01x17 - A Promise Made

[bunniefuu]

[filolials squawking]

[NAOFUMI grunts]

[FITORIA] If the heroes are fighting each other

instead of fighting the Waves of Catastrophe...

...then you leave me no choice.

I must k*ll all four of you.

k*ll all the Cardinal Heroes... Huh.

[RAPHTALIA] Master Naofumi?

[FILO] No, not yet!

[NAOFUMI] Huh?

Oh, nothing.

Don't worry about it.

--[FILO gasps] --[RAPHTALIA] Hm?

The filolials really seem to like you, huh?

Do you think so?

Huh?

[NAOFUMI] Huh?

Uh?

Liberation: Wind Prison.

[NAOFUMI grunts]

[NAOFUMI] Melty!

[gasps] What's happening to me?

[MELTY yelps]

She's my friend. What are you doing to her?!

I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to

claim you as my hostage.

Your hostage?

Why are you doing this?

[FITORIA] I need your promise, Shield Hero.

Promise me you'll reconcile with the others.

You're a meanie! You let Mel go!

[NAOFUMI] What if I don't?

Are you threatening to hurt the princess?

[MELTY gasps]

I told you, that's never gonna happen.

[FITORIA] Nevertheless, I must ask you to reconsider.

Why are you so obsessed with making us work together anyway?

[FITORIA] Because I had made a promise of my own

a long time ago, to the hero who raised me.

And because, if this world is going to survive,

the Cardinal Heroes must work together to fight off the Waves.

I beg you.

No matter how many times you ask,

I'm not gonna make nice with those idiots.

Then there's no choice.

If you won't work together, new heroes will be summoned.

Which means all four of the heroes we have now

must be removed.

[ALL gasp]

You'd k*ll all of us

just because we don't like each other?

[FITORIA] That is what's best for the world.

[NAOFUMI] Yeah... She wouldn't have any trouble

pulling it off, either.

But if you all reconcile, I won't have to.

[NAOFUMI grunts]

I understand... but I still can't do it.

And taking Melty hostage doesn't change anything.

If you want to k*ll me, knock yourself out.

[NAOFUMI] Bring it.

--Naofumi! --Master Naofumi!

[NAOFUMI] But I promise I'm not goin' down without a fight!

No need.

[NAOFUMI grunts]

[NAOFUMI gasps] Not again!

[FITORIA] I understand how you feel, Shield Hero.

You what?

I'll give you a chance.

If you can prove to me that you and your party

can defeat the Waves of Catastrophe

without assistance from the other heroes,

I'll let you live.

How do we do that?

That's generous of you.

So what? You want us to fight you right here?

Actually, I'm already familiar with your capabilities,

Shield Hero.

Filo must fight me alone.

--[NAOFUMI grunts] --[FILO gasps]

Why me?

If you can show me that you are, in fact, strong enough,

I will release Melty.

And I also won't do anything to harm the heroes

for the time being, either.

They'll live for now.

[ALL grunt]

I don't really understand everything you're saying,

but if I b*at you, Master won't be k*lled,

and you'll let Mel go, too, right?

[NAOFUMI] Wait, hang on a second--

Then you've got yourself a duel.

I'm going to fight you in my human form, Filo.

I ask that you maintain yours until it's over, as well.

No problem!

Filo, I told you to wait!

Let's begin.

I'm coming for you!

Go right ahead.

[FILO grunts]

[FILO yells]

Too slow.

[FILO gasps, yells]

[FILO] Huh?

Filo! Watch out!

[gasps]

[gasps] Filo!

[FILO groans]

[NAOFUMI] This doesn't make sense.

Why did Fitoria want to fight Filo and not Raphtalia?

And why would she want both of them to fight in human form?

Damn it.

Filo! You can't just keep charging in like that!

You've gotta use your head!

I'll try, Master.

[NAOFUMI] And regenerate your clothes as soon as possible!

Put some mana into it so you can increase your defense!

[grunts] Whatever you say!

[FILO] As source of thy power, I order thee.

Decipher the laws of nature

and use a giant whirlwind to blow my target away!

Go, Zweit Tornado!

I'm afraid that won't be enough to win this fight.

Anti-Zweit Tornado!

[gasps, grunts]

Look out! She's using jamming magic!

--[FILO gasps] --You're wide open.

[FILO groans]

[FILO groaning]

She's not even getting a chance to regenerate her clothes.

[NAOFUMI grunts]

--[NAOFUMI] Melty. --[MELTY gasps]

If this keeps up, Filo's in trouble.

I'm gonna use my shield to break you out of this cage instead.

[NAOFUMI grunts, groans]

--Naofumi! --Master Naofumi!

[groans]

[NAOFUMI] The shield's defense is like nothing to her!

Master, you're hurt!

[FITORIA] Eyes on your opponent.

[FILO groans]

That att*ck was necessary to prevent him from cheating.

He deserved it.

[FILO pants]

[FITORIA] Do you know why he attempted that?

Because you're weak, Filo.

[FILO gasps]

[FITORIA] Can you tell me what you are fighting for?

[FILO] I would've thought that was obvious.

I'm fighting for my master!

You couldn't b*at the dragon last night

and you can't b*at me now.

How do you expect to be of any use to the Shield Hero?

[FILO growls] I'm won't lose to you!

I'll become strong for Master and I'll b*at you!

Not with willpower as shallow as yours!

[FILO groans]

[FITORIA grunts]

[NAOFUMI groans]

Oh, Master Naofumi. Are you all right?

Yeah, I think I'm okay.

[FILO] I'm not letting Master get hurt ever again!

[BOTH gasp]

[FILO] I'm... I'm going to get so much stronger

than I've ever been before!

Will you?

[inhales]

What's she doing?

She's absorbing all the mana particles in the air.

I didn't think that was even possible!

[FILO gasps]

[NAOFUMI] Filo!

[FILO] Master...

Stop worrying about me.

I'll be fine, okay?

Just stay calm and watch her att*cks!

You can do this! I know it!

[gasps]

I know that you can do this.

[FILO] Yeah!

You're too slow.

[FILO] Maybe, but I'll still b*at you!

[FILO grunts]

Spiral Strike!

[grunts]

[grunts, yells]

Oh, Filo!

[yelling]

[FITORIA gasps]

That was incredible!

Wow. Can you believe she just did that?

She did it.

[FILO groaning]

I won't lose... [pants]

I won't... [pants]

I'll grow stronger...

I have to... for Master.

I have to be strong enough...

...to protect Mel... and Raphtalia...

I have to be strong enough... to protect everyone...!

[FITORIA] Good.

[FILO] That way...

...I won't lose...

...ever again.

[FITORIA] That's enough now, Filo.

I believe you've beaten me.

[FILO] Huh?

[FITORIA] And you've earned Melty's freedom.

You're strong enough after all.

--[MELTY] Oh, Filo! --[FILO gasps]

[MELTY whimpers, sobs]

[FILO gasps]

Mel, I... did it...!

--[footsteps] --[gasps]

Did you see that, Master?

I won.

Did you see?

Sure did.

You were amazing, Filo.

[FILO giggles]

[FITORIA sighs] I'm quite glad you passed the trial.

Huh?

Couldn't tell?

Fitoria was testing you.

[FILO gasps]

[FITORIA] Yes. But it was a serious test,

because if you hadn't passed it, you would have d*ed.

And the Shield Hero would have d*ed as well.

--[NAOFUMI grunts] --Huh?

[NAOFUMI, RAPHTALIA gasp]

[FILO] Ooh, what's that?

[FITORIA] Your reward.

To honor you for overcoming my trial.

Please lower your head.

[filolials squawk]

[FITORIA] Filo, I am delighted to appoint you as my successor.

Successor?

Are you saying that Filo's going to become

the next queen of the filolials?

[MELTY] Congratulations, Filo!

Huh?

Uh--wha...?

I guess that's the symbol of filolial royalty?

[NAOFUMI] Their crown is a cowlick?!

Oh, it's adorable!

[FILO gasps] Get this weird thing off my head!

[FILO whines, grunts]

[FILO giggles]

--[FILO gasps] --[MELTY squeals]

Look, it grew back!

[FILO] Why?!

And it always will, so I'd get used to it if I were you.

And as you grow older and gain strength,

you'll have more of them.

[FILO] Does that mean I'm gonna look like you?

--[FILO groans] --[MELTY squeals]

[NAOFUMI] Her stats have increased.

Does that cowlick give her bonuses

to all of her base numbers?

With her level capped right now,

this couldn't have happened at a better time.

[FITORIA] And I have something for you, as well.

No thanks. I really don't want a cowlick.

What's a cowlick?

No, this will suit you better.

First, I'll heal your wounds.

[NAOFUMI, RAPHTALIA gasp]

[FITORIA] Now, may I see your shield, please?

[NAOFUMI] What for?

[gasps]

[NAOFUMI] Force unlocked?

My level's not high enough yet to use many of them,

but it looks like she gave me access

to the entire Filolial Series.

Bet they'll come in handy once I can use them.

Well, I guess I should thank you.

[FITORIA] You're quite welcome.

Now if you don't mind,

there's something I'd like to discuss with you privately.

Well, that doesn't sound ominous.

[MELTY] Excuse me...

When you said... you were testing Filo...

Was that the reason you took me hostage

and stopped Naofumi from rescuing me?

Yes.

And I feel terrible for doing that to you.

Is there anything at all you desire?

[gasps] Well, I guess if...

Maybe...Could I...?

[FITORIA] Hm?

This is amazing! [laughs]

[gasps] It's all I ever wanted!

[NAOFUMI] She could've asked for anything and she wanted a ride?

Ugh. I hope I'll get to be gigantic like that!

I wonder how many cowlicks you'll have on your head

when that happens.

No!

[NAOFUMI, RAPHTALIA laugh]

[MELTY sighs] That was so much fun!

I realize your day has only just begun,

but why don't you rest a while longer before you leave?

Huh? Shouldn't we...

[NAOFUMI] Hm? I guess so.

If Fitoria's offering, we might as well accept.

Really?!

Besides, we're celebrating.

Allow us to show you a little hospitality.

[filolials squawking]

Huh?

Wait a second. Are you trying to throw a "new queen" party for me

on top of everything?

--[filolial squawks] --Stop making decisions for me!

Congratulations, Filo.

Huh? [gasps]

[giggles]

Huh? [gasps]

Do I have to do this, too?

[filolial squawks]

Huh?

[MELTY, RAPHTALIA scream]

[NAOFUMI gasps]

[FILO snoring]

[footsteps]

This a good time for our private chat?

Did you ever really try to make up with the other heroes?

Not this again...

Did you make any effort to clear your name?

No, I didn't.

What's the use?

They wouldn't listen. They've already made up

their minds about me.

If you don't tell them they're wrong about you,

they'll take it as an admission of your guilt.

[NAOFUMI] Maybe you're right.

[FITORIA] When I take you back,

I'm going to leave you near one of the other heroes.

I hope you'll take the opportunity to talk to him.

[NAOFUMI] You're not coming with us, then?

[FITORIA] I won't involve myself any further.

Not until you can show me you four are worthy of it.

[NAOFUMI] Seriously?

So we're supposed to suddenly be best friends.

Okay, I'll try my best.

Was that all you wanted?

[FITORIA] Not quite.

You need to understand that

if even one Cardinal Hero is missing,

fighting off a Wave becomes almost impossible.

In that case, it would be better to k*ll you all

to make room for a new group of heroes to be summoned.

So if I really can't figure out a way

to make things work with the other three,

you meant it when you said you'd k*ll all four of us?

I can't say how many Waves

will have passed when it happens,

but a time is coming when the world will demand

great sacrifices from all of us.

What kind of sacrifices are you talking about?

[FITORIA] There will be a battle in which

the heroes will have to choose what they're fighting for.

That's the moment I'm dreading.

[NAOFUMI] I don't get it.

[FITORIA] Are you fighting for the world,

or for the people who inhabit it?

If you choose to fight for the world,

many will lose their lives.

[FITORIA] However, it will allow you to fulfill your duty.

And what happens if we decide to fight for the people?

That'll be a thorny path.

[NAOFUMI] How do you know so much about this?

There are too many things that I've already forgotten.

And yet... I do recall...

Saving the world and saving its people

are not the same thing.

The heroes that came before you have always hoped

that their successors would fight for the latter.

I don't quite understand, but I guess it makes sense

coming from "heroes of the people."

You aren't ready to make that choice.

It comes with many hurdles.

And you can't conquer them by yourself.

[NAOFUMI] Hey... Why come to me with this?

Wouldn't it be easier to

convince one of the others to forgive me?

I suppose it's because I consider you

to be a hero of higher worth than all the others.

Why is that?

You raised Filo.

Anyone who could take care of a future filolial queen

can't be all bad.

I'm not so sure about that.

Whatever you say, Shield Hero.

In any case,

I do believe you're up to the challenge of

convincing the others to work with you,

even if you are a bad guy.

And if not, the four of you are far too weak.

Even if I'm not the one to do it,

you're all going to die, sooner rather than later.

Wait a minute. Are the upcoming battles

really going to be that rough?

Guess I'll just have to get used to the Rage Shield,

because I'm probably going to need it more than ever.

I'd advise against that,

but if you truly think it necessary...

What are you doing?

That will slow down the Rage Shield's corrosion.

But it won't stop it completely, so you should still be careful.

Use it as little as possible.

After all that talk about k*lling me?

You're a nice person, Fitoria.

Thank you.

[gasps]

You are a nice person, Fitoria.

[FITORIA gasps]

Uh--well, I guess since you're doing so much to help me out,

I kinda have to give it a sh*t.

But you shouldn't get your hopes up.

--[rustling] --[gasps]

Uh, could you please get off?

[FITORIA] Please, just for a moment, Shield Hero.

Hey, uh, I know that you were raised by a hero.

Was it the Shield Hero?

I don't remember.

The memory of a filolial is short.

Gotcha.

[gasps]

[FITORIA] But I do remember that gentle touch.

This is the place.

[REN] Here's where the Four Cardinal Weapons...

[ITSUKI] Yeah. There's no doubt about it.

[gasps]

[clattering]

[thud]

[REN] Hey, what's going on here?

It's empty!

[COMPANIONS gasp]

It can't be.

Everyone, run! We've gotta--!