mercy to someone who torments the agogos!
Fugue: Me? Tormenting? Why, whatever do you mean? I was only
taking a break from a hard day's work, by playing with this dim witted
creature, that's all. Playing, like this. (He stomps his foot on
the Agogo Queen Mother and pins her to the ground. Then, he
kicks her away.)
Salsa: Hey! You did not! That's the last straw, three-eyed freak!
Fugue: Wha-?! Three-freaked freak? Young lady, I trust you
aren't referring to me. (He turns his back to her.)
Salsa: You better believe I'm talkin' about you! (She points at
him and then makes a circle around her eye with her thumb and
index finger.) Go on and whine as much as you want, three-eyes,
you're still gonna get it!
Fugue: (grunts) How dare you insult me like that? Fine. I'm
through playing games with the likes of you. (He draws his katana.)
I'll end your pitiful lives before you even feel any pain! You
can thank me for my mercy, when you're in the realm of the dead!

(Boss battle with Fugue.)

Fugue: I'll leave your bodies to rot, right here.

(Fugue uses basically the same sorts of attacks as in the
previous battle with him. He is eventually dispatched by the
party. After the battle...)

Fugue: (clutching his chest) It seems I may have underestimated
you. No matter. This has gone on long enough. Now.... (He tries
to get up, but is approached from behind by the Agogo Queen Mother.)
March: Oh no! Look at the Agogo Queen Mother! (She points.)
Fugue: How dare you interrupt me when I am speaking, you
insolent-- Uh! Get out of my way! Get out of here, pest!

(He stands up and swats at the Agogo Queen Mother. It shines
brightly and appears to consume Fugue. He screams and vanishes,
leaving behind only his monocle. The Agogo Queen Mother has
turned into a glowing, pulsing dark orb.)

Beat: What the heck is going on?!
Salsa: (backing away, arms held out) This isn't good! The Agogo
Queen Mother is majorly upset! If she keeps going, we're all
gonna get eaten up!
Allegretto: What? Wait a minute, are you sayin' she just ate
that guy?
March: Agogos reflect what lies within a person's heart. The
Queen is just reflecting the evil from inside that three-eyed freak.
But right now... Salsa! (The twins nod at each other.)
Salsa: Right! Let's do it!

(They run forward and hold up their chakram in their left and
right hands together, as if forming a single focusing ring.)

March: Agogo Queen Mother!
Salsa: Hear us and be calm!

(Their chakram emit a glowing, rainbow light. The Agogo Queen
Mother returns to its normal state.)

Bea: Woah, it went back to normal!
Salsa: Ha! And that's just a taste of what us forest guardians
can do!
Allegretto: (walking over to the Agogo Queen Mother) So, all
we've gotta do is take this agogo back to Polka, right? (He
picks her up.)
March: Yes. I'm sure she'll lend us her power for a while.

(The scene ends. The party is back in the room at Baroque Castle.
Allegretto lays the Agogo Queen Mother on top of the resting
Polka and she glows brightly.)

Allegretto: Come on, Polka. Wake up.

(The Agogo Queen Mother glows very brightly, then disappears.
Polka opens her eyes.)

Beat: She's awake!
Salsa: We did it! It actually worked! (She leaps for joy.)
Polka: (moans and sits up) What happened to me?
Viola: (with her hands on her hips) You telling me you don't
remember what happened? You collapsed on the way in here. It
gave all of us quite a scare.
Polka: Oh!
Falsetto: Anyway, we're glad you're finally awake again. You
have Allegretto to thank for saving you.
Polka: I appreciate your helping me, Allegretto.
Allegretto: No, I didn't do anything. I mean, if you wanna thank
somebody, Salsa and March deserve it way more than I do.
Salsa: Don't you worry about us, Allegretto. I wouldn't dream of
getting in the way of a budding romance! (She crosses her arms
and closes her eyes, looking thrilled by the idea. Allegretto
walks over at swats at her, but she dodges it.)
Frederic: Polka. Are you sure you're feeling completely recovered?
Polka: Yes. I'm terribly sorry to have caused you all so much trouble.
Jazz: All right then. Maybe we should go thank Crescendo for his
help, and tell him what's happened.

(Allegretto continues to swat playfully at Salsa. The scene ends
and playable control is given to Allegretto. He finds himself in
the Guest Room with the little girl and the father that's been
slacking on his sword training. He may speak with them.)

Girl: I'm so glad that you're feeling better, Polka!
- Don't push yourself too hard, okay?

Father: Now you can all rest a little easier. Oh, no. There's no
need to thank me for the bed. For a rank and file knight like
myself, helping those in need is part of the job.

(He can speak with the two people across from each other in the
Second Floor Hallway again.)

Woman in Red Vest: Ah, not a bad idea at all. I gladly accept
your challenge.

Man across from Red-Vested Woman: Heh heh, that's the way.

(He can visit the Side Garden area and speak with a man tucked
in a corner. This is Conceited Choir, another participant in the
Score Piece sidequest...)

Conceited Choir: Hmm.... I was gazing at the falling snow.
This place sets me free from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Hmm, yes. Shall we fill this silence up with sound?

- Perform a session

(Performing with Score Piece 11 results in an S Rank...)

Conceited Choir: Sound is truly an unstable thing. It is the
language of a world without certainties or absolutes.
(Acquired Crimson Brooch.)

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 11, 17, or 18
results in an F Rank...)

Conceited Choir: Now, where would I find an unstable sound?

- Perform a session

Conceited Choir: What a pathetic performance. We succeeded only
in disturbing the silence.

(Performing with Score Piece 17 results in a B Rank...)

Conceited Choir: I may not look busy, but I have many things to do.
I had really better get back to work.

- Perform a session

Conceited Choir: Hmm.... I'm not quite sure how to explain it,
but it's missing that certain something. (Acquired Snowpuff Cookie.)

(Performing with Score Piece 18 will attain an A Rank...)

Conceited Choir: Nothing gets done when I'm not around. They're
helpless without me. Won't someone set me free?

- Perform a session

Conceited Choir: So this is what I've been looking for.
(Acquired EZI Handkerchief.)

(He can speak with Conceited Choir again.)

Conceited Choir: I am a busy man, but I suppose I can stay with
you a while longer.

(Nobody else in the castle or in town has anything new to say
and if Allegretto attempts to exit either to the Sharp Mountains
or via the Warp Room...)

Allegretto: Guess we should go see the Prince.

(They visit his room, but...)

Polka: He's gone. Where did he go?
Allegretto: I don't know. Maybe he's in the Princess' room.

(The scene ends. The party proceeds to Serenade's room, but...)

Beat: Huh? He's not here either.

(The scene ends. When the party exits the room, another scene begins.
An elderly castle attendant comes running up to Jazz.)

Attendant: Jazz, sir, thank goodness. We've looked, but we can't
find Prince Crescendo or Princess Serenade anywhere!
Jazz: (turning to him quickly) What do you mean?
Attendant: It's true. No one in the castle has seen them.
Allegretto: They've got to be somewhere. Let's try searching again.
Jazz: No. Looking here is probably useless.
Polka: Do you think they....
Jazz: Yes. I believe they're already heading for Forte.
They're going to try and save Baroque by sacrificing themselves.

(The scene ends. Another scene begins. Crescendo and Serenade
are shown standing outside in the Castle Gate area. Both are
wearing white cloaks.)

Crescendo: You're sure you want to come?
Serenade: Yes. I feel I must. For I am in part responsible for
starting the conflict with Forte. If only I had realized sooner....
Crescendo: Speaking with Count Waltz face-to-face is the only
way I can prevent a war. To do that, I'll have to cross into
enemy territory. It'll be dangerous. But from the beginning,
I've been prepared to sacrifice my life to ensure peace. But you
don't have to.
Serenade: I will speak with Count Waltz. Right now, I am the
only one who can possibly save your life. I at least have to try.
Crescendo: Thank you, Serenade. However, I expect the result
will be the same. You will just delay the inevitable. (He gazes at Baroque.)
No, I doubt I'll ever be able to return here. (Serenade turns to
look too.) This parting will be forever. Farewell, Baroque!

(The camera angles upward to show the castle and a Chopin Story
Sequence begins...)

(Chopin Story Sequence - Tristesse)

(Following the sequence, the party is shown again in the Second
Floor Hallway of Baroque Castle...)

Polka: Prince Crescendo and Princess Serenade are trying to end
the conflict between the two territories.... ... by surrendering
and becoming prisoners. Even though they know they'll never be
able to return to Baroque!
Attendant: If that's the case, his highness most likely made use
of the teleportation device. From there, you can get to Forte by
passing through the To Coda Ruins. That would be the fastest route.
Jazz: If they make it to Forte, they have no chance. Count Waltz
isn't very sympathetic.
Allegretto: Let's go!

(They can talk with the Attendant again...)

Royal Official: The Prince most likely went through To Coda
Ruins on his way to Forte. I have arranged for you to have
access to the teleportation device so that you can travel to To
Coda yourselves. Please hurry to the Warp Room.
- You will find the Warp Room in a building to your left,
immediately after leaving the castle. The welfare of our Prince
is in your hands.

(He can talk with the people in the Second Floor Hallway again.
Beginning from the upper right...)

Guard at Right Stairway: Are the rumors of an impending attack
from Forte true? And with the King away....
- Even if the worst should happen, the Prince is with us. And we
will protect this castle with our lives. Baroque will never fall!

Guard by Crescendo's Room: Prince Crescendo is not in at the moment.
- What? They're not in the castle? I-I don't know anything about it!

Woman in Red Vest: What if the Prince and Princess elope?
Relations with that other country have only been growing worse,
after all. And the Princess is from there.

Man across from Red-Vested Woman: What?! I think they just ran
away together because they're afraid of war.

Boy: They told me I have to find my own dance partner. So, I've
been asking girls to dance with me, but none of them will. If I
can't find a partner, I'm going to end up dancing with Father.
- I don't want to do this anymore!

Woman near Boy: A short while ago, Prince Crescendo and Princess
Serenade passed by here. They both had grave looks on their faces.
Did something happen?
- If these flowers I've grown so carefully don't raise their
spirits, it would make me very sad.

Wandering Woman: I visited their room a short while ago, but
they weren't there. Where could they have gone?
- I found my missing card, so I was going to read their fortunes.

Maid near Laboratory: Prince Crescendo and Princess Serenade?
Yes, I saw them. They asked me to bring them cloaks, so I went
to their room.
- After that? No, I haven't seen them.
- I wonder what they wanted those cloaks for. Perhaps they've
thought up a new game.

(He can visit the various rooms along the Second Floor Hallway
and talk with the people there. Beginning with the Guest Room
where Polka stayed...)

Girl: Prince Crescendo's gone? Where'd he go?
- Daddy's kind of weak, so I'm a little worried without the Prince here.

Father: Prince Crescendo and Princess Serenade are missing?!
I can't just stand here! It's time to put the skills I've
learned to the test!

(In the next Guest Room...)

Woman: Let me tell you a thought I always keep in my heart.
"Like the wind and the water, it is only with the loss of that
which we hold dear, that our eyes are opened to its true beauty."
Well, what do you think? Did it touch your heart as well?
- I didn't come up with that myself, though. I read it in a book.

(In the first Guest Room on the left side...)

Woman: I hold a tea party every new moon, but this time,
Princess Serenade didn't come. It's the first time that's ever happened.
She must be with the Prince.

Man: You want candy? Prince Crescendo is missing! This is no
time to be asking for candy!
- If anything happens to the Prince, this country is finished!

(In the laboratory...)

Magic Researcher: Please help Prince Crescendo!

(A bit later, if the player spoke with the Magic Researcher as
Polka in Chapter 4, then...)

Magic Researcher: Listen! I've figured out the mineral powder!
Are you familiar with the mineral stone that Forte is mining day
and night at Mt. Rock? It turns out the ore contains trace
amounts of a substance known as magitone. It seems that magitone
is an important power source for using magic. And the strength
of that magic increases relative to the amount of magitone present.
However, consuming large amounts of magitone destroys the body's
natural balance. The body can't cope with the pressure from the
accumulation of magitone. Great power promises great prosperity.
The power of magic was very attractive to Forte. They wanted a
magic army, and they'd do anything to get it. But nobody would
knowingly imbibe something as dangerous as magitone. So Waltz
came up with the idea of presenting it to people as medicine.
In other words, the mineral powder is a demonic poison, made to
appear beneficial by hiding the magitone within healing
ingredients, as well as substances that enhance the user's
mental state. I must inform the Prince of these findings at once!
Polka: Um, actually Prince Crescendo is missing.
Magic Researcher: What?! The Prince isn't here?
Frederic: We believe he went to make contact with Waltz in order
to end the strained relations with Forte.
Magic Researcher: No! He must be stopped! Waltz will never let
him return safely!
Allegretto: That's why we're going after him. We'll bring him
back, I promise!

(He can speak with the guards in the Main Hall of the castle.)

Guard at Left: This is the audience chamber. The Prince? Now
that you mention it, I did see him earlier, but he didn't go in
here.
- This is the audience chamber.

Guard at Right: I just saw the Prince heading out of the castle.
Did something happen?

(He can speak with the guard stationed in the West Hallway, who
is sleeping on the job.)

Guard: Zzz....
- Zzz....
- Eggs and bacon.

(He can speak with the man in the Guest Room at the end of the hallway.)

Man: What? The Prince has disappeared? We're on the brink of war
with Forte! What could he be doing at a time like this?!
- (folding his arms) ...

(He can speak with the woman in the first Guest Room along the
East Hallway...)

Woman: I have a funny feeling about today. There's a commotion
in the castle, and I haven't seen the Prince or Princess
Serenade anywhere. This isn't the stirrings of love. Something
is about to happen.
- Where could the two of them have gone? I'm worried they may be in danger.

(And the man in the second Guest Room...)

Man: I need to speak with Prince Crescendo. I've been looking
everywhere for him, but I can't find him. Would you happen to
know where he is?
- I wonder where he went.

(And the maid in the Drawing Room...)

Maid: When I went to clean Prince Crescendo's room, it was
already spotless and tidy. I mean, he's always been someone who
liked to keep things neat, but even his bed sheets were
completely smooth. What do you suppose that means?
- If his bed is undisturbed, does that mean he stayed up all
night working?

(He can speak with the people in the Castle Gate area...)

Sailor at Left: Put! It on! My tab! Put! It on! My tab! I'm not
refusing to pay! I'll pay for it all in my next life!
Put! It on! My tab! Put! It on! My tab!
- Put! It on! My tab! Put! It on! My tab!

Guard at Left: Do you doubt our thoroughness?! We keep watch
every moment, from beginning to end. No suspicious person will
ever get past us!
- What? People on the way out?! It's true that we don't check
those exiting nearly as strictly, but....

Guard at Right: Have I seen Prince Crescendo and Princess Serenade?
No, I'm afraid I haven't. Have I noticed anything out of the ordinary?
Now that you mention it, I did see two hooded figures pass by.
- Prince Crescendo is missing?! Don't tell me those two were....

Elderly Man near Castle Entrance: If you're looking for two
people in grey hoods, they just entered that small building on
the left.
- Today was public court day, but it was postponed. They said
the Prince is ill.

Man Walking Up and Down Left Stairway: Have you ever heard of
mineral powder? It's a medicine they have in Forte that can cure anything.
But they don't want it brought into Baroque so it's confiscated
in customs. I wonder why?

Man Walking Up and Down Right Stairway: Oh, it's you!
Listen, don't tell anyone, but the Prince is missing from the castle!
I just couldn't sit still. I've been searching all over and
finally came out here. You go into the city a lot, don't you?
Have you seen the Prince?
- If you see the Prince, please let us know at once.

Younger Sister: Oh. My big sister is sick.
- If she doesn't get better.... No. I'm sure that won't happen.

Man in Sailor's Uniform: People often talk about the mother sea,
but the sea has a father's stern face. Its gentle waves grant
the peace of a mother's embrace. But its rough and stormy waves
are those of a strict father disciplining his children.
Kinda corny, huh?
- Baroque sailors are so cool. I wish I could be one.

Wandering Boy: That guy has been drawing that picture for a long time.
I wonder when it's gonna be finished. I wonder if I'm in it.
- Heh, heh. I'm gonna walk around looking cool.

Man in Red Shirt: I have to stop him, don't I? I know there's
something wrong with that medicine.
- This is a mistake. If I care about my friend, I need to tell
him straight out.

Painter: Those stairs are difficult to get right.
- No matter how many times I paint Baroque Castle, I never get
tired of it. Oh, I wasn't born here. I came from the countryside
to paint this beautiful, famous city.
- I love beautiful things.

Man near Sharp Mountains Exit: This view is just breathtaking.
It's like a cluster of shining jewels. I've always wanted to
come here at least once in my life, and I'm really glad I did.

(If not playing on Encore Mode, if Allegretto attempts to exit
to the Sharp Mountains...)

Allegretto: We have to go after Prince Crescendo and Princess
Serenade! The Warp Room was in the building next to the castle
gate, right?! (He turns back.)

(He can talk with the people in the main city area...)

Wandering Man near Entrance: Ow, ow, ow. I hurt my back helping
my friend move. He heard some rumors about Baroque being in
danger, so he decided to run away. Just where does he think is
safe, anyway?
- There's no safe place in the whole world. Just when you sit
down somewhere you think is safe, a big hole opens up right next to you.
As long as you're alive, there's always danger. Don't you agree?

Woman by Hotel: My husband will be home soon. I better get back.
- My husband and son both work at Baroque castle in accounting.
My husband wants our son to take over his job someday. My
husband's training our son by having him assist at work.
- I'm sure other people think that he's just a doting father.
But my husband has high expectations for our son. And I want him
to succeed, as well.

Girl near Item Shop: My friend still isn't here yet. She may be
cold when she gets here, so I put a bunch of wood in the fireplace.

Woman near Bulletin Board: In stuffed cabbage, should I put crab
or shrimp? Which do you think is best?
- I've made up my mind! I'm going to use shrimp! I'll make a
consommé soup and put in fresh shrimp in place of mincemeat!

Man near Save Point: The King? I heard he's ill right now.
He used to be a brave warrior who led the army himself, sword in hand.
- I think good health is the most important thing a person can have.
There's not much you can do if you get sick. I'd better take
care of myself, too.

Man with Walking Stick: How old are you? What's that? Sixteen?
You're two years older than my granddaughter.
- I bought some floral tea for my granddaughter. Would you like
to come to my house and have some with us?

Woman by House: I'm almost done knitting. All that's left is the neckline.
- I want to put a garter stitch in it, but that's no good for a
men's sweater, is it?

(He can talk with the people at the Hotel Ensemble...)

Running Boy: Hey, look! The chandelier is sparkling!

Man on Bench at Left: She says it's because Ritardando is headed
for war that all the prices have gone up.
- Well, Ma looks happy, doesn't she?

Woman in Frilly Dress: Have you heard the rumors that a war is brewing?
I've been so worried that Forte is going to declare war, I
haven't been able to sleep at night.

Man by Right Stairway Attendant: All they're missing here is a
gift shop. They could sell wooden EZI statues, EZI key holders,
EZI tapestries, EZI toothpicks....

Man in Front of Guest Room: (stamping his foot) What is it you
want anyway? Money? Fame?
- Open up right now!

(He can re-examine the fourth Guest Room door on the right, that
has a note on it...)

Allegretto: There's something written on the door card. "I want
to disappear like new fallen snow. Whenever will spring arrive?"

(He can speak with the people in the Guest Room on the far left.)

Woman: After drowning himself in the stress of his work, he lost
his ability to feel as a human being. A heart that can recognize
delicious foods, love that can recognize beauty. I wanted to
give him back the emotions we usually take for granted. But at
the time, I didn't know what to do.
- He was completely worn out. What he needed was peace and warmth.

Man: How many times have we stayed in this room now? My wife has
always been by my side. Even in this same room, she's shown me
new discoveries and new joys. And I'm certain that will continue.
As long as my wife is with me, I can be reborn anew time and time again.
- I've been reborn countless times in this room.

(He can talk with the people in the pub.)

Elderly Man: My wife still hasn't come back.
- I always thought of her as annoying. But it's lonely without her.

Complaining Sailor: What's her problem? Just 'cause I hung the
laundry wrong side out, she goes nuts on me.
- Hic! I can't stand her!

Sailor towards Back Right: I still can't forget the taste of
that fried pork she made for me way back when.

Miner by Back Door: Man, I want to get back to work in the mines.
As a mountain man, it's depressing being stuck down here.
- Do something, Prince Crescendo!

Sailor at Right Side of Left Table: Sherry is an expensive aged
wine produced in limited quantity. It's super sweet and tastes great!
- Whoops, I forgot, kids aren't supposed to drink.

Sailor at Left Side of Left Table: I'd like to visit Ritardando next.
They have the best seafood in the world. Of course, it's not
like I get to pick where we go.

Tipsy Sailor by Window: Aaah! Whoa! You're shrinking and
growing! Hic! You're fun to watch!
- Friendship is m-more important than love, I says!
- Pretty girly...I wuv you!

(When he enters the house at the far right, a cutscene in text
only begins automatically, if the game is being played on Encore Mode.
One of the dogs barks, and walks up to Viola...)

Wife: E-excuse me! Have you seen my husband?!
Allegretto: Whoa, what's wrong? Did something happen?
Wife: He hasn't come back! It's been three days since he left
for Sharp Mountain!
Viola: Three days in the mountains?!
Wife: This little one came back all alone! I think he came back
to tell me something! But I don't understand what he's trying to say.
I don't know what to do.
Viola: (walks up to the dog, who whines and yips at her) Your
husband's injured. He collapsed in the snowstorm.
Wife: Oh no! Please, save my husband!
Allegretto: Let's go, Viola! He'll be in trouble if he's
attacked by monsters!

(He and Viola run out of the house. Allegretto can re-enter and
talk with the wife again.)

Wife: If anything happened to him....

(He can visit the city Entrance area and talk with the people there.)

Woman in Light Blue: What? Am I cold in these clothes? Oh, no,
I'm used to it by now.
- And I can go inside the house any time. The house is nice and
warm because of the fireplace.

Man in Blue: Snow is beautiful, but it's also dangerous. You can
slip or trip on it, or get hit by falling icicles. Children and
the elderly need to be especially careful.
- You should be careful, too. It's dangerous to run on frozen paths.

Woman with Walking Stick: The cold goes straight to my bones.
- I think I'll rest here a bit.

Girl building Snowman: What happened at the castle? A bunch of
soldiers came out. I'm scared.

Leaping Girl: Let's make that place where the snow's all piled
up into a slide!

(If playing on Encore Mode, you can visit Sharp Mountains, where
you'll find that the Amateur Comedian is now Lousy Comedian.)

Lousy Comedian: The joke EZI taught me totally fell flat. The
audience booed like the howling winds of this mountain.
- I hate you, EZI! I'll never believe in you again!

(If Polka did not examine the EZI Shrine earlier, then
Allegretto can examine it instead.)

Allegretto: This is EZI Shrine! The EZI statues here are really
well made. Hmm, the one on the right's broken. Maybe there's a
piece I could take back as a memento-- Oh! (Acquired 321 Gold.)

(He can also examine the dead end area in the snow if Polka
didn't examine it.)

Allegretto: Huh? Something's buried here. (Acquired Snowpuff Cookie.)

(He can examine the plaque blocking the entrance to the
Sanctuary of EZI.)

Allegretto: Huh? What a weird plaque. Wait, is the Sanctuary of
EZI up ahead?! I probably shouldn't go near it. I'll just pray
from here.

(In the Second Point area, on the right path, if the party
visited the house with the dogs earlier, Allegretto hears a dog barking...)

Allegretto: What's that?

(Just up ahead, he finds a man lying in the snow being menaced
by a monster that looks like an albino version of the Bread Gang
monster from the beginning of the game...)

Allegretto: We have to do something!

(Boss battle with Tracer. After the battle, the party finds
themselves back in the house in Baroque...)

Husband: Thank you. Thanks to you, I escaped certain death.
Wife: Please allow me to thank you as well. You have my deepest gratitude.
Viola: No, you should thank these guys. (indicates the dogs)
If this guy hadn't come and told us, we'd never have known your
husband was in trouble. And if this one hadn't been howling,
your husband might have been lost.
Husband: Yes. If it weren't for them, I would never have made it
back to this house. (The dogs turn to him and whine.) I can't
ever thank you enough.
Viola: Because you love them like family, they protected you.
Husband: Please take this as a token of my gratitude.

(The wife walks up to Viola.) (Acquired Score Piece. Or, if
completing a third or greater playthrough, and having already
acquired the Score Piece, then... Acquired Peace Earring.) (The
scene ends. Allegretto can speak with the husband again...)

Husband: Thank you. We're going to go on living with these guys.

(And with the wife...)

Wife: I'm so glad he's safe. I owe it all to you. Thank you.

(He can speak with the wife again and she is now Gentle Harp,
another participant in the score piece sidequest...)

Gentle Harp: What? This score piece? This is the first present
he ever gave me. It's a little embarrassing, but it's my treasure.
I know! Do you have a score piece? Would you like to play a
session with me?

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 16 or 22
results in an F Rank...)

Gentle Harp: This isn't going as well as I'd hoped.

(Performing with Score Piece 22 results in a B Rank...)

Gentle Harp: I hope it goes well this time.

- Perform a session

Gentle Harp: Oh, almost! Let's keep trying. (Acquired Bubble Straw.)

(Performing with Score Piece 16 will attain an A Rank...)

Gentle Harp: Just a little more! Don't give up!

- Perform a session

Gentle Harp: Oh, there we go! Good job! (Acquired Weekly EZI Magazine.)

(He can speak with Gentle Harp again.)

Gentle Harp: It's nice when a session goes well. Want to try
another? Hee hee.

(He can revisit the Sharp Mountains and examine the sign on the
upper left at the Eighth Point.)

Allegretto: There's something written here. "Celebrating over
three hundred members in the Baroque Mountain Hiking Club!" Hmm.
Sounds like fun.

(He can visit the inn.)

Allegretto: Maybe we should rest here a while.

Rest
Don't Rest

(If Polka did not do so earlier, he can examine the fireplace.)

Allegretto: Phew, it's warm. We'd have been dead for sure if we
stayed in that snow. Hm? What's that? (Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can examine the area to the right in the inn.)

Allegretto: Huh? There's some writing here. "I am the legendary
Elder Chapper who destroyed one-thousand snow men!
Congratulations on getting all the way here! I'm impressed by
your mountaineering soul! Anyway, it's nice and toasty here.
It's just like heaven!" That's it?

(When ready, the party can visit the Warp Room.)

Guide: Oh, it's you! Please come over here.

(If they attempt to use one of the devices...)

Please come here.

(After they speak to the Guide, if not playing in Encore Mode...)

Guide: The castle servants informed me of your coming. The
device on the left has been having problems that have apparently
led to its complete breakdown. Do not be alarmed, however.
As this is an emergency, I have activated a device that will
carry you straight to the To Coda Ruins. It is difficult to ask
this of people who aren't from Baroque, but please bring back
the Prince, I beseech you.
- The device on the right will activate when you stand on it,
and send you to the To Coda Ruins.

(But if they are playing on Encore Mode...)

Guide: Welcome. The castle servants told me you would be coming.
The device that was previously out of order has been repaired
and is fully operational again. You can reach the To Coda Ruins
using the device on the right. With the device on the left, you
can travel to places you have visited in the past. It is
difficult to ask this of people who aren't from Baroque, but
please bring back the Prince, I beseech you.
- You can reach the To Coda Ruins using the device on the right.
With the device on the left, you can travel to places you have
visited in the past.

(If they examine the device on the left in an Encore
playthrough, they're presented with a number of locations.
Get ready for a lot of backtracking as we revisit the various
places the party has been to before, see what new things people
have to say, and what new things there are to find...)

Where should we go?

- Tenuto Village
Ritardando
Agogo Village
Forte City
Cantabile Inn
Andante
Baroque Ship

Stay here

(The party can visit Tenuto Village and speak with the villagers there...)

Woman on Pathway: Lately, the flowers have been doing especially well.
I wonder if it's because of that rain we had a while ago.
- The rain that falls gets carried to the ocean, but I wonder
where it goes from there?

Boy by Stairway: My mom yelled at me because I forgot to do my chores.
- Sniff! I won't cry just because I got scolded! Household
chores? Phooey! Who needs 'em!

Woman far along Pathway: Allegretto, was it? So what's your
relationship with Polka, anyway?!
- I won't forgive you if you take my little Polka away!
- Oh, come on now. Don't be shy. You can tell me!

Elderly Man at End of Pathway: Why, hello there, Captain Worthless.
So what kind of burger do you like?
- I hope we get pickled plum burgers tonight. All right, Prince
Chickenliver. Give this poor old man a piggyback ride back to
his palace, would ya?

(If Allegretto speaks with the guy sitting on the small ledge by
the stairway, he finds that he is now Easygoing Flat, another
participant in the score piece sidequest...)

Easygoing Flat: Now that you mention it, I recently got
interested in something besides floral tea. They're called score pieces.
Have you heard of them? I hear it's a lot of fun to play a
session with someone, but no one else in the village has a score piece.
What? You say you've got one? Well then, let's play a session together!

- Perform a session

(Performing with Score Piece 6 results in an S Rank...)

Easygoing Flat: How did that one feel? I know they say to each
his own, but in this case.... (Acquired Silver Bullet.)

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 6, 23, or 24
will result in an F Rank...)

Easygoing Flat: I can't wait to see what kind of music we'll
make next time.

- Perform a session

Easygoing Flat: Hmm. That's a session, huh? It doesn't feel very
comfortable, does it?

(Performing with Score Piece 23 will result in a B Rank...)

Easygoing Flat: Since it was sort of uncomfortable, I'm thinking
I probably don't need to play another session.

- Perform a session

Easygoing Flat: Hmm, so this is a session, huh? I get the
feeling it could be a little better. (Acquired Floral Powder.)

(Performing with Score Piece 24 will attain an A Rank...)

Easygoing Flat: Shall we try again? I hope this one goes a
little better.

- Perform a session

Easygoing Flat: Whoa, so this is a session! What a grand
feeling, it really sets the heart at ease. (Acquired Score Piece
or, if playing a third or greater playthrough, and having
already acquired the Score Piece, then... Acquired Floral Extract.)

(He can speak with Easygoing Flat again.)

Easygoing Flat: Won't you play one more session with me? I can't
forget that relaxing sensation.

(He can speak with a cat on the path leading the stream by
Polka's house, which turns out to be Solitary String, another
participant in the score piece sidequest...)

Solitary String: Meow meow? Meow Meow MEOW!

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Piece 21 will result
in an F Rank...)

Solitary String: Reoowwr!

(Performing with Score Piece 21 will attain an A Rank...)

Solitary String: Meow~.

- Perform a session

Solitary String: Meooowr. (Acquired Elite EZI.)

(He can "speak" with Solitary String again...)

Solitary String: Meow? Meow Meow MEOW!

(He can speak with the woman in the house on the right.)

Woman: Just when I was getting ready to cook, I found a hole in
my pot. If I were to cook like that, everything would just spill
out the bottom.
- I wonder if I'll have to go all the way to Ritardando to buy a new one?

(And with the woman in the shack on the left...)

Woman: Really? I guess she's out walking around again. I swear,
that girl. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I'm used to doing
all the housework around here.
- Do you like to cook? I love a man who's comfortable in the kitchen.

(There are quite a few people in the flower field to talk with...)

Woman Closest to Entrance: Have you come to buy floral powder?
You're in luck. We've had quite a harvest this year.

Sop: Someday, when I get married, I want my groom to place a
crown of flowers on my head! Hee hee! I said it! I don't mind
telling you, but you have to keep it super secret, okay?

Man near Center: A little longer, and we'll have to start
gathering the seeds. We'll get plenty this year.

Rano: We're all going to pick flowers today. Will you help us?

Woman at Left Center: Here now, children. A little more work, a
little less play.

Woman at Right: We avoid the misshapen petals and pick only the
finest ones. They all look the same? It takes an experienced eye
to tell a good flower petal from a bad one. I made a lot of
mistakes myself when I first started.

Woman at Top: Picking flowers is our job. If we don't stay busy,
it'll never get done!

Woman at Left: See the maiden flowers coming. Come to my basket,
pretty one. I'll see you next year, little on. When you've
become a maiden flower.

(He can visit Polka's house and speak with Solfege.)

Solfege: By the way, does Polka still have her rock?
Allegretto: Rock?
Solfege: Yes, it's an oddly shaped rock. She's had it with her
for as long as I can remember. But even though it's so important
to her, she's always losing it. Every time that happened, she
would be terribly sad, but before I knew it, she'd have found it again.
And she didn't really look for it either, it would just somehow
return to her.

(He can speak with her again.)

Solfege: She still misplaces that rock sometimes, in spite of
how much she treasures it. Honestly, she's still just like a
little girl sometimes.

(He can visit Heaven's Mirror Forest and travel to the north
section and Death Lights... er, sorry, Heaven's Mirror Field. He
can examine a plant in the area that has a squirrel resting atop it.)

Squirrel: Mewww! (Acquired Score Piece.)

(That's all to be done in Tenuto Village for now. The party can
travel to Ritardando next. If they do it via the teleporter,
it's a two-step process...)

Allegretto: It looks like we can go back to Baroque City from here.
What should we do?

- Return to Baroque City
Stay here

(Once in Ritardando, Allegretto can speak with the people in the town.)

Man near Church: Don't you think songs are amazing things?
A single song can move the hearts of many.
- Singing is a God-given musical instrument we always have with us.

Mustached Man: You really helped us out with that incident at
the church. If we have any more trouble, we'll let you guys know!
- Huh? You've had enough? What a shame, and you really helped the town.

Woman by Flower Cart: You kids are really something. Thanks for
taking care of that ghost under the church.
- Come one, come all! Fresh Tenuto flowers bathed in sunlight!

Woman at Pier: I'm so happy we're finally able to go to Baroque again.
My white knight in shining armor got rid of those nasty pirates!
With the danger gone, they've started up the ferry again!
- Thank you, Sir Knight! Wherever you are!
- Come to think of it, you guys are white knights yourselves! It
was you who saved the town!

Laughing Man in Orange Shirt: Wa ha ha! Wa ha ha! Ritardando is mine!
Wah ha ha! Wah ha ha!
- Laugh! Laugh! Laugh as much as you can!

Elderly Lady: Now I've lost sight of my husband again.
Honestly, where could he have gotten off to?

Squat Man at Edge of Beach: This actually isn't such a bad spot.
Look here, flower petals fall right into my lap.

Running Boy: She's totally checking me out!

Girl observing Running Boy: All this running is getting really boring.
- Maybe it's time to call it a day.

Woman outside House: Yesterday, the wind scattered all these
flower petals on the ground. If I'm not careful they'll blow
inside the house.
- It seems that boy has made up his mind about something.
It's not my place to get involved, but I hope he sticks to it this time.

(He can speak to the Store Clerk in the pharmacy.)

Store Clerk: Welcome. How about some mineral powder?
Mineral powder is just the thing for you!
- We got a notice from the government urging us to increase
sales of mineral powder. So I really have to sell, sell, sell!
Please buy some mineral powder!

(He can return to the sewers and speak to the kids there.)

Ad: Did you hear the rumor that the pirate ships are gone?
And now people who visit from Baroque are bringing all kinds of
yummy looking food with them.
- I'm so jealous. I want to eat stuff like that someday.

Phony: You can't come back yet?
- Do you remember that night when I was crying "Mama, mama!" in
my sleep? You came and told me everything was all right. That
made me really, really happy.
- Be careful.

Sym: I wonder if this is what a family is like. Everyone crying
and laughing together. If so, we're definitely a family!
- If we're a family, then Retto's the dad and Beat's the mom!

(If Beat brought back the Cold Medicine for Lib, then when
Allegretto speaks to her...)

Lib: Hi! I'm all better now! I'd been wanting to tell you thank
you for so long! So, thank you!
- Look how healthy I am now! Thank you!

(But if Beat did not...)

Lib: Last night, I snuck out into the town. The moon was so pretty.

(He can speak with the Priest in the Mandolin Church.)

Priest: I can see the change in your face. You've grown strong, Allegretto.
May God be with you. (He heals the party.)

(He can speak with a woman sitting in a pew who turns out to be
Methodical Gospel, another participant in the score piece sidequest.)

Methodical Gospel: Well, my. If it isn't Allegretto. It's been
quite a while. What's new with you? I still come to the church
every day to pray for the health and safety of my family.
I suppose not much new has happened unless you count this score
piece thingamabob I picked up the other day. But I've got no
idea how to use it. What do you think? Could you teach an old
lady how it works?

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Piece 27 will result
in an F Rank...)

Methodical Gospel: Hrm, this session thing isn't so easy.

(Performing with Score Piece 27 will attain an A Rank...)

Methodical Gospel: Maybe I'm not cut out to play these session thingies.

- Perform a session

Methodical Gospel: I-I did it! I played that session or whatever
you call it! (Acquired EZI Pendant.)

(He can speak with Methodical Gospel again.)

Methodical Gospel: What do you know? Even an old lady like me
can do this. These score piece thingies are pretty fun. Let's
play one more, before I forget how!

(He can examine the crack in the floor in the Mandolin Church Catacombs.)

Allegretto: Whoa. That was close. Falling from here would be really bad.

(He can examine the spot where the hideout connects.)

Allegretto: Hey, this is our hideout! I didn't know it connected like this!

(He can find a message in the back of the Depths of the Mandolin
Church Grotto...)

Allegretto: Huh? There's some writing here. "I am the legendary
Elder Chapper who destroyed one-thousand caves! Congratulations
on getting all the way here! I'm impressed by your desire to explore!
Here, you can have my only good suit!" (Acquired Ugly Clothes.)

(He can read the note in the pew, if the party has not already
engaged in the third battle with Dolce and company.)

Allegretto: Hm? There's something stuck on the back of this pew.

Tell my wine buddies:
"Dolce's skin is so smooth it makes me jealous!"

(He can visit the item shop and examine the shield again...)

Allegretto: "Limited Time Offer! The one and only Hero's Shield!
Can easily repel any weapon! Available for 5,000,000 Gold!" Five million?!
Hey, did the price go up?

(And the sword...)

Allegretto: "Limited Time Offer! The one and only Blade of
Heroes! Cuts through any armor like butter! Available for
5,000,000 Gold!" Five million?! Guess he doesn't want to sell it.

(He can visit the bakery and speak with the Baker Lady.)

Baker Lady: The priest told me you were giving the stolen bread
to orphans. That impressed me. Still, that doesn't make it right to steal.
- From now on, I'll give you some of the leftovers so there'll
be no reason to go on stealing. Even if it's for a good cause,
you shouldn't cause trouble for others.

(He can visit the house on the left and speak with the son inside.)

Son: That's it, I've decided. I'm going to be an armorsmith!
That way, I can protect the lives of many people!
- I'm sure the training to become an armor smith is so strict
that there's no time to rest. That's why I have to kick back and
relax while I still can.

(He can return to Agogo Village either through the forest or
using the warp, whatever floats his boat. He can speak with the
people there...)

Agogo Boy: I'm going to devote my life to studying agogos!

Squat Man near Save Point: Since you people came, my momma's
been really enthusiastic. She must be happy to have visitors.
- If my momma's happy, that's good enough for me.

Village Tour Guide: This? These are the three warrior god brothers.
They're good gods that fight against the bad gods who would make
the village suffer. When they combine into one, their merged
form shoots strange light out of its eyes. The elders said they
were really shocked when they saw it.
- Now when was the last time the warrior gods came to life?

Man in Orange Shirt: You hold the left one with your left hand.
You hold the right one with your right hand. What happens if you
hold the left one with your right hand and the right one with
your left hand at the same time?
- Sometimes the chief asks really difficult questions.

Woman by Vegetable Patch: March and Salsa have grown up so much
since I last saw them. I'm sure their parents would be very
proud of them.
- Remember that no matter what happens, everyone here in the
village is on your side. If you ever find yourselves in need of
a rest, come back and visit us anytime.

(He can speak with the people in the Cave Front area...)

Girl: It's no fair that you guys are keeping March and Salsa all
to yourselves. I wanna play with them, too.

Elderly Man at Left: Why do the folks from that country have to
mess with the mountain? They're the ones that are going to
suffer if the mountain dies.

Elderly Woman: He's been acting like that ever since you came
out of the cave.
- I hear that our god has been stricken by a disease. Isn't that just typical?
- The world is doing just fine.

(He can revisit the Chorus Plains and talk with the people there...)

Goatherd: Hey, if it isn't the boy from the other day. How did
things go? How've you been? Me? Oh, you know, same old, same old.
Doing the same thing day in and day out is liable to put a guy
to sleep. I'd like to try all sorts of things, but I guess
that's life, as they say, right?
- I wonder if these guys would taste good. Ha, ha. No, no, no!
Of course, I'd never eat them! Don't look at me like that. I was
totally kidding! No, it's just I'd heard somewhere that goat
stew is delicious. I was just wondering, you know,
hypothetically. I don't have any ulterior motives, I'm serious!
- I wonder if goat stew is as delicious as they say?

(He can examine one of the goats.)

Allegretto: Oh, this one's a kid. It's pretty scrawny. It needs
to eat more so it'll get bigger!

(He can speak with the man at the pier...)

Man: Sigh~ I don't think I'll ever understand women, no matter
how old I get.
- Sigh~ I'll bet all the tears I've cried over the years could
fill this whole lake.
- Sigh~ There's my face, reflected in the water.

(He can speak with the woman sitting next to him, who turns out
to be Twilight Juju, another participant in the score piece sidequest...)

Twilight Juju: This poor old man got dumped by his girlfriend
and he's feeling pretty down about it. I was trying to comfort
him, telling him to cheer up. Why don't you try and comfort him, too?

- Perform a session

(Performing with Score Piece 6 will result in an S Rank...)

Twilight Juju: What did you think, gramps?
(Acquired EZI Free Pass.)

(This special item is unique to the PlayStation 3 version of
"Eternal Sonata" and grants entrance to the Church of EZI.
See the bonus section at the end of this script.)

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 6, 7 or 15
will result in an F Rank...)

Twilight Juju: Life isn't interesting without a few bumps in the road.

- Perform a session

Twilight Juju: Come on now, look at his face. That kind of tune
isn't going to comfort him.

(Performing with Score Piece 7 will result in a B Rank...)

Twilight Juju: But, hey, in life there are high points and low
points and all kinds of things in between. But a life of failure
after failure? That's gotta be rough.

- Perform a session

Twilight Juju: Hmm, I wonder. Maybe he cheered up a little bit?
(Acquired Club Clover.)

(Performing with Score Piece 15 will attain an A Rank...)

Twilight Juju: In life, it's the times when everything's going
like clockwork that you have to watch out. You don' t notice
things as much as when times are tough.

- Perform a session

Twilight Juju: Hey, that wasn't bad, was it? Look, the old guy's
cheering up! (Acquired Swimming EZI.)

(He can speak with Twilight Juju again.)

Twilight Juju: He's in the prime of his life, and no matter how
you cut it, that time just doesn't last long. So since that time
is now, it would be a shame if he didn't enjoy it to the fullest.

(He can revisit the Cabasa Bridge, and...)

Allegretto: The bridge is completely gone. We're not gonna get
anywhere this way.

(He can travel as far as the Forte side of the Cabasa Bridge and
speak with the guy there, who turns out to be Disappointed Note,
another participant in the score piece sidequest...)

Disappointed Note: The Cabasa Bridge was famous because it was
so old. I came all the way from Baroque just to see it. Now what
am I supposed to do? Hah.... Want to play a session or something?

- Perform a session

(Disappointed Note is a bit of an odd duck and there are
numerous pieces that will result in a B Rank with him. However,
certain pieces, such as Score Piece 21, will result in an F Rank...)

Disappointed Note: Hmm. I guess that's as good as it's gonna
get, huh?

(As already mentioned, numerous pieces result in a B Rank...)

Disappointed Note: Come on, already. If we're going to play,
then let's play!

- Perform a session

Disappointed Note: That wasn't quite right. Oh, well. (Acquired Hunting Knife.)

(Performing with Score Piece 19 will attain an A Rank...)

Disappointed Note: Personally, I don't mind that irregular quality.
Actually it might be better that way.

- Perform a session

Disappointed Note: It felt like something hit me in the head.
Like suddenly being awake after a long sleep. (Acquired Score
Piece, or if already acquired, Acquired Snowpuff Cookie.)

(He can speak with Disappointed Note again.)

Disappointed Note: Thanks to you, my eyes have been opened.
You can't waste time moping around. Time to head home! Oh,
right, we were going to play a session first.

(He can warp to Forte City and speak with the people in the main city area...)

Elderly Lady near Entrance: Whew, all that walking's got me tired.
No matter where you go, the only they sell is mineral powder.
It's nice that it's cheap, but after taking it, I always feel worn out.

Marching Guard: You're in the way! Move!
- Are you trying to keep me from doing my duty, punk? I'll throw
you into the dungeon!

Guard by Hotel: The number of guards has gone up recently. I
wonder if the rumor that war is near is true?
- The officers are nervous about the power of the rebel groups.
Maybe I should take some mineral powder to get prepared.

Phil: Hey! Let me tell you what I did the other day! That
soldier over there is a slacker and always sitting on that bench
over there. So I put cream all over it. That gave away his
loafing and he got yelled at!
- That soldier stopped sitting on the bench. Maybe he learned
his lesson. But it's so boring. There's not much I can do to him now.

Koto: I see lots of different people at the inn when I'm helping
out there. There are even people who walk all the way from
Ritardando and Baroque. When I grow up, I want to go to
different places, too.
- It's much better to travel with someone else than to go by
yourself, right? What? I should go with Phil? No way! He'd just
wander off somewhere. Well, I guess I'd just have to keep an eye on him.

Moocher: Liquor! Money! Liquor! Money! Uh-oh! If you don't give
me something quick, I'm gonna turn into a wolf!
- I'll never be able to transform into a giant tiger like this!

Wandering Woman: Yeah! I feel a hundred times better! Medicine
always gets me going again! This medicine is truly powerful stuff!
Hooray for mineral powder! Long live Forte!
- Mineral powder is the best! I feel like I'm overflowing with power!
No matter how far gone I am before I take some, it fills me up
with power from head to toe!

(He can examine the uncovered sewer hole by the item shop again...)

Allegretto: Whoa! That's dangerous! Who left this open? Beat
could get washed away!

(He can revisit the Castle Gate area and speak with the elderly
man who is clutching his chest. This initiates a cutscene in
subtitles, if you listened to the story of the Grandmother in
the Hotel Ensemble in Baroque while playing as Polka.)

Elderly Man: Ugh... argh....

(Polka approaches the man.)

Allegretto: H-hey, Polka!
Polka: I'll heal him with my magic!
Elderly Man: You again? Don't worry about... me.
(sagging to the ground) Argh....
Polka: Please, be still!
Elderly Man: Aah ahh.... (Polka uses her magic and she glows.
The man gets up and stops clutching his chest.) M-my chest
doesn't hurt. Amazing!
Allegretto: That's right. If Polka hadn't used her magic, you'd
have been in trouble.
Elderly Man: So this is magic. It's different than mineral powder.
My whole body feels warm.
Allegretto: That's how it works. Polka was thinking of you when
she used her magic. Magic holds human warmth.
Polka: I'm glad you're feeling better. Please take care not to
strain yourself again. Well, goodbye. (She and Allegretto begin
to walk away, but...)
Elderly Man: Ah, young lady! (They turn back to him.) Thank you!
(Acquired Score Piece.)

(The scene ends. Allegretto can speak with the man again...)

Elderly Man: Magic is truly an amazing thing.

(He can speak with the other people in the Castle Gate area.)

Boy: My parents told me I'm gonna be an older brother next spring!
Pretty cool, huh? I can't wait!
- I wonder if it'll be a boy or a girl. I hope we get along well.

Heartbroken Man: It's all so clear to me now! It's no good
pining for her and telling myself I'm protecting her from afar.
That's just wishful thinking. I don't care how many times she rejects me.
I've got to let her know how I feel!
- This feeling. It's something I can't forget! I've got to act!

Guard at Left: This is Count Waltz's castle. Its off limits to civilians!
- Beat it!

(He can speak with the guard standing on the right in front of
the castle, who turns out to be Petty Oud, another participant
in the score piece sidequest...)

Petty Oud: The days go by quickly since I became the gate watchman.
I've got a few complaints though. This job has irregular work
hours, so I can never find time to practice my beloved score
pieces. I have to practice on the sly while I'm working!

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 30 or 32
results in an F Rank...)

Petty Oud: You're terrible at this. Why did I risk losing my job for this?

(Performing with Score Piece 30 results in a B Rank...)

Petty Oud: I'm playing this session with my job on the line.
If you're just fooling around, then get lost!

- Perform a session

Petty Oud: Hmm. It has a sort of elusive quality. No one likes a
man who can't make up his mind. (Acquired Rapture Head.)

(Performing with Score Piece 32 will attain an A Rank...)

Petty Oud: I've got no time for such vagueness. Those who can't
give a straight answer get scolded by their superiors.

- Perform a session

Petty Oud: That was perfect synchronicity! Yeah! That rocked me
like a hurricane! How sad that I can't celebrate while I'm on
the job! (Acquired Diamond Bracelet.)

(He can speak with Petty Oud again.)

Petty Oud: I never imagined I'd meet a person who could
synchronize as perfectly as you can. Let's synch up again sometime!

(He can visit the Hanon Hills: North area and speak with an
elderly lady in a nook. This turns out to be Strolling Ghost
Note, another participant in the score piece sidequest...)

Strolling Ghost Note: Why hello there. I'm out for a stroll in
this nice weather we're having. What with it being so hot today,
I decided to cool off a bit in the shade of this tree. Do you
happen to have a score piece handy? Won't you play a session
with an old lady while we take a break?

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 1, 6, 9, or 21
results in an F Rank...)

Strolling Ghost Note: Needs more mustard.

(Performing with Score Pieces 1, 6, or 21 results in a B Rank...)

Strolling Ghost Note: I'm just starting to get warmed up! How is
your score piece holding up?

- Perform a session

Strolling Ghost Note: Aah, that was just the exercise this old
lady needed. (Acquired Big Paper Fan.)

(Performing with Score Piece 9 will attain an A Rank...)

Strolling Ghost Note: Out of breath already? Or do you think you
can keep going?

- Perform a session

Strolling Ghost Note: My, my! You have a gift for melody. You've
struck a chord in this old lady's heart! (Acquired Laughing EZI.)

(He can speak with Strolling Ghost Note again.)

Strolling Ghost Note: This old lady's all filled up.
That's enough for me. Do you still want more?

(He can return to the Cantabile Inn and speak to the man sitting
on the bench outside.)

Man: Well, you made it back in one piece I see. I thought for
sure you'd eat some of those spores and kick the bucket.
- So, how was Woodblock? Not a walk in the park, right?

(He can visit the Guest Room on the left and speak with the boy,
who turns out to be Sister Loving Trumpet, another participant
in the score piece sidequest...)

Sister Loving Trumpet: We're going to our Aunt's house in Ritardando.
She's promised us a new score piece. I hope we get to see her soon.

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 12, 23 or 24
results in an F Rank...)

Sister Loving Trumpet: No, that's not it at all.

(Performing with Score Pieces 12 or 24 results in a B Rank...)

Sister Loving Trumpet: Last time we did terribly. I hope it goes
better this time.

- Perform a session

Sister Loving Trumpet: Just a little more practice.
(Acquired Snowpuff Cookie.)

(Performing with Score Piece 23 attains an A Rank...)

Sister Loving Trumpet: I'm pretty tough, you know. If push comes
to shove, I'll carry my sister on my back.

- Perform a session

Sister Loving Trumpet: Wow! That's it, you've got it! I've never
heard anything like that! (Acquired Hippolyte's Belt.)

(He can speak with Sister Loving Trumpet again.)

Sister Loving Trumpet: Actually, I'm planning on giving my
Aunt's score piece to my sister as a present.

(He can also speak with the sister, who turns out to be a
participant in the score piece sidequest as well. This is
Tenacious Cornet.)

Tenacious Cornet: The Fusion River ferry isn't running right now.
You know that, right? That's why we have to walk to Ritardando.

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Piece 13 results in
an F Rank...)

Tenacious Cornet: It would be easier if there was a ferry. But
we're doing this to see Auntie. We've gotta be tough!

(Performing with Score Piece 13 will attain an A Rank...)

Tenacious Cornet: Hmm.... you still want to keep playing?

- Perform a session

Tenacious Cornet: What? The ferry's running again?! I'd like to
take a boat, but we've already come this far.... Oh, well! At
least getting back will be easy. (Acquired EZI Pocketbook.)

(He can speak with Tenacious Cornet again.)

Tenacious Cornet: Oh, you're from Ritardando? What's it like there?
Wait, don't tell me. It'll spoil the surprise.

(He can revisit Woodblock Groves and discover a curious device
in South Center that requires him to enter numbers...)

Allegretto: Huh? It looks like we can enter numbers here!
What should we enter?

(If he enters the wrong set of numbers...)

Allegretto: Nothing's happening.

(But using a clue from the Pirate's Paper 3, the party can enter
the correct set of numbers, which is 3214. Once they do, a
fanfare sounds and a cutscene begins in subtitles. A treasure
chest drops down from the sky...)

Allegretto: Whoa!
Polka: Is this the pirate treasure?
Salsa: (leaping in the air) All right! We finally found it!
Beat: Hurry up, Retto! Let's open it up!

(Allegretto walks up and opens it, but a skeleton jack-in-the
box pops up and Allegretto is knocked back.)

Allegretto: What?! (He walks up to it and examines it.)
Off-Screen Voice: Mwa ha ha ha! Sorry to crash your little party!

(The party turns and finds themselves facing Dolce and her two lieutenants.)

Salsa: Here come the monsters!
Beat: They're not monsters.
Bass: We're just lucky you're a pack of fools. Now the treasure is ours!
Guitar: Ha! How do you like that! Suckers!
Salsa: Grrr.
Dolce: Well, now that we have the treasure, all that's left is
to teach you lot a lesson for wrecking my ship and making me
look like a fool!

(Boss battle with Dolce and her two lieutenants...)

Dolce: Go wash off that sweat.

(When Dolce is KOed...)

Dolce: I won't forget that!

(Following the battle, another scene in subtitles...)

Dolce: How could I lose when I was going all out? (She gets up.)
Dammit! I'll give you that stupid treasure! (She produces a
treasure chest and she & her lieutenants run away.)
Allegretto: She was pretty persistent, wasn't she?
Salsa: (turning to him) It's ours! We finally got the real
treasure! What are you waiting for Allegretto?! (stomping
antsily) Allegretto, hurry!
Allegretto: All right, all right. Calm down, Salsa. (He walks
over and opens the chest.) (Acquired Seven Stars.) (There is
another fanfare and Salsa, Polka & Beat make motions of triumph.
The scene ends.)

(He can return to Andante and speak with the members of
Andantino there.)

Member near Entrance: Hey, it's been a while.
- I have a bad feeling about what's going on out there. Make
sure that nobody follows you here.
- We'll continue our struggle until there's freedom for all.

Member near Bridge: Baroque's prince is on the move?! So our
hard work is about to pay off.
- It's been a long and painful road since we began our campaign
and started getting support. We've lost so many comrades, but
their sacrifices will finally be rewarded!
- I can already see the happy faces of the people, freed from tyranny!

Woman by Waterfall: I haven't seen Claves around lately. I
wonder if something happened?
- I wish I could use a sword like Claves....

Member near Shop: Hey, new guy. Haven't seen you in a while.
Were you on a secret mission?
- No, no, no! Just because we're on the same team doesn't mean
you should tell me about your mission. Come on! That's the most
basic of basics. Man, new recruits are such a pain!

Woman near Cemetery Entrance: The other day, I saw a Simile
flower for the first time in ages. It really brought back memories.
Back when they bloomed all over, this town had just started
being built. In the beginning, we spread out blankets at night
and all slept together. Now the town's grown so big, and the
population as well. But I still remember those days. When we all
worked together to build homes in the light of the Simile flowers.
- That flower only blooms in the cemetery now.

Man near Cemetery Entrance: You went to Lento Cemetery after I
specifically told you not to? Why in the world did--what? Flowers?
Water? What are you talking about?
- Lento Cemetery is dark and dangerous and it doesn't get any upkeep.
I'm telling you this for your own good.

Member Doing Squats: One! Two! I'm training! So Jazz will take
me along next time!

(He can enter the Infirmary and a cutscene in text only begins...)

Etude: Argh... ugh....
Chaconne: Etude! Oh! Etude!

(Jazz and Allegretto enter the room.)

Jazz: What's going on?!
Allegretto: What happened?
Doctor: These four morons tried a nighttime raid on Forte Castle.
Allegretto: By themselves?!
Doctor: They were apparently trying to assassinate Count Waltz,
but they came under attack before they even got inside. He's the
only that made it back. As for the others....
Allegretto: It's crazy to do something like that! They must've
done this without even talking to Jazz!
Jazz: Doctor, what is Etude's condition?
Doctor: His wounds are deep, but fortunately they didn't hit any
vital organs. His life isn't in danger, and he's conscious.
Allegretto: Good! Then let's hurry and get Polka to heal him with magic.
Etude: J-Jazz... I'm sorry.
Jazz: Why did you go?
Etude: I-I wanted to help the people who are suffering! You feel
the same way, don't you? That's why you started Andantino!
Jazz: ...
Etude: My life is a small price to pay!
Jazz: Did you intend to leave Chaconne to live her life without you?
Etude: W-well, I'm sure she understands.
Jazz: Do you really think it's that simple?
Etude: ...
Chaconne: Etude....
Jazz: (turning to Allegretto) Don't use magic on him. (As he
walks out...) He needs to remember this pain.

(The scene ends and Allegretto is outside the Infirmary. He can
re-enter and talk with the people there.)

Chaconne: I'm sure he'll understand.

Etude: ...

Doctor: He needs some time to himself. Let's leave him alone for now.

(He can visit the Storage Room and talk with the Young Member there...)

Young Member: Don't tell anyone you heard it from me, but I
heard Claves is dead.
- That sort of thing happens in an organization like this. You
don't ever get used to it.

(He can visit the Meeting Room and talk with a man there named Bass...)

Bass: Tenor? You want to know more about Tenor? Hmm, well Tenor
was my closest friend. He was the leader of the miners. Kind and
courageous, everyone looked up to him.
- You want to know more about me? You're a strange fellow, to be
interested in this old man. Hmm, well I may not look it anymore,
but I used to be a miner. I worked my butt off in Forte. After
that, I fought with Tenor and the others. I don't know how
helpful I was, but I fought with all my might.
- It's not easy saying goodbye to a close friend. But it was his wish.

(He can revisit the Residence with the simile flower and speak
with the family there.)

Father: Thank you so much for bringing water back from the cemetery.
The flower is growing strong and my daughter is ecstatic.
- It's sad to think that such a beautiful flower can now only be
found in the cemetery. By coming here, we drove away these flowers.

Son: Thanks a lot for your help. My sister's really happy, and so am I.
- It's a beautiful flower.

Daughter: (leaping for joy) Yeay! It's blooming! It's blooming!
- Yeay! Yeay!

(He can use the warp to visit the Baroque Ship. He finds himself
in the West Hallway and can speak with the sailor by the stairway.)

Sailor: I thought there were no more pirate ships! That's why I
agreed to come on board.
- Mommy! Help me, Mommy!

(If Polka didn't do so earlier, then he can examine the boxes on the deck.)

Allegretto: Huh, there's something in this box. (Acquired Piercing Shell.)

(He can examine the boxes as well, if Polka didn't do so earlier.)

Allegretto: Oh, there's something in this barrel.
(Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can visit the East Hallway and if Polka didn't examine the
area under the stairway earlier, he can do so instead.)

Allegretto: What's in this barrel?! (Acquired Bubble Straw.)

(He can speak with the Sailor in the Bedroom at the right end of the hallway.)

Sailor: We'll have to be extra careful next trip because Prince
Crescendo will not be with us.
- Can't you do something about the pirates?!

(He can examine the bookshelves in the room if Polka didn't do
so earlier...)

Allegretto: Hey, there's something between the books.
(Acquired Score Piece.)

(He can examine the barrel in the Drawing Room if Polka didn't
do so before...)

Allegretto: What is this? (Acquired Hell Mustard.)


(When finally ready, he and the others can proceed to To Coda
Ruins using the device in the Warp Room...)

Allegretto: I guess we can get to To Coda Ruins from here. What should we do?

- Go to To Coda Ruins
Stay here

(The device activates and the party is presented with a scene of
various ruined structures and crackling flames. This is the...)

===To Coda Ruins===

(Allegretto can examine the device leading back to Baroque.)

Allegretto: It looks like we can return to Baroque City from here.
What should we do?

Return to Baroque City
Don't return

(At the end of the first island, Betrayal Island, he discovers a message...)

The first king asked, "Can you read what is in my heart?"
The bronze bird replied, "Betrayal."

(At the end of the second island, False Pride Island, he finds
another message...)

The second king asked, "Can you read what is in my heart?"
The bronze bird replied, "False pride."

(And the third island...)

The third king asked, "Can you read what is in my heart?"
The bronze bird replied, "Conceit."

(The fourth island, too...)

The fourth king asked, "Can you read what is in my heart?"
The bronze bird replied, "Resentment."

(The fifth island? You bet!)

The fifth king asked, "Can you read what is in my heart?"
The bronze bird replied, "Jealousy."

(Of course, the sixth island as well...)

The sixth king asked, "Can you read what is in my heart?"
The bronze bird replied, "Suspicion."

(Naturally, the seventh island...)

The seventh king asked, "Can you read what is in my heart?"
The bronze bird replied, "Distress."

(The party finds themselves back on the sixth island.)

The sixth king asked again, "Can you read what is in my heart?"
As before, the bronze bird replied, "Suspicion."

(The party arrives at the final island, Sincerity Island, and
finds something distinctly different.)

The eighth king mourned, "My heart will be hard to save."
The golden bird cried loudly, "Sincerity!"

(The party uses the teleporter and reaches a new area, Cello Tree.
Allegretto can examine the teleporter in that area...)

Allegretto: It looks like we can get to the To Coda Ruins from here.
What should we do?

Go to To Coda Ruins
Stay here

(After proceeding a little ways ahead in this area, a cutscene begins.
A woman appears holding a gnarled staff. This is the woman from
the opening cutscene who appears to possess great age and wisdom...)

Elderly Woman: Polka, my dear. I knew you would be coming sooner or later.
Polka: Huh? How do you know my name?!
Elderly Woman: It's certainly been a long time, hasn't it? I
can't quite remember, how many years has it been since last I saw you?
It feels like it could have been only yesterday. But I suppose
it also could have been hundreds of years ago.
Viola: You know her?
Polka: (shakes her head) No, I don't. I'm sorry, have we met
somewhere before?
Elderly Woman: Not somewhere, my dear. We've met before right
here, in this very place. Because, you're the only person who
can draw a fortune here.
Polka: We met here? But this is the first time I've ever been to
this place. Excuse me, ma'am. But how is it that you know about me?
Elderly Woman: My dear, I'm afraid you wouldn't understand even
if I explained it to you. And even if you knew everything, you
cannot change fate now. And I see you arrived here right on schedule.
I suppose you must not have encountered any particular trouble
this time-- Oh my. (It seems she has noticed Frederic's
presence.) Well, now, what have we here? I never expected to see you here.
Allegretto: Uh, ma'am? Ya mind explaining what you're doing here
in the first place? I mean, don't tell me that waiting here for
Polka to show up is all you ever do.
Elderly Lady: First, Polka is going to draw a fortune of bad luck.
Beat: (running toward her) Wait, you actually know what fortune
she's gonna draw before she does it?
Elderly Lady: Yes, I know very well. You see my job is to
witness whether or not she ties that fortune to the sacred tree.
Allegretto: The sacred tree?
Elderly Lady: The tree standing right behind this fortune
telling hut. (The camera angles up to indicate a gnarled tree
that, like the woman, appears to be possessed of great age.) Its
real name is the Cello Tree. It has stood on this land for
thousands and thousands of years. For the tree, it's as if time
is always standing still. For it never grows any taller, but
neither does it ever wither. And that is why the people who live
in this land have come to call it, "the sacred tree." They think
it blessed, because it doesn't age. Now, Polka. Go ahead. Draw your fortune.
You will know soon enough whether what I have told you is the
truth or not. (She steps aside.)
Beat: What do you think? Are you gonna do it? This whole thing
is kind of weird.
Polka: I'll do it. I'll draw one. There's no way she could know
what I'm going to draw before I do it. That doesn't make any sense.
(She starts walking forward.) No one knows what they're gonna
get before they draw, that's why people can have hope for the future.
(She reaches her hand into the fortune-telling device and draws
a paper fortune, tied with a blue teardrop crystal. She walks
over to the lady.)
Elderly Lady: Excellent. Now then, my dear, go over to the
sacred tree, and if it is indeed a bad fortune, tie it to one of
the branches of the tree. Doing so will drive away the bad luck.
(Polka nods and turns toward the tree.) That's settled. (She
addresses her comments now to Frederic, who is standing behind her.)
Now, as for you. There is no need for you to draw a fortune, is
there? (She turns to him.) I should think not. For your destiny,
lies in a place that is far beyond our reach. Even so, I am
fairly certain that we must have you see this part through to
the very end. Go with her.
Frederic: Madam, are you saying that following her will somehow
decide my fate?
Elderly Lady: Weren't you listening to me? No one of this world
could possibly know what your destiny holds.
Frederic: All right. (He heads for the Cello Tree.)
Allegretto: Come on, let's all go! (He runs for the tree.)
Elderly Lady: You may not.
Allegretto: (stops and turns back) What? Why not?
Elderly Lady: Because the rest of you are different. You exist
within the boundaries of destiny.
Falsetto: Boundaries of destiny?
Elderly Lady: Those who exist within the boundaries are not
permitted to ever see its form.
Allegretto: You're saying that he and Polka are different from us?
Elderly Lady: That is correct.
Allegretto: Huf! Yeah, well, I'm not buying it! (He runs off for
the tree again.)
Salsa: I wanna go, too!
Elderly Lady: Dear me. How utterly pointless.

(The scene changes to the Cello Tree, where Frederic is
approaching Polka.)

Polka: (turning to him) Oh, Frederic!
Frederic: The old woman told me I should see this through to the end.
Polka: Oh, she did? All right then, I'm gonna open it. (She does
so and her eyes widen.) What's this? (The camera angles to show
the paper in her hand. It's completely blank!)
Frederic: But it... it's just blank. And all of the fortunes
tied to the tree are bad luck. I wonder, could a blank one mean
what I think it does? That this world really is just my....
Polka: This is it. This is what I can do to help the world. No
matter what, I guess there's no escaping it.
Frederic: What's wrong?
Allegretto: (approaching) Aw, man. You opened it up already?
Well? What did it say? What is this a joke? It's blank.
Wow, there sure are a lot more up there. Yikes! And all the
fortunes are bad luck. Hey, do you think that's why that old
lady said she knew what was gonna happen? Anyway, it looks like
she was totally wrong when she said that thing about you being
the only person who can draw a fortune here.
Polka: Allegretto, I'm not so sure.
Allegretto: What's the matter? Aw, come on, don't take it so
seriously. I guess picking a blank fortune is kind of weird, but
face it, it's way better than getting a bad luck one.
Polka: Oh!
Allegretto: Hey, let's head back and talk to that old lady again.
We can tell her her intuition was 100 percent wrong. (He makes
an "O" symbol with his thumb and ring finger and walks off.)
Polka: He's right. This isn't a bad luck fortune, not yet.
Frederic, I think I should try having faith in this fortune.
Things'll be different from now on. And I'll wait. I won't
resort to that until the last possible moment. (She leaves.)
Frederic: So, it's all up to me. To do something to change this
world, something to save Polka. But how? What am I supposed to do?
(He stares up at the Cello Tree. The scene ends and playable
control is returned to Allegretto. He can examine the elderly
lady's shack...)

Allegretto: Can something like this make a wish come true?
Well, if it can, then I wish Polka.... Geez, what am I doing?
This is stupid. Let's get going! (Acquired Saint's Mirror.)

(He can examine one of the branches of the tree...)

Allegretto: Huh? You can't call that a fortune. (Acquired Score Piece.)

(The party proceeds through the next area, Cowbell Heights, and
reaches the Entrance section of Mt. Rock. As they carry on, a
cutscene in text only begins as an Item Merchant spots Jazz,
Falsetto and Allegretto...)

Item Merchant: H-hey! Is that you, Jazz? (He approaches the group.)
It is you! Well, of all the things. I didn't think you were
still alive. I was sure that you'd been done in during the
rebellion, but.... So, you survived. Falsetto, too. Thank goodness.
But as for the mountain.... The situation on the Forte side has
gotten much worse since then. They've increased surveillance and
the work has gotten brutal. The men are dropping like flies. To
tell the truth, some of the miners are still angry with Tenor.
By the way, what did you come back here for? No, on second
thought, don't tell me. You've got your reasons, I'm sure.
If you're heading up the mountain, it's best to be prepared.
I don't have anything special, but buy what you need.

(The scene ends. Allegretto can speak with the Item Merchant...)

Item Merchant: The mountains are dangerous, you know. Make sure
to buy what you need before you go.

Shop
Rest
Quit

(If you choose Rest, the party is healed, then...)

Item Merchant: Be careful.

(The party continues to the next area, which is littered with
mining carts and other gear. They have reached...)

===Mt. Rock===

(After passing through a couple of screens, another cutscene in
text only begins...)

Jazz: ... This is where Tenor and I parted ways. I remember it well.
The tide had turned against us, and retreat was our only option.
I thought we'd be safe if we could just make it to Baroque. I
was such a fool. No sooner had we crossed the border than
Forte's army came pouring through right after us. We finally
made it to this cave. This is the spot where those of us who
remained banded together to make our final stand. I still
haven't forgotten Tenor's words. Having made up my mind to fight
to the death, they weren't easy words for me to hear. I felt as
if I was being torn apart. But in order to carry out Tenor's
wishes, Bass and I turned our backs on the blood and sand, and
left the mountain behind.
Falsetto: Jazz....
Polka: If... if you could do it over again, would you?
Jazz: ...
Polka: I'm sorry.
Jazz: We can never turn back time. Even if such a thing were
possible, I wouldn't want to. Because it would only be a
negation of the choices made by the friends who've died along the way.
Polka: You're right.
Frederic: ...
Allegretto: (turning to Polka) Something wrong, Polka?
Polka: No, it's nothing.

(The scene ends. The party continues up the mountain and
eventually reaches a Tertiary Mineshaft area where they find a
man lounging against a rockface who turns out to be Aloof
Fiddle, another participant in the score piece sidequest...)

Aloof Fiddle: Me? I'm not really anybody special. Just an
ordinary traveler. Which direction should you take? Hmm. Perhaps
this score piece will take you where you need to go.

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 11, 12, or 28
results in an F Rank...)

Aloof Fiddle: True progress can't be made with your sights set so low.)

(Performing with Score Pieces 12 or 28 results in a B Rank...)

Aloof Fiddle: Finding one's own obstacles is a part of traveling.
Aren't you even aware of that much?

- Perform a session

Aloof Fiddle: The road of travel shows you many things. You are
still young. Your coming experiences will aid in your progression.
(Acquired Floral Powder.)

(Performing with Score Piece 11 attains an A Rank...)

Aloof Fiddle: A great wall stands before you. Whether or not you
will overcome it is up to you.

- Perform a session

Aloof Fiddle: I really felt your determination there. With such
strength of will, you won't lose sight of your destination
(Acquired Sunlight Guards.)

(He can speak with Aloof Fiddle again...)

Aloof Fiddle: I'm rooting for you. The obstacle you've overcome
will shore up your confidence and spur you forward.

(The party eventually reaches the summit of Mt. Rock. The scene
shows Crescendo and Serenade...)

Serenade: After we get over this ridge, the rest of the way will
all be downhill.
Crescendo: Yes. We're almost in Forte territory. From this point
on we should be especially careful not to reveal who we are.
Allegretto: (offscreen) Hey! Guys!

(The party approaches.)

Serenade: What?
Crescendo: You caught up with us sooner than I expected. I
assumed we'd at least make it to Forte first.
Polka: I'm glad we caught up with you in time.
Allegretto: What do you think you're doing?
Serenade: Why in the world did you follow us?
Polka: Princess, how could you leave without telling anyone in
Baroque Castle? There are a lot of people there who are really
worried about you.
Crescendo: I know this seems reckless, but the circumstances
called for decisive action. We must avoid a pointless war. And I
feel strongly that meeting in person with Count Waltz is the
best way to accomplish that.
Jazz: Sneaking into Forte alone was your best idea? This is
Waltz we're talking about. You know there's no guarantee he'll
spare your life.
Serenade: Maybe not. But if I were to speak with him, I believe
he would spare the Prince. Even if I have to sacrifice my own
life, I will protect him. After all the things I have done, it
is the very least I can do to make up for it.
Viola: Count Waltz doesn't seem like the type who listens to reason.
Even if he does let you live, I seriously doubt he'll ever let
you set foot in Baroque again.
Allegretto: And when Baroque has been thrown into chaos after
losing its prince, Waltz will still invade.
Polka: They're right. You can't abandon Baroque now.

(The scene goes dark for a minute and then Beat spots something...)

Beat: Wh-What's that?

(The camera angles to show a large thunder of dragons
approaching the party.)

Falsetto: They're already invading?!

(Count Waltz is shown at the forefront, riding one of the dragons.
The camera zooms in on Jazz, who looks resolute.)

Polka: There are so many of them!
Jazz: Damn it!
Count Waltz: All of you! Stand by in the skies overhead! Legato,
we're descending, now!
Legato: Yes, my lord.

(They descend.)

Salsa: They're coming right this way!
Jazz: Even if we tried to fight a force that size, we'd have no
chance of defeating them. And after they've finished us off,
they'll just continue on to conquer the rest of Baroque.
Falsetto: What can we do, Jazz?
Jazz: All we can do is pretend to listen to their demands.
That may buy us some time.

(Count Waltz and Legato land.)

Count Waltz: It would have been terribly rude of me to make you
come all the way to Forte. So I thought I'd come meet you half-way.
Crescendo: Count Waltz, as a representative of Baroque, I assure
you that we've no desire for bloodshed. I came all this way
because I'd hoped I'd be able to negotiate with you. I don't
want to make the people of my kingdom suffer under the fear of
war any longer.
Legato: You seem to be a noble prince who cares for his subjects.
However, I'm afraid we cannot give you any response, without
some kind of guarantee from your side. I'm sure you understand.
Crescendo: I'm turning myself over to Forte. If that is not
enough for you, Baroque is prepared to consider terms for
surrender to Forte as well. In exchange, I ask for assurance
that you will not harm Princess Serenade, these people here, or
the citizens of Baroque in any way. Above all else, I want to
prevent the killing of innocent civilians in needless conflict.
Serenade: (stepping forward) Count Waltz, listen to me. All this
time, I have kept close watch to make sure that Baroque made no
move, that they never invaded Forte. And I was fully aware that
by doing this, I was lending my support to you, and to Forte.
But, through it all, I believed I was following the correct
path; because I thought it was the best way to prevent a war.
Eventually, though, I realized something. A stalemate is not a solution.
Standing still does not solve anything. For things to change,
one side needs to take a step back.
Legato: And so you're saying, Baroque has taken a step back?
Serenade: It requires much more courage to take a step back than
it does to take a step forward. Would you not agree? After all,
there is no guarantee that there will be ground to stand upon.
Count Waltz, please negotiate with Baroque, and then, perhaps,
we can step forward together in peace. It should be clear to all
concerned that continuing with this mutual animosity benefits no
one in the end.
Count Waltz: But you see, any threat posed by Baroque is no
longer a concern at all. And I have even less interest in
Baroque's simpering prince. The only thing we're interested in
now is that girl. (He indicates Polka.) So if you'd kindly turn
her over to us, I will guarantee the safety of Prince Crescendo
and Serenade.
Legato: And, of course, we promise to treat the young lady with
the utmost care and civility.
Salsa: Don't think for a minute that I'm gonna fall for that
kind of sweet-talk again!
Legato: Oh, but it is very important to us that this young lady
remain in only the best of health. We have no intention in
making a prisoner of her. We'll make sure she lives the rest of
her life in comfort.
Count Waltz: You see? All of us want the same thing. So, what is
your decision?
Polka: You're not really after me, though. Isn't that right? You
just want to get the glowing agogos.
Viola: Yeah. We figured out what you guys were up to a long time ago.
Polka: There's no way I'll go with you. Besides, I already know
what it is I have to do. I know what to do to really help everyone.
Count Waltz: You people don't quite understand the situation. Do
you honestly think you have any say in the matter? How
unfortunate. And just as I was going to respond to Prince
Crescendo's little bid for peaceful negotiations. You will hand
the girl over to me immediately. Because I'm afraid that if you
don't, you're dead.

(Polka starts to step forward and Allegretto reaches out his arm
to try to stop her.)

Allegretto: Polka!
Count Waltz: It would've been easier if you'd just done as I
asked from the beginning.
Beat: No, Polka, don't do it! Don't go with them!
Allegretto: Damn it!

(He runs forward to try to stop Polka, but Legato lunges at him
with his dragon. Allegretto drops to the ground.)

Legato: Young man, please refrain from doing anything foolish.
Unless, of course, you would rather throw away the historic
peace that has finally been achieved.
Count Waltz: (motioning at Polka) Please, right this way.

(She approaches him and he turns to Legato.)

Count Waltz: Well?
Legato: (an agogo in his hand glows) It's confirmed, My Lord.
Beat: Hey, I recognize that light.

(Legato drops the agogo into a beaker of mineral powder and it
lights up and emits a glowing purple smoke.)

Legato: My Lord. It is just as you surmised.

(Count Waltz approaches Polka. He strokes her hair and then
backhands her, sending her flying to the ground. She shrieks.)

Count Waltz: Legato, take the girl and get out of here. But,
please, do be careful with her. She's our guest. (He raises his
head and chuckles maniacally.)
Allegretto: Polka!
Count Waltz: Well now, since I have the girl I suppose I no
longer have any use for the rest of you, do I? Dragons, attack!
Tear them all to pieces!

(The dragons lunge at the party.)

March: Your attack won't work against us! Because we are under
the protection of the glowing agogos!
Count Waltz: (snickers) Do you really think you can fool me with
a ridiculous lie like that? (He turns to the party.)
March: If you think I'm lying, that's your choice. (Salsa turns
to her, looking confused.) But keep in mind that you're speaking
to a guardian of Agogo Forest. So you might not want to take my
words quite so lightly.
Salsa: (shakes her head and holds her hand up) March, hold on.
What are you doing?
March: (turning to her) Don't you agree, Salsa? (She winks at her.)
Salsa: Uh, yeah! That's right! After all, nobody knows more
about the agogos than the two of us!
Viola: (stepping forward) So, how sure are you that we're not
telling you the truth? Have you already forgotten how easily we
defeated all the precious little henchmen you sent after us?
Legato: Lord Waltz, perhaps it would be prudent to listen to
what they're saying.
Count Waltz: Don't be such a fool, Legato. Though it is true we
haven't received any reports from Tuba, Fugue or even Rondo, not
since their respective encounters with you people.
Salsa: Ya see, what more proof do ya need? There's no way
anybody out there can beat us!
Count Waltz: "Under the protection of the glowing agogos." Of
course you are. (He has himself a good, hearty belly laugh.) How amusing!
You people really are hilarious! All right. Let's see how well
your glowing guardians protect you. If those bumbling idiots
couldn't manage it, then why don't we see what I can do!

(Boss battle with Count Waltz and Calamity Wilhm. If Polka was
in the active party, then she is automatically forced out of it.)

Count Waltz: Come on now, let's see what you've got!

(Both Count Waltz and his dragon lackey use a number of powerful
attacks, but they are eventually defeated. After the battle,
Count Waltz takes a couple of steps back, clutching his chest in pain.
He collapses to the ground.)

Legato: Count Waltz!
Count Waltz: This is impossible! How can I possibly lose in
battle to the likes of you?!
Jazz: You've had things your way quite long enough. It ends here.
(He is holding his broadsword out at Count Waltz.)
Count Waltz: (shakes his head) I don't think so. I'm not ready
to admit defeat quite yet! Legato!
Legato: What would you like me to do, My Lord?
Count Waltz: (points to him) Drink all of that medicine immediately!
Legato: But... But Count Waltz, we haven't finished the testing yet.
Count Waltz: This is not a request, Legato. Do it. Or do you
intend to disobey me?
Legato: But... But My Lord.... (He backs away.)
Count Waltz: Drink it!
Legato: Well, I suppose I have no choice. (He drinks it.)
Count Waltz: (chuckles and gets up) There you go! Nicely done!
I expect nothing less from my second-in-command!

(A darkness surrounds Legato who mutters in astonishment. He is
then surrounded by a puff of red smoke, then he transforms into
an enormous, dragon-like creature. He roars.)

Allegretto: What? What did it do to him?!

(Beat moans in terror.)

Count Waltz: (chuckling) Legato, you old man. I think this is a
big improvement! Now, it's time to get to work. Show me what you
can do with all that power!

(Legato turns around and emits a mighty sonic bellow that
completely obliterates all the other dragons.)

Falsetto: They're gone. He only fired once!
Allegretto: But... I thought those dragons were your allies.
Count Waltz: My allies? (chuckles) Those stupid creatures are
nothing more than pawns in my little game. And now that I have
the deadliest piece on the board, they no longer serve any
purpose, do they? (He walks up to the dragon-Legato and stands
on one of his arms. Legato raises him up.) Ah, yes, that reminds me.
I can't think of any reason to keep you people around either.
(He turns to the party. Allegretto grunts in worry and the party
backs away a bit.) I will admit one thing, you have given me
some level of amusement. But no more. Now be good little
children, and die together!

(Legato motions an arm toward the party, but Polka glows and a
bright light consumes both Legato and Count Waltz.)

Count Waltz: What? What is that?!

(Count Waltz screams under the power of this burst of light.)

Chapter 7
Heroic

(Several of the party members are lying on the ground, but
everybody except Polka is coming around...)

Allegretto: Hey, is everybody okay? What's that hole?

(The camera angles to show a massive spinning, glowing dark
vortex where Legato was. There are puffs of dark smoke all
around it.)

Salsa: (approaching the smoke) What the heck is this weird black stuff?
Frederic: Be careful, Salsa. Don't touch it. I don't know why,
but it feels sinister to me.
Viola: Could someone explain what just happened?
Falsetto: Yeah! Where'd they go?
Beat: Do you think that maybe they just got blown to bits?
Jazz: No. They probably ran away.

(Polka moans.)

Frederic: Polka, you're awake. Are you all right?

(She takes his hand and gets up.)

Polka: Yes, I'm fine. I wasn't really hurt.
Beat: Thank goodness. Boy, we sure do owe those glowing agogos, huh?
Polka: What?
Beat: After all, they're the ones who were protecting us. Just
like you said, right, March?
March: I suppose so. Though I'm shocked that they were actually
protecting us. I had no idea.
Beat: Huh? What're you talkin' about?
Salsa: You seriously didn't catch on? March and I were puttin'
on an act the whole time.
Beat: Aw, no way! So you guys were just bluffing? That's not very nice!
Salsa: Hah! The best way to fool your enemies is to start by
fooling your friends! Poor baby, you were totally clueless!
Beat: Hey, what did you call me!?
March: (stepping between them) Beat, Salsa, please. I really
don't think this is the time for your bickering. Do you think
that light we saw was actually the glowing agogos? Hmm, maybe
there's just something special about Polka. (As March is
talking, Salsa is continuing to make mocking motions and faces
at Beat. Once she gets done talking, though, both Beat and Salsa
turn to look at Polka.)
Polka: Special about me? Oh, I see.
Allegretto: What's wrong, Polka?
Polka: Oh, nothing. Nothing at all!

(With this brief conversation ended, Beat and Salsa are back to
making motions and faces at each other.)

Viola: Well, whatever it was, it sure saved our necks back there.
But I don't think we're totally in the clear yet.
Falsetto: You're absolutely right. There's no telling what
terrible things they'll do if those two are left to roam free.
Serenade: Oh my goodness! This is horrible! The mountains, the sky!
Crescendo: (placing his hands on Serenade's shoulders) Now Waltz
has that incredible power at his disposal.
Jazz: This isn't just between nations anymore. It's gone beyond war.
With that monster, Waltz could bring about the destruction of
the entire world.
Polka: This is it. I have to do it.
Allegretto: Let's follow 'em. That monster, it's gotta be
somewhere on the other side of this hole. Don't ya think?
Jazz: Probably. But we're not exactly ready for a fight.
Allegretto: Are you tellin' me you can just stand by and let
those two do whatever they want to this world? Well, not me.
There's no way I'm gonna give up!
Viola: (gives a small chuckle) So idealistic. But in this case,
I have to agree with you.
Falsetto: (stepping forward) Let's go, Jazz. We've got to make a
world where everybody can live happily ever after, don't we?

(Jazz nods and the two walk forward.)

Beat: I'm gonna make sure I take lots of pictures, Retto.
If we're gonna be saving the world, I at least want us to have
something to remember it all by! (They nod at each other.)
Salsa: If you're takin' pictures, ya better not miss any of the
amazing stuff I'm gonna do!
March: Oh, Salsa. You're so silly. I'd also like to help any way
that I can.
Polka: Everyone's going.
Frederic: (offers his hand to her) The strength of will to face
any challenge and never back down from hardship. Perhaps the
time has finally come, for them to truly make this world their own.
Polka: Frederic.
Frederic: Now then. Let's go, Polka. Let's join them in their battle.
(She takes his hand and nods.) Yes, I must see this through to
the very end. That's the only way I can be sure the path I
choose will be the right one.
Allegretto: All right, guys! Let's go!!

(The scene ends and playable control is returned to Allegretto.
Crescendo and Serenade have joined the battle party. Allegretto
can examine a green hole to the left of the vortex...)

Allegretto: It looks like we'll be inside Forte's borders from
here on. This is no time to be appreciating the scenery. We
can't afford to let Waltz get away! (He turns back.)

(At this point, if not playing in Encore Mode, the player can
return to Baroque City by traveling back along the path they came.
However, if they attempt to exit to the Sharp Mountains...)

Allegretto: This isn't the right way! (He turns back.)

(When ready, he can examine the vortex...)

Allegretto: What should we do? Shall we jump?

- Let's do it!
Wait a sec

(The vortex swirls and the party finds themselves on the other
side of it, at Elegy of the Moon: Distortion. After walking
forward a bit, the party reaches the main town area of...)

===Elegy of the Moon===

(A cutscene begins as Polka looks around the town, which is
filled with glowing orbs of either red or blue.)

Polka: Where are we?
Allegretto: His power was so immense, he actually managed to rip
a hole in space. We can't just leave things like this. Come on,
we'd better go and find him.

(There are numerous blue and red orbs throughout the area. Since
it's a bit difficult to describe position, I'll just refer to
them as "red orb" or "blue orb" unless otherwise noted. Oh, and
by the way, context clues indicate that the colors represent
gender - red for a woman and blue for a man. The blue orb on the
left is actually a merchant...)

Merchant Orb: I guess it's just ingrained in me. Even though I'm
dead, I still want to sell things.

Shop
Rest
Quit

(If he chooses to Shop, the store dialog opens. Rest is 200 Gold
a Night. He can talk with the other orbs...)

Red Orb: When you use magic, your palm gets warm and starts to glow.
Then there's a "whoosh!" and a "voom!" when you let it fly.
I thought it was fun and kept playing with it. But when my mom
got back from shopping she saw me using magic and burst into tears.
- I was really scared. That's when I realized there must be
something happening that I didn't understand.

Red Orb: This place? This is the City of the Dead. Those who die
from taking mineral powder can't pass on to the next world, but
they can't stay in this one. This city is for souls with no
place to go.
- This is a city for all the souls who have no place to go
because of the mineral powder.

Red Orb: I used to love picking up a cake to take home and eat
after work on the weekends. I never thought I'd get magical
powers from taking too much medicine, much less die from it. If
I had known, I would have bought all the Resonance Cakes I could
get my hands on!
- I'll never be able to eat my favorite cheesecake again.

Blue Orb: What do you think will happen to me anyway? Will I be reborn?
- I feel anxious somehow. I'm not complaining about my life
here, but I just can't imagine staying like this forever.
You know what I mean?

Blue Orb: So you came all the way from Ritardando? After I was
drafted as one of Forte's soldiers, I went to a lot of different places.
I even went to your town once. It's a little town by the sea, right?
- It's a relief to be dead. I never wanted to hurt anyone. Here,
there's no fighting so I can relax.

Blue Orb: When I was alive, there was a boy who lived next door
to me who played the accordion. He loved to practice, and
whenever I opened my window, I could hear him play. I wonder
whatever happened to him.
- There are things you think about even when you're dead, I guess.

Blue Orb: My daughter always used to say she hated me. She'd say
I was just a smelly bumpkin she could never introduce to her friends.
I'd tell her, "Well, that makes you a bumpkin's daughter!" But
when the side-effects got really bad, and I became able to use
magic, she told me for the first time... ...that she'd always
looked up to me, that she'd always loved me.
- Darn it all, now that I'm like this, you can't even tell if
I'm happy or sad.

Red Orb: One thing we have plenty of here is time. So, I'm
taking that cooking class I always dreamed of. Before, what with
work and all, I was never able to find the time. I've started
inviting other people from my neighborhood to join me.
Everyone's having a lot of fun learning to cook.
- I'm determined that someday, I'll be able to make the same
kind of fine cuisine you get in a fancy restaurant!
- It's a shame I won't be able to eat it myself, but it's all
about the joy of cooking. Don't you agree?

Blue Orb: It started out as just a regular cold. They only had
mineral powder at the drugstore. And when I took it I felt
better and could do my job. So, I kept buying mineral powder,
but it gradually got less and less effective. That's when I
started getting scared. So, I decided to stop taking it.
But I kept telling myself, "This is the last time, just once more."
- One day, I was shocked to find I could use magic. And by that
time, there was no turning back. I couldn't live without taking
the mineral powder.

Blue Orb at Table: When I invited that girl over there to eat
with me, she said, "Leave me alone, grandpa!" How could she tell
I was an old man if I don't have a body?
- I wonder how she knew. Oh! Maybe it was how I smell! Do I smell old?

Red Orb at Table: That old man sitting over there is so
persistent. He keeps trying to get me to have dinner with him.
Men are always the same, even when they're dead.
- I'm an old woman, but he seems to think I'm a young girl. I
wonder why he can't tell. Maybe his soul is clouded.

Red Orb: I didn't want to use magic or anything like that. I
just wanted to live a quiet, peaceful life. But when my family
found out I could use magic, they dumped me in Fort Fermata!
How do you like that?!
- Humans. Humph.

Red Orb: Since coming here, I've found someone I really like. We
may not be able to do things like hold hands or kiss, but we can
feel one another's love. That's enough for me.
- Just going for a walk or talking together makes me happy.
To me, that's true love.

Blue Orb: Hey, listen! I just saw a monster! I was just looking
up at the sky, when out of nowhere this big shadow went sailing
over me. It was huge! It had to be a monster!
- The monster was headed straight for the dunes.

(He can examine a bulletin board.)

Allegretto: The signs here are so high, it's hard to read them.
Oh, right! Everybody here floats. "Please use mineral powder responsibly."

(He can examine a pot by a tree.)

Allegretto: What an ugly pot. Hey, there's something in here!
(Acquired Dark Tail.)

(He can examine a barrel to the left of the stairs.)

Allegretto: There's something sticking out of this barrel.
(Acquired Shining Tail.)

(He can examine a piano.)

Allegretto: Looks like we can listen to a piano piece. What
should we do?

- Listen
Not now

(Piano Sonata "Funeral March" plays.)

(In the next area, Elegy of the Moon: West, he can speak with
the first red orb, which initiates a cutscene in text only.
Frederic stands before the red orb...)

Sister: Where are you going? That's already the top. That'll
give up the ghost soon. Why don't you let it do what it likes?
Are you tired of sand? Has the stagnant wind dried you out? Time
is meaningless here. Time makes things rot. Do you still want to go?
(Frederic nods.) So you will move time yourself? Very well.
Then climb the Tower of Tribulation. Be tested by the one who
can determine if you can truly sway time. (She exits the scene.)
I will pray for you. 

(The scene ends. Allegretto can speak with the other orbs in the area...)

Blue Orb: There are only grown-ups around here! I don't have
anybody to play with.
- Hey! Let's play hide and go seek!

Red Orb: There are more and more people here lately. Until just
recently, I was about the only person here.
- It's nice that it's getting busy, but I can't really feel
happy about it.

Blue Orb: Yo! What's up? I just got to Elegy the other day.
I figured I should probably look for someplace to live, but I
can't seem to find anywhere I like. All the best places are
already taken.
- You're probably wondering why I want a place of my own when
I'm like this. Yeah, I guess it doesn't really matter. But even
spirits can't help wanting a little privacy, know what I mean?

Blue Orb: Beer. What I wouldn't do for a cold one. That metallic
taste as it tickles your throat. The full-bodied flavor with a
bitterness like rusted iron. I start drooling just thinking about it.
- Oooh, mineral beer.

Red Orb: Before I came here, I was turned out of my own village.
But take a look for yourself. Looking out from here, you can see
that everyone gets along with each other. No one's being bullied
or teased. It's really gratifying to see.
- It brings tears to my eyes.

Blue Orb Guarding Tower: This is the way to the Xylophone Tower.
Those without the elder's permission shall not pass!

Blue Orb: Noise Dunes is just up ahead. You aren't going there,
are you? Don't waste your time. The road to the dunes is sealed
off so no one can get through.
- If you're dead set on going, then you'd better go ask the elder.
I imagine you'll find her hanging out in front of the barrier.

Red Orb: You see, time doesn't exist here. No matter how much
time seems to pass, the sun doesn't set. There isn't really
anything to do, so I just sit here all day long, staring out at
the desert.
- Sand is really pretty. Each grain of sand shines like gold.
It's like your soul is being washed clean.
- I was always busy before I came here.

Blue Orb: Look, you can see it from here. That red thing.
That's the barrier in front of Noise Dunes. Trust me, it's huge
up close.

(He can talk with a red orb to the right of the entrance to the
Xylophone Tower, who turns out to be Glamorous Oboe, another
participant in the score piece sidequest...)

Glamorous Oboe: Guests in a place like this? My, my. And quite
young ones from the looks of you. I wound up here when I was
about your age. Most of the people here are old fogies. I get so
bored with no one to talk to! This works out perfectly. You can
keep me company.

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Piece 28 will result
in an F Rank...)

Glamorous Oboe: I was quite the little number myself when I was alive.
It's a crying shame I can't show you my nice figure!

(Performing with Score Piece 28 will attain an A Rank...)

Glamorous Oboe: There wasn't a man alive who wouldn't stare when
he got a look at me!

- Perform a session

Glamorous Oboe: Wow! You're not half bad! A perfect specimen of
young manhood. You remind me of my husband when he was young, sonny!
Ah, whoops. (Acquired EZI Bun.)

(He can speak with Glamorous Oboe again...)

Glamorous Oboe: Well, it's true that it's been a few decades
since I had a nice figure. I'm just a wrinkled old prune now.
But I still have the heart of a youngster, you know. Play a
session with me! That'll make me feel young again!

(He can examine a red object just before the Noise Dunes.)

Allegretto: No way! This is the legendary Rainbow EZI! How much is it?
10 Gold?! That's cheap! (Acquired Rainbow EZI)

(If the party does not have 10 Gold, then nothing acquired. The dialogue
will repeat upon each examination until the party has at least 10 Gold
and the item is acquired.)

(Using the teleportation device in this area, he can return to
Baroque City and from there, other areas. He can begin by
speaking with the people in the Castle Gate area...)

Sailor at Left: Opportunity! Knocks! Opportunity! Knocks! If you heed!
Its call! All your dreams! Come true! Opportunity! Knocks!
Opportunity! Knocks!
- Opportunity! Knocks! Opportunity! Knocks!

Guard at Left: How can we possibly have failed to notice what
Prince Crescendo was doing?
- This incident has truly taught me a lesson. I must reexamine
everything I thought I knew about the duties of a guard.

Guard at Right: We cited the Prince's poor health as an
explanation to the public for recent events. It was done to
prevent a panic, but I can't say I enjoyed the deception.

Elderly Man near Castle Entrance: I've stood here waiting for
public court a long, long time. And while I've been doing that,
the world's just kept on going. We'll see the coming of a new
age now that the conflict with Forte is drawing to a close.
Things are looking up, I tell you!
- Our bed-ridden King has begun to show signs of recovery, too.
Bless me, we couldn't ask for better news!
- And my little granddaughter is getting married next month.
There's been enough good news lately to bring tears of joy to
this old man's eyes!

Man Walking Up and Down Left Staircase: Wonder if it'll be much
longer before the public court gets started. I was talking with
an old man who never misses an audience and he got me interested in it.
I think maybe I'll participate in it myself this next time.
- I hear you can get all the latest news at public court, like
about our relations with Forte, for example, or the latest imports.

Man Walking Up and Down Right Staircase: The chain of command
fell into chaos the moment the Prince was gone. Things worked
out this time, but I believe we need to reevaluate our system
for the future.
- Perhaps we've been relying too heavily on the Prince.

Older Sister: I was sick in bed and my little sister came to
take care of me. Even though I had told her to stay away from me
so she wouldn't catch my cold. But she wouldn't listen.
- She even has to bother me when I'm sick. It's so annoying.
- But I think my little sister is still a little better than the
other kids around here. Even if she is a handful!

Younger Sister: My big sister always tells me I'm too young to understand.
But that's not true! After all, I can cook and clean and do laundry, too.
- I wish there was some way I could grow up fast!
- When I grow up, I hope I'll be like my sister. Smart and tall,
with a nice figure. And she's popular with the boys. Hmm? Wait a minute....

Man in Sailor's Uniform: Why did I become a sailor? I'm glad you
asked that. To set foot upon far-off lands, to mingle with
foreign peoples and cultures--that's what I tell people, anyway.
But really, I just like being onboard ships. Heh heh.
- Baroque sailors are so cool. I wish I could be one.

Wandering Boy: It's a long way down from the top of this bridge.
You'd get speared on those icy rocks if you fell.
- Icy, icy, icy hard rocks!

Man in Red Shirt: I hear they're no longer making mineral powder.
I can finally relax.
- And just think, my friend was actually planning to start a
business with it! I don't know whether to be happy or sad about it.

Painter: I think I'm almost done with this piece I'll be
submitting to the exhibition. What do you think? May I include
you in it?
- I promise I'll make you all look good. Please?

Man near Sharp Mountains Exit: The taxes in Ritardando have gone down.
Now that I can afford to ride the ferry, I'll be going to
Baroque as often as I can.

(He can return to the castle and speak with the guards in the Main Hall.)

Guard at Left: The Audience Chamber lies ahead. We will defend
it with our lives until Prince Crescendo returns.

Guard at Right: Prince Crescendo, Princess Serenade, we bid you farewell.

(He can speak with the Attendant in the Audience Chamber.)

Attendant: Now that Count Waltz is defeated, I'm sure relations
between Baroque and Forte will be changing. We will not squander
what Prince Crescendo and the rest of you have worked so hard to achieve.
Until the day that true peace has finally been won, we'll do
everything we can to be of assistance.
- Prince Crescendo, Princess Serenade. Please just leave
everything to us while you're gone.

(He can speak with the guard in the West Hallway.)

Guard: I never let down my guard!
- All's well! Nothing to report!

(And with the man in the second Guest Room...)

Man: The Prince is prepared to sacrifice himself to maintain peace.
What a noble heart. I guess I'm the one who needs to be more responsible.
- It would seem the Prince extended his invitation to you in the
hopes of avoiding war with Forte. Please excuse my previous discourtesy.

(And with the woman in the first Guest Room of the East Hallway...)

Woman: What? We managed to avoid war with Forte? Then there
isn't a moment to lose. I've got to book passage on a ship! Oh,
man of my dreams, please wait for me!
- I finally realized something. We only live once after all.
If waiting won't get me what I want, I'll have to go and get it myself!

(And with the man in the second Guest Room...)

Man: So, the all-powerful mineral powder was an evil drug for
turning people into mindless soldiers. To think the desire for
happiness would drive people so far as to use something like that.
Perhaps what is truly dangerous is neither illness nor magic,
but human beings, who would make use of such things.
- There are many things we can learn from this incident. We must
insure that we do not make the same mistakes ourselves.

(And the maid in the Drawing Room...)

Maid: I think a room feels best when it has just a hint of
disorder and mess. After all, it feels good to make things
clean, and that's my job.
- Everyone comes in from outside with snow and mud on their shoes.
Cleaning up is a big task.

(He can speak with the people in the Second Floor Hallway.
Beginning with the Guard at the right stairway...)

Guard at Right: It is to our great shame that we failed to
protect the Prince. We're failures as knights. We do not deserve to live.
How can we show our faces to our lord?
- If only we'd had a system capable of reacting more quickly to emergencies.

Guard by Prince Crescendo's Room: Thank goodness you're
unharmed, Prince Crescendo. I have made up my mind once and for all.
As of today, I relinquish my badge of knighthood.
- I actually knew what the prince was trying to do. I held my
tongue, at the Prince's behest, and he was put in danger as a result.
Such behavior is unpardonable in a knight, no matter what the reason.
Therefore, I have decided to undergo training again from the
very beginning.
- If I manage to become a knight worthy of Your Highness, I ask
only to be given a second chance to serve you.

Woman in Red Vest: Did you hear that Prince Crescendo went on a
mission to Forte all alone?

Man across from Red-Vested Woman: Of course. I heard they went
to put an end to the war.

Boy: The date for my debut has been set. What am I going to do?
I'm so nervous.
- I'm tired of hearing people tell me to just hang in there.
- I don't want to do this anymore!

Woman near Boy: When you find yourself faced with difficulties,
try speaking with the flowers. I'm sure they will answer you.
And the flowers will be very pleased if they can give you any
kind of clarity.
- I was watching all of your faces as you gazed at the flowers,
and before I knew it, I was smiling to myself. If the flowers
bring peace of mind to our visitors, then our work here has paid off.

Guard at Left: Regardless of how things turned out, how can we
ever apologize enough to the King for what happened?
- We cannot thank you enough for saving the Prince's life.

Wandering Woman: It may have been presumptuous of me, but I
tried reading Prince Crescendo's fortune not too long ago. Look,
this is the card that appeared in the first position. The Magician.
- The Magician in the first position has the meaning of: "Taking
action without hesitation." And also, "using power for creative purposes."

Maid near Laboratory: Oh no! Prince Crescendo and Princess
Serenade have gone missing from the castle! D-do you have any
idea here they've gone?!
- Oh! Prince Crescendo! Princess Serenade! You're both here.
Thank goodness, I'm so relieved. I just don't know what I would
have done if something had happened to the two of you.
- Don't tell me I was the only one who didn't notice.

(He can speak with the people in the rooms along the Second
Floor Hallway. Beginning with the Guest Room by Prince
Crescendo's room...)

Father: There's nothing more valuable than peace. I've had
enough of war. At least there's one thing we can take away from
this latest trouble. Practice with the sword makes a man handy
with a knife as well. I've been spending a lot of time in the
kitchen lately.
- My wife and daughter say everything I cook is delicious.
I think I may have found my calling in life.

Girl: (leaping for joy) My dad's been doing all the cooking lately.
I can hardly believe how good it is! And it's all thanks to the
war being over!
- Dad's still as forgetful as ever, though. Sometimes we end up
having sweet curry and spicy pudding.

(And with the lady in the next Guest Room...)

Woman: "Ten thousand words can fail to move the heart, a hundred
thousand soldiers can fail to topple walls. Yet a single wish,
earnestly made, can banish a million sorrows, and make the world shine."
I heard about the situation with Forte. Surely the King of
Baroque must be very pleased with his son.
- I pray that the King may soon recover from his illness, and
that the Prince may find true happiness.

(He can speak with the people in the first Guest Room on the other end...)

Woman: Good tea has the power to calm the troubled mind. I also
find that tea is best enjoyed during times of happiness, and not
during times of sorrow. I suppose it really all depends on the
mood you're in at the time.
- Oh my, please excuse me. Here you go. Please enjoy some fresh
made floral tea.

Man: Oh, I heard all about it. You played a big part in what
happened recently. Please forgive me for my previous behavior.
As a gentleman, I'm quite embarrassed.
- It may not be much of an apology, but do try some of these
cookies before you go. Please, take all you like. As a
gentleman, it's the least I can do.
- Hm? You don't care for cookies? Not a problem. Have some
candies, chocolates, and anything else you find to your liking.

(He can speak with the Magic Researcher in the laboratory.)

Magic Researcher: Why does the ability known as magic exist? Is
it merely happenstance? Or does it serve some purpose?

(He can visit the main town area and speak with the people there.)

Wandering Man near Entrance: They say Count Waltz is dead. So
does that mean the war's not gonna happen?
- But they'll just start another war, you know. Hurting others
to benefit themselves. As long as there are people, there'll
always be war.

Woman near Hotel: My husband will be coming home soon. I'd
better get going.
- The wind is picking up. All of you should get back inside, too.
- Farewell and take care.

Girl near Item Shop: I like waiting. It makes me excited about
what's going to happen next.

Merchant: Welcome back! I remember you, young man! (Store dialog opens)

Boy: Guess what? I had a dream about EZI yesterday! He had a mustache!
Weird, huh?
- EZI had a message for me. He said, "You're going to grow a
mustache like a big scrub brush, because you're the second
coming of Mustache EZI."
- EZI said I'm the reincarnation of Mustache EZI. I'm not sure I
like that idea.

Woman near Bulletin Board: What should I do for a side dish?
Pumpkin cake or baked oranges? Which do you think is best?
- I've made up my mind. I'm going to make pumpkin cake! Baked
oranges are good, but they're too simple. I'm going to use
cinnamon and rum, and bake a fresh sweet and tangy cake!

Man near Save Point: The Queen? I've only seen her from a
distance, but she was beautiful and kind-looking. And they say
she's a scholar and has an extensive knowledge of medicine.
- Prince Crescendo must have inherited his hair color from the Queen.

Man with Walking Stick: When I told my granddaughter about you,
she said she wanted to meet you. Hmm? What's she like? Well,
she's the prettiest girl in the neighborhood!
- Hm? You want to meet her? No way, I don't like that look in
your eyes, young man.

Woman near House: Guess what? I finished the sweater! I'm going
to give it to him now! I'm so happy, I'm telling everyone!
- Just imagine what his face will look like when I give it to him!

(He can examine the bulletin board.)

Allegretto: "News Flash! Count Waltz - Defeated?!" "Word has it
that the infamous leader of Forte has been slain by an unknown
assailant. While the details are still pending investigation,
one source reports that war with Forte has apparently been avoided.
Yahoo! Hooray!"

(He can visit the Hotel Ensemble and speak with the people there.)

Man on Bench at Left: At any rate, at least Baroque is at peace.

Woman in Frilly Dress: It seems war with Forte has been avoided.
I was so relieved when I heard the news.

Woman with Walking Stick: I've heard that the war was only
avoided thanks to our Prince. He really is wonderful.

Wandering Man: It's true though, there's really no place like home.
I miss my messy little place so much I can barely stand it.
- I hope my room hasn't been turned into storage or something....

Running Boy: Hey, look! My wings are flapping!

Man in Front of Guest Room: (stomping his foot) Listen, I'm done
with those other girls, baby! You've got to forgive me!
- I'm begging you, honey. Please let me in.

(He can speak with the people in the Guest Room on the far left.)

Woman: Then I realized, that scenery looks different depending
on your heart. Because I'm with my husband, everything looks beautiful.
- I want to be with him always.

Man: Every time I stay here, I remember what my wife has said
and done. And each time I do, feelings of love well up within me.

(He can return to the other Guest Room and speak with Grandma
for a cutscene in text only.)

Quena: Granny, Granny! Tell me a story!
Grandma: Oh, my. If you insist, dear. Let's see now...
Long ago, there once was a tall tree on top of a mountain.
The tree watched over the animals
so they could all live together happily.
When the animals cried that they were thirsty,
it dropped water from its leaves to make a river.
When the animals cried that they were hungry,
it dropped plentiful nuts for them to eat.
The tree was always surrounded by animals.
The tree always thought about and cared for the animals.
So the tree thought the animals were grateful.
Time passed, and the season of wind and snow came.
The tree, vulnerable to cold, shuddered in the wind.
It believed that the animals would bring it warm blankets.
But the animals headed south in search of food.
The tree believed in the animals and waited.
But time passed, and eventually it became an ancient tree.
The end.

Quena: Huh? That's the end? I didn't understand it at all!
Grandma: Oh? Maybe it was a little too hard for you.
Quena: That was boring. Tell a fun story!
Grandma: Maybe next time. I'm a bit tired now.

(The scene ends. He can revisit the pub and talk with the people there...)

Elderly Man: There's nothing more lonely than eating alone.
I hope my wife comes home soon.

Complaining Sailor: What's her problem? Just 'cause I forgot to
put out the lamp, she goes nuts on me. I'm the one who's paying
for that oil!
- Hic! I can't stand her!

Sailor towards Back Right: I've made up my mind! I'm going to
visit her house. It was a house with red bricks. Dandelion
bloomed in the yard when the snow thawed. I wonder if it still
looks the same. I'm getting excited just thinking about it!

Miner by Back Door: Ooh, I'm proud to be a mountain man. A free
roaming man of the mountains. No slope can withstand the bite of
my spade. And no peak is too tough for a true mountain man. I'm
finally going to start mining again next month! With all the
energy I've saved up resting, I'm gonna tunnel a hole clear
through that thing!
- All right, the first toast is to prosperity! The way I'm
feeling tonight, not even my mother, bless her heart, could calm me down!

Sailor at Right Side of Left Table: The best I've ever had was
the locally brewed stuff in a port town called Ritardando.
- Whoops, I forgot, kids aren't supposed to drink.

Sailor at Left Side of Left Table: It's almost time for the next
ship to leave. Am I going to be on it? No, not this time.
Crewmen aren't allowed to go on sea tours one after the other.
I'll be working on land for a while.
- Successive shifts at sea aren't allowed in order to insure
crew health and reduce mental fatigue and accidents.

Tipsy Sailor by Window: I'm thirty years old! Hic!
- Pretty girly, please marry me!
- Pretty girly...I wuv you!

(He can speak with the people in the Entrance area.)

Woman in Light Blue: Lately, a lot of soldiers have come back.
We'd been at odds with Forte for a long time. Has something changed?

Man in Blue: My breath fogged up my glasses.

Woman with Walking Stick: War is terrible. Peace is definitely better.
Anyone would agree with that. But if that's the case, why does
it still happen so often?
- There's nothing worse than being at war. It's terrible when people die.

Girl by Snowman: Wow, that was really weird. I just saw a bunch
of soldiers go running out, but then they all just came right back.
- They all looked really excited and happy, too. It was weird
seeing soldiers smile like that.

Leaping Girl: Mom told me we're having bell pepper hamburger tonight! Yeay!
- What? You want some, too? No! No way! The hamburger is all for me!
(She stops leaping.)
- I won't jump again until you promise not to eat my hamburger!

(He can return to the Sharp Mountains and speak with the Lousy
Comedian, who is now Quack Ukulele, another participant in the
score piece sidequest...)

Quack Ukulele: I'm practicing to become a musician. But I'm not
getting much work. So I paid a visit to EZI, the patron god of
musicians, and prayed for my talent to skyrocket. I wonder if
I'm really cut out for this. I'm starting to lose confidence.
Do you think you could play a session with me to test whether I
have any skill for music?

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 2, 3, 7, 8 or
25 results in an F Rank...)

Quack Ukulele: I'm just not cut out to be a musician. Sigh~
You'd be sighing, too, if you were me.

(Performing with Score Pieces 2, 3, 7 or 8 results in a B Rank...)

Quack Ukulele: Some things are just a waste of time. No matter
how much you try, it's hopeless.

- Perform a session

Quack Ukulele: Ah, that was a little different than before, wasn't it!
(Acquired Peacock's Feather.)

(Performing with Score Piece 25 attains an A Rank...)

Quack Ukulele: I'm starting to feel I can make it now. I'm going
to keep trying a little longer.

- Perform a session

Quack Ukulele: Whoa! What's this sensation?! I feel like I've
just become a whole new person! (Acquired Gold Moon.)

(He can speak with Quack Ukulele again.)

Quack Ukulele: I feel a lot more confident now! I owe it all to
you and EZI!

(He can revisit Tenuto. Nobody there has anything new to say
except for Solfege...)

Solfege: Polka is somewhat frail. I'd really rather not have her
traveling at all if it could be avoided.
- Please do your best to take care of her for me.

(He can return to Ritardando speak with the priest in the Mandolin Church.)

Priest: The world is yet wrapped in winds of darkness. Evil has
not yet been brought low. Go forth, Allegretto!
- Evil will surely perish. Such is the destiny of the world.

(He can speak to the Store Clerk in the pharmacy.)

Store Clerk: Recently, mineral powder is harder to come by. I
heard that the supply of mineral powder being put on the market
is dwindling.
- This is an emergency situation. What could the government be thinking?

(Nobody else in Ritardando has anything new to say. He can
return to Agogo Village and speak with some of the people there...)

Village Tour Guide: This person on the ground? He's the ancient
tour guide. He was a great guide who knew everything about the village.
I have a long way to go before reaching his level.
- The ancient tour guide is on the ground like that to invite
his successors to stand tall upon his back. But I could never
bring myself to step on my honored predecessor!

Man in Orange Shirt: The other day, I tried holding my fork with
my left hand and my bowl with my right. It was really hard to eat.
- Being unable to do what I'd always taken for granted was a new experience.

Woman by Vegetable Patch: I used to live in Ritardando. But I
got tired of the stress and moved here. You know how this
village is kind of different? I was worried about whether or not
they'd accept me. But the people of the village asked the chief
if I could stay, and he said it was fine.
- Don't tell them I said this, but I think the chief is just a statue.
He doesn't respond at all when you talk to him.

(He can return to Forte and speak with the people there.)

Elderly Lady near Entrance: An old person like myself can't
understand complicated things, but I know that we're better off
without war. I don't want to see Forte get destroyed.
- Call me crazy, but I like this town.

Squat Man: Actually, I quit my diet. With the state this town is in,
I've lost my appetite anyway.
- I wonder if my belly could be useful somehow.

Marching Guard by Save Point: What?! Count Waltz is dead?!
You're lying! All our hard work, all that effort....
- I won't believe it! I won't!

Marching Guard by Hotel: Phew.
- Yeah, I heard about the Count dying and all. But neither
Baroque nor Andantino have taken credit for it. Some of the
officers think it's a trick to catch Baroque off-guard. Whether
that's true or not, well, it's too early to say.
- If what they're saying is true, I wonder what will happen to us.

Phil: I heard a rumor that Baroque is going to attack soon.
Nobody's getting into my house! They'll have to get past me first!
- I don't care if they've got bow and arrows or guns! I won't
budge from this spot!

Koto: If Count Waltz is dead, what'll happen to this town?
Will it get taken over by Baroque?

Woman by Darling's House: The owner of the item shop says there
was a problem with production and there's not much mineral
powder left. So, I went and bought a boatload of it!
- Woo hoo! What a head rush! This mineral powder really works!

(He can speak with Darling's Brother in the cliffside area.)

Darling's Brother: Besides, even though Count Waltz is dead,
that cliff isn't getting any less dangerous. I've just gotta do
what I can do.
- My brother went home already. He's got his duties as a husband
to worry about.

(He can speak with the people in the tavern.)

Tipsy Old Man: Well, then! Guess I'll just stay here and drink!

Proprietress: The town's in an uproar because Count Waltz kicked
the bucket. Nobody's gonna come in here even if I stay open.
Maybe I should call it a day and close up.
- This can't be good for business.

Moocher: Waaaah! Beer! Bring me some beer! I'd take my beer with
me to the ends of the earth.
- ... Be... er.

(He can examine an area upstairs for a Score Piece.)

Allegretto: Beer, huh? I'd rather use grain to make bread.
(Acquired Score Piece)

(He can speak with Darling in his house.)

Darling: I won't let them touch a hair on my Honey's head!
- I'll protect my Honey with these two hands!

Honey: My Darling told me it's dangerous to go outside now.

(He can speak with Phil's Mother in the hotel.)

Phil's Mother: My goodness, the men sure are restless.

100 Gold a Night

- Stay
No

Phil's Mother: Thanks for your business. Come again!

(He can speak with Phil's Father, who is now listed as Henpecked
Phil's Dad, another participant in the score piece sidequest.)

Henpecked Phil's Dad: Without a ruler, this town's done for! Huh?
Do I have a score piece? What kind of question is that at a time
like this?! If you want to play music, suit yourself!

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 12, 15, 26 or
31 results in an F Rank...)

Henpecked Phil's Dad: Huh? The session isn't working out? Who cares!

(Performing with Score Pieces 12, 15, or 31 results in a B Rank...)

Henpecked Phil's Dad: The session? Who cares! We've got to get
out of here!

- Perform a session

Henpecked Phil's Dad: Huh? The session didn't sound quite right?
Now's not really a good time, you know!
(Acquired Peacock's Feather)

(Performing with Score Piece 26 attains an A Rank...)

Henpecked Phil's Dad: The session? So what if it isn't perfect?!

- Perform a session

Henpecked Phil's Dad: Glad the session went well?
Well, good. I'm happy for you. (Acquired Silver Star.)

(He can speak with Henpecked Phil's Dad again.)

Henpecked Phil's Dad: We've got to get out of here! The plates!
The dresser! The score pieces! Where the heck is everything?!

(He can speak with the people in the Castle Gate area...)

Boy: It's scary in the town right now. And the baby's gonna be
born soon.

Happy Man: She didn't reject me! Right now, I'm incredibly,
incredibly happy.
- It was worth all the trouble of getting up the nerve to talk to her.
I guess the important thing is to act on your feelings.

Honey's Friend: I told him I wasn't good at cleaning or doing
the laundry. And that I didn't have time to look after him either.
That's when he told me that we have to work and grow together.
- Getting married isn't the finish line, it's a brand new start.
I've decided he's right, we have to live our lives as one from
now on.

Marching Guard: Are there any rebels around? I'll crush 'em!

(He can return to Andante and speak with the member by the bridge...)

Member near Bridge: Waltz is dead?! Sorry, but that's the first
I've heard of it.
- Don't underestimate our information network.

(He can speak with the people in the Infirmary.)

Chaconne: I'm so relieved Etude is all right.

Etude: I think I understand what Jazz was trying to say.

Doctor: Don't worry. His wounds have largely healed.


(Now that the player has reached the Xylophone Tower, they can
complete the game's second trading sidequest. Since the events
of this quest are directly connected, I've chosen to list it separately.)


(First, the party returns to Fort Fermata and visits the locked room.)

(Used Fort Fermata Key.)

(If the party talked with the Former Developer in the cave in
Ritardando and the Former Servant in Baroque, then a cutscene
will begin will begin when Allegretto examines the Maledictor in the room.
This assumes the party still possesses the Heart Pendant
accessory and nobody has it equipped...)

Polka: Chord! You're Chord, aren't you?
Maledictor: Uuh... ahh....
Polka: Chord! Please listen to me! Look, it's your mother's pendant!
You recognize it, don't you?
Chord: Uh... ah, aah... uh.... (Handed over Heart Pendant)
(examines the pendant) Muh... ther.... Muh... ther....
Mo- ther... Mo- ther. Mother! Mother! (There is a blinding flash
of light and white fills the screen.) MOTHER!

(Chord transforms into a glowing blue orb that the player will
recognize as looking like one of the spirit orbs from Elegy of
the Moon. The orb vanishes.)

Polka: Chord....
Allegretto: (walking forward) Trapped for years inside a pot
like that. It must've been terrible. (Acquired Pot.)

(The scene ends.)

(If the party is playing in Chapter 7, they can find Chord in
Elegy of the Moon...)

Chord: Hey, you guys! It's me! Chord! I'm so glad I ran into you.
I'd been wanting to thank you for what you did. Thanks to you
guys, I got out of that awful place and was able to pass on. So,
I finally made it here. I'm really grateful.
- I still have my mother's keepsake that you found for me. I'm
sure I'll be able to meet her someday.

(Next the party can travel to Tenuto Village and speak with the
woman in the house on the right...)

Woman: Well! That's a cooking pot, isn't it? Is there any way
you might be willing to give that me? I've finished chopping the
vegetables, but I've got a hole in my cooking pot and I don't
know what I'll do. (Handed over Pot) Thank you so much!
You've been a big help. I'd like to thank you somehow. Why don't
you let me make dinner for you? (The screen goes black briefly.)
Well, did you like it? You can take this with you and share it
with your friends later. (Acquired Goat Stew.)

(Allegretto can speak with the woman again.)

Woman: To tell the truth, I think goat stew smells awful and I
don't care for it. But Grandpa just can't get enough of it.

(Next the party travels to the Chorus Plains and speaks with the Goatherd.)

(Handed over Goat Stew)

Goatherd: Gah! W-what is that smell? Goat stew? You went through
all the trouble of bringing me this? T-thank you. But, wow, this smell.
How can I describe it? It really turns the nose, doesn't it. Oh,
right, let me give you this for your trouble. (Acquired Coupon.)
If you give that to the man with the cart on Hanon Hills he'll
give you something in return.

(Allegretto can speak with the Goatherd again.)

Goatherd: Eh? Uh, yeah. No, I'll save the stew for later. I
mean, you know, I'm on the job now and all. By the way, the
expiration date for that coupon is coming up. If you plan on
using it, you should get over to that guy's cart on Hanon Hills
pretty soon.

(Next, the party returns to Hanon Hills: Midway and speaks to
the Merchant there, as suggested...)

(Handed over Coupon)

Item Merchant: Oh, you've got a coupon? You just made it before
the expiration date. All right, here you go. (Acquired Honey.)
Which reminds me, have you heard? There's a magic candy that
lets you communicate with animals. Isn't that something?
(He turns to his horse, who neighs at him.) If I could talk to
animals, I'd like to have a chat with this guy here.
Wouldn't that be amazing? Oops, how rude of me. Let's do business!

(Allegretto can speak with the Item Merchant again...)

Item Merchant: What I wouldn't give for some magic candy.

(Pursuing the lead given to them by the Item Merchant, the party
returns to the Laboratory in Baroque Castle and speaks with the
Magic Researcher.)

Magic Researcher: What? A magic candy that lets you talk to animals?
Hmm. Ah, yes, there is such a thing. It's called odd candy.
I recall reading of it in the spell book. What about it?
Allegretto: There's this guy who wants to talk to a horse. I
figured he'd be happy if something like that really existed.
Where can we find it, anyway?
Magic Researcher: I doubt you'll find it anywhere. But the
recipe was written in the book. I believe it required honey and
agogo droppings. You immerse them in magic water for a day.
Allegretto: Will this do for the honey? (Handed over Honey)
Magic Researcher: Well, it didn't say anything about what kind.
I expect any honey would work. If you make it and it doesn't
work, you can just try again using something else. For the magic
water, you should be able to use the magic solution that I have
slowly and carefully developed.
Allegretto: That just leaves the agogo droppings.
Magic Researcher: Yes.
Allegretto: Okay! Just give us a little time! We'll get some and
be back as fast as we can!

(He can speak with the Magic Researcher again.)

Magic Researcher: To make odd candy, you need agogo droppings.
You may be able to find some lying around where agogos live.

(Next the party returns to Agogo Village and speaks with the Agogo Boy.)

Agogo Boy: You want agogo droppings? (Allegretto nods.) You're weird.
What do you want that for? (Allegretto shakes his head.)
You can't tell me? Hmm, well, I do have some agogo droppings on
me for research purposes, but I can't just give them away. You
hardly see agogos around any more, so there's no droppings either.
They're valuable. You really want them that badly? (Allegretto nods.)
Well, I guess I could give you just one. Tell you what, I'll
trade it for some monster photos. Besides agogos, I'm also
interested in the world's monsters. But I don't get to leave the
village much, so I can't see them for myself. I really want to
get pictures of all sorts of different monsters. Could you take
some for me? Please! (Allegretto nods.) Really? You'll take some
pictures for me? Great! Okay, then... hmm. Bring me 20 different
kinds, okay?

(If you speak to him without any photos in your inventory...)

Agogo Boy: You need # more monster photos to reach twenty! Which
will you give me? What? You haven't taken even one photo yet?

(If you have photos...)

Give which photo?

No1, No2... etc...

Give All
Quit

(If you choose to give an individual photo...)

You'll give me #1?

Yes
No

(If you attempt to give him one of a monster you've already
taken a picture of...)

Agogo Boy: I already have a photo of that monster.

- Give All

You'll give me all the photos you have?

(If all of the photos you have are ones he already has...)

Agogo Boy: I don't want any of those photos.

(If you attempt to give him a junk photo, i.e. one that has
nothing in it, or only one or more of your party members...)

Agogo Boy: There's nothing in that photo.

(Once you've given him the required twenty...)

Agogo Boy: All right! That makes twenty monster photos! Thanks!
Oh, yeah, can't forget to give you what I promised. I'll give
you the biggest one from my collection!
(Acquired Agogo Droppings.)

(Allegretto can speak with him again.)

Agogo Boy: I'm going to become an agogo and monster expert when
I grow up!

(With that done, the party can return to the Magic Researcher
and speak with him again...)

(Handed over Agogo Droppings)

Magic Researcher: So these are agogo droppings. They look kind
of tasty. All right, all that's left is to stir these
ingredients into my magic solution.
Allegretto: Hurry up and brew them.
Magic Researcher: Patience. It will be some time before it's ready.
I'll take care of the rest. Go ahead and get some rest at the
hotel then come back tomorrow.
Allegretto: Okay. Thanks.

(Allegretto is returned to the Second Floor Hallway. He can
re-enter the Laboratory and speak with the Magic Researcher again...)

Magic Researcher: At any rate, get some rest at the hotel and
come back tomorrow.

(Allegretto follows the Magic Researcher's advice and visits the
Hotel Ensemble. He turns to Polka...)

Allegretto: Well, I suppose we should call it a day.

- Rest
Not yet

(The party is healed for free. Afterward...)

Allegretto: It might be just about ready. Shall we head to the laboratory?

(He and the others do so. He speaks with the Magic Researcher again...)

Magic Researcher: Good timing. It's just finished. (Acquired Odd Candy.)
Allegretto: So this is odd candy, huh. It smells sweet.
Magic Researcher: Want to try some?
Allegretto: Uh, that's okay. I know what it's made of.
Magic Researcher: Well, go ahead and take it, then. I can't
promise that it will really let you talk to animals, though.
Allegretto: Thanks!

(The scene ends and he finds himself back in the Second Floor Hallway.
The party now returns to Hanon Hills: Midway and speaks with the
Item Merchant again...)

(Handed over Odd Candy)

Item Merchant: You mean to tell me this is magic candy?! No way!
What are you doing with it? You're giving it to me? Seriously?
Woo hoo! Thanks! I'm so happy! Let me give you this in exchange
to show you my thanks. I'll shower you with treasures! (Acquired Glass Ball.)
Well, I guess I'll try it out right away. Munch, munch.
Allegretto: Is it good?
Item Merchant: Munch. Yeah, it's not half bad. It's soft and,
munch, melts in your mouth.
Allegretto: Really?
Item Merchant: Gulp! Well that's that, I ate it! (He turns to his horse.)
I should be able to understand you now! (The horse whinnies.)
Hey! Did you just say my name? You did, didn't you! (The horse neighs.)
I can understand him! I can really understand what he's saying!
(The horse neighs again.) Uh-huh, okay. Huh?! That's what you've
thought of me all this time?!

(Allegretto can talk with the Item Merchant again.)

Item Merchant: Heh, hehe. What? You want to do business?
But I want to talk with this guy. Let me enjoy it a little longer.

(Next, the party returns to the main city area of Baroque and
speaks with the priest...)

Priest: Is that an orb you have there?! (Handed over Glass Ball)
Hmm, no. This is at the stage before it becomes an orb.
It probably needs more spiritual energy. When a beautiful ball
like this is filled with strong spiritual energy, we call it an orb.
It's said there was once a priest in Aria Temple who could
impart spiritual power. But there's no one in the temple now.
Although, I've also heard that the priest doesn't actually exist.
That he's just an illusion created by the light. Others say that
he does exist, but that he's not a priest. They say he's the
guardian spirit of Aria. A spirit that appears before those with
shining hearts and grants them orbs. I don't know what the truth
is, but perhaps you should try taking this ball to the altar in
the temple. Something might happen. I'll give this back to you.
(Acquired Glass Ball.)

(The party returns to Aria Temple as suggested and Allegretto
speaks with a shadowy priest figure in front of the ancient
writing in the Gallery of Light. The figure extends his hand...)

Allegretto: Huh? Is he telling us to give him the ball?
(Handed over Glass Ball)

(The Glass Ball floats up and the figure makes some motions.
There's a flash and now the ball is glowing. It lowers back down.)
(Acquired Orb.)

(There is a flash and the figure disappears.)

Allegretto: What the heck was that?!

(Now that the party has finished exploring other areas and
everything else related to the trading sidequest, Allegretto can
return to Elegy of the Moon. He can enter the next area, a
desert wasteland with cacti and a large vortex and the end of the path.
These are the...)

===Noise Dunes of Fantasy===

(He can attempt to approach the barrier...)

Allegretto: It's really crackling. We shouldn't go any closer. 

(He can speak with the blue orb that is the Elder.
Notable: One of the earlier orbs referred to the Elder as being
female, even though the Elder is a blue orb. Still, it seems to
speak like a guy, so...)

Elder: Hey! My brother! New guy! Welcome to Elegy! Let's start
things off with a handshake. Put 'er there! Er, right. Forgot, I
don't have hands. Hey! You guys aren't even dead! What did you
come to a place like this for? (Allegretto makes hand motions.)
In other words, you came all the way to the Noise Dunes just to
chase some monster? I'll just cut to the chase. It's impossible!
Well, just look at that barrier! How do you expect to get
anywhere if you can't get through that? How to break the seal?
It's simple. You just need to flip the deactivation switch on
the top floor of Xylophone Tower. But the monsters that hang out
in there are super tough! You might even die, man! You're still
gonna go? Well, then, if you've got your heart set on climbing
the tower, I'll have to give you my elder's permission.
- Tell the person outside Xylophone Tower that the elder's given
you permission, and they'll let you pass.

(Having attained the Elder's permission, he can speak with the
blue orb guarding the way to the Xylophone Tower...)

Guard: This is the way to the Xylophone Tower. Those without the
elder's permission shall not pass! (Allegretto makes hand motions.)
What?! You have the elder's permission? Very well then, you may pass!
(He moves out the way.)
- You may pass!

(The party enters the tower. This is the...)

===Xylophone Tower of the Shining Keys===

(The party finds itself in a room that seemingly has no exit
other than where they just entered from. They speak with a
guardian in the center of the room.)

Trio: So, you've noticed me, have you? I'm a guardian of this
lofty tower. Well, isn't this a treat? I haven't had visitors in
quite some time. It seems everyone's a coward these days.
Nobody has the guts to take on this tower. I've got a soft spot
for reckless little humans like you. Wait, what's with the blank stares?
You mean you don't know about the trial? Whoa, whoa. Hold on, seriously?!
Well it seems my little speech of praise was wasted on you.
Which means-- Wait, don't tell me. You don't know the rules of
the trial either? Unbelievable. Kids these days. I guess there's
nothing for it. All right I'll explain the rules, so listen up
and listen good. First take a look over there at those golden keys.
(The camera zooms to show the keys up close.) I'm going to play
you a song and it's your job to memorize it. Hey, what's with
all the frowning? There's nothing to worry about. While I'm
playing the music, the keys will glow to match the different notes.
So even if you don't understand music, you can just memorize the
order in which the lights glow. When the song's over, it's your turn.
Play the notes in the order you heard them. Here's how it goes:
Stand on the key of the note you want to play. Then press the X button.
If you're standing on the correct key, the key will light up and
the note will play. But if you make a mistake, there'll be no
light and you'll hear no sound. If you can manage to recreate
the song in its entirety, I'll open the stairway that leads to
the next floor. Well, do you think you've got it?

I'm pretty sure I've got it
- Um, I'm a little confused

Trio: All right, listen. I'm going to repeat this one more time,
so wake up and pay attention. First, I'll play a song for you.
While I play, the keys will glow to match the notes, so memorize
the order in which I play them. When the song is over, it's your turn.
Play the notes in the order you memorized them. Stand on the key
you want to play and press the X button. If you're standing on
the correct key, the note will play. If you make a mistake,
you'll hear no sound. If you play all the notes correctly, I'll
open the stairway to the next floor. Well, do you think you've
got it?

- I'm pretty sure I've got it
Um, I'm a little confused

Trio: Well, why not give it a try? If you can't remember it all,
and make a mistake, just come talk to me. I'll let you hear the
song again. All right, here goes. Listen up now!

(Trio plays four notes. Allegretto can speak with Trio again.)

Trio: What? You want to hear it again, huh?

- Yeah, let's hear it again!
Thanks, but no thanks.

Trio: All right, here goes. Listen up now!

(He can give it a try. If he makes a mistake...)

Allegretto: ... ...It's not playing. Looks like we made a mistake.
I guess we should listen to the song again.

(He speaks with Trio again.)

Trio: What? You made a mistake? Oh, well, I'll play it for your
one more time. All right, here goes. Listen up now!

(Once he gets it right, a stairway appears. He can speak with Trio again.)

Trio: Well, if you can pass my trial, I guess you can't be all bad.
I had thought this world was full of only saps and cowards, but
you've proved me wrong. You might even be able to make it to the
top of this tower. Oh, right. Even though you've passed the
trial, I'll play the song again for you if you want. Do you want
to listen again?

Yeah, let's hear it again!
Thanks, but no thanks.

(And if he speaks with Trio again...)

Trio: Well, you've gotten my approval. Good luck, and aim for
the top! Want to hear the song again?

Yeah, let's hear it again!
Thanks, but no thanks.

(The party proceeds up a twisted staircase of keys that play as
they step on them and eventually reaches the second floor, and
another guardian...)

Quartet: It appears you have noticed me, guardian of this
hallowed tower. If you have come this far, that means you must
have completed my younger brother's trial. Well, he is a rather
simple fellow. His trial can be passed with ease if you can just
manage to remain calm. You will find however, that I am
different! If you think such an easy task deserves to be called
a trial, you would do well to think again. A trial is an
insurmountable wall! A bitter struggle! I shall send you home in tears!
Well then, shall we begin my trial? Listen, for I will play.

(He plays the original sequence and then five more notes.
Allegretto can speak with Quartet again.)

Quartet: What? You wish to hear the song again?

- Please play it one more time.
Thank you, we've heard enough.

Quartet: Listen, for I will play.

(If Allegretto makes a mistake.)

Allegretto: It looks like we made a mistake. I guess we should
listen to the song again.

Quartet: Have you made an error? Well then, I will play my tune
once more for you. Listen, for I will play.

(Eventually, he gets it right and another staircase appears.
He can speak with Quartet again...)

Quartet: You have admirably overcome my trial. Surely this
experience will aid you in your growth. I have nothing further to say.
You may pass on to the next step. What? You wish to hear
the song again before you proceed?

Please play it one more time.
Thank you, we've heard enough.

(He can speak with Quartet one more time.)

Quartet: I have nothing further to tell you. You may now pass on
to the next step. What? You wish to hear the song once more
before proceeding?

Please play it one more time.
Thank you, we've heard enough.

(The party reaches the Third Floor and another guardian, Quintet.)

Quintet: So, you have noticed me. A guardian of this tower,
peerless in its height. My, my. You've done well to come so far.
How were the trials of my younger brothers? Did you enjoy yourself?
I see. I see. You found that interesting, did you? Well, I will
give you the final trial, insignificant though it may be. I will
play my song shortly. However, before I begin, a word of caution.
Be at ease--it is nothing of great import. It is only that here,
the keys will not light as they did on the lower floors.
Isn't that simple? Well, shall we get going?

(Quintet plays its song. Allegretto can speak with Quintet again...)

Quintet: What is wrong? Will you listen once more?

- I want to hear it once more.
I don't want to hear it.

Quintet: I will begin.

(If Allegretto makes a mistake, he can go back and speak with Quintet...)

Quintet: Oh my. Have you failed again? Well, well. I suppose I
could play my tune for you once more. I will begin.

(If Allegretto blows it a total of three times...)

Quintet: Oh, dear. Having trouble, are we? Aren't you making an
awful lot of mistakes? So be it. At this rate, you will never
complete the trial. I thought that you were challengers made of
sterner stuff, but it appears I have overestimated your abilities.
Understood. I am a merciful guardian. For you of feeble mind, I
shall lessen the severity of the trial. I shall light the keys
of all the notes I play for you. Well? Are you crying endless
tears of thanks? I will begin.

(When Allegretto gets it right, regardless of whether or not he
failed previously, the final stairway appears and Allegretto can
talk with Quintet again, if he wants...)

Quintet: What?! You have passed my trial! I'm so ashamed.
How will I face my younger brothers?

(He can speak with Quintet again...)

Quintet: Leave me then. You may pass!

(And again...)

Quintet: You wish to hear the tune once more? Fine, do as you like!

Fine, we'll listen again.
We've had enough.

(The tune is complete. It was the opening of "Nocturne, Op. 9
No. 2." The party proceeds to the final floor and encounters a
couple of monsters. There is a brief text only scene...)

Allegretto: So these guys are the sentries of the tower, huh? Let's go!

(He rushes forward. Boss battle with Ogre King and Wicked Shrub.
After the battle...)

Allegretto: So, that's the seal. (He steps forward and stands on
it, deactivating it. The barrier blocking the way to the rest of
the Noise Dunes disappears. If playing in an original
playthrough, he is automatically transported outside of the tower.
If playing in Encore Mode, he remains where he is and can
examine a sort of keyhole thing within the room...) Hmm.
This looks weird. It looks like something round might fit in
this space.

(He can speak with each of the tower guardians on the way down...)

Quintet: Can it be you have truly vanquished the tower sentries?!
There must be some mistake!

Quartet: So, you have overcome the greatest trial. You shine
brilliantly like the morning sun.

Trio: So, you defeated the tower sentries, did you?! Heh, you
guys are really something! Looks like I was right in giving you
my approval.

(He can speak with the blue orb at the end of the Elegy of the
Moon: West path again...)

Blue Orb: You opened the barrier to the Noise Dunes? I'm amazed
you were able to conquer Xylophone Tower.
- You're headed for Noise, right? Be careful. They say that time
flows in tremendous amounts at the end of the dunes. I don't
know what happens if you get swallowed by that time, but it
doesn't sound good.
- Good luck.

(If the party completed the second trading quest, then
Allegretto can now use the Orb item on the doorway at the top of
the tower.)

Allegretto: Hmm. This looks weird. It looks like something round
might fit in this space. Do we have anything like that? Oh, yeah!
Wouldn't that orb we have be about this size? Let's give it a try.
(He inserts the orb and there is a bright flash of light. The
doorway opens.) It opened!

(Allegretto enters the room, walks forward, and opens a treasure
chest inside.) (Acquired Lion's Chime. He is automatically
returned to the outside of the Xylophone Tower. End of
sidequest.)

(He can speak with the Elder of the Noise Dunes again. The Elder
addresses Frederic...)

Elder: Wow! You actually opened the seal?! Nice going! Now you
can go to the Noise Dunes! But there'll be lots of hungry
monsters there, so be careful out there! (Frederic walks away.)
Well, good luck! ... Don't forget. The four mirrors become
monsters, and the flowing time collects at the bottom.
- On your way to Noise Dunes? Well, hasta la vista! Bon voyage!
Don't forget to write! Oh, and good luck.

(The party continues through the Noise Dunes. In the second area, they
can travel left or right several times and eventually reach a new area
called "Oasis." Here, Allegretto finds a mysterious door...)

Allegretto: What?! What's with this door? It's locked, but what's behind it?

(He leaves the Oasis area and eventually reaches the Tower Entrance, where
the party finds a number of stone heads (moais). Allegretto can talk with the
one at the upper left, just by the entrance...)

Ichiro: Come to think of it, I haven't seen Goro lately. No
doubt he's off somewhere bummin' around, the good for nothin'.
- Only thing he's good for is causing trouble. What the heck is
he thinkin'? I'm tellin' ya....

(Now that he's spoken with Ichiro, he can speak with the other
stone heads in the area...)

Shichiro: Mr. Goro!

Rokuro: Goro!

Jiro: Hey, Goro!

Saburo: Goro-boy!

Shiro: Little Goro!

(A ways back from the entrance to the tower, he finds a stone
head calling himself Desolate Saburo, who is another participant
in the score piece sidequest...)

Desolate Saburo: I'm not Goro, I'm just Saburo.

- Perform a session

(Performing with anything other than Score Pieces 10 or 13
results in an F Rank...)

Desolate Saburo: Sigh~

(Performing with Score Piece 13 results in a B Rank...)

Desolate Saburo: I'm just Saburo.

- Perform a session

Desolate Saburo: So lonely. (Acquired Chapel EZI.)

(Performing with Score Piece 10 attains an A Rank...)

Desolate Saburo: I might not be Saburo.

- Perform a session

Desolate Saburo: Ding! Ding! Ding! That is absolutely correct!
(Acquired Shadow Helm.)

(He can speak with "Desolate Saburo" again.)

Desolate Goro: That's right! That's right! How'd you guess? I'm
actually Goro! But don't tell my brothers, okay? Why? Oh, no reason.

(The party continues and finds that they have reached the...)

===Double Reed Tower of Sand===

(They can proceed down to the base of the tower, but when
Allegretto examines it...)

Allegretto: The path just ends here. Is there anything up ahead?

(The party can beat the four bosses of the tower in any order,
but let's say that they begin by following the most
straightforward path of the East Tower. They eventually reach
the Seventh Floor. Boss battle with Unrest and Fire Antique x2.
Following the battle, Unrest darkens, then emits a radiant light
and disappears. Allegretto and Beat walk forward. Beat sighs in
weariness and Allegretto turns to him.)

Allegretto: Hurry up, Beat! You're gonna get left behind.
Beat: (running toward him) Sorry about that, Retto.
Allegretto: Hey, is something bothering you? You keep sighing.
Frederic: (walking toward him) You're not feeling ill, are you, Beat?
Beat: (shakes his head) Oh no, it's nothing like that.
It's just, well.... I've kind of been wondering what's gonna
happen to everyone, ya know, after we finally defeat Count Waltz.
Allegretto: Huh?
Beat: If the Count is just gone all of a sudden, won't that
cause problems for his people? The Captain's gonna have his
hands full if, on top of Baroque, he's also gotta take care of Forte.
Allegretto: (puzzled) The Captain? Oh, are you talking about
Prince Crescendo? Yeah, you're right. And he'll have to get rid
of all the mineral powder out there, too. Even when we do get
rid of Waltz, it won't exactly be "happily ever after," will it?
Beat: See what I mean? We don't know what's gonna happen. It
might take a real long time before everybody is happy again.
(shakes his head and turns away) Thinkin' about all that made me sad.
Allegretto: (hands on his hips) Well, that's dumb. (Beat turns
to him.) No more negative thinking. Got it, Beat? (pokes him on
the nose, playfully) We made a decision when we left Ritardando.
We promised we were gonna get to the bottom of this and fix it, right?
So that's exactly what we're gonna do.
Beat: I know that, Retto. But I'm not sure.
Allegretto: No ifs (points), ands (points), or buts (points)
about it! Besides, it's not like we gotta do this all by
ourselves or somethin'! We're all in this together. And as long
as we stick together, work together, it'll work out somehow.
We'll make sure it does.
Beat: Yeah, you're right, Retto! If everyone sticks together, we
can solve anything that comes our way! Don't ya think, Frederic?
(runs over to him)
Frederic: Sorry? What did you say?
Beat: You're gonna be helping us, too, aren't ya?
Frederic: Oh, well, I'm really not....
Allegretto: (puts his hands on his hips again) Of course he will.
There's no way you're getting out of it that easy. After all,
you're just as much a part of this world as we are! I'm gonna 
hold ya to that. (points at him) You gotta take responsibility
for your own world. (He walks off with Beat and motions for
Frederic to follow.)
Frederic: My own world? I am part of this world.

(The scene ends. The party continues to the other side of the
East Tower and the seventh floor, where they encounter a dragon
monster, White Jewel. Boss battle with White Jewel. Following
the battle, it too goes dark and then emits that same radiant light.
March approaches Salsa, who was staring at the boss...)

Salsa: Come on, March! What do ya think you're doing? Don't just
stand around like that! This is gonna take teamwork!
March: But, Salsa, don't you think that last enemy we faced
looked familiar? Like a creature that lives in Agogo Forest? It
seemed strange, so I took a closer look. (She's holding a bit of
the creature's hide in her hand.) Here, you see? The texture of
its hide is different, and it's far more durable.
Salsa: (places her hands on her hips) Why would I care about
something like that? Honestly, sometimes I don't know what to do about you.
(She holds her hands out in exasperation, but Frederic
approaches March.)
Frederic: That's interesting. You're quite passionate about
research, aren't you, March?
March: (nods) Yes. I want to learn all I can about woodland
plants and animals. It will help me do a good job protecting Agogo Forest.
Salsa: You don't need to know that stuff! If anyone tries
something in our forest, I'll teach 'em a lesson they won't forget!
March: I know, but, Salsa, there are some things that can't be
resolved using brute force alone.
Frederic: I believe you're correct. (He nods at her and she nods back.)
March: Thank you! And it's not only that, even though we're the
forest guardians, I think there are too many things we don't know.
For example, the agogos. When this journey is over, I'm going to
learn a lot more about them.
Salsa: Geez, you get so carried away. Instead of talking about
boring stuff, we need to prepare ourselves to go take care of
the Count's monster!
March: Well, I suppose that is true but... but, Salsa, what
about you? Isn't there anything you want to do when this journey
is all over?
Salsa: Well, first I'm gonna head back to Agogo Forest and stuff
myself full of the most delicious mushrooms I can find!
Then I'll make my rounds through the forest. And I guess I
wouldn't mind if Beat came to visit every once in a while.
Frederic: It sounds like there are a lot of things you'd like to
do in the future.
Salsa: (leaping up) Well, of course! So what about you? Isn't
there anything you wanna do after this?
Frederic: Actually, I'm afraid that this journey will most
likely be my last.
Salsa: What the heck does that mean? The way you talk, you'd
think you were gonna kick the bucket or something! (walks up to
him and points) Know what you are? A quitter!
March: Salsa, please! You're being terribly rude to Frederic.
Salsa: That's 'cause I'm trying to be rude! When I hear stuff
like that, I've got no choice but to tell people how things
really are! When one thing comes to an end, something else
starts up right after. That's what they call the natural order of things.
March: Salsa! Please excuse her behavior, Frederic. However,
even though she could have put it a little more delicately, I
believe the things she's saying are true.
Salsa: Now that that's settled, let's go! (She motions and she
and March leave.)
Frederic: When one thing comes to an end, something else begins.

(The scene ends. The tower rumbles and sand falls from the top.
The party proceeds to the West Tower and the quickest path to a
Seventh Floor area. Here, they encounter a boar. Boss battle
with Herculean Boar. Following the battle, the monster once
again goes dark, then emits a radiant light. Falsetto and Jazz
walk forward, but Falsetto turns to Jazz, as he appears troubled.)
[Note: In an Encore playthrough, this scene is the same
regardless of whether or not the player has completed the
Mysterious Unison dungeon.]

Falsetto: Jazz, what's the matter?
Jazz: Nothing. It's nothing.
Falsetto: Are you sure? In that last fight, you weren't hurt or
anything, were you?
Jazz: I said I'm fine, Falsetto. If you must know, I was
thinking about Claves.
Falsetto: I understand. After all, we're on the verge of finally
achieving what Andantino was created to do. You always thought
you'd fight these battles with Claves.
Jazz: Falsetto, I'm sorry.
Falsetto: Jazz, why are you saying that? You haven't done
anything you need to apologize for. (She turns to Frederic.)
Hey, you. This is all supposed to be your dream, isn't it?
Frederic: Hm?
Falsetto: I gotta tell you, it's a pretty rotten dream.
Especially making Claves die like that.
Frederic: But that wasn't-- No, I suppose you're right. It may
very well be as you say.
Falsetto: Sorry. I was just kidding. I mean, come on, this whole
place couldn't possibly be all in your head. For one thing, Jazz
and I have known each other since we were little kids. And all
of us here think and act of our own free will. I mean, if we
didn't, then Claves's life would've had no meaning. Right, Jazz?
Jazz: Yes. And because of that everyone Claves left behind can
keep her memory alive in their hearts.
Falsetto: Right. Which is why I know it would be impossible to
compete with the memory of someone who's died.
Jazz: You're mistaken about that, Falsetto.
Falsetto: Huh?
Jazz: There's no use in comparing the dead with the living. It's pointless.
But you and I are still alive. And, of course, it's with those
who are still living, that we must live our lives. I'm putting
everything on the line to defend the living, to protect those
who are trying to survive.
Falsetto: Don't be so dramatic, Jazz. There's nobody here who
needs you to defend their life.
Jazz: I guess not.
Frederic: "It is with those who are still living, that we must
live our lives." That's what you believe then? That's your
guiding principle?
Jazz: Yes. Is something wrong? You're so serious.
Frederic: I'm just surprised, that's all. Because I've always
had thoughts of Emilia foremost in my mind.
Falsetto: So, you also lost someone who was special to you?
Frederic: These people only exist within my dream, and yet they
make their own decisions, and live their lives in the manner
they see fit. I suppose in that way, this dream is no different
from reality.

(Finally, the party proceeds to the other Seventh Floor area of
the West Tower. Boss battle with Hidden One. Following the
battle, the boss once again goes dark and then emits the same
radiant light. Viola walks forward a bit, then turns around...)

Viola: Hey, guys, I got a question.
Polka: Uh, yes?
Viola: It's been buggin' me for a while now. Why do you two have
to look so depressed all the time? I mean, we're on our way to
tangle with Count Waltz. Your mopey faces are just gonna bring
down morale.
Polka: (frowning) Oh, I'm sorry.
Viola: That's it! That's the face! Uh. Allegretto's never gonna
be able to concentrate on fighting, 'cause he'll be too busy
worrying about you!
Polka: Viola, be serious!
Viola: There ya go. Good girl! That's more like it. (turns to
Frederic) Now what are we gonna do about you? What in the world
are you thinking about all the time that gives you such a gloomy expression?
Frederic: Well, if you really must know. Just now I was
wondering what will become of my existence within this imaginary
world once the dream I'm having comes to an end.
Viola: Oh, brother. What are you talkin' about? When you wake up
from a dream, you just open your eyes and start a new day.
You should spend more time thinkin' about what you're gonna do
in reality not in dreams. I mean, there's a ton of stuff that
needs to get done!
Frederic: So reality is wherever you are when you open your eyes?
You may have a point there.
Viola: And if it's a dream that you really don't want to forget
about, you can just write it down as soon as you wake up, right?
And you're a composer! So, you could even put it to music!
Polka: The music of an unforgettable dream. Think about it,
Frederic, wouldn't that be wonderful?
Viola: All right, so are we clear on this moping thing? Don't go
tryin' to keep all your problems to yourselves. That's what
friends are for. Let us help, okay? (She turns and leaves.)
Polka: Frederic, I've decided something. I'm not gonna give up.
I want to be able to treasure the memory of all this.
This adventure we've had together.
Frederic: You're right. There's no denying that the time we've
shared together has been real.

(The scene ends. The tower rumbles and sand falls. The party
returns to the base of the Double Reed Tower and this time
Allegretto can follow the path that was just a dead-end before.
He finds a stairway leading up, and then a teleporter...)

Allegretto: It looks like we can get to the top floor from here.
What should we do?

- Go to the top floor
Stay here

(The party teleports to the top. Allegretto can examine the
teleporter again...)

Allegretto: It looks like we can go back to the bottom floor
from here. What should we do?

Return to the bottom floor
Stay here

(Whenever they're ready, the party can proceed up the path and
open a doorway. They find themselves in Top Floor: Core. After
walking some ways forward, a cutscene begins. Count Waltz is
reclining on a new throne...)

Count Waltz: What on earth could have possessed you people to
come all this way just to see me? I don't understand it.
Allegretto: Don't sweat it. We don't want to be understood by you.
So, listen, you better be ready. 'Cause you're not getting away again!
Count Waltz: Oh, really? I'm not getting away? (lowers his head
and chuckles) Why would I need to run away from you? I have
incredible power at my disposal. You're the ones who should be
trying to run. Wouldn't you agree, Legato?

(He turns to the monstrous dragon form of Legato, who roars.)

Jazz: Dammit, this is bad. He's already adapted to his new body.
Count Waltz: Of course, I have no intention of allowing you to get away.
Polka: Count Waltz, why? Why do you have to do things like this
to people!? Like the mineral powder! It's so dangerous! How
could you actually let the people of Forte use something so terrible?
Count Waltz: Terrible? Why, whatever do you mean? It was
entirely for the sake of my subjects that I developed the most
effective medicine possible.
March: But you must know that Agogo Forest is suffering!
Salsa: (pointing at him) That's right! I ended up gettin' thrown
in a jail cell so you could hide that!
Count Waltz: Well, these things do happen. The fact of the
atter is, we cannot achieve widespread happiness without a
little sacrifice.
Beat: But if your people keep taking the mineral powder, they'll
get magical abilities. And then they're gonna end up dying!
Count Waltz: Why should that matter? The powder heals illness,
does it not? And nothing in this world comes without a price.
Besides, no one is forcing them to take it. They have a choice
in the matter. The only reason my subjects choose to buy mineral
powder is because they want it.
Viola: That's not true and you know it! They keep using the
mineral powder 'cause they don't know about the side effects!
Count Waltz: Haven't you ever heard that ignorance is a sin?
We never once said anything about the mineral powder being
harmless, did we? And to be honest with you, I'm tired of
catering to a public so idiotic as to believe every little thing
those in power tell them. (Prince Crescendo and Serenade look
very angry at this.)
Falsetto: We've had enough of your stonewalling! The only thing
that you wanted was to build an army of super soldiers. You take
and take, just to satisfy your own greed! We want it back! Give
back the beautiful mountains! And give back our fallen friends!
Count Waltz: Oh yes, Andantino. With the way you try to
influence people, you're really not so different from us.
You knew you needed power to defeat me. So, in order to achieve
your goal, you betrayed your own country. To Baroque.
Jazz: You're wrong; we're nothing like you. We're trying to save
the people of Forte, who are suffering from your mineral powder.
Of course we wanted the power to stop you. You were willing to
sacrifice your own subjects. Forget about betraying the country,
you were trying to destroy it! (He points at Waltz.)
Count Waltz: Let's dispense with all the grandstanding, shall we?
Be honest with yourself, fearless leader of Andantino. You only want revenge.
Falsetto: You're wrong! That has nothing to do with it!
Count Waltz: Oh, I'm not wrong. The only thing you're seeking
here is retribution. Payback, for your friends who died in that rebellion.
And, oh yes, let's not forget Claves. The only difference
between us is the self-righteous sense of justice you have. (snickers)
Actually, you're a lot worse than I am.
Frederic: With all this power you've managed to accumulate, what
exactly is it you were hoping to achieve?
Count Waltz: Now that really is a silly question. I wanted power
for the sake of having it. With enough power, I can make, not
only Forte and Baroque, but the whole world bow down before me.
Only then will I feel truly alive.
Polka: But how will... how will doing that possibly make you
feel more alive?
Count Waltz: I'm sorry, do you disapprove? Perhaps you'd like to
share with us your life's purpose?
Polka: Me? I only want a chance to do something to help everyone.
And I don't have very much time left to live, so I have to use it wisely.
Count Waltz: You poor, poor thing. You're the one who uses
magic, aren't you? Don't fret, dear, you're not alone. In fact,
all human begins are fragile. Especially those who lack power.
They die quite easily. And when you die, it's over. There's just
no meaning to it.
Frederic: Is that really what you think? That death is so
completely meaningless?
Count Waltz: When you die you disappear, and eventually, you're forgotten.
Nothing of you remains. Humans are so unfeeling that way.
That's why I must have power. Enough absolute power to carve my
existence into the very fabric of this world. As long as I have that....
Allegretto: Oh, I get it now. So that's what this is all about, huh?
Count Waltz: What?
Allegretto: It's pretty pathetic, actually. (points at him)
The thing you want most out of life is something you can only
get after you're already dead. (lowers his arms) Listen, I hate
to burst your bubble like this, but if you just live a normal,
caring life, you're bound to be remembered by somebody.
Count Waltz: Such a fool. I don't care about vague, fleeting memories.
You see, what I want is to be adored and admired for eternity.
Just a trifle, really.
Allegretto: Man. There really is just no getting through to you,
is there, pal? Let me educate you. (points at him again)
Nothing, absolutely nothing lasts forever. (balls his hands into fists)
That's why, for the short time we're here, we gotta try to make
things a little better. Putting everything you've got into
whatever it is you do, that's what life is all about.
Count Waltz: Quite a touching speech. If you feel so strongly
about it, why don't you show me "everything you've got?"
That way, I can be sure I'm erasing it all from this world. (He
stands up and points at them.) Your pathetic existence, your
memories, your meaning, everything!

(Boss battle with Count Waltz and Ruined Body)

Count Waltz: You'll lose and be nothing once more.

(Following the battle, Count Waltz is lying on the ground...)

Count Waltz: I can't believe this. How could I lose? Impossible.
I will not accept it. I will never accept defeat! (He crawls
toward Ruined Body, then raises his head and chuckles
maniacally.) Of course! That's what I should have done from the
very beginning. I don't need this. No. I don't need any of this!
(He gets up.) If this world won't submit to my will, won't
accept me, then I have no choice.
Allegretto: Hey! What are you doing?!
Count Waltz: (standing in front of the throne) Legato! These are
going to be your final orders! Tear it apart. Tear apart this
entire pathetic world!

(The Ruined Body roars and its eyes glow red. It emits a breath
of pink fire, consuming Waltz and creating another glowing pink vortex...)

Beat: What... what the heck just happened?

(The scene ends and playable control is returned to Allegretto.
The player can use the Hero's Crest item to visit a dungeon
found within the Noise Dunes called Mysterious Unison.)

(The party proceeds from left to right a few times in the Noise
Dunes through repeating screens, and eventually reaches a new
area, Oasis. There, Allegretto examines a doorway and a scene
begins in text only.)

Allegretto: Could this emblem be.... (He steps forward.)
(Used Hero's Crest.) (The door opens, emitting a radiant light.)
It opened. I wonder what's on the other side. (The party enters
the doorway and finds themselves inside...)

===Mysterious Unison===

(After Allegretto walks forward a few steps, a new cutscene in
text only begins. The party spots...) [Note- all scenes related
to Mysterious Unison are in text only.)

Jazz: C-Claves?!
Falsetto: This can't be! What's going on?!
Viola: Didn't you die?
Salsa: Are you... a ghost?
Claves: Yes, Salsa. I have returned from the dark beyond to
visit revenge upon you for eating all of my chocolates. Just kidding.
Did I scare you? Sorry, Salsa.
Allegretto: (making hand motions) That's not it, it's just....
Claves: Yes, I know. (She turns her back to the party.) I did die.
I perished at Rondo's hand. I heard the sound of my soul being
separated from my body, then everything went dark. I heard
nothing, and I couldn't speak. (She turns back to the party.)
Dying is incredibly lonely. (She walks toward Jazz.) And then I
screamed out, "Let me see him! Let me see him!" And I just kept screaming.
Then, somehow, I was able to come back. When I came to, I was
standing here. My spirit and body were reunited.
Jazz: So, does that mean you've returned to life?
Claves: No, Jazz, I have not been reborn. I am incomplete.
Truly, this is my body. The soul connected to it though, is
fragmented. The impact of reentering this world broke my soul
and scattered its pieces throughout this labyrinth. I have
braved the labyrinth many times attempting to restore it, but I....
Jazz: Don't worry. I promise we'll get your soul back. (He turns
to Allegretto.) Right, Allegretto?
Allegretto: Yeah, that's right! I'm sure we can bring Claves
back to life!
Claves: Thank you. All of you. (Claves has joined the party.)

(If the party exits Mysterious Unison...)

Claves: I'm afraid this is as far as I can go.
Falsetto: (approaching her) What's wrong, Claves?
Claves: My soul and body are not yet in complete unison. If I
were to leave as I am now, I would turn to dust.
Falsetto: Why?
Viola: We're all destined to return to dust some day.
(Claves has left the party.)

(When the party re-enters...)

Claves: Thank you all for coming back. (Claves has joined the party.)

(If the party exits again...)

Claves: I'm sorry. This is as far as I can go. (Claves has left the party.)

(The party reaches an area called Well of Souls. Boss battle
with Mercurius.)

(The party continues their journey to Basement Level 2 and an
area called the Well Rope. Boss battle with Deep Lurker. It is
essentially a palette swap of Root Lurker and uses similar attacks.
After winning the battle, the party acquires a Soul Shard, one
of seven needed to recover Claves's soul.)

(In Basement Level 6, Allegretto encounters a red orb, one of
the female soul orbs like the ones from Elegy of the Moon...)

Mute: Oh, my! Welcome! What are you doing in a place like this?
Are you on some kind of mission? On the next floor, no matter
how far you go, you just come back to where you were. Why don't
you just give up and play with me? So, honey, do you want a
shower first or do you want dinner?

- Shower
Eat
Never mind

Mute: Oh, you want a shower? All right then. This is how much a shower costs.

Pay 10,000 Gold
- Don't Pay 10,000 Gold

Mute: Well, aren't you cheap.

- Pay 10,000 Gold

(Party is fully healed)

Mute: How was it? Wasn't that a nice shower?

- Eat

Mute: All right. Then we'll fill you up first. This? Oh, this is
a soul shard that was laying around. Why don't you eat this and
build up your energy? Oh, but pay up first.

Pay 99,999,999 Gold
- Don't Pay 99,999,999 Gold

Mute: Well, aren't you cheap.

- Pay 99,999,999 Gold

(But if you don't have it...)

Mute: Hey, you don't have enough money. When you get more, I'll
play with you.

(Once the party has acquired 99,999,999 Gold, they can return
and speak with Mute again...)

- Eat

Mute: All right. Then we'll fill you up first. This? Oh, this is
a soul shard that was laying around. Why don't you eat this and
build up your energy? Oh, but pay up first.

- Pay 99,999,999 Gold

Mute: Great! Here, I hope you like it. (Acquired Soul Shard.)

(He can speak with Mute again.)

Mute: Oh, back again? Welcome. Ready for a shower?

Pay 200,000 Gold
Don't Pay 200,000 Gold

(The party continues through the dungeon, battling monsters and
collecting Soul Shards. Eventually, they reach Basement Level 11,
which is called The Blade's Scent. They eventually reach an area
called A Reunion with Death and when they walk forward...)

Falsetto: Rondo?! What are you doing here?!
Rondo: Humph. Falsetto, is it? After you defeated me, I woke up
here, lost in this maze. (She steps forward.) By the way,
Claves, I have one of your soul shards. What are you going to do
about it?
Claves: (making action motions) I'll take it back from you, of course!
And this time, I'm going to settle things with you myself!
Rondo: Hmph. That's what I was going to say!

(Boss battle with Rondo. Despite Claves's words, the battle
party remains whatever it was before the cutscene began. The
party receives a Soul Shard for winning the battle.)

(The party reaches Mysterious Unison: The Final Level and
proceeds to the next section, Mysterious Unison: The Shores of Life.
If they haven't yet gathered six of the seven Soul Shard items,
Allegretto stops cold...)

Allegretto: What's this? Something doesn't seem quite right.

(Once your party has acquired the necessary six Soul Shards, a
boss appears on this final level...)

Allegretto: He's holding one of the pieces of Claves's soul!
Everybody, let's go!

(Boss battle with Annihilator. For winning the battle, the party
receives the final Soul Shard. After the battle...)

Allegretto: That's the last one, now we've collected all the
soul shards.

(A radiant light glows around Claves.)

Jazz: Claves?!

(The light streaks out in all directions, then fades.)

Claves: ... This sensation of unity. It's as though my soul has
been returned to its rightful place; like all my senses are
bound together as one.
Viola: You're back, Claves!
Falsetto: Congratulations, Claves!
Allegretto: Now you are free to go outside again!
Claves: Falsetto.... Viola.... Everyone, thank you!
(Claves has joined the party.)

(Allegretto can exit using the path where he came in, or via the
teleporter. Either way, when he does, the player is presented with...)

(Chopin Story Sequence - Heroic)

(This ends the Mysterious Unison sequence. Claves has now fully
rejoined the party and may travel with them to any area.)

(With the events of Mysterious Unison, the party can approach
the vortex at the pinnacle of the Double Reed Tower. This begins
the game's ending sequence.)

March: This can't be. What have they done? How could they?
Polka: This is it. This is the end. I... I have to do it.
Frederic: No, Polka. It is not over quite yet. We must not give up.
(He approaches the vortex.)
Beat: What are you doing?
Frederic: (raising his hand to the vortex) After all, this is my dream.

(The others approach Frederic.)

Final Chapter
Heaven's Mirror

(The party finds themselves in a ruined wasteland.)

Allegretto: What the...? Where are we?
Polka: It's the field of flowers near Tenuto.
Falsetto: How can that be? This place is supposed to be a flower field?

(The party turns to look in the distance. The sky is streaked
with the red light of sunset... or dawn? There are the twisted
remains of long dead plants and some ruined streetlights.)

Frederic: (stepping forward) Yes, it is. And this is the place
where it all began. Where I met you, Polka. The place where this
whole dream first started. Which is why it's such a fitting
place for the dream to come to an end. The time has finally come
for me to confront my own heart. I must make my choice now.
Whatever happens, I'll face the challenge before me. (turning to the others)
Don't you understand? You're nothing more than imaginary
characters I've created in my mind! (The camera zooms to show
the rest of the party, sans Claves, assuming you even rescued
her from Mysterious Unison.)
Beat: Frederic, what are you saying? What's wrong with you?
Frederic: (nods) Forgive me. I am truly sorry, Beat. But it
seems I'll be unable to offer my help to you any longer.
(He closes his eyes, raises his hand to his heart, then lowers
it, opening his eyes.) When I am defeated in this battle, an
undeniable truth will be revealed. And this fleeting dream will
slowly fill with color and light. Only when this ordeal has
finally come to an end, will my soul at last be permitted to
leave my physical body.
Polka: So then, is this the path you've chosen for yourself?
Frederic: It is. This is my dream. And I must be the one to set
things right. This world we're in -- and you, Polka -- must be
freed from the tangle of our twisted destinies.
(Polka nods sadly.) Now, let the test begin. We'll see whether
I.... No, whether my spirit can become a lance... ...able to
pierce through all of you in battle. We'll see if I'm truly such
a weak human being!

(Boss battle with Frédéric François Chopin!)

Frederic: Don't you all understand? This entire world is my dream!

(If the party loses the battle...)

Frederic: There is no way for you to stop... my relentless advance.

(A clock chimes 2 A.M. and Frederic wakes up in Number 12 Place Vendôme.)

Woman: Oh, Frederic! You've come back to us!

(Frederic closes his eyes and words appear on a black screen.)

The dream vanished like smoke.
I was left cold and alone.
Is it ever possible to change fate?

(The player is returned to the load screen. But, presumably, the
party defeats Frederic. He screams in pain...)

Game Clear Data
You can save the game clear data here. If you load the game
clear data, you can start the game from this status.

View the Ending
Start New Game

*Note: You cannot restart the game from the last save point.

Would you like to save the game clear data?

Save
Don't Save

(The player can save the Game Clear data, which is used to begin
an Encore Mode playthrough, or to record Score Piece data /
other info for a new playthrough if already playing in Encore Mode.
The ending of the game then begins. Frederic is shaking...)

Frederic: Yes. This is... for the best. Dear Emilia....

(He falls forward to the ground. Everyone looks sad, but then
Polka closes and opens her eyes, having apparently come to a decision.
She walks forward and kneels in front of Frederic.)

Polka: Thank you, Frederic. But... I.... (She places her hand on
him, emitting the light of magic. She then stands up.) I'm sorry.
(She nods, then heads for the edge of the cliff.)
Allegretto: Polka? (He starts to step forward.)
Polka: Stay back. (She reaches the edge of the cliff and half
turns to Allegretto.) Allegretto, please forgive me for not
telling you about this. If I had told you what I was going to
do, there's no way that you would have taken me all the way here.
(She turns fully to face him and the camera angles back to
reveal the vast expanse of the cliff. Allegretto looks confused.)
It's just that... I remembered. I remembered a while ago what
the path is that I have to take.
March: Polka, what are you doing? First Frederic and now you!
What in the world is going on?

(The camera angles to show Frederic.)

Polka: Don't you see? Frederic just gave all of us a gift. The
most precious gift there is.
Salsa: What the heck are you sayin'? Can somebody please explain
to me what's goin' on?
Viola: Polka? What exactly is it that you're planning on doing?
Polka: It's something my mother told me about when I was a
little girl. And now I finally understand it. I know what she meant.
(A ghostly figure of Solfege appears and places her arms on
Polka's shoulders.)
Solfege: It is your fate... to go into the sea.
Polka: Yes. It is my fate... to go into the sea. It's the only
way, the only way the tremendous waves that threaten the people
of this world can finally be made calm.
Falsetto: Wait a minute. What does that mean?
Polka: Most people live their lives turning their backs on
things too difficult to face. Ignoring what hurts you eventually
becomes a habit, the natural thing to do. If we only allow
ourselves to see what we want to see, we just end up fooling 
ourselves more and more. But eventually, we cloud our vision so
completely, that we become blind to the small truths that are
all around us. The same way that the twinkling of the stars is
blotted out by the glare of bright city lights. The truth was
always there in my memories. Thank you, Mom. For everything.
But I'm ready now. And I know what it is that I must do. (The
apparition of Solfege steps back from Polka, then vanishes entirely.)
Beat: (stepping forward) Polka, don't! Please stop!
Polka: Oh, Beat. I want you to know, your photographs are so wonderful.
They're full of memories that I don't ever want to let go of.
Beat: Yeah! And hey, I promise I'll take even more!
Polka: If I had a choice in the matter, I'd never want to give
up those memories; of this journey and the time we've spent together.
I know this is hard for you to accept right now, but someday...
someday we'll all meet again. I'm absolutely positive. The time
has come for everything to be settled. Was this fated to be? Was
this always my life's purpose? No. It's a decision I'm making of
my own free will. This is something that has to be done!
Allegretto: Polka, what are you doing?
Polka: There is a place, a place where I can make a real
difference, now that the world is covered in darkness. It's a
place that I have to illuminate, with the shining light of the
astra that lies sleeping within my heart. (She begins to step backward.)
Allegretto: (reaching out toward her) Don't do it! We'll find
some other way to save the world! You don't have to carry all
the burden by yourself!

(Polka continues to step backward, finally reaching the very
edge of the cliff. She extends her arms outward.)

Polka: I must do this. And it's for the person who means the
most to me. My life is nothing compared to his. Doing this is 
easy if it's for him. (She launches herself backward off the cliff.)
Allegretto: (lifting his head and screaming) Polka!! (He lets
out a sustained scream of anger and pain, then collapses forward
to the ground.) Why? Why couldn't I do anything for her What
could I have done to change things? (He begins to cry.) Does
this mean dying was the only thing Polka could do?! There wasn't
any way we could save her?! Why did Polka, of all people, have
to suffer like that? What the hell is wrong with this world!?
(He stands up and raises his arms.) Damn it! (He strikes the
ground with both fists, then turns to Frederic.) You! You come
barging into our world out of nowhere, then just leave when you
get tired of it! This is supposed to be your dream, right?! Well 
then, why couldn't you do anything!? No. That's not it. It isn't
a dream at all. It's real. And I don't know what, but I have to
do something!
Frederic: (opens his eyes) That's true. Perhaps this is no
longer just a dream. (He gets up and everyone turns to him.)
Have I awakened? At long last....
Beat: (backing away slightly) F-Frederic?
Frederic: (looking around and observing that the scenery around
him has not changed from when he fell) Why? The dream was at an end.
Oh, no. No, it can't be. Not Polka. (He stares at his hands.)

(Polka is shown falling...)

Polka: Thank you, everyone. I know it didn't last very long, but
really, this was the most fun I've ever had in my life. If I
blow him a kiss, I wonder, will it reach him up there? I hope so.
I really do.

(She falls, into blackness. The game's credits begin. How things
proceed from here depend on whether or not the game was played
in Encore Mode. If it is a first playthrough, then characters
will be shown speaking on a black background as the credits are shown.
Since Chopin's speech isn't really timed with the credits, I'll
just list the whole thing first, and then the credits.)

Frederic: Emilia, I have never once forgotten you. Not in all
the time that you've been gone. Who would have thought that my
memories of you, would create a world as vibrant and alive as
this one is? It's something I'm sure not even you ever could
have imagined. Such a stunning, beautiful world, and I found
myself going on a very long journey through it. The adventure I
shared with the wonderful companions I met in this world of
dreams, has left me with countless memories that I can even now
recall with perfect clarity. Emilia, if you could hear me say
these things, I wonder, would you just laugh at me? I happened
to make the acquaintance of a young girl in my dream. A girl
with an astra that glowed more brightly than any other in this world.
A girl who was forced to give up her life at the age of 14.
Whenever I spoke with her, it was as though you were with me again.
I began to wonder if she might not, in fact, actually be you,
who have lived for so long in my memories. But I see now that I
must have been mistaken. You see, she was, Polka was someone who
insisted on walking her own path, till the very end. Emilia, she
lived just as you would have, had you been given the chance to do so.
Even now, it seems I lack the necessary conviction. When I was
playing the piano in Paris, even though I existed in reality, I
was also living a dream. And now the dream that I just had seems
even more vivid than any reality. Emilia, if it had been you,
perhaps you would have been able to arrive at the answer sooner than I.
But as for me, I am at long last able to make a choice, though
it's taken me quite a while to make it. I will depart the
reality where you and I composed memories together to make the
world of dreams where Polka lived my reality. I hope my choice
does not bring you pain. You must know that I will never forget
you, after all. (He closes his eyes.) Yes. For even though my
form may change, (he opens his eyes) these feelings are
something that will not fade away. But there is one thing that
is certain, and that is the fact that we can never return to the past.
When I play the music written down upon a score, the notes of
the past disappear from my mind, as if swallowed up by the darkness.
And then, in contrast, the notes that are going to be played in
the future, resound clearly as bells inside of my mind. If there
can only be one world that a person believes in, then for me,
that world should definitely be the piano. Moving ever onward, a
world in which you can never turn back. Yes, belief above all
else, proves existence. Echoing in the eyes. Brilliant to the ears.
Sweet to the touch. Smelling of warmth. Unable to be appreciated
by the senses. Astra. Only the light of one's astra can truly
determine one's world. My dear Polka, in this world that has
been set free from my dreams lies the path that you've chosen to follow.
The time has come for me to once again choose the path I believe in.

Chopin Pieces Performed by
Stanislav Bunin

Music by
Motoi Sakuraba

Allegretto
Sam Regal

Polka
Erin Fitzgerald

Frédéric François Chopin
Patrick Seitz

Beat
Mona Marshall

Viola
Karen Thompson

Salsa
Amy Rose

March
Amy Rose

Jazz
DC Douglas

Falsetto
Julie Ann Taylor

Claves
Tara Platt

Waltz
Liam O'Brien

Legato
Taylor Henry

Rondo
Nicole Karrer

Fugue
Johnny Yong Bosch

Tuba
David Jeremiah

Serenade
Stephanie Sheh

Solfege
Cindy Robinson

Ludwika Jedrzejewiczowa
Mona Marshall

Doctor
Well Hoyle

Narrator
Taylor Henry

Additional Voices
Candy Siskin

Recording Studio
Cup of Tea Productions, Inc.

Engineers [sic]
Chris Rash

Casting
Cup of Tea Productions, Inc.

Director
Sam Riegel

Editors
Danielle Hunt
Jean Luc Dub

Production Assistant
Arpi Vartanian

Project Managers
Lainie Bushey
Danielle Hunt

JAPANESE VOICES

Allegretto
Hiro Shimono

Narrator
Leo Morimoto

Polka
Aya Hirano

Frédéric François Chopin
Mitsuaki Madono

Beat
Yumiko Kobayashi

Viola
Hoko Kuwashima

Salsa
Mika Kanai

March
Chiwa Saito

Jazz
Johji Nakata

Falsetto
Tomoe Hanba

Claves
Mie Sonozaki

Waltz
Junko Minagawa

Legato
Chafu-rin

Rondo
Yu Asakawa

Fugue
Takahiro Sakurai

Tuba
Shiro Saito

Crescendo
Katsuyuki Konishi

Serenade
Fumiko Orikasa

Solfege
Yuko Kobayashi

Ludwika Jedrzejewiczowa
Masako Katsuki

DIGITAL WORKS ENTERTAINMENT

Director
Makoto Suda

Character Model Designers
Yohei Fujimoto
Nobuyuki Toshimitsu
Atusi Osada
Yuusuke Kobayashi
Naoki Tajiri
Sigeki Honda
Masafumi Miyake
Kenichi Ueyama

Motion Capture Coordinator
Yuji Takada

Motion Capture Director
Manabu Nishiguchi

Motion Capture Animators
Taichi Ashikai
Shoichi Seki

Animators
Yusuke Morino
Koji Saito
Minako Arai
Humi Uematu

Do Carrier.

Visual Effects Artists
Yousuke Hisasue
Keiichirou Kusanagi

KATSUGEKIZA

Motion Capture Actors
Wataru Koga
Tony Hosokawa
Toyoe Sekita

Game Design Support
Rui Shimada

Techno Advance MY FONT

BROADMEDIA STUDIOS CORPORATION

Audio Production Supervisors
Midori Shimazawa
Daisuke Iguchi
Shota Tanaka

Recording Director
Kimiko Kai

Recording Staff
Yoshikazu Taka
Miki Umetsu
Yoshiko Yamashita
Masaaki Kawano

Recording Studio
Broadmedia Studios Corporation

Coordinators
Kaori Takai (Compozila)
Makoto Suzuki (Compozila)

Artist Management
Yusuke Terada (Nippon Artists Management Inc)
Nahoko Hatano (Nippon Artists Management Inc)

Recording Director
Motohiko Nakada

Recording Engineer
Akira Ikeda

5.1 Surround Mixing Engineer & Protools Editing
Haruo Saito (THERMAL MIX)

Recording Studios
Sony Music Studios Tokyo
Sunrise Studio Towerside

Piano Technician
Atsushi Usui (SJL Selection Center)

Piano
STEINWAY & SONS model D-274 (Sony Music Studios Tokyo)

Assistant Engineers
Takayuki Furuta (Sony Music Studios)
Keisuke Anan (Sunrise Music)

Recording Coordinator
Shigeru Otake (DAYBREAK)

Special Thanks
Shigenori Iwase

Vocals
Mio Sakuraba
Yuko Sakuraba


(If playing in Encore Mode, then there are two different ending
choices - either one in which the music is played against a
series of photos with no dialogue and one in which the
characters are shown speaking lines from throughout the game. I
have no idea how the game chooses which one to use, but I'll
begin with the one with the photos. [I also remain uncertain
regarding whether or not these might also appear following a
normal playthrough.])


(Picture of Polka, staring at Ritardando at night...)

Chopin Pieces Performed by
Stanislav Bunin

(Picture of Allegretto and Beat, making off with the bread)

Music by
Motoi Sakuraba

Allegretto
Sam Regal

(Picture of Beat)

Polka
Erin Fitzgerald

Frédéric François Chopin
Patrick Seitz

(Picture of Polka and Frederic at night)

Beat
Mona Marshall

Viola
Karen Thompson

(Picture of Polka and Frederic during daytime)

Salsa
Amy Rose

March
Amy Rose

Jazz
DC Douglas

(Picture of Beat with his camera)

Falsetto
Julie Ann Taylor

Claves
Tara Platt

(Picture of Viola and Arco in their house)

Waltz
Liam O'Brien

Legato
Taylor Henry

Rondo
Nicole Karrer

(Picture of Count Waltz on his throne)

Fugue
Johnny Yong Bosch

Tuba
David Jeremiah

(Picture of Polka, Salsa, Frederic and Beat, talking to Frederic
and Viola)

Serenade
Stephanie Sheh

Solfege
Cindy Robinson

(Picture of Falsetto, Jazz and Claves at their mountain hideout)

Ludwika Jedrzejewiczowa
Mona Marshall

Doctor
Well Hoyle

(Picture of Salsa and Beat, from the back and neck down)

Narrator
Taylor Henry

Additional Voices
Candy Siskin

(Picture of Viola, falling)

Recording Studio
Cup of Tea Productions, Inc.

Engineers [sic]
Chris Rash

Casting
Cup of Tea Productions, Inc.

(Picture of Allegretto, reaching for Polka)

Director
Sam Riegel

Editors
Danielle Hunt
Jean Luc Dub

Production Assistant
Arpi Vartanian

(Picture of Claves, Allegretto, Falsetto and Jazz, standing in
front of the mountain hideout)

Project Managers
Lainie Bushey
Danielle Hunt

(Picture of Claves, looking troubled)

JAPANESE VOICES

Allegretto
Hiro Shimono

Narrator
Leo Morimoto

(Picture of Claves, looking out the window)

Polka
Aya Hirano

Frédéric François Chopin
Mitsuaki Madono

(Picture of Jazz, from the chest up)

Beat
Yumiko Kobayashi

Viola
Hoko Kuwashima

Salsa
Mika Kanai

(Picture of Polka, Beat, Frederic, Crescendo and Salsa)

March
Chiwa Saito

Jazz
Johji Nakata

(Picture of Crescendo, looking at Frederic)

Falsetto
Tomoe Hanba

Claves
Mie Sonozaki

(Picture of Beat waving and Salsa, with pink hearts emitting from her)

Waltz
Junko Minagawa

Legato
Chafu-rin

(Picture of Salsa on the pirate ship, wearing her pirate hat and pointing)

Rondo
Yu Asakawa

Fugue
Takahiro Sakurai

Tuba
Shiro Saito

(Picture of Salsa, Polka, Frederic and a castle guard in a
hallway of Baroque Castle)

Crescendo
Katsuyuki Konishi

Serenade
Fumiko Orikasa

(Picture of Salsa, Polka, Beat and Frederic, observing Aria Temple)

Solfege
Yuko Kobayashi

Ludwika Jedrzejewiczowa
Masako Katsuki

(Picture of Frederic and Polka, observing the view of Ritardando at night)

DIGITAL WORKS ENTERTAINMENT

Director
Makoto Suda

Character Model Designers
Yohei Fujimoto
Nobuyuki Toshimitsu
Atusi Osada
Yuusuke Kobayashi
Naoki Tajiri
Sigeki Honda
Masafumi Miyake
Kenichi Ueyama

(Picture of Allegretto and Viola)

Motion Capture Coordinator
Yuji Takada

(Picture of Viola sitting at the table, playing cards)

Motion Capture Director
Manabu Nishiguchi

Motion Capture Animators
Taichi Ashikai
Shoichi Seki

Animators
Yusuke Morino
Koji Saito
Minako Arai
Humi Uematu

(Picture of Crescendo and Serenade in Crescendo's room)

Do Carrier.

Visual Effects Artists
Yousuke Hisasue
Keiichirou Kusanagi

(Picture of Jazz hugging Falsetto)

KATSUGEKIZA

Motion Capture Actors
Wataru Koga
Tony Hosokawa
Toyoe Sekita

Game Design Support
Rui Shimada

(Picture of Allegretto and Polka in Baroque, Polka holding her
head back and laughing)

Techno Advance MY FONT

BROADMEDIA STUDIOS CORPORATION

Audio Production Supervisors
Midori Shimazawa
Daisuke Iguchi
Shota Tanaka

(Picture of Allegretto, Beat, March and Salsa, observing Fugue)

Recording Director
Kimiko Kai

Recording Staff
Yoshikazu Taka
Miki Umetsu
Yoshiko Yamashita
Masaaki Kawano

Recording Studio
Broadmedia Studios Corporation

(Picture of Crescendo and Serenade in their cloaks, in front of
Baroque Castle)


Coordinators
Kaori Takai (Compozila)
Makoto Suzuki (Compozila)

Artist Management
Yusuke Terada (Nippon Artists Management Inc)
Nahoko Hatano (Nippon Artists Management Inc)

(Picture of Polka, Viola, Falsetto, Jazz and Allegretto in a forest)

Recording Director
Motohiko Nakada

Recording Engineer
Akira Ikeda

5.1 Surround Mixing Engineer & Protools Editing
Haruo Saito (THERMAL MIX)

(Picture of Frederic, Beat, Allegretto, Polka, Viola and Jazz
observing Count Waltz on his throne in the Double Reed Tower)

Recording Studios
Sony Music Studios Tokyo
Sunrise Studio Towerside

Piano Technician
Atsushi Usui (SJL Selection Center)

(Picture of Frederic in the ruined world as he challenges the party)

Piano
STEINWAY & SONS model D-274 (Sony Music Studios Tokyo)

Assistant Engineers
Takayuki Furuta (Sony Music Studios)
Keisuke Anan (Sunrise Music)

Recording Coordinator
Shigeru Otake (DAYBREAK)

(Picture from behind of the young Polka holding Solfege's hand)

Special Thanks
Shigenori Iwase

Vocals
Mio Sakuraba
Yuko Sakuraba


(And now the one in which the characters speak...)


(Solfege and Polka are shown.)

Chopin Pieces Performed by
Stanislav Bunin

Solfege: Really though, comparing sea water stirred up by the
beauty of the moon to the ugly waves created by the effects of
human desire is rather an insult of the ocean.

Music by
Motoi Sakuraba

(Polka is shown from behind.)

Polka: Why does everyone avoid me?

Allegretto
Sam Regal

Polka
Erin Fitzgerald

(Beat is shown talking to Allegretto from behind.)

Beat: Hey, Retto. Why is bread so expensive, anyway? I mean, if
it was a little cheaper, we wouldn't have to steal it for people.

Frédéric François Chopin
Patrick Seitz

Beat
Mona Marshall

Viola
Karen Thompson

(Frederic is shown in the foreground, Polka in the background.)

Frederic: Everything in the world slowly fades with time. It is
very difficult to remain still and keep things exactly as they
are in just one particular moment. But because everything shifts
only a little bit at a time, no one really notices the change.

Salsa
Amy Rose

March
Amy Rose

Jazz
DC Douglas

Falsetto
Julie Ann Taylor

(The angle shifts to show Polka in the foreground. As she
continues speaking, the angle continues to shift to show only
her, and then her with Allegretto.)

Polka: But if you're in your own dream, how can you be so
completely positive that what's happening is only a dream? And
if what you're experiencing is so realistic to you, how can you
even tell what's actually the real world?

Claves
Tara Platt

Waltz
Liam O'Brien

Legato
Taylor Henry

Rondo
Nicole Karrer

(The angle shifts to show Allegretto talking to Beat.)

Allegretto: Are you still messin' around with that stuff?
You need to look at things with your own two eyes. You'd see
things a whole lot clearer if you weren't always lookin' at them
through bent glass.

Fugue
Johnny Yong Bosch

Tuba
David Jeremiah

Serenade
Stephanie Sheh

(Viola is shown, alone, then the camera angle shifts to show her
with Polka, and then with Frederic, then with Frederic & Falsetto.)

Viola: Well, mineral powder does have its uses, you know. But
just because it's useful doesn't mean it should be used.
Polka: They like the convenience of it so much, they don't see
the danger they'll be faced with later.
Viola: Unless someone does something about this soon, there
won't be anything anyone can do to stop it.
Frederic: No matter how much time passes, war remains.

Solfege
Cindy Robinson

Ludwika Jedrzejewiczowa
Mona Marshall

Doctor
Well Hoyle

Narrator
Taylor Henry

Additional Voices
Candy Siskin

Recording Studio
Cup of Tea Productions, Inc.

(The camera angle changes to show Falsetto alone, then with Claves.)

Falsetto: A lifetime to build, but it only takes a moment to destroy.
You know, human beings really are masters of destruction.

Engineers [sic]
Chris Rash

Casting
Cup of Tea Productions, Inc.

Director
Sam Riegel

(The camera angles to show Claves alone, then with Jazz, then
alone again, then with Polka shown from behind.)

Claves: Were my feelings real, or was it all just some kind of illusion?
Everything I've ever done has always just been an act, but at
least at the end, I want to be the real me.
Polka: But there are some things we must never forget, no matter what.
Tragic memories that we have to carve firmly in stone, so that
the wind can never blow them away.

Editors
Danielle Hunt
Jean Luc Dub

Production Assistant
Arpi Vartanian

Project Managers
Lainie Bushey
Danielle Hunt

JAPANESE VOICES

Allegretto
Hiro Shimono

Narrator
Leo Morimoto

Polka
Aya Hirano

Frédéric François Chopin
Mitsuaki Madono

(Jazz with shown with Polka.)

Jazz: Listen, when you eliminate all the other possibilities,
you cannot escape the truth that remains, no matter how
difficult it may be to accept.

Beat
Yumiko Kobayashi

Viola
Hoko Kuwashima

Salsa
Mika Kanai

(Polka is shown alone, then with Falsetto.)

Polka: You know, I've been thinking about it a lot. And if I
couldn't use magic, I don't think I would have ever felt this
desire to go out and help other people like this. If that had
been the case, I would have never set out on this journey. And I
probably would have never had the chance to meet you.

March
Chiwa Saito

Jazz
Johji Nakata

Falsetto
Tomoe Hanba

Claves
Mie Sonozaki

Waltz
Junko Minagawa

(Falsetto is shown alone.)

Falsetto: It's because of despicable people like you that
tragedies like what happened to Claves occur in the first place.

Legato
Chafu-rin

Rondo
Yu Asakawa

(Polka is shown alone, then camera angles up to show Crescendo.)

Polka: It's strange. I seem to remember the view being much more
beautiful when I was younger. Even though there weren't nearly
as many lights then as there are now.

Fugue
Takahiro Sakurai

Tuba
Shiro Saito

Crescendo
Katsuyuki Konishi

(Crescendo is shown alone, filling the screen, then it angles
back to show Polka behind him.)

Crescendo: We can't allow ourselves to be led by others. We must
take charge of our own destinies and decide our future. It
doesn't matter what the outcome may be. The choice is the
important thing.

Serenade
Fumiko Orikasa

Solfege
Yuko Kobayashi

Ludwika Jedrzejewiczowa
Masako Katsuki

(Polka is shown alone again, filling the screen. The angle then
pans out to show Frederic at the left, her in the middle, and
Allegretto on the right.)

Polka: There's no way she could know what I'm going to draw
before I do it. That doesn't make any sense. No one knows what
they're gonna get before they draw. That's why people can have
hope for the future. 

DIGITAL WORKS ENTERTAINMENT

Director
Makoto Suda

Character Model Designers
Yohei Fujimoto
Nobuyuki Toshimitsu
Atusi Osada
Yuusuke Kobayashi
Naoki Tajiri
Sigeki Honda
Masafumi Miyake
Kenichi Ueyama

(Serenade is shown in the foreground, with Polka behind her.
As she continues speaking, the angle changes to show Polka in
the foreground.)

Serenade: It requires much more courage to take a step back,
then it does to take a step forward, would you not agree? After
all, there is no guarantee that there will be ground to stand upon.

Motion Capture Coordinator
Yuji Takada

Motion Capture Director
Manabu Nishiguchi

Motion Capture Animators
Taichi Ashikai
Shoichi Seki

Animators
Yusuke Morino
Koji Saito
Minako Arai
Humi Uematu

(Polka is shown alone on the left side of the screen, in profile.)

Polka: Most people live their lives turning their backs on
things too difficult to face. Ignoring what hurts you eventually
becomes a habit, the natural thing to do. If we only allow
ourselves to see what we wanna see, we just end up fooling
ourselves more and more.

Do Carrier.

Visual Effects Artists
Yousuke Hisasue
Keiichirou Kusanagi

KATSUGEKIZA

Motion Capture Actors
Wataru Koga
Tony Hosokawa
Toyoe Sekita

Game Design Support
Rui Shimada

Techno Advance MY FONT

BROADMEDIA STUDIOS CORPORATION

(The camera angles to show Allegretto, with Polka in the
background. As he continues to speak, the view changes to show
him on the left, Solfege in the middle, and Polka on the right,
then to show Frederic in the foreground and him in the
background. Then there's another change, to show only Polka.)

Allegretto: Why did Polka of all people have to suffer like that?
What the hell is wrong with this world? Let me educate you.
Nothing, absolutely nothing lasts forever. That's why, for the
short time we're here, we gotta try to make things a little better.
Putting everything you've got into whatever it is you do, that's
what life is all about.

Audio Production Supervisors
Midori Shimazawa
Daisuke Iguchi
Shota Tanaka

Recording Director
Kimiko Kai

Recording Staff
Yoshikazu Taka
Miki Umetsu
Yoshiko Yamashita
Masaaki Kawano

Recording Studio
Broadmedia Studios Corporation

Coordinators
Kaori Takai (Compozila)
Makoto Suzuki (Compozila)

Artist Management
Yusuke Terada (Nippon Artists Management Inc)
Nahoko Hatano (Nippon Artists Management Inc)

Recording Director
Motohiko Nakada

Recording Engineer
Akira Ikeda

(The scene shows Polka on the left, and Beat on the right,
angling to show Beat only.)

Beat: If we're gonna be saving the world, I at least want us to
have something to remember it all by.

5.1 Surround Mixing Engineer & Protools Editing
Haruo Saito (THERMAL MIX)

Recording Studios
Sony Music Studios Tokyo
Sunrise Studio Towerside

(Claves is shown in the foreground.)

Claves: But it's strange. I don't regret it at all. For once, it
actually felt like we were on equal footing.

Piano Technician
Atsushi Usui (SJL Selection Center)

Piano
STEINWAY & SONS model D-274 (Sony Music Studios Tokyo)

(Salsa is shown in the foreground, March off to the left in the background.)

Salsa: When one thing comes to an end, something else starts up
right after. That's what they call the natural order of things.

Assistant Engineers
Takayuki Furuta (Sony Music Studios)
Keisuke Anan (Sunrise Music)

Recording Coordinator
Shigeru Otake (DAYBREAK)

(The camera angles to show March in the foreground now.)

March: I'd also like to help any way that I can.

Special Thanks
Shigenori Iwase

(Polka is shown in the foreground.)

Polka: Things'll be different from now on. And I'll wait. I
won't resort to that until the last possible moment.

Vocals
Mio Sakuraba
Yuko Sakuraba

(Claves, Falsetto, March and Salsa are shown on-screen, while
Allegretto is heard speaking off-screen. As he continues to
speak, Beat, Polka, Jazz and Viola are shown, then him.)

Allegretto: We're all in this together. And as long as we stick
together, work together, it'll work out somehow. We'll make sure it does.


(And now, the remainder of the credits...)


Violin
Reiko Tsuchiya

Oboe
Hiroshi Shibayama
Satoshi Shoji

Flute
Hideyo Takakuwa
Mitsuru Soma

Clarinet
Tadashi Hoshino

(The background fades completely to black and then shows the
dark blue night sky of Tenuto at night. Pan down to the flower field...)

Strings (Violin)
Hiroyuki Koike
Kazuhisa Saito
Hideko Nagaoka
Hikaru Yamanaka
Rie Koike
Tomoko Ohno
Joe Kuwata
Michiyo Yamanari
Motoko Inukai
Katherine Cash
Kaori Hirooka
Ryu Sekka
Hoshihiko Suzuki
Mami Iwai

Strings (Viola)
Tomoko Fukumoto
Hirohito Furugawara
Kaori Hirooka

Strings (Cello)
Tomio Yajima
Tsunehiro Terai
Tomoko Fujita

(Solfege is shown observing the tree.)

Score
Chiaki Kato
Masaki Murata

(The camera pans up.)

Recording Studios
Wonder Station
SOUND INN
STUDIO Z'd

Recording Engineers
Atsushi Kobayashi
Tomotaka Saka (Wonder Station)
Hisae Yahagi (Studio Z'd)

(The glowing form of Polka is shown falling.)

Assistant Recording Engineers
Akihiro Tabuchi (Wonder Station)
Takumi Hasegawa (SOUND INN)

(The camera angles to show Solfege from the distance. Polka
continues to fall. It's her as the young girl.)

Mastering Studio
Memory-Tech

Mastering Engineer
Kazuya Sato (Memory-Tech)

Recording Director
Mitsugu Nakamura

(Solfege steps forward and the screen fades to black as she's
about to catch Polka.)



(The scene changes to show Frederic on a black screen. His words
are not subtitled.)

Frederic: Death is a reality that is far too real. But I've
walked this dream-like journey within a dream, so that once-and-for-all,
I could accept it. And now, the time has come. Everything shall
come to its finale!

(The scene changes to show the clock in the room in Paris, France.)

1:59 AM

(The view changes to show the doctor kneeling at Frederic's bed.
The clock chimes 2 A.M. The doctor stands up.)

Doctor: Mr. Chopin's time of death: two o'clock in the morning.

(Ludwika lowers her head and sobs. The camera angles to
show Delfina, who closes her eyes and turns her head in sadness.
The scene changes to the flower field of Tenuto, where a girl
and her mother are out for a stroll. Their dialogue is not subtitled...)

Polka: (turning to her mother) Mommy? Why are there waves in the sea?
Solfege: Well darling, there are waves because of the moon.
Polka: Because of the moon?
Solfege: That's right. The moon charms the water in the ocean
with its beauty. And because the moon is so beautiful, the sea
water just can't sit still.
Polka: Is that true?! Really?!
Solfege: Really! Don't you feel your heart start fluttering
inside of you when you look at the moon?
Polka: I do!  What about the puddle? Will it make waves when the
moon comes out, too?
Solfege: No dear, there's not enough water. You need lots and
lots of water, like the ocean, before it can make any real waves.
Polka: Oh, I see. But that's weird. Why can't a little bit of
water make waves, too?
(Frederic's voice is heard off-screen, strong and clear.
His words are subtitled.)
Frederic: I won't let you die, Polka. After all, you've only
been alive for fourteen years. A fourteen-year old girl must
live her life.
Solfege: The amount of water is the most important part of
creating waves. That can be said about people, as well. There
are many things in this world that can charm people's hearts,
just like the moon charms the sea. Things like wealth, vanity,
status, image, and power. 
(As she continues to talk, Frederic is heard talking over her,
almost completely overwhelming her voice.)
Frederic/Solfege: When the sun is out, they hide in their buds
and then open their blossoms only when it is truly important.
(People who are drawn to these things create waves and the fear
in their hearts makes the waves grow bigger, and stronger.)
Drawing in even the faintest amount of light, they decisively embody it.
They wait for the moment when the world is trapped in darkness
and then blossom with glowing light. And in doing so reflect
something that people can never see. (The more people there are,
the bigger the waves can become. And as the number of people
grows, the waves grow bigger and bigger. It can lead people to
start terrible conflicts.) On the grassy plain, they paint a
picture of the star-filled night sky, that was blotted out by
the city lights. (This is probably too hard for you to understand.)
Polka: I guess.
Frederic/Solfege: Isn't it pitch black around you? Isn't the
world covered in darkness? Now, Polka. Come. It's two o'clock in
the morning. The time for you to blossom has come. (If something
like that ever were to happen, the only way to stop it would be
for you to jump into the ocean.)
Solfege: Because when you do, those big waves will become calm again.
Frederic/Solfege: Do you remember? You said it was up to me
whether I wanted to call them heaven's mirror or death lights.
(It may be difficult to do, but if you can be very brave, you'll
bring joy to the person who means the most to you.)
Polka: Really?
Frederic/Polka: I'm still allowed to choose, am I not?
(Then I'll do it!)
Frederic/Solfege: Well then, I shall make my definitive choice right now.
That flower that so resembles you; that flower that boldly
challenges the darkness; (Really though, comparing sea water
stirred up by the beauty of the moon to the ugly waves created
by the effects of human desire is rather an insult of the ocean.)

Frederic: I choose to call it Heaven's Mirror!

(The scene goes briefly to black, then changes to show Solfege
and the young Polka again. Polka stops, then lets go of her
mother's hand.)

Polka: Oh. Mommy, I'm sorry. But I think someone's calling me.
Solfege: I see. Then you must have met the person who is the
perfect match for your astra. Well, he's the person that you
choose to believe in, so I'm sure he must be wonderful. (She
kneels in front of Polka.) I did so want to see you on your
wedding day. But now, I suppose the only thing I can do for you
is to tell you this: (She affixes a purple flower to Polka's hair.)
Come back someday. And do your best.
Polka: (nods) Okay, Mommy. I'll see you later then. (She closes
her eyes and a swarm of agogos surround her. The agogos begin to
glow and she is lifted into the air. She closes her eyes and
continues to float away.)
Solfege: I wonder if I have become a bit more like the sea
water... ... when it's stirred by the beauty of the moon.
Thank you, Polka dear. Please, be happy.

(Polka is shown being lifted upward in front of a red-and-black
background. As she reaches the top, she is shown as her
fourteen-year-old self again. She still has the flower in her
hair, though if she was equipped with one of her other costumes,
she will be wearing it. The scene changes to the ruined flower field.
Allegretto is sitting around, looking depressed, while everyone
else is standing around, unsure what to do. Beat turns,
observing the glowing light of the agogos. Polka floats up above
the cliff.)

Beat: It's Polka! She's... she's glowing!

(Allegretto stops sobbing and raises his head to observe Polka.
He stands up in wonderment...)

Allegretto: Polka....

(Polka is lowered slowly to the ground and as her feet touch it,
a radiant light bursts from them and spreads outward, revealing
the original flower field. Everyone looks around in amazement
and Polka opens her eyes. Allegretto runs for Polka and, after a
moment, she begins running for him. The two stare at each other
for a moment, then hug. As they share another look, the camera
angles back to the show the tree and the cliff in the distance.
It angles up to the wispy white clouds in the sky and the scene ends.)

(Back in Paris, France, the body of Chopin is still tucked into the bed.
The form of Frederic as seen in the game lifts up from the body.
He walks over to the piano that is in the room, sits down, and
begins playing a gentle tune. Delfina gets up and
observes her reflection in a mirror. She begins singing an
Italian operetta with the music - "Kyotenka (Heaven's Mirror.)"
The scene changes to show Frederic, now playing the piano in
Heaven's Mirror Forest at night, the flowers in bloom. As the
song continues, more credits are seen...)

Story & Director
Hiroya Hatsushiba

Character Designer
Kumiko Yoshioka

Technical Director
Shigefumi Nakahara

Art Director
Nozomi Shibahara

Game Design Director
Takeshi Yamomoto

Map Director
Kaori Tosa

Character Model Director
Junichi Kobe

Animation Director
Yasunori Takahashi

2D Graphic Director
Motonori Nakamura

Event Director
Rina Okamura

Map Program Director
Takayuki Kashiwagi

Battle Program Director
Kenji Sugizaki

Sound Director
Kazufumi Sato

Game Designers
Takeshi Yamamoto
Yu Ito
Jyun Ito

Monster Designer
Nobuya Aoki

Map Programmers
Takayuki Kashiwagi
Shuhei Kokumoto

Battle Programmers
Kenji Sugizaki
Yoshiharu Miyake

Script Programmers
Takashi Asai
Munehito Yasui

Sound Programmer
Kunimi Shibui

Menu Programmer
Morio Inuzuka

Character Model Designers
Junichi Kobe
Tomohiko Okubo
Tomomi Kawabata

Animators
Yasunori Takahashi
Yuko Matsuda

Map Designers
Kaori Tosa
Nozomi Shibahara
Motonori Nakamura
Kentaro Hata
Akira Tomino
Tsuyoshi Kaita
Yusuke Okamoto
Risa Shinada

Visual Effects Artists
Takeshi Kaneda
Kentaro Ishihara
Sayaka Fujino
Akiko Takahashi
Seung-min Oh
Rina Okamura
Mai Fukuda

Event Designers
Rina Okamura
Seung-min Oh
Kaori Shimada
Risa Shinada
Yusuke Okamoto
Kentaro Hata
Akira Tomino
Tsuyoshi Kaita

2D Graphic Designers
Motonori Nakamura
Mai Fukuda

(The screen fades to a black background as the song continues.)

Sound Engineers
Kazufumi Sato
Kohei Sagara
Riei Saito
Etsuko Shimada
Ippei Shiraki

Sound Advisor
Yusaboro Shimojo

Kyotenka (Heaven's Mirror)
Hiroya Hatsushiba (Original Lyrics)
Motoi Sakuraba (Music)
Andrea Mardegan (Italian Lyrics)
Akiko Shinada (Vocals)

(The vocal song ends, but Frederic continues to play the piano
and more instruments are added, bringing more feeling to the tune.)

Package Illustration
Nozomi Shibahara

Development Support
Maiko Tsujita
Eri Shiba

Project Manager
Takeshi Kaneda

Namco Bandai Games America Inc.

Director of Localization
Takahiro Sasanoi

Sr Localization Manager
Taka Akiyama

Localization Manager
Ryota Toyama

Supervising Localization Producer
Minako Takahashi

Localization Producer
Stephanie M. Fernandez

Marketing and Public Relations Director
Todd Thorson

Product Marketing Manager
Kim Morgan

Public Relations Coordinator
Rob Ely

Director of Sales
Chris Lee

National Sales Manager
Terry Carlson

Sr Operations Manager
Jennifer Tersigni

Sr QA Manager
Tad Hirabayashi

QA Supervisor
Mike Peterson

Project Coordinator
Jesse Mejia

QA Lead
Scott Hartz

Qa Assistant Lead
William dal Porto

QA Testers
Ryan Berg
Jon Erick Bunao
Phil Farkaly
Scott Finlay
Tim Fultonberg
Dominic A. Porzio
Charles T. White
Travis Barbieri
Bernard Doria
Ricky Tran

English Translation Support

Game Text Translation
8-4, Ltd.

Coordinators
John Ricciardi
Hiroko Minamoto

Namco Bandai Games Inc.

Assistant Producers
Masaki Miyakoshi
Maya Yamada

Localization Producer
Michael Murray

International Marketing
Atsuo Yoshimura

Special Thanks
Genichi Ito
Makoto Iwai
Shuji Nakata
Andrew Lelchuk
Takefumi Hyodo
Seiko Fujisawa
Shu Miyoshi
Austin Keys
Jonathan Khersis
Myrna Dobron
Charmaine Morena
Moto Aida
Lee Hsiao
and
Fryderyk Chopin Museum
at the National Fryderyk Chopin Institute

Fonts Provided by
Bitstream Inc. All rights reserved

Photographs Provided by
Corbis
Unlisted Images, Inc.
Glow Images
Getty Images
JUPITERIMAGES
ICONOTEC(R)

(Note: The Chopin story sequences use these photos as a backdrop.)

Producers
Shinji Noguchi
Hideo Baba

Executive Producers
Naomiki Yanagisawa
Makoto Yoshizumi
Shigeru Yokoyama
Shin Unozawa
Shukuo Ishikawa

Developed by
TRI-CRESCENDO INC.

Produced by
NAMCO BANDAI GAMES INC.

(Fin appears at the bottom right of the screen as the song comes
to a triumphant close. If the player waits about a minute, then
it fades away and a new scene begins..)

Tri-Crescendo
~omake~ (extra)

Narrator: The Shape of Life.

(The words "Shape of Life" appear in small, white curvy letters
on-screen as he speaks this. The screen fades to black, then
fades in on a starry field, which angles downward to show the
cartoonish figures of a snail and a caterpillar, facing each other.
A gentle theme plays.)

Narrator:

One day, the caterpillar asked the snail, "Mr. Snail? You know
many things. Could you tell me, what kind of shape is the shape of life?"

The snail nodded, and answered, "Well, Mr. Caterpillar. I think
that maybe life is red, like a ripe tomato."  (An image of the
tomato appears in the stars in the sky.)

The caterpillar laughed happily, and said, "No, Mr. Snail.
I didn't ask about the color of life. I asked you about the shape."

The snail nodded, and pondered, and then he answered, "Well, Mr.
Caterpillar, I think that maybe it has a sweet scent, like a pot
of honey. (The pot of honey is seen in the sky, tipped over,
with the honey pouring out.)

The caterpillar let out a disappointed sigh, and said, "No, Mr. Snail.
I didn't ask about the scent of life, I asked you about the shape."

The snail nodded, and pondered, and thought some more. And then
he answered, "Well, Mr. Caterpillar, I think that maybe it
murmurs, like a babbling brook." (The stars depict the brook.)

The caterpillar finally broke down in sorrowful tears, shook his
head and said, "No, Mr. Snail. I didn't ask about the sound of
life, I asked you about the shape!"

The snail nodded, and pondered, and at long last he finally
answered, "Well, Mr. Caterpillar, I think that maybe it has a
sharp sweet flavor, like a juicy cherry." (The stars depict the
cherry, complete with stem.)

(The music takes on a decidedly discordant tone.)

Losing his patience, the caterpillar grew very angry and said,
"If you don't want to answer me then fine, I'm not going to ask
you anymore, Mr. Snail. Goodbye!" (He turns around and crawls away.)

And with that, the caterpillar turned around and went home.

(The music fades away entirely, then resumes its original gentle
tune a little ways in as the narrator begins speaking again.)

When he was gone, the snail nodded, and said,
"Oh, Mr. Caterpillar. You already knew the answer."

"Happiness, disappointment, sorrow, anger;"

"these are the sights, smells, sounds and tastes.
Life can take on many different shapes."

(The camera angles up to the show the star field, and a shooting star.
This is followed by an on-screen message:)

Thank you for playing.

(White line drawing of caterpillar and snail.)

(White Silhouette image of Chopin at the piano.)

C 2007 2008 NBGI



~~~*** Bonus - Church of EZI ***~~~

(The Church of EZI is a bonus dungeon exclusive to the
PlayStation 3 version of "Eternal Sonata" and accessible in
Encore Mode once the player has acquired the EZI Free Pass item
from Twilight Juju.

The party can return to the Sharp Mountains. If Allegretto
examines the plaque guarding the EZI Sanctuary, a cutscene
begins in text only. [And what a shame, too, because it sure
would have been fun to hear March recite "Oh, Eh-Eh-EZI's
floopy, droopy cheeks!! They wiggle when he walks and they
jiggle when he speaks!" out loud.)

Allegretto: Huh? What a weird plaque. Wait, could this be the
way to the Sanctuary of EZI?! I don't think I want to go near
that place.
Beat: Hey, Retto. There's something I've been meaning to ask.
Just who is EZI, anyway?
Allegretto: (turning to him) Whoa, you mean you really don't know?
Well, you see, EZI is.... Well, he's.... He's the god of
hiccups, and the patron saint of bread crusts. He's the king of
socks, and the reincarnation of a flower stem.... ... ...
Yeah, who the heck is EZI?
Beat: ...
Salsa: (holding up her hand) Ta-dah! (Allegretto, Beat and March
turn to her.) I think I've got just what we need!
Beat: What's that?
Salsa: This is a free pass from the Church of EZI. If you chant
the spell written on it, they say you'll be granted entry into
the Sanctuary of EZI.
Beat: Really? But what are you supposed to do once you get in there?
Salsa: What kind of a question is that?! You get to meet with
EZI face-to-face, and find out just what kind of god he really is!
Allegretto: Yeah, but don't you think this whole Church of EZI
thing is kind of weird?
Salas: (approaching him) It'll be fine! I'm sure of it! (turns
to March) Okay, March. Go ahead and try chanting the spell.
March: What?! Me?!
Salsa: (nods) The village chief himself has said that nobody's
voice is as sweet as yours. So I'm sure that EZI would like
hearing it, too.
March: Um... okay. (She walks up to the plaque.)
Oh, Eh-Eh-EZI's floopy, droopy cheeks!!
They wiggle when he walks and they jiggle when he speaks!

(A lightning bolt blasts away the plaque.)

Salsa: Wow! This is so exciting!

(The scene ends. Allegretto can enter the newly revealed opening
and follow a path to...)

===The Church of EZI===

(It is a strange place filled with unusual objects...)

Allegretto: Hmm. I definitely smell trouble.

(He can examine a statue of EZI.)

Allegretto: Smooth curves and a soft feel; a size that suggests
the universe, but delicacy contained within; a gentle smile
combined with the capacity for decisive action. Just what you'd
expect from the place that knows all about him. Very nicely made!

(He can examine a spinning pillar...)

Allegretto: "Official Church Product - Super Spinner Anti-Evil Charm"
"All worlds are in a state of flux, and all things move in cycles."
[sic] This charm gives form to EZI's words of wisdom. It glows!
It moves! It makes noise! Its intricate mechanisms bring death
to all that lives!" Who ever heard of a protective charm like that?

(He can examine a bird-like face.)

Allegretto: Those eyes are huge. Being stared at like this kinda
makes me feel nervous. Wait, this isn't love, is it?

(He can examine another odd pillar that looks like a monkey...)

Allegretto: Wow, this statue's got a really ugly mug. Who'd want
to come and worship something like this? Hmph. Whatever. I guess
it won't hurt to pray a bit. Don't get me wrong! This doesn't
mean I'm a convert or anything!

(He can examine an object that looks a bit like a cat...)

Allegretto: "Danger! EZI waste products!" "EZI Recycling Center -
Coming soon to Ritardando." That could be the biggest threat
Ritardando's ever faced!

(He can examine another odd pillar...)

Allegretto: "Official Church Sleeping Aid - EZ-rest Anti-Evil Charm"
"When the end of the world draws nigh, all creatures will be
cradled in peace. We've given form to the awe of EZI's prophecy."
[sic] A herd of elephants won't wake you! Sleep through
earthquakes and floods with ease! The sleeping face of this
charm invites YOU to a lifetime-stay in dream land. [sic]
Wait a minute! That doesn't sound very good!

(He can examine a picture...)

Allegretto: Wow, he even has a kind smile for monsters. EZI
really is something! He must get along with anyone, no matter
where they come from or who they are. Hey! This painting's title is:
"The Warning Behind the Smile!"

(And another picture...)

Allegretto: Just feel the dynamic energy this painting radiates!
N-no way! Is this really the thing EZI fanatics obsess over?
The elusive Mustache EZI?!

(He can examine another EZI statue...)

EZI the Benevolent: Hey, do you feel that kind of tingling sensation?
Well, that tingling is actually poison. If you don't get moving,
you're just gonna keep losing HP.

(In the next area, Passion Proving Passage, he approaches an altar...)

Allegretto: (being buffeted back by the altar) Whoa!
Enlightened EZI: Are you the new supplicant who seeks entry into our church?
Allegretto: Huh? Well, no... I mean... uh. Right! I'm actually
here to observe. You know, kind of like a trial membership.
Enlightened EZI: What?! We offer nothing so half-baked as that here!
If you've come to make fun, I suggest you leave at once!
Allegretto: No, no! I'm not making fun. I have nothing but the
deepest respect for the great EZI. I have to admit though, I'm
not really sure about whether I really want to join the church or not.
Enlightened EZI: ...
Allegretto: ...
Enlightened EZI: ...
Allegretto: ...
Enlightened EZI: (Its eyes glare red and Allegretto is startled.)
I have peered into the depths of those big eyes of yours! I can
see you are not someone who dabbles in lies and falsehoods! Very well!
I will allow you to become a candidate to join our congregation!
Allegretto: Uh, thank you.
Enlightened EZI: And now, we will test to see whether or not you
are able to endure the strict training all EZI's followers must undergo.
Allegretto: Test me?
Enlightened EZI: Oh, it's very simple, I assure you. When you
continue on past this hall, you will find a great many EZI
alarms awaiting you. As you might guess from their name, they
are part of a highly advanced security system designed to
dispatch all intruders. If you can manage to slip by them
undetected, we will grant you official entry into the Church of EZI.
Allegretto: Uh, okay.
Enlightened EZI: Go on now, lad! Try your hand at this challenge!

(The scene ends. He can speak with Enlightened EZI again...)

Enlightened EZI: Here's a hint for getting around the EZI Alarms.
Those things have only a limited distance they can see. If you
get within that distance, they'll spot you, and then you'll be
back to square one. The trick is to keep yourself just out of
their sights as you go along.
- (eyes light up) Now, let's see what you've got!

(If he should happen to trigger one of the alarms...)

Allegretto: Huh?! I'm right back where I started.

(And if he does it again...)

Allegretto: Damn! I'm back at square one again!

(In the next area, Courage Checking Chamber, if he messes up...)

Allegretto: Damn! We're back where we started again.

(The party approaches a picture and a cutscene begins...)

Falsetto: What do you think this is a picture of?
Allegretto: Doesn't it look like EZI attacking some sort of animal?
Falsetto: That's what I was thinking, EZI attacking some small animal.
A rabbit maybe? Yeah, a rabbit, and EZI is trying to eat it.
Allegretto: EZI is more brutal than I thought. No kidding. And
take a look at huge mouth! He looks ready to swallow that rabbit whole.
Falsetto: Swallowing it whole wouldn't be so bad. But I wouldn't
be surprised if he was planning on chewing the poor thing up
into little rabbit bits.
Allegretto: Heh. Yeah, I could see that, too.
March: N-No! He'd never do something like that! E-EZI is a kind,
gentle god! Besides which, just look! EZI isn't trying to eat
the rabbit, he's trying to encourage the rabbit to eat him. This
picture shows the depth of EZI's compassion. He's offering up
his own body to feed a poor, defenseless creature. I'm sure of it!
Falsetto: Maybe.... I can kind of see how it might be depicting
what March says.
Allegretto: No way. It's definitely a picture of EZI about to
have a rabbit for lunch. Plain and simple.
Falsetto: Hmm....
March: No, you're wrong! That isn't what this picture is about!
(She sobs.) Oh...! A-Allegretto, you're just t-terrible!
Serenade: (placing her hands on her hips) Allegretto!
Only scoundrels make young ladies cry!
Allegretto: (turning to her) Huh?! B-but I didn't mean to....
Falsetto: (putting up her fists) Seriously! Making excuses just
makes you look pathetic!
Allegretto: (turning to her) But... it's not my fault she
decided to cry!
Falsetto & Serenade: (stomping the ground) ALLEGRETTO!!
Allegretto: Urgh.... (runs away) Dammit! (The scene ends.)

(Allegretto reaches a switch...)

Allegretto: This looks like it might do something. Think we
should try moving it?

- Flip the lever
Do nothing

(The various EZI Alarms rotate 90 degrees.)

(He finds and flips another lever, then finds another picture...)

Frederic: This painting is certainly thought provoking.
Crescendo: Judging from the way the sun is depicted, it seems to
be a painting of the light and dark sides of EZI.
Frederic: Yes, the lighted side and the shaded side combine to
make one complete EZI.
Jazz: Do you think maybe it's a depiction of the relationship
between light and dark? The idea that shadows exist even in
light, and light can shine within darkness.

(Salsa turns away and lowers her head, looking very bored.)

Frederic: Well, it is true that EZI is a god who wears many faces.
For instance, he's the god of laughter, but also the god of music.
Maybe it's trying to emphasize that EZI can't really be categorized.
Jazz: That makes sense. He's not the god of anything in
particular, so his aspect changes based on the needs of whomever
comes to worship before him.
Crescendo: Jazz, doesn't this remind you of the two of us?
Jazz: ?

(Salsa wanders off-screen.)

Crescendo: Dealing with Waltz is the common goal that unites us.
But the methods we chose to achieve our goal were different.
I sought to avoid a battle, while you sought to prevail in battle.
As time goes by, only the fact of Waltz's defeat will remain prevalent.
Everything will be viewed in connection to that. And the rest
will depend on those who come after us. How will these facts be
portrayed in the years to come? Which of us will history decide
to show as being correct?
Jazz: ...
Salsa: (off-screen) Frederic! Frederic! (She runs up to Frederic.)
Frederic: Why, whatever is the matter?
Salsa: This conversation is boring me to tears. Why don't we
call it quits on the lecture and keep moving? (She runs over to
Jazz and Crescendo and leaps up, pumping her fist in the air.)
Frederic: (looking deep in thought) Yes, you're right. How we're
thought of by future generations may truly be of no consequence whatsoever.
(The scene ends.)

(The party continues and eventually encounters another picture.
The nature of this conversation will vary depending on whether
or not the party has rescued Claves from Mysterious Unison.
If Claves has not yet rejoined the party...)

Polka: Oh, look! A picture of flowers!
Viola: Wow. I wouldn't expect to see a painting of flowers in a
place like this. But wait... isn't this painting a little odd?
Beat: You're right. The flower on the right is kind of pretty in
a way, I guess. But the one on the left is kind of... scary.
Do you have any weird flowers like this growing in Tenuto
Village, Polka?
Polka: No, I've never seen anything like those before.
Viola: I'd never let my goats eat flowers that looked like that.
Beat: Huh? You mean your goats don't just eat grass?
Viola: Of course not! And my goats aren't the only ones. I eat
flowers sometimes, too.
Beat: (running up to her) What?! V-Viola, you eat flowers?!
Viola: (nodding) That's right. We don't allow picky eaters in my house.
Isn't that right, Arco? (Arco mews.) You know, Beat,
you'll never get the better of Salsa if you're always so picky.
Beat: Yeah, I guess you're right.
Polka: You're joking, aren't you, Viola?
Viola: Hm? Ha ha ha ha! You guys are so cute. (The scene ends.)

(However, if Claves has rejoined the party...)

Polka: Oh, look! A picture of flowers!
Viola: Wow. I wouldn't expect to see a painting of flowers in a
place like this. But wait... isn't this painting a little odd?
Beat: You're right. The flower on the right is kind of pretty in
a way, I guess. But the one on the left is kind of... scary.
Do you have any weird flowers like this growing in Tenuto
Village, Polka?
Polka: No, I've never seen anything like those before.
Viola: You're right. These flowers look almost otherworldly.
(turns to Claves) I know! You've spent some time on the other
side, right? Did you ever see any flowers like this?
Claves: ... I did.
Beat: What?! Are you serious?!
Claves: (walks away from the others and turns her back to them)
Yes. I seem to recall huge clusters of them growing along the
banks of a vast river over there.
Polka: Huge clusters?
Claves: And the flowers I saw sang in a high-pitched buzz, like
a cloud of mosquitoes.
Beat: Sang like mosquitoes?
Viola: T-That's creepy.
Polka: (runs toward the edge of the screen) Oh!
Beat: Polka! Are you okay?!
Polka: I-I feel a little weak. Just let me rest a minute.

(Allegretto flips the final lever and the party enters a new
area, Placid Parish. In this area, there is a continuous poison
in most places that continues even when talking with people.
Allegretto can speak with the people here...)

Merchant at Left: Playing a musical instrument builds a man's character!
You can always judge a man by his dedication to his hobbies.
You're more interested in items than instruments? Hmph. I guess
you're still pretty immature, aren't you? (Store dialog opens)

(He can speak with the merchant again...)

Merchant at Left: Hm? What is it, little boy? Do you want your
widdle bwankey? (Store dialog opens)

(He can speak with the other people in the area...)

Woman on Platform at Left: Oh, how could my husband be so cruel?
He left me for someone 321 years older than me. You're not going
to leave me all alone too, are you?
- What? Do you have a problem with our romance or something?
Well, a boy who hasn't completed the training of EZI, spirit of
flowers, could never understand what I see in him.
- I can't believe I'm doing such naughty things with a man who's
not my husband, right under EZI's nose. Hee hee. I'm a very bad girl.

Woman at Center: Hee hee. Wearing this mask shows my devotion to EZI!
If I complete more of the training and raise my rank, I'll be
able to dress like the EZI Elite. What? You haven't heard of the
EZI Elite?! How could you miss them? You must have seen them on
your way here. They're the coolest, and the hottest, members in
the whole congregation.
- This is the Church of EZI's "Lion's Den." All the newest
converts live here. Are you a new member too? If so, I'd make
sure to steer clear of the shrine in the back. What are they
doing back there? Well that's a secret, of course. It wouldn't
be much of a "Lion's Den" without a few secrets, now would it?
- What do you think of the venomous poison in this room? Pretty
nasty, isn't it? Finding it a bit hard to breathe, perhaps? You
go on being poisoned even while you're carrying on a
conversation here, you see. It's all part of the training
necessary to make you a top-notch member of the Church of EZI!

Woman with Walking Stick: Welcome, newcomer. I can see you
possess the Grace of EZI. What's the Grace of EZI? Well, don't you...?
I can't talk about things like that when it's still light out.
- Nothing can beat the Grace of EZI. I can remember it even now,
my husband and I were still young then. The two of us went to
the EZI festival.... Whoops, I don't want to say too much.
- Now, now. It's not polite to tease your elders.

Sailor doing Squats: A long time ago, my boat was shipwrecked,
and I was cast adrift on the sea. EZI appeared on the horizon,
his boat loaded down with his latest catch. He plucked me from
the sea with one flick of his rod, and reeled me in to safety!
- I could hardly believe how tall he stood. His muscular
physique would be the envy of any man. I want to become a man
like that someday, too!

Red-Vested Man: Man. I've always been afraid of the dark.
- This mask has no holes in it, so when you put it on,
everything goes pitch black. I hate the dark so much it almost
scares me to death. Mommy, what am I gonna do?!
- Mommy, it's not like I've got an inner eye or something!

(He can speak with a squat man in a shrine on the back right,
who offers the services of an inn...)

Squat Man: EZI's roly-poly belly can be yours! Come to our salon
and spa, home of the famous toxic-bog face mask! Come on in and
give your body and mind the rest they deserve!

321 Gold a Night

- Stay
No

Squat Man: Your skin is simply glowing, and your hair's got a
wonderful sheen to it. You look so fabulous, I almost didn't
recognize you.

(He can examine some writing by the woman who's been doing
naughty things...)

Allegretto: Hmm, there's something written here. "When EZI
created light, the birds and beasts became calm. When EZI
created darkness, the birds and beasts became evil. And then,
the birds and beasts came to know of the astra we all hold in
our hearts."

(He can also examine some writing by the red-vested man...)

Allegretto: Hmm, there's something written in the corner. "Test
#321 - 321st Church Member Examination Test Results" "Allegretto
- EZI Brown-nosing Exam: Passed" Huh! What do you know, I
passed!

(He can ignore the advice of the one parishioner and proceed
through the next area, Wonder Way, to the Awesome Altar. After
moving forward some ways in this area, a cutscene begins that is
not in subtitles. A group of EZI Torchbearers are gathered
around an altar...)

Allegretto: What the heck are those guys doing?
Salsa: How 'bout we go and ask them? (She and Beat run forward.)
Allegretto: Hey! Wait a minute! (March walks ahead too.)
Salsa: (addressing one of the torchbearers) Hey, mister. Uh,
what are you mumbling about? (March joins the two. The
torchbearer completely ignores Salsa and she moves a little
closer to examine him.)
Beat: Hey, check it out, Salsa. What do you think that is? (He
points at the figure of EZI. The three approach it.)
Salsa: It doesn't look edible, that's for sure.
Beat: Hmm.

(March touches it and it emits a radiant light, then rises up,
growing greatly in size.)

Beat: (falling on the ground) Uh-oh! This doesn't look good! Whoa!
Salsa: Whoa!

(She and Beat run away, but it's too late. Boss battle with The
Great EZI/Bouncing EZI and EZI Holy Light x 2. Following the
battle, the party runs out of the Church of EZI.)

Allegretto: (panting for breath) We finally got out of there.
I don't get it. Who the heck is that EZI guy, anyway? (Note - He
pronounces it Eh-zee, for those who are curious.)

("Scrapbook" has been added to the Main Menu!
Scrapbook
A gift for you, the player, from the characters of Eternal Sonata!
Enjoy!)




~~~ Thanks and Acknowledgments ~~~

* Thanks to Frédéric François Chopin for inspiring this great
game, Tri-Crescendo for developing it and Namco Bandai for
publishing it.
* Thanks to the game developers for including scene skip and the
ability to load a savefile without having to return to the menu screen
*Thanks to those who have posted "Let's Play Eternal Sonata"
videos at YouTube - particularly MindOfScience & CaptainDMcGee
for XBox 360 and Getsumara for PlayStation 3 - your videos have
been a helpful resource.
*Thanks to Glissando for the XBox 360 Cut-Scene Script at
http://faqs.ign.com/articles/854/854797p1.html. I didn't copy
anything from here, but I did occasionally use it to make slight
checks regarding wording, and it was also a fun resource for
comparing differences between the original version and the PS3 update.
*Thanks to two FAQs at GameFAQs that helped me through the game
and probe its various secrets - DomZ Ninja's guide for the XBox
360 version and threetimes's FAQ for PS3, once I realized that
there was a detailed guide geared specifically toward the PS3 release.
*Thanks to everyone who's contributed over at the Eternal Sonata
Wiki at Wikia
*Thanks to Martin Pagan at GameFAQs, whose info allowed me to correct the
information regarding the identity of the two women in the scenes in Chopin's
apartment in Paris, France

*With apologies to Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" for borrowing
Cogsworth's joke and my thanks to Christopher Paolini for the
term "thunder of dragons."


~~~ Contact ~~~
If you wish to contact me regarding this FAQ, you may send me a
PM here at GameFAQs, or for a most likely faster response, leave
me a message on my talk page at the Eternal Sonata Wiki at
http://eternalsonata.wikia.com/wiki/User_talk:ProfessorTofty

First version uploaded 7/1/2012

First update: 7-21-2012 - Corrected the details regarding the
identity of the two women in the scenes in Chopin's apartment in
Paris, France thanks to Martin Pagan - see the note in the first
of the scenes for details. Also made a couple of minor
spelling/grammar corrections - I had hoped there weren't any
problems, but I had added a couple of things at the last minute
before I uploaded the original version of the script and some
things slipped by.

Second update - 7-31-2012 - Added dialogue for examining the door
to Mysterious Unison without the Hero's Crest, for acquiring the Rainbow
EZI in Elegy of the Moon and for finding a Shining Tail, also in Elegy