Zena

Zena
First Appearance	Dragalia Lost
Species	Human
Class	Mage
Year Created	2018
Created by	Cygames
Voiced by (English)	Shannon Chan-Kent
Voiced by (Japanese)	Ai Kayano

Zena is a playable character in Dragalia Lost. She is the Zethia from the future freed from Morsayati and first appears in Chapter 1 of the game.

Physical Appearance

Like Zethia, both have the same hair color and eye color. She wears the outfit as Empress Zethia, but with white ribbons.

Official Description

A version of Zethia battling to save her world from the Other by using the power of the Dawnshard to visit alternate dimensions. After joining the prince's party in their fight, she asked them to call her "Zena."

Official Description (Gala Zena)

Another Zethia from another world, who is working with the prince and his allies to save it. She is confused as to her place in this world and her relations with her new comrades, and wonders what it is she can really do.

Zena

Adventurer Stories Episode 1 The Other Zethia Gala Prince: I remember the first time I saw her, just before the Dragon Choosing... Second Zethia: Why have you come here? If you knew the powers you were trifling with... Second Zethia: I will stop you from forging this dragonpact, no matter the cost! Gala Prince: But that would not be the last time she appeared before us... Second Zethia: Forgive me. My journey ends in failure; I was unable to avert a future of misery. Second Zethia: But next time... If I might be granted just one more chance... Second Zethia: Etch these words into your heart, Brother, for there will come a time when you must decide. Second Zethia: Do not worry about my life. Seek the Dawnshard for your own. Second Zethia: And please...live. Euden: Zethia?! ZETHIA! Gala Prince: I saw that second Zethia disappear before my eyes, and yet... Second Zethia: Stop! You musn't use that power further! Gala Prince: That voice... Second Zethia: Since I am not of this world, it seems only right that I be the one to change my name. Second Zethia: ...Zena. You should call me Zena. Gala Prince: Now she's appeared before us again, and has a new name—Zena. Gala Prince: Zena is Zethia from another world. But what possible business could she have HERE? On OUR world? Gala Prince: You're a Zethia from another world. That much I understand. Gala Prince: But why are you here? What do you want? Cleo: And how did you even get here in the first place? Repeatedly visiting one specific world is no easy matter. Cleo: And then there is the issue of your mana. Luca: What's wrong with Zena's mana? Cleo: She is... Well, I was going to say "enveloped in mana," but that is not quite accurate. Cleo: Better to say that she IS mana. Elisanne: She's comprised of mana? It's as if she's a ghost... Notte: Okay, lady. What's your deal? Zena: I have come here from another world; one that has proceeded on a different path than your own. Zena: On that world, I used the Dawnshard— Gala Prince: The Dawnshard?! Second Zethia: Do not worry about my life. Seek the Dawnshard for your own. Gala Prince: You told us to go after the Dawnshard. Cleo: I know little of the Dawnshard, but I do know that the space between worlds connects to a vast multitude of worlds. Cleo: To locate and reach a specific world from among that number would be a monumental task. Cleo: Does this Dawnshard truly possess this level of power? Luca: Yeah, yeah, we all wanna hear about the magical widget, but first, I wanna know where the heck you've BEEN! Luca: I mean, you just sorta vanished from the Binding Ruins, and now you're here? Luca: Seems like a long trip to just come visit us, ya know? Ranzal: Gimme all ya got, is what we're sayin'. Ranzal: And yeah, I get that some'a this stuff might be uncomfortable, but we gotta know what we're puttin' our butts on the line for here. Zena: I understand. If we are to fight together, it is only fair I tell you everything. Zena: So I will share my story now, but would ask you to steel yourselves. Gala Prince: Er, why? Zena: Because there are parts you may wish you had never heard. Zena: Nevertheless, I swear that all I am about to say is the truth. Zena: It is an unvarnished account of events that have transpired in worlds apart from your own. Zena: Pray bear that in mind as you listen. Gala Prince: We will. Zena: Then I shall begin my long and lonely tale. Zena: And tell you of the many worlds I visited on my way here... Episode 2 Zena's Past I decided to tell my new friends the truth— the ENTIRE truth—of my story. Zena: Alternate worlds of infinite possibilities... Zena: What if someone made this decision? What if a certain event unfolded thusly? Such possibilities form the roots of the alternate worlds of which I speak. Zena: At this moment, I am projecting my consciousness to you from another world. Cleo: But does your body not stand before us? Zena: It is but a simulacrum created from mana. When that mana is no more, it will vanish. Notte: Ooooh, so THAT'S what happened! Notte: Whoa, the look-alike went all...flickery! You all right, lady?! Second Zethia: My mana nears its limits. Second Zethia: Go! Waste no time on me. I will follow as soon as— Ranzal: Gone again. Ain't nothin' about that woman what makes a damn bit of sense. Ranzal: Hey, I remember that! Cleo: This certainly explains why I perceived you as being composed from mana. Notte: So you winked out back then because you emptied the ol' mana tank? Zena: No. When the Other's power reawakened, the channel I used to reach this world was severed. Zena: Without a channel, I could not even send my thoughts here, let alone manifest this form. Cleo: So this "channel" you use to cross the space between worlds acts as a bridge of sorts between existences? Zena: That is certainly one way to attempt an understanding of it, yes. Cleo: But under normal circumstances, it is not possible to reach a specific alternate world of your choosing. Luca: Yeah. I mean, there's gotta be about a zillion of these things, right? How would you even sift through 'em? Elisanne: Locating any specific one would be akin to finding the proverbial needle. Cleo: Which is why it was thought impossible. ...But the Dawnshard changed all that. Gala Prince: Do you mind telling us more about the Dawnshard? Zena: The Dawnshard is a Sacred Shard that possesses the power to alter causality. Zena: Its power is extraordinary, and its limits— if it even has any—are not yet known. Zena: Even having wielded it, I do not know the full extent of its capabilities. Notte: You always mess around with dangerous doodads like that? Big hobby for you? Zena: If an item will help me slay the Other, I care not about the consequences it may have on myself. Notte: ...You're a bit different from our Zethia. Notte: The Zethia I know is...less intense. Zena: The two of us have led very different lives. Zena: After all, the situation on this world is very different from that of my own. Gala Prince: What's it like on your world? Zena: It has been devastated utterly. Zena: On my world, the New Alberian Army was routed by the Dyrenell Empire. Everyone: ! Gala Prince: We LOST?! Zena: You did. The Dyrenell Emperor was able to manipulate dragons into laying waste to all of humanity. Gala Prince: I assume this emperor of yours was actually Morsayati? Gala Prince: In this world, the Other was using my sister as his vessel, but what happened in yours? Gala Prince: I mean, since you're here, he must be using someone else. Zena: He is using my brother. Zena: That was how the Dyrenell Empire was able to take control of the dragons. Because his vessel—my brother—was pactbound with so many of them. Elisanne: By the Goddess! Gala Prince: Wait. So the person who destroyed your entire world was...me? Episode 3 He Promised Me Zena: Pray permit me continue my story. Zena: My world did not have the benefit of mystical travelers. There was no other version of myself that appeared to grant us aid and succor. Zena: And that is where the futures of our worlds begin to diverge. Notte: What specifically changed? Zena: Hmm... Perhaps it would be easier to understand if you consider what would have happened had I not come to you. Gala Prince: Well, for one thing, we probably never would have gone to the Binding Ruins. Second Zethia: No... A fourth pact is sworn. Euden: You're the woman from the forest. Second Zethia: Know that I am not your enemy. Euden: Why do you have a problem with me and the dragons? What's your aim in all this? Second Zethia: I must see fate thwarted. Second Zethia: But with so many dragons pactbound, my options are limited. Second Zethia: Make for the Binding Ruins. Victory there may yet see this tragedy averted. Luca: I remember that! At the time, I was pretty sure we couldn't trust you. Luca: But Euden said that even if it WAS a trap, he'd risk it for his sis. Gala Prince: It's hard to imagine how things would have unfolded had we not gone to the ruins. Ranzal: Yeah, I'm guessin' she's about to tell us. Zena: It is a subtle thing, but like a pebble rolling down a hill, so too can one tiny change bring down a mountain. Zena: And in my world, my dear brother... Gala Prince: *pant* *pant* Empress Zethia: I'm impressed you made it—and at the expense of your friends, no less! I didn't think you had it in you. Gala Prince: Let my sister go! Empress Zethia: A bold demand from a man who can barely keep his feet! Empress Zethia: Nevertheless, I will grant you a choice. Empress Zethia: On your last legs as you are, there is but one way you can save your sister. Gala Prince: And what is that? Empress Zethia: Offer yourself to me as my vessel, and I will grant your sister's freedom. Gala Prince: You want ME?! Empress Zethia: The choice is yours: Die at my hands now, or become my vessel in exchange for your dear sister's life! Gala Prince: I've fought for so long to save Zethia... Gala Prince: And I would gladly trade my life for hers. Gala Prince: Let it be done! Free my sister and claim me in her place! Empress Zethia: Bwaaaa ha ha ha! Then, my dear brother, let us begin the ritual! Zethia: Huh?! My body... I can... Gala Prince: AAAAARRRGGGH! Zethia: Brother, no! NOOOOOOO! Gala Prince: W-we'll meet again, Zethia... I swear... Zethia: Euden! Emperor Euden: Heh... Ha! Bwaaaa ha ha ha ha! Finally, I have control of a vessel overflowing with dragonpacts! Emperor Euden: Are you bearing witness, Alberius? Behold the fate of the descendant you placed such faith in! Zethia: NOOOOOO! Cleo: ...And with the prince as his vessel, he seized control of all dragons. Elisanne: They had no choice but to become unwilling minions of the Empire. Ranzal: So what happened after that? Zena: After that, I... Villager: Murderer! You're a murderer! Zethia: Please, calm yourself. Your wounds are dire—you must let me heal them. Villager: And why would you have me live? Does our suffering please you? Zethia: I'm merely trying to save your life. Villager: The Empire slaughtered our families! Killed our friends! Burned our homes! Villager: Everything that mattered has been taken from us, and you would have us LIVE?! Zethia: That's not what I... Villager: It would be an easy thing for you to kill me now, would it not? Villager: You've killed so many people already! Why stop now? What's one more corpse added to your bloody tally?! Zethia: I am so sorry... Villager: No... NO! DON'T HEAL ME! I DON'T WANT TO LIVE! Villager: GET AWAY FROM MEEEEEE! Zethia: *pant* *pant* Zethia: What am I supposed to do now? Zethia: (Saving lives is no salvation—not in world that has changed so much as to choose death over life) Zethia: (I may not have been acting of my volition, but as the Other did evil while inside me, the sin is mine to bear.) Zethia: I'm a murderer... I did such horrible things... Zethia: But I know what those people feel. Everything that matters has also been taken from me, and it would be so easy to just let it all...drift away. Zethia: But... Gala Prince: W-we'll meet again, Zethia... I swear... Zethia: He promised me. Zethia: (And until he lives up to that promise, I must do all that I can.) Zethia: ! Who's there?!  ???: Zethia... Zethia: It's you! Episode 4 Proof That I Am Me Zena: At a point in which my brother's promise was the only thing that kept me going... Zena: My father paid me a visit. Elisanne: King Aurelius?! Gala Prince: Our father is still alive in your world?! Zena: Yes. In our world, my brother never went to the Binding Ruins. Zena: Therefore, my father never lost his life. Zena: Having been banished from the kingdom, he set out to find a way to save it. Gala Prince: You mean...? Zena: Specifically, he sought a way to stop the Other's resurrection. To this end, he planned to use the Dawnshard to open channels to alternate worlds. Zena: When my father approached me, he already possessed the Dawnshard. Zena: But using it would require vast amounts of mana. Zena: That is why he had been searching for me: Because of the mana I possess in my role as the Auspex. Elisanne: The Auspex is a person of pure heart who possesses divine mana. Perhaps only one blessed by mana itself can hope to wield the Dawnshard. Luca: So where is this Dawnshard, anyway? Luca: I mean, you got the one from your world, but where's the one from OURS? Elisanne: A wise question, Luca; it would indeed be dangerous to let so powerful an artifact fall into enemy hands. Notte: Plus if WE have it, we can totally use the sucker to win the day! Zena: Alas, my father chose not to share the knowledge of where it could be found. Zena: He seemed to believe it better to keep it secret. And while I wondered at his reluctance, I did not press the issue. Gala Prince: Then let's put aside the question of the Dawnshard's whereabouts for now. Gala Prince: So if I'm understanding this correctly, you used the Dawnshard he gave you to create a bridge between our worlds. Zena: Yes—but there is more to it than that. Zena: I have visited numerous worlds besides this one. Cleo: I can't even imagine! Zena: The journey was indeed brutal. So much so, I nearly lost myself. Zethia: Notte... Open your eyes... Notte: Zethia... I'm sorry... Zethia: Notte! Noooo! Zethia: Once again I failed to save them. Once again, I watched them die. Zethia: (Sometimes they passed before my eyes. Sometimes...while in my arms.) Zethia: (No matter where I went, it always ended in death.) Zethia: I can't save anyone or anything. Yet somehow I continue to live. Zethia: Dear brother, I don't understand! What meaning can there be in the survival of one so useless as I? Zethia: How much better would things be if only I could die in their place! Zethia: ...A dragon?! It's come all the way here?! Zethia: (If this dragon is here, it means the others who were fighting to buy me time...) Dragon: ROOOOOOAR! Zethia: ...... Zethia: (If I sustain enough damage here that I am unable to project my consciousness back to my home world...) Zethia: (My empty body will perish soon after.) Zethia: (That would be the end result of all that I have fought for. If I think of it in such terms, it doesn't seem so bad.) Zethia: I am so sorry, Euden.  ???: This will not do! Zethia: Ah! Are you this world's...me? Zethia: Hah! Haaah!! Dragon: GRRAWWRGGH! Zethia: Quickly! This way! Zethia: *pant* *pant* Let's hide here for now. We just have to hope it moves on. Zethia: Why did you save me? Do you know who I am? Zethia: You fight against fate, do you not? Zethia: It is not so hard to figure. After all, I am here, yet you are also me. Zethia: You certainly pieced that together quickly. Zethia: I have been making a study of all the possible ways I could save this world. Zethia: Alas, I failed to locate "the Sacred Shard with the power to change causality." Zethia: I do not know from whence you hail, but I am glad to have met a version of me who managed to cross between worlds Zethia: Your mission is a crucial one; I cannot permit it to falter here! Zethia: Ah, words are so easy. Zethia: What do you mean?! Zethia: What is the difference between us? Why don't YOU travel between worlds?! Zethia: I have been doing this for so long, and yet have accomplished nothing. I am weak. Useless. ...Pathetic. Zethia: My brother protected me, and everyone sung my praises as the Auspex—but no one knew how truly powerless I am! Zethia: No matter how many worlds I visit, nothing changes—I lose everyone I care about and end up alone! Zethia: It's naught but pain and misery. I have lost myself, and no longer even know why I walk this path. Zethia: Why is this MY burden to bear?! You are Zethia as much as I, so why can YOU not take it up?! Zethia: ...Even I do not truly know you. Zethia: We may both be "Zethia," but that does not mean I know you. You have seen things— done things—that I can only imagine. Zethia: Is that not proof we are in fact different? Zethia: So it proves that...I'm me? Zethia: Even when you are at the very end of your own self, you still cling to a hope that you would see realized. Zethia: Ah... Luca: Don't worry, I got this! Go and keep your promise to Euden! Ranzal: I'm puttin' all of my chips on ya, so go save the future from the Other! Cleo: No one ought to be alone, so go find the people you care about! Elisanne: Protecting the Auspex is a Paladyn's sworn duty. So in death—as in life— I shall ever be your shield. Haaaah! Notte: Hey, you KNOW I'm always with you! Alive, dead, whatever—ol' Notte's gotcha. Notte: So don't cry, okay? All that does is fog up your eyes. Gala Prince: W-we'll meet again, Zethia... I swear... Zethia: At first, this was a hope all my own. But I suppose things are different now. Zethia: And though I am weak and alone, I am not TRULY alone. Zethia: For those I've lost—in all the worlds— have entrusted their hopes in me. Zethia: Only the weak can wish to be strong. Zethia: So grow strong—strong enough that you will never lose anything again! Dragon: ROOOOOAR! Zethia: ! Zethia: That is a different dragon than before. If it gets inside, the castle will be lost. Zethia: Then it must be stopped. Zethia: Yes—but you need not be the one to shoulder that duty. Zethia: It is time for you to quit this world. Zethia: And leave you to fight alone? No! That is madness! Zethia: It may be madness, at that. And yet, it will be done! Zethia: We may both be Zethia, but you are YOU, and I have my own duties to bear. Zethia: Your wish is the same one we all share. That's why we entrust our hopes to you. Zethia: Heavy lies that burden on your brow. At times you may resent it, or wish to abandon it. Zethia: But do not let despair win the day. For this burden is what proves that you are not alone in this fight. Zethia: It is proof that among all Zethias, you are truly special. Dragon: ROOOOOAR! Zethia: Now begone, I beg of you! Zethia: Thank you, Zethia. Zethia: Go, Zethia. Save my brother... and the future! Episode 5 The Present She Reached Zena: After that, I continued my travels through all the worlds before arriving at this one. Second Zethia: Why have you come here? If you knew the powers you were trifling with... Second Zethia: I've no time to bandy about words. I will stop you from forging this dragonpact, no matter the cost! Zena: I had begun to suspect this world was something of an anomaly. But in that moment, I knew it for true. The Other: That grand transformation begins now! The Other: I will right this twisted world and reforge it into the one it was meant to be! Second Zethia: You are wrong. Stop this madness... No right can come of...such suffering... Euden: Wait. Is that...the other Zethia?! The Other: You... The Other: Aaah ha ha! What do you think you can do, broken and powerless as you are? Second Zethia: I have lost...everything... Second Zethia: But I have power enough left to send them far from here! Second Zethia: Forgive me. My journey ends in failure; I was unable to avert a future of misery. Second Zethia: But next time... If I might be granted just one more chance... Second Zethia: Etch these words into your heart, Brother, for there will come a time when you must decide. Second Zethia: Do not worry about my life. Seek the Dawnshard for your own. Second Zethia: And please...live. Euden: Zethia?! ZETHIA! Zena: With the power of the Other restored, my channel was severed. Zena: In all the worlds I'd visited, that had never happened. Frankly, it baffled me. Zena: But it DID help to highlight how truly unusual your world is. Zena: After that, I resumed my efforts to project my consciousness here. Zena: I believed I would find my way back one day...and I was right. Gala Prince: And thus you've appeared before us once again. Zena: Yes. And my channel being severed is not the only peculiar thing. Zena: There are powers besides the Other that are emerging here. Our older siblings act upon schemes of their own... Zena: Most importantly, the Other's power has entered a new, third vessel. Zena: In all of the worlds I have visited, that has never happened. Zena: This world follows a different path, and it gives me hope we may yet find a way to defeat the Other here. Zena: ...And that I will finally find a way to not lose everyone. Notte: Must have been awful to have been by yourself for so long. Zena: Though I have endured many dark times, I do not endure them alone. Zena: I carry with me the hopes of all whose sacrifices brought me to this point— and that is why I cannot lose. Zena: One day, I WILL free my brother from the Other and save my own world! Gala Prince: Hmm... Notte: Seriously, man? That's all you got? I kinda expected a response with a little more zest. Gala Prince: I just can't get over how very like Zethia she is—and yet how different. Zena: Heh. I know exactly how you feel. To me, you are every bit my brother, and yet not my brother at all. Luca: You guys are gonna break my brain. Elisanne: I understand it on a logical level, yet it still somehow confuses me. Zena: Which is why I would ask you all to refer to me as "Zena." Zena: The princess you seek to save is Zethia, so it is Zena who will fight at your side. Gala Prince: I suppose different names make sense for different people. Zena: Indeed. So if all of you feel the same, it should make things a good deal easier for everyone involved. Luca: Now THAT'S easy enough for me to understand! Notte: Can't say I'm a hundred percent on board, buuut... Eh, what the hey. Let's do it! Gala Prince: Sounds good. Gala Prince: ...The Other poses a dire threat to everyone, so let's work together to save all of our worlds and all of our futures! Zena: Thank you very much! Ranzal: Well, now that we got THAT outta the way, it's time for a welcome party! Zena: Does this mean you officially acknowledge me as part of your team?! Luca: Are you kidding me? You're all in! Couldn't have been easy to spill your guts like that, you know? Elisanne: Thank you for putting yourself through that for us. You have our gratitude. Zena: It's all right. I must be strong. Zena: For each world I have visited and every past I have relived, I must grow stronger. Cleo: Then let us get some proper nutrition into you. Cleo: I will make something truly special in your honor tonight. Luca: Wait, hang on. She's a spiritual mana projection or something, yeah? Can she even eat? Ranzal: Hell yeah! More for Ranzal! Elisanne: Is there no limit to your gluttony? Zena: ...... Notte: Oh man, I bet it's been a long time since you've seen happy people! Sorry, but it's always kinda like this around here. Zena: I actually remember this quite fondly. Zena: (Yet I cannot help but fear I might lose it all anew.) Zena: (Nevertheless, I must persevere.) Gala Prince: Come on, Zena! This way! Zena: Coming! Zena: (One day, that promise will be kept: I will transcend time, causality, and even destiny itself to see my dear brother once more.) Zena: (But for now, my journey continues.)

Gala Zena

Adventurer Stories Episode 1 A Ray of Hope Please note that this story contains spoilers for Chapter 14 of the main campaign. Once every 99 years, the Rite of the Lambentree is conducted. It is a sacred ritual of the Ilian Church where the Auspex offers her holy mana to the earth and sky. Elisanne: *sigh* Can nothing be done? Notte: Something on your mind, Elly? That's quite the grimace you're rocking. Elisanne: Hello, Notte. No, I was merely thinking... Notte: If that's thinking, I'd hate to see fretting. C'mon, spill the beans to ol' Notte. Elisanne: It regards the Rite of the Lambentree. Notte: The what now? Elisanne: It is a ritual of the Church performed every 99 years. In it, the Auspex offers her mana to a tree known as the Lambentree. Elisanne: Said mana passes up through the tree and into the heavens, returning to earth as holy rain said to bring prosperity to mankind. Notte: Yeaaah, that sorta rings a bell. But wait, isn't the current Auspex...? Elisanne: Princess Zethia, yes. Notte: 'Zactly. And since she's, uh, indisposed, I guess you've gotta cancel it. Notte: No wonder you're bumming. Still, I'll bet this isn't the first time this event hasn't panned out like everyone wanted. Elisanne: Indeed, in times when no one possessing of the holy mana emerged to become Auspex, the rite was not held. Elisanne: But in each case, an epoch-defining calamity befell the land soon after. Notte: Dude, this Lambentree has ZERO chill... Notte: Yeah, this is a real dill of a pickle all right. Hmmmmmm... Notte: A-HA! GOT IT! Elisanne: Er, you "got" what? Notte: I know who can take Zethia's place! Elisanne: Wait. Could you mean...? Zena: ...And so you wish me to perform this rite in the stead of your Zethia? Elisanne: We do. Will you grant us this boon? Zena: I am willing to help, but... Notte: C'mon, Zena! At least give it a shot! You're seriously our only hope here. Zena: Very well. I shall do what I can. Notte: Yaaaay! Zena: On one condition. Elisanne: And what is that? Elisanne: ...So your condition is that I assist in your training? I certainly don't mind, but what manner of training do you require? Zena: Two powers inhabit my body; I wish to cultivate complete control over them. Notte: One is your Auspex power, yeah? So what's the other one? Elisanne: Pray do not say a trace of the Other's power yet remains within you! Zena: Alas, I had thought I'd completely expelled it back then, but... The Other: Aaah ha ha! What do you think you can do, broken and powerless as you are? Second Zethia: I have lost...everything... Second Zethia: But I have power enough left to send them far from here! Second Zethia: And please...live. Notte: You're talking about the fight at the Binding Ruins, right? When you saved us? Zena: I am. In that struggle, I exhausted my mana and had to retreat, severing my path to this world in the process. Notte: You know, I always forget that you're just a spiritual mana projection thingie. Elisanne: Your body yet remains in your own world, clutching the Dawnshard in slumber. Elisanne: The Dawnshard is incredible, but so, too, is the Auspex's power. To be able to exist beyond your own world is truly miraculous. Zena: I suppose it is. But as I am now, I both am the Auspex and am not. Zena: There is only one way to perform the rite with two conflicting powers within me: Zena: I must learn to suppress the Other's power entirely while releasing my mana in full. Notte: So you have to maintain absolute control over two totally opposite energies at the same time? Yikes, dude. YIKES. Notte: Is turning one off completely while the other's going full blast even possible? Zena: I shall have to attempt it and see. I will suppress the Other now... Zena: And begin releasing my mana... Elisanne: So this is the mana of the Auspex... Notte: Ooo, it's all sparkly and warm! It's totally different from normal magic! Zena: More... Mooore! Notte: Um, Zena? Gala Zena: *gasp* *heave* NNNNGH! Elisanne: Zena! Elisanne: Are you all right?! Gala Zena: I am sorry. The process was going well at first, but then... Notte: Holy twerks, that was amazing—you even got a new outfit! ...Actually, hang on. WHY did you get a new outfit, exactly? Gala Zena: My body and clothing both are comprised entirely of mana. Gala Zena: I was intentionally suppressing the Other's power and releasing holy mana, so that must have affected my outfit. Elisanne: Spiritual mana projections are a curious thing indeed. Elisanne: What do you think, Zena? Will you be able to conduct the rite? Gala Zena: It will require some time, but I shall do my best. Elisanne: And the strain isn't too great? Gala Zena: No. This time, I swear... Elisanne: This time? Gala Zena: Er, it is nothing. Now if you will excuse me, I am drained and need to rest. Notte: She seemed a little hesitant when we first asked her, but got pretty fired up by the end there! Elisanne: Mmm. Indeed... Notte: But do you think she'll be all right? It seemed pretty rough on her. Elisanne: We can do naught but trust in her; Zena is the only one who can spare this world from utter calamity. Gala Zena: (I must succeed—for my own salvation as much as theirs.) Episode 2 Permission to Exist Euden: Congratulations, Zethia! Zethia: Thank you, Brother. That's very kind. Euden: Once today's rite of presentation is done, you'll be the Auspex for real—and that's when things get REALLY busy. Zethia: From the moment I was born as one with holy mana, I have been waiting for this day. Zethia: Now I can finally be of use to everyone, and will do so to the best of my ability. Euden: Well, there's a whole crowd packed into the city square to catch a glimpse of you. Euden: You've got this, Zethia. Go on. Zethia: Right. Zethia: (As the Auspex, I seek to protect this world through the power of prayer.) Zethia: (This is Notte's world. Euden's world.) Zena: ...I won't forget the simple wish I held in those days. Zena: I had a place in the world. I had people I loved who also loved me in turn. I had a world I wanted to protect. Zena: I had a reason to exist. Permission to be. But what have I now? Nothing. Gala Zena: (I have no right to exist in this world, foreign to it as I am.) Gala Zena: I am not Zethia. Gala Zena: (At least, not the Zethia you all cherish.) Gala Zena: (The reason you all treat me with such kindness is that you see her in me.) Gala Zena: (But none in this world have any cause to hold dear an interloper like me.) Gala Zena: (I must do all I can to be of use; to make a difference, however small, so that I might earn a true place here.) Gala Zena: ...I must perform this rite correctly. Gala Zena: It is the Auspex's calling, even if I am unable to undertake it with the same pure and simple heart I held back then. Gala Zena: I cannot be that person, but please do not hate me for it, Euden. Gala Zena: Ngh... No! Deeper still! Gala Zena: *huff* *pant* N-not yet. It is not enough! Gala Zena: ...Blast. Another failure. Gala Zena: (No matter how many times I try, the Other's power within me stifles the flow of the Auspex's mana.) Gala Zena: Is there no way...? Euden: Are you all right, Zena? Gala Zena: Ah! Hello to you both. Euden: Elly told me about your training. It's admirable, but are you sure you aren't pushing yourself too hard? Gala Zena: I've no other choice. Cleo: You look as though a stiff breeze might topple you. If you keep this up, you'll run out of mana again and... Gala Zena: I tell you, I've no other choice. Euden: What's driving you here? Why are you so adamant to see this thing through? Gala Zena: Because I am not your Zethia! Euden: What do you mean by— Gala Zena: Apologies. I must go and cool my head. Cleo: She seems rather desperate. Euden: Yeah. She does. Euden: We can't leave things like this. I'll go talk to her. Euden: She's crossed countless worlds and experienced grief almost beyond measure. I know she has plenty on her mind. Euden: I'll never know what it's like to be her, but I know we'll come to an understanding if we just try. Gala Zena: *sigh* Notte: Beep beep beep! Zena alert! Euden: There you are. Can we talk? Gala Zena: This is about earlier, I assume? Euden: Yes. What did you mean? What does "not being your Zethia" have to do with you pushing yourself so hard? Euden: Talk to me. Please. Gala Zena: ...I am pushing myself so I might earn permission to exist here. Gala Zena: For if I bring no benefit to all of you, what purpose do I even serve? Gala Zena: I am a stranger to this world. That is all, and nothing else. Euden: So you want to perform this rite to raise our opinion of you? Euden: And you think that will serve as permission for you to continue existing here? Gala Zena: Yes. For an outsider such as myself, it is the only way to carve out a place and forge a life with worth and meaning. Gala Zena: Throughout the countless worlds I traveled, it has always been thus. Notte: But that's not how belonging works— OR how we measure a person's worth. Euden: You've suffered so much already. Euden: You've lost allies, been betrayed, and probably faced a litany of other horrors I don't even know about. Gala Zena: ...... Euden: I know it's hard to trust people, but I want you to know this: Euden: We all consider you our dear friend. Gala Zena: And can you be certain you treasure me for me, and not because I am, in a sense, the Zethia you love above all others? Euden: I can. You are you and no one else— and that's all I see when I look at you. Notte: You're right, you know? You're NOT our Zethia. Notte: You're Zena. Zethia's someone else. We're all smart enough to get that. Gala Zena: And knowing this, you would still name me a friend? You've always seen me that way? Euden: That's right. Gala Zena: I seem to have misunderstood you all. I was off on my own, spinning in circles. Notte: Well, lemme make it super clear: We love the SNOT out of you! Gala Zena: Yet I cannot forgive myself, let alone love myself. You would say such even still? Euden: Without hesitation. And if you can't love yourself, we'll just have to love you even more to make up the difference. Euden: What one lacks, another can make up for. That's what it means to be with someone. Euden: Now come on—it's late and getting cold. We should get back to the castle. Gala Zena: (I won't be able to change overnight. I cannot love myself, and struggle to trust others.) Gala Zena: (But I WANT to change; I WANT to be different for all of them. So I...) Gala Zena: Euden! Euden: Hmm? What's up? Gala Zena: There is something I have been keeping from you all. Gala Zena: And once you hear it, you may not wish to name me a friend so freely. Gala Zena: But if I am to be worthy of the trust you placed in me and change myself... Gala Zena: I must tell you my secret. Episode 3 A Pure Desire Euden: I've gathered everyone like you asked, Zena. Go ahead. Gala Zena: I have kept something from you all in regard to the Lambentree ritual. Gala Zena: I have already performed the rite back in my own world. Elisanne: And what came of it? Gala Zena: I failed. The Other's fell power tainted the Lambentree, and the result was...horrific. Gala Zena: I cannot say what might happen here should I attempt the rite again. Elisanne: Which is why you have been training with such vigor, I assume. Gala Zena: Yes. But I felt that if I told you about this, you wouldn't trust me to perform the rite. Gala Zena: Which would remove my only opportunity to earn a true place among you. Gala Zena: This was selfish of me, and I apologize. I understand now that I should have told you the complete truth straightaway. Euden: Well, thank you for doing so now, Zena. ...Elly? What do you think. Elisanne: I understand her concerns, but there's no telling what ill might come of NOT doing the rite, either. Elisanne: And while there are records of the rite not being performed in the Auspex's absence, it has never been skipped while one exists. Elisanne: If we fail to perform it now, I fear Zethia will go down in history as the first of her station to so neglect her duties. Euden: She wanted to serve as the Auspex above all other things. To fail like that... Elisanne: Considering all of those factors, I believe the conclusion is clear: We will continue entrusting the task to Zena. Gala Zena: You are certain? Notte: You just need to get control over the Other's power, yeah? Cleo: You will have the entire Halidom's support in this. I shall begin by gathering those skilled in the manipulation of mana. Elisanne: Zena, if you prove unable to control the Other's power by the day of the rite, I'm afraid we'll have to cancel it... Gala Zena: I understand—and I won't let you down. Euden: You're the only one who can save this world, Zena. Gala Zena: And I shall. I swear to you all, I will perfect my control over the Other's power in time for the Lambentree rite! Gala Zena: This should be... Gala Zena: Ngh... AAAAAAAH! Gala Zena: Another failure... Cleo: Perhaps if you unleashed your mana in stages? Cleo: When released all at once, the resistance from the Other's power is too great. Gala Zena: Yes, I see. I will give it a try! Notte: Seems like Zena's out of her funk. Euden: And she's hanging out with people again, which is great to see. Notte: Woooo! Gala Zena: Phew... Notte: Nice hustle out there, Zena! How you feeling? Gala Zena: I've received advice from so many people lately and feel close to a breakthrough. Euden: I'm glad to hear it. Gala Zena: That would never have been the case were it not for you two. Notte: Aw, shucks! We didn't do nothin'. Gala Zena: But you did, at least to me— it was extremely special. Gala Zena: I had given up; abandoned any hope of being dear to another, independent of my usefulness to them. Gala Zena: I've been called a traitor in some worlds, a murderer in others. And somewhere along the way, I came to believe it. Notte: Okay, these other-world people sound like huge jerkfaces! You were taken over by an ancient DEMON for the love'a cake! Gala Zena: And it performed atrocities using this body; I can't blame them for feeling as they did. Gala Zena: At first, I suffered. Then came despair, and after that, a grim acceptance that I would ever be the villain in any world unfortunate enough to host me. Gala Zena: I thought the only reason you all treated me with such kindness was because you saw me as Zethia's replacement. Gala Zena: Which is why I felt the only way to hold onto my place here was to make myself a useful pawn in whatever scheme you required of me. Gala Zena: Looking back on it now, I am ashamed. Forgive me for assuming the worst of you. Notte: Forgiven! And seriously, I like this new, chipper you a LOT more than the glum chum you were earlier. I think dropping that whole "I'm evil" idea works for you. Gala Zena: Ha ha, I expect it does. I feel close to an answer now—I know it is within reach. Gala Zena: The day of the rite draws close, and I will have it mastered, whatever it takes! The day before the Lambentree rite... Elisanne: How is Zena? Will she be ready? Cleo: She's nearly there. ...Nearly. Elisanne: Zena, will you be ready by tomorrow? Gala Zena: *huff* *pant* I'm...so close.... But...there's no time... Euden: Maybe it's best to call the rite off. Gala Zena: No! If it isn't performed, calamity will befall the world! Notte: Watching a friend tear herself apart over this feels pretty calamitous to me... Notte: We all know how hard you tried, Zena. No one's gonna blame you if this thing can't be pulled off. I mean, stuff happens, ya know? We're still good. Euden: And don't think for a moment that it threatens your place here among us. Gala Zena: (It's true that I pushed myself in order to justify my worth here at first.) Gala Zena: (But now...) Gala Zena: (This isn't for my own sake anymore; it is for this world, and I want to do all I can.) Gala Zena: (I want to protect this world!) Zethia: (As the Auspex, I seek to protect this world through the power of prayer.) Zethia: (This is Notte's world. Euden's world.) Gala Zena: Ah... Gala Zena: (This is the same feeling as back then; I feel I've remembered something vital to an Auspex I'd long since forgotten...) Gala Zena: (The Auspex is a pure being, and her mana won't respond to a tainted heart.) Gala Zena: (But now that I've reclaimed this pure desire, perhaps...) Euden: Zena? Gala Zena: Please give me one final chance. Euden: Well, I certainly won't stop you, but... Gala Zena: Then let me begin. ...HAAAAAAAH! Gala Zena: More... Still more! Use your mana to quell the power of the Other! Gala Zena: There! Now, just like that... release the mana's flow! Notte: Holy freakin' casserole, she did it... ZENAAAA! YOU DID IIIIIT! Gala Zena: I'm ready to attempt the rite! I can do this. For the world, for all of you, and for Zethia! Gala Zena: This time, I will see my duties through! Episode 4 The Rite of the Lambentree The day of the Lambentree rite... Elisanne: The emissaries from the Church are here, Zena. Are you ready? Gala Zena: I am indeed. Bishop: We have come to escort you, Auspex. Gala Zena: Then let us go to the Lambentree. Elisanne: I shall defend the Auspex as a Paladyn. Fellow knights, fall in! Notte: Maaaan, I hope Zena's gonna be okay... Cleo: I doubt any will realize she isn't Zethia. Euden: The rite will succeed, and she'll return home to us. We have to believe that. Gala Zena: Phew... Bishop: You seem tired, Auspex, and the holy grove is some distance away yet. Will you be all right? Gala Zena: I am fine. Pray let us continue. Gala Zena: (The heart of the holy grove is a sacred place forbidden to all but the Auspex—and at its center grows a single great tree.) Gala Zena: (The Lambentree, grown since ancient times under the watchful stewardship of the Church.) Gala Zena: (When imbued with the Auspex's mana, the tree summons a breeze that carries said mana out across the heavens.) Gala Zena: (It then becomes a gentle rain of mercy which falls upon the land, blessing it.) Gala Zena: (On the day of the rite, the people watch the sky with faith in their hearts and hope for the age of peace that rain will bring...) Archbishop: We have arrived. As the sacred domain lies beyond, I must ask that you now make for the Lambentree alone. Elisanne: Is all well with you, Auspex? Gala Zena: Yes, all is well. I will return after seeing my duties completed. Elisanne: Once all is done, we'll return together to the place where we belong. Gala Zena: Indeed. Now I must be on my way. Gala Zena: (As I draw closer to the tree, the mana grows thicker as if guiding me...) Gala Zena: This is it. Gala Zena: The tree glows faintly. It is a surreal sight, no matter how many times I witness it. Gala Zena: I must see this through. If I fail again... Gala Zena: (No. I will not fail.) Gala Zena: (I will protect this world. Not as Zethia, but as Zena.) Gala Zena: O Lambentree, hear my prayer... Gala Zena: My name is Zena, the Auspex chosen by holy mana. Gala Zena: Lend me now the couriers of the wind. Call forth clouds to grant rain unto the parched earth, and grant peace to all. Gala Zena: (...The Other's power is contained! It's working!) Gala Zena: ...What? No! Why?! Gala Zena: The tree withers! Ah, but this is just like before! Gala Zena: And now it begins to spew miasma! Gala Zena: The mana flow grows unstable... I cannot begin to say what might happen now! Gala Zena: Aaaaaaah! Meanwhile, at the Halidom... Luca: Earthquake! Everybody down! Luca: Phew! Looks like things have quit rockin' and rollin' for now. But does this mean...? Euden: Yes, I'm afraid something may have happened to Zena. Cleo: The mana grows unstable. Was the rite a failure? Ranzal: Bad news, folks! We got us a whole pack of incomin' fiends! Luca: Is that because the mana's gone out of whack?! Cleo: Given this sudden a change, it's no surprise to see fiends stirred into a frenzy! What shall we do?! Euden: We intercept them. I need response teams defending the nearby villages now! Notte: Zena... Euden: I know, Notte. We just have to hold faith that she succeeds and comes back to us. Notte: Then I'm gonna put all the good vibes I got out into the world! Hang in there, Zena! Gala Zena: (The Lambentree has withered, the grove is choked with miasma, and the mana is in utter tumult...) Gala Zena: I am a failure. I have doomed us all. Gala Zena: (I'll lose this place as I have lost every world before it. How can I possibly live with myself after such a thing...?) Gala Zena: (Can I give up on this world?) Notte: Well, lemme make it super clear: We love the SNOT out of you! Euden: You're the only one who can save this world, Zena. Elisanne: Once all is done, we'll return together to the place where we belong. Gala Zena: ...No. Not even if it kills me. Gala Zena: This world forgave me, trusted in me, and gave me a home—so I won't give up no matter what comes! Gala Zena: (They said they even loved the part of me touched by the Other, so let that serve them well now!) Gala Zena: Let the Other's power do good for once, instead of ill! Gala Zena: (...No. This isn't about making use of the Other's power—I must make it my own.) Gala Zena: I will transform this twisted force into one of purity and good! Gala Zena: (I will not hold it back—instead, I will take the dregs of the Other's power and dye them with my own mana!) Gala Zena: (With an infusion of mana this great, I can pull the Lambentree back from the brink!) Gala Zena: (Please, I beg you! Hear my prayer!) Episode 5 Chain of Prayer All eyes turned to the sky that day. No wind blew. No rains fell. But just as all hope faded from the hearts of humans, a single blazing star cut a brilliant streak across the sky. It was a fascinating, indescribable color, somehow black and white yet also neither. But all who saw it spoke of it the same: "It was a gentle, loving color." Holy mana then rained down upon the land, and the people rejoiced in the knowledge they would live in a blessed age, assured of prosperity. Euden: The fiends are acting strangely... There! An opening! Euden: Strike as one! Now! Notte: Zena... Notte: (We all know you've got this.) Notte: (And you're our best bud, so you better come back to us in one piece!) Euden: Haaaaah! Gala Zena: Ngh... Gala Zena: (Good. The Lambentree is restored. But my mana is completely drained...) Gala Zena: (I've not even the strength to return to my physical form in my own world.) Gala Zena: (My journey ends here... Forgive me, Euden...) Gala Zena: What?! Th-this is... Gala Zena: This mana flowing from the Lambentree... Gala Zena: I feel the prayers of everyone! Did the tree accept them and return them to me as mana? Gala Zena: (Then the Lambentree doesn't just pass the Auspex's mana on to the earth—it also transforms prayers into NEW mana!) Gala Zena: (That explains why the mana is so dense here!) Gala Zena: With the mana I received from everyone, I can continue! Gala Zena: I can keep the chain of prayer unbroken! Bishop: An earthquake, miasma, and now a shooting star? I've read nothing like this in all the histories. Bishop: I fear the rite has failed... Elisanne: Mind your words, Father; the Auspex will succeed and return safely to us. Elisanne: My faith in her remains unshaken. Elisanne: (Please be safe, Zena!) Archbishop: The miasma is clearing... And that's not all! Archbishop: This mana... It's not merely pure, it's also astoundingly powerful! Archbishop: What in the Goddess's name...? Bishop: There! The Auspex has returned! Gala Zena: The rite is complete. Until this same day nine-and-ninety years hence, my mana will keep this world safe. Bishop: Blessings and praise be upon her! Gala Zena: (I'M the blessed one; I've found something to protect and learned that I have the power to do so.) Gala Zena: (I will live here, in this world, until the day I'm able to fulfill my promise to you, Euden.) And so, normal life continued from that day on. But to me, everything felt brand new; a sure sign that I, myself, had changed. Gala Zena: ...... Gala Zena: (Until recently, I even felt guilt in prayer.) Gala Zena: (I was certain a tainted creature like me was unfit to offer up her prayers.) Gala Zena: (But knowing there are those in this world who will accept me and permit my presence here makes me able to offer prayers once more.) Gala Zena: (I do so for the people I love as well as all who reside in this world. And—) Notte: C'mon, Zena! Let's go home! Gala Zena: Coming! Notte: You really get into the zone when you make with the prayin' these days, huh? Gala Zena: Y-yes, I suppose so! Perhaps it's because I'm not simply praying for myself anymore. Gala Zena: And also, because I must see these prayers to a destination beyond this world. Euden: I'm sure they will find their way back to your world. Gala Zena: And I hold that belief in my heart as I press on in this kind and lovely world...

Official Profile

Posted by the Dragalia Lost Twitter account on April 9, 2022.

• Hobbies: Making bouquets
• Talents: Communicating with other worlds
• Likes: The beautiful moon
• Dislikes: Seeing people die