Annelie/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

Step right up, step right up!

On Entering a Room

Let's get this show started!

When Quest Begins

Places, people— it's showtime!

Ready to roll?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

I'm gonna give it everything I've got.

A true performer is always ready!

When Controlling Character in Quest

It's show time!

When Receiving a Heal

Thanks!

I'm back in the thick of the action!

When Entering a Boss’ Room

Time for the grand finale!

This one's dedicated to all our fans!

Response to Entering a Boss’ Room

Give it all you've got until the spotlight fades!

Victory's always a crowd-pleaser!

Upon Getting to Low Health

Not dead yet!

It'll take more than that!

Upon Opening A Chest

The troupe'll LOVE that!

Let's get that home safe.

Boss on Low Health

Keep it sharp until the job is done!

Just a little more!

Boss Enters Break State

Time to give this guy the wind!

Let's show 'em what us carnies can do!

Rare Enemy Spawns

Wow! A rare enemy!

Ooo, that's a rare one!

Upon Death

No... Not like this...

N-no...refunds...

Upon Revival

This show ain't over yet!

When Using Shared Skills

Damage: The show must go on!

Buff Self: Time to turn on the charm!

Buff Ally: I need you at your best, and then some!

Debuff Enemy: I've got no patience for hecklers!

Heal Ally: I'll fix you right up!

Heal Self: I'm still kickin'!

Player Uses Damaging Skill

Lovely!

Good show!

When Shape Shifting is Ready

Looks like the dragon's ready for the spotlight!

Dragon's good over here!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

It's showtime, dragon!

Idle During Quest

Always gotta take a good rest during intermission.

The best performances begin with a good rest.

Quest Clear

That was the greatest show in Alberia!

Quest Failure

Boy! That was a real letdown...

Home Screen Walking

I'm gonna do my best today!

Where's Liger?

Let's see, tomorrow's musical program is...

I gotta get back to the midway soon...

Another full house? Wonderful!

I need to adjust my costume...

Home Screen Inside

Whether you're watching from below or swinging on the trapeze yourself, nothing beats a circus.

We wouldn't exist without our guests.

Me and Liger are real pals, but I WOULD like him to make friends with some other folks.

You should see how fast I can carve up a carrot— cooking's a performance all its own, you know!

Embellishing your movements is harder than it looks, but it all clicks eventually.

Sometimes I like to surprise a guest with a little gift. You should see their face light up!

Home Screen Portrait

One of the charms of the circus is collecting souvenirs from all the places you visit! You want one?

If you wanna see the circus, I'll comp you a seat!

There's nothing better than seeing the amazed faces of our patrons.

Your support gives me a huge boost, thanks a million! *smooch*

I just thought up a new act! Mind if I run it by you?

Collection Portrait

My whole outfit's handmade. These stuffed toys too! Want one?

Fritz always get mad when I give thank you kisses. Is it really that weird a thing to do?

Liger's such a cutie. And when he balances on top of that ball, you gotta see it to believe it!

You haven't lived until you've heard a crowd gasp in awe at one of your acts.

I was never this confident in the ring until I met you.

We give out treats to our guests around Halloween. Speaking of which, here you go!

At The Halidom

Need something?

Let's go, everyone— it's time for practice!

Where should the next stop on our tour be?

New Mana Circle Unlocked

I've still got a lot of growing to do as a ringmaster.

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

You're always so supportive, which makes me wanna work even harder!

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

It's Showtime!

This castle is amazing, mister! Well, it's your new home now, so make yourselves comfortable. Yaaay! The prince says we can live here! Isn't that great? Who cares how fancy this place is when mom and dad aren't here? They're gonna show up soon. I know they will! No they won't! Those fiends totally messed our village up. They're probably goners! I wish we were too... *sniff* Mom... Dad... I don't know what to say. Leave this to me, Euden! Hey there, kids. My name's Annelie. Do you wanna see something awesome? Huh? Do you wanna see...A CIRCUS?! Ladieeeees and geeeeentlemen! Prepare for a magical, mystical, MARVELOUS circus unlike anything you've ever seen before! Forget your worldly cares and let us welcome you to a world of dreams! And now...feast your eyes on the finest tricks and stunts in all the land! Wow! This is awesome! I've never seen a trapeze before! Look, that one is riding on a big bouncy ball! And now it's time for our ringmaster, the Sugary Star herself, to make her grand appearance! Say hello to our guests, Liger! Roaaaaar! Eeeek! Is that a fiend?! He's no fiend—he's a dragon! There's no need to be afraid. A real dragon?! That's sooo cool! Behold the blazing ring of fire! On my command, Liger will jump elegantly through it! You ready to do this, Liger? Roaaaar! Yaaaay! Amaaaazing! Thank you all so much for coming! Wowsers... That blew my MIND! That dragon was the BEST! Hee hee! I'm glad to hear you say that. You both had a good time, then? Yep! Well, here's the thing: That was something you could only enjoy because you're safe and sound here in this castle. I know you miss your parents, but you have to believe that we're going to find them soon. So what I need you to do is stay happy and keep your spirits up. If your parents come back and find a couple of glum chums, they're going to worry. Does that make sense? Okay. We'll try to stay positive. Good. Oh, and if you ever DO find yourself feeling low, come let me know, all right? Because our circus will put those smiles right back on your faces! Yaaay! Thanks, lady! Thank YOU for watching us! Waugh! And thanks to you! Hee hee! That tickles! ...Oooo, and your face is soooo red! N-no it isn't! Hey! Come back here! Thanks for cheering them up, Annelie. The whole castle has been so much more cheerful since you came, actually. Glad to hear it! That's kind of what I do for a living, after all. You know, this troupe was originally started for folks like them—folks who had lost their families and homes. Our hometown was laid to waste by fiends. We would have had to rebuild it from scratch, brick by brick. My dad—the former ringmaster—wanted to do something to liven everyone's spirits, which is why he founded this troupe. He sounds like a wonderful man. He sure was! I'm really proud to call him my dad. Dad always used to say that when people smile, happiness will follow. That's why the show must always go on until we turn every frown upside-down! That's my dream, and I'm gonna do what it takes to make it happen! If anyone can pull it off, it's you. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Aw, thank you so much for saying that, Euden! What a sweetie. Gwargh! Hey, easy there! Grrr! Don't be so greedy, Liger! You got your kiss earlier. Right then! Next up... I'm good! Yep. Totally good in the whole getting-a-kiss department. Don't you like being kissed by me? No! I mean...yes? No? Look, my point is, it's the THOUGHT of the kiss that counts. Okay then! In that case, I'll just save my kisses for special occasions. Like once I've made everyone in the world happy and completed my dream! Well, I hope you make it come true. And not just for the kissing part—it would really be great to see that much joy being spread throughout the world. Hee hee! Oh, you. Then for the future of everyone, this show must go on!

Episode 2

What Follows Smiles

La la laaaaa ♪ Right then! Our next stop is... Is that a map, Annelie? Sure is! I'm just deciding where to take the circus next. Do you have anywhere specific in mind? I was considering the village of Hyburn. It's riiiight...oveeeer...here. Whoa. That's a long way from here. Looks like you have to cross deserts and volcanoes on the way, too. Are you sure you want to make a journey like that? That's all the more reason we should go! No circus has EVER performed there. I mean, you'd be crazy to even try and get there, right? But that's no reason for those people to suffer a sad, circus-less existence! If I'm going to fulfill my dream of making everyone happy, that means EVERYONE. Fair enough. But will you at least let me help you out? You're going to need all the assistance you can get on a journey like this. I'd love it, chum! Thanks! N-not now! We need to prepare!

...Okay, is this SERIOUSLY the only way we can get to this Hyburn place? Yep! This is it! Uh oh. I think an eruption's coming! Better shake some dust, folks!

...This forest is so very eerie. Are we SURE this is the right way? So long as the map is right! ...Er, which I'm sure it is. Anyway, take a left here. Graaaaagh! Fiends! To arms, everyone! Out of our way, fiends! Hah! Graaagh! That was quite impressive, Annelie. Even while in the midst of life-and-death combat, you know how to put on a show.

...Ugh! This sandstorm is awful! Try this hooded cloak. It'll help protect you from the storm—at least a little. Thanks, Annelie. I appreciate it. Wait, don't tell me you brought enough for everyone? Of course, silly! I knew we had to cross a desert, after all. We're almost there, everyone! Just a bit longer! It's amazing how nothing makes her falter.

All right! We're finally...here? Hang on a sec. This ain't a village! It's just a big pile of nothin'! But it's written right here on this map... Over here, everyone! At the bottom of this cliff! There's a village at the bottom of a CLIFF?! We'll never be able to lower the tent down such a sheer incline. What should we do, ma'am? We'll set the tent up here. The hell good is that gonna do?! If we can't lower the tent to the folks, then we bring folks to the tent! And how exactly do we do that? I'll just fire up Liger's Delivery Service and ferry 'em up here! That sounds exceedingly dangero— Have that tent ready by the time I get back, okay? Thaaaanks! Let's go, Liger! Roaaaaar! She is not listening to reason...or anything else, for that matter. I always knew she was a bit of a wild one, but this really tears the sheets. Well, nothing to do now but get the tent ready and hope she's all right.

Thank you all so much for coming today! Thought I'd be lyin' in the cold, cold ground a'fore I ever got to see a circus. We NEVER get entertainment out here. How simply delightful! Sure looks like everyone enjoyed the show. Yeah. I'm really glad it was a success. Still, you must be exhausted after that long journey, right? Aw, you're sweet to look after me— but I'm fine and dandy! I'm not sure I could put on a performance after a journey like that. Don't you ever find it... I don't know. Exhausting? Well, sure! Sometimes, at least. But once I see that happy audience, it makes all the fatigue just...poof! Once I'm on stage, all that matters is that everyone has a good time. You really are amazing. Eh, I dunno about that. No, you are. No matter how much hardship you've been through, you're still able to help people forget their own cares. That's a special talent. Yeah, but I could say the same about you. You never shy from a fight, and you've helped more folks than I can count. I have nothing but respect for that. Heh. I think I'm blushing... Ma'am? Our guests are ready to go back home now. Thanks, Fritz. Tell 'em I'll be right there. Have a safe trip. ...I think she's closer to realizing her dream than she knows.

Episode 3

Isolated Hearts

Your Highness, we've received an urgent request for aid from the village of Nifal. Nifal?! Are you familiar with it? We've performed there a few times. What's going on? What happened? It appears they have been assaulted by fiends and are in desperate need of aid. You have to take me with you! Of course. Let's go. Please be safe, everyone...

...That is the last of the fiends. But alas, they already did a great deal of harm. It used to be such a beautiful village, but you'd never know that now. These people didn't deserve this. I don't see any villagers here. I hope that means they were evacuated in time? I'm guessin' they hightailed it outta here when they heard the fiends comin'. ...Oh hey, wait! Look over there! Looks like they're comin' back. ...Hmm? Is that you, Annelie? Did you and the troupe come all this way to perform for us? Oh dear. I'm sorry that you've come at this terrible time. Actually, that's not why we're— We've no time for your fool circus, girl! We have to rebuild our homes and lives, not watch some merry gang of tumblers! Have you no decency, madam?! I... Hang on, people! You don't understand! She came here to fight for you! To try and HELP your villa— It's okay. You don't need to defend me. But... Look around you. Look what happened. You can't blame them for thinking that I don't understand the situation. But I can't turn my back on them, either... So instead, we're going to help everyone here get back on their feet! Now THAT sounds like a plan! *sigh* How are we supposed to get this heavy rubble out of the way? I'm pretty sure we can do it together. Ha! As if a mere entertainer could possibly lift this massive— Liger! To me! Roaaaaaar! Egads! Where did HE come from?! Good boy! Now carry all this rubble to the outskirts of the village, okay? Roaaaar! Damn. Looks like I underestimated you. Heh. That big circus tent doesn't set itself up, you know? ...Time to get rid of this pile of garbage. Go to it, Liger! Roaaaar! Wow! He picked it all up! What a dexterous dragon! Right then! While he's dealing with that, let's move on to the next pile. ...Gather round, everyone! We've got loads of our troupe's finest stew to go around! If you want some, join the line! She diced the vegetables so they look like little dragons! That's...so...cuuuuu... This is some excellent work, young lady. Aw, thanks! Oh, and there's plenty more, so please help yourself. I'm actually not certain I can eat something this adorable. Well, ya sure as hell can't leave it! That would be a crime against humanity! Fine, then! I'll eat it if you won't! *chomp* *horf* URRRRRK! Did it get stuck in your throat, Ranzal?! Honestly, what did you THINK would happen when you shoved such a massive spoonful into your mouth? Have some water, man! I'm fine! Sheesh! I just lost the ability to speak for a second there because it was so damn good. *sigh* Is there no end to your idiocy? Ha ha! Oh, but you are a funny lot! La la laaaaa ♪ Right then! Who's next? ...Oh! Euden! Can these kids get some stew, Annelie? Pleeeease? We're so hungry! Of course! Here's some for you... and some for you! Whoa! This looks soooo good! Have as much as you want, okay? I can always whip up more. Thanks, lady! Looks like you know a lot of ways to make people happy, don't you? You've done more than just help rebuild— you've lifted their spirits in the process. It's hard to believe what a downtrodden bunch this was earlier. Sure, but we all helped with that. I'm just glad they're all smiling again. Smiles are contagious, you know? And they're some of the best medicine for tough times. I couldn't agree more. Excuse me? I don't mean to be forward, but while you're here, would you mind... performing for us? We've got a lot of work ahead, and that would give us an extra shot of energy. I'd be happy to! ...Er, but it's going to be just Liger and me; we're the only members of the troupe here right now. Don't forget about us. We know a thing or three about the circus life, remember? Ha! In that case, let's start the show!

Episode 4

Our Greatest Weapon

Thanks for your help with those fiends, Annelie. Happy to do it, chum! ...Hmm? Hey, I think there's someone at the castle gate. Excuse me! Are you Ringmaster Annelie and Prince Euden? That's right. Who are you? I'm Theo, and I'm the ringmaster of another circus. ...Or I used to be, anyway. I came to ask for your assistance. Would the two of you hear me out? Of course. Please come in. ...What?! The Empire burned your circus tent to the ground?! Yes. I fear they've started putting restrictions on circuses. The soldier told me, "There's no time for frivolity; people's energy should be spent glorifying the Empire instead!" How dare they call what we do "frivolous"! They can't get away with this! I had the same reaction at first, so we kept performing. But over time, towns in fear of the Empire began to refuse us entry. The final blow came when soldiers set fire to our tent. As we were trying to work out what to do with ourselves, we heard a rumor... People said that there was a circus troupe here in this very castle. Please let us join this troupe! None of us know any other way to live; performing is all we've ever done. We must help these poor people, Euden! Please say yes! Of course. They're all welcome to come and stay here. Th-thank you so much! *sigh* I can't believe circuses are being banned now. I didn't expect to find you out here, Annelie. What's going on? I needed some time to think. Is this about Theo's troupe? Yes. I can't help but wonder what we would do in the same situation. And the more I think about it, the more unsure I get. In what way? Well, the purpose of a circus is to make people happy, right? So there's no way we could use it to praise an Empire that does nothing but spread misery and sadness across the world. But if we refuse to obey them and get put out of business, THAT won't make people happy either. It's a real no-win situation. I mean, maybe we're better off doing what the Empire wants. At least that way we get to keep our jobs. I feel terrible for even having a thought like that, but I just can't shake it. I hear what you're saying, but... Look, your dream is to make everyone happy with your circus, right? I don't see how that's possible if you become some kind of mouthpiece for the Empire. Yeah, I know that. But what am I supposed to do otherwise? I mean, a flaming circus tent filled with angry soldiers won't exactly have folks rolling in the aisles. If we submit, my performers can at least keep their jobs—which is SOMETHING positive as opposed to nothing at all. I think there's another way. Oh yeah? What's that? You keep fighting. Er, we don't fight now. Not really, anyway. Sure, Fritz and I hold our own in battle, but I can't say the same about most of the other troupe members. Weapons aren't the only way to fight. Your troupe can fight the Empire in its own way. What's the greatest weapon your people have? Uh... Wow. I have literally never considered that before right now. I don't think we even HAVE a weapon. All we do is make people happy no matter how bad things ge... Wait. That's totally your point, isn't it? How could I have forgotten that? I say it all the time, after all... The show must go on! THAT'S our weapon! If the Empire is going to bring sadness into the world, we'll just follow behind 'em and make everyone happy again! If people try to ban what we're doing, we'll USE that power to win them over! THAT'S how we fight! That's right! The circus is quite strong in its own way. Think about how far you're willing to go— figuratively AND literally—in order to make sure every single person is happy. You have the power to cheer people in the depths of their despair. And above all, you have the drive to make sure the show goes on no matter what. So long as you keep fighting, the Empire will never defeat you. Of course, from a practical perspective, we'll always be around to help protect your shows and people. Thank you, Euden. No stupid Empire will get away with calling OUR circus "frivolous!" We're going to fight them, and we're going to win!

Episode 5

Tough Customer

Listen up! It's too dark to keep going, so we're going to make camp here! We should be able to make it back to the castle tomorrow, so stay positive! Right! Today's show was really something, Annelie. You did great! Aw, you're too nice to me. Hey, and thanks for tagging around with us as we make the rounds. Don't worry about it. Honestly, it gives me a chance to see what the Empire is up to. Heeeeelp! Someone, please! Graaargh! That sounds like a fiend! Someone might be under attack. Come on! Eeek! S-stay back! Grrrrrr! Haaah! Graaaaagh... Are you all right?! Yes, thanks to yo—Hold a moment! You're the traitorous prince! And you look to be an imperial soldier. The last one you'll ever see, dog! Prepare to die! Please, you have to stop. You're so wounded, you can barely hold your sword out in front of you. Ugh... D-damn it... We'll let you return to your unit, but we need to tend to your wounds first. I need no pity from my enemies! Grrrr... More fiends?! Blast! They're still some distance away. But the prince is right: Staying out here alone and injured is a good way to end up as some fiend's plaything. Come on. We'll keep you safe. Ugh... Damn it... How did it come to this? How did a simple scouting mission end up with me receiving medical treatment from the army of our greatest enemy?! Do you want to see a circus show, friend? What?! Oh, you're that little girl who was with the prince earlier. Sure am, chum! Oh, and my name's Annelie, not "little girl." So then! What do you say about that show? Ha! What reason could I possibly have to accept such an absurd offer?! It's humiliating enough being treated by you lot without seeing you gambol and caper about in front of me! Look, I know times are tough right now, but that's when you need a circus most! C'mon, it's gonna cheer you up. I proooomise... Like hell it will! Are you MAD?! You DO know the Empire is cracking down on circuses and the like, yes?! Oh, yeah, I heard all about that. But you just look so darn gloomy, I can't help but wanna cheer you up! ...What? The circus exists to make everyone happy. And imperial soldiers still count as "everyone" last time I checked. ...... You should take her up on this. Her shows really are fun. Pah! Do as you will. Ladieeeees and geeeeentlemen! Prepare for a magical, mystical, MARVELOUS circus unlike anything you've ever seen before! Forget your worldly cares and let us welcome you to a world of dreams! Bah! What a bunch of pablum! I'm a man of the glorious Empire, not some twee villager who... Hmm? What's this? Balloons? Yep! Consider them as a little memento of our show today. Like I said before, it doesn't matter who you are or where you're from... If you're watching one of our shows, you're a valued guest like anyone else. Anyway, hope you enjoy it! Come on, Liger! It's showtime! Roaaaar! For the final spectacle this evening, Liger will leap through a ring of fire! Let's make this a show to remember! Fly, Liger! Fly! Roaaaar! By Ilia... That was amazing! Thank you so much for watching! Bravo! Bravo! I've never seen such a... Er, I mean... Uh oh. Looks like SOMEONE had fun despite trying so hard to be a glum chum. See? The circus isn't so bad. Well, I...suppose it has a certain charm. But surely you don't mean to let me go? If your injuries are healed, we have no reason to detain you further. Very well—but this changes nothing! When next we meet, things will go very differently, I assure you! Byeee! Have a safe trip baaaack! He seemed to enjoy that in spite of his best efforts—and that's what counts. It sure is! And yeah, he's just one soldier, so that's just a tiny step in the grand scheme of things... But I think it's the first ripple in a wave that's going to change everything— and as long as I don't give up, it's only going to get bigger! And if you've learned anything about me, it's that I NEVER give up! Not until every last person is happy! You can do it, Annelie! Thanks for always believing in me, Euden! Gya! ...Er, I thought you were saving the kiss until after your dream came true? And I was doing SO well with that, too! Oh well! Maybe just think of this as a little treat for getting me one step closer.