Granblue Story Archives

Io finds herself in a forest she's never seen before. She comes across soldiers intentionally harming the forest, so she moves to put a stop to their actions.

Echidna

Come home safe.

An incredible flood of light engulfs Io, causing her to lose consciousness.

But it soon subsides, and she regains both her vision and awareness.

Mm...

Io takes a look around and sees an unfamiliar jungle, thick and overgrown.

Where... is this?

Ah! And where are Rosetta and Echidna!

I was just on Bestia Island... Right?

Io blinks as if to double check that her eyes really aren't deceiving her.

(This isn't Bestia... And it's not Lumacie either...)

I guess this is a forest I've never been to, huh...

But then again I've been to all kinds of forests already, and it's not like it's easy to tell the difference between 'em...

While trying to get a grip on her unfamiliar surroundings, Io recalls what Echidna told her just before being enveloped by the light.

Echidna

You will learn so much about each other through this temporary pact.

Echidna

And, in turn, I know that you will come to understand the innermost teachings.

Rosetta... I've gotta find her.

But come to think of it, this is probably one of those situations...

The kind where Rosetta is probably out there somewhere looking for me too.

So I can't just stand around while she does all the work!

Io's optimistic outlook gives her the strength to step into the darkness of the unknown forest.

But the more she thinks about Rosetta, the more she can't help but focus on their quibble from the previous night.

...

(Yesterday... I said too much, huh?)

(Telling her she's not acting like a real lady...)

(Even though I've always thought that she was the very definition of ladyhood.)

Yet...

Io tightens her fists in an attempt to contain her rapidly swelling emotions.

(That's why I was so disappointed.)

(Rosetta was supposed to be the cool, grown-up lady who's not afraid of anything.)

(But I guess maybe that's just the image I put on her...)

...

I have to get it together... Now's not the time to dwell on that stuff.

(Rosetta will be fine on her own. I just have to believe that and keep moving on!)

Io heads deeper into the forest while shaking off her anxiety.

Eep... Being alone in a forest you don't recognize is kinda creepy...

No matter how far I go, it all looks the same.

Uh-oh. I wonder if I'm lost...

Wh-who's there!

The sound causes adrenaline to rush through Io's veins. She draws her staff.

Is that you, Rosetta?

Monster

Meep...

Whew... It's just a regular old monster. Thank goodness...

But, you know, this little guy looks pretty calm.

Guess I don't have anything to be scared of.

Monster

Meep?

Hey, do you know where Rosetta's gone?

Monster

Meep...

Heh. I guess there's no way you'd know.

(And even if you did, how would I know what you're saying?)

Well, thanks anyways. Take care, Mr. Monster. Be good!

The monster is unable to help Io in her search for Rosetta.

But encountering the friendly creature makes her feel a little better as she continues heading deeper into the forest.

Eep! What now?

Forest Critter

Whimper...

What the—are you a puppy?

Wait, you look like you're in pain. Are you all right?

Forest Critter

Whimper...

Show me where it hurts! I'll patch you up!

The animal seems to understand Io's words. It approaches the young mage and stretches out before her.

Let's see...

Ah, here. You're bleeding, huh? I bet you got caught on something.

Io waves her staff and casts a healing spell.

There you go! How do you feel? It doesn't hurt, right?

Forest Critter

Ruff!

The animal jumps up and down in response, wagging its tail with glee.

Hehe. Make sure you don't hurt yourself again, okay?

Forest Critter

Ruff!

Io smiles as she watches the healed creature head back into the forest.

Her spirits are lifted just a bit more, giving her the confidence to plunge even further into the woods.

Huh? What was that?

Io strains her ears to listen to some sort of sound in the distance.

(That's... someone's voice.)

(Yay! If somebody's there, then I can ask them about Rosetta!)

Invigorated by the thought of human contact, Io goes running off in the direction of the voice.

Monster

Meeeep!

Soldier 1

Oh, come on!

Monster

Meep...

Soldier 2

Stop fooling around and bring the firewood already! On the double!

Soldier 1

Shut it! There's a monster over here!

Soldier 2

You think we got time to worry about that! If we don't hurry this up, those vines'll be back!

Two soldiers, clearly frightened of something, are haphazardly cutting down trees.

Forest Critter

Growl!

Soldier 2

Good grief, what's wrong with this thing! Don't you get in our way too!

The soldier draws his leg back, readying himself to kick the beast.

Soldier 2

Guh!

Soldier 1

Wh-what the! Do the animals have reinforcements!

Hold it, you two! What do you think you're doing?

Soldier 2

Who're you supposed to be? Are you in league with the Astral—no, that primal beast? Did it brainwash you?

Soldier 1

It can even do that?

Soldier 2

Not sure. But why else would a kid like this just show up?

The Astral? What the heck are you creeps talking about?

Soldier 1

It's a shame... But we don't have time to get you out of here and save our skin too...

Soldier 2

Aye... Sometimes you gotta make sacrifices for the greater good!

The soldiers begin torching the trees in the area, intent on transforming the green verdure into a red blaze.

Soldier 2

Mission complete! Now we've just gotta escape...

Io fires a ball of water at where the flames are most concentrated, instantaneously extinguishing the embers.

Somebody explain what's going on! Are you trying to burn the whole forest down?

Soldier 1

Damn it! It's almost time for the plan to commence...

Soldier 2

The state of the war depends on this strategy... If you interfere, we'll have to treat you like an enemy—even if you are a kid!

The soldiers draw their blades and begin approaching Io.

Argh... I don't get what's going on here, but I can tell you two are up to no good!

Sorry, Rosetta. I'll find you as soon as I take out these goons!

Although Io defeats the soldiers, the forest erupts into flames. An explosion sends Io flying through the air and off the island. She awakens in a forest on Lumacie beside Yggdrasil. This makes Io realize she's reliving Rosetta's past.

Soldier 1

Damn it all... I guess this is it...

Pant... Pant... What were these guys up to?

The two soldiers who were torching the forest lie on the ground, knocked unconscious by Io.

These guys were really desperate. What had them so worried?

Wh-what now!

Tendrils of flame swell above the canopy of the forest in all directions, turning the serene setting into a cacophony of explosions.

(Oh no... Did they have backup?)

The blasts shock Io, but she soon finds the wherewithal to collect herself.

J-just focus on what you can do, Io!

This isn't a dry forest, so the fire shouldn't spread that fast.

If I can just get to the center of the all the flames, I should be able to put them out!

Io rushes toward the closest source of the explosions.

...!

A point-blank blast stops Io in her tracks. She instinctively raises her staff, using magic to protect herself from the brunt of the force.

However, her body proves to be too light—the blast is enough to send her into the sky and careening off the edge of the island.

(Why...)

(Why is this happening?)

(Why did those people do that to the forest... All those poor creatures...)

(I'll be alone again...)

...

(No... I know what this is...)

(It's just like Rosetta told me. She once said she was burned out of her forest home during the War.)

(So then... Could this be Rosetta's...)

...

Pain pulses through her body. She tries futilely to hang on to her thoughts, but soon she falls unconscious.

...!

Cough... Cough...

This is...

Yggdrasil

...

Yggdrasil! Then that means...

Io surveys her surroundings and sees a far more recognizable grove of trees.

The Lumacie Archipelago. It really is just like Rosetta said...

After they burned down her forest, she woke up on Lumacie. So she must've drifted through the sky an awfully long way...

Yggdrasil

...?

(Yep. I bet this world is from Rosetta's memories.)

Well I've got that much figured out at least...

Now how did Echidna say I was supposed to understand the innermost teachings from all this?

If I'm the one searching for Rosetta, but I'm also the one who got burnt out of a forest...

Then it's like I'm experiencing Rosetta's memories through my body.

Which means if I'm Rosetta in this world, then Rosetta herself wouldn't be here, right?

Really though? After all, I'm the one looking for her.

Huh?

Yggdrasil, seeing Io's brows furrow with anxiety, peacefully floats over to the girl.

Yggdrasil

...

Yes? You don't have to comfort me...

Yggdrasil

...

Yggdrasil begins making vivid gestures with her hands, attempting to communicate something to Io.

Are you asking if I've slept yet?

Yggdrasil

...!

Thanks, Yggdrasil. I'm glad you care about me, but I still want to hurry and meet back up with Rosetta as soon as I can.

Io vocalizes her impatience, but this prompts Yggdrasil to give her a friendly pat on the head.

Huh?

Yggdrasil

...!

Mm... You're right. I guess I'm trying to rush things.

Yggdrasil

...

The primal beast gives an affirmative nod in response to Io's quiet muttering.

Hehe... Well, I might take you up on your suggestion and get a little shut eye.

Seeing the face of a friend like you, Yggdrasil—it really puts me at ease.

I still may not have any idea how to reach the inner teachings, but you better believe I'll figure it out somehow!

So for now, just hang on a little longer...

Yggdrasil

...

Hehe. Thanks. Night night, Yggdrasil.

Io closes her heavy eyelids, exhausted from her scuffle with the soldiers and the blast that sent her flying through the sky.

With Yggdrasil watching over her, she succumbs to a peaceful slumber almost immediately.

Mm... Yggdrasil?

Io yawns and looks around while rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

Yggdrasil? Where'd she go?

???

Hahaha... O great tree of creation, robbed of all providence... Awaken!

???

Take form here and now—use the wretched power of the Astrals to vanquish my foes!

This... This is!

The sinister figure floats in front of Io, disillusion and calamity made manifest.

Yggdrasil Malice

...!

...

No... This can't be happening...

Not to Yggdrasil...

Yggdrasil Malice

...!

No... No!

I'll be alone...

Yggdrasil

...

I'll be alone all over again...

No! I don't want to be by myself!

Using her staff to support her quickly fading strength, Io struggles to stand.

No... No, no, no! I can't be alone...

...

Io presses forward, tears streaming down her face.

I...

I still have to get stronger!

Yggdrasil Malice

...!

I still have to get stronger!

Mustering her remaining vestiges of energy, Io confronts Yggdrasil Malice.

Rosetta continues her journey through Io's memories. Seeing how Io grows with every struggle causes Rosetta to believe she should part from the crew. A familiar figure appears behind her and questions this line of logic.

Meanwhile Rosetta is continuing her journey through Io's memories.

Found you, Black Knight! You're making Orchis upset! Let her go!

Orchis

Io...

Black Knight

You're a stubborn bunch... Who are you to tell me what I can do with my property?

Property? Orchis is our friend!

No, we have to calm down! What'll happen if we get ahead of ourselves after we've come so far?

Yes, it's true that that Malice thing was powerful.

But so what? If our enemy is strong, then we'll just have to get stronger!

If we all work together, then we won't lose like that again!

You keep talking about being used and being a weapon—stop treating my friend like an object!

Aren't you one of them? How can you just call yourself a simple thing?

Fenrir

Bah! Clueless brats should just keep their mouths shut!

Fenrir

Don't you get it? Creating us without knowing what we are... Giving us self-awareness without knowing who we are...

Fenrir

Terrified of being modified over and over, only to find out you're just a failed version!

You're right. I don't know about all that. In fact, I'll probably never understand what primal beasts have gone through.

But no matter what happened in the past, Rosetta is my dear friend right now!

At the very end of the journey through Io's memories, Rosetta stands in the city where it all began for the girl: the Valtz Duchy.

Rosetta

You really have gotten strong, Io.

Rosetta

I knew you had it in you all along...

Rosetta

But since joining Gran and the others, it's impressive how strong you've become.

Rosetta

You've grown both mentally and physically, and more than you'll ever know.

Rosetta

(I, on the other hand...)

Rosetta draws in her eyebrows and purses her lips in an effort to contain her own emotions.

Rosetta

I'm lost...

Rosetta

So long as I walk this path, only confusion and hesitation lie before me.

Rosetta

But it's a path few walk, so perhaps there's some comfort to be had in not knowing exactly where it leads.

Rosetta sneers a hollow smile directed at herself.

Rosetta

(I know what will happen. And that's why I struggle to move forward.)

Rosetta

(Cruel journeys claim many victims. I swear I have learned this lesson all too well.)

Rosetta

I've seen in my dreams what lies waiting for us at the end of our journey, but it's not something I would hope or wish on anyone...

Rosetta

As long as I keep holding back, then I'll be a burden to everyone else...

Rosetta

Perhaps I should disappear until a more appropriate time.

Rosetta

As for my power... Io would definitely be able to use it.

Rosetta

If I give it to her, then...

Rosetta

...?

Rosetta notices heat rise in her cheeks, a sensation that abruptly stops her train of thought.

Rosetta

...

Rosetta

Ah... Yes. I guess I'm lonely.

Rosetta

He entrusted me with his child. That was the only reason I came on this journey.

Rosetta

When did I get so close to everyone?

Rosetta

(Still...)

A tear begins to form in the corner of her eye as she bites her quivering lip.

Rosetta

The others won't be able to continue forward while I'm constantly looking backward.

Rosetta

Yes, leaving Io and the others is what's best for the moment...

Memories of the journey with Gran fill Rosetta's mind, but her tragic decision has been made.

???

This plan of yours... You think any good will come of it?

Rosetta

...!

???

...

A looming figure stands behind Rosetta. She turns to face it.

Pholia dreams about her past. She remembers when she was confined for having immense power and for being used as a war weapon. When she wakes up, Leona appears before her, ready to take vengeance for Abel. Pholia does not back down from the sudden assault.

There is a girl who dreams.

This girl was born with beautiful eyes, two shining jewels of differing hue.

A peculiar quality to be sure. But it was evidence of the overwhelming power contained within her small frame.

This power made itself known in other ways too—most notably the girl aged at a rate much slower than her peers.

Pholia

She was born the eldest daughter of a particular king in a particular kingdom.

Pholia

However, the king feared the force hidden within his daughter, so he sent her beneath the castle, where she was to be raised in a small cell.

Pholia

The sky, the stars, the wind... To the girl, these things were fiction, figments of reality found only in books. And yet she longed to know them.

Pholia

Every day her imagination would swell with the possibility of what lie beyond her room, until one evening when she was presented with an offer beyond even her conception.

???

I have a job for you.

???

Complete it, and I promise you your freedom.

Pholia

It's bizarre, isn't it? Dealing with one's own father in such a way...

Pholia

However, the girl wanted nothing more than to exercise her willpower like everyone else.

Pholia

She wanted to see the sky. She wanted to stare up at the stars. She wanted to feel the wind caress her skin.

Pholia

She wanted to run with abandon and grasp the world her younger sister told her about; she wanted to make friends.

Pholia

So the girl was blindsided, her judgment fogged by the promise of the limitless unknown stretching before her.

???

Destroy, deceive, and kill. This is your task.

Pholia

Even though the one commanding her to do these terrible things was her father, the girl, who had known naught but a small sliver of the world, didn't doubt his intentions in the slightest.

Pholia

But she would soon learn plenty more.

Pholia

After faithfully obliging her father's commands, the country fell, causing war to erupt.

Pholia

Cities burned. Whole populations perished.

Pholia

Amongst the devastation, the girl first came to know the weight of her sins.

Pholia

She had never wished for anything special; she just wanted to lead a normal life.

Pholia

But that simple avarice brought destruction to the skies and death to the masses.

Pholia

Was it wrong... for me to wish for happiness?

Despite the sounds and smells of bloodshed still heavy on the air, a primal beast approached the jarred girl.

This magnificent creature had the power to judge those fit to rule. And he saw great potential within the girl.

"Become the sovereign," he requested of her.

The girl decided then and there that she would build a united skydom to foster peace—and to cleanse herself of transgression.

It would be a country to replace the land fractured by her hand, a land where war would never be wrought again.

???

Sovereign one. Oh, sovereign one. Do wake up.

Pholia

Mm... Did I fall asleep?

Bai Ze

Indeed. But you were napping for only a moment.

Pholia

I see. I was having the strangest dream. But it was familiar all the same.

Pholia smiles bitterly.

Bai Ze

Sovereign. I believe that you should rest a bit longer.

Pholia

Not at all. When a monarch stops functioning, her ministries stop functioning. And when her ministries stop functioning, her country stops functioning.

Pholia

Just remember that it's always the people that reap what we sow. Time is a valuable thing, you see.

Pholia

Especially now... Because who can say when the end will come knocking on our door.

Pholia

I have to do everything in my power to prepare for it.

Bai Ze frowns, disheartened by Pholia's self-destructive insistence.

Bai Ze

Then shall we discuss the matter of what to do about Leona...

Bai Ze

...!

An ominous feeling seizes the attention of both Bai Ze and Pholia.

Pholia

Well, well... Speak of misfortune and it shall find you.

Moments later, a conversation with the palace guards echoes into the throne room.

Soldier 1

Leona, ma'am... If it's an audience with the sovereign you'd like, it'd be best to—

Soldier 1

G'argh!

Soldier 2

Officer Leona! Have you gone mad!

Soldier 2

Ugh...

The door swings open, and standing there—unaffected by the pleading of the guards she has just attacked—is none other than an enraged Leona.

Leona

Sovereign... I must take vengeance on Abel's true enemy.

Pholia

Mm... Then I won't stop you. It is my place to tell you to do whatever allows you to find peace.

Pholia

However... Do know that I too have made a choice.

Bai Ze

...

Pholia

When one who seeks vengeance for my crimes appears, I won't run or hide.

Pholia

But I have no intention of going peacefully without resistance.

Pholia

If you would truly face me for retribution, then you should challenge me with everything you've got!

A black flame begins to dance in Leona's eyes as she readies her weapon.

Leona

Prepare yourself, Sovereign...

Leona

You betrayed Abel!

Leona

I'll have your neck!

The two women stand ready to fight a battle to the death.

But at the heart of this feud lies a seed of evil ambition that has yet to complete its germination.